Association of Mothers' Genetic Taste Perception to Eating Habits and Its Influence on Early Childhood Caries in Preschool Children: An Analytical Study.

Aims: To examine (1) the association of mothers' 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) sensitivity with snacking habits and caries experience of both the mother and their 2-5-year-old preschool children and (2) the association of feeding habits with caries prevalence in 2-5-year-old children. Materials and methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 2-5-year-old preschool children were clinically examined by a single calibrated examiner and divided into two groups of 80 children with early childhood caries (ECC) and 80 without. Mothers of the children were clinically examined and a second blinded investigator determined their genetic taste type using PROP. Data regarding feeding practices of the child and snacking habits of the mother and child were obtained using questionnaires. The data obtained were statistically analyzed. Results: Cariogenic snack consumption was more among nontaster mothers and their children (p value < 0.001). More number of children of the nontaster mothers in the ECC group were bottle-fed with sweetened beverages (n = 24) and received sweet snacks as rewards (n = 32). Caries prevalence of 73%, 20%, and 7% was seen in children of nontaster, medium taster, and supertaster mothers, respectively (p value < 0.05). Significant association was found between mother's caries activity, past bottle-feeding, receiving sweet snacks as reward and their child's caries experience. Conclusion: Mothers' PROP sensitivity was significantly associated with snacking habits and caries experience of their children. Mothers' PROP type could be an important factor that may determine and explain the dental caries experience in their 2-5-year-old preschool children. Clinical significance: Early identification of nontaster mothers may prove beneficial in guiding them and consecutively their children toward healthy dietary habits, leading to lesser incidence of caries and their better overall wellbeing. How to cite this article: Nellamakkada K, Patil SS, Kakanur M, et al. Association of Mothers' Genetic Taste Perception to Eating Habits and Its Influence on Early Childhood Caries in Preschool Children: An Analytical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S135-S139.

A cross-sectional cariogram-based comparison of caries risk profile in children with various levels of intellectual disability.

AIM: To compare the caries risk profile in children with mild, moderate, and severe intellectual disability (ID) using cariogram. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare caries risk profile using cariogram among 150 children aged 6-18 years, with various levels of ID (50 each in Mild ID, Moderate ID, and Severe ID groups), attending special schools in Bengaluru city. The risk assessment consisted of: a questionnaire, an interview, estimation of oral hygiene, saliva sampling, microbial evaluation and clinical examination. Statistical analysis of the results obtained was performed using Chi-square/Fischer's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The overall comparison showed significant differences between the groups across all parameters except diet (P = 0.131), fluoride exposure (P = 1), salivary flow rate (P = 0.3), and buffer capacity (P = 1). Caries risk was high among children with severe intellectually disability while the actual chance to avoid caries was found to be high in the Mild ID group. Bacteria was one of the dominant caries risk sectors followed by susceptibility, circumstances, and diet. CONCLUSION: Cariogram can be used as an effective tool in assessing caries prediction, thus aiding in identifying different risk groups in a community so that appropriate preventive measures can be implemented to overcome the caries risk.

A clinical evaluation of two electronic apex locators and conventional radiography in working length determination in primary molar and its influence on children's behavioral responses.

BACKGROUND: Accurate root canal length determination, simplicity of the procedure, and patient's cooperation are important determinants in the success of endodontic treatment in primary teeth. AIM: The aim of the study was to clinically compare the accuracy of Propex Pixi and Formatron D10 apex locators with conventional radiography in determining working length in mandibular primary second molars with and without varying degrees of physiological root resorption. DESIGN: A nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted in 115 mandibular primary second molars indicated for pulpectomy in 90 pediatric dental patients. A single calibrated examiner determined the working length by conventional radiographic method and electronic apex locator (EAL) methods in a total of 376 canals. Behavior of the children during execution of each method in each tooth was recorded using the Frankl's behavior rating scale. The data obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Significant correlation (intraclass correlation = 0.80 and 0.81, P < 0.001) could be detected between working length measurements obtained using Propex Pixi and Formatron D10 and measurements obtained using conventional radiography. Higher percentage of negative behaviors (negative and definitely negative) was observed during the conventional radiographic method (68.6%) as opposed to the Propex Pixi (16.5%) and Formatron D10 (20.8%) methods. CONCLUSIONS: Both the apex locators were as accurate as conventional radiography in determining working length in primary teeth; Formatron D10 being more accurate than Propex Pixi. The EALs were far better accepted by children than conventional radiography.

Effects of Habit-Breaking Appliances on Tongue Movements during Deglutition in Children with Tongue Thrust Swallowing using Ultrasonography - A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the duration and range of tongue movements in tongue thrust swallow patterns with and without habit-breaking appliances using computer-aided M-mode ultrasound images. Also to record the corresponding position of the tongue associated with normal and tongue thrust swallowing pattern using B-mode ultrasound images. METHODOLOGY: Ten patients with mature swallow pattern, ten subjects with anterior tongue thrust (ATT) and ten patients with lateral tongue thrust (LTT) swallowing habit were analyzed for the duration and range of tongue movement using two-dimensional ultrasound M-mode images before and after insertion of three habit-breaking appliances (anterior tongue crib [ATC], double oral screen [DOS] and DeLuke oral trainer [DOT]). Further, B-mode images were examined for the tongue positions in different swallow patterns with and without appliances. RESULTS: Duration and range of tongue movement for the entire swallowing phase did not show a statistically significant difference for mature, ATT and LTT. Statistical significant difference existed in the duration between ATC and DOS with DOT for ATT patient (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, a significant difference existed in the range of tongue movement between DOS and DOT in LTT patients (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Remarkable changes in the tongue position were observed postinsertion of DOT in both anterior and LTT swallow patterns where the tongue tip and anterior tongue dorsum shifted upward toward the anterior palate resembling that of a mature swallow pattern.

A quantitative analysis of total carbohydrate content from the salivary expectorants in young children.

BACKGROUND: In this postfluoride era, the concentration of fermentable carbohydrate in saliva after food intake is important to determine the risk of developing dental caries. AIM: The aim of this study is to estimate the total carbohydrate content of salivary expectorants following consumption of commercially processed snacks. DESIGN: Thirty children aged 6-8 years were selected for estimation of total carbohydrate content of salivary expectorants using modified calorimetric anthrone-sulfuric acid-glucose reaction. The test foods analyzed were as follows: Test food A - potato chips, Test food B - glucose biscuits, Test food C - Oreo biscuits, Test food D - cake, and Test food E - cornflakes. The data obtained were analyzed using student's t-test and ANOVA. RESULTS: The difference between the mean carbohydrate values of salivary expectorants of various processed test food groups at 0 and 10 min was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001). After 10 min interval, cornflakes were found to have highest total carbohydrate content in salivary expectorant (5.186 mg/ml). CONCLUSION: The foods with high starch content such as cornflakes and potato chips exhibited higher total carbohydrate content, thus depicting lower salivary clearance rate.

SEM Analysis of Residual Dentin Surface in Primary Teeth Using Different Chemomechanical Caries Removal Agents.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the residual dentinal surfaces following caries removal using two chemomechanical methods (Papacarie Duo and Carie Care), by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). STUDY DESIGN: Twenty extracted primary molars with active occlusal carious lesions were randomly assigned two groups depending on the CMCR agent used for the caries excavation - Group 1 - with Papacarie Duo and Group - 2 with Carie Care. After the caries excavation, the specimens were subjected to SEM analysis. RESULTS: Though both the agents showed the minimal smear layer with the patent dentinal tubules, Carie care showed patent dentinal tubules with a clearly exposed peritubular and intertubular collagen network. CONCLUSION: Carie Care treated surface exhibited better surface morphology of residual dentin.

Evaluation of antimicrobial action of Carie Care™ and Papacarie Duo™ on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans a major periodontal pathogen using polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND: In the present scenario, we are made available with chemomechanical caries removal system containing a natural proteolytic enzyme for the ease in the excavation of infected dentine. The additive action for these agents is providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. AIM: This study was undertaken for assessing the action of Carie Care™ and Papacarie Duo™ on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were collected for cultivation of the periodontal pathogen from the clinical periodontal pockets using sterile paper points. The samples cultured under suitable conditions were analyzed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting 16s r-DNA. The samples were divided into three groups namely, Group A: Control, Group B: With Papacarie Duo, Group C: With Carie Care. The pathogen inoculums plugs were inserted in the petri dishes containing chemically defined medium and the experimental gels at different concentrations and were incubated under optimal conditions. The inhibition of growth of the pathogen was studied visually. RESULTS: There was visual inhibition of growth for Group B and C and also exhibited a dose-dependent effect also. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, Carie Care™ gel demonstrated better antimicrobial action against A. actinomycetemcomitans which is a major periodontal disease causing pathogen.

Impact of Untreated Traumatic Injuries to Anterior Teeth on the Oral Health Related Quality of Life As Assessed By Video Based Smiling Patterns in Children.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between the oral health status, oral health related quality of life and the evaluations of their smiles as assessed by the children, their parents, and through measurements of the children's videotaped smiles and compare the smiling patterns in children suffering from untreated traumatic injuries to anterior teeth and control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty eight children of the age 5-15 years of both sexes were selected for the study and categorized into experimental group and control group. The experimental group consisted of 29 children with untreated trauma to one or more anterior teeth while the control group consisted of 29 children with good oral health. Oral examination of all children was done to include in study groups. Children and parents participating in the study responded to two separate Oral Health Related Quality of Life questionnaires for children and parents respectively. The children were asked to watch a funny cartoon show and a video was made while the children watched the show. The video was cropped into still images at 25 predetermined points. Width and openness of the children's mouth and number of teeth shown were measured during the taped sessions to assess the children's video-based smiling patterns. RESULTS: The children's self evaluation scores had statistically significant correlation with their smiling patterns, the number of traumatized teeth and the parental assessment of their children's oral health. Children with trauma to anterior teeth had more impacts on their smiling pattern compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Children suffering from trauma to anterior teeth had more effects on the emotions, the self confidence and social interaction than children without any traumatic injury.

Langerhans histiocytosis in a child - diagnosed by oral manifestations.

Langerhans Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare reactive and proliferative disease of histiocytes with unknown etiology, characterized by excessive proliferation of histiocytes called Langerhans cells. It occurs mainly in children but occurrence in adults has also been reported. It manifests as punched out lesions in the skull, maxilla, mandible, sternum and other flat bones and causes rapid resorption of the alveolar bone leading to floating teeth appearance in the radiographs. This disease manifests initially in the oral cavity in most of the cases and can be diagnosed by careful clinical and radiological examination. Here, we present a case of LCH in a child which was diagnosed by a swelling in the mandibular region.

Oral Health Coalition: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice Behaviours among Gynaecologists and Dental Practitioners.

OBJECTIVES: Every expectant mother should receive a comprehensive oral health education & risk assessment. Numerous reports have shown association between oral diseases and preterm, low birth weight and gestational diabetes. The purpose of this study is to understand the attitude, knowledge regarding prenatal and perinatal oral health care among obstetricians and knowledge, attitude & practice skills of dental professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved a survey of 36 each gynaecologists and general dental practitioners. The pre tested questionnaire on oral health for expectant mothers was used to collect data related. The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis using frequency of responses and standard deviation. RESULTS: Analysis of data demonstrated that 98% of general dental practitioners felt that delay in dental treatment effect both the mother and the child. 85.7% (p>0.05) of gynaecologist never examined the oral cavity of the patient during routine checkup. CONCLUSION: The findings of this survey with dentists and gynaecologist showed that dental management during pregnancy still presents some deviations from scientific literature recommendations, indicating the need to update these health care professionals in order to establish guidelines for prenatal dental care. How to cite this article: Patil S, Thakur R, Madhu K, Paul S T, Gadicherla P. Oral Health Coalition: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice Behaviours among Gynaecologists and Dental Practitioners. J Int Oral Health 2013; 5(1):8-15.