Dental Caries

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems in young children in Saudi Arabia. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to prevent it, but preschool children cannot do this properly on their own and depend on their mothers to brush for them and to supervise them. Mothers usually receive oral health advice only once, during a dental visit, and a single session may not be enough to change daily habits at home. This study will test whether short oral health messages sent to mothers on WhatsApp, in addition to the usual face-to-face advice, help mothers know more about toothbrushing and help their children brush better. Mothers of children aged 3 to 6 years attending the Pediatric Dentistry Clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah will be invited to take part. All mothers will first answer a short questionnaire about what they know about toothbrushing and how their child currently brushes. All mothers will then receive the same 10 to 15 minute face-to-face oral health education session. After the session, each mother will be placed into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. Mothers in the first group will also receive two WhatsApp messages a week for eight weeks, sixteen messages in total, covering how often to brush, how much fluoride toothpaste to use, correct brushing technique, and how to help and supervise their child. Mothers in the second group will not receive these messages. After eight weeks, all mothers will answer the same questionnaire again, and the answers of the two groups will be compared. Taking part involves no dental treatment or procedures beyond the child's normal care, and mothers may withdraw at any time.

This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the clinical and radiographic success of calcium hydroxide-iodoform paste and modified triple antibiotic paste when used for the treatment of necrotic primary molars in children using the lesion sterilization and tissue repair (LSTR) technique. The study will include children aged 4-7 years with restorable necrotic mandibular second primary molars. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive LSTR treatment with either calcium hydroxide-iodoform paste or modified triple antibiotic paste. Clinical and radiographic findings will be assessed during follow-up over 12 months to determine the success of each treatment. The study hypothesis is that there will be a difference in the clinical and radiographic success between the two treatment materials when used with the LSTR technique

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and radiographic success of stainless steel crowns placed using the Hall Technique versus the conventional method in the restoration of permanent first molars in children, and to evaluate their effects on occlusal relationships, crown adaptation, and patient satisfaction. Study Outcomes The primary outcome of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of stainless steel crowns placed on permanent first molars using the Hall Technique in comparison to the conventional crown placement method. The secondary outcomes included assessment of the marginal fit and adaptation of preformed crowns using both techniques, analysis of changes in occlusal relationships-specifically the vertical dimension of occlusion and overbite-and evaluation of patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction was measured using a five-point Likert scale at multiple time points: immediately post-treatment, and at one, three, and six months.

The Purpose of this Study is to Evaluate Pulp Preservation and Safety of KH001 in the Administration of Deep Dentin Caries.

The goal of this observational study is to develop better ways to detect and predict major oral diseases, including oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. This study will collect detailed oral health information and biological samples from adults with different oral health conditions and healthy participants to identify markers that may help doctors detect diseases earlier and predict how diseases may change over time. The main questions this study aims to answer are whether biological markers from saliva, mouth rinse samples, blood, or oral tissue samples can help identify people with oral diseases, whether these markers can predict future disease changes such as worsening gum disease, new or progressing tooth decay, or recurrence and spread of oral cancer, and whether combining clinical information with biological markers can improve disease detection and risk prediction. Participants will receive a standard oral health examination, provide information about their health history and oral health behaviors, provide biological samples when appropriate, and be followed over time through clinical visits, questionnaires, and health information collection. Researchers will compare findings among people with different oral health conditions and healthy participants to better understand disease-related changes and develop tools for earlier detection and prediction of oral disease outcomes.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if Povidone Iodine works to prevent tooth decay and suppress the mouth germs responsible for tooth decay. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. How will home use of Povidone Iodine, as an adjunct treatment to standard dental care, reduce the incidence of tooth decay? 2. How will home use of Povidone Iodine reduce the mouth germs responsible for tooth decay? 3. If Povidone Iodine use is accompanied by probiotic use, will its effectiveness be even better than Povidone Iodine alone? Participants will: 1. Provide a plaque sample at the beginning of the study. 2. Swab their children's teeth once a week for one month and then monthly thereafter. Some participants may be asked to use probiotic drops nightly after brushing their teeth. 3. Keep a record of compliance. 4. Return every 6 months for a dental exam and to provide a plaque sample. Keep a diary of their symptoms and the number of times they use a rescue inhaler

This randomized split-mouth clinical trial will compare two methods of occlusal surface cleaning before pit and fissure sealant placement in children aged 6-10 years. In each participant, eligible permanent first molars will receive either erythritol-based Guided Biofilm Therapy or conventional rotary-brush polishing before phosphoric acid etching and placement of the same resin-based sealant. Each child will receive both interventions on opposite sides of the mouth. The sealants will be followed for up to 36 months to determine whether the surface-cleaning method influences sealant retention and clinical performance. Procedure-related discomfort will also be compared between the two methods.

This cross-sectional study aims to assess the prevalence of dental caries in the first permanent molars of Egyptian children aged 6 to 7 years, and to examine how this caries status relates to the children's dietary habits and oral hygiene practices. A total of 272 children will undergo a clinical oral examination, and their parents or guardians will complete a structured questionnaire covering diet, tooth-brushing habits, and socio-demographic background. The findings are intended to help identify risk factors associated with early caries in these key teeth, supporting better-targeted preventive dental care for this age group.

This study is designed as a cross-sectional diagnostic agreement study conducted in accordance with the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD 2015) and the Guidelines for Reporting Agreement and Precision of Patient-reported Assessments (GRAPPA). The study evaluates the diagnostic agreement between the Digital Caries Risk Questionnaire (DCRQ), a novel patient self-administered digital instrument, and the Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) protocol as the primary clinical comparator. The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index is used as the reference standard for cumulative caries experience, with a threshold of DMFT ≥ 4 to identify individuals with high caries experience. Although the DMFT index reflects previous disease experience rather than future disease risk, it provides an objective clinical outcome for assessing construct validity. Accordingly, CAMBRA serves as the primary comparator for risk classification, whereas the DMFT index supports validation by evaluating the relationship between questionnaire-derived risk categories and cumulative clinical disease burden. The methodological rationale for this study is based on the current evidence supporting contemporary caries risk assessment models. CAMBRA is recognized as one of the most extensively validated and widely implemented caries risk assessment systems and has demonstrated diagnostic performance comparable to other internationally accepted risk assessment models. Systematic evidence has shown that these validated models provide acceptable discriminatory ability and calibration for identifying individuals at increased risk of developing dental caries. Furthermore, recent evidence synthesizing longitudinal cohort studies has identified a consistent set of adult caries risk factors, including smoking, systemic diseases, water fluoridation exposure, educational level, fluoride toothpaste use, dietary sugar intake, bacterial plaque accumulation, and previous caries experience. These established determinants are comprehensively represented within the nine domains of the DCRQ, supporting its content validity. In addition, previous validation studies of simplified questionnaire-based caries risk assessment instruments have demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, good test-retest reliability, and significant associations between increasing risk categories and objective clinical indicators such as DMFT scores, plaque accumulation, white spot lesions, and active cavitated lesions. Collectively, these findings support the use of a cross-sectional diagnostic agreement design in which questionnaire-derived risk classification is evaluated against an established clinical risk assessment protocol and validated using objective measures of cumulative caries experience.

: Assessment of Clinical, Radiographic, and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Following Restoration of First Permanent Molars with Cention N: A 12-Month Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial Introduction Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children. First permanent molars (FPMs) are particularly susceptible to caries because of their early eruption and complex occlusal anatomy. Restorative treatment aims to preserve tooth function and prevent disease progression. Composite resin is widely used because of its esthetics and mechanical properties; however, polymerization shrinkage may compromise marginal integrity. Cention N is a newer alkasite restorative material that releases fluoride, calcium, and hydroxide ions, promoting remineralization and enhancing caries resistance. Since treatment success should include both clinical outcomes and patient-centered outcomes, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) will also be assessed. Aim To compare the clinical and radiographic performance of Cention N and bioactive injectable resin composite in restoring first permanent molars over 12 months. A secondary objective is to evaluate changes in children's oral health-related quality of life. Materials and Methods This will be a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial involving 100 children aged 8-10 years. Inclusion criteria: Healthy children (ASA I or II). Positive/definitely positive behavior (Frankl 3 or 4). Bilateral carious first permanent molars. Vital, asymptomatic teeth without radiographic pathology. Exclusion criteria: Lack of parental consent. ASA III or higher. Teeth with signs of irreversible pulp disease or radiographic pathology. Ethical approval will be obtained from the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Dentistry, Minia University, and written informed consent will be obtained from parents. Clinical Procedure Following clinical and radiographic examination, local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation will be performed. Caries will be removed conservatively, followed by acid etching and adhesive application. One molar will be restored with bioactive injectable resin composite according to the manufacturer's instructions. The contralateral molar will be restored with Cention N, mixed and placed according to the manufacturer's instructions, with optional light curing. All restorations will be finished and polished using standardized procedures. Outcome Assessment Primary outcome Clinical and radiographic evaluation at 3, 6, and 12 months using the modified USPHS criteria, including: Color match Marginal adaptation Marginal discoloration Anatomic form Secondary caries Restoration integrity Secondary outcome Assessment of oral health-related quality of life using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10), which evaluates oral symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well-being, and social well-being. Statistical Analysis Collected data will be tabulated and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to compare the performance of both restorative materials over the follow-up period.

This study examines saliva samples from patients with osteoporosis. The levels of cytokines and Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) enzyme in saliva will be measured. Additionally, the dental caries status of participants will be evaluated. The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between osteoporosis and oral health. Only saliva samples will be collected from participants; no treatment or medication will be administered.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of toothpaste tablets when compared to conventional dentifrices in removing plaque. Methods: 50 participants are randomized into two groups: Denttabs toothpaste tablets (T) and Colgate's Cavity Protection toothpaste (P). Both groups utilize their assigned dentifrice for 6 weeks. A pre and post-assessment measures the Gingival Index (GI) and Plaque Index (PI) and Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT). A questionnaire on the use of the product is distributed at the end of the study.

This prospective cohort study in children will determine if: topical povidone iodine 10% followed by topical fluoride varnish is superior to placebo iodine followed two different varnishes alone to prevent tooth decay (dental caries).

Initial caries lesions can be managed using non-invasive treatment approaches that promote remineralization and prevent lesion progression. Ozone therapy has been suggested as an adjunctive treatment because of its antimicrobial properties and its potential to enhance remineralization. This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of ozone therapy on the remineralization of initial caries lesions in children. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ozone therapy followed by application of a remineralizing gel or application of the remineralizing gel alone. Changes in lesion status will be assessed over time using clinical and optical evaluation methods. The results of this study may contribute to the development of evidence-based minimally invasive approaches for the management of early caries lesions in pediatric patients.

This study aims to understand how oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease spread among family members and whether treating multiple family members can reduce the return of these bacteria after dental treatment. Families with children aged 5-12 years will be recruited from university dental clinics. Participants will be assigned to one of three treatment groups: treatment for the child only, treatment for the child and parents, or treatment for all family members. Researchers will collect oral bacterial samples from family members before and after treatment and will monitor close-contact interactions within the household using wearable proximity-tracking devices. The study will also collect information about oral health habits, family interactions, and environmental factors that may influence bacterial transmission. By combining bacterial DNA analysis with information about family contact patterns, researchers hope to better understand how oral bacteria are shared within households and whether family-based treatment approaches can reduce bacterial recolonization after dental therapy. The results of this study may help improve strategies for preventing childhood tooth decay and gum disease by addressing family-level sources of bacterial transmission.

The main reason for this research study is to learn more about a new flexible white dental crown (BioFLX) by comparing it to an existing flexible metal crown (Stainless Steel Crown). It is of interest to see if this new white crown is clinically equivalent to the existing silver crown that is mainly used in pediatric dentistry. A potential participant for this study would have cavities that require a crown, a type of filling that covers the entire tooth, and recommended dental work be done under general anesthesia.

This study aims to evaluate dental caries and oral hygiene status in children aged 7-12 years with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and to compare the findings with healthy children. Clinical oral examinations, including dmft/DMFT, ICDAS II, Plaque Index, and Gingival Index assessments, will be performed. In addition, questionnaire-based evaluations of oral hygiene habits, dietary habits, and parental supervision during toothbrushing will be conducted.

this study aims to compare the clinical performance of hard hybrid ceramics and composite resin indirect restorations fabricated by CAD/CAM technology for the vital teeth with occluso-proximal cavities. the clinical performance assessed include marginal adaptation primarily and in addition to Color match, marginal discoloration, aesthetic anatomic form, recurrent caries and restoration fracture and post-operative hypersensitivity. the clinical performance will be assessed after the restoration cementation, after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether 3D-printed resin-based crowns are an effective alternative to stainless steel crowns for restoring pulpotomized primary mandibular molars in children. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do 3D-printed resin-based crowns provide better gingival health than stainless steel crowns? Are there differences in plaque accumulation, crown retention, and child and parent satisfaction between the two crown types? Participants will: Receive either a 3D-printed resin-based crown or a stainless steel crown after pulpotomy. Attend follow-up visits for clinical evaluation over 12 months.

Periodontal diseases and dental pathologies are highly prevalent oral diseases. Thirty-three to fifty percent of adult population presented at least one untreated caries and more than 50% of French population are affected by severe periodontitis. These diseases affect dental organ or periodontal attached system but could have negative impact on general health, quality of life, word and individual well-being. Association between chronic diseases as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and oral health have been well investigated. Dental and periodontal diagnosis is dependent of various clinical parameters time consuming and dependent operator. It represents a public health challenge. Informatic analysis detecting diseases could be a time gain and a more precise diagnosis tool. Today, any software or algorithm allow automatized detection, clinical qualitative or quantitative indices recording while these informations are present in numeric models

The goal of this study is to determine the effectiveness and sustainability of a community-participatory hydration intervention over 3 years within a district that has newly installed hydration stations and is operating under a policy designed to enhance heathy hydration practices and promote equitable access to drinking water.

Despite advances in oral health care, cavities remain highly prevalent worldwide, especially among children. Conventional treatment methods focus on removing damaged tooth tissue but fail to completely eliminate or control pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity, leading to a high risk of caries recurrence in the same or adjacent teeth. Probiotics are a promising biological therapy that can help restore balance in the oral microbiome. Among probiotics, Bacillus species are unique because they form spores that make them stable under harsh conditions, such as heat and storage. They can also produce enzymes and natural compounds with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects. These features make Bacillus probiotics strong candidates for oral health applications. This study is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an oral-spray probiotic containing Bacillus subtilis ANA48 and Bacillus clausii ANA39 (LiveSpo® Smile CARE) in preventing and supporting the treatment of tooth decay in children. We hypothesize that this probiotic spray, when used regularly, will be safe and well-tolerated, while effectively reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing the progression of cavities, and improving overall oral health. Study Design: * Sample Size: 130 participants * Study Location: a primary school in Hanoi, Vietnam Intervention Description: A total of 130 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to two groups (n = 65 per group). Placebo Group will receive a 0.9% NaCl physiological saline, spray twice daily (morning and afternoon). Each application consists of two sprays at three sites (both dental arches and the front teeth), for a total of six sprays per use, continued for three consecutive months. Smile Care Group will receive an oral-spray probiotics containing ≥ 1 billion CFU/mL × 20 mL of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus clausii (LiveSpo Smile CARE). The dosage, frequency, and duration of use will be the same as in the placebo group. All participants will receive the same standard dental care throughout the study, including the use of identical toothpaste, supervised weekly fluoride rinsing with 0.2% sodium fluoride (NaF), and scheduled follow-up visits. The probiotic and placebo sprays will be packaged in blinded bottles and administered according to the study protocol to maintain objectivity. Study Duration: 12-18 months

This study aims to compare salivary IL-6, MMP-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 levels between healthy children and caries-active children, and to evaluate the effects of 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) used in caries prevention on these biomarkers. The study will be conducted at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Informed consent will be obtained from children and their parents/guardians. Investigator calibration will be performed using Cohen's kappa method prior to data collection. Sample size was calculated assuming 80% power (1-β = 0.80), α = 0.05, and Cohen's d ≈ 0.8, resulting in 20 participants per group using G\*Power 3.1 software. Study groups: Group A: 5% NaF varnish. Group B: 2% CHX + 5% NaF varnish. Group C: Standard oral hygiene education (negative control). Group D: Caries-free children (biological reference; baseline saliva sampling only). Saliva samples will be collected at T0 (baseline), T1 (30 minutes post-application), and T2 (1 month). Unstimulated whole saliva will be collected, centrifuged at 5,000 g for 10 minutes at 4°C, and stored at -80°C. IL-6, MMP-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 levels will be measured using CE-marked/FDA-approved human saliva ELISA kits.

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effect of diode laser pre-treatment on the retention and caries prevention of giomer-based fissure sealants in young adults aged 17-22 years. The study compares sealant application with and without diode laser conditioning on molars with ICDAS 0-2 fissures over a 12-month follow-up period. Primary outcome is sealant retention using Simonsen's criteria, while secondary outcome is caries prevention using modified USPHS criteria. The study hypothesizes that diode laser pre-treatment may improve sealant retention and enhance caries prevention by modifying enamel surface characteristics and improving sealant penetration.

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the long-term clinical performance of three different luting cements used to bond prefabricated zirconia crowns (PZCs) on primary front teeth in young children. The trial will determine whether any single cement offers superior retention, gum health, or marginal sealing compared to the others over a 3-year period. Main Questions: The study aims to answer the following: Are conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), bioactive resin-modified glass ionomer cement (BioCem™), and self-adhesive resin cement (SARC) equivalent in retaining prefabricated zirconia crowns on primary incisors over 36 months? Do these cements differ in their effect on gingival health, plaque accumulation, or marginal discoloration around the cemented crown? Comparison: Researchers will compare three parallel groups of children whose primary incisors are restored with identical prefabricated zirconia crowns but cemented with one of the three different luting cements. Participants will: Receive a clinical and radiographic dental examination at screening. Undergo placement of one or more prefabricated zirconia crowns on primary anterior teeth using their randomly assigned cement. Return to the clinic for blinded follow-up evaluations at 12, 24, and 36 months for assessment of crown retention, gingival health, plaque, and marginal staining.