Do the ball-ended probe cause less damage than sharp explorers?-An ultrastructural analysis

Efficacy of a novel dentifrice containing bioactive glass-ceramic for dentinal hypersensitivity: A double-blind randomized controlled trial in Chinese adults

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of a toothpaste containing 7.5 % HX-BGC in combating dentinal hypersensitivity.

METHODS

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, three-group parallel-controlled design was employed, with Schiff Index and Yeaple Index as measurement indicators. The study evaluated the effectiveness of HX-BGC toothpaste, NovaMin toothpaste, and a negative control toothpaste without desensitizing agents. Eligible subjects underwent baseline examination after a 2-week washout period, and those meeting inclusion criteria and not meeting exclusion criteria entered the study. Participants were randomly assigned to use one of the three toothpastes. Follow-up examinations were conducted immediately after a single use and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Intra-group and inter-group comparisons were made for Schiff and Yeaple indices. Safety of the experimental toothpastes was assessed through participant feedbacks and oral soft tissue examinations.

RESULTS

Subjects in the three groups were balanced in terms of age and gender distribution, with no baseline differences in indicators. Immediately after a single application of toothpaste, Yeaple indices increased, and Schiff indices decreased, with no significant differences among the groups. After 2 weeks of continuous use, Yeaple indices increased in all groups, with significant differences observed between the HX-BGC group and the other two groups. Schiff indices decreased in all groups, with the NovaMin group showing significant differences compared to the negative control group. At weeks 4 and 6, both indices in the HX-BGC group and the NovaMin group were significantly better than those in the negative control group, with the HX-BGC group outperforming the NovaMin group in the Yeaple index. No serious adverse reactions related to the study products were observed or reported by any participants.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This clinical trial confirmed the efficacy of HX-BGC in anti-dentinal hypersensitivity and supported the clinical application of the dentifrice containing HX-BGC.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the negative control group, both HX-BGC and NovaMin toothpaste groups demonstrated more significant effects in combating dentinal hypersensitivity. No adverse reactions related to the experimental toothpastes were observed.

Dental Caries and Its Management

Objectives

In recent years, the management of dental caries has evolved significantly. Caries prevention, early detection, and a diagnosis based on risk indicators and risk factor assessments are the most current practical approaches. Furthermore, as proposed in minimally invasive dentistry, the new management approaches preserve healthy tissue and maintain pulp vitality. This article overviews the latest minimally invasive dental caries management and treatment options. The information will assist the reader in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of dental caries.

Materials and Methods

The PubMed (MEDLINE) search engine was used to gather the most relevant information on dental caries. The search was restricted to five years (May 30, 2018-May 29, 2022), and only English-language studies were accessed. A Boolean search of the PubMed data set was implemented to combine a range of keywords. The following filters were applied: abstract, free full text, full text, clinical trial, randomised control trial, systematic review, meta-analysis, and review. More studies were also obtained by manual searches from Google Scholar and textbooks on dental caries.

Results

By using this process, 683 articles and studies were obtained. The most relevant published studies were chosen and used in the current review. The selected articles are included in the references list. However, the search extended to cover the last five years as our understanding and management of dental caries have changed significantly.

Conclusions

Early detection and diagnosis of caries based on risk indicators and risk factor assessments are effective. Furthermore, minimally invasive restorative techniques are beneficial in managing dental caries and preserving healthy tissue and should be used whenever possible. This new information, knowledge, and materials should encourage professionals to implement this method. Having a strategy and system based on patient-centred care is critical, and our dental responsibilities must prioritise patient-centred care.

When Less is More: Minimally Invasive, Evidence-Based Treatments for Dentine Caries in Primary Teeth - The Hall Technique and Silver Diamine Fluoride

Evidence supports minimally invasive dentistry, and we have a better understanding of dental caries as a biofilm-mediated disease. These factors, together with the current need to reduce aerosol generation, make treatment approaches such as the Hall Technique and the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) more relevant than ever.Successful treatment planning depends on carious lesions being detected, their status accurately assessed, and a correct diagnosis made. Choosing the most appropriate treatment options for the tooth and child relies on marrying this with a precise history and an understanding of indications and contraindications for treatments.This article outlines the optimal use of the Hall Technique and SDF, allowing dental practitioners and therapists to use these modalities as less invasive approaches to provide the highest quality treatment for children with dental caries; less is more.

Prevalence of White Spot Caries Lesions in Primary Teeth in Preschool Children: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The first clinically detectable stage of caries lesion is a non-cavitated white spot lesion (WSL). The detection of early stages of caries lesions allows non-invasive management by fluoride usage, oral hygiene and diet control. There is a lack of information in the literature regarding the prevalence of these caries lesions in preschool children, which is important especially for public health strategies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to verify the WSLs prevalence in primary teeth of preschool children.

METHODS

A literature search with MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Open Gray databases was conducted. Included studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using random effects model, for prevalence of pooled WSLs and subgroups analyses.

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 4922 potentially relevant articles, with final inclusion of 16 studies. The pooled prevalence of WSLs in primary teeth was 14.0% (95% CI: 8.0-24.0), without publication bias (p=0.2668). For subgroup analyses, an increase in WSLs prevalence for children of low-income economy (24.0%; 95% CI: 20.0-28.0), for age >31 months (22.0%; 95% CI: 12.0-37.0), for validated visual criteria assessment (20.0%; 95% CI: 11.0-33.0), and for tactile assessment with ball-ended probe (26.0%; 95% CI: 11-50.0) were detected.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that the prevalence of WSLs in primary teeth of preschool children increases in countries with low income economy, with age greater than 31 months or texture assessment with visual validated criteria or ball-ended probe. PROSPERO Registration: Protocol number #CDR42017078434.

Knowledge and Use of Caries Detection Methods among Dental Students and Dental Practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Aim

Accurate detection and diagnosis of dental caries is an integral part of achieving adequate comprehensive dental care. Furthermore, the high prevalence of caries and generally poor oral health in Saudi Arabia is a public health concern. In addition to necessary preventive programs and awareness initiatives, understanding diagnostic practices plays an important role in garnering broad background knowledge regarding the routine diagnostic means utilized by our targeted respondents. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the methods of caries detection among dental students and dental practitioners in Riyadh using a cross-sectional observational study design.

Methods

The sample comprised 496 dental students, interns, postgraduate residents, general dental practitioners, specialists, and consultants from the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. A survey was designed to assess caries detection methods, risk assessment practices, and knowledge of advanced diagnostic methods. The responses were correlated with demographic and educational variables. Regression models were used to predict associations.

Results

42.3% and 32.7% use sharp explorers in diagnosing caries always and most of the time, respectively. When conducting caries risk assessment practices, 64.4% was very likely to review the patient's medical history and lifestyle. In terms of knowledge of advanced diagnostic methods, 47.8% know “much” to “very much” about FOTI. The knowledge of advanced caries diagnostic methods and practices of advanced diagnostic methods were significantly positively correlated (r = 0.388, P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis indicated that higher experience (10+ years) was associated with higher knowledge regarding advanced caries diagnostic methods (β = 0.27, P=0.009). The mean rank for risk assessment practices was significantly lower in GPs compared to consultants (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The use of traditional and invasive methods of caries detection is prevalent among our respondents, while the usage of advanced diagnostic methods is for the most part low. Therefore, we advocate for more minimally invasive approaches and as such encourage the practice and availability of advanced diagnostic methods.

Caries Diagnosis in Dental Practices: Results From Dentists in a Brazilian Community

The aim of this study was to assess practices related to diagnosis of dental caries among dentists (n=217) from Araraquara, São Paulo State, Brazil. Data on sociodemographic information and practitioner characteristics were collected using a pretested questionnaire, and data on practices related to caries diagnosis were gathered by using a translated and culturally adapted questionnaire from the US National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used for data analysis. Respondents reported using in most of their patients radiographs (Rx) to diagnose proximal caries (59%), explorer (Ex) for the diagnosis of occlusal caries (64%) and on the margins of existing restorations (79%), as well as air jet (AJ) with drying (92%). Magnification (M) (25%), fiber optic transillumination (FOTI; 14%), and laser fluorescence (LF) (3%) were used in the minority of patients. Regression analysis revealed that the following dentists' characteristics were significantly associated (p<0.05) with the use of diagnostic methods on a greater percentage of their patients: advanced degree (Rx, FOTI), higher percentage of patients with individualized caries prevention (Rx, FOTI, M), more years since dental school graduation (Ex, M), and work in an exclusively private practice model (LF). In conclusion, most Brazilian dentists from Araraquara reported they most commonly use visual, tactile, and radiographic imaging for the diagnosis of dental caries. Some dentists' characteristics, such as time from dental school graduation and having a postgraduation course, were associated with the use of certain diagnostic methods.