The effectiveness of a caries preventive program in mothers and infants - An 18- month follow-up study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: MS and LB, the primary bacteria groups responsible for dental caries, and high levels of these bacteria in the mother promote transmission from mother to infant. The aim of this study was prevention of maternal MS and LB transmission on infants by using different preventive strategies and inhibition of early childhood caries proggession. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted with 50 mother-child pairs who were randomly allocated into either a study group or a control group (n = 25 each). Mothers in the study group were enrolled in a detailed preventive program that included elimination of dental caries with restorative and antibacterial procedures, whereas those in the control group received only a single episode of oral-health education. RESULTS: After 18 months, significant MS and LB inhibition was observed in the study group (p < 0.0001). In addition, caries prevalence in the infants in the study and control groups was 0% and 20% respectively, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that primary preventive intervention and oral-health instruction can significantly inhibit the MS and LB levels of mothers and prevent caries in their children during the early years of life.

Comparison of retention rates of fissure sealants using two flowable restorative materials and a conventional resin sealant: two-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare the retention rates of two flowable restorative systems (Admira Flow and Grandio Flow) with that of a conventional resin-based sealant (Fissurit F). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was planned as a clinical trial with a split-mouth design. A total of 122 sealants (38 Admira Flow, 41 Grandio Flow, 43 Fissurit F) were randomly applied to completely erupted permanent molars in 35 patients aged 9-20 years and followed up for 24 months. Data were analyzed using Pearson's χ(2) and multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up period, Fissurit F had higher retention rates (81.0%) than both Admira Flow (60.5%) and Grandio Flow (57.1%), with p < 0.05. However, there was no significant difference in caries development among groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The two flowable composite resin materials used as fissure sealant were less retentive than the conventional resin sealant.

Comparison of caries prevention with glass ionomer and composite resin fissure sealants.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) was developed primarily for use in underserved areas of the world. This study was designed to compare caries prevention with high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) sealants placed according to the ART procedure and light-cured composite resin sealants after 3 years. METHODS: The study was conducted in a boarding school in the city of Kirikkale. Four experienced dentists placed a total of 207 sealants (91 GIC and 116 composite resin), without chair-side assistance, on the school premises. RESULTS: A total of 137 sealants were available after 3 years. 55.3% of the GIC and 93.8% of the composite resin sealants were lost completely, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. Only six of 56 teeth in the GIC group and eight of 81 in the composite resin group showed caries. CONCLUSION: Under field conditions in which moisture control was not effective, a high-viscosity and less technique-sensitive glass ionomer material can be used as an effective sealant material, rather than resin.

Ectodermal dysplasia: Retrospective study of fifteen cases.

The aim of this article is to review possible cranio-maxillofacial deformative consequences associated with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and embryonic malformations, which include dental ageneses, and describe the oral habilitation. Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia patients had a clinical examination and underwent radiographic and Steiner's analyses and a respiratory capability test before assessment and treatment. Fifteen patients (eight males and seven females, aged 5-45 years) had tooth ageneses (from hypodontia to anodontia) associated with cutaneous dyshydrosis and hair and nail dystrophy. Most patients had sparse or absent hair, a short face with an unusual facial concavity, a maxillary retrusion and a relative mandibular protrusion. Dentists must conduct a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to these patients in order to improve their dental, masticatory, growth and orthognathic conditions.