Total impaction of deciduous maxillary molars: two case reports.

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2007;8(6):64-71

Authors: Gündüz K, Muğlali M, Inal S

AIM: The purpose of this report is to present two cases of totally impacted maxillary deciduous molars, considered a rarity in dental practice. BACKGROUND: Primary tooth impaction is quite rare during the development of primary dentition. Various factors contribute to the impaction of a deciduous tooth, including anklyosis, congenitally missing permanent teeth, defects in the periodontal membrane, trauma, injury of the periodontal ligament, precocious eruption of the first permanent molar, defective eruptive force, or a combination of these factors. REPORTS: Case #1: An 18-year-old male presented with a complaint of spontaneous repetitious pain in the maxillary right premolar region. The maxillary right second premolar was clinically absent. Panoramic and periapical radiographs revealed an impacted second premolar close to the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus and an impacted deciduous molar deeply embedded in bone within the maxillary sinus. Case #2: A 14-year-old girl presented with a complaint of crowding of the maxillary teeth. The maxillary right second premolar and the maxillary permanent canines were clinically absent. A panoramic radiograph revealed an impacted maxillary right second premolar and an impacted deciduous molar embedded within bone close to the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus. SUMMARY: The total impactation of deciduous teeth is a rare condition, and few cases have been reported in the literature. The condition generally affects the mandibular second deciduous molar and the maxillary first deciduous least often. In this paper, two cases of totally impacted maxillary deciduous molars are reported.

PMID: 17846673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Various methods of caries removal in children: A comparative clinical study.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Apr-Jun;25(2):93-6

Authors: Pandit IK, Srivastava N, Gugnani N, Gupta M, Verma L

An in vivo study comparing the different methods of caries removal was done in children of age group 6-9 years. Among these patients a total number of 150 carious deciduous teeth were selected. Caries removal was done by hand instruments, airotor and carisolv. The efficacy, time taken and pain experienced by the patient during caries removal was evaluated. The results showed that airotor was the most efficient method (mean value 0.38), while carisolv was the least painful (mean value 0.080) and the most time consuming method (534.8 seconds).

PMID: 17660645 [PubMed - in process]

[An epidemiological investigation of deciduous dental caries among 5375 preschool children aged between 3 to 6 years in Shenyang City]

Shanghai Kou Qiang Yi Xue. 2006 Dec;15(6):596-600

Authors: Cheng RB, Zhang XF, Zhang Y, Pan L, Tao W

PURPOSE: To investigate the status of dental caries of deciduous teeth among preschool children in Shenyang city. METHODS: According to the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization and The Second National Oral Health Investigation, the deciduous caries of 5375 preschool children aged from 3 to 6 years were clinically examined. The mean dmft and the prevalence of dental caries for each age group were calculated. The results were analyzed using SPSS11.0 software package for t test (to compare the difference between the two sample groups), one way ANOVA (to compare the differences among three and more sample groups) and chi2 test (to compare the rate of each group). RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was 71.29%. The mean dmft score was 3.88. The prevalence of dental caries and mean dmft increased gradually as the children were growing up (P < 0.05).Dental caries of the upper teeth was significantly more common than that of the lower teeth (P < 0.01). Most caries were minor in degree of severity, and mostly lie in the occlusal and proximal surface. The filling rate was 10.82%.As the age increase, the filling rate increased, too. CONCLUSION: Deciduous dental caries of preschool children was an important problem in Shenyang city, and the filling rate was very low. Necessary methods for early prevention of dental caries must be taken into consideration. Supported by Scientific Research Fund for College and University from Liaoning Provincial Education Bureau (Grant No. 20201316).

PMID: 17533710 [PubMed - in process]

Dental findings in GAPO syndrome: case report.

Braz Dent J. 2006;17(3):259-62

Authors: da Silveira HE, Quadros OF, Dalla-Bona RR, da Silveira HL, Fritscher GG

This article reports the case of a young female adult with GAPO syndrome who presented as a peculiar dental finding unerupted primary and permanent dentitions, which resembled total anodontia on clinical examination. A cephalometric analysis was performed to investigate the alterations in facial bone development. This is the 9th GAPO syndrome case reported in a Brazilian patient.

PMID: 17262136 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Kabuki make-up (Niikawa-Kuroki) syndrome: dental and craniofacial findings in a Brazilian child.

Braz Dent J. 2006;17(3):249-54

Authors: dos Santos BM, Ribeiro RR, Stuani AS, de Paula e Silva FW, de Queiroz AM

This article reports the case of a Brazilian child diagnosed with Kabuki make-up syndrome (KMS), addressing the clinical features observed, with emphasis on the disease-specific oral and craniofacial manifestations. The patient had the distinctive KMS craniofacial appearance, mild delayed mental development, fingers with prominent fingertip pads and visual deficit. The dental findings included fusion of the left mandibular incisors (central and lateral), gemination of the right mandibular central incisor and congenital agenesis of the right mandibular lateral incisor, in the primary dentition, as well as absence of both permanent mandibular lateral incisors. Fusion and gemination have not been previously referred to as typical dental features in KMS. The detection of unique dental findings, such as missing teeth and dental anomalies of form in the primary dentition by means of clinical and radiographic examinations, might consist of a helpful diagnosis parameter in identifying children who may have milder forms of Kabuki syndrome.

PMID: 17262134 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Papillon-Lefévre syndrome: a highly-suspected case.

J Oral Sci. 2006 Dec;48(4):257-60

Authors: Ikeshima A

Papillon-Lefévre syndrome (PLS) is characterized by severe periodontal disease extending to destruction of the alveolar bone surrounding deciduous teeth and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis of the skin. Increased susceptibility to infection has been reported among individuals with the cathepsin C (CTSC) gene mutation. This article reports a 7-year-old Japanese girl who presented with deciduous tooth mobility and was diagnosed as having PLS. Radiographic examination revealed loosening of deciduous incisors and the right second molar of the maxilla, and destruction of the alveolar bone around the residual deciduous dentition. However, there was no destruction of the alveolar bone around the permanent molars. The patient did not show the typical signs of CTSC polymorphism, which almost always negatively impacts certain activating enzymes. With respect to immune function, analysis of the patient's leukocytes indicated that H(2)O(2), chemotactic and phagocytotic functions were within the normal range. However, the special precautions normally applied to prevent infections in PLS patients undergoing dental treatment were taken.

PMID: 17220626 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Dental arch dimensions in primary dentition of children aged three to five years in Chennai and Hyderabad.

Indian J Dent Res. 2006 Oct-Dec;17(4):185-9

Authors: Prabhakaran S, Sriram CH, Muthu MS, Chandrasekhar RR, Sivakumar N

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the arch dimensions in primary dentition of 3-5 years old children in Chennai and Hyderabad. As no primary to the mixed dentition and determining the existence of sexual dimorphism. METHODS: Children were selected fro various schools of both Chennai and Hyderabad, with complte set of primary dentition. Study casts were made and measurements of arch dimensions were made using digital sliding calipers. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean values and standard deviations of the various arch dimensions are given in the tables. CONCLUSION: Generally boys exhibited a greater arch dimensions than girls in both groups. Some of the dimensions showed a statistically significant mean values.

PMID: 17217215 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Double-rooted primary canines: A report of three cases.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Dec;24(4):204-8

Authors: Orhan AI, Sari S

This article reports three rare cases of birooted primary canines. In one of the three cases reported, the double-rooted primary canine was unilateral, which is a unique condition in the dental literature. One of the birooted primary canines was extracted for examination. Root canal morphology was examined using the clearing technique and three root canals were detected. The detection of birooted teeth requires a fastidious radiographic evaluation. Moreover, it should be kept in mind during endodontic therapy that the number of root canals might exceed the number of roots for these teeth.

PMID: 17183186 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

In vitro comparison of NiTi rotary instruments and stainless steel hand instruments in root canal preparations of primary and permanent molar.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Dec;24(4):186-91

Authors: Nagaratna PJ, Shashikiran ND, Subbareddy VV

This study is an attempt to compare the NiTi rotary and K-files hand instrumentation on root canal preparation of primary and permanent molars for their efficiency in preparation time, instrument failure and shaping the canals. About 20 primary mandibular second molar (I) and 20 permanent mandibular first molar (II) were selected. Each was further divided into 10 for K-files (a) and 10 for NiTi (b) groups, respectively. Results showed that preparation time Ib Ia and IIab<IIa, which was highly significant. In instrument failure, Ia (40%), IIa (30%) showed more deformation but not fracture and Ib (10%), IIb (20%) showed fracture, but not deformation. Profiles showed good canal taper and smoothness compared to the K-files. To conclude profile 0.04 taper 29 series, prepared canal rapidly than conventional K-file with good taper, smoothness though the flow was not satisfactory. Instrument failure with K-files was less. In primary teeth preparation time, instrument failure with profile was less compared to the permanent. To conclude it's encouraging to use the profiles in primary teeth.

PMID: 17183182 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A clinical evaluation of resin-based composite and glass ionomer cement restorations placed in primary teeth using the ART approach: results at 24 months.

J Am Dent Assoc. 2006 Nov;137(11):1529-36

Authors: Ersin NK, Candan U, Aykut A, On&#xE7;ağ O, Eronat C, Kose T

BACKGROUND: The authors evaluated the 24-month performance of a packable resin-based composite/dentin bonding system and a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) in restorations placed in primary molars with the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) approach. METHODS: Three dentists placed 419 restorations in 219 children aged 6 through 10 years who had bilateral matched pairs of carious posterior Class I and II primary teeth. They used a split-mouth design to place the two materials, which were assigned randomly to contralateral sides. The authors evaluated the restorations according to U.S. Public Health Service Ryge criteria. RESULTS: After 24 months, 96.7 percent of the Class I GIC restorations and 91 percent of the resin-based composite restorations survived, while the success rates for the Class II restorations were 76.1 percent and 82 percent for the GIC and resin-based composite restorations, respectively. The survival rate of the Class II resin-based composite restorations was 5.9 percent higher than that of the GIC restorations at the 24-month evaluation, but this difference was not statistically significant. However, the study results showed a statistically significant difference in survival rates between Class I and II restorations for both materials. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The two-year clinical performance of both materials was satisfactory for the restoration of Class I and II primary molars using the ART approach.

PMID: 17082278 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Radicular cyst associated with a deciduous molar: A case report with unusual clinical presentation.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Sep;24(3):158-60

Authors: Ramakrishna Y, Verma D

This article presents case report of a patient with radicular cyst associated with a primary molar with an unusual clinical presentation. The management comprised of enucleation of the cystic sac under general anesthesia.

PMID: 17065786 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Dilacerated unerupted central incisor: A case report.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Sep;24(3):152-4

Authors: Agnihotri A, Marwah N, Dutta S

Dilaceration of permanent successors is one of the most common complications of trauma to the deciduous teeth. It is advisable to keep these patients under observation post-trauma and to consult an orthodontist at an early stage to prevent unfavorable sequelae. Presented here is a typical case of dilaceration.

PMID: 17065784 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Craniofacial tissue engineering by stem cells.

J Dent Res. 2006 Nov;85(11):966-79

Authors: Mao JJ, Giannobile WV, Helms JA, Hollister SJ, Krebsbach PH, Longaker MT, Shi S

Craniofacial tissue engineering promises the regeneration or de novo formation of dental, oral, and craniofacial structures lost to congenital anomalies, trauma, and diseases. Virtually all craniofacial structures are derivatives of mesenchymal cells. Mesenchymal stem cells are the offspring of mesenchymal cells following asymmetrical division, and reside in various craniofacial structures in the adult. Cells with characteristics of adult stem cells have been isolated from the dental pulp, the deciduous tooth, and the periodontium. Several craniofacial structures--such as the mandibular condyle, calvarial bone, cranial suture, and subcutaneous adipose tissue--have been engineered from mesenchymal stem cells, growth factor, and/or gene therapy approaches. As a departure from the reliance of current clinical practice on durable materials such as amalgam, composites, and metallic alloys, biological therapies utilize mesenchymal stem cells, delivered or internally recruited, to generate craniofacial structures in temporary scaffolding biomaterials. Craniofacial tissue engineering is likely to be realized in the foreseeable future, and represents an opportunity that dentistry cannot afford to miss.

PMID: 17062735 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Bacterial profile in primary teeth with necrotic pulp and periapical lesions.

Braz Dent J. 2006;17(2):144-8

Authors: da Silva LA, Nelson-Filho P, Faria G, de Souza-Gugelmin MC, Ito IY

The objective of this study was to evaluate the bacterial profile in root canals of human primary teeth with necrotic pulp and periapical lesions using bacterial culture. A total of 20 primary teeth with necrotic pulp and radiographically visible radiolucent areas in the region of the bone furcation and/or the periapical region were selected. After crown access, 4 sterile absorbent paper points were introduced sequentially into the root canal for collection of material. After 30 s, the paper points were removed and placed in a test tube containing reduced transport fluid (RTF) and were sent for microbiological evaluation. Anaerobic microorganisms were found in 100% of the samples, black-pigmented bacilli in 30%, aerobic microorganisms in 60%, streptococci in 85%, gram-negative aerobic rods in 15% and staphylococci were not quantified. Mutans streptococci were found in 6 root canals (30%), 5 canals with Streptococcus mutans and 1 canal with Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. It was concluded that in root canals of human primary teeth with necrotic pulp and periapical lesions, the infection is polymicrobial with predominance of anaerobic microorganisms.

PMID: 16924343 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Multidisciplinary treatment of mandibular prognathism with multiple congenitally missing teeth.

Bull Tokyo Dent Coll. 2006 Feb;47(1):25-31

Authors: Nishimura R, Nojima K, Nishii Y, Hanai J, Arataki T, Uchiyama T, Yamaguchi H

Surgical orthodontic treatment and dental implant therapy were performed on a man (aged 18 years 8 months) with mandibular prognathism and seven congenitally missing teeth: upper canines, first and second premolars and lower right second premolar. After 17 months of preoperative orthodontic treatment at age 20 years 1 month, sagittal split ramus osteotomy was performed using the remaining upper deciduous teeth as an anchor for intermaxillary fixation. In postoperative orthodontic treatment, the remaining deciduous teeth were extracted, and fixture installation was performed. The entire therapy required 4 years to complete (age 22 years 8 months). After completion of orthodontic treatment, superstructures were put in place. This patient had many dental problems, so multidisciplinary care was performed in conjunction with other departments to improve oral function and facial esthetics.

PMID: 16924156 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Loss of space and changes in the dental arch after premature loss of the lower primary molar: a longitudinal study.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Jun;24(2):90-6

Authors: Padma Kumari B, Retnakumari N

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the space changes, dental arch width, arch length and arch perimeter, after the unilateral extraction of lower first primary molar in the mixed dentition period. A longitudinal study was conducted among forty children in the age group of 6-9 years, who reported for extraction of lower first primary molar in the department of Pedodontics, Govt. Dental College, Trivandrum. Study models were made from alginate impression taken before extraction and after extraction at the periodical intervals of two months, four months, six months and eight months. The mesiodistal width of lower first primary molar of the non-extracted side was taken as the control. The results of the study showed statistically significant space loss in the extraction side ( P value < 0.01) and no significant space loss in the control side (P value > 0.05). The rate of loss was greatest in the first four months. The arch width, arch length and arch perimeter had no significant change from initial to eight months follow up. The present study challenges the use of a space maintenance under the circumstances of premature loss of mandibular primary molar for preventing space loss.

PMID: 16823234 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Prevalence pattern of dental caries in the primary dentition among school children.

Indian J Dent Res. 2005 Oct-Dec;16(4):140-6

Authors: Saravanan S, Madivanan I, Subashini B, Subhashini B, Felix JW

The purpose of the study was to assess the pattern of prevalence of dental caries in the primary dentition among 5 year old children. The area of study was urban Pondicherry and the study population consisted of 1009 school children of both sexes (527 boys and 482 girls). A simple random sampling method was used to select the schools. Dental caries was assessed by the Dentition status and Treatment Need (WHO 1997). Statistical analysis was done using the Proportion test. The prevalence of caries was 44.4% among the study population, being higher in the boys (P < 0.05); In Mandibular arch in both the sexes (boys P < 0.05, girls P < 0.01); in posterior teeth (both sex wise & arch wise). Comparison of caries among anterior teeth (Boys vs Girls) [corrected] and posterior teeth (upper vs. lower) revealed higher caries prevalence in Maxillary anterior teeth (P < 0.001) and Mandibular posterior teeth (P < 0.001). In both the sexes and arches, primary second molars showed higher caries prevalence.

PMID: 16761706 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

In vitro caries formation in primary tooth enamel: role of argon laser irradiation and remineralizing solution treatment.

J Am Dent Assoc. 2006 May;137(5):638-44

Authors: Westerman GH, Hicks MJ, Flaitz CM, Powell GL

BACKGROUND: The authors evaluated the effects of argon laser (AL) diation and remineralizing solution (RS) treatment alone and in combination on carieslike lesion formation in primary tooth enamel in an in vitro study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors divided 10 caries free primary tooth enamel surfaces into four segments and assigned them to one of four treatment groups: no treatment control, AL irradiation alone at 13.5 joules per square centimeters (0.270 watts, 5-millimeter beam, 10 seconds), RS treatment alone for two minutes and AL irradiation before RS treatment. The authors created in vitro caries using a modified ten Cate solution. They evaluated longitudinal sections (three per tooth segment, 30 per treatment group) for mean lesion depth. RESULTS: After lesion formation, mean lesion depths (+/- standard deviation) were 179 +/- 16 micrometers for the no treatment controls, 137 +/- 19 microm for AL irradiation alone, 87 +/- 9 microm for RS treatment alone and 68 +/- 12 microm for AL irradiation before RS treatment. All treatment groups had mean lesion depths that were significantly less than those for the matched no-treatment control group (analysis of variance [ANOVA], Duncan multiple range [DMR] test, P < .05). AL irradiation before RS treatment significantly reduced lesion depth compared with AL irradiation alone or RS treatment alone (ANOVA, DMR test, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The maximum reduction in lesion depth in primary tooth enamel was achieved when the RS--which contained calcium, phosphate and fluoride in a carbopol base--was combined with AL irradiation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: It would appear that to improve clinical caries resistance to enamel dissolution, AL irradiation before RS treatment could be used.

PMID: 16739544 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Fixed space maintainers combined with open-face stainless steel crowns.

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2006 May 1;7(2):95-103

Authors: Yilmaz Y, Kocogullari ME, Belduz N

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the clinical performance of fixed space maintainers placed on seriously damaged abutment teeth. METHODS: Crowns were placed on damaged abutment primary teeth. Fixed space maintainers were prepared by using rectangular wire between the window in the facial surface of the crowns and other abutment teeth and were subsequently bonded with a flowable resin composite. This procedure was introduced clinically, and the cases were observed over a period of twelve months. RESULTS: Twenty-seven fixed space maintainers (25 on lower jaw, two on upper jaw) were included in this study. No clinical failure was recorded in any of the cases in the observation time, and the rate of clinical performance was 100%. CONCLUSION: The study shows the effectiveness of fixed space maintainers combined with stainless steel crowns ("open-face fixed space maintainers") which were placed on primary molar teeth used as abutments in cases with extensive caries and loss of occlusogingival dimension.

PMID: 16685300 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Taurodontism of deciduous and permanent molars: report of two cases.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Mar;24(1):42-4

Authors: Rao A, Arathi R

Taurodontism is an aberration of teeth that lacks the constriction at the level of the CEJ characterized by elongated pulp chambers and apical displacement of bifurcation or trifurcation of the roots, giving it a rectangular shape. Its occurrence in permanent teeth is common and is quite rare in deciduous dentition. Presented in this article are two cases with taurodontism involving deciduous and permanent molars.

PMID: 16582531 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Management of nasally erupting deciduous canine in operated cleft lip and alveolus patient.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Mar;24(1):40-1

Authors: Kakade A, Gandhy MM, Damle SG

Nasally erupting tooth is a rare finding seen associated with cleft lip and alveolus. It may be diagnosed as a result of symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, pain on sneezing or blowing the nose or may remain asymptomatic. A case of a 4 year old male child operated for bilateral cleft lip and alveolus with unilateral right sided nasally erupting deciduous canine is presented here.

PMID: 16582530 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Clinical evaluation of two canal obturation materials in treatment of periapical periodontitis in deciduous teeth]

Shanghai Kou Qiang Yi Xue. 2006 Feb;15(1):107-8

Authors: Song WJ

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical effects of 283 deciduous teeth which suffered from periapical periodontitis and sinus in 179 children from the year of 2001 to 2004. METHODS: In all the 283 teeth, the root canal of 196 teeth were obturated with paste zinc oxide-eugenal; the other 87 teeth were obturated with Vitapex. The signs,symptoms and radiographs of these teeth were evaluated at 3 and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: The successful rate was over 96.0% in both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Most of deciduous teeth which suffered from periapical periodontitis and sinus could be preserved if adequate indications were taken and treated in time.

PMID: 16525624 [PubMed - in process]

Early childhood caries.

J Am Dent Assoc. 2006 Feb;137(2):148, 150-1; discussion 151-2

Authors: Wagner R

PMID: 16521377 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Maxillary midline diastema: a case report involving a combined orthodontic/maxillofacial approach.

J Orthod. 2006 Mar;33(1):22-7

Authors: Campbell A, Kindelan J

This paper presents an orthodontic case of a large (14.5 mm) maxillary midline diastema that was related to the presence, and subsequent removal of 2 median maxillary supernumerary teeth and resulting bone loss. A combined orthodontic and maxillofacial approach involving bone grafting and fixed appliances was used to close the space. This episode of care was organized as interceptive treatment during development of the permanent dentition.

PMID: 16514130 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Effect of the sodium hypochlorite and citric acid association on smear layer removal of primary molars.

Braz Oral Res. 2005 Oct-Dec;19(4):261-6

Authors: G&#xF6;tze Gda R, Cunha CB, Primo LS, Maia LC

This study aimed to assess the capacity of a sodium hypochlorite and citric acid (CA) association (the latter at different concentrations) in removing coronal smear layer (SL) of primary teeth. For this purpose, the pulp chamber roof and floor of 28 primary molars were removed to obtain enamel and dentine disks. SL was produced on the internal walls of the disks using high-speed drills. The disks were irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite and citric acid at different concentrations (CA-4%, CA-6%, CA-8% and CA-10%), and with 0.9% sodium chloride. The samples were split and observed under SEM. Scores were attributed to the obtained photomicrographs, according to the amount of SL present. It was noted that all the tested concentrations of citric acid used after the sodium hypochlorite were capable of removing SL. The results were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test, and there was no significant statistical difference among the scores of the groups tested. However, it was observed that CA-8% and CA-10% caused peritubular dentine destruction, and that CA-4% presented a larger number of samples with dense SL. Based on these results, 6.0% citric acid in association with 1% sodium hypochlorite is suggested as auxiliary chemical substances for primary teeth irrigation.

PMID: 16491253 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A one-year clinical evaluation of a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement in primary molars.

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2006 Feb 15;7(1):71-8

Authors: Yilmaz Y, Eyuboglu O, Kocogullari ME, Belduz N

In this study one-year clinical results of high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) (Fuji IX, A3, GC, Japan) were determined in class I and class II restorations in 68 primary molars with occlusal or approximal caries. Following caries removal and cavity preparation, the teeth were restored with Fuji IX. The restorations were evaluated according to the U.S. Public Health Service's (USPHS) criteria at the end of one year. Statistical analyses of the data obtained were analyzed using the X2 test. The evaluations showed no statistically significant difference between class I and class II restorations in terms of the color mismatch, anatomic form, marginal adaptation, and secondary caries (P>0.05), but they were statistically significant with regard to cavosurface marginal discoloration (P<0.05). At the end of one year, the success rate of the class I and class II restorations of the primary molars restored with Fuji IX was 94%.

PMID: 16491149 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Origin of the deciduous upper lateral incisor and its clinical aspects.

J Dent Res. 2006 Feb;85(2):167-71

Authors: Hovorakova M, Lesot H, Peterkova R, Peterka M

The upper lateral incisor in humans is often affected by dental anomalies that might be explained developmentally. To address this question, we investigated the origin of the deciduous upper lateral incisor (i2) in normal human embryos at prenatal weeks 6-8. We used serial frontal histological sections and computer-aided 3D reconstructions. At embryonic days 40-42, two thickenings of the dental epithelia in an "end-to-end" orientation were separated by a groove at the former fusion site of the medial nasal and maxillary processes. Later, these dental epithelia fused, forming a continuous dental lamina. At the fusion site, i2 started to develop. The fusion line was detectable on the i2 germ until the 8th prenatal week. The composite origin of the i2 may be associated with its developmental vulnerability. From a clinical aspect, a supernumerary i2 might be a form of cleft caused by a non-fusion of the dental epithelia.

PMID: 16434736 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Dental transposition as a disorder of genetic origin.

Eur J Orthod. 2006 Apr;28(2):145-51

Authors: Ely NJ, Sherriff M, Cobourne MT

A sample of 85 dental transpositions in 75 subjects (27 male, 48 female; mean age at diagnosis 12.25 years) involving both maxillary and mandibular arches was analysed using dental panoramic radiographs and clinical records. Transposition affected the maxillary dentition (76 per cent) more frequently than the mandibular dentition (24 per cent). Unilateral transposition accounted for 88 per cent of cases, with the maxilla being involved more commonly than the mandible. Overall, the most common transposition involved the maxillary canine and first premolar (58 per cent). Considering the jaws in isolation, the canine and first premolar were the most commonly affected teeth in the maxilla (83 per cent) whilst in the mandible, the canine and lateral incisor teeth were most commonly transposed (73 per cent). No significant difference in symmetrical distribution of the unilateral transposition sample occurred. There was evidence of associated hypodontia in 41 per cent of the sample; however, if third molars were excluded, this figure decreased to 25 per cent. Peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors were judged to be present in 27 per cent of subjects, whilst 41 per cent had retained primary teeth; all of these, except one, were primary canines. Overall, the majority of the sample (76 per cent) demonstrated at least one of the dental anomalies under investigation. Multivariate analysis showed associations between unilateral transposition, gender, and the presence of peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors; whilst bilateral transposition was more closely associated with gender and the presence of retained primary teeth. There was a poor association between both unilateral and bilateral transposition and hypodontia. Together, these results suggest a mutifactorial aetiology to this disorder, with both genetic and environmental factors playing an important role.

PMID: 16373452 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

For the dental patient. Tooth eruption: The primary teeth.

J Am Dent Assoc. 2005 Nov;136(11):1619

Authors: , ,

PMID: 16329427 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Using qualitative methodology to elucidate themes for a traditional tooth gauging education tool for use in a remote Ugandan community.

Health Educ Res. 2006 Aug;21(4):477-87

Authors: Jamieson LM

The gauging of unerupted deciduous canine teeth occurs in approximately one in three children in some areas of Uganda. It is believed that such teeth are 'maggots' that cause fever, diarrohea and vomiting. Traditional healers use knitting needles, bicycle spokes, scissors or broken glass to extract the teeth. Post-ebino extraction complications include septicaemia, anaemia, difficulties in feeding and pain. Some children require hospitalization. Health is further compromised when multiple ebino extractions occur at one time, increasing the risk of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome transmission. An ebino education initiative was developed in the southwest Ugandan province of Rukungiri, based on the findings of five community-based focus group discussions. The initiative involved role-plays, didactic presentations and discussion/debate workshops to 23 women's groups in 15 communities (total number of women exposed = 1874). After 1.5 years of the programme's inception, community awareness of the scientific causes and alternatives to ebino extractions had increased (as gauged by follow-up focus group discussion findings) and the number of hospital admissions for traditional tooth extraction complications had reduced. The appropriateness of the model in exploring and addressing ebino extraction beliefs and attitudes is discussed, as are implications of the strategy in its implementation in other communities where ebino extractions are prevalent.

PMID: 16311242 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Application of the total etching technique or self-etching primers on primary teeth after air abrasion.

Braz Oral Res. 2005 Jul-Sep;19(3):198-202

Authors: Leite FR, Capote TS, Zuanon AC

Since the use of air abrasion has grown in pediatric dentistry, the aim of this study was to evaluate, by means of shear bond strength testing, the need to use the total etching technique or self-etching primers on dentin of primary teeth after air abrasion. Twenty-five exfoliated primary molars had their occlusal dentin exposed by trimming and polishing. Specimens were treated by: Air abrasion + Scotchbond MultiPurpose adhesive (G1); 37% phosphoric acid + Scotchbond MP adhesive (G2); Clearfil SE (G3); Air abrasion + 37% phosphoric acid + Scotchbond MP adhesive (G4); Air abrasion + Clearfil SE (G5). On the treated surface, a cylinder of 2 mm by 6 mm was made using a composite resin (Z100). Duncan's test showed that: (G2 = G3 = G5) > (G1 = G4). The use of a self-etching primer on air abraded dentin is recommended to obtain higher bond strengths.

PMID: 16308608 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Effectiveness of 4 pulpotomy techniques--randomized controlled trial.

J Dent Res. 2005 Dec;84(12):1144-8

Authors: Huth KC, Paschos E, Hajek-Al-Khatar N, Hollweck R, Crispin A, Hickel R, Folwaczny M

Pulpotomy is the accepted therapy for the management of cariously exposed pulps in symptom-free primary molars; however, evidence is lacking about the most appropriate technique. The aim of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of the Er:YAG laser, calcium hydroxide, and ferric sulfate techniques with that of dilute formocresol in retaining such molars symptom-free. Two hundred primary molars in 107 healthy children were included and randomly allocated to one of the techniques. The treated teeth were blindly re-evaluated after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Descriptive data analysis and logistic regression analysis, accounting for each patient's effect by a generalized estimating equation (GEE), were used. After 24 months, the following total and clinical success rates were determined (%): formocresol 85 (96), laser 78 (93), calcium hydroxide 53 (87), and ferric sulfate 86 (100). Only calcium hydroxide performed significantly worse than formocresol (p = 0.001, odds ratio = 5.6, 95% confidence interval 2.0-15.5). In conclusion, calcium hydroxide is less appropriate for pulpotomies than is formocresol.

PMID: 16304444 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Delayed eruption of a mandibular primary cuspid associated with compound odontoma.

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2005 Nov 15;6(4):152-9

Authors: Cildir SK, Sencift K, Olgac V, Sandalli N

Although odontomas are considered to be a common type of odontogenic tumor, they rarely occur solely in the primary dentition. This case report presents an eight and a half-year-old-child with a compound odontoma located in the mandible, which caused the impaction of both primary and permanent canines.

PMID: 16299617 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Relationship between large tubules and dentin caries in human deciduous tooth.

Bull Tokyo Dent Coll. 2005 May;46(1-2):7-15

Authors: Agematsu H, Abe S, Shiozaki K, Usami A, Ogata S, Suzuki K, Soejima M, Ohnishi M, Nonami K, Ide Y

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between large tubules and dentin caries by using human deciduous incisors that showed various levels of attrition but no macroscopical lesions resulting from caries. The teeth were cut longitudinally in the mesio-distal direction and the exposed surfaces observed with a high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope. The inside of each large tubule showed dense collagen fibers running parallel to its long axis and small spherical bodies of aggregated crystals, but no marked attrition. In teeth where attrition had exposed dentin at the incisal edge, oral bacteria had infiltrated the large tubules. Furthermore, in teeth with advanced attrition, it was difficult to distinguish between the large tubules and the surrounding dentin matrix, and numerous bacteria were observed in both areas. These findings support the hypothesis that large tubules play a role in the pathway of caries formation in coronal dentin when incisal dentin is exposed by attrition. This suggests that early treatment of exposed dentin surfaces might be effective in preventing dental caries.

PMID: 16285599 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Effectiveness of computerized delivery of intrasulcular anesthetic in primary molars.

J Am Dent Assoc. 2005 Oct;136(10):1418-25

Authors: Ashkenazi M, Blumer S, Eli I

BACKGROUND: Pain measures associated with computerized delivery of intrasulcular anesthestic have not been reported. The authors evaluated a computerized delivery system for intrasulcular (CDS-IS) anesthesia in primary molars. METHODS; The study population consisted of children aged 2 to 13 years who received CDS-IS injections, 159 in mandibular molars and 48 in maxillary molars. Children were treated by one of three modes of behavioral management: behavior modification (BM) only, inhalation of nitrous oxide (N2O) in addition to BM or intrarectal sedation. Variables evaluated included the subjective perception of the child's well-being before and after administration of the anesthetic, the child's pain behavior during anesthetic administration, effectiveness of the anesthetic during dental treatment, incidence of reported postoperative dental pain (PDP) and analgesic use after the CDS-IS injections. RESULTS: The effectiveness of CDS-IS anesthesia in mandibular molars was 97 percent, 92 percent, 63 percent and 71 percent for restorations, preformed stainless steel crowns, extractions and pulpal therapies, respectively (mean effectiveness, 89 percent). The effectiveness of CDS-IS anesthesia in maxillary molars was 96 percent, 50 percent, 92 percent and 78 percent, respectively (mean effectiveness, 90 percent). CDS-IS was less effective in children aged 2 to 4 years who received sedation than it was in older children. The authors found no differences between children's subjective self-reports of well-being before and after anesthetic administration, between the sexes and/or between modes of behavioral management (that is, BM or N2O). Most children exhibited low pain-related behavior during anesthetic administration, with no differences between boys and girls. The overall incidence of PDP was 31.4 percent; 64.9 percent of these patients received pain-relieving medications as a result, with no correlation to age, tooth treated, effectiveness of anesthesia or type of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CDS-IS is effective for anesthetizing primary molars, mainly for amalgam, resin-based composite and stainless steel crown restorations.

PMID: 16255467 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Cementum and dentin in hypophosphatasia.

J Dent Res. 2005 Nov;84(11):1021-5

Authors: van den Bos T, Handoko G, Niehof A, Ryan LM, Coburn SP, Whyte MP, Beertsen W

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) often leads to premature loss of deciduous teeth, due to disturbed cementum formation. We addressed the question to what extent cementum and dentin are similarly affected. To this end, we compared teeth from children with HPP with those from matched controls and analyzed them microscopically and chemically. It was observed that both acellular and cellular cementum formation was affected. For dentin, however, no differences in mineral content were recorded. To explain the dissimilar effects on cementum and dentin in HPP, we assessed pyrophosphate (an inhibitor of mineralization) and the expression/activity of enzymes related to pyrophosphate metabolism in both the periodontal ligament and the pulp of normal teeth. Expression of nucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase 1 (NPP1) in pulp proved to be significantly lower than in the periodontal ligament. Also, the activity of NPP1 was less in pulp, as was the concentration of pyrophosphate. Our findings suggest that mineralization of dentin is less likely to be under the influence of the inhibitory action of pyrophosphate than mineralization of cementum.

PMID: 16246934 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Compound composite odontome associated with an unerupted deciduous incisor - A rarity.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2005 Sep;23(3):146-50

Authors: Singh S, Singh M, Singh I, Khandelwal D

Odontomes are considered to be hamartomatous malformation rather than true neoplasm and are generally asymptomatic. Here is a case presentation of compound composite odontome with impacted deciduous teeth in an 11-year-old girl. A calcified mass was revealed in the radiograph and the case was finally diagnosed to be compound composite odontome. The mass was surgically excised.

PMID: 16224136 [PubMed - in process]

Dental caries status of preschool children in Hong Kong.

Br Dent J. 1999 Dec 11;187(11):616-20; discussion 605

Authors: Chu CH, Fung DS, Lo EC

OBJECTIVE: To describe the dental caries status of preschool children in Hong Kong and factors which affect their caries status. DESIGN: 658 preschool children aged 4 to 6 years from six randomly selected kindergartens in Hong Kong were surveyed in December 1997. A questionnaire to investigate possible explanatory variables for caries status was completed by their parents. Dental caries was diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (1997). RESULT: Caries experience as measured by the mean number of decayed, missing and filled primary teeth (dmft) of the 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old children were found to be 0.9, 1.8, and 3.3 respectively. Overall, 61% of the children had a zero dmft score. Children born in Mainland China had a higher mean dmft score (4.6) than those born in Hong Kong (1.4). Statistically significant correlations were found between the children's dental caries status and their oral health practices as well as their socio-economic background. Parents' education level, dental knowledge and attitudes were also associated with the children's dental caries experience. CONCLUSION: In general, the caries status of Hong Kong Chinese preschool children was similar to that of children in industrialised countries and was better than that of children in the nearby areas. However, special dental programmes should be made available to children from lower socio-economic classes and new immigrants from Mainland China because they are the high risk groups for caries in Hong Kong.

PMID: 16163284 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Inflammatory dentigerous cysts of children treated by tooth extraction and decompression--report of four cases.

Br Dent J. 1999 Dec 11;187(11):587-90

Authors: Kozelj V, Sotosek B

Inflammatory dentigerous cysts are only found in the mixed dentition. The four cases presented here illustrate the uncomplicated behavior of these cysts when properly treated. By extracting the infected primary teeth, opening the cyst and ensuring continuous drainage, it is possible to achieve spontaneous eruption of the involved permanent teeth into the dental arch even if they are badly dislocated. Simultaneous with the eruption of the permanent teeth, ossification of the bony defect can take place. The reparatory process is completed in one to two years.

PMID: 16163275 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Influence of zinc-oxide eugenol, formocresol, and ferric sulfate on bond strength of dentin adhesives to primary teeth.

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2005 Aug 15;6(3):14-21

Authors: Salama FS

This study evaluated in vitro the influence of a temporary filling {zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE)} and two pulpotomy agents {formocresol (FC) and ferric sulfate (FS)} on shear bond strength (SBS) of two dentin adhesives to the dentin of primary molars. A total of 80 dentin surfaces were prepared and randomly allocated into 10 groups of 8 specimens each. Groups were subjected to different treatments, which included covering with a paste of ZOE mixed at different powder:liquid (P:L) ratios, placement on a gauze soaked in FC or FS, or they received no pretreatment and served as a control. XRV Herculite composite cylinders were bonded to dentin surfaces using Prime and Bond NT adhesive resin or Opti Bond Solo Plus adhesive resin. SBSs were determined using the lnstron testing machine running at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The use of ZOE mixed at the lower P:L ratio of 10g:2g significantly decreased the values of SBS of the two adhesives. The use of two pulpotomy agents (FC and FS) significantly decreased the SBS of the two adhesives. The bond strength to dentin of primary teeth was influenced by the pulpotomy agents used and the ZOE P:L ratio but not by the adhesive system used.

PMID: 16127468 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Pattern of dental extraction in children in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2005 May 15;6(2):80-90

Authors: Folayan MO, Otuyemi OD, Esan TA, Adeleke AA, Adedigba MA

Changes that occurred in the pattern of tooth extraction in the last 13 years among a population of children in Nigerian were studied. The result of this study was then compared to that of a past study done in the same institution 13 years earlier. Information on age, gender, and indication of tooth extraction was collected prospectively from 379 consecutive patients who visited the outpatient Pediatric Dental Clinic for the first time during the year 2002. Results showed tooth extraction due to caries decreased, while there was an increase in tooth extraction from an apparent increase in orthodontic treatment needs. Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), a significant cause of tooth loss in the last decade, decreased significantly. The pattern of deciduous tooth loss also changed as more anterior teeth were lost for orthodontic reasons in this present study. The pattern of tooth loss in the permanent dentition remains very similar to that of the past study, though more premolars were lost in the present study. There appears to be an increasing need for tooth extractions in orthodontic treatment for this population of children. The focus of planned dental health care provisions, treatment policies, and training emphasis in child dental care may need to shift to addressing orthodontic needs.

PMID: 15915207 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Congenital absence of the permanent canines: a clinico-statistical study.

J Oral Sci. 2004 Dec;46(4):247-52

Authors: Fukuta Y, Totsuka M, Takeda Y, Yamamoto H

We report here a clinico-statistical study of congenital absence of the permanent canines (CAPC). Sixty-five cases (22 men and 43 women) of CAPC were found in the files of 35,927 outpatients, an incidence of 0.18%. Thirty-seven cases had single absence of the canine and 28 cases had multiple absences. There were 42 cases in the maxilla, 17 in the mandible, and 6 in both the maxilla and the mandible. In the single absence cases, there was a tendency of occurrence at the left side in the maxilla, and the right side in the mandible. There were 39 CAPC cases without absence of other permanent teeth. Several complicated dental anomalies were seen such as persistence of deciduous teeth, congenital absence of other permanent teeth, microdontia, malposition, and complete or incomplete impaction (excluding the third molars). The complication rate of other permanent tooth absences was higher in the cases with CACP in the maxilla than in the mandible.

PMID: 15901070 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Microtensile bond strength of a total-etching versus self-etching adhesive to caries-affected and intact dentin in primary teeth.

J Am Dent Assoc. 2005 Apr;136(4):477-83

Authors: Nakornchai S, Harnirattisai C, Surarit R, Thiradilok S

BACKGROUND: The objec tives of this study were to determine microtensile bond strengths of two dentin adhesives and to compare the micromorphological structure of the resin/dentin interface in caries-affected dentin with that of intact dentin. METHODS: The authors randomly divided 40 proximal dentinal carious primary teeth and 40 noncarious anterior primary teeth into two groups (self-etching and total-etching). They used a caries-detecting dye as an indicator of the need to remove the outer carious dentin. The authors restored the teeth with a hybrid resin-based composite. After 24 hours' storage in 37 C water, specimens were sectioned and shaped to form a curved section with a cross-sectional area of 1 square millimeter, then tension was applied until they fractured. The authors prepared the resin/dentin interfaces for the two bonding systems and examined them in 10 occlusal carious and 10 noncarious teeth. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The bond strengths for intact and caries-affected dentin within the same group were analyzed via a t test. The authors compared the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) and dentin hardness using analysis of variance and the least significant difference test at the .05 level of significance. RESULTS: The self-etching adhesive demonstrated no statistical difference in bond strength between intact and caries-affected dentin. However, the total-etching adhesive demonstrated different bond strengths for intact and caries-affected dentin. Moreover, the RDT of specimens with intact and caries-affected dentin was not significantly different, whereas the dentin hardness of caries-affected dentin was significantly lower than that of intact dentin. The authors found a thicker hybrid layer in intact and caries-affected dentin of specimens in the total-etching group. CONCLUSION: The adhesives exhibited significantly different bond strengths in intact dentin of primary teeth. However, they exhibited similar bond strengths in caries-affected dentin.

PMID: 15884317 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Mineral trioxide aggregate as a pulpotomy agent in primary molars: An in vivo study.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2005 Mar;23(1):13-6

Authors: Naik S, Hegde AM

The retention of pulpally involved deciduous tooth in a healthy state until the time of normal exfoliation remains to be one of the challenges for Pedodontists. A scientific noise has been generated about several materials some of which have been popular pulpotomy medicaments. Concerns have been raised about the toxicity and potential carcinogenicity of these materials, and alternatives have been proposed to maintain the partial pulp vitality, however to date no material has been accepted as an ideal pulpotomy agent. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a biocompatible material which provides a biological seal. MTA has been proposed as a potential medicament for various pulpal procedures like pulp capping with reversible pulpitis, apexification, repair of root perforations, etc. Hence the present study was done to evaluate the efficacy of MTA as a pulpotomy medicament. A clinical and radiographic evaluation was done on children where MTA was used as pulpotomy medicament in primary molars for a period of 6 months and it was found to be a successful material.

PMID: 15858300 [PubMed - in process]

Parathyroid-hormone-related protein induces expression of receptor activator of NF-{kappa}B ligand in human periodontal ligament cells via a cAMP/protein kinase A-independent pathway.

J Dent Res. 2005 Apr;84(4):329-34

Authors: Fukushima H, Jimi E, Kajiya H, Motokawa W, Okabe K

Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells play important roles in root resorption of human deciduous teeth by odontoclasts (osteoclast-like cells). However, it is unclear how PDL cells regulate osteoclastogenesis. We examined the effects of PTHrP, TGF-beta, and EGF, which are all secreted by the tooth germ, on tartrate-resistant acid-phosphatase-positive (TRAP+) cell formation using co-cultures of human PDL cells and mouse spleen cells. Only PTHrP promoted TRAP+ cell formation in co-cultures. PTHrP induced receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) mRNA expression and slightly reduced osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression in PDL cells. The cAMP/PKA inhibitors Rp-cAMP, H89, and PKI did not affect PTHrP-induced TRAP+ cell formation. The PKC inhibitor, Ro-32-0432, suppressed RANKL expression in PDL cells and PTHrP-induced TRAP+ cell formation. However, this inhibitor directly modulated the number of osteoclast precursors. Thus, PTHrP induces osteoclastogenesis by increasing the relative expression level of RANKL vs. OPG in PDL cells via a cAMP/PKA-independent pathway. Abbreviations: PTHrP, parathyroid-hormone-related protein; TGF-beta, transforming growth factor-beta; EGF, epidermal growth factor; RANKL, receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand; OPG, osteoprotegerin; PDL, periodontal ligament; TRAP, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase; PKA, protein kinase A; PKC, protein kinase C; MAP, mitogen-activated protein; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; cAMP, cyclic Adenosine 3'5'-Monophosphate.

PMID: 15790738 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A determination of bite force in northern Japanese children.

Eur J Orthod. 2005 Feb;27(1):53-7

Authors: Kamegai T, Tatsuki T, Nagano H, Mitsuhashi H, Kumeta J, Tatsuki Y, Kamegai T, Inaba D

The bite force of 2594 school children (1248 males and 1346 females) living in northern Japan was investigated during oral health examinations in May and June 2001, using a new type of occlusal force gauge. The subjects were recruited from a variety of educational institutes and comprised: 73 nursery (3-5 years old), 1019 primary (6-11 years old), 902 junior high (12-14 years old) and 600 high (15-17 years old) school children. The measuring apparatus consisted of a hydraulic pressure gauge, with a bite element encased in a plastic tube. The bite force was measured at the first molar or second primary molar in the children presenting in the permanent and primary dentitions, respectively.The findings revealed significant variations in bite force between children of different ages. The average bite force was 186.2 N in males and 203.4 N in females of nursery school children; 374.4 N in males and 330.5 N in females of primary school children; 514.9 N in males and 448.7 N in females of junior high school children; and 545.3 N in males and 395.2 N in females of high school children. The prevalence of malocclusion in the nursery school children was found to be less than 30 per cent, which contrasted with almost 70 per cent in the high school children.

PMID: 15743863 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The effect of a bi-annual professional application of APF foam on dental caries increment in primary teeth: 24-month clinical trial.

J Dent Res. 2005 Mar;84(3):265-8

Authors: Jiang H, Bian Z, Tai BJ, Du MQ, Peng B

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a bi-annual professional application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) foam on caries increment in the primary dentition over a two-year period in the People's Republic of China. In a double-blind, cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 392 children aged 3-4 years from 15 classes were randomly assigned to two groups on a school class basis. The experimental group (8 classes) received a bi-annual APF foam application, and the control group (7 classes) received the placebo. The mean increment of dmfs in the experimental group was 24.2% lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The significant caries reduction was observed on approximal surfaces in the experimental group compared with the control group (p < 0.01), but there were no differences on occlusal surfaces (p > 0.05). A bi-annual professional application of APF foam was effective in reducing the increment of dental caries in the primary teeth.

PMID: 15723868 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Does caries in primary teeth predict enamel defects in permanent teeth? A longitudinal study.

J Dent Res. 2005 Mar;84(3):260-4

Authors: Broadbent JM, Thomson WM, Williams SM

The notion that caries in primary teeth causes developmental defects of enamel in permanent teeth has been recently revived. The research objective was to test this hypothesis through analysis of data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a longstanding prospective cohort study. The maxillary incisors of 663 children were assessed for existing restorations and dental caries at age five and for developmental defects of enamel at age nine. Where a primary tooth had been carious, the permanent successor was more likely to have a demarcated opacity after adjustment for gender, family socio-economic status, years of exposure to water fluoridation, trauma to primary teeth, and early loss of primary teeth (unadjusted OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.3, 4.1; adjusted OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.1, 4.3). These findings support a time-ordered association between dental caries in primary maxillary incisors and demarcated opacities in their permanent successors.

PMID: 15723867 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Runx2 (Cbfa1) inhibits Shh signaling in the lower but not upper molars of mouse embryos and prevents the budding of putative successional teeth.

J Dent Res. 2005 Feb;84(2):138-43

Authors: Wang XP, Aberg T, James MJ, Levanon D, Groner Y, Thesleff I

Heterozygous mutations in the RUNX2 (CBFA1) gene cause cleidocranial dysplasia, characterized by multiple supernumerary teeth. This suggests that Runx2 inhibits successional tooth formation. However, in Runx2 knockout mice, molar development arrests at the late bud stage, and lower molars are more severely affected than upper ones. We have proposed that compensation by Runx3 may be involved. We compared the molar phenotypes of Runx2/Runx3 double-knockouts with those of Runx2 knockouts, but found no indication of such compensation. Shh and its mediators Ptc1, Ptc2, and Gli1 were down-regulated only in the lower but not the upper molars of Runx2 and Runx2/Runx3 knockouts. Interestingly, in front of the mutant upper molar, a prominent epithelial bud protruded lingually with active Shh signaling. Similar buds were also present in Runx2 heterozygotes, and they may represent the extension of dental lamina for successional teeth. The results suggest that Runx2 prevents the formation of Shh-expressing buds for successional teeth.

PMID: 15668330 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Scanning electron microscopy of root resorption of feline teeth.

J Vet Med Sci. 2004 Dec;66(12):1579-81

Authors: Ohba S, Kuwabara M, Kamata H, Yukawa M, Kiba H

Scanning electron microscopy was carried out on 10 feline extracted permanent teeth from 3 cases with root resorption. Various-sized resorption lacunae were well defined, showing an etched pattern and configuration as shown in human deciduous teeth. In cats, regardless of the shape and depth of lacunae, the resorption lacunae showed opening dentinal tubules in the wall with or without cement matrix apperring only in the deep and round lacunae of human cases. Some specific process of mineralization for repairing dental root resorption was suggested in cats.

PMID: 15644611 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]