ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence, severity of dental fluorosis and to identify the contributing factors to fluorosis among preparatory school children in Alexandria Gov-ernorate. To meet this aim, a cross-sectional sample was selected using a stratified sampling with proportional allocation technique. A total number of 1007 children, aged 12 to 13 years old, were randomly selected from 27 preparatory schools in all of Alexandria districts [urban and rural - private and public schools], and they were equally divided into males [505] and females [502] A questionnaire was used to collect fluoride exposure data. Only students who returned the questionnaire and their parents' consent were clinically examined on the next day for dental fluorosis, which was recorded by Dean's [1942] index. One hundred samples of drinking tap water for residents [since birth] were analyzed to measure the fluoride concentration For further confirmation of the fluoride analysis, 12 water samples were collected from all Alexandria water stations The results showed that the water fluoride level in Alexandria ranged from 0.30 to 0.90 mg/L, the highest water fluoride concentration was in Borg El-Arab district, which was attributed to presence of agricultural waste products that drained in the main water stream just before the water supply station Although this fluoride concentration in drinking tap water is considered optimal, however there is a trend towards increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis [60.0% to 85.7%], particularly in Borg El-Arab district [85.7%], also in rural children [92.4%] than urban children [69.9%] and public schools [72.1%] than private [64.6%]. The most prevalent form of dental fluorosis was the very mild form. Fluorosis was proved to be more prevalent in maxillary than mandibular teeth and premolars were the teeth most affected. The multiple regression analysis proved that the most significant contributing factor for dental fluorosis was fluoridated toothpaste if used in large size on toothbrush's head and particularly if the child started brushing teeth with fluoridated toothpaste at an early age Also, fluoride supple-ments intake in the first 8 years of life and frequency of eating fish per week increased the probability of the child to have different degrees of dental fluorosis. The results suggested that fluorosis prevalence is increasing but can be put under control by monitoring fluoride level in drinking water and controlling hidden sources of fluoride intake by labeling juices and beverages, aboundenting the practice of dietary fluoride supplementation, and close parent supervision on the dispersion of fluoridated toothpastes by children
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory behaviors of carbon fiber cone posts versus ceramic posts in primary anterior teeth. Clinical follow-up showed that there were no differences between the two groups, concerning the stability and retention. Radiographic follow-up showed that there was no evidence of post or root fracture at the follow-up periods. Laboratory evaluation showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the mean retentive and compressive values of the two tested post systems. Visual examination of the mode of fracture of the specimens showed that in each of the two groups, there were two types of failure Cohesive failure and Adhesive failure. From the present study, it can be concluded that the prefabricated non-metallic posts can be successfully used in restoring badly destructed primary anterior teeth under normal occlusion. The technique of application was easy but time consuming for the two types of posts, also the ceramic posts gave satisfactory esthetic results contrary to the carbon fiber posts
ABSTRACT
The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence and severity among residents of North Sinai Desert and Red-Sea Governorate. A total of 1142 subjects were examined, of whom 689 were from North Sinai Desert and 453 from the Red-Sea Governorate. Three age groups were selected; 10-19, 20-39, and 40 years and over. The study has shown the following results I. The two populations studied demonstrated high caries experiences among the second and third age groups. 2. Severity of dental caries increased by age. 3. The dental caries experience among the North Sinai subjects was lower than that of the Red-Sea participants, which is probably due to the degree of urbanization and its effect on the oral condition of the population. 4. Geographic differences did exist in the severity of caries exoeruebce between residents of each study area, which is probably due to the effect of some factors such as fluorides, diet, bacteria, and degree of urbanization. 5. No clear cut relationship was found between caries experience and sex