Caregivers' perceptions of the oral-health-related quality of life of children with special needs in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background: The prevalence of dental caries and its effect on the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children with special needs (CSNs) have not been established in South Africa. Aim: The study aimed to assess how caregivers of CSNs who attended Down Syndrome Association outreach sites in Johannesburg, South Africa, perceived the contribution of OHRQoL to the quality of life of these children. Setting: The study was conducted at Down Syndrome Association (DSA) outreach sites in Johannesburg. These sites cater for children with several types of disabilities including cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, autism, epilepsy and developmental delays. The association schedules and facilitates support group meetings for the caregivers of children with Down syndrome and other disabilities. These meetings are held at the outreach sites that are located at different district hospitals and community health centres in Johannesburg and are co-facilitated by the association's outreach coordinator together with a team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. Methods: This cross-sectional study was composed of a convenient sample of 150 caregiver and child pairs from five outreach sites during January ­ June 2015. The short-form Parent-Caregiver Perception Questionnaire (P-CPQ) was used. The caries status of the children was assessed using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) indices (whereby dmft or DMFT stands for decayed missing filled teeth in primary dentition [dmft] and in permanent dentition [DMFT]) based on World Health Organization guidelines. Results: The mean age of the caregivers was 39.52 years (standard deviation [SD] 9.26) and 8.72 years (SD 6.07) for the children. The mean P-CPQ score was 12.88 (SD 12.14). All the caregivers stated that dental caries had a negative impact on the OHRQoL of the CSNs. However, 60% of caregivers stated that an oral condition had no impact on the child's overall well-being. The majority (56.7%) of the caregivers rated their children's overall oral health status as average and only 12% reported the oral health status to be poor. There was a high prevalence of untreated caries among the CSNs regardless of the type of disability. Conclusion: All the caregivers stated that dental caries had a negative impact on the OHRQoL of the CSNs. However, they appeared to have contradictory perceptions of the oral health needs or status of their children

Erosive potential: Laboratory evaluation of tooth dissolution in cough syrups

AIM: To evaluate the associated weight loss of extracted teeth after immersed in cough syrups for a period of time so as to predict the erosive potential of the liquid medicines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: pHs of the medicines were measured at the start of the study. 25 extracted test teeth were weighed to 0.01 mg and assigned at random to each syrup under evaluation. The test medicines were placed in 10 mL screw-cap plastic containers and the test teeth were weighed after 7 days. RESULTS: 88 % of the medicines caused reduction in weights of the test teeth after seven days of immersion. Weight loss of the test teeth also noticed with basic syrups. Also lowest pH syrup did not produce the greatest weight loss. CONCLUSION: Majority of the cough syrups caused loss of weight of the test teeth. Thus, they possess the potential to cause dental erosion.

Evaluation of shade matching practices among nigerian dentists / Avaliação dos procedimentos de determinação de cor de restaurações entre dentistas niegerianos

OBJECTIVES: To assess tooth shade matching practices among Nigerian Dentists. MATERIALSAND METHODS: The data was collected by paper questionnaire mailed at random to dentists insome Nigerian Teaching Hospitals and General Hospitals. The questionnaires comprised of two aspectsthat inquired about their biographical data and basic methods of shade selection. About 95% of thequestionnaires were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: 160 (83, males; 77 females) dentists participatedin the study. 71% performed tooth shade matching often, with restorative dentists (100%) mostlyinvolved than other specialists. 67% agreed that shade matching should be done in consultation withothers. However, only 40.6% actually consults others during shade selection. Also, 85% of the dentistsresponded correctly that shade matching should be done under natural lights. However in their clinicalpractice, majority (97%) selected their teeth under dental lights. CONCLUSION: The study revealedthat majority of the dentists practicing in the Nigerian Teaching and State Dental Hospitals are involvedin shade matching practices. Majority of the dentists performed tooth matching procedure withoutconcurrence from others and under dental light source. However few dentists reported complaintsfrom their patients. Emphasizing color science in dental curriculum and teaching new shade matchingsystems could be essential for improved restorative outcomes.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar os procedimentos de determinação de cor entre dentistas nigerianos.MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionários em papel,enviados aleatoriamente a dentistas em alguns hospitais de ensino e hospitais gerais. Osquestionários compreenderam dois aspectos de questões sobre dados biográficos e métodos básicosde seleção de cores. Em torno de 95 % dos questionários foram recuperados e analisados.RESULTADOS: 160 dentistas (83 homens, 77 mulheres) participaram do estudo. 71% executamescolha de cores, sendo que 100% dos dentistas restauradores o fazem, em número bem maior doque as demais especialidades. 67% concordam que escolha da cor deve ser feita em conjunto comoutras pessoas. Entretanto, somente 46,6 % realmente consultam uma segunda opinião durantea seleção de cores. Também 85% dos dentistas responderam que a escolha da cor deve ser feitasob luz natural. Entretanto, em sua prática clínica a maioria seleciona a cor sob luz de refletores.CONCLUSÃO: O estudo revelou que a maioria dos dentistas atuantes nos centros pesquisadospraticam a seleção de cores dentárias. A maioria procede sem consultar segunda opinião e sobluzes de refletores. Entretanto, poucos dentistas relataram queixas de pacientes. A ênfase daciência da cor no currículo dental e ensino de novos sistemas de escolha de cores poderia seressencial para a melhora dos resultados restauradores.