Dental Arch Dimensions in Saudi Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the arch dimensions (width, length, and depth) in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 169 orthodontic models (73 males and 96 females) made of white stone were selected according to inclusion criteria. Measurement of arch dimensions was taken including width, length, and depth at different reference points. Differences between males and females were tested using independent samples t-test. RESULTS: The sample comprised subjects aged 18-33 years old. Most measurements showed higher values for males compared to females. Saudi males showed smaller intercanine widths compared to Caucasians and Southern Chinese but larger widths in females compared to Caucasians and smaller widths compared to Southern Chinese. Saudi males and females showed larger intermolar widths compared to Caucasians but smaller intermolar widths compared to Southern Chinese. For arch length, Saudis showed longer arches compared to Yemenis for both males and females but smaller palatal depths compared to Yemenis. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in intercanine width, intermolar width, and palatal length and depth were found between Saudis and other nationalities. Male and female participants had differences in most of the measurements.

Parental perceptions of the oral health-related quality of life of autistic children in Saudi Arabia.

The aim of this study was to use parental perception to assess the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of children with Autism. A total of 59 families of children with Autism who had an unaffected sibling were cross-matched for age and gender of the affected child with families with no autistic children. The parents were administered the Parental Perception Questionnaire (P-CPQ) and the Family impact scale (FIS) components of and Arabic version of the Child Oral Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire (COHRQL). The P-CPQ scores of Children with Autism were compared with those of their unaffected siblings and those of children from families with no autistic child, while the FIS scores were compared between families with and without an autistic child. Regression models were constructed to show the association of sociodemographic factors on the OHRQoL of autistic children. The results of this study seem to suggest that childhood autism results in a reduced OHRQoL for both the affected child as well as the family. The apparent reduced parental concern with unaffected siblings of autistic children, when compared to parental concern towards children in families with no autistic child is an area that could merit further research.