Silver compounds used in pediatric dentistry for caries arrest: A review of current materials and new technologies.

Silver compounds have been used in medicine and dentistry for centuries. Their use in pediatric dentistry has long been restricted because of some drawbacks, chief among them being the discoloration of teeth with black stains. However, recent advances in technology have resulted in the development of new silver agents that do not have the limitations of previously used ones. This led to the reintroduction of silver compounds in pediatric dentistry. The aim of the present review was to examine the evidence supporting the therapeutic use of silver compounds in pediatric dentistry for caries arrest, as well as the mode of action and biocompatibility, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of different silver-containing agents.

Pulse oximetry in paediatric dentistry.

Pulse oximetry is a technique used to measure the levels of blood oxygen saturation. Because this technique is regarded as non-invasive, easy to apply, and accurate technology, the number of possible applications in general dentistry practice has been gradually increasing. The aim of the present study was to summarise the contemporary research literature concerning the use of pulse oximetry in paediatric dentistry. We made a critical evaluation of the clinical applications of pulse oximetry and the advantages and disadvantages of this technique. Knowledge of innovative methods and techniques for treatment and diagnostics by paediatric dentists is a valuable advantage in dealing with the functional problems in attending dental patients. The expository analysis allows reviewing the succession of this diagnostic approach.

Influence of dentists' age, gender, working experience, and practitioner type on the use of behaviour management techniques in dental treatment of children.

Abstract.

Parental knowledge of dental erosion and erosion-related risk factors in children.

INTRODUCTION: Dental erosion in children has been steadily on the increase in recent years. This is mainly due to the contemporary eating habits of the new generations and their upbringing from an early age to prefer foods and beverages with high acid content. AIM: To study the knowledge of parents about dental erosion and the most common risk factors associated with it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were gathered through a direct individual questionnaire administered to the parents of children aged 3 to 5 years. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the Pearson chi-squared test for independence using SPSS 19. RESULTS: A large proportion of respondents (68.5%) stated that they knew what dental erosion was. Most of them (77.4%) were aware of the detrimental effect of carbonated beverages. In contrast, only 23.8% were aware of the potentially harmful effect of excessive consumption of citrus fruits, and only 31.9% of parents considered the impact of excessive intake of fruit juices. 16.1% of the participants were informed about the erosive potential of some medicines such as vitamin C. Nearly half of the parents (46.6%) found vigorous tooth brushing damaging. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high self-esteem, a low percentage of the respondents were actually aware of the most common risk factors for dental erosion in children.