Relationship between chronological age, dental age, and body height using Demirjian method among children aged 4-14 years in Pune - A radiographic study.

CONTEXT: The assessment of dental age is useful in the planning of orthodontic treatment, in pediatric dentistry, pediatric endocrinology, and forensic medicine. It is essential for a pediatric dentist to formulate treatment plan and it is a source of complementary information for pediatrician. Changes in the body proportion and composition are the essential elements of growth, especially maturation. AIMS: The present study was aimed to correlate the chronological age, dental age, and body height in children from Pune region of Maharashtra, India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: : Four hundred and thirty-one panoramic radiographs of 177 boys and 254 girls in the age group of 4-14 years were obtained. Chronological age was assessed by recording date of birth. Dental age assessment was done using orthopantamogram following the method described by Demirjian. Body height was recorded using a measuring tape. RESULTS: Chronological age and dental age showed significant positive correlation between male and female sample, i.e., r = 0.905 for males and r = 0.901 for females. Statistically significant correlation was observed between calculated dental age and body height. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, it can be concluded that the Demirjian method of dental age assessment showed high accuracy when applied to pediatric population in Pune.

A correlative analysis of dental age, chronological age, and body mass index and its impact on dental development in 6-13 year old children of Navi Mumbai, India.

PURPOSE: Nutrition has a great impact on children's health. Of great concern are the underweight children because of the risk of illness and mortality in them. Being overweight can also have long-lasting adverse effect on development of the child. The purpose of this study was to determine body mass index (BMI) and dental development in normal and underweight children and to carry out a correlative analysis of calculated dental age, chronological age, and BMI in normal and underweight children of age group of 6-13 years of Navi Mumbai, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample for the study consisted of 301 participants, that is, 171 boys and 130 girls who were divided into two groups, namely, normal and underweight. RESULTS: When BMI was less than normal, calculated dental age was less and thus the dental development was retarded and vice versa. CONCLUSION: The following conclusions were drawn from the study: (1) a significant positive correlation was found between chronological age and dental age and (2) along with the chronological age and dental age, the calculated dental age difference must also be taken into consideration.

Comparative evaluation of the effects of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and xylitol-containing chewing gum on salivary flow rate, pH and buffering capacity in children: An in vivo study.

AIM: This study aimed to compare and evaluate the changes in the salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity before and after chewing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and xylitol-containing chewing gums in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty children aged between 8 and 12 years were selected for the study. They were randomly divided into Group 1 (CPP-ACP chewing gum) and Group 2 (xylitol-containing chewing gum) comprising thirty children each. Unstimulated and stimulated saliva samples at 15 and 30 min interval were collected from all children. All the saliva samples were estimated for salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity. RESULTS: Significant increase in salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity from baseline to immediately after spitting the chewing gum was found in both the study groups. No significant difference was found between the two study groups with respect to salivary flow rate and pH. Intergroup comparison indicated a significant increase in salivary buffer capacity in Group 1 when compared to Group 2. CONCLUSION: Chewing gums containing CPP-ACP and xylitol can significantly increase the physiochemical properties of saliva. These physiochemical properties of saliva have a definite relation with caries activity in children.

Comparison of the Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus colony count changes in saliva following chlorhexidine (0.12%) mouth rinse, combination mouth rinse, and green tea extract (0.5%) mouth rinse in children.

BACKGROUND: Compounds present in green tea have been shown to inhibit the growth and activity of bacteria associated with oral infections. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine (0.12%) mouth rinse and combination (chlorhexidine and sodium fluoride) mouth rinse to that of green tea extract (0.5%) mouth rinse in reducing the salivary count of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample for the study consisted of 75 school children aged 8-12 years with four or more (decay component) of decayed, missing, and filled teeth index. Children were divided randomly into three equal groups and were asked to rinse with the prescribed mouth rinse once daily for 2 weeks after breakfast under supervision. Nonstimulated whole salivary sample (2 ml) was collected at baseline and postrinsing and tested for the colony forming units of S. mutans and Lactobacillus. RESULTS: The results of the study indicate that there was a statistically significant reduction in S. mutans and lactobacilli count in all the three study groups. The statistically significant reduction in the mean S. mutans and lactobacilli counts were more in 0.12% chlorhexidine group than in the combination mouth rinse and 0.5% green tea mouth rinse group. There was no statistically significant difference in the reduction of S. mutans and lactobacilli count between combination mouth rinse group and 0.5% green tea mouth rinse group. CONCLUSION: Green tea mouth rinse can be a promising preventive therapy worldwide for the prevention of dental caries.

Evaluation of the influence of parental anxiety on children's behavior and understanding children's dental anxiety after sequential dental visits.

BACKGROUND: Identifying anxiety levels of parents accompanying their children can help the clinician in designing the behavior management strategies for the child. In addition, continued dental experience can improve the child's response, indicating desensitization to dental stress. AIMS: To evaluate the influence of parental anxiety on children's behavior and understanding children's dental anxiety after sequential dental visits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 175 children of age 6-12 years, 98 were boys and 77 were girls, were randomly selected from various schools of Navi Mumbai. Parental dental anxiety was assessed using the Corah's dental anxiety scale (DAS), and child anxiety level was measured using children fear survey schedule-dental subscale (CFSS-DS). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, ANOVA, and Friedman test. RESULTS: There is a significant positive correlation (P < 0.0001) between DAS scores and CFSS-DS scores at all three dental visits. The mean ± standard deviation, CFSS-DS scores at the first, second, and third dental visits are (34.07 ± 11.97), (31.04 ± 10.94), and (27.26 ± 9.39), respectively, showing the score is more during the first dental visit than the second and third visits. CONCLUSION: The dental anxiety levels in parents may influence the anxiety levels of children and also all children exhibited an improvement in the levels of dental anxiety from the first dental visit to the subsequent dental visits.

Comparison of removal of endodontic smear layer using ethylene glycol bis (beta-amino ethyl ether)-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid and citric acid in primary teeth: A scanning electron microscopic study.

BACKGROUND: Root canal irrigants are considered momentous in their tissue dissolving property, eliminating microorganisms, and removing smear layer. The present study was aimed to compare the removal of endodontic smear layer using ethylene glycol bis (beta-amino ethyl ether)-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and citric acid solutions with saline as a control in primary anterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty primary anterior teeth were chosen for the study. The teeth were distributed into three groups having ten teeth each. Following instrumentation, root canals of the first group were treated with 17% EGTA and the second group with 6% citric acid. Only saline was used as an irrigant for the control group. Then, the teeth were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study. The scale given by Rome et al. for the smear layer removal was used in the present study. RESULTS: The pictures from the SEM showed that among the tested irrigants, 17% EGTA + 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) group showed the best results when compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: The results advocate that the sequential irrigation of the pulp canal walls with 17% EGTA followed by 5% NaOCl produced efficacious and smear-free root canal walls.

Comparison of different methods of cleaning and preparing occlusal fissure surface before placement of pit and fissure sealants: An in vivo study.

AIM: To evaluate an individual method of cleaning and preparing occlusal fissure surface before placement of pit and fissure sealant and to determine a method for better retention of the sealant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study consisted of 100 young permanent molar teeth divided into four equal groups: Group 1-Brushing only, Group 2-Application of pumice slurry, Group 3-Surface conditioning, and Group 4-Control (without any preparation). Subsequent to fissure preparation, the fissures were etched using 37% phosphoric acid except for Group 3, which was etched using 10% maleic acid for 30 s. The samples were then rinsed for 10 s using air water spray of the three-way syringe and dried using oil-free compressed air with a hand pump air pressure syringe. After ensuring a frosted appearance of the enamel at the fissure entrance, pit and fissure sealants were applied on the surface according to manufacturer's instructions. All the cases were clinically evaluated for retention after 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months of application and the retention rate was assessed based on the criteria proposed by Simonsen. RESULTS: The pumice slurry group and surface conditioning group showed results with 100%, 96%, and 92% complete retention seen at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The pumice slurry group and surface conditioning group showed a significantly higher retention when compared to the brushing group, whereas the control group (without any preparation) showed the least retention when compared to all the other groups.

Presurgical nasoalveolar molding in unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients have an esthetic and functional compromise of the middle third of the face and nasal structures. To improve the esthetic result of lip repair, the concept of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) was brought into conception. PNAM is an easy and passive method of bringing the alveolus and lips together by redirecting the forces of natural growth. This case report documents a 2-year follow-up of PNAM in UCLP.

Evaluation of the accuracy of Demirjian method for estimation of dental age among 6-12 years of children in Navi Mumbai: A radiographic study.

BACKGROUND: Dental formation is superior to eruption as a method of dental age (DA) assessment. Eruption is only a brief occurrence, whereas formation may be related at different chronologic age levels, thereby providing a precise index for determining DA. The study was designed to determine the nature of inter-relationship between chronologic and DA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Age estimation depending upon tooth formation was done by Demirjian method and accuracy of Demirjian method was also evaluated. The sample for the study consisted of 197 children of Navi Mumbai. RESULTS: Significant positive correlation was found between chronologic age and DA that is, (r = 0.995), (P < 0.0001) for boys and (r = 0.995), (P < 0.0001) for girls. When age estimation was done by Demirjian method, mean the difference between true age (chronologic age) and assessed (DA) was 2 days for boys and 37 days for girls. Demirjian method showed high accuracy when applied to Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra - India) population. CONCLUSION: Demirjian method showed high accuracy when applied to Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra - India) population.

Evaluation of isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive in management of pediatric lacerations: An alternative to suturing.

AIMS: A study was conducted to evaluate the benefits of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive as an alternative to suturing in management of pediatric lacerations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 7 patients were evaluated and followed for 3-month. The wound was evaluated on 1(st), 3(rd), and 7(th) postoperative day for swelling, infection, gaping and pain and at 1(st) and 3(rd) postoperative month for scar evaluation. The evaluation was based on different superficial facial wound repairs (i.e., low tension) with an average length <3 cm; and if the surgeon subjectively felt that subcuticular sutures were justified to reduce wound tension, then these were used. Isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate glue was applied over lacerated wound margins after cleaning the wound and holding together for 15 s by means of tissue holding forceps. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test after collection of data. Mean and standard error were estimated from the sample. RESULTS: The mean total time taken for skin closure was 1-2.5 min. There was no wound infection in any of the cases; only one case showed wound dehiscence on 3rd postoperative day. The cosmetic was better as there were no suture marks. CONCLUSION: Isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate can be considered as excellent "no needle" alternative for closure of selected pediatric lacerations, those that are short, clean and under low tension.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis in child: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an intracapsular union of the disc-condyle complex to the temporal articular surface that restricts mandibular movements, including the fibrous adhesions or bony fusion between condyle, disc, glenoid fossa, and eminence. It is a serious and disabling condition that may cause problems in mastication, digestion, speech, appearance, and hygiene. CASE REPORT: This report describes a case of a 12-year-old girl with inability to open her mouth, diagnosed with unilateral right bony TMJ ankylosis. The surgical approach consisted of gap arthroplasty with interpositional temporalis muscle flap followed by vigorous physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The treatment of TMJ ankylosis poses a significant challenge because of technical difficulties and a high incidence of recurrence. Its treatment includes the orthodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, pediatric dentist, and psychologist and physical therapist as part of the healthcare team.

Conservative management of unicystic ameloblastoma in a young child: a case report.

Unicystic ameloblastoma is a rare, benign, locally invasive odontogenic neoplasm of young age that shows clinical, radiographical or gross features of an odontogenic cyst, but it histologically shows typical ameloblastomatous epithelium lining part of the cyst cavity, with or without luminal and/or mural tumor growth. A case of asymptomatic unicystic ameloblastoma in an 11- year-old-female, who was treated by surgical enucleation followed by Carnoy's solution application for 5 minutes, is presented. The present case report describes the clinical and radiological behaviors, its importance and complexity of a differential diagnosis and treatment protocol of lesions in the mandibular molar-ramus area considering the special problems in children.

To assess and create awareness among anesthetists regarding prevention and management of injuries to the teeth and their associated structures during general anesthesia.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the awareness among anesthetists regarding prevention and management of injuries to the teeth and their associated structures during anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty anesthetists practicing in various hospitals in Mumbai participated in this study. A questionnaire was devised and distributed among them. The completion of the questionnaire by the respondents was taken as their consent to participate in the study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data thus collected was analyzed using statistical package Medcalc (Version 12.7.0.0). RESULTS: The results showed that the injury to the oro-dental tissues is a common finding during anesthesia. The maxillary incisors underwent injuries more commonly than the mandibular incisors. Padding of the teeth was the most common precaution taken to prevent injuries to the teeth which, however, is not adequate. The management for such injuries was inadequate and in many cases, the patients' referral to a dentist was not considered post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Pediatric dentists can play a major role in creating the awareness among the anesthesia providers regarding prevention of oro-dental injuries during anesthesia.

Lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital syndrome.

The Lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital (LADD) syndrome is an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with marked variability of inheritance. It is characterized by abnormalities of lacrimal and/or salivary system, anomalies of ears, teeth and limbs. Persistent dry mouth and enamel hypoplasia cause serious dental effects. Here, a case of LADD syndrome, its clinical spectrum and accompanying therapeutic challenges is discussed.

Nasopalatine duct cyst.

Nasopalatine duct cyst is an intraossseous developmental cyst of the midline of the anterior palate. Management of a case of nasopalatine duct cyst in a 10 yr old male child is reported.