Influence of preterm birth for child's oral health status.

OBJECTIVES: To search the publications related to this topic, subsequently to find out a prevalence of prematurity worldwide and classification of preterm birth, to analyze the both maternal and foetal risk factors related to preterm birth, to depict relationship between prematurity and developmental defects of enamel and development of dental caries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review was carried out to identify relevant studies reporting data on risk factors of prematurity, low birth weight and its' relationship between developmental defects of enamel and early childhood caries. The data was extracted from the selected papers. RESULTS: A total 75 of articles were identified after initial search and 48 publications were enrolled in this review. CONCLUSION: Prematurity and low birth weight of child can cause both general and oral health complications and altered infant's development or growth.

Reasonable Outcome of Avulsed Permanent Upper Incisor after Seven Years Follow-Up Period: a Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Avulsion of the permanent teeth is one of the most serious oral health problems among active children and adolescents. Traumatized patients require immediate and correct treatment in order to restore damaged structures and function that have major impact on daily patient's life. As a result, proper guidelines and fast treatment methods are necessary. This case report discusses treatment of maxillary right central incisor with an open apex that had been avulsed and replanted. We review applied treatment procedures to manage dental avulsion and restore function and aesthetics. METHODS: A 10-year-old male presented with avulsion of his maxillary right central incisor as a result of unintentional playground injury. The tooth had been stored dry before the patient received immediate care. The avulsed tooth was reimplanted and splinted. The applied treatment procedures include endodontic and restorative treatment as well as careful follow-up visits. RESULTS: The patient underwent endodontic therapy of his maxillary right central incisor with calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament in apexification technique and the closure of apex was achieved. Canal was obturated and the tooth was restored with composite resin. Clinical and radiographic imaging follow-up showed endodontic success with closed apex. However, severe infra-position of maxillary right central incisor developed due to ankylosis. CONCLUSIONS: Ankylosis due to tooth avulsion is a common complication of reimplanted permanent incisors and must be taken into consideration. While addressing ankylosis and its results is supported by little evidence, every case must be diagnosed correctly and treated according to its negative outcomes.

Changes in dental caries and oral hygiene among 7-8 year-old schoolchildren in different regions of Lithuania 1983-2009.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the changes of the dental caries prevalence and severity of 7 to 8 year old schoolchildren in six Lithuanian regions over the past 26 years (1983-2009) and to propose recommendations based on the results of the study. The study is based on the analysis of data, containing 576 cases of children examined in 1983 and comparison with data containing 531 cases added in 2009. The studies were conducted in the same six regions of Lithuania among the children from 7 to 8 years of age. For the study of children the WHO oral assessment methodology was used (WHO Basic methods 1997). Severity of dental caries was described by df-t and DMF-T index. The average of individual df-t and DMF-T indices was calculated for all subjects and sorted by gender. Oral hygiene status was evaluated by applying the simplified Green-Vermilion index-OHI-S (1964) The prevalence of primary dental caries among the children 7 to 8 years of age was 92.4% in 1983 and 88.7% (p=0.43) in 2009. The prevalence of permanent dental caries decreased from 49.6% in 1983 to 29.7% (p<0.001) in 2009. Mean df-t score decreased from 4.9±3.4 in 1983 to 4.1±2.7 in 2009 and DMF-T index decreased from 1.1±1.7 in 1983 to 0.5±1.0 in 2009 (p<0.001). The OHI-S index was not significantly different during 1983-2009. In the period of last 26 years a tendency towards the decrease in the prevalence and severity of dental caries was observed. That could be related to the frequent using of the toothpastes with fluoride, as well as implementation of the caries prevention program with sealants among the children of that age. The poor oral hygiene and comparatively high caries prevalence in schoolchildren show that it is still necessary to improve preventive measures in Lithuania.