Associations between nonnutritive sucking habits, developing malocclusion, and various feeding practices in 3-6-year-old Indian urban children: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Nutritive sucking and nonnutritive sucking (NNS) may affect the craniofacial development, differently. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: We investigated associations between NNS habits (NNSHs), developing malocclusion, and various feeding practices in 3-6-year-old children. METHODOLOGY: A sample of 350 children 3-6-year-old from various preschools were selected for this case-control study (94 with NNSH and 256 without NNSH). NNSH (outcome) and feeding practices and developing malocclusions (exposures) were assessed using a structured study tool. RESULTS: The prevalence of NNSH in 3-6-year-old children was 26.8%. The odds (95% [confidence interval (CI)]) of boys compared to girls having NNSH were 0.66 (0.4121-1.706) (P = 0.0290). The overall prevalence of developing malocclusion in 3-6-year-old children was 34.01% out of which open bite was most commonly reported with 12.57% followed by spacing 8.5%, increased overjet 6.8%, crowding 2.2%, posterior crossbite and rotation 1.4%, and overbite 1.14%. Breastfeeding was found to be the most commonly used mode of feeding reported by 53.42% of mothers. It was found that the odds (95% [CI]) of subjects having NNSH were 0.66 (0.4694-0.9460) (P < 0.0001) who were not breastfed as compared to those who were breastfed. Among developing malocclusions, increased overjet with P = 0.0019, open bite with P = 0.0416, and spacing with P = 0.0243 were found to be associated with feeding practices. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of NNSH and developing malocclusions (increased overjet, open bite, and spacing) was 26.8% and 34.01%, respectively. Breastfeeding played a protective role against developing NNSH.

A pilot study on the global practice of informed consent in paediatric dentistry.

Background: Conducting oral treatment early in the disease course, is encouraged for better health outcomes. Obtaining informed consent is an essential part of medical practice, protecting the legal rights of patients and guiding the ethical practice of medicine. In practice, consent means different things in different contexts. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and Silver Fluoride (SF) is becoming popular and cost effective methods to manage carious lesions, however, cause black discolouration of lesions treated. Obtaining informed consent and assent is crucial for any dental treatment-and has specific relevance with SDF/ SF treatments. Methods: The aim of this paper is to describe informed consent regulations for dental care in a selection of countries, focusing on children and patients with special health care needs. An online survey was shared with a convenience sample of dental professionals from 13 countries. The information was explored and the processes of consent were compared. Results: Findings suggest that there are variations in terms of informed consent for medical practice. In Tanzania, South Africa, India, Kenya, Malaysia and Brazil age is the determining factor for competence and the ability to give self-consent. In other countries, other factors are considered alongside age. For example, in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States the principle of Gillick Competence is applied. Many countries' laws and regulations do not specify when a dentist may overrule general consent to act in the "best interest" of the patient. Conclusion: It is recommended that it is clarified globally when a dentist may act in the "best interest" of the patient, and that guidance is produced to indicate what constitutes a dental emergency. The insights gathered provide insights on international practice of obtaining informed consent and to identify areas for change, to more efficient and ethical treatment for children and patients with special needs. A larger follow up study is recommended to include more or all countries.

Development and Testing of the Novel Sugar Meter for Informing Sugar Intake Guidelines to Parents of Three- to Six-Year-Old Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the consumption of refined sugar has increased manifold. Added sugar is implicated in dental caries, cardiovascular risk and obesity amongst other conditions. The 1025 World Health Organization (WHO) Sugar Guidelines recommends sugar intake below 10% of energy, but there is limited awareness about the same in the general population. The aim of this study was to test the Novel Sugar Meter for informing the WHO Sugar Guidelines to the parents of three- to six-year-old children. METHODS: Twenty consenting parents and their three- to six-year-old children from an English-medium school in Navi Mumbai, India, were selected. The parents were asked to record their child's baseline dietary data for three consecutive days including one weekend day. The Novel Sugar Meter, an indigenously developed ready reckoner for identifying the quantity of sugars consumed, was used. The parents were counselled using the Novel Sugar Meter (intervention) and standard instructions on the WHO guidelines (control). The dietary data were recorded again to assess and compare dietary behaviour modifications. RESULTS: Comparison of pre-intervention versus post-intervention sugar consumptions showed a statistically significant reduction in the Novel Sugar Meter group (t(10) = 3.70891; p = .001388) but not in the control group (t(10) = 0.94081, p = 0.35926). Both groups showed a reduction in the frequency of daily sugar exposure, with significantly more reduction in the Novel Sugar Meter group (p = .000049). CONCLUSION: Novel Sugar Meter-based counselling has the potential for application for reducing the quantity and frequency of sugar consumption in children.

ECC Status, CRAFT Categorization and OHRQoL Assessment in 3-6-year-old Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) can affect the health and quality of life of the children. Assessing a patient's risk of developing caries is an important aspect of caries management; however, can assessing the caries risk predict the impact of ECC on the OHRQoL? Few Indian studies have reported association between caries status, risk, and the impact on OHRQoL. Aim: To assess the association between dental caries status, risk assessment, and OHRQoL in 3-6-year-old children. Methodology: A total of 50 healthy children were recruited in a cross-sectional study. Parents filled the ECOHIS questionnaire. Caries status, risk, and OHRQoL were measured as dmft-pufa, CRAFT (Caries Risk Assessment for Treatment- an indigenous tool) and ECOHIS scores, respectively. Results: Moderate correlation was seen between dmft and ECOHIS scores (r = 0.496, p < 0.01), and pufa and ECOHIS scores (r = 0.408, p < 0.05). More number of subjects with higher scores of ECOHIS were in the high-risk category of CRAFT (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Caries status, risk and OHRQoL were associated in 3-6-year-old children. Thus, caries risk assessment may predict poor OHRQoL. How to cite this article: Iyer CR, Jawdekar AM. ECC Status, CRAFT Categorization and OHRQoL Assessment in 3-6-year-old Children: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):199-204.

Challenges and Treatment Considerations with Comprehensive Rehabilitation of a Case of Taurodontism in Primary Dentition: A Case Report and Review.

Background: Taurodontism is an anomalous developmental condition where the coronal portion of the tooth is enlarged while the radicular portion is compromised. This may have important clinical implications while considering endodontic or exodontic procedures which may affect the technique of the treatment or its prognosis. Case Report: This article describes the case of a 4-year-old female girl with molars exhibiting taurodontism with its clinical management and a review of this unique clinical condition. Conclusion: This case report and review summarizes the diagnosis, classification, clinical management challenges and comprehensive rehabilitation of taurodontism in primary teeth. How to cite this article: Gupte MP, Mistry LN, Jawdekar A. Challenges and Treatment Considerations with Comprehensive Rehabilitation of a Case of Taurodontism in Primary Dentition: A Case Report and Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(3):510-514.

The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Reduction of New Carious Lesions in Children with Early Childhood Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Preventive therapies rely on effective behavior change. Motivational interviewing (MI), has been the most recent advancement in behavior therapies that have been successful in tobacco cessation. The effectiveness of MI needs to be evaluated in caries prevention. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of MI on the reduction of new carious lesions in children with early childhood caries (ECC). Materials and methods: The two authors independently searched data from Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, J gate, and Quintpub. Selection criteria-interventional studies written in the English language with MI as an intervention, a mean follow-up period of atleast 2 years, ECC with decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth/decayed, missing, and filled primary surfaces (dmft/dmfs) as the outcome measures, in the age group of 0-6 years. We excluded cross-sectional studies. Information regarding methods, participants, interventions, outcome measures, and results were extracted. A risk of bias assessment within and across studies was conducted. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were applied to generate quality evidence. Results: Six studies with a total of 2,663 participants were included in the review, and meta-analysis was conducted on 4; 3 studies had a high risk of bias. A mean reduction of 2.16 (-5.06, 0.75) was observed with MI as an intervention. A sensitivity analysis revealed a mean reduction of 3.64 (-5.77, -1.51) in favor of MI. Conclusion: There is some evidence with moderate certainty that MI is beneficial in the reduction of new carious lesions in children with ECC. How to cite this article: Manek S, Jawdekar AM, Katre AN. The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Reduction of New Carious Lesions in Children with Early Childhood Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):112-123.

A Comparison of Innovative App-Based Prescriptions With Conventional Prescriptions for Children by General Dentists: A Mixed Methods Study.

Introduction Writing drug prescriptions for children with accurate drug dosages and clear instructions is a must for general dentists. A digital tool in the form of a software application (app) to write, save and share prescriptions can potentially overcome the possible limitations of handwritten prescriptions such as handwriting illegibility, errors in calculations, and incomplete descriptions. However, it is also important to assess the satisfaction of dentists with making prescriptions using a digital tool such as an android application. A mixed methods study comparing an innovative "app-based" and handwritten prescriptions in dental settings is presented. Methodology An indigenously developed and piloted app "PREscribing children made EASY (PREASY)" was used in this study. Based on the preliminary study, a sample size of 20 was found to be adequate. Twenty-two dentists participated in the study. The conventional handwritten and an Android app PREASY-based prescriptions were compared in terms of the time taken, precision of writing, and satisfaction of the dentists. Qualitative feedback regarding the PREASY app was obtained in Google Forms (Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA). Results A study sample of 20 subjects was calculated based on a pilot study, and 22 dentists were recruited. The mean time taken in seconds for handwritten prescriptions (199.14 (+ 59.18)) was almost four times higher than that for app-based prescriptions (52.05 (+ 23.89)) (t-test, P < 0.00001). The accuracy of handwritten prescriptions versus app-based prescriptions was compared by two examiners independently using analysis of variance (ANOVA) in three domains: dosage accuracy, legible handwriting, and completeness of instructions, the differences (Domain 1 mean + SD: 1.04 + 0.89, Domain 2 mean + SD: 1.38 + 0.40, Domain 3 mean + SD: 0.88 + 0.58) being statistically significant (P < 0.05). The differences in the percentages of the three domains (dosage accuracy: 40.9%, legibility of handwriting: 63.6%, completeness of instructions: 18.1%) were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05; chi-squared statistic, 9.4017). Of the participants, 59% were very satisfied, 36.3% were satisfied, and 4.5% were neutral (chi-squared test, P < 0.00001). Participants' feedback/comments were categorized under technical suggestions, dosage suggestions, criticism, and positive remarks and were thematically analyzed. Conclusion App-based prescriptions proved to be more instantaneous and detailed than handwritten ones with the majority of dentists satisfied. Valuable feedback pertaining to the limitations of the tool was obtained for improving the app. PREASY-based prescriptions could be recommended for prescribing to pediatric dental patients.

Effect of immunoglobulin Y formulations on oral microorganisms in human subjects - A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Background: Passive immunization using egg yolk-based antibodies has been tested against oral microorganisms. Our study assessed the effect of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) formulations on Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Candida albicans in human subjects. Highlights: VS and UT independently searched articles using keyword combinations in four search engines; studies in English were selected. Either parallel-arm or split-mouth randomized controlled trials on healthy human subjects were considered. Ten studies remained in the selection; six studies compared the effect of IgY formulations on S. mutans, three on P. gingivalis, and one on C. albicans. Five studies (422 subjects) compared the effect of IgY formulations on S. mutans. When fixed-effect model (FEM) was applied, the risk ratio (RR) (confidence interval [CI]) was found to be 7.81 (6.00, 10.18). Three studies (167 subjects) compared the effect of IgY formulations on P. gingivalis. When FEM was applied, the RR (CI) was found to be 0.06 (-0.03, 0.15) in relation to reduction in probing depth. When FEM was applied, for percentage reduction in bleeding on probing (BOP), the RR (CI) was 1.99 (1.64, 2.41). Only one study (26 subjects) was available of IgY formulation and C. albicans; hence meta-analysis was not performed.The search was extended using Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, cross-references and by contacting authors and researchers in the field which further yielded five articles. . Conclusions: IgY formulations were effective in the reduction of S. mutans. They were not effective on P. gingivalis in relation to probing depth but were effective in relation to reduction in BOP. No harms were reported. Evidence is of low quality due to high heterogeneity. The ROB was moderate and publication bias was low.

Comparison of surgical outcomes related to interpositional arthroplasty materials used in patients with temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Surgical management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis involves various techniques from which interpositional arthroplasty (IPA) involves using several materials. The objectives of this study were to assess and compare post arthroplasty maximum mouth opening (MMO), symptoms like pain and discomfort in jaw opening and movements, failures such as reankylosis, neurosensory disturbances, and the effect of confounding variables such as age, gender, physiotherapy, etc. The search (conducted in September, 2021) included studies published in English on otherwise healthy individuals (11 months to 88 years) having undergone arthroplasty with a minimum of six months' follow up. We used search engines such as Cochrane database, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, EBSCO host, Pro quest, J gate, Google Scholar, and manual search to include books and grey literature. Randomised clinical (RCT) and non-randomised clinical trials, observational studies, case series and reports meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. Two reviewers (HD and NP) independently extracted the data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool, Rangel checklist, and Joanna Briggs Institute. Data were analysed using RevMan (Version 5.4). Fifty studies with 1524 participants (442 bilateral and 891 unilateral joints) were included; six RCTs, 31 retrospective, 10 prospective, and three case series and reports. Amongst all interpositional materials, the highest increase in mouth opening was seen with dermis fat graft with a mean difference (Pooled MD) being 35.29mm (95% CI [32.36 to 38.22]). Comparison of temporalis myofascial with gap arthroplasty (GA) showed significant increase in MMO (Pooled MD in mm 1.30 95% CI [0.14 to 2.45]). Recurrence was significantly reduced when (IPA) was used, compared with GA (Risk difference 0.08mm 95% CI [-0.15 to -0.02]) and for Temporalis Myofascial Flap (TMF) when compared with GA (Risk difference -0.07mm 95% CI [-0.15 to 0]). Higher odds for developing neurosensory disturbances were seen with Al-Kayat Bramley incision (Pooled OR 0.11 95% CI [0.04 to 0.34]) compared to pre-auricular incision (Pooled OR 0.03 95% CI [0.01 to 0.09]). IPA was superior to GA with respect to maximum mouth opening (MMO) (Pooled MD in mm 1.21 95% CI [0.41 to 2.07]). Dermis fat graft offers the highest MMO. The overall quality of evidence for RCTs is poor while that of observational studies is moderate as per the relevant assessment of quality of evidence. More research with appropriate study designs is needed. Similar to the findings from the previous reviews, outcomes with IPA were superior when compared to GA in terms of mouth opening and less recurrence.

Assessment of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) - A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Background: Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) affects about 14% of the population. MIH may lead to enamel breakdown, early tooth decay and is known to cause sensitivity, pain, discomfort, etc., Despite several studies reporting impacts of MIH on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children; no systematic review has been reported till date. Objectives: Our study aimed at assessing the impact of MIH on OHRQoL. Search Methods: Two researchers, Ashwin Muralidhar Jawdekar and Shamika Ramchandra Kamath, independently searched articles using appropriate keyword combinations in three search engines - PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar and conflicts, if any were resolved by Swati Jagannath Kale. Studies either reported in English or complete translations available in English were selected. Selection Criteria: Observational studies on otherwise healthy 6-18-year-old children were considered. Interventional studies were included only to collect the baseline (observational) data. Data Collection and Analysis: From 52 studies, a total of 13 studies could be included in the systematic review and 8 in meta-analysis. Total scores of OHRQoL measures reported in the child perceptions questionnaire (CPQ) 8-10, CPQ 11-14, and parental-caregiver perception questionnaire (P-CPQ) scales were used as variables. Main Results: Five studies (2112 subjects) showed an impact on OHRQoL (CPQ); the pooled risk ratio (RR) confidence interval (CI) were 24.70 (13.93-35.47), showing statistically significant value (P < 0.001). The Three studies (811 participants) showed an impact on OHRQoL (P-CPQ); the pooled RR (CI) was 16.992 (5.119, 28.865) showing statistically significant value (P < 0.001). Heterogeneity (I2) was high (99.6% and 99.2%); hence, random effect model was used. Sensitivity analysis of two studies (310 subjects) showed impact on OHRQoL (P-CPQ); the pooled RR (CI) was 22.124 (20.382, 23.866) showing statistically significant value (P < 0.001); the heterogeneity was low (I2 = 0.0). The risk of bias across studies assessed using the appraisal tool for cross sectional studies tool was found to be moderate. The reporting bias assessed using the dispersion on the funnel plot was found to be minimal. Authors' Conclusions: Children with MIH are about 17-25 times more likely to have impacts on the OHRQoL compared to children with no MIH. Evidence is of low quality due to high heterogeneity. The risk of bias was moderate and publication bias was low.

Clinical Success of Iatrogenic Perforation Repair Using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Other Materials in Primary Molars: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Aim: This study aimed at systematically reviewing the clinical success of repaired iatrogenic perforations using different materials in primary teeth. Objectives: To compare mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with other biomaterials for the repair of iatrogenic perforations in primary molars during endodontic procedures. Search methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted by using three electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) to identify articles that evaluated the different intervention materials for the repair of iatrogenic perforation in primary molars. Selection criteria: The articles reporting perforation repair in primary molars having clinical and radiographic success, as their outcome measures with a follow-up period of at least 1 year were included in this review. Studies and case reports with insufficient or unstated follow-up periods, in vitro, and animal studies were excluded. Data collection and analysis: Two reviewers (SM, LM) independently screened all titles and abstracts according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Full texts of the selected studies were obtained for the second stage screening. The consensus was achieved by discussion with the third reviewer (AJ). Data extraction included study design, sample size, age of the patient, year of the study, follow-up period, outcome assessment criteria, material for repair, and success and failure. Review results: A total of seven publications were included in this review. Of which, one was case series, three were case reports, and three were interventional studies. The combined success rate of MTA (80.55%) was inferior to other materials-premixed bioceramics, Atelocollagen, and calcium-enriched mixture (96.07%); the same being statistically significant (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Within the limitations of our study, it can be concluded that newer biomimetic materials are superior to MTA for iatrogenic perforation repair in primary molars in terms of clinical success. Clinical significance: This paper is a first-of-its-kind investigation comparing different materials used in the repair of perforations in primary molars. It can be a foundation for further research on the topic. In absence of any available guidelines, the above study can be applied in clinical situations with appropriate judgment and caution. How to cite this article: Mungekar-Markandey S, Mistry L, Jawdekar A. Clinical Success of Iatrogenic Perforation Repair Using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Other Materials in Primary Molars: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(5):610-616.

Evaluation of CRAFT as a Tool for Caries Risk Assessment in 3- to 6-year-old Children and its Validation against Alban's Test: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease and a dynamic process that can be prevented and reversed during the early stage. Risk assessment is an important step in decision-making and treatment planning. There are no valid tools available for the Indian population. Caries risk assessment for treatment (CRAFT) is a chairside tool for caries risk assessment and management. Valid, reliable, economical, and chairside caries risk assessment tool is the need of the hour for general and pediatric dentists. AIM: To evaluate CRAFT as a tool for caries risk prediction among 3-years to 6-years-old children and to validate it against Alban test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pilot study was conducted, including forty 3-years to 6-years-old children. Salivary samples were collected and inoculated on B.C.G.-Dextrose Agar. Caries activity was assessed using Alban test. Their parents/guardians completed the CRAFT assessment in entirety. RESULTS: The data were tabulated and subjected to suitable statistical analysis. High positive correlation between CRAFT scores and Alban's test (Spearman's Rho = 0.874) was found. CONCLUSION: CRAFT scores were highly correlated with Alban scores in 3- to 6-year-old children. CRAFT could be successfully employed as a reliable, economical, chairside, and clinically feasible risk assessment tool with further research on a larger sample size. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CRAFT can provide a framework for the clinician for preventive care and enhance patient-participation for CRA. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Thakur JH, Subhadra HN, Jawdekar A. Evaluation of CRAFT as a Tool for Caries Risk Assessment in 3- to 6-year-old Children and its Validation against Alban's Test: A Pilot Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(6):538-542.

A proposed model for infant and child oral health promotion in India.

Dental caries is an increasing burden in the developing countries. A proper budgetary allocation for treating dental diseases in an enormous population such as India is impractical, where resources are inadequate for major health challenges such as malnutrition and gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in children. An integrated, directed population approach targeting children is much needed. The existing machinery of successful public health campaigns such as the "Pulse Polio" and the "Mid-Day-Meals Scheme" of the Government of India can be used for oral health promotion for children. India has about 300 dental colleges and countrywide branches of the Indian Dental Association that can provide manpower for the program. An innovative, large-scale "Fit for School" program in Philippines is a model for an integrated approach for children's health and has proved to be cost-effective and viable. A model for oral health promotion in infants and children of India, combining age-specific initiatives for health education, nutrition, hygiene, and fluoride use, is proposed. The model could be implemented to evaluate the oral health status of children, knowledge and knowledge gain of the community health workers, and acceptability and sustainability of the preventive programs (fluoride varnish and preschool and school tooth brushing) pragmatically.