Reconnoitering the Dental Knowledge and Attitude of Pediatricians in the Western Uttar Pradesh Region of India.

Background While numerous studies have investigated the prevalence of dental cavities in India, there remains a paucity of research on dental decay across varying age demographics. With early childhood caries (ECC) posing significant threats to young children's holistic health, the role of healthcare practitioners in spreading awareness and preventive measures is crucial. The intention of the present study was to determine pediatricians' opinions on pediatric oral health in the western area of Uttar Pradesh. It also intended to evaluate how these professionals perceived about developing oral health awareness among children, preventing dental caries, and preserving baby oral health. Methods About 600 pediatricians (MD) from six regions in western Uttar Pradesh participated in a descriptive cross-section pilot research. To measure dental knowledge as well as attitude, an organized questionnaire was used. Data were then analyzed by applying IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21 (Released 2012; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results The findings indicate that 56.7% of school-going children nationally experience dental caries, with a concerning 69.1% in the 6-10 age group. ECC prevalence is reported at 49.6% nationally. A significant number of professionals believed in the preventability of dental caries 563 (93.8%) and acknowledged the benefits of routine dental visits 559 (93.2%). Older professionals and those working in hospitals/universities demonstrated higher knowledge and a more positive attitude toward pediatric oral health. Interestingly, there was a robust agreement (545 (90.8%)) among participants that oral health education should be integrated into medical education curricula. Conclusion In light of the findings, it's clear that pediatric oral health is an area that demands more focus and awareness, especially in the western region of Uttar Pradesh. While a significant portion of medical professionals show commendable knowledge regarding dental health, there is room for enhancement. Especially striking is the pivotal role a pediatrician can play, given their closeness to families and holistic understanding of a child's health. Utilizing this unrealized potential and encouraging these professionals to integrate dental awareness and practices into their regular encounters are urgently needed. Collaboration with pedodontists may help close the knowledge gap and create a setting where all kids can receive complete dental treatment.

A Systematic Review of Parents' Knowledge of Children's Oral Health.

Young children's oral health is maintained mainly by adults' knowledge and attitude. This study evaluated parents' attitudes, actions, and knowledge regarding their children's dental health. We searched the electronic MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed databases. Additionally, each relevant article's and book's bibliography was thoroughly searched. Included were the phrases "Knowledge" [MeSH] ", Attitude" [MeSH] ", Parents" [MeSH] ", Children" [MeSH] "And Oral Health" [MeSH]. This review emphasizes the growing global interest in parents' contributions to children's dental health. It is necessary to raise awareness about the knowledge and significance of deciduous teeth, frequent dental appointments throughout society, and implement parental oral health education programs because parents need more awareness.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Government Primary School Teachers in Faridabad City Regarding Oral Health.

Background: Schoolteachers have a massive capacity for shaping the oral health status of children. Teachers help in behavioral shaping and the total progress of schoolchildren. They are thought to apply a substantial impact on their students. Overall health-promoting school seeks workforce well-being as well as their working conditions and thus employ the tactics of health promotion in the workplace. Aim: To assess the existing knowledge, attitude, and practices of government primary school teachers in Faridabad city regarding oral health. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 220 government primary school teachers in Faridabad city. The questionnaires were distributed individually to the teachers on the visit to their institution. The data was compiled and subjected to statistical analysis. The study was evaluated in various groups like age, gender, educational qualification, and teaching experience. Oral health education was given to the teachers and mentioned the importance of regular dental check-ups in children. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Results: The findings of this study indicated that oral health knowledge was good but oral health attitudes and practices were moderate among government primary school teachers in Faridabad city. Conclusion: The study determined that there is a need to improve the oral well-being information and habits of the primary school teachers so that they can deliver proper oral health instructions to the students. How to cite this article: Cyriac A, Sood S, Sharma N, et al. Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Government Primary School Teachers in Faridabad City Regarding Oral Health. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(3):426-430.

Oral health status and dental anomalies among children with congenital heart disease in contemporary times.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess the oral health, hygiene status, and prevalence of dental anomalies in children suffering from congenital heart disease (CHD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 300 children, aged 2-16 years, diagnosed with CHD. RESULTS: Overall, the oral health status of the children with CHD was found to be poor in this study. The prevalence of caries was found to be 56.7%. It was significantly higher in children with acyanotic CHD compared to cyanotic CHD. Mean DMFT was 0.6 ± 1.6. Mean Debris index was 0.8 ± 0.9. Mean calculus index was 0.3 ± 0.6. The prevalence of dental anomalies was 9%. Most common anomaly was enamel opacities/hypoplasia (8.0%) followed by hypodonita (0.7%) and fusion (0.3%). The mean dmft score and Calculus Index were found to be significantly higher in cyanotic CHD group compared to acyanotic CHD group. Prevalence of caries, Debris Index, Calculus Index, and Oral Health Index were found to be increasing with increasing age (> 5 vs. < 5 years). CONCLUSION: Overall, the oral health status of the children with CHD was found to be poor in this study.

Effect of Perceived Stress, BMI and Emotional Eating on Dental Caries in School-going Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

Aim: The following study aims to describe the relationship of dental caries with the body mass index, perceived stress, and emotional eating among 11 to 13-year-old schoolchildren. Methodology: A cross-sectional study on 400 school-going children was conducted in which two questionnaires consisting of Perceived Stress Scale and Emotional Eating were collected from the children. Dental caries was examined using the dft/DMFT Index. The body mass index was calculated using the value obtained from body weight and height (kg/m2) of each child. Results: Body mass index score was not found to be significantly different among subjects with and without caries in primary and permanent teeth. It was found that Perceived Stress Scale score was found to be significantly more among subjects without caries in permanent dentition as compared to those who had caries. EES score was found to be significantly high among caries-free subjects as compared to those who were having mean dmft score > 0. Conclusion: Dental caries is independent of the body mass index whereas Perceived Stress Scale and Emotional Eating score was found to be more in children without caries as compared to those whose mean dmft score > 0. Clinical significance: This study was conducted to evaluate if perceived stress, body mass index, and emotional eating have an effect on progression of dental caries. This study helps parents and pedodontists for better knowledge about a child's oral health and overall growth. How to cite this article: Goel A, Bhatia HP, Sood S, et al. Effect of Perceived Stress, BMI and Emotional Eating on Dental Caries in School-going Children: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S180-S185.

Sports-related Orofacial Injuries in Children: Awareness and Experience among Sports Coaches in Delhi Region of India.

Background: Sports activities are the most important entity of human life for the holistic well-being of an individual. At the same time, it exposes them to a high risk of orofacial injuries. Aim: The study assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of orofacial injuries in children among sports coaches. Materials and methods: The sample of this descriptive cross-sectional study consisted of 365 sports coaches across various sports academies in the Delhi region. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted and descriptive analysis was performed. The comparative statistics were computed using the Chi-square test and Fischer exact test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among participating coaches, 74.5% of the coaches agreed on the risk of trauma during sports activities that they supervise. The most common type of injury reported by the coaches was 'cut lip, cheek, and tongue' (72.6%), followed by 'broken/avulsed tooth' (44.9%). The mechanism of injury was mainly due to falls (48.8%). Nearly 65.5% of coaches were not aware of the possibility of replantation of an avulsed tooth. Also, coaches exhibited poor knowledge about an ideal storage media for carrying an avulsed tooth to the dentist. The majority (71%) of coaches agreed that their academies had no tie-ups with nearby dental clinics/hospitals. Conclusion: The sports coaches exhibited inadequate knowledge about the primary management of orofacial injuries and were unaware of the possibility of re-implantation of an avulsed tooth. Clinical significance: This study also highlights the need for educating coaches about emergency management of orofacial injuries and postponement in immediate treatment or inappropriate treatment due to lack of knowledge may lead to the futile outcome of the treated injured teeth. How to cite this article: Tokas A, Sood S, Bhatia HP, et al. Sports-related Orofacial Injuries in Children: Awareness and Experience among Sports Coaches in Delhi Region of India. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(4):450-454.

Dental Management of Pediatric Patients with Bronchial Asthma.

Asthma is a disease marked by recurrent dyspnea caused by spasmodic bronchoconstriction. Bronchial asthma is a serious global problem that has steadily increased in prevalence during the past two decades. Oral manifestations of pediatric patients suffering from bronchial asthma are an increased upper anterior and total anterior facial height, higher palatal vaults, greater overjets, and a higher prevalence of posterior crossbites. Dental treatment of such patients requires the role of a pedodontist. Behavior management techniques, conscious sedation techniques along with medical management, and comprehensive dental treatment by a pediatric dentist may prove beneficial to such patients. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chhabra K, Sood S, Sharma N, et al. Dental Management of Pediatric Patients with Bronchial Asthma. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(5):715-718.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Glasses Digital Screens and Verbal Command as a Method to Distract Young Patients during Administration of Local Anesthesia.

Aim and objective: The study investigates the effect and compares three techniques-video-eyeglasses earphone system, Digital screens and verbal methods as distracting technique to assess dental pain reaction in children during administration of local anesthesia (LA). Materials and methods: Pain or its anticipation can cause fear and anxiety in a child which could complicate further dental treatment. This cross-sectional study consists of 97 children of age-group 4-8 years who required local anesthesia for their dental treatment were selected. Children were randomly allocated into three groups namely- Verbal method (group A), video eyeglass/earphone system (group B) and digital screens (group C). In group A, instructions were given to the patient by the dentist while administering local anesthesia. In group B, VR box was used to show age appropriate videos according to subjects' choice. In group C, digital screens were placed on dental chair for patient to watch while nerve block was administered. Pain was measured using face, legs, activity, cry, consolability (FLACC) scale behavioral anxiety/pain assessment scale. Results: FLACC score was found to be significantly different among three groups. The mean FLACC scale score for pain was less in video eyeglass/earphone (1.94) than digital screens (3.67) and highest in Verbal group (6.88). Conclusion: Video eyeglasses/earphone method proved to be most effective as a distraction method in children and helped in reducing children's disruptive behavior in the dental setting. Clinical significance: This study was conducted to find a better distraction technique among video eyeglasses/earphone system, digital screens and Verbal command that will make child less apprehensive during administration of local anesthesia. How to cite this article: Sharma Y, Bhatia HP, Soods S, et al. Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Glasses Digital Screens and Verbal Command as a method to Distract Young Patients during Administration of Local Anesthesia. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-2):S143-S147.

Comparative Evaluation of Clinical Efficiency and Patient Acceptability toward the Use of Circumferential Matrix and Sectional Matrix for Restoration of Class II Cavities in Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study.

AIM: To compare two matrix systems (circumferential and sectional) based on clinical efficiency and patient acceptability for placement of visible light cure composite resin restorative material in a Class II cavity in primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty children with bilateral Class II cavities of age-group 5-9 years were selected. A split-mouth comparative experimental study was conducted at Manav Rachna Dental College, India. Cavities were restored using either circumferential or sectional matrix band system. The child upon completion of the treatment filled the subject preference questionnaire. Time assessment was done for matrix system placement. Contact points were evaluated using dental floss as open or closed. RESULTS: Time required to place sectional matrices was more (125.30 ± 29.40) than required for circumferential matrices (117.20 ± 38.94). The sectional matrices group has more ideal contacts (23) (76.7%) than the circumferential matrices group (16) (53.3%). About 70% of the children pointed discomfort toward the sectional matrices. Children in this study accepted circumferential matrices to be more comfortable than the sectional matrices group. CONCLUSION: The circumferential matrices group was more time efficient compared to the sectional matrices group. However, sectional matrices resulted in a greater number of restorations with ideal contacts. Based on the preference circumferential matrix band system has been found superior to sectional matrix band system. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study was conducted to find a better matrix system in case of pediatric patients. Circumferential matrices were found to be more superior with respect to preference and time efficiency and sectional matrices were preferred for ideal contacts. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Bhatia HP, Sood S, Sharma N, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Clinical Efficiency and Patient Acceptability toward the Use of Circumferential Matrix and Sectional Matrix for Restoration of Class II Cavities in Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(6):748-751.

Comparative evaluation of psychophysiological response of children with special health care needs to use of facemask-eyeshield and visor in a dental setting-A cross-sectional study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the psychophysiological response (Heart rate) of special health care needs to use of facemask-eyeshield and visor worn in a dental setting. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The cases for the present study were selected from special schools of Delhi-NCR. The patients selected were in IQ range 50-84 and children rated as positive or definitely positive according to Frankl's behavior rating scale. A total of 378 patients of age group 4-14 years were selected. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Every child was made to sit and pulse oximeter was put on his/her finger to measure Baseline heart rate. Dental examination was done using a sterile mouth mirror (No. 5) and explorer. It was done in two phases for every child: Patient underwent dental examination by clinician wearing (A) facemask-eyeshield (Euronda) and (B) visor (Oro). RESULTS: The mean heart rate during dental examination wearing visor (81.55 ± 17.54) was significantly lesser than during dental examination wearing facemask and eyeshield (84.49 ± 17.96). CONCLUSIONS: Dental anxiety levels were lower when the dentist used visor during the dental examination than when the dentist used facemask and eyeshield.

Evaluation of Clinical Effectiveness and Patient Acceptance of Hall Technique for Managing Carious Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study.

INTRODUCTION: Hall technique (HT) is a biological approach where decay is sealed under preformed metal crowns without any caries removal, tooth preparation or local anesthesia. Dental caries is one of the most common prevailing chronic condition that affect both adults and children. Since children are anxious and apprehensive to dental treatment, their uncooperative behavior might cause hindrance in the treatment, which often leads to manage them in general anesthesia. To better address the dental care needs in pediatric patients, dental surgeons require some alternatives for management of caries and restorative treatment in children. The Hall technique is one such conservative treatment approach developed by Dr Norna Hall in 1980s. AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness and patient acceptance of Hall technique for managing carious primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 84 children in the age group 6-10 years with class I and class II carious lesions limited to dentin were selected for the study. Occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) was measured preoperatively, postoperatively and after 6 months. Discomfort level was assessed by facial pain rating scale and by questionnaires filled on the day of placement of SS crown, 1 week after placement and 6 months after placement. RESULTS: The Hall technique was found to be successful, as there was no failure clinically as well as radiographically within 6 months of placement of SS crown. The increased OVD postoperatively returned to its normal values within 6 months, the mean change in the OVD was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The Hall technique proved to be clinically effective and acceptable by maximum number of children. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Bhatia HP, Khari PM, Sood S, et al. Evaluation of Clinical Effectiveness and Patient Acceptance of Hall Technique for Managing Carious Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(6):548-552.

A novel finding of oligodontia and ankyloglossia in a 14-year-old with Floating-Harbor syndrome.

Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by distinct facial features, short stature and delayed skeletal development. Here we present case of a 14-year-old boy with short stature, typical facial features, impaired voice quality, clinodactyly, cryptorchidism and unilateral agenesis of kidney. In addition he had oligodontia and ankyloglossia with features suggestive of FHS. Treatment rendered was restoration of caries, application of pit and fissure sealants followed by frenectomy. The purpose of this report is to highlight the oral developmental anomalies and the management of a patient with FHS and to add to the current knowledge of the literature on this syndrome.

Demystifying the Mysteries: Sexual Dimorphism in Primary Teeth.

INTRODUCTION: One of the critical steps in the process of identification is the sex determination of an unknown individual. Many studies have shown that sex can be determined using the human skeleton, especially by examining the pelvis and skull. Odontometric analysis of the human sexual variation has been less investigated, especially of primary dentition. AIM: To verify the presence of sexual dimorphism in primary teeth of local population of Faridabad, Haryana, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was performed on dental casts of 500 children (250 boys and 250 girls, age range 3-5 years). Mesiodistal and buccolingual crown dimensions of maxillary and mandibular primary teeth were measured with a digital Vernier's caliper and were analysed for sexual dimorphism. Mann-Whitney-U test was used to check the statistical significance of difference in tooth dimensions among boys and girls. RESULTS: Differences were found in the mean values of mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters of primary teeth, in which boys generally had larger crown diameters than girls. CONCLUSION: Primary teeth may be used as an additional tool for sex identification of juvenile skeletons where other dimorphic features are not much developed.

A Comparative Evaluation of Sorption, Solubility, and Compressive Strength of Three Different Glass Ionomer Cements in Artificial Saliva: An in vitro Study.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the sorption, solubility, and compressive strength of three different glass ionomer cements in artificial saliva - type IX glass ionomer cement, silver-reinforced glass ionomer cement, and zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer cement, so as to determine the material of choice for stress-bearing areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 cylindrical specimens (4 mm diameter and 6 mm height) were prepared for each material following the manufacturer's instructions. After subjecting the specimens to thermocycling, 45 specimens were immersed in artificial saliva for 24 hours for compressive strength testing under a universal testing machine, and the other 45 were evaluated for sorption and solubility, by first weighing them by a precision weighing scale (W1), then immersing them in artificial saliva for 28 days and weighing them (W2), and finally dehydrating in an oven for 24 hours and weighing them (W3). RESULTS: Group III (zirconomer) shows the highest compressive strength followed by group II (Miracle Mix) and least compressive strength is seen in group I (glass ionomer cement type IX-Extra) with statistically significant differences between the groups. The sorption and solubility values in artificial saliva were highest for glass ionomer cement type IX - Extra-GC (group I) followed by zirconomer-Shofu (group III), and the least value was seen for Miracle Mix-GC (group II). CONCLUSION: Zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer cement is a promising dental material and can be used as a restoration in stress-bearing areas due to its high strength and low solubility and sorption rate. It may be a substitute for silver-reinforced glass ionomer cement due to the added advantage of esthetics. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides vital information to pediatric dental surgeons on relatively new restorative materials as physical and mechanical properties of the new material are compared with conventional materials to determine the best suited material in terms of durability, strength and dimensional stability. This study will boost confidence among dental surgeons in terms of handling characteristics, cost effectiveness and success rate. This study will help clinically and scientifically; pediatric dental surgeons to use this material in stress-bearing areas in pediatric patients. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Bhatia HP, Singh S, Sood S, Sharma N. A Comparative Evaluation of Sorption, Solubility, and Com-pressive Strength of Three Different Glass Ionomer Cements in Artificial Saliva: An in vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2017;10(1):49-54.

Reconnoitring the association of nutritional status with oral health in elementary school-going children of Ghaziabad City, North India.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between anthropometric measurements and oral health status in the primary dentition of school-going children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 280 elementary school children (116 girls and 164 boys, age: 3-6 years) were examined. Body mass index (BMI) of each subject was calculated and compared with age and gender using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pediatric growth charts. Based on these growth charts, the sample population was distributed into three groups: Group I: Normal weight (5 th -85 th percentiles), Group II: Risk of overweight/obese (>85 th percentile), and Group III: Underweight (<5 th percentile). Each subject was examined for caries frequency (decayed and filled primary teeth (dft) values) and plaque status (plaque index (PI)) and these values were compared with their BMI figures. RESULTS: Among the study group, 58.3% of children were suffering from malnutrition. Out of the total population, 33.9% had caries affecting their primary dentition. The largest section (39.5%) of caries affected children was underweight. The mean number of dft in Group II was highest at 1.47 ± 2.77 followed by Groups I and III, respectively. The mean value of PI in Group III was highest at 0.33 ± 0.53 followed by Groups II and I. CONCLUSIONS: A definite correlation was observed between the oral health status and BMI of elementary school-going children.