Comparison of Remineralising Potential of Nano Silver Fluoride, Silver Diamine Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride Varnish on Artificial Caries: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the remineralisation effect of an experimental nano silver fluoride (NSF) formulation using an in vitro remineralisation model, compared with silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and sodium fluoride varnish (NaF) in current clinical use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 45 sound human third molars were sectioned in buccolingual and mesiodistal direction and 180 enamel specimens were divided into four groups (NSF; SDF; NaF; Control). Early caries-like lesions were artificially created. Remineralisation agents were applied with a microbrush for 2 min in NSF and SDF group; NaF varnish were applied in a thin layer and then all specimens were stored in a moist environment at 37°C for 24 h. Each group was subjected to a pH cycling model for 7 days. The Vickers microhardness values (VHN) of specimens were compared before treatment, after demineralisation and after remineralisation. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were investigated to compare morphological changes on the surfaces. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis to compare the groups at p < 0.05. RESULTS: All remineralisation agents were found to be statistically significant for the rehardening of the demineralised enamel specimens (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the all groups after remineralisation (p < 0.001). The VHN values for postdemineralisation were determined as, respectively, NaF (229.96) > SDF (222.96) > NSF (191.36) > Control (175.80). SEM images have also supported the microhardness values. CONCLUSIONS: NSF was not found to be effective as sodium fluoride varnish and SDF on artificial enamel caries lesions. Additional investigation is needed to recommend it as an alternative agent to routine fluoride treatments.

Comparison of Two School-Based Oral Health Education Programs in 9-Year-Old Children.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of two school-based oral health education (OHE) programs on the oral health knowledge and behavior and oral hygiene of 9-year-old children in Turkey. The study included 1,053 school children aged 9 years in Aydin, Turkey. This study was a prospective, two-arm, and parallel-group clinical trial between two different OHE programs. The dentist group received one lecture on OHE given by dentists in the classroom. The teacher group had a similar lecture given by school teachers, including supporting materials which were available throughout the academic year. Oral health knowledge and behavior were evaluated with a questionnaire at baseline, and then at 1 and 6 months. In total, 110 students were randomly selected to undergo a plaque accumulation assessment according to the Silness-Löe Index at baseline and 1 month later to determine the effects of the education programs on oral hygiene. At baseline, tooth-brushing frequency was similar in the study groups. Compared with baseline, the frequency of brushing increased significantly after 1 and 6 months in both groups ( p < .001). Teacher education was more effective for teaching correct brushing techniques ( p < .001). A significant decrease in plaque accumulation has been evaluated in both study groups at the 1-month examination after the education session ( p < .05). Both OHE programs were found to generate improvements in knowledge and behavior of children on oral health and plaque control in the short term.

Evaluation of oral health status of children in pretreatment and after treatment for 18 month.

OBJECTIVE: Dental caries is an important public health issue worldwide. In developing countries preventive dentistry is not common; hence, oral and dental health problems continue to generate serious economic and social issues. The aim of this study was to assess oral health and the incidence of dental caries in systemically healthy children aged 3-14 years, provide education on oral hygiene motivation, conduct the necessary preventive and restorative procedures, and reassess caries development at the 6-, 12-, and 18-month post-treatment follow-up. METHODS: Systemically healthy children aged 3-14 years who applied to the Paediatric Dentistry Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Adnan Menderes University (ADU) were included in the study. The subjects were evaluated for oral health status and incidence of dental caries based on surveys and clinical examination, motivation for oral hygiene with necessary training, completion of preventive and restorative treatments, and development of dental caries at the 6-, 12-, and 18-month post-treatment follow-up. RESULTS: The study included 320 patients, aged 3-14 years (mean age 8.08 ± 3.45 years). In children included in the study, the average decayed (d), missing (m) and filled (f) primary teeth (dmft) value was 3.81 (min-max: 0-16), decayed (D), missing (M) and filled (F) permanent teeth (DMFT) value, 1.49 (min-max: 0-6), decayed (d), missing(m) and filled(f) primary teeth surface (dmfs) value, 10.11 (min-max: 0-40), and decayed (D), missing (M) and filled (F) permanent teeth surface (DMFS) value, 2.09 (min-max: 0-12). CONCLUSIONS: For the protection and maintenance of oral and dental health in dentistry, preventive approaches should be the first concern and conservative therapeutic methods should be given priority after occurrence of any dental pathology. In addition, one-time examinations are not sufficient, and children should be examined at least twice a year. This study showed that the incidence of dental caries declined in children who underwent periodical examination and preventive dental treatment.