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Background/Aim. The decreased mouth opening (MO) is a key factor in diagnosing most oral health-related issues. The aim of the study was to assess the magnitude of the maximum mouth opening (MMO) and its correlation with the facial types of children in the southern part of Saudi Arabia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of 555 children ranging from 2 to 12 years of age. The MMO was measured as the distance between the incisal edge of maxillary and mandibular central incisors in the midline using the digital Vernier caliper. Three readings of MMO value were obtained, and the average mean of these readings was taken as the final MMO value. Based on the calculated facial index (FI), five facial types were determined in the study subjects: hypereuryprosopic (very broad face, FI range ≤ 79.9); euryprosopic (broad face, FI range 80– 84.9); mesoprosopic (round face, FI range 85–89.9); leptoprosopic (long face, FI range 90–94.9); hyperleptoprosopic (very l ong f ace, F I range ≥ 95). Subjects were categorized and compared accordingly. The facial profile, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of each subject were recorded as well. The data hence obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS (version 19.0, SPSS Incorporated, Chicago, IL, USA). Results. The overall mean value ± standard deviation of MMO for all the subjects in the study was 47.3 ± 8.7 mm. The mean value of MMO in hyperleptoprosopic children (FI range ≥ 95.0) was significantly higher than in other children. The mean difference value of MO in mesoprosopic (FI range 85.0–89.9) children was significantly lower than in leptoprosopic (FI range 90.0– 94.9) and hyperleptoprosopic (FI range ≥ 95.0) children. The mean difference value of MO of the leptoprosopic (FI range 90.0–94.9) type was significantly lower than that of the hyperleptoprosopic type (FI range ≥ 95.0). Conclusion. Based on the analyzed results, it was found that the MMO correlates with different facial types and facial profiles among the studied population.

Resin-based pit fissure sealants (RBS) are used to prevent occlusal caries in children. The success of RBS in preventing dental caries is largely influenced by its retention on the tooth surface, which is also affected by its physicomechanical properties. The physicomechanical properties of RBS can be enhanced through the addition of fillers. With the advent of nanofillers, the physicomechanical properties were improved without altering RBS flowability. The present study developed an RBS with a 70 wt% resin matrix and 30 wt% nanofillers. The resin matrix consisted of urethane dimethacrylate (55 wt%), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (45 wt%), camphoroquinone (0.3 wt%), and 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (0.7 wt%). Silane-treated rice husk-derived nanosilica (20 wt%) and nanohydroxyapatite (10 wt%) were added as fillers. Clinpro, Fissurit FX, and an unfilled sealant were controls. All RBS were tested for surface roughness, Vickers hardness, flexural strength, and flowability. Statistical analysis with oneway ANOVA revealed significant differences between groups in surface roughness, hardness, flowability (p < 0.001), flexural strength, and flexural modulus (p < 0.05). Experimental sealants had higher flexural strength (78 MPa) and flow distance (29.05+1.16 mm) than commercial controls. However, the surface roughness of experimental sealants (0.25+0.08 µm) was higher than Clinpro (0.087+0.027 µm) but lesser than Fissurit FX (0.35+0.19 µm). The Vickers hardness of experimental sealants (23+1.63 VHN) was less than Fissurit FX (28.80+1.69 VHN) but higher than Clinpro (21.74+1.68 VHN). This novel RBS had physicomechanical properties comparable to commercial sealants. The use of nanosilica from rice husk makes this pit and fissure sealer sustainable and environmentally friendly in dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to validate the Willems model in a southern Saudi Arabian sample to develop and validate an age estimation model specific for the southern Saudi Arabian population and compare both models' age estimation performance. This cross-sectional study involved retrospective evaluation of orthopantomographs of 1206 children (658 males, 548 females) aged four to fourteen years. Initially, the Willems model was validated on the pooled sample. Next, this sample was split to develop a new Saudi-specific model using Willem's approach. The age estimation performance of both models was compared. Differences between chronological age (CA) and estimated dental age (EDA) were calculated and expressed in mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE). The ME for the verified Willems model was 0.391 ± 1.479 years, whilst for the Saudi-specific model, it was 0.131 years ± 1.606 years. The difference in ME, MAE, and RMSE between the two models was 0.259, −0.113, and −0.082 years, respectively, and statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, clinically, these differences are trivial. Both the Willems model and the Saudi-specific model were similar in estimating CA. The use of the Willems model is recommended for estimating CA in the southern Saudi population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study aims to find out the dietary pattern among undergraduate dental students and evaluate its impact on their biophysical profile and academic achievement.Methods: A convenient sample of 150 Saudi female dental students was selected as study participants, and a close-ended questionnaire divided into two parts was distributed among them.The questionnaire included questions on their eating habits, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and blood pressure. The collected data was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 19, and the chi-square test, correlation analysis, and descriptive statistics were performed.Results: It was observed that a majority (40%) of the study participants replaces their meals with snacks, and 26% did not take regular meals.The results reveal a significant association between blood pressure, BMI, and WHR among University female students. No significant association has been found between grade-point-average (GPA) and dietary pattern.Conclusions: The study concluded that the majority of university female students consumed unhealthy diets such as snacks. Fruit intake was lower than the recommended amount by World Health Organisation (WHO). Conducting appropriate nutrition related-public health programs would be beneficial in raising awareness regarding different aspects of dietary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Teeth morphometrics have been considered to be integral in identifying an individual as it is correlated with the body stature. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the association between crown length and physical height of children and derive mathematical equations for the prediction of physical height from crown length of primary maxillary anterior teeth. Setting and Design: A dentomorphometric study was carried out among 100 Saudi Arabian children of 3-6 years of age. Maxillary arch impressions were taken for all participants. Clinical crown length and physical height were measured using digital Vernier Caliper and Physician Mechanical Beam Scale, respectively. Regression analysis, correlation analysis and unpaired t-test were performed for data analysis. Results: In female children, a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between primary maxillary right lateral incisor and primary maxillary left central incisor and height of the children, and highly significant association between primary maxillary left lateral incisor and height of the children was found. Whereas for male children, there was a significant moderate positive correlation between primary maxillary right central incisor, primary maxillary right canine and primary maxillary left central incisor with physical height of children. Conclusions: The research has established a significant positive correlation between the clinical crown length and the height of the children in combined sample for teeth numbers 51, 52, 53, 61 and 62. The study has derived the mathematical equations for the prediction of physical height from crown length of few maxillary anterior teeth, for both male and female children. Clinical Significance: The estimation of physical height from the tooth-crown dimensions can prove to be quite beneficial aid in forensic investigations as teeth are resistant to huge traumatic forces such as in case of mass disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the palatal rugae pattern (PRP) is unique, it is not used in automated biometric systems such as fingerprints and irises. The aim of this study was to identify PRP parameters and formulate a model that determines the probability of correspondence (PC) of the PRP. In all, 154 dental casts were scanned in 3D, and the number of rugae, their characteristics, strength and area of the palate were recorded. With these parameters, a statistical model was developed and the PC of the PRP was calculated. For a palate with six rugae and an average palatal area of 1453.9 mm2, the PC of the PRP is 1.29 × 10–74, which is very low. Therefore, the PRP is unique and has an enormous amount of discriminatory information that can be useful for automated biometric systems in forensics and human identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Though using a toothbrush is essential for maintaining oral hygiene, it is also equally imperative to clean and store toothbrushes in appropriate places. The study aimed at assessing the toothbrush-cleansing habits of people and their awareness regarding the storage of toothbrushes. It also evaluates the frequency distribution of different types of micro-organisms for covered and uncovered toothbrushes as per different storage patterns. Materials and methods. An experimental survey-based study was carried at "King Khalid" University College of Dentistry, Abha. 20 participants (age 18 to 25 years) were divided into 2 groups of 10 individuals each. One group was provided with uncovered toothbrushes, and the other - with covered toothbrushes. The toothbrushes were analyzed after three weeks of usage by inoculating the bristles on blood agar plates, a nutrient agar plate and Sabouraud dextrose agar plate. Moreover, a questionnaire survey was also conducted with the subjects. Data was analyzed by Pearson's Chi-square and multinomial logistic regression method. Results and discussion. It was observed that the respondents who kept their toothbrushes covered were more likely to have microorganisms on their toothbrushbristles, compared to those keeping their brushes uncovered. Conclusions. It was concluded that microorganisms were most prevalent in the covered toothbrushes, compared with the uncovered ones. Knowledge on the usage and storage of toothbrushes is of great significance for facilitating a good oral health among people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete assessment of the Childs developing occlusion in the primary and mixed dentition stage can detect conditions and abnormalities which if diagnosed early can eliminate or reduce need for major fixed orthodontic treatment later. It has been suggested that at present complete prevention of malocclusions may be not be possible because of the genetic factors in its etiology, however, clinically many maloccclusions are locally or environmentally induced and preventable to a large extent in the primary and mixed dentition stage. The principal strategy is to concentrate on primary and to some extent on the secondary levels of preventation because of the important role a general dentists, dental auxiliaries, parents and schoolteachers can play. This article aims to update the readers on the importance of early intervention to prevent molocclusion keeping in the capabilities of the General dental practitioner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inverted third molar impaction is a rare occurrence. Very few cases have been reported in the literature till date. We report an interesting and a rare case of inverted maxillary third molar impaction in a 33 year old male patient. This case report would add to the academic literature and case series of inverted maxillary tooth impactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this baseline study was to evaluate the presence and type of Early Childhood Carries (ECC) among 3-6 year old children visiting dental clinics in Abha city, Saudi Arabia. From the 100 children examined 79% presented various stages of ECC based on its severity. 47% children showed characteristics of Type-II ECC causing the enamel to collapse with exposed, soft and yellow dentin. Out of the 58 male children 81% exhibited ECC whereas 76% of the 42 female children examined showed ECC. 4-5 year old children showed the highest (96%) presence of ECC. From the results of the present study it is possible to conclude that the prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in Saudi children in the city of Abha is expected to be very high. Further studies are required to find the prevalence of ECC in the entire southern region of Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental professionals and students are commonly exposed to occupation-related skin lesions, characterized as contact dermatitis (like allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, contact urticaria), that are commonly observed on hands and fingers. The present study evaluated the prevalence of skin lesions, knowledge about risk factors, and prevention of dermatological lesions among dental students and dental professionals., Methods: The present observational study was carried out on 100 study subjects, including dental students and staff, using a self-administered and structured questionnaire to assess demographic variables, awareness information, and knowledge about work-related skin lesions. The data was subjected to statistical analysis using IBM's Statical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20., Results: Sixty percent of the total number of subjects were dental students and 40% were dentists. 56.8% of the subjects were female and 43.2% were male, with a maximum of 0-5 years of practice/experience. The most common symptoms of skin lesions were itching and erythema, especially on the hands and fingers. Only 15.6% had their treatment done by dermatologists, and 7% underwent skin prick tests. Latex allergy was most familiar with feature of facial edema. The use of hand sanitizers, soaps, and protective cream was limited among the subjects., Conclusion: There was a lack of awareness among both the dentists and students regarding work-related skin lesions and getting them treated by dermatologists at the earliest, though the dentists' level of knowledge was better than that of the students. Thus, various educational programs on dermatological lesions should be implemented so that dental professionals and students take necessary precautions and seek treatment for skin disorders., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)

Background: Few studies have studied burnout among dental students worldwide, and no such study is available from Saudi Arabia. In addition, an Arabic version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) has not yet been validated for use among students., Objectives: This study aimed to translate and validate an Arabic version of the MBI-SS questionnaire and to examine the psychometric properties of burnout among dental college students at a university in Saudi Arabia., Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire study included all dental students at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia, and was conducted between December 2019 and January 2020. After the MBI-SS questionnaire was translated, its face validity was determined and the test-retest reliability was assessed. Confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis were performed following the full-scale study to validate the Arabic MBI-SS., Results: A total of 433 dental students responded in the full-scale study (mean age: 21.9 ± 1.6 years). Emotional exhaustion was present in 32.3% (95% confidence interval: 28%-36.9%), cynicism in 33.7% (29.3%-38.4%), and poor academic efficacy in 34.2% (29.8%-38.9%) of the dental students. Emotional exhaustion and cynicism were significantly associated with academic level, a history of medication due to academic stress, and thoughts of quitting the course (for all, P < 0.05). The reliability of MBI-SS was found to be adequate for all three subscales: Emotional exhaustion, Cronbach's α = 0.827; cynicism, α = 0.855; academic efficacy, α = 0.704., Conclusions: All three subscales of burnout were highly prevalent in the study cohort. The Arabic version of the MBI-SS inventory was shown to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing the psychometric properties of burnout among dental students, and its use may aid in identifying burnout in the early stages., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Saudi Journal of Medicine & Medical Sciences.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of micronuclei (MN) in buccal mucosal cells of professionals working in radiology area to determine the risk of stochastic effects of radiation., Materials and Methods: All the professionals and students working in King Khalid University - College of Dentistry radiology area were included in the Risk Group (RG = 27). The Control Group (CG = 27) comprised of healthy individual matching the gender and age of the RG. Buccal mucosal scraping from all the 54 subjects of RG and CG were stained with Papanicolaou stain and observed under oil immersion lens (×100) for the presence of micronuclei (MN) in the exfoliated epithelial cells., Results: There was no significant difference between the incidence of MN in RG and CG (p = >0.05) using t-test., Conclusion: Routine radiation protection protocol does minimize the risk of radiation induced cytotoxicity, however, screening of professionals should be carried out at regular intervals.