Frequency of sweet and salty snack consumption among children in relation to their mothers' education level

Aim To investigate the frequency of consumption of sweet and salty snacks among children aged 2-18 years in relation to their mothers' education level. Methods A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted in five dental practices at the School of Medicine of the University of Mostar from May to October 2022. The data were collected from medical records. Results: Out of a total of 477 children, 172 (36.1%) had mothers with a high school education, while 305 (63.9%) had mothers with a university degree. In the group of preschool children (aged 2-6 years), there were 42 mothers with high school education and 105 with university degree. In the group of school children (age 7-18 years) there were 130 mothers with high school education and 200 with university degree. The difference in the consumption of sweetened beverages among children of mothers with high school and university was not statistically significant. Similar results were found for the consumption of salty snacks, lollipops, caramels and candies. The frequency of the consumption of biscuits, chocolate and cakes (several times a day) was statistically significantly higher among the children of mothers with high school education (p=0.04), especially among school children. Eating habits of children, regardless of the level of education of their mothers, differed significantly only in the consumption of lollipops, caramels, and candies (p=0.03), which were consumed once a day by 79 (63.7%) schoolchildren and 45 (36.3%) of pre-schoolers. Conclusion A higher level of education among mothers does not necessarily equate to proper nutritional knowledge.

ATTITUDES TOWARDS AND HABITS IN ORAL HEALTH OF ADOLESCENTS IN HERZEGOVINA

The aim of the study was to determine attitudes towards and habits in oral health of adolescents in Herzegovina, as well as to evaluate the possible differences in habits among individuals of different adolescent categories. The study included 120 participants (35 male and 85 female) divided into three adolescent categories, as follows: early (11-14 years of age), middle (15-18 years) and late (19-21 years) adolescence, from the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, who presented for dental examination. All participants completed the socio-demographic questionnaire and standardized Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI). The answers provided by study adolescents in the HU-DBI showed statistically significant differences among particular age groups, i.e. between early and middle adolescence in items 7 (p=0.046) and 15 (p=0.007); between middle and late adolescence in items 8 (p=0.021), 11 (p=0.04) and 12 (p=0.027); and between middle and late adolescence in item 11 (p=0.032). Respondents in middle adolescence had poorer oral hygiene attitudes than those in early and late adolescence. In order to improve the oral hygiene habits of adolescents in Herzegovina, it is necessary to put emphasis on continuous education about oral hygiene habits during their secondary education.

The influence of different types of brackets and efficacy of two chlorhexidine mouthwashes on oral hygiene and the incidence of white spot lesions in adolescents during the orthodontic therapy

BACKGROUND

To detect the effect of two different types of brackets (ceramic and stainless steel) and investigate the effectiveness of two chlorhexidine mouthwashes 0.2% (CHX) on oral hygiene status and incidence of white spot lesions (WSLs) in adolescents wearing fixed orthodontic appliance.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty subjects (aged 11 to 18 years, mean age 14.5 years) were divided into six equal groups according to brackets type and to different mouthwashes: Group 1: metal brackets and conventional CHX, Group 2: metal brackets and CHX with anti-discoloration system (CHX-ADS), Group 3: ceramic brackets and conventional CHX, Group 4: ceramic brackets and CHX-ADS, Group 5: metal brackets and water correction flavors mouthwash (placebo), Group 6: ceramic brackets and placebo. Four weeks after the placement of fixed orthodontic appliance the subjects were provided with three different mouthwashes for use during the next two weeks. Assessment was carried out according to oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) and WSL index performed: prior to placement of the appliance (baseline), four weeks, six weeks, eighteen weeks, and thirty weeks after the placement. The data were then subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Group 4 showed reduction in the OHI-S scores when compared to the Group 5 (in the 6^th week), and Group 6 (in the 6^th and 18^th week), which was statistically significant, P<0.05. Group 4 showed decrease in the WSLs scores when compared to the Group 1 (in the 4^th, 6^th, 18^th and 30^th week), Group 5 (in the 18^th and 30^th week) and Group 6 (in the 6^th, 18^th and 30^th week), which was statistically significant, P<0.05.

CONCLUSION

The ceramic brackets and the usage of CHX-ADS resulted in better oral hygiene status and lower incidence of WSLs.

In Vitro Evaluation and Comparison of the Translucency of Two Different All-Ceramic Systems

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the translucency of two different all-ceramic systems using Vita Easyshade digital shade matching device in an in vitro model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Translucency of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (IPS e.max Press) and zirconia all-ceramic system (Ceramill ZI) were evaluated and compared. A total of 5 square-shaped specimens with 0.5 mm thickness were fabricated from each ceramic system in A1 shade according to Vitapan Classical shade tab. Specimens were then veneered and glazed with corresponding veneer ceramics recommended by each system manufacturer and the total thickness was set to 1.5 mm. Translucency was evaluated using VITA Easyshade in two stages: before and after veneering and glazing on black and white background. Translucency parameter (TP) was calculated. A one-way ANOVA and Bonferonni tests were used when appropriate (α=0.05).

RESULTS

Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic was significantly more translucent than the zirconia system in both stages (P<0.05). Translucency of all specimens was significantly decreased after veneering and glazing in both all-ceramic systems (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The translucency of two different dental ceramics was significantly influenced by both material and stages of preparation. Within the limitations of the experiment, these results can be valuable and help the clinician to make appropriate esthetic decisions.

Influence of Adhesives and Methods of Enamel Pretreatment on the Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets

AIM

The objective of present study was to examine influence of adhesives and methods of enamel pretreatment on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets. The adhesives used were resin-reinforced glass ionomer cements-GIC (Fuji Ortho LC) and composite resin (Transbond XT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The experimental sample consisted of 80 extracted human first premolars. The sample was divided into four equal groups, and the metal brackets were bonded with different enamel pretreatments by using two adhesives: group A-10% polyacrylic acid; Fuji Ortho LC, group B-37% phosphoric acid; Fuji Ortho LC, group C-self etching primer; Transbond XT, group D-37% phosphoric acid, primer; Transbond XT. SBS of brackets was measured. After debonding of brackets, the adhesive remnant index (ARI) was evaluated.

RESULTS

After the statistical analysis of the collected data was performed (ANOVA; Sheffe post-hoc test), the results showed that significantly lower SBS of the group B was found in relation to the groups C (p=0.031) and D (p=0.026). The results of ARI were similar in all testing groups and it was not possible to determine any statistically significant difference of the ARI (Chi- square test) between all four experimental groups.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion is that the use of composite resins material with appropriate enamel pretreatment according to manufacturer's recommendation is the "gold standard" for brackets bonding for fixed orthodontic appliances.

The Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients with Drug-Induced Hyposalivation: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare switched on and switched off (sham) low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of drug-induced hyposalivation.

BACKGROUND DATA

Hyposalivation is decreased salivary flow rate most frequently present in patients who take a lot of medication, suffer from Sjögren's syndrome, or were irradiated. Available therapies provide only short-term relief.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-three participants (40 females and 3 males, average age 72.3 ± 8.9) participated in the study. Before therapy or after therapy, every participant fulfilled quality-of-life assessment scale (OHIP-CRO14). Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates were measured before and after treatment. The LLLT was performed by the use of gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser (830 nm) on parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands every day except during weekends for 14 days.

RESULTS

Significant difference in unstimulated salivary flow rate after the treatment was found in the study group (p = 0.002) compared with the sham group. No significant difference in stimulated salivary flow rate after treatment was found in the laser group (p = 0.626) nor in the sham laser group (p = 0.233). No significant difference in patient's quality-of-life score was found after both treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that the LLLT increased unstimulated salivary flow rate significantly. However, stimulated salivary flow rate did not increase significantly after the LLLT. In patients who underwent sham laser therapy, neither unstimulated nor stimulated salivary flow rate increased significantly.