Asli Topaloglu-Ak

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health concern, affecting children globally. Despite preventive measures, the prevalence of ECC remains high, especially in underprivileged populations. This study aims to explore the etiology, risk factors, and prevention strategies associated with ECC, as well as to evaluate current treatment approaches for managing ECC in pediatric patients.This review is based on an extensive analysis of existing literature, including epidemiological studies, risk assessment tools, and treatment modalities for ECC. Sources were gathered from peer-reviewed journals, dental health organizations, and relevant clinical trials. Key aspects examined include microbiological, dietary, and environmental factors contributing to ECC, and an evaluation of preventive and therapeutic interventions. ECC is prevalent worldwide, with varying rates across regions. The etiology of ECC is multifactorial, with primary causes including the presence of cariogenic bacteria (e.g., *Streptococcus mutans*), frequent consumption of fermentable carbohydrates, and inadequate oral hygiene. Additional factors, such as prolonged breastfeeding, socioeconomic status, and maternal health, also play significant roles. Preventive strategies like fluoride application, dietary counseling, and maternal oral health care are crucial in reducing ECC incidence. Treatment options range from non-invasive approaches, such as fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride (SDF), to invasive interventions like the Hall Technique and pulpotomy for severe cases. ECC remains a pervasive challenge in pediatric dentistry, with high costs and negative impacts on children’s quality of life. Early prevention, parental education, and individualized treatment plans are essential to mitigate the effects of ECC. Future research should focus on enhancing risk assessment tools and developing more cost-effective, accessible treatments to address ECC globally.

Background: Teledentistry integrates telecommunications with dental practice, facilitating the exchange of clinical information and images for remote dental consultation and treatment planning. This approach enables dental care access across long distances, addressing the need for flexible healthcare solutions.Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of teledentistry compared to clinical in‐person dental diagnosis in pediatric patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Design: The study sample consisted of 200 children aged 3–13 years, each undergoing both teledentistry‐based and in‐person clinical dental diagnosis. Caries index scores, including DMFT/dmft and DMFS/dmfs, as well as the identification of specific dental conditions such as molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), black tooth staining, periodontal disease, dental trauma, and orthodontic anomalies, were recorded in both diagnostic settings. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi‐square, Wilcoxon, and Fisher's Exact tests.Results: The mean age of participants was 7.86 ± 2.40 years. Caries index scores (DMFT/dmft, DMFS/dmfs) showed compatibility between teledentistry and clinical diagnoses. While “d/D, f/F, ds/DS, fs/FS” scores were observed to be higher in clinical diagnoses compared to teledentistry, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Scores for “m/M” and “ms/MS” were identical in both diagnostic methods. Additionally, the prevalence of dental anomalies, including MIH, black tooth staining, periodontal disease, dental trauma, and orthodontic anomalies, was comparable across both diagnostic approaches.Conclusion: Findings suggest that teledentistry serves as an effective alternative to clinical in‐person diagnosis for pediatric dental consultations and treatment planning, demonstrating comparable accuracy in identifying caries and dental anomalies in children.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of filling pastes in resin prototype primary molars by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D modeling. Materials and methods: The canals of 27 primary second molar teeth models were shaped with a rotary endodontic motor to file No. 30/04. The samples were randomly divided into three groups and filled with calcium hydroxide-distilled water, Viopex, and calcium hydroxide-propylene glycol, respectively (n=9). Pre-filling and post-filling CBCT images of the shaped canals were obtained, 3D models were reconstructed with MiMiCS® software and volume measurements were made in cubic millimeters (mm3). Differences between the volume of the shaped canals and filling materials were calculated as the miss-filling areas of various filling materials were also recorded. Dependent 2-group I-test, Bonferroni test, and one-way analysis were used for statistical analysis. Data were statistically analyzed at p<0.05 significance level by IBM SPSS 25 software. Results: Among the three root canal sealers, the filling capacity of the calcium hydroxide-propylene glycol group was found to be the highest (p=0.001). Conclusion: When calcium hydroxide mixed with propylene glycol was compared to calcium hydroxide alone, calcium hydroxide demonstrated a greater potential for root canals in primary maxillary second molar models. It is clear that clinical studies with follow-ups of the subjects will contribute to literature and clinical success.

Introduction: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topical agent that has recently gained popularity for its ability to stop and prevent dental caries. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SDF applied to class I cavities of extracted non-caries molar teeth on the fracture resistance of CAD/CAM block. Materials and methods: Twenty eight extracted noncarious molars were selected for the study. They were divided into two groups (n=14 per group). In each tooth, a diamond head was used to create Class I cavities that were 2 mm deep and 2 mm wide. The fracture strength test was carried out by applying a force at a speed of 5 mm/min, while continuously increasing the long axis of the tooth at the point corresponding to the central fossa. Results: SDF application did not have a statistically significant effect on fracture resistance in teeth restored with Class I cavities CAD/CAM blocks. The two groups did not differ statistically significantly according to the two-way ANOVA [mean fracture force (N) ± standard deviation: without SDF 1138.19±581.65 and with SDF 1067.93±555.65; p=0.712]. Conclusions: This study showed that SDF did not have either a positive or negative effect on the fracture resistance for restoration or easy application in cavities. Long-term clinical studies with different mechanical tests are needed for the safe use of SDF in pre-restoration cavities with CAD/CAM blocks.

ÖZ AMAÇ: Toplum ağız diş sağlığı eğitimleri, bireyleri risk ve risk faktörleri hakkında bilgilendirip, uygun davranışları alışkanlık edinmeleri ile oral ve genel sağlığın korunmasını hedeflenmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, ağız diş sağlığı eğitimi verilen genç bireylerde eğitim öncesi ve sonrası bilgi düzeyi ve tutumlarının karşılaştırılmalı olarak değerlendirilmesidir. GEREÇ VE YÖNTEM: 13-18 yaş aralığında, erkek yetiştirme yurdunda 66 öğrencinin saha koşullarında, ayna sond kullanarak ağız içi muayenesi yapılmıştır. Muayeneyi takiben, öğrencilere cevaplamaları için, diş fırçalama, diş ipi, diş macunu, diş hekimi ve beslenme ile ilgili bilgilerini ölçen 20 soruluk anket dağıtılmıştır. Aynı anket cevaplandırılması için, diş sağlığı eğitimi görsel sunumu sonunda tekrar cevaplandırmaları üzere dağıtılmıştır. Eğitimden bir ay sonra anket tekrarlanmış, veriler rapor edilmiştir. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde SPPS 20 (IBM Corp. 2011) istatistiksel paket program kullanılmıştır. BULGULAR: Çalışmamıza katılan 66 öğrencinin ortalama DMFT değeri 3.9± 4.1 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Doğru cevaplara verilen toplam puanlar, ağız hijyen eğitimi öncesi, sonrası ve bir ay sonra olmak üzere sırayla; 8.7±2.7, 10.1±5.2 ve 9.4±4.9 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Eğitim öncesi ve sonrası arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulunmuştur (p 0.05) Diş fırçalama ve diş hekimi bilgi düzeyleri eğitim öncesi ve sonrası arasında anlamlı fark gösterirken, bir ay sonra bu fark istatiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmamıştır. Diş ipi ve diş macunu bilgi düzeyleri arasında eğitim öncesi, sonrası ve bir ay sonunda istatiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde artış saptandığı rapor edilmiştir. SONUÇ: Genç bireylerde ağız-diş sağlığı ve alışkanlıklarının elde edilmesi ve sürdürülebilir olması için, ağız hijyen eğitiminin kısa aralıklarla düzenli olarak verilmesi gerekir. ANAHTAR KELİMELER: Oral hijyen, adolesan, ağız sağlığı eğitimi

Sleeping problems are common in the pediatric population. Their potential relationship with oral manifestations is in the scope of researchers' interest. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible associations between sleeping habits and sleep bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and dental caries among children by using Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Faculty of Dentistry of Istanbul Aydin University, Turkey, with a representative sample of 100 children aged 6-13 years. The CSHQ was completed by their parents. In addition, an intraoral examination was carried out in a clinical setting and sleep bruxism was recorded. The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) were examined and TMD were rated according to the Helkimo anamnestic and clinical dysfunction index. Data was analyzed with Fisher's exact test and the χ2 test. Among sleeping habits, bedtime resistance was found to be significantly associated with sleep bruxism and TMD symptoms in children. Sleep behavior problems were also found to be related to TMD. Untreated dental caries was significantly associated with sleep fragmentation. Sleep bruxism, TMD and untreated dental caries might have a negative impact on children's sleeping habits and characteristics. Pediatricians and pedodontists should collaborate to identify the causes and clinical features of sleeping habits and disorders in order to avoid adverse effects on the child's stomatognathic system.

Dens invaginatus is a developmental dental anomaly that occurs when the enamel organ is folded into the dental papilla prior to calcification of dental tissues. Endodontic treatment of the teeth with dens invaginatus can be challenging and due to atypical and complex anatomy. This case report presents non-surgical endodontic treatment of maxillary lateral incisor with Oehlers Type II Dens Invaginatus. The anamnesis revealed that the maxillary left lateral incisor had root canal treatment in the past; however the symptoms remained. Radiographic and clinical examination revealed an inadequately filled accessory canal and a necrotic unfilled main canal surrounded by a large periapical lesion. Subsequently, endodontic treatment of the main and retreatment of the accessory canal was completed. One year of clinical and radiographical follow-up demonstrated an asymptomatic tooth with a healing periapical lesion. Keywords: Dens in Dente; Incisor; Invaginatus, Retreatment

Background and Objectives: Postoperative pain is a common symptom of a flare-up after root canal treatments (RCTs). Insufficient instrumentation, extrusion of irrigation solutions and debris, and the existence of a periapical lesion are the factors affecting postoperative pain after root canal treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative pain and instrumentation time of the single-file reciprocating system and multiple-file Ni–Ti rotary system in children ages 9–12 years old. Materials and Methods: Our study was conducted on 51 permanent mandibular molars with the diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups, and RCTs were completed with either the Reciproc Blue or Protaper NEXT file systems. Instrumentation time for each system was noted, and patients were given a pain scale that included a visual analog scale for 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment. Postoperative pain scores and instrumentation times were analyzed statistically with a chi-square test and Student’s t-test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative pain between the Reciproc Blue and Protaper NEXT systems at all time intervals. Instrumentation time was significantly shorter in the Reciproc Blue group in comparison with the Protaper NEXT group. Conclusions: Postoperative pain findings following RCT using single-file reciprocating systems were similar to the rotary system group. However, chair time in the reciprocating system group was significantly lower. This provided a comfortable and patient-friendly treatment approach for children, and could enhance their cooperation.

Objective: Sleep disorders are common among children and have a negative impact on growth and development. Recently reports demonstrate a possible association with oral findings as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between sleeping habits, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and dental caries in children. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at IAU Faculty of Dentistry with a representative sample of a hundred children aged between 6-13. Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was completed by their parents. Intra oral examination was carried out in a clinical setting and presence of nocturnal bruxism, history of TDI were recorded for each child. Results: Among sleeping habits, bed time resistance was found significantly related with children who had nocturnal bruxism and temporomandibular disorders. Untreated dental caries was also found significantly associated with sleep fragmentation. However, no relation was found with traumatic dental injuries. Conclusion: Children with symptoms of bruxism, TMD and untreated dental caries might experience negative impacts on their sleeping habits and characteristics. Pediatricians and pedodontists should work in collaboration to identify causes and clinical features of sleeping habits and disorders in order to avoid negative effects on stomatognathic system.