Oral health-related quality of life in children with celiac disease.

PURPOSE: There is limited knowledge about oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children with celiac disease (CD). This study aimed to assess OHRQoL in children with CD compared to healthy controls. METHODS: This case-control study included children with CD and healthy controls. Three scales were used to assess OHRQoL in different age groups: 6-7 years, 8-10 years, and 11-14 years. The OHRQoL scores were compared between cases and controls to examine the possible associations between OHRQoL and demographics, socioeconomic status, and oral health. RESULTS: Overall, 104 children with CD and 104 healthy children (controls) were included. The mean age was 10.67 ± 2.39 years in CD patients and 10.69 ± 2.36 in controls (P = 0.971). Male and female children constituted 50% of each group. Children with CD had significantly higher OHRQoL scores than controls (P = 0.003). Low education levels of parents of children with CD and a higher number of siblings in controls were associated with high OHRQoL scores (P = 0.002, P < 0.020, and P = 0.010, respectively). Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) increased the OHRQoL scores by 7.5 on average (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Children with CD had poor OHRQoL compared with healthy controls. Poor OHRQoL in children with CD was associated with RAS and with lower parental income and education. RAS was an independent predictor of poor OHRQoL in children with CD.

Oral and dental manifestations of celiac disease in children: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy. CD may also involve complications with the oral cavity, which can result in various dental and oral pathologies. There are currently a limited number of studies on the oral manifestation of CD. This study aims to compare the oral manifestations of children with CD against healthy controls in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study includes 208 children aged 6-14 years, distributed equally into CD patients and healthy controls. A parent completed and validated the interview questionnaire, which included the child's personal information and medical history. A dental examination was undertaken to measure possible recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), dental enamel defects (DEDs), dental caries experience, and dental malocclusion. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and eight participants were included (104 CD patients and 104 controls). The mean age for CD patients was 10.67 ± 2.39 years and 10.69 ± 2.36 for the healthy controls. CD children had more RAS than controls (42.3% vs. 15.4%, P < 0.001) (OR = 4.03, 95% CI = 2.09-7.81) and more DEDs than healthy controls (70.2% vs. 34.6%, P < 0.001) (OR = 4.45, 95% CI = 2.48-7.97). No significant difference was found in the frequency of malocclusion between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: Saudi Arabian children with CD had a greater number of clinical findings of RAS and DEDs than healthy controls. Pediatric dentists should consider the possibility of CD in child patients presenting with RAS or DEDs.

Fluoride Varnishes for Preventing Occlusal Dental Caries: A Review.

Dental caries are most likely to occur on occlusal surfaces from the early eruptive stages of the tooth. In children, about 80% to 90% of dental caries are occlusal caries. Different preventive modalities are used to prevent occlusal caries. One of the methods used for occlusal caries prevention is fluoride varnish. A vast number of clinical trials have evaluated several types of sealant material and fluoride varnish to assess their ability to prevent occlusal caries in both primary and permanent dentition. The purpose of the current study was to provide an updated overview of the development, composition, mechanism of action, application, and safety of fluoride varnish, as well as its effect on occlusal caries prevention. This review of recently published studies on fluoride varnish and its effect on occlusal caries prevention shows that in children at moderate to high risk of caries, fluoride varnishes prevent occlusal caries. Both resin-based fissure sealants and fluoride varnish are effective for occlusal caries prevention for first-permanent molars. However, it was not possible to identify which one has the best effect. It is recommend that fluoride varnish is applied for children at high risk of caries two to four times per year.

Sustainability of Improvement in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children After Dental Treatment.

PURPOSE: Dental treatment has been associated with improvement in the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children. There is little evidence of whether the effect of treatment is sustainable over time or not. The aim of this study was to determine whether the effect of dental treatment on OHRQoL is maintained or diminishes over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consecutive sample of parents of 47 children between 2 and 6 years who received comprehensive dental treatment at a postgraduate dental clinic were recruited. Parents completed the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) prior to treatment and at 1 and 4 months after treatment. Parents were also asked three global questions. Score changes (overall and for each section) between time points were analyzed by a repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests. RESULTS: The children's mean age was 4.7 ± 1.1, and 60% were females. ECOHIS scores were significantly improved from baseline (22.2 ± 6.9) to 1 month after treatment (8.7 ± 6.8) and were further improved at 4 months after treatment (1.9 ± 2.7), P < 0.001, with large effect sizes (2.8 for the child impact section and 2.2 for the family impact section). Parents' perception of changes in the OHRQoL of their children obtained from a global question indicated an improvement in OHRQoL that was sustained over the follow-up period; at 1-month and 4-month follow-up, 89% and 94% of mothers reported that their child's oral health improved a lot after dental treatment, respectively. CONCLUSION: The impact of dental treatment on OHRQoL continued to remarkably improve during the 4 months following dental treatment.

Dental maturity in children with celiac disease: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-related enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion in susceptible individuals. Oral manifestations of CD have been frequently described, although reports on dental maturity (DM) are scant. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of DM in CD patients and to test for possible predictors. METHODS: This is a case-control study of children with CD and healthy controls between 2017 and 2020. A panoramic radiograph and comprehensive oral examination were performed for each participant. Dental age (DA) was measured according to Demirjian's method and DM was calculated by subtracting the chronological age (CA) from the DA. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the DM between CD patients and controls, and a multivariate analysis was utilized to look for predictors of DM. RESULTS: Two-hundred and eight participants (104 children with CD, and 104 healthy controls) were incorporated. The mean age for CD patients was 10.67 ± 2.40 years, and 10.69 ± 2.37 years for healthy controls (P = 0.971). CD patients had a higher prevalence of delayed DM than controls (62.5% vs. 3%, respectively). They also had a greater delay in DM than controls (- 7.94 ± 10.94 vs. 6.99 ± 8.77, P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis identified age between 6 and 7 years (ß ± SE = 16.21 ± 2.58, P < 0.001), as the only predictor for DM. CONCLUSIONS: CD patients had a greater prevalence of delayed DM than controls. No predictors for DM could be found, except young age.

Reliability and Validity of the Arabic Version of a Questionnaire Assessing Pain, Discomfort and Related Jaw Function Impairment after Extraction of Primary Teeth in Children.

This study aims to translate a previously published English language questionnaire that assessed pain and discomfort after the extraction of primary teeth in children into Arabic, and evaluate its validity and reliability. All participating children (n = 120), aged 9 to 12-years-old, completed the 33-item Arabic version questionnaire after the extraction procedure had taken place. The questionnaire included three parts that were completed at three different times, namely, immediately, the first evening, and one week after the extraction procedure. Internal consistency, content validity, criterion validity, and factor analysis were performed. The results showed a good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83), acceptable criterion validity with a significantly strong correlation with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and satisfactory content validity (average content validity index (CVI = 0.90). The final factor model was comprised of four factors with an eigenvalue greater than 1, explaining 70% of the common variance. The identified factors were labeled as follows: Factor 1-analgesic consumption; Factor 2-expression of discomfort from the extraction site; Factor 3-perception of masticatory capability; and Factor 4-pain/discomfort from the dental extraction procedure. Based on the results, a shorter form of the questionnaire had satisfactory psychometric characteristics and can be used with children within the selected age group.

Validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the child perceptions questionnaire for 8-10-year-old children.

PURPOSE: To develop an Arabic version of the CPQ8-10 and test its validity and reliability for use among Arabic-speaking children. METHODS: The 25-item professionally translated questionnaire included two global rating questions across four domains, which was assessed through a pilot study on 20 participants who were not included in the main study. Children (n = 175) aged 8-10 years were consecutively recruited: group I (n = 120) included pediatric dental patients, group II (n = 25) included children with orofacial clefts, and group III (n = 30) included orthodontic patients. Construct (convergent and discriminant) validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. All children were clinically examined; 66 children completed the questionnaire a second time. A cross-sectional study design was employed. RESULTS: CPQ8-10 scores and global ratings were positively correlated. CPQ8-10 scores were highest in group II, followed by groups I and III, respectively. CPQ8-10 scores were significantly higher in children affected with caries or malocclusion compared to unaffected children. Cronbach's alpha was 0.95 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97. CONCLUSIONS: The Arabic CPQ8-10 was valid and reliable; therefore, it can be utilized with Arabic-speaking children in this age group.

Myofunctional Trainer versus Twin Block in Developing Class II Division I Malocclusion: A Randomized Comparative Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the dentoalveolar effects of the myofunctional trainer T4KTM versus twin block in children with class II division I malocclusion. Two parallel arm randomized comparative clinical trial was conducted, including twenty healthy children, 9-12 years old, showing Angle's class II division I malocclusion due to mandibular retrusion. Children were randomly assigned into two groups according to the appliance used; Group 1: T4k, and Group II: twin block. Follow-up was done every 4 weeks for 9 months. Postoperative cephalometric X ray, study casts and photographs were taken for measurements and comparison. T4K showed a statistically significant reduction in the overjet (-2.50 ± 1.00 mm) (p < 0.0001), and a significant increase in the lower arch perimeter (LAP) (1.19 ± 0.96 mm) (p = 0.01). The twin block showed a statistically significant reduction in the overjet (-3.75 ± 1.10 mm) (p < 0.0001), a significant reduction in the overbite (-16.22 ± 17.02 %) (p = 0.03), and a significant increase in the LAP (1.69 ± 0.70 mm) (p < 0.0001). The overjet showed a higher significant decrease in the twin block group than in T4K (p = 0.03). The mean values of the overbite were significantly decreased in twin block than in T4k (p < 0.0001). Both groups showed significant dentoalveolar improvements toward class I occlusion; however, the twin block showed significantly better results than T4K appliance.

Hall Technique for Carious Primary Molars: A Review of the Literature.

The high frequency of caries in primary teeth and its inadequate treatment are major public health problems during childhood. Nowadays, the Hall technique is one of the methods used for biological sealing in carious lesions in primary molars. Thus, the bacteria will be sealed from oral environment and the caries will be inactive. The objective of this article was to provide an updated search on the Hall technique description, indication, contraindication, advantages, concerns, success and failure, cost-effectiveness, acceptability, and preference in pediatric dentistry, and to compare the Hall technique with traditional crown preparation and conventional treatment options for carious primary molars. A discussion of the recently published articles on the Hall technique reveals that the Hall technique is considered a promising restorative option with high acceptability and longevity; with low failure rate for managing carious primary molars compared to conventional treatment modalities used in primary care settings. Furthermore, the survival rate of stainless steel crowns (SSCs) is considered high, whether provided using Hall technique or traditional preparation by a pediatric dentist. Thus, the Hall technique can be an effective addition to the clinician's range of treatment options for carious primary molars. However, it should be chosen in restricted cases.

Effects of Familial Characteristics on Dental Fear: A Cross-sectional Study.

AIM: Dental fear (DF) in children is a multifactorial problem that may affect the child's dental treatment and behavior at the dental office. This study aimed to evaluate the familial characteristics affecting DF among Arabic-speaking 12- to 15-year-old children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study assessing 16 middle schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was performed through multistage stratified random sampling. DF among children was measured using the children fear survey schedule-dental subscale (CFSS-DS) questionnaire. A parental questionnaire was used to collect information regarding familial socioeconomic status, parental DF, and DF among siblings and friends. The data were analyzed using the t test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1,522 children were included. Socioeconomic variables were not associated with DF among children. Parental DF, parental dental experiences, siblings' DF, and friends' DF were significantly associated with DF in children. In the regression analysis, mothers' anxiety at the last dental visit, siblings' DF, and friends' DF were significant predictors of DF among children. CONCLUSION: DF in children is associated with mothers' anxiety during their last dental visit and DF in siblings or friends. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Obtaining comprehensive dental, family, and social history from patients is as essential as asking about medical history for pediatric dentists to plan the most appropriate and effective behavioral management techniques for their pediatric patients. Understanding the etiology of DF assists clinicians to provide better oral health services for their fearful patients.

A comparison of calcium hydroxide/iodoform paste and zinc oxide eugenol as root filling materials for pulpectomy in primary teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) has traditionally been used as a root filling material in primary teeth pulpectomy. Calcium hydroxide and iodoform (Ca(OH)2/iodoform) may have advantages as a root canal filling material to evaluate treatment success of Ca(OH)2/iodoform pulpectomy in primary teeth compared with ZOE based on clinical and radiographical criteria. All human clinical studies reporting clinical and radiographical outcomes of Ca(OH)2/iodoform compared with ZOE in primary teeth pulpectomy were identified in digital bibliographic databases. Two authors independently selected studies and extracted relevant study characteristics. Success of treatment was based on an accomplishment of specific clinical and radiographical criteria. Meta-analyses were performed to appraise study heterogeneity and aggregated statistics. Out of 5,000 articles identified in initial search, 15 articles met all inclusion criteria, while 10 were included in the meta-analyses. At 6- and 12-month follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences in the clinical and radiographical success rates of Ca(OH)2/iodoform and ZOE. However, ZOE was shown to have statistically significant higher success rates at ≥18-month follow-up. On the basis of the findings of this systematic review, we recommend that Ca(OH)2/iodoform be utilized for pulpectomy in primary teeth nearing exfoliation; conversely, ZOE should be utilized when exfoliation is not expected to occur soon. Future randomized control clinical trials with a long-term follow-up are needed before a reliable conclusion can be drawn as to the best pulpectomy material. The success of pulpectomy in primary teeth depends on selecting the ideal root canal filling material. It is challenging to select the appropriate filling materials for primary teeth. ZOE or ZOE/iodoform combined with Ca(OH)2 appears to be the materials of choice if primary teeth are not nearing exfoliation. More high-quality randomized control clinical trials with a long-term follow-up period are needed before a reliable conclusion can be drawn as to the best pulpectomy material in primary teeth (systematic review registration number: CRD42016037563).

A randomized controlled clinical trial of glass carbomer restorations in Class II cavities in primary molars: 12-month results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical performance of Glass Carbomer (GC) (GCP Dental) in restoring Class II cavities in primary molars in comparison with resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC) and composite resin (CR) restorations. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Healthy children aged between 4 and 8 years with a proximal lesion in at least one primary molar were recruited from the Pediatric Dental Clinics. A sample of 162 molars was randomly assigned to one of the following restoration types: GC, RMGIC, and CR. The restorations were evaluated clinically using the Cvar and Ryge criteria at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At 12 months, the success rates of anatomical form and marginal adaptation were 67% and 54% for GC, 98% and 93% for RMGIC, and 98% and 98% for CR, respectively. The GC restorations were significantly less successful than RMGIC and CR restorations in terms of anatomical form (P < .001) and marginal adaptation (P < .001). Secondary caries formation was not observed in any of the restorations in the three restorative material groups. CONCLUSION: The 12-month clinical performance of the GC restorative material was not satisfactory in restoring Class II cavities in primary molars. RMGIC and composite resin restorations performed significantly better. The use of GC cannot be recommended for restoring Class II cavities in primary molars.

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment and Interim Therapeutic Restoration: A Review of the Literature.

This review discusses the techniques and uses of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) and interim therapeutic restoration (ITR) and states the differences between these two approaches. ART and ITR are similar approaches and are performed using the same material, but they differ in the purpose of their use. ART is used in cases when there are obstacles to reaching dental care units and has been proven to have high success rates in primary and permanent dentitions. ITR is used as a temporary restoration that will be replaced with a more definitive one. ITR is used in cases when the ideal dental treatment cannot be performed. Conventional glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) restorative cement (GIC) is the material of choice that has been used for ART and ITR. This is because of its fluoride release properties, including its ability to bond to enamel and dentine, its pulpal biocompatibility, and its ease of manipulation. High-viscosity glass ionomer performed better than low and medium-viscosity glass ionomer in ART. Combining GIC with conditioner, as well as the use of a chemo-mechanical approach, improved the success rate of ART. Both ATR and ITR are acceptable strategies, with success rates comparable to the traditional treatment methods.

BiodentineTM versus formocresol pulpotomy technique in primary molars: a 12-month randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this clinical study was to prospectively compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of BiodentineTM pulpotomies versus formocresol pulpotomies in children vital primary molars. METHODS: A randomized, split-mouth study design was used with a sample of 37 healthy children aged 4- to 8-year-old. A total of 56 pairs (112 teeth) of carious primary teeth, 1 pair per child, were selected for treatment. One tooth from each pair was randomly assigned to either the BiodentineTM pulpotomy group or the formocresol pulpotomy group. Children were followed-up at 3, 6 and 12 months for clinical evaluation and at 6 and 12 months for radiographic evaluation. Data were collected, tabulated and analyzed using Fisher exact and McNemar tests. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: At 12 months, the clinical success rates of both BiodentineTM and formocresol groups were 100%, while the radiographic success rates for BiodentineTM and formocresol groups were 100% and 98.1%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups (P=1). The only observed radiographic failure was furcal radiolucency in the formocresol group at 12-month interval. Pulp canal obliteration was radiographically observed in 10/56 (17.9%) and 7/56 (12.5%) cases in the BiodentineTM and formocresol groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both BiodentineTM and formocresol pulpotomy techniques demonstrated favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes over a 12-month period without any significant difference. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on NCT03779698 . Date of Registration: 18 December 2018.

Characterization of the apical bridge barrier formed following amelogenin apexification.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant amelogenin protein (RAP) is reported to induce complete root apex formation in dog model when used as apexification therapy. It also induces pulp regeneration in 85% of the treated group. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the nature of the remaining regenerated calcified tissues of the RAP group that showed no pulp regeneration compared to the calcium hydroxide treated group (CH). METHODS: A total of 240 dogs' open apex root canals were used, after establishment of canals contamination. Canals were cleaned, irrigated, and filled with RAP as an apexification material and compared with CH. Treated teeth were assessed by H&E, trichrome staining, and/or immunohistochemistry technique, at 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: A time-dependent increase in the calcified tissue barrier was observed in the apex of the RAP-treated group compared to the CH-treated group. The newly formed dentin in this RAP group was mainly tubular dentin and was functionally attached to the bone by periodontal ligament, while the CH group showed dentin-associated mineralized tissue (DAMT) associated with the newly formed apical barrier. CONCLUSIONS: Out results suggest that RAP can be used as novel apexification material, resulting in a thickening and strengthening of the canal walls, and achieving apical closure.

Influence of povidone-iodine on micro-tensile bonding strength to dentin under simulated pulpal pressure.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies had reported that bond strength deteriorate over time following the dentin surface pretreatment with chlorhexidine. Therefore, further investigations are needed to evaluate the effect of other materials such as povidone iodine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 10% povidone-iodine pretreatment on the resin-dentin micro-tensile bond strength of a single bond adhesive system in permanent teeth over time, and compare it with 2% chlorhexidine. METHODS: Flat dentin surfaces were prepared in 63 extracted permanent teeth. Teeth were randomly assigned to a 10% povidone-iodine pretreatment, a 2% chlorhexidine pretreatment, or a control group. Composite resin blocks were built up over treated surfaces under pulp pressure simulation. The prepared specimens were assigned to three storage time, 24 h, 1 week, and 2 months. Samples were vertically sectioned to obtain specimens of 0.7 to 1.2 mm2 cross-sectional area. RESULTS: No significant reduction of bond strength of povidone iodine group was found among the three storage times (p = 0.477). A significant reduction of bond strength for both chlorhexidine and control groups was found in the three storage times (p <  0.001). CONCLUSION: Povidone iodine pretreatment of etched dentin was effective in reducing the loss of bond strength over time, while the chlorhexidine pretreatment and negative control showed significant deterioration in micro-tensile bond strength over time in permanent teeth.

Impact of Dental Rehabilitation on Oral Health-related Quality-of-life in Healthy Children and Those with Special Health Care Needs.

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of dental rehabilitation on oral health-related quality-of-life (OHRQoL) in children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and healthy children. Materials and methods: The prospective study's sample consisted of 213 parents of caries-affected children, who were aged 6 years or younger and were scheduled for dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia (DRGA). The parent-child dyads were recruited from three public hospitals in Jeddah between October 2014 and May 2016. They comprised healthy children (n = 133) and CSHCN (n = 80). Parents self-completed the early childhood oral health impact scale (ECOHIS) before and 1 month after DRGA. The parents also rated the overall oral health status of their children by answering a global question before and after DRGA. Results: At baseline, the CSHCN had significantly worse OHRQoL in most of the scale domains at 25.9 [standard deviation (SD) 11.3] and 19.9 (SD 10.3) respectively. The OHRQoL significantly improved in both groups postoperatively (p = 0.005, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). The effect size of the improvement in the CSHCN group (+1.8) was greater than that in the healthy group (+1.5) in all domains, except for the family impact and parental distress sections. Conclusion: The DRGA markedly improves OHRQoL in children aged 6 years or younger, and the improvement is even greater in CSHCN. Clinical significance: The substantial improvement in OHRQoL after DRGA highlights the importance of oral health care in young children, which should receive higher priority than it has been done to date. Keywords: Children with special health care needs, Dental caries, Early childhood oral health impact scale, General anesthesia, Oral health-related quality-of-life.

Consequences of early extraction of compromised first permanent molar: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to determine the sequelae of early extraction of compromised first permanent molars (FPMs) with regard to the skeletal and dental development of 5- to 15-year-old children. Meta-analysis was conducted when applicable. METHODS: Our research protocol included a search strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and a data extraction plan. The search engines used were PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct. Study selection was performed independently by three reviewers. Articles published from 1960 to 2017 were reviewed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed to compare space closure between upper and lower arches. RESULTS: Eleven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The consequences were decrease in post extraction space, accelerated development and eruption of second permanents molars (SPMs) and third molars, a decrease in caries and/or fillings on the proximal surfaces of adjacent teeth, lingual tipping and retrusion of incisors, and counter clockwise rotation of the occlusal plane. CONCLUSION: There were several consequences of early extraction of FPMs, which were related to skeletal and dental development. Our systematic review suggests that comprehensive evaluation of the compromised FPMs should be performed before planning an extraction. The ideal time for FPM extraction is when the SPM is at the early bifurcation stage in order to achieve complete closure of the extraction space by the SPM. Benefits should be weighed over the risks to decrease the risk of unfavorable outcomes as much as possible. However, due to the limited evidence on the outcomes and variables that influence them, high-quality prospective studies are needed.

Effects of child characteristics and dental history on dental fear: cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Dental fear (DF) is a challenging problem in dentistry. It is multifactorial in origin and many contributing factors have been identified. The aim of the study was to assess dental fear among 12-15 years old Arabic speaking children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and its relation to demographic variables, previous dental experience, and child behaviour. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1522 boys and girls from middle schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia participated in this study during the period of 2014 to 2016. The Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) was used to assess DF. A parental questionnaire was used to record the children's previous dental experience. Children were examined for caries and the children's behaviour was assessed during dental examination using Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale. The associations between different variables and the CFSS-DS scores were analysed using t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The response rate of the questionnaires was 78.6%. The mean CFSS-DS score was 25.99 ± 9.3 out of a maximum of 75. Bivariate analysis showed that younger children, girls, and public-school students were significantly more fearful than older children, boys, and private school children, respectively (P < 0.001). Children who showed poor behaviour during dental examination were significantly more fearful than those with good behaviour (P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that children who had significantly higher scores of dental fear were the children who did not visit the dentist in the past year due to dental fear; who never visited the dentist or those who only visited the dentist on pain; who were reported by parents as crying, screaming, or resistant during their previous dental visit; and those who were described to be in pain during previous dental treatment. Dental caries showed no significant association with DF. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that DF is low among 12-15 years old Arabic speaking children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. DF is associated with age, gender, school type, irregular patterns of dental visits, painful experiences during previous dental visits and negative behaviours during dental examinations.

Responsiveness of the Arabic version of the ECOHIS to dental rehabilitation under general anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: The Arabic version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (A-ECOHIS) has been validated, but its ability to detect change was not tested. AIM: To evaluate the responsiveness of the A-ECOHIS to dental rehabilitation under general anaesthesia (DRGA). DESIGN: A consecutive sample of 131 parents of children aged 6 years or younger, scheduled for DRGA were recruited from three public hospitals. The parents completed the A-ECOHIS before and 4 weeks following DRGA. The responsiveness of the A-ECOHIS was assessed by evaluating changes in scores before and after DRGA, and by measuring the change in scores in relation to the global question. RESULTS: The A-ECOHIS scores were higher among parents who reported poor oral health on the global question than those reporting better oral health (P = 0.001). There was a significant reduction in the scores at follow-up (P < 0.001). The effect size was 1.5 for the total scale, and 1.3 and 1.6 for the child and family impacts, respectively. After DRGA, the child and family impact section scores decreased by 78.6% and 77.9%, respectively. The majority of parents reported improvement in children's overall oral health-related quality of life post-operatively (94%). CONCLUSION: The A-ECOHIS was responsive to DRGA.