Prevalence of Zygomatic Air Cell defects in a sample of 6-18-year-old patients in Saudi Arabia and Yemen: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of Zygomatic Air Cell Defects (ZACD) among pediatric and adolescent populations in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, utilizing digital panoramic radiographs of dental outpatients aged 6 to 18 years. The data were collected from registered digital databases of dental clinics in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, and an oral and maxillofacial radiology center in Sana'a, Yemen, covering the period from July 2018 to September 2022. The radiographs were evaluated based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and ZACD was assessed using standardized descriptions. Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was employed to examine the impact of the associated factors. RESULTS: The study encompassed a total of 3,169 participants, revealing an overall ZACD prevalence of 28.5%. Age emerged as a significant predictor (p ≤ 0.0001), with the likelihood of ZACD increasing as the age of the individual advances. Gender and geographic region did not exhibit statistically significant differences in ZACD prevalence. CONCLUSION: This study provides crucial insights into the prevalence of Zygomatic Air Cell Defects among pediatric and adolescent populations in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It underscores the prevalence of ZACD and the notable influence of age on its occurrence. Additionally, the research challenges prior notions of gender and regional variations in ZACD prevalence, emphasizing the complexity of the factors involved. Early detection is essential to avoid unwanted complications during any surgical intervention in this area.

Children's Oral Health Status Among Urban and Rural Areas of Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND:  Dental caries is a disease that is quite common in children and has a negative impact on their oral health, mental health, and quality of life. This study aimed to collect and correlate information about oral health awareness, oral health status, and oral hygiene practices in the urban and rural areas of Saudi Arabia.  Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out among three dental clusters of Qassim from November 2022 to April 2023 in 12 schools on seven- to 12-year-old children. Data collection was done using the WHO Oral Health Questionnaire for Children. RESULTS:  The current investigation included 700 children, 360 males and 340 females. Both urban and rural parents were more educated. Most children in rural areas reported excellent gum health than in urban areas (48.2% and 41.3%, respectively). Pain was the most common cause of visiting the dentist in rural more than in urban areas (55.7% and 54.5%, respectively). A significantly higher frequency of sugar consumption was reported for rural children. CONCLUSION:  Most rural and urban children take care of their teeth. The vast majority of them use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth. However, the dental visit was not regular and only related to the toothache. They need more oral health education and promotion programs to improve the knowledge of oral health behavior in the Qassim region and the rest of Saudi Arabia.

Malocclusion Among 10- to 12-Year-Old Male Schoolchildren in Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Epidemiological Study.

Objective To identify the prevalence of malocclusion in late mixed dentition in Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. This will be the first epidemiological study of its kind in this region. It will be very helpful for planning effective preventive measures and therapy programs. Materials and methods This study was performed in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia starting from October 2018 to March 2019. The examination was performed by two well-trained general dentists after using a specially prepared clinical examination form. A total of 536 children aged between 10 and 12 and those who met the inclusion criteria have been examined for Angle's relationship, overjet, overbite, crossbite, midline deviation and lip competent. Results Class I relation accounted for the highest percentage of the sample, whilst 31.3% presented with Class I ideal occlusion, and 48.9% Class I with malocclusion. This was followed by Class II malocclusion (12.5% of the sample), and Class III accounted for the lowest proportion (7.3%). Increased overjet was present in 34.4% of the sample, whereas 3.9% had edge-to-edge and 2.2% a reverse overjet. Regarding overbite, 39% reported increased overbite, whilst 3% had open bite. A total of 63 children presented with crossbite - 6.15% had anterior crossbite, 5% unilateral posterior, and 0.5% bilateral posterior. Regarding the midline, only visible and noticed deviation was recorded. The results showed that 90% had no deviation, while 10% had a deviated midline. Regarding lip competence, only 12.1% had an incompetent lip. Conclusion Early intervention and correction of occlusal discrepancies will facilitate the treatment and eliminate possible defects in developing dental arches.

Effect of Green Tea Extract Mouthwash on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Counts in a Group of Preschool Children: An In Vivo Study.

AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of green tea mouthwash on the salivary level of Streptococcus mutans in the preschool children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 40 cooperative children (4-5 years old) were divided into two groups. The study group included 20 children who did the routine tooth brushing 3 times/day, and then green tea extract mouthwash (8 mL/day) 2 times/day for 4 weeks. The control group included other 20 children who did the routine tooth brushing as the study group but did not use any green tea extract mouthwash. The quantitative microbiological laboratory cultivation method of S. mutans was carried out for each child at the baseline, after 2 weeks, and after 4 weeks of the study period. RESULTS: Statistically, the results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean log S. mutans counts between the study and control groups in both follow-up periods after 2 weeks and after 4 weeks. Also, there were statistically significant mean percentage decreases in log S. mutans counts for the two groups. CONCLUSION: The use of green tea mouthwash showed promising results in reducing the cariogenic salivary S. mutans counts. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Green tea extract mouthwash is a nontoxic and safe, particularly for children. Catechins, the main bioactive ingredient of green tea, show an antibacterial action; thus, it has a promising effect in decreasing the count of salivary S. mutans and in the prevention of dental caries. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Salama MT, Alsughier ZA. Effect of Green Tea Extract Mouthwash on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Counts in a Group of Preschool Children: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(2):133-138.