Effect of resin infiltration on white
spot lesions after debonding
orthodontic brackets
Shaza M. Hammad, phd, Mai ElBanna, phd, Inas ElZayat, phd, Mohamed Abdel Mohsen, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate
the effect of application of a resin infiltration material on masking the white
spot lesions (WSLs) after bracket removal. Methods: 18 patients participated in this study and were divided into two groups of
nine patients each; by a visual score based on the extent of demineralization,
according to the classification of the WSLs. Group 1: Visible WSLs without
surface disruption and Group 2: WSLs showed a roughened surface but not
requiring restoration. Three successive photographs were taken for every
patient; immediately after bracket removal, 1 week after oral hygiene measures
and after Icon material application. The JPEG images were imported into image
analysis software (Image J version 1.33u for Windows XP, US National Institutes
of Health) which presented the images into histograms of gray scale from (0 to
255). Initial and final images were compared for percentage of WSLs masking
area. Results: For both groups, a
statistically significant difference at P< 0.05 was obtained as follows; for
WSLs in Group 1, the means at gray scale for the initial and the final
photographs were 126.091 ± 13.452 and 221.268 ± 9.350 respectively and they
revealed significance by Wilcoxon’s signed rank test
= 0.038, P< 0.05. For WSLs in Group 2, the means at gray scale for the
initial and the final photographs were 95.585 ± 20.973 and 155.612 ± 31.203
respectively and they revealed significance by Wilcoxon’s signed rank test = 0.029, P< 0.05. (Am
J Dent 2012;25:3-8).
Clinical
significance: The
micro-invasive therapy of caries by resin infiltration facilitates an early,
virtually painless esthetic treatment and masking of post-orthodontic white
spot lesions on the enamel surface.
Mail: Dr. Shaza M. Hammad, 60
El Gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Dakahlia, 35516, Egypt. E-mail:
shazamohammad@yahoo.com
Effect of bamboo salt-NaF dentifrice on enamel remineralization
Choong-Ho Choi, dds, phd, Myung-Ok Ha, msd, Hye-Jeong Youn, phd, Seong-Soog Jeong, ms,
Youichi Iijima, dds, phd, Woosung Sohn, dds, phd, drph & Suk-Jin Hong, dds, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate
the laboratory remineralization effects of a
dentifrice with bamboo salt and NaF on artificial
caries-like enamel lesions, at both the surface and deep areas. Methods: Early dental caries lesions
were formed by treating bovine enamel samples for 48 hours at 37°C with a
demineralization solution (pH 5.0) containing 0.1 M lactic acid, 0.2% Carbopol 907, and 50% saturated calcium phosphate tribasic. pH cycling was then
performed by immersing the samples in dentifrice slurry for 2 minutes every 8 hours
per day, and in demineralization solution for 4 hours and mixed saliva for the
remaining time period. The mixed saliva consisted of 50% human saliva and 50%
artificial saliva. The surface hardness and the level of mineral surface
alterations were analyzed using a hardness tester and transversal microradiography, among negative control (fluoride free),
positive control (sodium fluoride 1100 ppm, Crest
Cavity Protection), and test dentifrice (3.0% bamboo salt with sodium fluoride
1,000 ppm) groups. Results: Test and positive control groups significantly increased
the level of the surface hardness and decreased mineral loss of the artificial
caries-like enamel lesions compared to the negative control (P< 0.05). The test
dentifrice also significantly decreased the lesion depth compared to the other
two groups (P< 0.05). (Am J Dent 2012;25:9-12).
Clinical
significance: A
bamboo salt dentifrice with sodium fluoride increased the surface hardness and
decreased lesion depth of artificial caries-like enamel lesions. Thus, the
potential exists for bamboo salt to be applied as a remineralizing agent along with fluoride in dentifrices.
Mail:
Prof. Suk-Jin Hong, Department of Preventive and
Public Health Dentistry, Dental Science Research Institute, Chonnam National University, School of Dentistry, 77 Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju 501-757,
Republic of Korea. E-mail: sjhong@chonnam.ac.kr
Laboratory enamel fluoride uptake from
fluoride products
Guglielmo Campus, dds, phd, Maria Grazia Cagetti, dds, phd, Nadia Spano, cs, phd, Stefania Denurra, cs, phd, Fabio Cocco, cs, phd, Maurizio Bossù, dds, phd, Maria Ignazia Pilo, cs, phd, Gavino Sanna, cs, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate
the fluoride concentration in enamel after the use of different fluoride
products and 48 hours after the cessation of fluoride
use. Methods: 16 enamel slabs were
divided and treated for 15 days as following: Group A, with an amine fluoride
toothpaste and mouthrinse (1400 and 250 mg/L-1,
respectively); Group B, with an amine fluoride toothpaste (1400 mg/L-1)
and mouthrinse without fluoride; Group C, with a
sodium fluoride toothpaste (1400 mg/L-1) and mouthrinse (250 mg/L-1). Chemical biopsy and multiple means were used to
determine fluoride concentration. The data were statistically analyzed using
the two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (P< 0.05). Results: After 15 days of fluoride
product use, Group A samples had the highest fluoride uptake (0.19 µg mm-2)
(P< 0.05). 48 hours after the interruption of fluoride product usage, a
higher fluoride concentration was found in Group A samples. Although all fluoride products led to an enamel uptake, amine fluoride
products promoted the most effective long-term uptake. (Am J Dent 2012;25:13-16).
Clinical
significance:
This laboratory study suggested that the daily use of a
toothpaste and a mouthrinse containing amine
fluoride produced an effective long-term fluoride uptake in enamel.
Mail:
Dr. Guglielmo Campus, Dental Institute, University of
Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/C I-07100 Sassari, Italy. E-mail: gcampus@uniss.it
Influence of post type on degree of conversion of a
resin-based luting agent
Chiara Ottavia Navarra, dds, phd, Cecilia Goracci, dds, phd, Lorenzo Breschi, dds, phd, Alessandro Vichi, dds, phd, Gabriele Corciolani, dds, phd, Milena Cadenaro, dds, phd & Marco Ferrari, md, dds, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To assess the degree of conversion (DC) at different
levels of a resin-based luting agent used with
different commercial posts. Methods: A resin-based luting agent (Variolink II) was light-cured in a simulated dowel space in combination with different fiber posts: GC Fiber Post (GC), DT Light
Safety Lock (SL), RelyX Fiber Post (RX), Reforpost (RE), DT Light Post Illusion (LPI), FRC Postec Plus (FP), Radix (RA), Snowpost (SP), Dentin Post X (DP), Macrolock Illusion (MI),
and Composipost (CP). After 24 hours, DC was assessed
through micro-Raman analysis at the coronal, middle,
and apical thirds. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey test were used for post-hoc comparisons (P< 0.05). Results: The results demonstrated that the post-type,
dowel space level, and between-factor interaction were statistically
significant (P< 0.001). Differences in DC were observed at different depths
for RX, RE, LPI, SL, DP, MI and CP, decreasing from the coronal to the
apical third. Although the resin-based luting agent
should be able to polymerize in absence of light, a higher DC was found
following light irradiation (with a decreasing effect from the coronal to the
apical third). (Am J Dent 2012;25:17-20).
Clinical significance: Fiber post type influenced the degree
of conversion of the tested resin-based luting agent.
Mail: Prof. Milena Cadenaro, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza Ospedale 1, 34129 Trieste, Italy. E-mail: m.cadenaro@fmc.units.it
Comparison of efficacy of an arginine-calcium carbonate-MFP toothpaste
Yiming Li, dds, msd, phd, Sean Lee, dds, Joni Stephens, rdh, eds, Luis R. Mateo, ma, Yun Po Zhang, phd, dds(hon)
Abstract: Purpose: To investigate whether the long-term use (6 months) of an arginine-calcium carbonate-MFP
toothpaste would affect calculus formation and/or gingivitis when compared to a
calcium carbonate-MFP toothpaste. Methods: This was a double-blind clinical study. Eligible adult subjects (120) entered a
2-month pre-test phase of the study. After receiving an evaluation of oral
tissue and a dental prophylaxis, the subjects were provided with a regular fluoride toothpaste, a soft-bristled adult
toothbrush with instructions to brush their teeth for 1-minute twice daily
(morning and evening) for 2 months. The subjects were then examined for
baseline calculus using the Volpe-Manhold Calculus
Index (VMI) and gingivitis using the Löe-Silness Gingival Index (GI), along with an oral tissue examination. Qualifying subjects
were randomized to two treatment groups: (1) Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief
toothpaste containing 8.0% arginine, 1450 ppm MFP and calcium carbonate (Test group), or (2) Colgate
Cavity Protection toothpaste containing 1450 ppm MFP
and calcium carbonate (Control group). Subjects were stratified by the VMI
score and gender. After a dental prophylaxis (VMI=0), the subjects entered a
6-month test phase. Each received the assigned toothpaste and a soft-bristled
adult toothbrush for home use with instructions of brushing teeth for 1 minute
twice daily (morning and evening). The examinations of VMI, Löe-Silness GI and oral tissues were conducted after 3 and 6 months. Prior to each study
visit, subjects refrained from brushing their teeth as well as eating and
drinking for 4 hours. Results: 99
subjects complied with the study protocol and completed the 6-month test phase.
No within-treatment comparison was performed for the VMI because it was brought
down to zero after the prophylaxis at the baseline of the test phase. For the Löe-Silness GI, subjects of the Test group exhibited a
significant difference from baseline at the 3- and 6-month examinations. The
3-month Löe-Silness GI of the Control group was
significantly different from that of the baseline; however, its 6-month Löe-Silness GI was not statistically significantly
different from the baseline values. After 3 and 6 months, there were no
significant differences between the Test and Control groups with respect to the
mean VMI scores; there were no statistically significant differences between
the two groups with respect to the Löe-Silness GI
results after 3 and 6 months of product use. (Am J Dent 2012;25:21-25).
Clinical significance: The use of Colgate Sensitive
Pro-Relief toothpaste containing 8.0% arginine, 1450 ppm MFP and calcium carbonate for 3 and 6 months did not
increase risks of calculus formation and gingivitis.
Mail: Dr. Yiming Li, Center for Dental Research, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry,
24876 Taylor Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA. E-mail: yli@llu.edu
Nerve-targeted
desensitizing toothpastes occlude dentin tubules
and induce mineral precipitation
Zhejun Wang, dds, phd, Tao Jiang, dds, phd, Salvatore Sauro, dds, phd, Yining Wang, dds, phd,
Wenzhong Xing, dds, phd, Shanshan Liang, dds, phd, Yue Sa, dds, msd, Chengfei Zhang, dds, phd, Ya Shen, dds, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To examine
the laboratory dentin tubules occlusion and mineral precipitation capability of
two potassium salts-containing desensitizing toothpastes. Methods: 40 dentin disks were obtained and divided into four
groups, including artificial saliva (AS), distilled water (DW), Sensodyne Freshmint (SF) and
Colgate Sensitive (CS). Dentin permeability measurement was performed after
EDTA etching, initial brush, 3-day brush, 7-day brush and citric acid
challenge, respectively. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to monitor the variation of mineral content
before and after treatments. The ultra-morphology of dentin surface was
examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate tubule occlusion. Results: The two potassium
salts-containing desensitizing toothpastes significantly reduced dentin
permeability to less than 40% after 7-day treatment (P< 0.05). The ATR-FTIR
analysis showed increase of the intensity of the phosphate peak after a 7-day
brushing period using both of the tested toothpastes. However, the dentin
permeability significantly increased and the intensity of phosphate peak
decreased after acid etching for all groups. The SEM examination revealed
partially occluded dentin tubules after toothpaste treatments, but after the
acid challenge the tubules were opened again. (Am J Dent 2012;25:26-30).
Clinical significance: The reduction of clinical
dentin hypersensitivity by nerve-targeted desensitizing toothpastes may be also
supported by the abrasive action and/or mineral precipitation reaction as well
as the depolarization effect of potassium salts.
Mail: Prof. Yining Wang, The
State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education,
School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan
University, 237 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, PR China. E-mail: wang.yn@whu.edu.cn
Antibacterial activity of ammonium hexafluorosilicate solution
with antimicrobial agents for the prevention of dentin caries
Shingo Shibata, dds, Toshiyuki Suge, dds, phd, Tomoko Kimura, dds, phd, Kunio Ishikawa, phd
& Takashi Matsuo, dds, phd
Abstract: Purpose: This study evaluated the
antibacterial activity of the SiF solution with the
addition of antibacterial agents on a Streptococcus mutans biofilm. Methods: Various antibacterial SiF solutions were prepared by adding chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, isopropyl methylphenol, or epigallocatechin gallate. Hydroxyapatite pellets treated with several SiF solutions were
immersed in BHI inoculated with S. mutans standardized suspension. The number of S. mutans cells adhered to each pellet was evaluated. Results: SiF with the addition of CPC was
the most effective for reducing the adherence of bacteria and inhibiting the
formation of biofilm, showing the same level as AgF, In contrast, the addition of other antibacterial
agents to SiF reduced the original antibacterial
activity of SiF solution. (Am J Dent 2012;25:31-34).
Clinical significance: The addition of CPC to SiF solution significantly reduced bacterial adherence and biofilm development, indicating that it may be useful in
the prevention of dental caries.
Mail: Dr. Toshiyuki Suge, Department of Conservative Dentistry, Institute of
Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan. E-mail: suge@dent.tokushima-u.ac.jp
Customized fiber glass posts. Fatigue and fracture
resistance
RogÉrio Goulart da Costa, dds, ms, Eduardo Christiano Caregnatto De Morais, dds, ms,
Edson Alves Campos, dds, ms, phd, Milton Domingos Michel, phd, Carla Castiglia Gonzaga, dds, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the root fracture
strength of human single-rooted premolars restored with customized fiberglass
post-core systems after fatigue simulation. Methods: 40 human premolars had their crowns cut and the root
length was standardized to 13 mm. The teeth were endodontically treated and embedded in acrylic resin. The specimens were distributed into four
groups (n=10) according to the restorative material used: prefabricated fiber
post (PFP), PFP+accessory fiber posts (PFPa), PFP+unidirectional fiberglass (PFPf), and unidirectional fiberglass
customized post (CP). All posts were luted using
resin cement and the cores were built up with a resin composite. The samples
were stored for 24 hours at 37°C and 100% relative humidity and then submitted
to mechanical cycling. The specimens were then compressive-loaded in a
universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute until fracture.
The failure patterns were analyzed and classified. Data was submitted to
one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α= 0.05). Results: The mean values of maximum
load (N) were: PFP - 811.4 ± 124.3; PFPa - 729.2 ± 157.2; PFPf - 747.5 ± 204.7; CP - 762.4 ± 110. Statistical
differences were not observed among the groups. All groups showed favorable
restorable failures. Fiberglass customized post did not show improved fracture
resistance or differences in failure patterns when compared to prefabricated
glass fiber posts. (Am J Dent 2012;25:35-38).
Clinical significance: Currently, post systems with
physical and biological properties similar to those of the lost tooth structure
are proposed for the treatment of wide flared root canals. The fiberglass post
manufacturing technique does not interfere with the fracture resistance and the
failure pattern of the post/core/tooth system.
Mail: Dr.
Gisele Maria Correr, Master’s Program in Clinical Dentistry, Positivo
University, Rua Pedro Viriato Parigot de Souza, 5300, Campo Comprido,
81280-330, Curitiba, PR, Brazil. E-mail: giselenolasco@up.com.br
Topical lavender
oil for the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration
D. Tagreed Altaei, msc, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To determine the laboratory and clinical efficacy of
lavender oil in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU). Methods: This was
a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study performed firstly to treat
the induced ulcers by different methods in experimental animals (rabbits)
treated with lavender oil or placebo. Clinical and histological healing was
established by measuring the area of the ulcer and inflammation levels in each
test group. Secondly, safety/toxicity; the median lethal dose (LD50) was
studied in albino mice, and dermal irritation test was performed by primary
irritation to the skin and measured by a patch-test technique on the intact
skin of the albino rabbit. Thirdly, antibacterial effect; lavender oil was
screened against bacteria obtained from swab specimen of human subjects’ RAU
using disc diffusion method. Fourthly, clinical study; 115 subjects (mean age
38 years, mean weight 75 kg) were divided into two groups of subjects topically
treated with lavender oil or placebo. The clinical efficacy was assessed by
inflammation level, erythema, edema, ulcer duration, ulcer size, mean area
under the curve of ulcer area, healing time, and associated pain intensity and
reduction. Results: Animals treated
with lavender oil showed a significant ulcer size reduction, increased rate of
mucosal repair, and healing within 3 days of treatment compared to baseline and
placebo groups [2-3 days (90%), 4 days (10%)] (P= 0.001). The intraperitoneal LD50 value in mice was 6.5 gm/kg; clinical
dermal irritation test showed no sign of irritation in the tested products.
Lavender oil showed a broad antibacterial activity against all tested strains;
it exhibited significant inhibition on tested bacteria where the value of zone
of inhibition ranged from 14.5-24 mm vs Streptomycin
(25 µg/ disc) 12-22 ± 0.5 mm; MIC was > 6.4-36 mg/ml. RAU patients treated
with lavender oil showed a significant reduction in inflammation level, ulcer
size, healing time, from 2-4 days [2 days (40%), 3 days (50%), 4 days (10%)],
and pain relief mostly from the first dose, compared to baseline and placebo.
No side effects were reported. (Am J Dent 2012;25:39-43).
Clinical significance: Lavender oil has antibacterial,
ulcer healing, and pain relief effects; it was well tolerated and was a highly
effective promising new safe treatment for healing recurrent aphthous ulceration.
Mail: Dr. D.
Tagreed Altaei, Department of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical
University, 100 Metry - near Rizgary Hospital, Erbil City, Kurdistan, Northern Iraq, Iraq. E-mail: tagreedaltaei@yahoo.com
Performance of laser fluorescence for the detection
of enamel caries
in non-cavitated occlusal surfaces: Clinical study with total validation
of the sample
Camilo Abalos, dds, md, phd, AsunciÓn Mendoza, dds, md, phd, Amparo Jimenez-Planas, dds, md, phd,
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the
clinical performance of a laser fluorescence device in detecting enamel caries
in non-cavitated occlusal surfaces. Methods: The sample
included 96 first and second permanent molars, selected according to the
criteria of Ekstrand: 44 not suspected of having
dentin caries (score: 0–2) and 52 under suspicion (score: 3–4). Once measured
by laser fluorescence, all teeth were validated by fissurotomy (gold standard). To avoid ethical questions, the 44 teeth (score: 0–2) used were
to serve as abutments for a fixed dental prostheses. Following fissurotomy, the 52 teeth with suspected caries were
treated with resin composite restorations. Kruskall-Wallis
statistical analysis (P<0.05) was used. Results: Laser fluorescence showed an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic
(ROC) curve of Az = 0.803
for enamel caries. The cut-off point with the highest sensitivity and
specificity was 15, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.97 and 0.63,
respectively. Values under 10 indicated healthy teeth. (Am J Dent 2012;25:44-48).
Clinical significance: Compared to other studies, the
present clinical study showed a more realistic calculation of the data for
first and second permanent molars. In clinical application, scores under 10
with normal visual inspection findings indicated healthy teeth. All teeth with
scores between 15-20 should receive preventive
treatment and be monitored. Scores above 20 may imply that the lesion has
spread to the dentin.
Mail: Dr. Camilo Abalos, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Seville,
C/Avicena s/n, 41009, Seville, Spain. E-mail: cabalos@us.es
Hydrostatic pulpal pressure effect upon microleakage
Howard W. Roberts, dmd, ms & David H. Pashley, dmd, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate
if hydrostatic pulpal pressure plays a role in
reducing microleakage. Methods: Uniform Class 5 preparations were accomplished on human
molars with one margin on root dentin. Prepared teeth were randomly placed in
one of three groups: (1) Hydrostatic pressure simulation at 20 cm pulpal pressure; (2) Hydrostatic pressure simulation but no
pressure applied (positive control); and (3) Conventional microleakage method. Specimens were subjected to 24 hours methylene blue dye, sectioned, and microleakage assessed as a
function of microleakage length versus entire
preparation wall length using a traveling microscope. Results: Hydrostatic pressure specimens demonstrated less gingival wall microleakage than the
control groups while no difference was found between occlusal preparation walls. (Am J Dent 2012;25:49-53).
Clinical significance: These results suggest that
traditional laboratory microleakage testing methods
that do not include hydrostatic pulpal pressure
methodology may overestimate microleakage.
Mail: Dr. Howard W. Roberts, Dental Residency Flight
Commander, 81 DS/SGD, 606 Fisher Street, Keesler AFB,
MS 39534, USA. E-mail: howard.roberts@us.af.mil
The effect of toothbrushing on surface gloss of resin composites
Dorien Lefever, msc, Nikolaos Perakis, dmd, Miguel Roig, phd, Ivo Krejci, dmd, phd
& Stefano Ardu, dmd, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To determine the changes in surface gloss of different
composite materials after laboratory toothbrushing simulation. Methods: 36 specimens
were fabricated for each material and polished with 120-, 220-, 500-, 1200-,
2400- and 4000-grit SiC abrasive paper, respectively.
Gloss measurements were made with a glossmeter (Novocurve) prior to testing procedures and then subjected
to simulated toothbrushing for 5, 15, 30 and 60
minutes by means of an electric toothbrush with a pressure of 2N while being
immersed in a 50 RDA toothpaste slurry. Four
supplementary samples per group were analyzed under SEM immediately after
polishing procedures and four samples after 60 minutes simulated toothbrushing in order to evaluate the causes of the gloss
decrease. The tested resin composite materials were Filtek Supreme XTE, Durafill, HRi Enamel Plus, Miris 2, Empress Direct, Venus Diamond, Gradia Direct, Clearfil Photo
Posterior and G-aenial. Natural enamel represented
the control group. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal Wallis and Tukey post-hoc test, with a level of
significance set at 0.05. Results: Resin composite initial gloss values ranged from 68.9 to 100.5 at baseline to
10.6 to 62.6 after 1 hour of brushing. Highest gloss values were obtained by Filtek Supreme XTE, followed by Empress Direct and Durafill. Lowest values were obtained by Clearfil Photoposterior, Miris 2, Enamel HRi and Venus
Diamond. Natural enamel was the only substrate to maintain its gloss throughout
the brushing procedure (110.4 after 60 minutes). SEM analysis revealed
different patterns of surface degradation depending on the composite material.
(Am J Dent 2012;25:54-58).
Clinical significance: None of the resin composites
performed as well as natural enamel. Some restorative materials exhibited a
decreased gloss due to toothbrushing, which might
result in an esthetic problem.
Mail: Dr. Dorien Lefever, Division of Cariology & Endodontology, Dental School, University of
Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. E-mail: Dorien.Lefever@unige.ch
Childhood dental
caries and childhood obesity. Different problems
with overlapping causes
Kaitlin A. Spiegel, ms, rd, ldn & Carole A. Palmer, edd, rd, ldn
Abtract: Purpose: To review and summarize the
current literature on the issues contributing to the increased prevalence of childhood obesity and dental caries
and to provide direction and guidelines for dental practitioners as well as
other health professionals for interventions that may help stem the tide of
both conditions. Methods: Through a
review of the recent literature, the most recent research on the nutritional
issues in common to both childhood caries and childhood obesity are reported,
as well as clinical interventions which are considered appropriate in dental
practice. Results: Factors
contributing to both childhood caries and childhood obesity are psychosocial as
well as nutritional. Family patterns, lifestyle issues, and school-based issues
all play a role. The literature shows that many of the same issues contribute
to both childhood caries and childhood obesity, and that it is within the scope
of responsibility of dental practitioners to provide guidance for the
prevention and reduction of both. (Am J
Dent 2012;25:59-64).
Clinical significance: Members of the dental team
tend to have long term, mutually respectful relationships with families. Thus,
they are in an ideal position to offer positive messages regarding children’s
weight that can be meaningful and effective. This paper reviews the many issues
in common to both childhood caries and childhood obesity, and provides
suggestions for meaningful interventions by the dental team.
Mail: Dr. Carole A. Palmer, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, 1 Kneeland St., Boston, MA 02111, USA. E-mail: carole.palmer@tufts.edu