Dermatoglyphics-A New Diagnostic Tool in Detection of Dental Caries among Deaf and Mute Children

Introduction: Dermatoglyphics is the study of dermal ridge configurations on palmar and plantar surfaces of hands and feet. Dermal ridges and craniofacial structures are both formed during 6-7th week of intra-uterine life, therefore hereditary and environmental factors leading to dental caries may also cause peculiarities in fingerprint patterns. Objective: This study evaluates the dermatoglyphic peculiarities and caries experience of Deaf and Mute children. Design: A total of 100 school children aged 6-16 years were selected using purposive and simple random sampling. Their fingerprints were recorded with duplicating ink and caries experience was clinically assessed by dmft/DMFT index.                                                                                        Results: Mann-Whitney test revealed statistical association between whorl patterns and loop patters in caries and caries free group (P<0.001). The frequency of whorls was found to be more in caries group and the frequency of loops more in caries free group. Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics could be an appropriate method to explore the possibility of a non-invasive and an early predictor for dental caries and hearing impairment in children so as to initiate the preventive oral health measures at an early age

Assessment of Oral Health Status and Effectiveness of an Oral Health Education Program in 5 - 15 Years Old Hearing Impaired Special Children in Madurai: An Interventional Study

INTRODUCTION: The disabled children such as physically, mentally and socially handicapped are neglected by their own nearest and dearest ones as well as society. This negligence adversely affects the psychological status of disabled people which in turn affects the oral health. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health education program on oral health status among hearing impaired special children aged 5- 15 year old in Madurai City. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population was selected from two available institutions for hearing impaired, in Madurai city. The final sample consisted of 217 subjects and the age range of study participants varies from 5 to 15 years old of both genders. After collecting the baseline data, oral health education and motivation was imparted at different time intervals with the help of visual aids and demonstration method. Fones method and Modified Bass method of brushing were taught to the children. Oral health status was assessed by using WHO proforma 2013 at baseline and after the health education at 3 and 6 month intervals. The oral health awareness was assessed using a self administered questionnaire at the beginning and end of the study. Data were analysed using chi-square test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, Kruskal walis test, Friedman test and Mann Whitney U test. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean gingival bleeding, DMFT and dft scores were 0.96, 2.64, and 2.21 respectively. At the end of 3 months and 6 months there was a significant decrease in gingival bleeding. No significant difference was seen in DMFT and dft at different time interval. The oral health awareness increased significantly at the end of the study when compared to the baseline scores. CONCLUSION: The present study proved that hearing impaired children can maintain an acceptable level of oral hygiene when taught with special customized methods like multisensory approach with creative use of other senses. DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE: Hearing loss among school going children create a major impact on their life and the present study showed that prevalence of caries, gingival bleeding and traumatic dental injuries were most common among Hearing Impaired children. In-service training in the promotion of good oral health for children with hearing impairment, access to oral health care has been provided for teachers, institutional staff and parents of these under privileged children of god

Dental caries status of children and young adult with disabilities attending special needs boarding schools in Kuantan, Pahang

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the caries status of children with disabilities attending special needs boarding schools in Kuantan, Pahang. Study design: This cross-sectional study involved 270 children and young adult with hearing, visual or learning disabilities aged between 5 to 20 years old. The dental caries status was evaluated using the DMFT/dmft indices in accordance with the WHO criteria. Results: All children (100%) between 5-6 years old had caries, 38 (86.4%) children of the 7-12 age group had caries in mix-dentition while 152 (69.1%) children and young adult from the age group of 13-20 had caries in the permanent dentition. From the total number of 270 participants, 196 (72.6%) children and young adult had caries experience with only 74 participants who were caries free. According to the types of disability, the visually disabled group had the highest dmft mean of 4.00 whereas the learning-disabled group had the highest DMFT mean of 2.95. There were no significant differences across the types of disabilities (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that the disabled student at the special needs boarding schools in Kuantan, Pahang have a high caries prevalence

Oral health status among children with special needs in Khartoum State, Sudan

Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent)Introduction: Children with disabilities and other special needs present unique challenges for oral health professionals in the planning and execution of dental treatment. The oral health of children with special health care needs is influenced by various socio-demographic factors, including their living conditions and severity of the impairment. According to United States (US) Maternal and Child Health Bureau, special health care needs (SHCN) children are defined as “those who have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally”. Aim and Objectives: The aim was to determine the oral health status of children with special needs. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease and oral mucosal lesions among children with special needs in Khartoum State aged 5 to 15 years old attending educational and rehabilitation institutions. Methodology: A descriptive cross–sectional study was carried out. Data were collected with a data capture sheet that was a modified WHO Oral Health Assessment Clinical Oral Examination Guideline. Demographic variables, dmft, periodontal disease and oral mucosal lesions were recorded. Results: The mean dmft /DMFT scores was 2.02/1.25. The DMFT score increased with age, girls showed higher score than boys and autistic children had the poorest oral health among other disabilities. More than two third of the examined sextants were healthy, less than quarter had bleeding (18.3%) and 5% calculus accumulation. Fissured tongue was the most frequent oral lesion found. Conclusion: Children with special needs in Khartoum State demonstrated a high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease and do not receive adequate dental care. There is an urgent need for both preventive and treatment programmes to improve the oral health of children with special needs

Oral health knowledge, practice and dental plaque maturity status of hearing-impaired children

Hearing impairment is an unseen handicapped that lead to communication barriers which might impede knowledge transfer. The aim of this study was to compare the oral health knowledge, practice and dental plaque maturity between hearing-impaired (HI) and normal children. A cross sectional study was conducted among children aged 7-14 years old. The HI children were recruited from a special school for the deaf while the normal children were from the primary and secondary schools in Bachok, Kelantan. The oral health knowledge and practice was assessed by face to face interview whilst the dental plaque maturity status was evaluated using GC Tri Plaque ID Gel™ (TPID). The data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 22. HI children had poor oral health knowledge and oral health practice compared to normal children (p<0.05). HI children had significantly more matured plaque compared to normal children with mean (SD) DPMS of 1.8 (0.57) and 1.3 (0.20), respectively (p<0.001). In conclusion, there were poor oral health knowledge, poor oral hygiene practice and high plaque maturity among HI children

BREAKING THE COMMUNICATION BARRIER: The impact of Sign Language Translator Application as a communication aid on Hearing Impaired children during Dental treatment

BACKGROUND: Hearing impaired children may have difficulties in communication while undergoing dental treatment. The strategies aimed at establishing a trustworthy relationship between the child and the dentist plays a key role in the successful practice of paediatric dentistry. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate and compare the efficiency of the Indian sign language translator application with nonverbal communication and sign language interpreter in relieving anxiety and improving the behavior of the hearing impaired children during dental treatment. METHODOLOGY: 71 hearing impaired children who required multiple dental treatment were included in the study for whom oral prophylaxis was done with nonverbal communication in the first visit. Further the study population was divided into three groups based on their treatment needs for whom sign language translator application and interpreter was used as a communication mode during the treatment procedure in the subsequent visits in a crossover manner. Group 1 included hearing impaired children requiring only restorative procedures, group 2 included hearing impaired children requiring either extraction or pulp therapy and group 3 included hearing impaired children requiring combination of treatment procedures. Each child’s subjective (Facial image scale) and objective (Pulse rate) anxiety scores, Frankl’s behavior ratings and independent observer’s ratings in each session were recorded. Questionnaire assessing the child’s perception and parental satisfaction were recorded at the end of the 3rd visit. The data for 71 hearing impaired children was compiled and subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that there was no significant difference in the distribution of males and females across the three groups (P 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the anxiety scores based on pulse rate and facial image scale when sign language translator application and interpreter was used as a communication mode (P 0.05). There was significant improvement in behavior with all the three modes of communication (P 0.05). The observer’s rating showed that 70.42% and 67.6% of the study population were very easily able to understand the instructions and communicate with the dentist with sign language interpreter and translator application respectively. 67.6% of hearing impaired children selected mobile translator application and 32.39% selected interpreter as their preferred mode of communication for their future dental appointments. 98.5% of the parents recommended the use of mobile translator application during the dental treatment procedure to communicate with their hearing impaired children. CONCLUSION: Sign language translator application had a positive impact on the hearing impaired children by reducing their anxiety and improving their behavior during the dental treatment which was found to be as efficient as an interpreter and better than nonverbal communication. The translator application is not meant to replace the interpreter, but can be used as an alternative aid. Thus, this study concludes that the sign language translator application can be used as an adjunct in the management of hearing impaired children in the dental operatory

Oral health characteristics of children and teenagers with special health care needs in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of periodontal disease, dental caries and malocclusion traits in children and teenagers who have hearing impairments, visual impairments, physical impairments and intellectual disability attending special schools in Ile-Ife. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study comprised of children and teenagers with and without special health care needs aged 6 to 19 years who were recruited from the special schools and some regular schools in Ile-Ife. The prevalence of periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), dental caries and malocclusion traits were assessed using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need, the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth Index and Angle's classification of malocclusion respectively. The severity of dental caries using the pulp exposure, ulceration, fistula and abscess index was also assessed. Chi-square test, Student t-test and ANOVA were conducted dp≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The findings in children and teenagers with special health care needs (CTSHCN) were compared to that of children and teenagers without special health care needs in the same environment.Results: The study sample consisted of 206 children and teenagers with special health care needs aged 6 to 19 years. 104(50.5%) were males and 102(49.5%) females. One hundred and eighty-three (88.8%) had gingivitis, 15 (7.3%) had periodontitis and this was most prevalent in those with visual impairment. Significant associations were seen between the presence of gingivitis and periodontitis (p&lt;0.001) and types of special health care needs. The prevalence of dental caries was 22.8%; the mean DMFT/dmft was (0.20±0.60/0.28±1.06) and the mean PUFA/pufa score was (0.07±0.59/0.17±0.81). Angles class I malocclusion (85.4%) and spacing (47.1%) were the most prevalent malocclusion traits. The type of special health care needs was not associated with the presence of dental caries (p=0.49) and malocclusion traits (p=0.44). When compared to the findings in 208 children and teenagers without special health care needs, 108(51.9%) males and 100 (48.1%) females, the CTSHCN had significantly higher prevalence of periodontal disease (p=0.001) and malocclusion traits (p=0.01). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries (p=0.86) in children and teenagers with and without special health care needs. Conclusion: CTSHCN in Ile-Ife have higher prevalence of gingivitis,  periodontitis and malocclusion traits when compared to children and teenagers without special health care needs. Despite the low mean DMFT/dmft in CTSHCN in Ile-Ife, majority of the decayed teeth was left untreated and 49.0% had progressed to involve the pulp. Key words: Special health care needs, malocclusion, dental caries, periodontal disease

Role of estrogen related receptor beta (ESRRB) in DFN35B hearing impairment and dental decay

BACKGROUND: Congenital forms of hearing impairment can be caused by mutations in the estrogen related receptor beta (ESRRB) gene. Our initial linkage studies suggested the ESRRB locus is linked to high caries experience in humans. METHODS: We tested for association between the ESRRB locus and dental caries in 1,731 subjects, if ESRRB was expressed in whole saliva, if ESRRB was associated with the microhardness of the dental enamel, and if ESRRB was expressed during enamel development of mice. RESULTS: Two families with recessive ESRRB mutations and DFNB35 hearing impairment showed more extensive dental destruction by caries. Expression levels of ESRRB in whole saliva samples showed differences depending on sex and dental caries experience. CONCLUSIONS: The common etiology of dental caries and hearing impairment provides a venue to assist in the identification of individuals at risk to either condition and provides options for the development of new caries prevention strategies, if the associated ESRRB genetic variants are correlated with efficacy.Fil: Weber, Megan L.. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Hsin, Hong Yuan. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Kalay, Ersan. Karadeniz Technical University; TurquíaFil: Brožková, Dana Š. Charles University; República Checa. University Hospital Motol; República ChecaFil: Shimizu, Takehiko. Nihon University. School of Dentistry; JapónFil: Bayram, Merve. Medipol Istanbul University; TurquíaFil: Deeley, Kathleen. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Küchler, Erika C.. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Forella, Jessalyn. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Ruff, Timothy D.. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Trombetta, Vanessa M.. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Sencak, Regina C.. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Hummel, Michael. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Briseño Ruiz, Jessica. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Revu, Shankar K.. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Granjeiro, José M.. Universidade Federal Fluminense; BrasilFil: Antunes, Leonardo S.. Universidade Federal Fluminense; BrasilFil: Antunes, Livia A.. Universidade Federal Fluminense; BrasilFil: Abreu, Fernanda V.. Universidade Federal Fluminense; BrasilFil: Costabel, Marcelo C.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Tannure, Patricia N.. Veiga de Almeida University; Brasil. Salgado de Oliveira University; BrasilFil: Koruyucu, Mine. Istanbul University; TurquíaFil: Patir, Asli. Medipol Istanbul University; TurquíaFil: Poletta, Fernando Adrián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. CEMIC-CONICET. Centro de Educaciones Médicas e Investigaciones Clínicas ; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Mereb, Juan C.. Estudio Colaborativo Latino Americano de Malformaciones Congénitas; ArgentinaFil: Castilla, Eduardo Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. CEMIC-CONICET. Centro de Educaciones Médicas e Investigaciones Clínicas ; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Orioli, Iêda M.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Marazita, Mary L.. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Ouyang, Hongjiao. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Jayaraman, Thottala. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Seymen, Figen. Istanbul University; TurquíaFil: Vieira, Alexandre R.. University of Pittsburgh; Estados Unido

Oral health in children with hearing and speech impairment in Banjaluka

Introduction. Children with hearing impairment do not understand speech without specific instructions and cannot meet daily life requirements. Children with hearing and speech impairment have higher DMFT index and poorer oral hygiene than healthy children of the same age. The aim of this study was to determine oral health status and the prevalence of dental caries in children attending The Center for Education and Rehabilitation of Speech and Hearing in Banjaluka. Material and Methods. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study and it included 66 children of both genders, age 3 to 18 years, with deciduous, mixed and permanent dentition. General information about the respondents, their socioeconomic status, dental hygiene habits and frequency of dental visits were obtained using a questionnaire. Dental examination was performed using a dental mirror, regular and proximal probe on the daylight, in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines. Oral examination included: number of present teeth, presence of caries, restorations, number of extracted teeth. These data was entered in each patient’s dental record. The DMFT index was used for the assessment of dental status. Results. Results showed that the mean DMFT value in the total sample was 7.79. There was no significant difference in the DMFT index between genders (p=0.19). The significant difference was not found between children who live with parents and those who live in foster families (p=0.15). It was observed that the respondents from rural areas had higher DMFT index (8.68) than respondents from urban areas (5.83). The DMFT index increased with age and school age (p<0.001). Examined patients were most affected with dental caries (6.62%) and least affected with extracted teeth (0.38%). It was revealed that 6% of respondents do not brush their teeth, and 25.8% of respondents had never visited dentist. Conclusion. Children with hearing and speech impairment from Banjaluka have low level of oral health. The DMFT index, as one of the most important parameters of oral health in these children was much higher compared to European countries and other countries in the region