Aims and background: Fostering a positive dental attitude in children to enhance their oral health status and engaging them positively throughout their dental experience is the cornerstone of pediatric dentistry practices. The behavior of the child in a dental setting depends upon their emotional, psychological, and mental developmental state. Children with special health needs tend to have more anxiety than healthy children. A low level of social intelligence (SI), fewer adaptive skills, and poor social development take a longer time to accept dental treatment. Thus, social development can impact a child's behavior during dental treatment. This study aimed to correlate the chairside cooperative ability with the social quotient of mentally challenged children. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 166 children with mental retardation between the ages of 6 and 12 who also had comorbid conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. The study was conducted in an institution for special children. Information regarding demographic details was noted. Social quotient was assessed using the modified Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) scale, and chairside cooperative ability was assessed using the Frankl behavior rating scale. All the data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: In this study, mildly retarded children exhibited 78.6% cooperative behavior, while only 29% of moderately, 5.2% of severely, and 0% of profoundly retarded children exhibited cooperative behavior. The Chi-squared test found a statistically significant association between social quotient and Frankl behavior rating (p = 0.000). Children with Down syndrome were mildly retarded and exhibited cooperative behavior compared to children with cerebral palsy and autism. Conclusion: It is concluded that children with a higher social quotient exhibited better cooperative behavior than children with a lower social quotient. Therefore, social development has a considerable impact on a child's behavior during dental treatment. Clinical significance: Social development has a considerable impact on a child's behavior during dental treatment.

Background and objective: During the last 200 years, there have been many changes in the way of performing endodontic treatment. The increased demand from patients for saving their teeth has led to the development of various innovative equipment and advances in the field of material sciences. Thus, the standard protocol of endodontic treatment has undergone several modifications. Bioceramic materials in endodontics can be considered a magnanimous entity with the ability to change the prognosis of many cases, especially those with poor prognosis. Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare and evaluate pH, calcium ion release, and setting time of premixed and freshly mixed tricalcium silicate-based endodontic materials. Materials and methods: Polyethylene tubes measuring 10 mm in length × 1.0 mm in diameter were used. Group I (n = 15)—Polyethylene tubes filled with ProRoot MTA; group II (n = 15)—Polyethylene tubes filled with Biodentine; group III (n = 15)—Polyethylene tubes filled with NeoPutty MTA. Samples were placed in polypropylene flasks containing 10 mL of deionized water. At 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 7 days, and 1 month, the deionized water was measured for pH using a digital pH meter, and released calcium ions were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Ten specimens, each with an internal diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 2 mm, were prepared for each material. A Vicat-type needle with a weight of 100 ± 0.5 gm and a flat end of 2.0 ± 0.1 mm in diameter was used to determine the initial setting time, and another Vicat-type needle with a weight of 456 ± 0.5 gm and a flat end of 1 ± 0.1 mm in diameter was used to determine the final setting time. Results: The results of mean pH values of all three study groups showed that the overall mean pH value of ProRoot MTA (group I) was 10.99 ± 0.782, followed by group II, that is, Biodentine with 10.52 ± 1.108, and the least values were obtained from NeoPutty MTA (group III) with 9.77 ± 1.103, respectively (p-value > 0.001), which shows no statistically significant difference among the three groups. The mean values of calcium release observed in the study groups showed that the highest calcium ion release was shown by ProRoot MTA (group I) with 265.9 ± 136.7, followed by group II, that is, Biodentine with 108.8 ± 49.70, and the least values were obtained from NeoPutty MTA (group III) with 47.84 ± 24.05. All the experimental materials showed Ca²⁺ release at all time periods, with significantly higher calcium ion release observed in group I (ProRoot MTA). However, NeoPutty MTA showed the significantly lowest calcium ion release compared to the other two groups. This difference in the values of calcium ion release across all three groups was found to be statistically significant with a p-value = 0.005. Moreover, on evaluation of setting time, Biodentine showed faster initial and final setting times compared to the other groups. Conclusion: The innovative endodontic cement, ProRoot MTA, exhibited an enhanced alkaline pH value and calcium ion release compared to Biodentine and NeoPutty MTA as bioceramic tricalcium silicate-based endodontic materials.

Background: Pain management in pediatric patients during dental procedures is very important. Here, the traditional method of behavior management is compared with novel methods. Aim: To compare and determine the effectiveness of an external cooling and vibrating device vs counterstimulation with the conventional technique in reducing the fear and discomfort of pediatric dental patients aged 5–7 years during inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). Materials and methods: The study population consisted of children aged 5–7 years, rated as positive (+) or negative (−) on the Frankl behavior rating scale, who reported to the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry and required dental procedures in posterior teeth that warranted the use of IANB. Anxiety measurement was conducted by both objective and subjective means. The subjective measures included Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPRS), as chosen by the patient, and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale (FLACC), as recorded by the observer, while the objective measure was pulse rate, recorded by a pulse oximeter. Group A: External cooling and vibrating device (Buzzy). Group B: Counterstimulation group. Group C: Control group. Results: The WBFPRS score and FLACC score reduced following the intervention in the counterstimulation group, indicating a reduction in pain perception and anxiety compared to the application of Buzzy and the conventional technique. Conclusion: Counterstimulation was the most effective in reducing pain perception and anxiety during the administration of IANB. Clinical significance: The injection of local anesthetic remains one of the painful and fear-inducing procedures in pediatric dentistry. This study provides evidence that counterstimulation is effective in reducing pain perception and anxiety during the administration of IANB.

Background: Pedodontists have a vital role in maintaining the overall health of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) by providing basic, preventive, comprehensive, and restorative dental care to such children. In doing so, Pedodontists face many challenges due to several environmental and nonenvironmental barriers. Aim: The aim is to gain insight into the perceptions of Pedodontists in India on providing oral health care to CSHCN and the challenges they encounter in doing so. Materials and methods: The self-administered questionnaire, with 20 questions, was made available through online resources to 250 randomly selected Pedodontists from all over India. The questionnaire evaluated the Pedodontists’ practices, attitudes, level of knowledge/awareness, and the barriers they encounter during the management of CSHCN. Results: Regarding attitude, even though 81.7% of Pedodontists were confident in managing CSHCN, 88.7% were in favor of developing super specialization in special care dentistry and skill upgradation at the postgraduation level. With regard to knowledge/awareness, about 98.6% of Pedodontists were aware of the dental home, and 45.1% were aware of Indian laws for disabled people. Even though inadequately motivated parents (39.4%) and lack of access to dentists providing care (22.5%) were stated as the greatest barriers to receiving dental treatment by CSHCN, lack of training was the major problem perceived by the Pedodontists in treating CSHCN. Conclusion: The dental curriculum model, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, needs to be revived to equip future dentists to deal with CSHCN. Special care dentistry should be adopted as a super-specialty in pediatric dentistry for treating CSHCN. Clinical significance: This study enlightened us about the difficulties faced by pediatric dentists in providing dental health care to CSHCN and explored customized strategies to address these challenges, thereby improving the quality of dental treatment for such children.

Background/aim: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a prevalent dental disease, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) have been suggested as a predisposing factor. This study aims to estimate and correlate HLA-DR and HLA-DQ activity in the saliva of caries-active and caries-free children, potentially aiding disease diagnosis and prevention. Materials and methods: A comparative study was performed on 50 children, divided into two groups: caries-active and caries-free, consisting of 25 children each, aged 3–6 years. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for analysis. HLA-DR and HLA-DQ levels will be estimated and correlated with caries score, age, and gender. Results: HLA-DR level was 33.032 ± 2.869 pg/mL in the caries-active group and 5.288 ± 0.960 pg/mL in the caries-free group, and was statistically significant at p < 0.001. HLA-DQ isotype level was 5.603 ± 1.264 ng/L in the caries-active group and 4.596 ± 0.748 ng/L in the caries-free group, and was statistically significant at p < 0.001. HLA-DR level showed a statistically significant positive moderate correlation with caries score (p < 0.001), whereas HLA-DQ levels demonstrated a positive very weak correlation with caries score and were not statistically significant. HLA-DQ was statistically significant at p < 0.001 when compared between genders in the caries-active group. Conclusion: Results suggest a substantial correlation between HLA-DR level and the severity of dental caries, and an increase in HLA-DR may be linked to an increase in caries severity. Thus, HLA-DR detection as a molecular biomarker for early diagnosis of ECC may be recommended.

Objectives: To evaluate the change in salivary pH using xylitol- and erythritol-containing lollipops and chewing gums, and assess the correlation between sugar substitutes and change in pH levels of saliva. Materials and methods: The present crossover study was conducted in 60 children between 3 and 9 years of age from a private school who had not received any meal for 2 hours prior to examination. There were three groups in this study: group I, control group (rinsing with tap water); group II, experimental group (with sugar substitute lollipops); and group III, experimental group (with sugar substitute chewing gums). The saliva sample was collected at three different time intervals, and the pH of saliva was determined using a universal pH indicator. Results: There was a highly significant difference observed in the pre- and postsalivary pH in all three groups, with the maximum increase seen in the lollipop group and the least increase seen in the control group. Conclusion: Lollipops can be used as a preventive measure in decreasing dental caries by preventing the salivary pH from falling below the critical level. Clinical significance: The use of sugar-substituted lollipops and chewing gums in raising pH levels was evaluated. This finding could be significant in supporting a shift from sucrose-based chocolates to sugar-substituted ones.

Introduction: Video modeling is one of the most recommended techniques for modifying children's behavior during dental procedures. Aim: To comparatively evaluate the three different modeling videos on dental anxiety of 3–6-year-old children requiring treatment under local anesthesia (LA). Settings and design: A parallel, randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry after obtaining clearance from the ethical committee. Methodology: Fifty-six children requiring treatment under LA, within the age-group of 3–6 years, were randomly assigned to the control group and one of the three video modeling intervention groups: Oral hygiene instruction video (group A), Modeling video showing restorative procedure without LA (group B), Modeling video showing restorative procedure preceded by LA (group C), and the control group without video modeling (group D). The anxiety of the child was determined using Venham's Index at five different intervals for modeling groups and at three different intervals for the control group throughout the procedure. Statistical analysis: Four groups were compared for anxiety score by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by pairwise comparison done by Tukey's post hoc test. Intergroup comparison of intervals for anxiety score was done by repeated measures ANOVA, followed by pairwise comparison by Bonferroni's post hoc test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) found among the three modeling groups for mean anxiety score at different intervals. Intergroup comparison for mean anxiety score at different intervals among the four groups showed that the highest anxiety was seen in participants from group D, followed by group A, group B, and the lowest in group C. Conclusion: Among the three modeling videos, group C modeling video was less anxiety-provoking than group B, followed by group A. The video modeling technique appeared to be effective in reducing dental anxiety in children.

Aims and background: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of digital intraoral scans in capturing the three-dimensional (3D) surface of teeth and dental arches in mixed dentition, compared with conventional plaster models. Intraoral scanning technology has seen rapid advancements in recent years, revolutionizing orthodontic and dental practices. However, its accuracy in mixed dentition remains a subject of investigation. Materials and methods: Children with mixed dentition (n = 34) were selected according to specific criteria. Digital intraoral scanning was performed using the Medit i500, and conventional plaster models were created following alginate impression techniques. The arch widths on the 3D digital models were measured using Medit Link software, while the conventional models were measured using calipers. Both sets of data were then analyzed using Moyer's analysis. Results: The results of the study showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the mean space analysis measurements obtained conventionally and digitally in the mixed dentition phase using Moyer's analysis method. Conclusion: Despite minor discrepancies compared to conventional plaster models, digital intraoral scans offer a clinically acceptable level of accuracy for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. The benefits of digital scanning, including improved patient experience and enhanced digital workflows, make it a promising tool for modern dental and orthodontic practices. Clinical significance: There is no significant difference between space analysis measurements in the mixed dentition phase using Moyer's analysis on conventional and 3D digital models.

Aims and background: The field of mobile healthcare (mHealth) has attracted attention, and the quality of mHealth applications is also being addressed. Therefore, usability evaluation should be conducted to verify the quality of mHealth applications. The aim of this study was to conduct an expert evaluation to verify the systematic aspects and usability of a mobile application (“CAMBRA-students”) developed to evaluate caries risk in children and adolescents and to provide systematic caries management. Materials and methods: The expert reviewers consisted of five professionals, including two dental hygienists, one professor of dental hygiene, and two IT specialists. These experts evaluated the technical issues of the mobile application using the heuristic evaluation and the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Frequency analysis was used to determine the heuristic score and MARS. Results: As a result of the heuristic evaluation, a total of 45 comments were received, of which 23 problems were extracted. The usability evaluation for professionals resulted in an overall score of 3.64. In the subscales (engagement, functionality, esthetics, information, and application subjective quality) of the MARS, the domain “application subjective quality” received the lowest score of 2.95 and the domain “information” received the highest score of 4.18. Through expert evaluation, the “CAMBRA-students” application was improved, and the usability was modified by correcting systemic and usability issues. Conclusion: The “CAMBRA-students” application is expected to be used in public oral health services for students. It will contribute to improving the oral health status of adolescents using the caries risk management system. Clinical significance: The “CAMBRA-students” application effectively manages caries risk in adolescents and has enhanced usability and systematic quality through expert evaluation, enabling personalized oral health management. It can significantly improve adolescent oral health and be integrated into school-based programs.

Introduction: This study describes a novel device known as “SAVE” to effectively protract the deficient maxilla in class III malocclusion by quantifying and evaluating the changes in the maxilla through a finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and methods: The patented novel SAVE device was three-dimensionally modeled using Autodesk Fusion 360. An existing computed tomography (CT) scan of a patient exhibiting class III malocclusion was used to generate a finite element (FE) model. The total number of nodes was 8,49,682 and 5,30,716 elements. The material of choice for the appliance was medical-grade polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer. The loading was performed to simulate maxillary protraction (after assigning material properties). The loading forces of 3.5, 5.5, and 9 N were simulated on each side with 30° angulations to the occlusal plane. The color changes in terms of areas of maximum (red) and minimum (blue) deformation. Results: The FEA results with protraction forces of 3.5, 5.5, and 9 N showed deformation of the maxilla in the forward and downward directions. Equivalent von Mises stress on the SAVE appliance showed stress on the superior surface of the main frame and on the area below the struts where the force module was attached. In relation to the implant, the stress concentration was on the posterior and superior area around the implant. Conclusion: The FEM analysis force vectors showed a forward and downward deformation of the maxilla with counterclockwise rotation, supporting the fact that the novel appliance could bring about effective maxillary protraction in a shorter duration.

Background: Indirect pulp treatment (IPT) is often employed in dentistry as a valuable technique for preserving dental vitality. While mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) remains a popular choice, the need for materials with shorter setting times, lower costs, and minimized discoloration concerns has led to the exploration of alternative options. Aim: To evaluate and compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of gel-based MTA Kids e-MTA (Kids-e-Dental, Mumbai, India) with MTA (ProRoot MTA, Dentsply Tulsa, Johnson City, TN, USA). Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in which participants aged 6–12 years were selected according to inclusion criteria. A sample size of 32 primary molars and young permanent molars with deep caries were treated by IPT with 2 mm ProRoot MTA and e-MTA. The groups were divided into two: group I (ProRoot MTA) and group II (e-MTA), with 16 samples in each group. Clinical and radiographic success, in addition to newly formed dentin thickness, were evaluated regularly at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: Both groups showed a clinical and radiographic success rate of 100% throughout all follow-up intervals. Analysis of the mean thickness of newly formed dentin at various follow-up intervals revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, with p-values of 0.32, 0.33, 0.33, 0.33, and 0.33, respectively.

Aim and background: To evaluate and compare the efficiency of a manual, electrical, and chewable toothbrush for plaque removal in children. Materials and methods: A total of 58 children aged 8–14 years who reported to the Department of Pedodontics. The children and guardians were familiarized with the disclosing agent, manual toothbrush, electrical toothbrush, and chewable toothbrush before the commencement of the study with the help of video and verbal demonstrations. Thirty children who were interested in participating in the study were included. Results: The study consisted of 30 participants who were divided into three groups of 10 each—group A: manual toothbrush, group B: electrical toothbrush, and group C: chewable toothbrush. A disclosing agent was applied, and Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) and Toothbrush Quality and Hygiene Index (TQHI) scores were recorded at baseline and after 1 week. The data was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Intragroup comparisons, that is, between baseline and 1 week, were performed using the paired samples t-test. Intergroup comparisons between the three groups were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by post hoc Tukey test (pairwise comparisons). A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion: The plaque removal efficiency of electric toothbrushes is the highest, followed by the chewable toothbrush group, while the manual toothbrush group is the least. The chewable toothbrush highly surpasses the manual toothbrush group as it contains xylitol substances, which reduce Mutans Streptococcus in the plaque.

Background: Dental anxiety about injections are common challenge in pediatric dentistry, often leading to delayed dental treatment. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the anesthetic effectiveness of three different topical agents in pediatric dental procedures. Settings and design: The study was a cross-sectional in vivo study carried out in the department of pediatric and preventive dentistry. Ninety children were chosen using convenience sampling and divided into three groups based on the topical anesthetic agent administered. Materials and methods: The procedure included anxiety assessment using the Modified Venham Picture Scale (MVPS) before and after the procedure, and pain perception was measured with the visual analog scale (VAS) and sound, eye, and motor scale (SEMS). Group A received 2% lidocaine gel, group B experienced precooling of the injection site with an ice cone, and group C was treated with clove oil, followed by a 0.9 mL infiltration injection of 2% lidocaine with 1:1,00,000 epinephrine using a 30-gauge needle for all groups. Statistical analysis: Variations in scores of the MVPS, VAS, and SEMS within and between the three groups were examined with the Kruskal–Wallis test. Spearman's correlation was employed to assess the relationships between the three scales with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Clove oil demonstrated the best anesthetic properties and exhibited the least pain perception among all groups. Conclusions: Natural options like clove oil and precooling with ice cones may serve as cost-effective alternatives to lidocaine gel in reducing pain and anxiety during pediatric dental procedures.

Aim: The aim of this research is to assess the accuracy and educational content concerning silver diamine fluoride (SDF) videos available on YouTube. Materials and methods: Videos were sought on YouTube using relevant keywords related to SDF in pediatric dentistry via the Google Trends application. There were a total of 70 videos accessible. Following the application of exclusion criteria, 54 videos were chosen for analysis in this study. Video data were reviewed, including the video type, quantity of likes and dislikes, view count, upload duration, and the efficacy of the videos was evaluated. Results: The majority of the assessed videos were classified as educational (81.4%), uploaded by healthcare professionals, and were moderately useful. A significant difference was observed in the duration (p = 0.02) between the educational videos (4.15 ± 2.17) and testimonial videos (2.12 ± 1.8). The association between viewing rate and usefulness score was found to be statistically significant, with videos categorized as moderately useful having the highest viewing rate (p = 0.04). Correlation analysis revealed that the usefulness score had a statistically significant negative correlation with the number of likes (r = –0.22) and a positive correlation with the number of views (r = 0.67) and view rate (r = 0.514). Conclusion: The information available on YouTube regarding SDF was found to be satisfactory to some extent, and healthcare professionals should be encouraged to upload quality educational and testimonial videos on the uses and applications of SDF.

Introduction: In children, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a commonly used material for fabrication of dental prostheses, such as obturators, removable space maintainers, habit-breaking appliances, removable orthodontic appliances, and removable partial and complete dentures. Regular cleaning of such prostheses is vital for maintaining the health of the oral tissues as well as the longevity of the prosthesis. The chemical method of disinfection, using different chemical cleansers, is commonly used for cleaning a dental prosthesis. Some of these disinfecting agents have been reported to alter the physical and mechanical properties of PMMA. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of two commonly used disinfecting agents on the surface roughness and surface hardness of two PMMA-based materials processed using different curing cycles. Materials and methods: PMMA samples were made using short and long curing cycles. The surface roughness and hardness of the samples before and after immersion in the two disinfecting agents were recorded. A profilometer was used to measure surface roughness, whereas hardness was measured using the Vickers hardness tester. Results: Both disinfecting agents increased the surface roughness and decreased the hardness of the PMMA samples. The effect was more profound in samples made using the short curing cycle. Conclusion: It is important to select the appropriate disinfecting agents and follow the manufacturers’ instructions to ensure that the other properties of the prosthesis are not affected.

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a multifactorial disease with known etiologic factors and can be very devastating to the oral and general well-being of a child, including psychological impacts on a growing child. Young children constitute a vulnerable population because of their dependence and inability to communicate their needs. Oral health disparities continue to pose critical challenges, as ECC is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Irony lies in the fact that milk, which is a wholesome nutrition, if fed in the wrong pattern, can be the main factor that helps this type of rampant caries spread rapidly, leading to pulp exposures and complicating proceedings. Awareness is the mainstay in prevention, and creating it becomes our sole responsibility as pediatric dentists. A multidisciplinary approach, with the involvement of mothers as the main stakeholders in this effort, becomes a very promising move. Thus, this project is phase two of an interprofessional collaboration involving mothers in prevention. Aim: The aim of the study is to create awareness among mothers and prevent ECC during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and methods: A total of 200 mothers with children aged 9–24 months were selected and added to the e-groups. The allocated mothers were given a pretest questionnaire, which was collected along with a photo of their child's oral health. Anticipatory guidance was provided to them. Follow-up was done at 2, 4, and 6 months. Awareness was evaluated by pre- and posttest questionnaires. Reversal of white spots was evaluated through indices, and progression was noted. Statistical Analysis: The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 13. Results: Pretest and posttest questionnaire analysis was done using the Chi-squared test. The test showed a marked increase in the knowledge, attitude, and practice of mothers regarding their children after the postintervention, which was given through traditional anticipatory guidance. Conclusion: In summary, the traditional anticipatory guidance intervention appeared to improve maternal knowledge but had no effect on oral health behaviors or the progression of ECC.

Aims and background: The study of the morphology of soft tissues as well as hard tissues of the orofacial region holds prime importance. A very less information is known about the lips (soft tissues) and maxillo-mandibular arches (hard tissue structures) in primary dentition. Henceforth, there is a need to classify, find the prevalence and correlation of various lip shapes, and arch forms in primary dentition. Materials and methods: A total of 135 children aged 3–6 years were assessed over a period of 6 months. Lip shapes were classified into three major types: type I (arched upper lip), type II (flat upper lip), and type III (atypical cases). The arch forms were classified into ovoid, square-shaped, and tapered. The data was analyzed using Chi-squared test. Results: The prevalence of lip shapes includes: type Ib (43.70%), type IIb (34.07%), type IIa (14.07%), type Ia (7.41%), and type III (0.74%). Arch form prevalence for maxilla, ovoid (79.26%), tapered (16.30%), and square (4.44%) shaped arch form while for mandible, ovoid (57.04%), square (36.30%), and tapered (6.67%) arch form. Conclusion: The most prevalent lip shapes were type Ib followed by type IIb and the most common arch form was ovoid followed by tapered for maxilla and square for mandible. There was no significant correlation found between lip shapes and arch forms in primary dentition. Clinical significance: The knowledge of lip shapes in primary dentition would aid in rehabilitation of the abnormalities like cleft lip, electrical burns, etc., while the information on arch forms will support the fabrication of prefabricated appliances, correction of alveolar defects, etc.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of tooth-related, soft tissue, and intraosseous pathologies in the pediatric population (0–17 years) in a South Indian dental teaching institution and to compare the results with previous literature. Materials and methods: Clinical data from the pedodontics department and histopathological records from the oral pathology department were analyzed from the year 2010 to 2022 and grouped into two major categories: group I, abnormalities of teeth, and group II, intraosseous and mucosal/soft tissue lesions. The data were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and descriptive analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 26. Results: In total, 3,398 children under 17 years of age were included. Overall, tooth-associated anomalies were far more common than intraosseous and mucosal lesions. Males were more commonly affected than females. Regarding the laterality of the lesions, the right side was more commonly affected, with the mandible being the most common site. Among tooth-associated anomalies, enamel hypoplasia was the most common. In group II, mucocele, followed by dentigerous cyst, were the most frequently occurring pathologies, with pediatric malignancies being the least common lesions. Conclusion: The pediatric population deserves more attention and care in treatment planning and execution. The presentation of retrospective data from multiple centers across different ethnic groups and geographic areas is warranted for updates.

Background: This systematic analysis of case reports aimed to compile available knowledge and identify trends in disorder onset, symptoms, treatment, and possible interventions across individual cases associated with Lesch–Nyhan syndrome (LNS) oral self-injury. Materials and methods: “Lesch–Nyhan syndrome” and “oral self-mutilation” were entered as keywords in four search engines. All cases reporting the patients’ demographics and documented episodes of self-mutilation, with details on treatment and management, were included. Descriptive statistics and a narrative approach were used to present findings. Results: Nineteen case reports comprising 26 patients were included. The patients were reported to develop oral self-mutilation at an average age of 4 ± 3.42 years. The medical history of 69.23% of patients suggests developmental delays. In 53.84% of patients, individuals exhibited ulceration or lacerations across the tongue, lower lip, thumbs, cheeks, index finger, dorsum of hands, and extensor surface of the forearm. Multiple teeth extractions, mouth splints and guards, allopurinol, and botulinum toxin-A were reported as common treatment modalities. Conclusion: A multidimensional strategy and improved genetic elucidation can potentially identify disease genes for the nonelucidated pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of LNS. Clinical significance: Given the challenges faced by clinicians in syndromic patients, the paper tabulates pharmacological and nonpharmacological management with their reported success. These suggestions can potentially guide pediatricians and dentists to formulate a treatment plan for LNS cases.

Aim and background: The lingual arch has been widely used as a space maintainer in the lower arch during the mixed dentition phase, and the open-coil space regainer (OCSR) has been used for localized space regaining. However, an appliance consisting of both has not been previously documented. This case report highlights the advantages of using a lingual-arch-supported OCSR for regaining lost space. Case description: A 10-year-old patient presented with deficient space available for the eruption of 45. Space analysis revealed a space loss of 3.8 mm. A lingual-arch-supported OCSR was placed to regain the lost space. After 8 weeks, the required amount of space was regained. Further activation was terminated by placing self-cure acrylic onto the springs. Conclusion: The lingual-arch-supported OCSR was successful in regaining the lost space. Clinical significance: The advantage of this appliance is that the reciprocal forces from the open-coil springs result only in mesial movement of the tooth anterior to the space, as the lingual arch prevents distal movement of the molar.