Assessment of the eating disorders and relationship with dental caries, age, gender, and body mass index in a sample of Turkish adolescents aged 9 through 15.

Background and Aims: Eating disorders (ED) are an important public health problem for adolescents due to changing eating attitudes. Using the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) with a sample of Turkish adolescents aged 9-15 years, this study evaluated the behavioral risk of ED and its association with dental caries, age, body mass index (BMI), and gender. Subjects and Methods: The EAT-26 scoring system was used, and variables examined included demographic, familial, sociocultural, social, and clinical features. Data were analyzed using SPSS® Statistics for Windows, version 20.0. (IBM, New York, NY, USA). Results: A total of 112 adolescents, 46 (41.1%) boys, and 66 (58.9%) girls (mean age 11.46 ± 1.91 years), were evaluated. EAT-26 mean scores were 16.0 (10.0-21.0) for girls and 14.0 (12.0-23.0) for boys (Mann Whitney U test; P = 0.509). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean BMI scores and the mean EAT-26 scores for girls and boys (Mann Whitney U test) (P = 0.509) (P = 0.636). The mean DMFT decay-missing-filled and total) was higher in EAT-26 >20 than in EAT-26 <20, and the difference was statistically significant (Mann Whitney U test; P = 0.008). BMI was not correlated with EAT-26 (Spearman rank correlation test, r = -0.013, P = 0.156), but there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the development of caries and age (Spearman rank correlation test, r = 0.405, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Early diagnosis of ED is crucial because it primarily starts during childhood and adolescence. It is responsible for the dft of the deciduous teeth. BMI is related to decay,missed,filled,total (DMFT), decay, filled, total (dft), and age in adolescents aged 9-15 years. Furthermore, we searched subgroups of EAT-26 for dental caries. Dieting score may be a significant factor for dental caries for ED. However, observing ability is an important factor for dentists because they can inform parents and provide information on preventing ED.

Do Ginger Extract, Natural Honey and Bitter Chocolate Remineralize Enamel Surface as Fluoride Toothpastes? An In-Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: In recent literatures, much attention has been given to natural products for their health benefits. AIMS: In this study, the objective was to measure the efficacy of the ginger-honey-chocolate mixture as the remineralization effect has been shown in the literature previously and to evaluate the individual contributions of this mixture; ginger, natural honey, bitter chocolate separately on remineralization of initial enamel caries lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All specimens were divided into eight groups as: Ginger (Arifoglu®, Turkey) in powder form, (n = 8); Ginger-Honey-Chocolate (n = 8); Natural honey (Balparmak Plateau Blossom Honey®, Turkey) (n = 9); Bitter chocolate (Nestlé®, Switzerland) (n = 8); MI Paste (GC, Japan) (n = 8); Paradontax (Sensodyne, Glaxosmithklein, USA) (n = 9); Pronamel (Sensodyne, Glaxosmithklein, USA) (n = 9); Control (n = 9) groups. Samples were carried out five pH cycles along 7 days at 37°C for each group. During pH cycling, blocks were put in a demineralization (6 h) and a remineralization solution (18 h). The treatment consisted of 1 min. interaction of enamel surfaces with agent/deionized slurries (1:3 w/w) on a daily basis. The surface microhardness (SMH) was determined before and after pH cycling with a Digital Micro-Vickers Hardness Tester (Wilson Wolpert; Europe BV, 401 MVD, Netherlands). Mineral changes were determined by using FluoreCam® and recovery values were calculated as SMHR% and FΔ%, respectively. RESULTS: All groups showed an enhanced remineralization. There was no significant difference in terms of FΔ% (F = 1.223, P = 0.304) and SMHR% (F = 0.709, P = 0.664) between all groups. CONCLUSION: The herbals (ginger, honey, and bitter chocolate) examined in this study gave promising results with a high remineralization potential.

Is there any relationship between hypodontia and hyperdontia with taurodontism, microdontia and macrodontia? A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hypodontia and hyperdontia may occur with other dental anomalies such as microdontia, taurodontism, talon cusp, macrodontia and germination. AIMS: The aim of this study to evaluate the relationship between hypodontia and hyperdontia with taurodontism, macrodontia and microdontia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 2,348 Turkish patients aged 7 to 12 years and treated between 01.01.2017 and 01.01.2018 in Bahcelievler Oral and Dental Health Hospital were evaluated. Data were collected and differences in the distribution of hypodontia and hyperdontia including other dental anomalies were analysed. RESULTS: Of the total sample of 2,348 patients, 1,126 (48%) were girls, 1,222 (52%) were boys. Hypodontia was found in 177 children (93 girls (53%), 84 boys (47%)). The prevalence of hypodontia and hyperdontia were 7.5% and 0.9%. Taurodontism is the most common dental anomalies in hypodontia patients (39%) followed by microdontia (10%). Taurodontism was more prevalent in girls (42%) than in boys (36.5%). Microdontia was found in 10 patients and macrodontia was observed in 9 hypodontia patients. Hyperdontia was found in 21 children [8 girls (38%), 13 boys (62%)]. The most common supernumerary tooth found was mesiodens (85%) and it's more prevalent in boys (67%) than in girls (33%). Taurodontism is the most common dental anomaly (48%) following macrodontia (19%) and were found to be much more prevalent in boys (53%) (23%) than in girls (37.5%) (12.5%). Microdontia was found in only 1 boy (%7.7) in hyperdontia patients. CONCLUSION: Hypodontia and hyperdontia with taurodontism, microdontia, and macrodontia need much more complex treatment plan. All cases should be evaluated using interdisciplinary approach for appropriate treatment choice. This helps in longterm and effective treatment planning according to a child's individual requirements.

The effect of accelerated mineral trioxide aggregate on odontoblastic differentiation in dental pulp stem cell niches.

AIM: To investigate the effect of accelerated-set mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on the proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cell niches (DPSC). METHODOLOGY: ProRoot White MTA (WMTA; Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Johnson City, TN, USA) was mixed with various additives, which included distilled water, 2.5% disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2 HPO4 ; Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) and 5% calcium chloride (CaCl2 ; Merck). DPSC niches extracted from third molars were cultured directly on MTA in the culture medium. Cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4- sulphophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. Cell growth and expression of odontoblastic differentiation markers (dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and collagen type 1 (COL1)) were determined using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis. Osteo-/odontogenic differentiation of DPSC niches was evaluated by measurement of alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP). Calcium deposition was assessed using von Kossa staining. The results were analysed statistically using Mann-Whitney tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: MTA mixed with 5% CaCl2 and 2.5% Na2 HPO4 exhibited optimal cell viability (P < 0.05) compared to MTA mixed with distilled water. MTA mixed with 5% CaCl2 and 2.5% Na2 HPO4 significantly increased ALP activity (P < 0.05), significantly promoted mineralization nodule formation (P < 0.05) and significantly enhanced the mRNA expression level of the osteogenic/odontogenic markers (P < 0.05; DSPP and COL1) compared with MTA mixed with distilled water. CONCLUSIONS: MTA mixed with 5% CaCl2 and 2.5% Na2 HPO4 was biocompatible with dental pulp stem cell niches. Accelerated-set MTA promoted better differentiation in DPSC niches than conventional MTA. The accelerators could provide an alternative to MTA mixed with distilled water.

A novel quantitative light-induced fluorescence device for monitoring molar-incisor hypomineralization.

BACKGROUND: The FluoreCam system is based on an innovative approach to the quantification of enamel health termed fluorescence enamel imaging (FEI). Enamel is both highly mineralized and semi-translucent. Because of its mineral composition, enamel will fluoresce when exposed to certain light wavelengths. The semi-translucent nature of enamel results in different enamel densities emitting different levels of fluorescence. As a result, with FEI technology, one can measure the density of tooth enamel by measuring its fluorescence when subjected to specific light wavelengths. PURPOSE: To determine the ability of visual examination and the instrumental procedures of the FluoreCam to monitor molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) lesions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study involved children with MIH at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Marmara University. In total, 11 patients with MIH were diagnosed on a visual MIH scale and evaluated with the FluoreCam. The equipment, data processing, and interaction between the equipment and operator were evaluated. RESULTS: Fluorescent images recorded with the custom software, the clinical view, and digital numeric values were evaluated to assess the potential for use of the device in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: These preliminary data from an ongoing clinical study suggest that measurements with the FluoreCam are useful in monitoring MIH. This technique also provides visual and quantitative feedback to patients.

Prevalence of concomitant hypo-hyperdontia in a group of Turkish orthodontic patients.

AIM: Was to investigate hypodontia and supernumerary teeth, in the same individual, which is termed 'concomitant hypo-hyperodontia' (CHH) and the frequency of CHH in a large sample of non-syndromic orthodontic patients. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the records were reviewed of 1236 Turkish orthodontic patients treated between 1994 and 2003 at Marmara University, Paediatric Clinics. Data were collected and analysed for differences in the distribution of hypodontia and supernumerary teeth, sex, and malocclusion type. RESULTS: A total of 1236 orthodontic patients were included in this study. The mean age of children was 17.05 years (SD = 2.5). The prevalence of hypodontia was 7 % (82) and was more frequently found in girls. Concomitant hypo-hyperodontia was found in 9 children, involving 8 boys and 1 girl. The frequency of mesiodens in hypodontia patients with Class I, II, and Class III malocclusions was 3 (3 boys), 5 (5 boys) and 1 (1 girl), respectively. CHH prevalence was found 0.7 % (9 patients). The gender ratio was 0.2:1.1 for CHH. CONCLUSIONS: Supernumerary teeth may lead to some clinical problems including malocclusions, aesthetic and functional complaints, and also psychological problems. Early diagnosis of the condition and multidisciplinary approach for management of such cases is recommended.

Evaluation of panoramic radiographs taken from 1,056 Turkish children.

OBJECTIVE: Panoramic radiographs (PRs) play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment planning of a wide range of dental and maxillofacial diseases and conditions. To examine and to determine the status of oral lesions, dental anomalies and pathologies in panoramic radiographs, which were taken at the department of pediatric dentistry, Dental School, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study consists of 1,056 randomly selected PRs of children aged from 4 to 12 years old, conducted at the department of pediatric dentistry at Dental School, Marmara University, between 5 th December 2011 and 17 th January 2012. The following information was obtained from the patients' records and PRs: Gender, age, presence or absence of oral lesions, dental anomalies and pathologies such as mesiodentes, supernumerary teeth, odontoma, radicular cyst, impacted tooth, and fusion. RESULTS: One thousand and fifty-six PRs from 520 girls and 536 boys were observed. The mean and standard deviation age of the patients was 8.43 ± 2.17. Among 1,056 patients, 457 (43.28%) of them had oral lesions, discovered by the PRs. The age of these 457 patients was ranged from 4 to 12 years. There were 37 (3.50%) mesiodentes, 9 (0.85%) supernumerary teeth, 4 (0.38%) odontoma, 12 (1.14%) radicular cyst, 16 (1.52%) impacted tooth, and 20 (1.89%) fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Oral lesions with a rate of 43.28% could be detected relatively at early age, as presented in the present study. Early treatment of these lesions, dental anomalies, and pathologies could avoid maxillofacial deformity and other complications.

Oral health and related factors in a group of children with cystic fibrosis in Istanbul, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients can be considered as high caries risk patients because they frequently consume sugar-rich food between meals and they have a high intake of sugar containing syrups, aerosols, and salivary flow reducing medication. Variable caries prevalences were reported in CF patients in previous studies. There are no studies related to CF and salivary thromboplastic activity, which can be presented as a marker of wound healing and bleeding tendency of oral cavity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare oral health status and salivary pH, flow rate, and thromboplastic activity in children with CF and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 35 children with CF (23 girls and 12 boys), and 12 healthy control subjects (6 girls and 6 boys) were selected. Caries experience, oral hygiene, and dental erosion were assessed. Salivary flow rate, pH, thromboplastic activity, and total protein content were determined. Differences between the groups were evaluated using Chi-square test with a significance level set at 0.05. RESULTS: The differences between children with CF and healthy controls in tooth brushing frequency, use of fluoride tablets, caries experience, dental erosion index, oral hygiene index, salivary flow rate and total protein levels were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Salivary thromboplastic activity of the CF group was significantly lower than the healthy controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Large population studies may be necessary to establish the role of salivary thromboplastic activity in children with CF considering our findings related to the decreased salivary thromboplastic activity, which may indicate delayed oral wound healing process.

Effect of long term 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation on enamel microhardness of rat's teeth.

PURPOSE: Oral tissues are important parts of body that absorbs radiation emitted from mobile phones which is the most popular technological equipment in the world. Because of the limited studies in this field, we aimed to investigate the effect of Radio Frequency (RF) radiation emitted from 900 MHz mobile phones on the enamel micro hardness of rat teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on twenty one Wistar Albino adult male rats which were divided into two groups such as control and experiment groups. For the study group (n: 14), rats exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days in a week) for 10 months. For the control group (n: 7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. At the end of the study, enamel micro hardness of rat's teeth was measured. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that 900 MHz RF radiation did not alter the enamel micro hardness of rats' teeth (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of 900 MHz RF radiation for 2 hours per day during ten months does not alter enamel micro hardness of rats' teeth. However, further studies are necessary to clarify this topic.

Microleakage of new glass ionomer restorative materials in permanent teeth.

AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microleakage of the new glass ionomers ChemFil Rock and IonoluxAC in comparison to Fuji IX GP Extra and the composite Aelite LS Posterior in permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class V standardised U-shaped cavities were made on a total of 40 freshly extracted teeth and restored with different glass ionomer materials (4 groups of 10 samples each). After thermocycling, the teeth were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin for 24h. They were then sectioned in the buccolingual direction. Microleakage was assessed for the occlusal and gingival margins under a microscope at 40x magnification. RESULTS: There were significant differences among the materials used (p=0.000). While there was no dye penetration in the Fuji IX GP EXTRA group, which behaved similarly to the composite resin group, ChemFil Rock showed less microleakage than Ionolux AC. The Wilcoxon rank test showed no significant differences in the occlusal and gingival scores between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Although cavities filled with a conventional glass ionomer (Fuji IX GP Extra) had significantly less leakage than cavities filled with the new glass ionomers (ChemFil Rock and Ionolux AC), these results do not reflect all the variables present in vivo conditions. As the in vitro evaluation of new materials does not always reveal their full limitations or possibilities, clinical testing of new systems remains the ultimate proof of effectiveness.

Related factors of dental caries and molar incisor hypomineralisation in a group of children with cystic fibrosis.

AIM: To investigate dental caries and molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH)-related factors such as treatment, diet, brushing and salivary factors in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) compared with healthy peers. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study was performed. METHODS: This study was performed on 30 CF children comprising patients at the Faculty of Medicine and 30 control children recruited from the Dental School. Salivary factors, dental caries, MIH, daily diet, brushing habits were analysed. Statistical analysis was calculated by SPSS for Windows. RESULTS: Decay missing filled teeth (DMF-T) score was 4.6 ± 4.0 in CF and 7.7 ± 2.7 in control (p = 0.001). 43% of CF children with MIH were found to use antibiotics, but no significant difference in the caries experience was found with antibiotic usage (p > 0.05). DMF-T of CF adolescents (23%) who use Tobramycin was 7 ± 3.5. DMF-T of CF children (20%) who take other antibiotics was 2.5 ± 3.5, but no statistical difference was found (p = 0.054). Saliva pH, salivary flow rate, and buffering capacity were not found statistically significant (p > 0.05). STATISTICS: Percentage arithmetic mean value, standard deviation, independent sample t test, Fisher's exact test, Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used, while a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Medication and diet could be considered as a risk factor for dental caries and factors such as salivary pH, good oral hygiene could play a protective role for oral health CF children. MIH frequency and lower caries experience seen in CF children could be due to salivary factors or pharmacological treatment they take. The multidisciplinary approach team would be advantageous in the management of children with CF and oral health should be under control during early years of life by paediatric dentists.

Demirjian's system for estimating dental age among Northwestern Turkish children aged 4-16 years.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the timing of individual tooth formation stages in a group of northwestern Turkish children and to evaluate the suitability of Demirjian's method. STUDY DESIGN: dental ages (DAs) were assessed from 1,678 digital panoramic radiographs of healthy children (aged 4-16 years; 743 females and 935 males). Seven mandibular teeth were evaluated according to the Demirjian's eight-grade dental maturity scale by one examiner. Dental age was compared to chronologic age (CA) using a paired t-test. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were assessed with 250 OPGs. RESULTS: The mean difference between DA and CA was statistically significant among genders (p = 0.004), and it was 0.50 +/-1.90 years in girls and 0.77+/-1.86 years in boys. The mean DA was significantly higher (p<0.0001) than the mean CA in the entire studied group; therefore, dental development was considerably accelerated. The Intra- and Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for the assessment of DA were 0.964 and 0.961, respectively, which is considered "substantial agreement". CONCLUSION: Results show that the mean DAs of the studied group of Turkish children are significantly higher than the CAs. Overestimation is notable at the beginning of puberty.

The effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate on enamel surface rehardening. An in vitro study.

AIM: Casein phosphopeptide stabilised amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) has been shown to remineralise enamel subsurface lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a paste containing 10% CPP-ACP (Toothmousse; GC) on enamel surface microhardness in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty enamel blocks (3x2 mm) were prepared for the study group from the buccal surface of extracted teeth. The microhardness of the enamel surface was determined for the specimens initially before artificial demineralisation. After demineralization the specimens were incubated in 10% CPP-ACP for 5 min. Artificial saliva was used as a remineralising solution for the control group. RESULTS: The mean baseline surface microhardness analyses of enamel blocks were 318.61±25.75 and 262.49±26.82. The data show that after demineralisation the mean microhardness decline in the experimental groups (247.05± 38.31 and 186.92± 63.77). The results showed that 10% CPP-ACP (281.79±26.32) was comparable to the control (252.27± 31.05) for remineralisation of enamel subsurface lesions in vitro. The highest surface microhardness recovery (%SMHR) was found for control, but the differences of % SMHR between 10% CPP-ACP and control was not statistically significant (p=0.805). CONCLUSION: From the results it can be concluded that CPP-ACP may have positive effects on enamel remineralisation.

Effect of extremely low frequency magnetic field on enamel microhardness in rats.

AIM: The potential effects on human health of extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) are of considerable concern. In the present study, it was investigated the effect of long term ELF-MF exposure on microhardness of rat teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups. The first and second experimental groups (n=10) were exposed to 100 µT and 500 µT ELF-MF during 10 months, 2 hours a day respectively. For the control group, nothing was applied to the rats and they completed their life cycle in the cage during the study period. After ELF-MF exposure, microhardness of enamel surface was determined for each group. RESULTS: The decrease in microhardness in the second experimental group was found to be statistically significant compared to the control group (P <0.05). However, no statistical difference was found between the first and second experimental groups (P >0.05). CONCLUSION: From the results it can be concluded that 500 µT level of magnetic field strengths may have a certain negative effect on enamel mineralisation. Further investigations are necessary to analyse the effect of ELF-MF on teeth.

Conventional endodontic treatment of primary molars using metronidazole as an intra-canal medicament: a pilot study.

AIM: This was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of an antibacterial drug (Metronidazole, Nidazol, IE Ulagay Ilac A.S) application as an intra-canal medicament combined with pulpectomy in infected primary molar teeth. METHODS: The study material consisted of data collected from children treated at the Dental School Dept. of Paediatric Dentistry in Marmara University between 2000 and 2004. Clinical and radiographic data were collected over 2 years from patients who had received a topical application of metronidazole in root canal dressing before a pulpectomy was completed. Clinical success parameters were: no abscess formation, no fistula, no pain and no pathologic mobility at treated teeth with metranidazole dressing. The overall success and failure rates were analysed. Radiographic diagnosis was standardized between investigators and intra and inter-rater reliability assessed. Both investigators read and evaluated all radiographs, after a comparison of results, a consensus was agreed upon for each result. STATISTICS: All data were entered into an Excel format and SPSS 11.0 P < 0.05 were used for Windows and Chi-square for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were 64 molars assessed for clinical and radiographic success. Considering the eruption times, success rate was 75% as determined by the last follow up clinically and radiographically according to predetermined success criteria. In the 64 molars, 4 cases demonstrated loss of the alveolar bone, 3 exhibited varying degrees of root resorptions on radiographic examination and 3 showed clinical pathologic mobility. Fistulae were observed in only 1 case and early loss was detected in 5 cases. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that main factors responsible for failure may be associated with uncertain mixing proportions of the metronidazole paste and inadequate maxillary restorations. But some modifications in preparing the paste could increase its efficacy.

Viability of fibroblasts in a novel probiotic storage media.

A number of storage media have been investigated as to their ability to maintain the viability of the periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and thus to permit longer extra-alveolar periods prior to replantation of avulsed teeth. The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the number of viable PDL cells of avulsed teeth treated by Hank's Balanced Salt Solutions (HBSS), saline, a novel probiotic solution and milk. Thirty-six freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth with closed apices were divided into one of the four experimental groups and two control groups (N = 6 each). The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0 min and an 8-h dry time respectively. Following extraction, the coronal 3 mm of PDL tissue was scraped with a #15 scalpel to remove cells that might have been damaged. The experimental teeth were dried for 30 min followed by a 45 min immersion in one of the four experimental media. Each experimental tooth, after drying and soaking, was incubated for 30 min with a 2.5 ml solution of 0.2 mg ml(-1) of collagenase CLS II and a 2.4 mg ml(-1) solution of dispase grade II in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The cells were then labelled with 0.4% Trypan blue for determination of viability. The teeth stored in positive control demonstrated the highest number of viable PDL cells followed in rank order by HBSS, saline, Lactobacillus reuteri solution and milk. There was no significant difference in the number of viable PDL cells between HBSS, milk, L. reuteri solution and saline. Within the parameters of this study, it appears that probiotic may be able to maintain PDL cell viability as HBSS, milk, or saline.

A comparative study of fissure sealants Helioseal Clear Chroma and Delton FS(+): 3 year results.

AIM: To evaluate the retention rates of a resin based colour changing fissure sealant (Helioseal Clear Chroma; Ivoclar Vivadent AG Schaan, Liechtenstein) compared with a coloured resin based fluoride fissure sealant (Delton FS(+); Dentsply De Trey GmbH,Konstanz,Germany). METHODS: The fissure sealants (FS) were placed on all 4 caries-free first permanent molars of 31 children aged 6-9 years, using a half mouth experimental design by a paediatric dentist according to the manufacturers' instructions. A total of 121 FS were placed at baseline. Teeth were evaluated at 3 month intervals for 36 months where a preventive program including topical fluoride application was applied. RESULTS: Retention rates for 36 months showed a differences between Delton FS(+) and Helioseal Clear Chroma that were statistically significant (p<0.05). Delton FS(+) had total retention rate of 30.4% for 36 months compared with Helioseal Clear Chroma at 10.8% for the same evaluation period. Although Delton FS(+) showed significantly better results than Helioseal Clear Chroma for the evaluation periods, there were no statistically significant differences between Delton FS(+) (90.7%) and Helioseal Clear Chroma (80.4%) with respect to caries incidence at 36 months(p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Delton FS(+) showed a better complete retention rate for occlusal FS at one year. Both FS were aesthetically acceptable and easy to see during application and follow-up periods and gave significant protection from occlusal decay.

Growth analysis of a patient with ectodermal dysplasia treated with endosseous implants: 6-year follow-up.

The purpose of this article is to report the clinical course and 6-year follow-up of a child with ectodermal dysplasia who was treated with implants surgery very early. This article reports placement of mandibular endosseous implants in a 4-year-old patient with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and oligodontia. This congenital anomaly does not appear to retard healing and the osseointegration remains after 6 years and 3 months of loading. Mandibular and maxillary skeletal growth and development was normal. However, because of lack of alveolar growth, in time, patient's vertical growth pattern changed to low angle. This could be corrected by changing the vertical heights of the abutment and prosthesis. As a result, in ectodermal dysplasias cases with anadontia, early implant placement and fixed prosthesis could be a good multidisciplinary treatment option for poor cooperative child.

Bacteriotherapy and probiotics' role on oral health.

Oral infections constitute some of the most common and costly forms of infections in humans. The concept of microbial ecological change as a mechanism for preventing dental disease is an important one while altered microbial ecology may lead to dental disease. New methods such as probiotic approaches (i.e. whole bacteria replacement therapy) to eliminate pathogenic members of the microbiota can be investigated. Bacteriotherapy is an alternative and promising way to combat infections by using harmless bacteria to displace pathogenic microorganisms. Probiotics are one of these new agents which are widely used for their therapeutic action. Limited research is available showing that some probiotic cultures may help dental improvement. Present paper focuses on possible oral benefits of probiotics.