RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine if oral health, obesity, and demographic factors have an impact on self-esteem among school-going children in United Arab Emirates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten schools (six private and four public) were selected using random digit table. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth index according to the World Health Organization criteria was used to assess dental caries. Obesity was measured by body mass index (BMI = weight [kg]/height [m2]). Data related to demographic details and toothbrushing were collected and entered into assessment forms. The mental well-being was assessed using Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. RESULTS: Self-esteem score was 19.8 (standard deviation [SD], ±3.8) mean, and ranged from 19.1 to 20.5. The presence or absence of dental caries or their body shape (obesity/overweight/normal weight) had no impact on the self-esteem scores. Of the participants, 93% brushed daily, whereas the brushing frequency was significantly greater in female children (98%) (P < 0.001) and children with higher self-esteem scores (P = 0.066). The self-esteem scores of school children was positively associated with age as elder children had higher scores (P = 0.001). Children of Indian origin had lower self-esteem (P = 0.004). BMI was negatively associated (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale scores were found to be lower in young children and Indian children. The child's obesity and dental caries status had no significant influence on their self-esteem. High self-esteem in older children can be linked with increased toothbrushing frequency.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to assess the cavity wall adaptation and gap formation of a bulk fill composite resin and reinforced conventional glass ionomer cement and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement in class II restorations on primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized class II slot cavity preparations were prepared in exfoliating primary molars. Teeth were restored with one of the three tested materials (n = 10): SonicFill bulk fill composite resin (SF), EQUIA Fil conventional reinforced glass ionomer cement (EQF), and Vitremer resin-reinforced glass ionomer cement (VT). Cavity wall adaptation of the restorations was investigated by computerized X-ray micro-tomography and the percentage void volume fraction (%VVF) was calculated. Same specimens were sectioned and the interfaces were evaluated by reflection optical microscopy to measure the percentage linear length (%LD) of the interfacial gaps. Samples were further evaluated by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). RESULTS: EQF and SF showed significantly lower %VVF and %LD values than VT (p < 0.05). This was in accordance with ESEM findings where VT illustrated extended interfacial gaps. CONCLUSIONS: SF and EQF showed better cavity wall adaptation than VT in class II restorations on primary molars. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High-strength conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC EQF) and bulk fill composite SF requiring fewer application steps and reduced operating time than the traditional composite resin materials showed good cavity wall adaptation. Short operating time and good cavity wall adaptation are advantages of the materials in restorative and pediatric dentistry, especially while working on children with limited attention span.
