Interexaminer agreement among pediatric dental specialists in assessment of tonsil size, Friedman tongue position, and Friedman staging of obstructive sleep apnea in children: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of tonsil size, Friedman Tongue Position (FTP), and Friedman staging in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) holds significant clinical importance, offering manifold advantages in diagnosis and surgical management. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the reliability of pediatric OSA evaluation by determining inter-examiner agreement among pediatric dental specialists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conducted at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, PMS College of Dental Science and Research Hospital (2023-2024), this observational study utilized conventional consulting rooms, headlights, and examination chairs. Thirteen medical practitioners reviewed video recordings of the oropharyngeal regions of twelve pediatric patients exhibiting mouth breathing. Friedman staging was determined based on tonsil size and tongue position gradings.Inter-examiner agreement was evaluated using Fleiss kappa analysis. RESULTS: Observers, including residents and practitioners in pediatric dentistry, demonstrated poor agreement regarding FTP and tonsil grading. CONCLUSION: Understanding the nuances of tonsil size and FTP in pediatric OSA evaluation, along with identifying avenues for refinement, can enhance medical decision-making among healthcare providers, including pediatric dentists.

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacies of 0.2% Chlorhexidine and 4% Tulsi Extract in the Decontamination of Child Toothbrushes: An Observational Analytical Study.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 0.2% chlorhexidine and 4% tulsi extract as toothbrush decontaminants. Materials and Methods: Of 100 children, who attended the outpatient unit of Department of Pediatric dentistry, 81 children, who satisfied all the inclusion criteria were subjected to systematic sampling, after arranging them in the alphabetical order and were grouped into three. The first child came under Group I, second under Group II, third under Group III, fourth one again under Group I, and so on till the 81st child. In the baseline phase, the children were provided precoded toothbrushes and toothpastes and instructed to place those brushes to be put after use, in single-use glasses. After obtaining the baseline value of Streptococcus mutans colony count, the participants of Group I was given 0.2% chlorhexidine, Group II was given 4% tulsi extract, and distilled water for Group III, to be used as toothbrush decontaminants for 5 days. The toothbrushes were then collected back, and were subjected to microbial analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann-Whitney U test with P < 0.05. Results: All test solutions, 0.2% chlorhexidine and 4% tulsi extract, except for distilled water, showed a statistically significant reduction of S. mutans count. There was no statistical difference between the efficacies of 4% tulsi extract and 0.2% chlorhexidine, although the latter showed a better reduction. Conclusion: Tulsi extract may well be a perfect replacement to chlorhexidine for reducing the S. mutans count in the child toothbrushes.

Awareness, Views, and Expectations about COVID-19 Vaccinations: A Cross-Sectional Study of Dental Clinic Patients in India.

INTRODUCTION: Several vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been licensed and are being administered worldwide in various countries. However, the awareness, behaviors, and expectations of COVID-19 vaccines among dental clinic patients are poorly understood. METHODS: An e-survey was carried out among 1800 patients who visited dental clinics in India. The survey was carried out using a questionnaire of four parts and informed consent (i.e. sociodemographics, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions). The investigators used Internet methods for data collection during the pandemic. RESULTS: The mean awareness score was significantly higher among participants who reported having a university/higher level of schooling, being in the upper socioeconomic status community, living in cities, and having previously received all required vaccines. The mean attitude score was slightly higher for participants who reported being female and had a history of getting all required vaccinations. Just over half (52%) of participants felt everyone should be vaccinated. This interpretation was slightly higher among females than males (56.9% vs. 47.9%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that patients attending dental clinics in India have insufficient awareness but more optimistic attitudes about the COVID-19 vaccine. Immediate health promotion campaigns must be implemented before vaccine schedules in order to increase awareness.