Search Results (1,707)

Background: This randomized parallel-group clinical study evaluated salivary cortisol as a biomarker of perioperative stress response during surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars performed under local anesthesia administration of ropivacaine and dexamethasone. Methods: The trial was registered in the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN87752106). Ninety patients undergoing impacted mandibular third molar surgery were randomly assigned (1:1:1; n = 30/group) to receive inferior alveolar nerve block with 0.5% ropivacaine plus dexamethasone (R+D group), 0.5% ropivacaine (R group), or 0.5% bupivacaine (B group). Salivary cortisol as the primary outcome was measured at 15 min before anesthesia, and 15 min and 24 h postoperatively. Preoperative psychological stress was assessed using the Revised Norman Corah Dental Anxiety Scale. Results: No significant differences were observed between groups in preoperative anxiety (p = 0.890) or baseline salivary cortisol levels (p = 0.984). Significant intergroup differences in cortisol levels were observed at 15 min (p = 0.002) and 24 h postoperatively (p = 0.001). Cortisol levels at 15 min postoperatively were significantly lower in the R+D group compared to the R (p = 0.001) and B groups (p = 0.004) and after 24 h (R+D vs. R: p = 0.005; R+D vs. B: p < 0.001). Conclusions: The ropivacaine–dexamethasone administration significantly reduced perioperative salivary cortisol levels compared to ropivacaine alone or bupivacaine alone during impacted mandibular third molar surgery. This modulation of the neuroendocrine response likely results from dexamethasone-induced suppression of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the improved analgesic effects of this combination. The observed results may contribute to improved physiological stability, postoperative recovery and the clinical benefit of this anesthetic approach in oral surgery. Full article

Background: The relationship between the stomatognathic system and postural control has been widely investigated, suggesting that dental occlusion may influence neuromuscular coordination and athletic performance. However, evidence in figure skating remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a customized occlusal splint on neuromuscular activity and postural balance in professional figure skaters. Methods: A prospective single-arm pre–post interventional study was conducted on 52 professional female figure skaters (mean age: 17.1 ± 1.7 years). Electromyographic (EMG) activit of the masseter, anterior temporalis, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius muscles, along with kinesiographic parameters, were assessed at baseline and after six months of continuous occlusal splint use. Postural control was evaluated using the Flamingo Balance Test under three testing conditions. Statistical analysis included paired tests with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: After six months of splint therapy, a significant increase in EMG activity of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles was observed in most participants, along with a reduction in muscular asymmetries. Improvement in sternocleidomastoid and trapezius activity was noted in a subset of subjects. All participants showed correction of mandibular retrusion. Postural performance significantly improved, with enhanced ability to maintain balance during the Flamingo Balance Test. No major adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this uncontrolled prospective single-arm study, customized occlusal splint use was associated with changes in neuromuscular activity and postural balance parameters in professional figure skaters. However, causal relationships cannot be established, and randomized controlled studies are required to confirm the efficacy of this intervention. Full article

Background: Dental caries is a chronic disease mediated by biofilm, which is caused by Streptococcus mutans, and enamel genetics modulates susceptibility. The variants of ENAM might alter the adhesion of enamel and bacteria. One important anti-viral target is sortase A (SrtA), which restricts colonization but does not have an impact on bacterial survival. Aim: The aim of this study was to find out the relationship between ENAM rs3796704 and dental caries vulnerability among adult Iraqi Arab females and to assess the antibiofilm capacity of eugenol and cinnamic acid against S. mutans SrtA using molecular docking, ADMET prediction, and molecular dynamics modeling. Methods: A case–control study was done on 240 women (aged 25–30 years; 120 caries, 120 controls). HRM real-time PCR was done to genotype ENAM rs3796704. An analysis of allelic and genotypic distributions was done using chi-square tests and odds ratios (p < 0.05). An in silico docking analysis aimed at SrtA (PDB: 4TQX) was performed in AutoDock Vina, and this was followed by ADMET profiling and a 50 ns molecular dynamics simulation (OPLS4/TIP3P, NPT 300 K/1 atm). Results: The level of the G allele was found to be lower in the cases than in the controls (60% vs. 70; OR = 0.6429; p = 0.02), but the level of the A allele was found to be higher in the cases (40% vs. 30; OR = 1.5556; p = 0.02). Docking showed a minor difference in binding affinities with eugenol (−4.961 kcal/mol) and cinnamic acid (−4.939 kcal/mol) as compared with chlorhexidine (−4.692 kcal/mol). Both compounds showed stable binding for more than 50 ns as well as desirable predicted pharmacokinetics. Conclusions: The caries vulnerability in this sample was associated with ENAM rs3796704. Eugenol and cinnamic acid undergo stable dissociative interactions with SrtA and were found to have favorable safety profiles in silico. Therefore, they may be considered as adjunctive anti-virulence agents in the prevention of caries. Full article

This study investigated the impact of conventional chlorhexidine (CHX) and anti-discoloration system (ADS)-containing CHX mouthrinses on the color stability of diverse dental polymers, both alone and in combination with coffee. Specimens (n = 180) were prepared from a nanohybrid composite (Charisma Diamond; Kulzer GmbH, Hanau, Germany), a monochromatic composite (Vittra Unique APS; FGM Dental Group, Joinville, Brazil), and a dual-cure alkasite (Cention Forte; Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). Following a 14-day cycle of mouthrinse immersion (2 min/daily) and coffee exposure (15 min/daily at 85 °C), color changes (ΔE₀₀) were analyzed using the CIEDE2000 system. All materials exhibited significant discoloration across all protocols (p < 0.001). Cention Forte showed the highest susceptibility to staining, particularly in the CHX + coffee group (ΔE₀₀ = 21.10), while Charisma Diamond remained the most stable (0.95–8.60). Conventional CHX (Kloroben; Drogsan Pharmaceuticals, Ankara, Turkey) induced significantly higher staining than ADS-CHX (Curasept ADS; Curasept S.p.A., Saronno, Italy) across all materials (p < 0.05). Notably, ADS technology significantly inhibited coffee-induced pigmentation in Cention Forte (p = 0.003) and Charisma Diamond (p = 0.046), effectively reducing the synergistic staining layer. In conclusion, while coffee consumption dramatically increases discoloration following CHX use, ADS technology serves as a protective barrier, reducing pigment adhesion. For patients with high dietary pigment intake, ADS-containing mouthrinses offer a significant clinical advantage in preserving the aesthetic longevity of polymeric restorations. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically review the association between the consumption of energy drinks and sports drinks with oral health. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Embase) without any restrictions on publication year. Original studies (clinical trials, cohort, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies) reporting the association between energy drink or sports drink consumption and oral health or its impact on oral health were included. Results: The initial search found 1196 studies, and 10 studies with a total of 5805 participants (6–89 years old) met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Six studies investigated the association between energy drinks or sports drinks and dental erosion, whereas two studies reported dental caries outcomes and two studies reported saliva outcomes. Most (70%, 7/10) of the included studies were at high or serious risk of bias. Increased frequency or higher amounts of energy drink consumption were associated with a greater risk of dental erosion, whereas the relationship between sports drinks and dental erosion was inconsistent. Evidence regarding the association between dental caries experience and energy drink consumption was controversial, and no significant differences in caries experience were observed for sports drink consumption. Conclusions: There was limited and low-quality evidence suggesting that consumption of energy drinks may be potentially associated with dental erosion experience, whereas findings related to dental caries were inconclusive. The association between sports drinks and dental erosion was inconsistent and supported by limited evidence. More well-designed studies on energy or sports drinks and oral health are needed to clarify these relationships. Full article

Background and Objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic disrupted oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) services worldwide because of the high aerosol-generating nature of head-and-neck procedures, restricted access to elective dental care, and systemic reallocation of hospital resources. Continuous longitudinal multi-year data covering both the pandemic and the post-pandemic phases from regional Romanian (and more broadly central and southeastern European) emergency centers remain scarce. We aimed to quantify the impact of the pandemic on OMS activity in a large Romanian regional referral center and to evaluate post-pandemic resilience. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study of all inpatient admissions to the OMS Clinic of a tertiary emergency hospital in western Romania between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2024. Three periods were pre-specified: pre-pandemic (2018–2019), pandemic (2020–2022) and post-pandemic (2023–2024). A Newey–West segmented interrupted-time-series (ITS) regression and a negative-binomial monthly count model with Fourier seasonality were fitted; length of hospital stay was further analyzed with a multivariable gamma-log generalized linear model adjusted for age, sex, county, primary ICD-10 chapter and total ICD-10 codes. Variables analyzed included case volume, demographics, primary and secondary ICD-10 diagnoses, length of hospital stay (LOS), case complexity (total ICD-10 codes per admission) and in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 11,628 inpatient admissions corresponding to 8084 unique patients (56.5% male; mean age 52.2 ± 19.2 years) were analyzed. Compared with the pre-pandemic baseline (mean 2037 admissions/year), annual volume dropped by 45.1% in 2020, 44.0% in 2021 and 32.3% in 2022, with a nadir of −76% during the first state of emergency (April 2020; n = 34 admissions). Recovery was rapid; 2024 exceeded the pre-pandemic baseline by +10.1% on raw counts and by +16.2% on admissions per 100,000 catchment population using year-specific INS denominators. The segmented ITS regression confirmed an immediate level drop of −114.2 admissions/month in March 2020 (95% CI −133.1 to −95.3; p < 0.001) and a positive post-intervention slope of +2.06 admissions/month (95% CI 1.23–2.88; p < 0.001), with observed monthly volume returning to the counterfactual projection by October 2023. The case mix shifted significantly (χ² = 406.9, p < 0.0001); elective benign neoplasm admissions were reduced from 7.2% to 2.0%, while neoplasms of uncertain behavior nearly doubled from 15.7% to 27.5%. Case complexity increased during the pandemic (mean ICD codes 4.08 ± 2.42 vs. 3.44 ± 2.30; p < 0.001); after exclusion of administrative codes (whole Z chapter and U07.x), the difference attenuated to 3.34 vs. 3.17 codes (still p < 0.001 by Kruskal–Wallis), indicating that the largest portion of the unadjusted increase was driven by the new mandatory pre-admission SARS-CoV-2 screening code Z11.5 rather than true clinical complexity. Notably, the clinically interpretable proxy R63.3 (feeding difficulty) independently rose from 41.5% to 53.1%. The crude median LOS did not differ between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods (3.07 vs. 3.06 d; p = 0.19) and dropped significantly post-pandemic (2.22 d; p < 0.001); however, after multivariable adjustment for case mix, age, sex, county and code count, the LOS was 15.7% shorter during the pandemic (adjusted ratio 0.84, 95% CI 0.82–0.87; p < 0.001) and 22.8% shorter post-pandemic (adjusted ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.75–0.80; p < 0.001) relative to baseline. Conclusions: The pandemic caused a severe but transient contraction of OMS activity accompanied by increased case complexity and a marked shift away from elective surgery. Inpatient volume returned to and exceeded the pre-pandemic baseline by 2024. These results support the value of standing pandemic-preparedness protocols, sustained access to preventive dental care, and integrated tele-triage pathways for future public-health crises. Full article

Introduction/Objectives: Dental caries is a significant public health burden in Brazil, with regional disparities deeply affecting children in the North and Northeast. This study assessed the prevalence and severity of dental caries in preschool children from Balsas (MA) and investigated its association with fluoride concentrations in the public water supply. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 256 children (aged 3–5 years) enrolled in municipal schools. Schools were selected using a stratified sampling strategy based on the water network, with exposure validated via chemical analysis. Calibrated dentists performed examinations using the FOA-UNESP risk scale, assessing biofilm and gingivitis as objective clinical proxies for hygiene. Fluoride levels were analyzed using an ion-selective electrode. Statistical analysis included Fisher’s exact test, Kruskal–Wallis, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA). Results: Caries prevalence was 60.16%, with 41.8% of children in severe risk categories (F: 27.0%; G: 14.8%). Water analysis revealed universal hypofluoridation (0.02–0.34 µg F/mL). A significant association was found between residual fluoride (0.02 µg F/mL) and greater caries severity (p = 0.04). Poor hygiene markers (biofilm and gingivitis) were significantly associated with a higher number of decayed teeth (p < 0.05). MCA identified a cluster linking residual fluoridation to severe clinical conditions and social vulnerability. Conclusions: High caries prevalence associated with inadequate fluoridation highlights critical regional health inequalities in Balsas. These findings underscore the urgent need for policies ensuring universal water fluoridation and strengthening school-based preventive strategies to mitigate the impact of social determinants on child development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Methods of smoking have evolved over the years, including heated tobacco products. The impact of exposure to traditional tobacco smoke and heated/electronic tobacco products (IQOS) on biofilm formation has not been previously compared in vitro. Aims and objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of tobacco and electronic smoking on microbial biofilm formation on dental hard tissues. Materials and Methods: Thirty premolars were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10 per group) according to tissue type and smoking exposure: Six experimental groups were defined: Group 1, non-exposed enamel; Group 2, enamel subjected to conventional cigarette smoke (CS); Group 3, enamel subjected to heated tobacco (HT); Group 4, non-exposed cementum; Group 5, cementum subjected to conventional cigarette smoke; and Group 6, cementum exposed to heated tobacco. Enamel and root discs were then immersed in 2 mL of an adjusted, standardized bacterial suspension of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) to allow bacterial biofilm adhesion after incubation for 48 h at 37 °C. The mean colony-forming unit (CFU) count was calculated, and the surface topography and roughness were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and ImageJ software with the SurfCharJ plugin, respectively. Results: Conventional cigarette smoking showed significantly higher S. mutans adhesion on the enamel and root discs compared with IQOS and control groups. Both IQOS and cigarette smoking increased roughness on enamel and root versus the control group, and cigarette smoking produced significantly higher roughness on the enamel surface when compared to IQOS; however, there were no significant differences in the roughness between the two smoking methods on the root surface. SEM analysis showed the most extensive enamel and root microtopography change in IQOS smoking. Conclusions: Aerosols from heated tobacco products (IQOS) alter the surface topography and roughness of enamel and root, while traditional cigarette smoking significantly increases bacterial colonization. Further in vivo studies are warranted to simulate the dynamic nature of the oral cavity. Full article

Objectives: To systematically review the evidence on the association between early childhood caries (ECC) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in preschool children, focusing on studies using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) or its validated language versions. Methods: This systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Electronic searches identified primary observational studies published within the last 10 years. Eligible studies included preschool children, clinically assessed ECC/caries, and OHRQoL measured with ECOHIS or a validated, adapted version. Data extraction covered study characteristics, caries assessment, OHRQoL measures, and main findings. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. Results: Twenty studies were included (19 cross-sectional and 1 cohort) with sample sizes ranging from 151 to 1783 participants. Across diverse populations and settings, ECC was consistently associated with poorer OHRQoL in preschool children and their families. Greater caries severity, untreated lesions, and advanced disease consequences were generally linked to higher ECOHIS scores. The most affected domains were pain, eating and drinking difficulties, sleep disturbance, irritability, and family distress. Conclusions: The available evidence consistently indicates that ECC is associated with poorer OHRQoL in preschool children and their families. From a clinical perspective, incorporating OHRQoL measures into pediatric dental assessment may improve recognition of disease burden beyond clinical indices alone. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of artificial saliva ageing and cyclic hydrothermal loading on the mechanical properties of dental composite materials. Two commercial composites (Filtek Z550 and Filtek Ultimate Flow) and two experimental materials representing flow-type and hybrid composites were investigated. SENB specimens were prepared in accordance with ASTM E399, together with flat specimens intended for impact strength testing using the Dynstat method. All samples were aged in artificial saliva for approximately one month at 37 ± 1 °C, and subsequently, half of the specimens were subjected to thermocycling in the temperature range of 10–65 °C for 10,000 cycles. Static mechanical tests, including three-point bending (TFS), biaxial flexural strength (BFS), and compression strength (CS), were performed before and after thermocycling. In addition, impact strength and fracture toughness expressed by the stress intensity factor K_IC were determined. The results were analyzed in terms of the residual work of fracture (WOF), while the durability of the materials was evaluated using Weibull distribution parameters. The experimental analysis was complemented by SEM observations of the microstructure. The obtained results demonstrated a pronounced deterioration of mechanical properties after hydrothermal loading. The average impact strength after artificial saliva ageing reached 11.69 J/mm² for Filtek Z550, 11.57 J/mm² for Ex-hyb(P), 16.39 J/mm² for Filtek Ultimate Flow, and 10.27 J/mm² for Ex-flow(P), whereas after thermocycling, these values decreased to 5.38 J/mm², 8.86 J/mm², 4.55 J/mm², and 4.39 J/mm², respectively. A similar trend was observed for the fracture toughness parameter KIC, which decreased considerably after thermocycling for all investigated materials. The analysis of the residual work of fracture revealed the influence of thermocycling on the energy-related parameters of the composites. In the case of TFS, the average WOF decreased, among others, from 13.65·10⁻³ J to 1.90·10⁻³ J for Filtek Ultimate Flow and from 4.76·10⁻³ J to 2.37·10⁻³ J for Filtek Z550. For BFS, a noticeable decrease in WOF was also observed, particularly for Ex-flow(P) and Filtek Ultimate Flow. In the compression tests (CS), the changes were less unambiguous, and some materials exhibited an increase in WOF after thermocycling. Furthermore, changes in the scale and shape parameters of the Weibull distribution were identified, indicating degradation of composite durability under hydrothermal loading. The results confirmed that cyclic hydrothermal loading exerts a greater influence on impact strength and fracture toughness than on static flexural strength. While all investigated materials exhibited degradation, the extent of changes was material-dependent, and compression behaviour showed non-uniform responses. Weibull analysis confirmed reduced reliability and increased heterogeneity of the composites after ageing, indicating that hydrothermal fatigue is a dominant factor governing long-term mechanical deterioration of dental resin-based composites. Full article

Background and Objectives: Conventional dental adhesives doped with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) hold the promise of preventing microleakages. However, esthetic concerns have motivated the quest for coatings capable of masking the dark color of MNPs. This study aims to quantify regional chromatic differences between teeth restored using dental adhesives with different MNP content. Materials and Methods: We prepared cavities in 42 artificial molars and 9 extracted teeth and divided them into 6 groups: Group 0 (G0), G1, and G2, comprising 14 artificial teeth each and G0e, G1e, and G2e, comprising 3 extracted teeth each. In G0 and G0e, we applied the commercial adhesive, in G1 and G1e we applied the adhesive loaded with MNPs with dual coating (SiO₂ followed by Ca(OH)₂), whereas in G2 and G2e we applied the adhesive doped with uncoated MNPs. For the statistical analysis of color differences, we employed Bland–Altman plots and the one-sample t-test. Results: G1 was similar to G0 in terms of color coordinate distribution, whereas G2 was different. Compared to G0, dental fillings from G1 had mean differences of (−0.56, 0.18, −0.07) in the CIELAB color coordinates (L*, a*, b*), respectively, whereas the mean differences between G2 and G0 were (−15.6, −3.5, −15.7). The CIEDE2000 color differences were 1.5 [1.3, 1.6] between G1 and G0 (mean [95% confidence interval]) and 17.0 [16.0, 18.0] between G2 and G0. Nevertheless, 24.4% of the point pairs compared exceeded the acceptability limit for color difference (1.8). Conclusions: Although the silica and calcium hydroxide coating is highly effective in alleviating the esthetic impact of MNP-laden dental adhesives, further research is warranted to reduce between-specimen variability. Full article

Background: Pediatric maxillary deficiency often leads to upper airway constriction and chronic sinonasal inflammation. While conventional expansion focuses on dental width, the Right Angle Maxillary Protraction Appliance (RAMPA) system targets three-dimensional skeletal remodeling. This study investigates the mechanotherapeutic impact of RAMPA on the nasal microenvironment, specifically focusing on bone remodeling triggers and mucus rheology. Methods: Pre- and post-treatment CBCT data from 20 pediatric patients were analyzed. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) were employed to evaluate mechanical strain patterns and aerodynamic changes. We specifically identified the “BMP-2 TRIGGER ZONE” where tensile stress induces osteogenic signaling. Mucus clearance efficiency was modeled using the Carreau–Yasuda rheological framework. Results: RAMPA treatment resulted in a 61.2% mean increase in sinonasal volume (p < 0.0001), significantly outperforming natural growth baselines. FEA revealed that anterosuperior force vectors concentrated tensile stress on circummaxillary sutures, reaching thresholds for BMP-2 upregulation. CFD simulations demonstrated a significant reduction in wall shear stress (WSS) and improved airflow distribution, facilitating the transition of mucus from a high-viscosity state to a fluid state via shear-thinning effects. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that RAMPA-induced remodeling acts as a mechanotherapeutic modulator. As a proof-of-concept study, by triggering molecular signaling for bone formation and restoring sinonasal homeostasis through improved aerodynamics, this intervention may provide a comprehensive solution for chronic sinonasal inflammation beyond simple mechanical expansion. Full article

This study focuses on streamlining the manufacturing process for milling dental prosthetic components from biopolymer materials in order to achieve the best possible surface roughness. Various combinations of cutting parameters were systematically tested in experiments, and their impact on the final surface roughness of the material was analyzed. The study provides a comprehensive view of how variations in cutting speed, feed per tooth and cutting depth affect the final surface quality. The results show that the appropriate configuration of cutting parameters can significantly improve surface roughness, reducing the need for additional finishing and increasing production efficiency. The findings provide valuable information for the manufacture of polymer-based dental prosthetic components, support process optimization, and contribute to the development of accurate and reproducible computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) manufacturing procedures. A full factorial design of experiments (DoE) approach was applied to evaluate the influence of cutting speed, feed per tooth, and cutting depth on the resulting surface roughness. The results confirmed that feed per tooth represented the most influential machining parameter affecting the resulting Ra values. The optimized cutting conditions resulted in the lowest surface roughness and improved process stability compared to manufacturer-recommended machining conditions. Full article

Additive manufacturing has expanded the fabrication of occlusal splints; however, the influence of printing technology and build orientation on accuracy remains unclear. This study evaluated the effect of printing technology (Liquid Crystal Display [LCD] and Digital Light Processing [DLP]) and build orientation (0°, 45°, and 90°) on the trueness of additively manufactured occlusal splints under standardized conditions. A maxillary occlusal splint was digitally designed from a scanned typodont and used as the reference model. Specimens (n = 10/group) were fabricated using two LCD printers (Ackuretta SOL, Phrozen Mini 8K S) and one DLP printer (SprintRay Pro 95S) with a single photopolymer resin (KeySplint Soft). All samples were printed at 100 µm layer thickness and subjected to standardized post-processing. Trueness was assessed by comparing scanned splints to the reference STL using Geomagic Control X and expressed as root mean square (RMS) values. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Printing technology and build orientation significantly affected trueness (p < 0.001), with RMS values increasing as build orientation increased, and no significant interaction between factors (p > 0.05). LCD systems demonstrated lower RMS values than the DLP system across all orientations. Within the limitations of this study, both factors influenced trueness; however, all systems produced clinically comparable results, supporting the use of LCD technology as a cost-effective option for occlusal splint fabrication. Full article

Background and Objectives: Oral health is an important component of overall health, including in children, since dental caries is the most frequent oral health condition in this demographic. It affects children’s daily performance and can lead to complications ranging from moderate discomfort to highly disabling problems, which are reflected in their quality of life. Validating instruments that provide reliable information to measure how oral health impacts children’s quality of life will help prioritize the management of these problems through personalized treatments. The aim of this study was to perform transcultural adaptation and Spanish validation of a POQL instrument in children aged 6 to 12 years who attended the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ), and to establish an association between the presence of carious lesions and the quality of life of children. Materials and Methods: We conducted a validation study involving a sample of 379 children aged 6 to 12 years who were attending the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez. The instrument, adapted into Spanish, was applied to measure oral health-related quality of life, and the clinical diagnosis of caries was established using the ICDAS II system. Results: The mean age of the children was 8.51 years ± 1.64; 50.4% were boys and 49.6% girls. A total of 45.9% of the children presented caries with ICDAS II codes 5 and 6, corresponding to a severe stage with advanced tooth destruction, and 52% of the children reported their perception of their oral health-related quality of life as good. In the bivariate statistical analysis, the chi-square test showed no relationship between moderate and severe ICDAS II stages and the children’s perception of their quality of life, resulting in a very low Spearman correlation. Conclusions: The findings suggest that this instrument may represent a reliable and valid tool for use in children aged 6 to 12 years. The observed association between different degrees of carious lesions and children’s quality of life may reflect the close relationship between oral health and important psychosocial domains, including physical, emotional, and social development, which constitute the core dimensions evaluated by the POQL instrument. Full article