ABSTRACT
Background and objective Children with special healthcare needs are at an increased risk of oral health problems, including dental caries. Understanding the prevalence of dental caries, oral hygiene status, deft (decayed, extracted, filled teeth) index, and oral hygiene habits in this population is crucial for effective oral healthcare planning and interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries, oral hygiene status, deft index, and oral hygiene habits among children aged 4-15 years with special healthcare needs in Jodhpur District, Rajasthan, India. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 124 children from various, government and non-governmental organizations (NGO)-run special schools. Data on dental caries, oral hygiene status, deft index, and oral hygiene habits were collected using standardized tools and techniques. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to analyze the data. Results The prevalence of dental caries among children with special healthcare needs was 65%. The severity of dental caries varied, with 40% classified as mild, 20% as moderate, and 5% as severe. Additionally, 75% of the children exhibited poor oral hygiene, as indicated by the oral hygiene status assessment. The mean deft index score was 2.8, indicating an average dental caries experience among the participants. Regarding oral hygiene habits, 60% reported brushing their teeth once a day, while 40% reported brushing twice a day. However, a significant proportion (70%) reported non-fluoride use, and 55% stated they did not perform regular flossing. Conclusion This study highlights a high prevalence of dental caries, poor oral hygiene status, and suboptimal oral hygiene habits among children with special healthcare needs in Jodhpur District. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions focusing on preventive measures, oral health education, and improving access to oral healthcare for this vulnerable population. Further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal study designs is warranted to validate these findings and develop effective strategies for enhancing oral health outcomes in children with special healthcare needs.
ABSTRACT
AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the strength of the bonding between orthodontic brackets and different orthodontic adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To achieve this, the researchers selected 120 extracted premolars and divided them into four groups randomly. Then, one of the three adhesives, Transbond XT, Bracepaste, or Heliosit, was used to join the brackets together. After bonding, the force needed to remove the brackets was tested, and the amount of adhesive that remained on the tooth surface was also noted (referred to as the adhesive remnant index or ARI). RESULTS: The results showed that Transbond XT had an average bond strength of 18.05 ± 5.6 MPa, Bracepaste had an average bond strength of 16.6 ± 5.1 MPa, and Heliosit had an average bond strength of 16.2 ± 4 MPa. The average bond strength and ARI scores for Transbond XT and Bracepaste were similar at 11.10 MPa. The study found that the light-cured composite adhesives provided the strongest bond and left the tooth surface smoother and cleaner. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study presented significant information about the impact on the enamel surface as well as the strength of the bond between orthodontic brackets and different adhesives.
