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Background/Aim. Analyses of the cephalometric value of profile radiographs are very important for orthodontic diagnosis and planning of therapy. These values differ morphologically depending on ethnic and racial affiliation. The aim of this study was to confirm variations of cephalometric norms and the extent of their value and, according to them, confirm the harmony concept of craniofacial morphology among the young Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija. Methods. This retrospective study comprised 183 profile radiograms of patients from Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia, aged 8?33, from which Class I was ascertained among 82 patients (53 female and 29 male). Five cephalometric angles were measured and analyzed. Pearson?s correlation coefficient was used to define the strength of correlation between the five variables. Bivariable linear regression was used to form harmonious combinations of individual values in the insight of craniofacial harmonious form. Multiple regression and standard error were used to form a harmonious schema. Results. Linear regression equations were used to define cephalometric floating norms. They helped us form a harmonious box and harmonious schema of craniofacial norms of the participants. The ex-tent of harmonious value for orthognathic profile of our examinees varies for sella nasion subspinale (SNA) angle from 78? to 81?, for sella nasion supramentale (SNB) angle from 75.1? to 78.1?, for maxillary line ? nasion sella line (NL-NSL) angle from 11.5? to 5.5?, for nasion sella basion (NSBa) angle from 134.7? to 125.8?, and for mandibulary line ? nasion sella line (ML-NSL) angle from 40.5? to 30.6?. Conclusion. Cephalometric floating norms that describe the individual craniofacial pattern among the young Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija, determined and defined by five cephalometric variables, and presented in the form of a harmonious box and harmonious schema and can accurately determine the craniofacial pattern.

Background/Aim. Dental caries represents a health problem of all ages, but it is especially significant in the earliest age of children. Early childhood caries can develop immediately after the eruption of deciduous teeth, resulting in many complications, such as tooth extraction, which is reflected in the quality of life and health. Early childhood caries is influenced by a large number of predictors. Considering that the data on predictors for the development of deciduous teeth caries are scarce, the aim of this paper was to determine the prevalence of deciduous teeth caries and detect the predictors for the development of early childhood caries. Methods. Our survey included 117 children of both genders, aged 3 to 6 years, from the territory of Kosovska Mitrovica and Zvecan. All respondents, including children and parents, were surveyed, and thus general data was obtained. A dental examination was performed on all children. The current state of dental health was inserted into special research cards that were in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Those predictors of dental health level that were statistically significant in models of univariate ordinal logistic regression at the significance level of 0.05 were included in the model of multivariate ordinal logistic regression. Results. According to the full structure, there were 49.6% of boys and 50.4% of girls. Healthy teeth were present in 25 (21.4%) children, 19 had reversible changes (16.2%), while 73 (62.4%) children had irreversible carious changes on teeth. The most important detected predictors were sweets consummation, sleeping with a baby bottle, 6 and more meals per day, frequent usage of medical syrups, child?s daily tooth-brushing frequency, child?s independent toothbrushing frequency, usage of non-fluoride toothpaste, a lack of professional fluoride application, and mouth breathing. Conclusion. This research contributed to the detection of a large number of predictors that are most important for the development of early childhood caries. In order to reduce the risk of caries development, it is necessary to act in more spheres. This certainly requires planning and implementing preventive dental programs.

Background/Aim. Identification of caries risk indicators involved in the disease development is of great importance. The aim of this study was to assess the association between distinctive risk indicators and different stages of caries disease process in children. Methods. The cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample (n = 327) of school children ages 7?11. A questionnaire submitted to parents was used to record the data regarding demographic characteristics, children's dietary habits, oral hygiene habits and oral health behaviors. Caries was assessed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II and subjects were stratified according to the highest and most prevalent caries lesion stage. The data obtained were analyzed using the ?2 or Fisher`s exact test and multinomial logistic regression. Results. Caries lesions were detected in 56.6% of examinees observed in the study. Compared to caries-free subjects, appearance of initial caries lesions was statistically significantly influenced by maternal education level (p = 0.021), paternal occupational status (p = 0.023), toothbrushing frequency (p < 0.001), and caries status of deciduous teeth (p = 0.027). Maternal educational level (p = 0.026), paternal occupational status (p = 0.003), sweets and snacks taking frequency (p = 0.005), toothbrushing frequency (p < 0.001), and fluoridate dentifrice usage (p = 0.027) were associated with moderate caries lesions. Maternal educational level (p < 0.001), sweets and snacks taking frequency (p = 0.022) and toothbrushing frequen-cy (p < 0.001) were associated with extensive caries lesions. Maternal educational level (p = 0.02) and brushing frequency (p < 0.001) were statistically significantly associated with the highest prevalence of initial caries lesions. Maternal educational level (p = 0.025), toothbrushing frequency (p < 0.001) and frequency of dental check-ups (p = 0.016) were statistically significantly associated with the highest prevalence of moderate caries lesions. Conclusion. Parental socioeconomic indicators and children's behavior related to oral health were involved in the changes from caries-free status to different caries stages.

Background/Aim. Dental education has developed over the years, and various technologies have been included. Considering the fact that mobile devices are an imperative of modern time, the aim of our research was to evaluate effectiveness of Mobile-Aided Learning on practical administering the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). Methods. This prospective study involved 34 students who were randomly divided into two groups: G1 (control) group with 16 students and G2 (study) group with 18 students. Students of both groups previously successfully completed theoretical and practical training provided by the curriculum. For the purpose of additional education, students of the G2 group used a mobile application for 3D simulation of local anesthesia (Mobile-Aided Learning) outside the dental office for a period of one semester. After that, all students completed a post-clinical questionnaire. Results. The average time for performing anesthesia by participants in the G1 group was 70.54 ? 20.16 seconds, while in the G2 group it was 57.13 ? 17.45 seconds, which was significantly shorter (p ? 0.05). A successful anesthesia application was higher in the G2 group (83.3%) compared to the G1 group (75%). The results of the post-clinical test questionnaire also indicated difference in the mean values of the responses to all questions, which was in favor of the G2 group participants. Conclusion. Application of Mobile-Aided Learning showed a significantly higher efficiency in student education for practical implementation of the IANB.

Introduction: Health education, as one of the important aspects of preventive dentistry, plays an important role in promoting good oral health. The aim of this study was to determine and define the influence of parents' knowledge about the effects of oral hygiene, proper nutrition and fluoride prophylaxis on oral heath in early childhood. Methods: The survey was conducted in four pedagogical-education institution on Kosovo and Metohia, Serbia. The study included 403 parents of children, aged between 3-6 years. Parents were asked to fill a questionnaire about oral hygiene, nutrition and fluoride prophylaxis. Results: Parents from urban (64.8%) and parents from rural (63.5%) areas were informed that the teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. Only 3.4% parents from urban and 3% parents from rural were informed how often should a child toothbrush be changed. Awareness about nutrition showed that parents from rural areas were better informed than parents from urban areas. Parents from urban (31.4%) and rural (31.7%) areas belived that tooth decay may be caused by prolonged breastfeeding. Awareness about fluoride prophylaxis in preventive and pediatric dentistry was poor. Conclusion: The study showed that parents knowledge about the impact of oral hygiene, nutrition and fluoride on the oral health in early childhood is not good.

Aim: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refer to functional disorders of the masticatory system, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles. The main objective of this study was to determine whether and to what extent temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect the maximum bite force (MBF). Methods: The present study included subjects with and without temporomandibular disorder. The presence of TMD was assessed by means of the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index analysis. We measured the maximum bite pressure (MBP) and occlusal contact area (OCA) by means of a Fuji Prescale Pressure measurement film. Based on the MBP and OCA values obtained, MBF values were determined. Results: The MBF values were significantly lower in patients with TMD compared to subjects without TMD (P Conclusion: TMDs have a significant impact on MBF and masticatory muscle action potential. More research is needed to determine the impact of reduced maximum bite force on the functional efficiency of the masticatory system.

Introduction. Thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein may appear as a rare complication of oropharyngeal infection and tonsillectomy procedure. Clinical features usually include an acute onset of inflammation with formation of venous thrombosis and secondary septic propagation (Lemierre?s syndrome). The aim of this work was to present a rare case of internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis as a late complication following tonsillectomy. Case outline. We present an otherwise healthy 25-year-old male patient on whom tonsillectomy was performed due to chronic tonsillitis. Two weeks after surgery, the patient was rehospitalized for high temperature, diffuse swelling on the left side of the neck, fatigue, painful swallowing, and constrained mouth opening. Thrombophlebitis of the left internal jugular vein was diagnosed by the neck ultrasound. Complete recovery was achieved in three weeks? time by the combination of antibiotics and anticoagulant/ antithrombotic therapy. Conclusion. Tonsillectomy is a risk factor for the internal jugular vein thrombosis in adults with chronic tonsillitis, especially if fibrous adhesions are expected or found during the surgical procedure.

Background/Aim. Nasal breathing plays an important role in overall physical growth and mental development, as well as in the growth of the craniofacial complex. Oral breathing over a long period of time, can cause changes in position of the head relative to the cervical spine and jaw relationship. It can cause an open bite and the narrowness of the maxillary arch due to increased pressure of strained face. The aim of this study was to analyze the position of the head and craniofacial morphology in oral breathing children, and compare the values obtained compared with those of the same parameters in nasal brething children. Methods. We analyzed the profile cephalometric radiographs of 60 patients who had various orthodontic problems. In the first group there were 30 patients aged 8?14 years, in which oral breathing is confirmed by clinical examination. In the second group there were 30 patients of the same age who had orthodontic problems, but did not show clinical signs of oral breathing. The analyses covered the following: craniocervical angle (NS/OPT), the length of the anterior cranial base (NS), anterior facial height (N-Me), posterior facial height (S-Go), the angle of maxillary prognathism (SNA), angle of mandibular prognathism (SNB), difference between angles SNA and SNB (ANB angle), the angle of the basal planes of the jaws (SpP/MP), cranial base angle (NSB), and the angle of facial convexity (NA/Apg). Results. The average value of the craniocervical angle (NS/OPT) was significantly higher in OB children (p = 0.004). There were significantly different values of SNA (p < 0.001), ANB (p < 0.001), NA/APg (p < 0.001) and length of the anterior cranial base (NS) (p = 0.024) between groups. Conclusion. Oral breathing children have pronounced retroflexion of the head in relation to the cervical spine compared to nasal breathing children, and the most prominent characteristics of the craniofacial morphology of skeletal jaw relationship of class II and increased facial convexity.

Children in early childhood acquire habits regarding oral health which in later life are very difficult to change. These habits children learn from their parents or guardian, usually a mother. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the level of education and habits regarding oral health habits of mothers in the oral health of children and their level of oral hygiene. The study included a total of 146 pairs of children (aged 5 years) and their mothers. All respondents were from the territory of Kosovska Mitrovica. The education level of mothers and their habits related to oral health, as well as the habits of children related to oral health were determined using a questionnaire. Oral hygiene in children is determined by clinical examination using a plaque index after Silness-LOE. From the total number of mothers 52.7% had secondary education, and 47.3% had university graduates. Test results showed that the level of education of mothers had a crucial importance to the quality of oral hygiene in children. From the total number of surveyed children, 53.4% of children had a PI ≤1, and 46.6% of children PI ˃1. The results indicate that children of mothers who brush their teeth two or three times a day also brush their teeth twice or more a day (62%), as well as visits to the dentist mothers in the past 12 months has an impact on more regular visits of children at the dentist. Mother's assistance during teeth washing is very important by the data that 69% of children who brush their teeth with mother's assistance has a plaque index ≤1. Toothpaste with fluoride is used by 76% of children. Although children of mothers who have better habits related to oral health also have better habits and better oral hygiene, the situation is far from ideal, attention should be directed towards educating parents, and thereby indirectly the children.

Introduction: Dental caries is the most common oral disease in all age groups. Being more and more frequent in preschool and school-age children, it has become one of the most important problems in oral pathology. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of dental caries in schoolchildren aged 12 and 15 years in the northern part of Kosovo and Metohija, as well as to inform them about the importance of oral health. Materials and Methods: The study included 626 schoolchildren of both sexes from five schools from the municipalities of Kosovska Mitrovica, Zvecan and Leposavic. Klein-Palmer DMFT system (D-Decayed, M-Missing, F-filled) was used to estimate the prevalence of dental caries the following indices were also used: Person Caries Index, Teeth Caries Index, Average Caries Index and DMFT structure. All the selected children were examined using standard dental diagnostic agents. Tooth surfaces were examined dry under artificial lighting. Results: The average value of DMFT index for children aged 12 and 15 years was 4.2. On average, 92.3% of the examined children had caries. The mean value of caries index was 15.11%.Conclusion: After these new epidemiological studies, it can be concluded that the state of children's oral health, considering the high levels of untreated caries and all other features of DMFT index, is not satisfactory. This situation points to the necessity of applying modern preventive and prophylactic measures to preserve and improve the population oral health.

Frequent occurrence of dental caries and periodontal diseases, especially gingivitis, in school-aged children, is becoming one of the most important problems in oral pathology, although they all can be brought under control through health education and implementation of preventive and prophylactic measures. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of dental caries and gingivitis in children, aged 12 years, attending primary schools in Kosovska Mitrovica, as an urban area, and schools in Gračanica and Laplje Selo, as rural areas. The study included 227 schoolchildren, aged 12 years, divided into two groups. One group, 129 of them, consisted of children from primary schools in Kosovska Mitrovica, as urban areas. The other group, 98 of them, consisted of children from primary schools in Gračanica and Laplje Selo, as rural areas. Klein-Palmer DMFT system (D-Decayed, M-Missing, F-filled) was used to estimate the prevalence of dental caries, while Silness-Löe plaque index, Löe-Silness gingival index and Muhlemann sulcus bleeding index were used to estimate the level of oral hygiene, gingival status and severity of gingival inflammation. The average number of permanent teeth with caries per respondent (DMFT) was 4.6 in total, for all children. The average value of DMFT in children from urban areas was 3.8, and 5.3 in children from rural areas. SiC Index was 7.9. The average value of the plaque index (PI) was 1.53±0.61, of the gingival index (GI)1.05±0.58 and of the bleeding index (BI) 0.64±0.59. The established state of oral health and periodontium in examined children points to the necessity of applying modern preventive and prophylactic measures in order to improve the oral health and increase the motivation for the overall health care.

Crown fractures are the most common injury of the permanent teeth, and a possible pathway for bacteria to enter pulp space and to become a cause of inflammation and necrosis, as a most frequent consequences. The aim of the present study was to analyze the frequency of pulp necrosis after uncomlicated crown fractures of permanent teeth in children. Retrospective analysis of patients trauma records was performed. The sample consisted of patient who had been referred to the department of dentistry for a crown fracture to permanent teeth. We recorded type of injury, time elapsed between dental injury and treatment, state of vitality during the first visit and subsequent chec-ups, and the stage of root development. Standard descriptive statistic methods, Chi-square test and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. The study involved 104 crown fractured teeth. 34 of them suffered luxation injuries at the same time. Simultaneous periodontal injuries increases chances for necrosis development ( χ2 = 38.2837, p

Background Besides classical and electrical toothbrushes market offers tooth brushes that can be chewed, like chewing gums. The aim of this study was to show the effectiveness of chewable toothbrush versus a conventional brush in the students’ population. Methods The prospective study included 346 students. For this research, we used a e-questionnaire for “smart” phones, that students completed outside the dental office. Respondents are divided into two groups: control group used conventional toothbrushes, respondents from the tested group used chewable toothbrush. For assessment of accumulation of the plaque we used TQHI index. For testing statistical hypotheses, the following were used: t-test for two independent samples and analysis of the variance of repeated measurements. Results Before brushing teeth, the average TQHI value for chewable brushes is 2.8 ± 0.3, while conventional is 2.7 ± 0.3, which is not a statistically significant difference (p = 0.448). After brushing teeth, the average TQHI value for chewable brushes is 2.0 ± 0.1, while conventional 2.0 ± 0.3, which is also not statistically significant (p = 0.729). Observing the index of the plaque values on the tooth surfaces in the upper jaw, in both groups, there was a statistically significant change in the amount of plaque in time (p

Background/Aim. Hypomineralization of molars and incisors (molar-incisor hypomineralization - MIH) is defined as enamel hypomineralization of systemic origin of one or more of the four first permanent molars, which may be associated with changes in the maxillary, and less frequently in the permanent mandibular incisors. The aim of this study was to investigate the mineral content in hypomineralized teeth as a contribution to under-standing the origin of these changes, which will be important for effective restorative approach. Methods. A total of 10 extracted first permanent molars diagnosed with MIH were used in the study as the experimental group, and intact first premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were used as the control group. A certain surface of hypomineralized аnd healthy enamel and dentin was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energydispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS). Results. By conducting quantitative chemical analysis of the distribution of the basic chemical elements, it was found that the concentration of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) was significantly higher in healthy enamel (Ca = 28.80 wt%, and P = 15.05 wt%) compared to hypomineralized enamel (Ca = 27.60 wt% and P = 14.32 wt%). Carbon (C) concentration was statistically significantly higher in hypomineralized enamel (C = 11.70 wt%) compared to healthy enamel (C = 10.94 wt%). Hypomineralized and healthy enamel did not differ significantly regarding the ratio of calcium and phosphorus concentrations whereas the ratio of calcium and carbon concentrations was statistically significantly higher in healthy enamel compared to hypomineralized enamel. Conclusion. Concentration of the main chemical elements, primarily calcium and phosphorus, is significantly reduced in hypomineralized enamel whereas carbon concentration is increased compared to healthy enamel.

Herpetic stomatitis as well as many other infections of the orofacial region in everyday practice represent an important percentage of pathology. These diseases can be a major problem for therapists in terms of early diagnosis and, consequently, in determining the correct treatment. The disease belongs to a group of droplet infection, caused by the herpes simplex virus, with characteristic changes in the skin and mucous membrane in children and adults. A relatively small percentage, 10-15% of primary infections are manifested with clinically distinct symptoms. At the oral mucosa occurs triad of symptoms: generalized catarrhal gingivitis, coated tongue and erosions dispersed all over oral epithelium of the oral cavity.