Pedodonti Ana Bilim Dalı Koleksiyonu

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13055/28

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Structural and functional impact of lingual frenulum alterations on oral and craniofacial development in children during the mixed dentition stage
(Springer Nature Link, 2026) Vural, Yasemin; Esentürk, Gülce; Önder, Ömer Önder; Cebeci, Nesrin; Özen, Buğra
Background The clinical relevance of ankyloglossia in children remains controversial, largely due to the absence of standardized diagnostic criteria and the predominant reliance on morphological assessment. Evidence linking the combined anatomical and functional characteristics of the lingual frenulum to objective functional outcomes during mixed dentition remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between lingual frenulum characteristics and oral and craniofacial functional outcomes in children during the mixed dentition period. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 170 children aged 7–12 years were evaluated. Anatomical and functional characteristics of the lingual frenulum were assessed using the Marchesan Lingual Frenulum Protocol. Oro facial functions, including breathing pattern, mentalis muscle activity, and swallowing, were examined using selected components of the Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES/OMES-E). Upper airway patency was evaluated using the Mallampati and Brodsky classifications, malocclusion was assessed clinically, and postural alignment was analyzed using the New York Posture Scale. Intergroup comparisons were performed (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of swal lowing dysfunction. Results Maximum mouth opening did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.137). However, reduced tongue range of motion (≤ 50%) was significantly more frequent in children with an altered frenulum (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in respiratory pattern, mentalis muscle activity, Mallampati or Brodsky scores (p > 0.05). Swallowing-related dysfunction, involving lip (p = 0.012) and tongue (p = 0.002) behavioral alterations, as well as malocclusion (p = 0.010), were significantly more prevalent in the altered frenulum group. Regression analyses demonstrated that altered frenulum independently predicted tongue-related swallowing dysfunction (OR = 2.513, p = 0.015), whereas breathing disturbance showed the strongest independent predictor (OR = 5.249, p < 0.001). Conclusion Lingual frenulum morphology was associated with reduced tongue mobility and domain-specific functional impairments, particularly in swallowing. These findings support the integration of functional evalua tion alongside structural assessment in the clinical management of ankyloglossia.
Awareness of forensic odontology and child abuse recognition among desntists
(Sociedade Portuguesa de Estomatologia e Medicina Dentária (SPEMD), 2026) Gürcan, Aliye Tuğçe; Tatlı, Ezgi; Özen, Buğra
Objectives: This study assessed the awareness of dental students and practicing dentists in Turkey regarding forensic odontology and the recognition and reporting of child abuse. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study included 406 participants. The 31-item questionnaire covered forensic odontology, child abuse recognition, legal responsibilities, and reporting procedures. A certainty score was calculated from the objectively structured True/False/“I don’t know” items (Q18-Q28), while the remaining items were analyzed descriptively. Descriptive and subgroup analyses evaluated associations between participant characteristics and certainty scores. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: The mean certainty score was 5.08 ± 2.74 (range: 0-11), with no significant gender differences (p > 0.05). Cronbach’s alpha indicated acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.74). Many participants were uncertain about medico-legal aspects and reporting procedures. Reporting preferences varied across workplace settings, suggesting inconsistent knowledge of reporting pathways. Conclusions: Although participants demonstrated a general awareness of forensic odontology and child abuse recognition, important uncertainties remained regarding medico-legal responsibilities and reporting procedures. These findings highlight the need to strengthen undergraduate and postgraduate education in forensic odontology and child abuse reporting within dental curricula. However, the findings should be interpreted in light of the study’s exploratory nature and methodological limitations. (Rev Port Estomatol Med Dent Cir Maxilofac. 2026;67(x):1-10)
Quality and engagement of Instagram content related to mouthguard use in the prevention of sports-related dental trauma: A cross-sectional content analysis
(BioMed Central, 2026) Kaplan, Ceren; Yoğurucu Değerli, Gizem
Background Social media platforms have become major sources of health-related information, particularly among children, adolescents, and their caregivers. Instagram, one of the most widely used platforms, hosts a large volume of user-generated content on preventive health topics. Mouthguards are an effective measure for preventing sports-related dental trauma; however, their use remains limited, partly due to insufficient awareness and access to reliable information. Evaluating the quality and engagement of social media content may help identify gaps in preventive oral health communication. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the quality and user engagement of Instagram posts related to mouthguard use in the prevention of sports-related dental trauma. Materials and methods A descriptive cross-sectional content analysis was conducted on publicly available Insta gram posts identified using nine predefined hashtags related to mouthguards, sports dentistry, and dental trauma. Posts published between February 2025 and November 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 90 Eng lish-language posts meeting predefined inclusion criteria were included. Content characteristics, post type, and engagement metrics (likes, comments, and follower counts) were recorded. Engagement rate was calculated to enable standardized comparison across accounts. Content quality was evaluated using the Instagram Quality Assessment Tool (IQAT), a structured scoring system specifically developed for this study based on established health information quality criteria. Posts were categorized as promotional, educational, or clinical case content, with clinical case content defined as posts presenting real patient cases, treatment procedures, or clinical out comes. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to compare content types and assess the relationship between quality and engagement. Results The mean quality score of the analyzed posts was 9.21 ± 4.84, indicating an overall low level of informa tional quality. Promotional content accounted for the majority of posts (53.3%), followed by clinical case content (30.0%) and educational content (16.7%). Promotional posts demonstrated significantly lower quality scores (6.20 ± 2.02) compared with educational (14.22 ± 5.04) and clinical posts (15.85 ± 4.38) (p < 0.001). No significant correlation was observed between content quality and engagement rate (ρ = − 0.024, p = 0.820), suggesting that higher-quality content did not result in greater user interaction. Conclusion Instagram content on mouthguard use appeared to be predominantly promotional and demonstrated generally limited educational value based on the sampled posts evaluated in this study. Although educational and clinical posts demonstrate higher quality, this does not appear to translate into increased user engagement. Greater involvement of dental professionals and academic institutions may help improve the availability and reli ability of evidence-based preventive information on social media.
Between blood groups and pufa index in children with special association health care needs
(Contemporary Pediatric Dentistry, 2026) Tırnaksız Müftüoğlu, Mine; Esentürk, Gülce; Yoğurucu Değerli, Gizem; Özen, Buğra
Aim: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease resulting from the interaction of biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. In recent years, blood group antigens, which can also be present in saliva, have attracted attention due to their potential role in influencing oral microbial adhesion and colonization, thereby possibly affecting individual susceptibility to dental caries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ABO blood groups and the PUFA index in special health care needs children. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 130 children aged 6–12 years with special health care needs and their parents. The study was conducted on a voluntary basis, and blood group information was recorded according to parental reports. Intraoral examinations were performed under artificial light, and the PUFA index was used to assess the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries. The relationship between blood groups and the PUFA index was analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, with the level of statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of the children was 8.43±1.65 years. Of the participants, 60.8% were male and 39.2% were female. Regarding blood group distribution, 20% of the children had blood group A, 36.9% B, 33.1% AB, and 10% O. When the relationship between blood groups and the PUFA index was evaluated, no statistically significant difference was found among the blood groups in terms of PUFA index (p>0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, no significant association was observed between blood groups and the PUFA index in special health care needs children aged 6–12 years. Further studies with larger sample sizes may help clarify this relationship.
Ağız solunumu ve erken süt dişi kaybının orofasiyal gelişime etkileri
(Contemporary Pediatric Dentistry, 2026) Özdil Cömertoğlu, Sena; Esentürk, Gülce; Yoğurucu Değerli, Gizem; Özen, Buğra
Amaç: Bu çalışma 6-11 yaş arasındaki çocuklarda, solunum paterninin ve erken süt molar dişi kayıplarının, orofasiyal fonksiyonlar, postüral özellikler ve dental ark ölçümleri ile ilişkisini değerlendirmeyi amaçlamıştır. Gereç-Yöntem: Bu çalışmaya İstanbul Sağlık ve Teknoloji Üniversitesi Çocuk Diş Hekimliği Anabilim Dalı’na başvuran toplam 202 çocuk dahil edilmiştir. Katılımcılar tam dişli ve erken süt molar kaybı bulunan eksik dişli çocuklar olarak iki ana gruba ayrılmıştır. Solunum paterni klinik muayene ile ağız solunumu veya burun solunumu olarak sınıflandırılmıştır. Dil itimi, mental/labiomentalis kas aktivitesi, buksinatör kas aktivitesi, dudak postürü, duruş ve yüz simetrisi klinik olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Tüm çocuklardan alınan ölçülerden elde edilen alçı modeller üzerinde mesiodistal ve bukkolingual/bukkopalatinal diş genişlikleri, ark simetrisi, ark uzunluğu ve ark çevre uzunluğu dijital kumpas kullanılarak ölçülmüştür. İstatistiksel analizlerde Mann–Whitney U testi, Continuity (Yates) düzeltmesi ve Fisher’s Exact testi kullanılmıştır (p<0,05). Bulgular-Sonuç: Tam dişli grupta ağız solunumu yapan çocuklarda dil itimi, mental/labiomentalis kas aktivitesi ve kifotik duruş görülme oranı burun solunumu yapan çocuklara göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı derecede yüksek bulunmuştur.
Sports supplement consumption, dental health, and salivary parameters in adolescent elite football players: A cross-sectional study
(Springer Nature Link, 2026) Günalan, Elif; Bakdım, Kürşat; Yılmaz, Şeyda; Kement, Sevgi; Küçük, Fatih Berkay; Sücüllülü, Beyza Nur; Yalvaç, Seda; Vural, Yasemin; Saygılı, Seda; Özüpek, Gökçen; Özgün, Mete; Keskin, Melih; Özen, Buğra
Background: Adolescent athletes frequently use sports supplements (SS) to enhance their performance. However, the increased consumption of SS has raised concerns regarding potential long-term associations with oral and dental health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sports supplement use and dental health status, including the DMFT index and dental erosion, as well as salivary parameters of adolescent football players. Methods: Data on personal characteristics and SS use were collected from 52 participants. Dental health was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, Visual Dental Erosion Examination Index, and the Basic Erosive Wear Evaluation. Salivary parameters were analyzed using the GC Check Buffer. Results: The most frequently consumed SS were sports drinks (17.3%), sports bars (17.3%), and vitamin C (13.5%). No significant relationship was found between regular SS consumption and the DMFT index or dental erosion. However, the consumption of sports drinks was significantly associated with resting salivary pH, stimulated salivary volume (mL), and stimulated salivary pH (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In this cohort, sports drink consumption was associated with salivary parameters, including salivary pH and stimulated saliva volume, in exploratory unadjusted analyses. These findings may indicate hypothetical salivary changes, although no corresponding clinical differences in DMFT or erosion were detected in this sample. Consequently, awareness regarding sports drink use among adolescent athletes should be increased as a precautionary measure.
In vitro evaluation of the effect of children’s toothpastes with different ingredients on the surface microhardness and surface roughness of artificial caries of primary tooth enamel
(Türkiye Klinikleri Yayınevi, 2026) Kaçmaz, Nazlıcan; Yoğurucu Değerli, Gizem; Altun, Ceyhan
Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the remineralization efficacy of pediatric toothpastes with different compositions produced as alternatives to fluoridated pediatric toothpastes, under in vitro conditions. The contribution of this study to the literature is the comparative evaluation of the remineralization efficacy of pediatric toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite, propolis, and theobromine-whose remineralization effects have not previously been comparatively assessed-both among themselves and in comparison with a fluoridated pediatric toothpaste. Material and Methods: Eighty primary molar teeth without caries, cracks, or structural defects were stored in distilled water containing 0.1% thymol. Eighty enamel samples prepared from the primary molars were randomly divided into five groups: four study groups (Zubio® Kids, Glimo® Alfa, B-Good Care®, Oral-B® Junior) and one control group (distilled water) (n=8). Artificial carious lesions were created by immersing the enamel samples in a demineralization solution for 72 hours. Subsequently, during a 7-day pH cycling period, the samples were kept in a demineralization solution (pH 5.0) for 6 hours per day and in a remineralization solution (pH 7.0) for 18 hours per day, and were brushed twice daily with the toothpastes. The remineralization efficacy of the toothpastes was evaluated using surface microhardness analysis, surface roughness analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey post hoc test, and paired sample t-test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After brushing, the microhardness value in the distilled water group was statistically significantly lower than in the toothpaste groups (p<0.001). The microhardness value in the fluoridated toothpaste group was found to be significantly higher than in all other toothpaste groups, while the surface roughness value was significantly lower (p<0.001). Conclusion: In this study, the fluoridated pediatric toothpaste exhibited the highest remineralization potential. Pediatric toothpastes containing theobromine and propolis demonstrated similar remineralization effects.
Cognitive alignment and assessment validity in a high-stakes dental specialty examination: A Bloom’s taxonomy-based analysis
(BioMed Central, 2026) Çerçi Akçay, Hülya; Üstün, Nilüfer
Background: In high-stakes postgraduate examinations, the cognitive complexity of assessment items is central to evaluating advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making competencies. Alignment between examination content, cognitive demand, and competency based educational frameworks is essential for assessment validity. This study evaluated the cognitive structure of pediatric dentistry questions in the Turkish Dental Specialty Examination (DUS) using Bloom’s revised taxonomy and examined their alignment with curricular expectations. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 127 officially released pediatric dentistry questions administered between 2012 and 2021. Each item was independently classified according to Bloom’s revised cognitive levels. Curriculum relevance and scientific accuracy were rated using a 5-point Likert scale. Inter rater reliability was assessed using weighted Cohen’s kappa. Associations between cognitive level and curriculum relevance were analyzed, and temporal trends across examination years were explored. Results: Questions were predominantly concentrated at the Understand and Apply levels, with fewer items categorized at the Analyze level. No questions were classified at the Evaluate or Create levels. Although lower- and higher-order cognitive skills appeared proportionally balanced when dichotomized, higher-order items largely reflected procedural application rather than advanced analytical or evaluative reasoning. No significant temporal progression toward greater cognitive complexity was observed. Curriculum relevance ratings were high overall but showed no significant association with cognitive level. Conclusions: This high-stakes specialty examination predominantly assesses lower- and intermediate-level cognitive processes, with limited representation of advanced higher-order thinking. The findings indicate potential blueprint misalignment with postgraduate competency expectations and underscore the need for deliberate integration of higher cognitive-level items to strengthen assessment validity.
Traumatic fibroma of the gingiva in a child: 4-year follow-up
(Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Dentistry, 2025) Taşdemir, Tülin; Erbaş Ünverdi, Gizem; Çehreli, Zafer Cavit
This case report presents a 3-year-old boy referred to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry with a hyperplastic soft tissue lesion in the maxillary anterior region, present for six months. The lesion began as small and gradually enlarged without pain or bleeding, as reported by the parents. The lesion was treated with surgical excision under local anesthesia. Histopathological analysis confirmed a diagnosis of traumatic fibroma, a benign reactive lesion often associated with chronic irritation. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, but recurrence was observed at one year, presenting as small punctate lesions. Over a subsequent four-year follow-up, no further growth was noted. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and long-term monitoring of reactive oral lesions in pediatric patients, given their potential for recurrence.
Effectiveness of fissure sealants following different silver fluoride application protocols in MIH-affected molars: Randomized clinical study
(Springer Nature Link, 2026) Çayıroğlu, Nagihan; Ballıkaya, Elif; Erbaş Ünverdi, Gizem; Çehreli, Zafer Cavit
Objectives To compare the clinical efficacy of glass ionomer sealants (GIS) and resin-based sealants (RBS) applied imme diately or one week after silver fluoride (SF) application to permanent molars affected by molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in children at high risk for caries. Methods A total of 216 MIH-affected molars (ICDAS 1–2) from 102 children aged 6–14 years were randomly allocated to six groups: Resin- or glass ionomer–based fissure sealants were placed either one week after the application of silver fluoride or during the same clinical session. In the same-visit protocols, sealants were applied immediately after silver fluoride treatment, either following gentle blot drying with cotton or after immediate rinsing. Hypersensitivity, caries progression, and sealant retention were assessed at 1, 6, and 12 months. Hypersensitivity was evaluated using the Schiff Cold Sensitivity Scale (SCASS). Sealant performance was analyzed using modified USPHS criteria. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s Exact Test and the Friedman test. Results Full retention was achieved in all resin-based sealant groups, while the lowest retention rate (88.9%) was recorded in the glass ionomer sealant group applied one week after silver fluoride. Caries occurred in 2.8% of teeth and was confined to three groups: glass ionomer sealants placed one week after silver fluoride, resin-based sealants applied immediately following blot drying, and glass ionomer sealants applied immediately after rinsing. All other groups showed complete clinical success. No statistically significant differences were found among groups regarding caries prevention (p=1.000) or sealant retention (p=0.062). Hypersensitivity decreased significantly over time in all groups. Conclusion Resin-based and glass ionomer fissure sealants placed either one week after silver fluoride application or immediately following treatment, using rinsing or blot-drying protocols, showed similar outcomes over a 12-month follow-up period in terms of caries prevention and reduction of hypersensitivity. Nonetheless, within the limitations of this study, sealants placed immediately following silver fluoride application demonstrated a greater frequency of discoloration. Clinical significance Both glass ionomer and resin-based fissure sealants can be successfully applied either immediately or one week following silver fluoride treatment to provide protection for MIH-affected permanent molars. Clinical trials registration number NCT06641011.
Evaluation of changes in oral and dental health and deleterious oral habits after adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy in children
(Korean Association of Orthodontists, 2026) Arat Maden, Eda; Yoğurucu Değerli, Gizem; Kurt Dizdar, Senem; Turgut, Suat
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate changes in oral health status and related oral habits in children undergoing adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy, focusing on dental indices and mouth breathing-associated symptoms. Methods: This prospective observational study included 52 children (mean age: 7.4 ± 2.1 years) who underwent adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy. Clinical evaluations included decayed, missing, and filled teeth for primary dentition/ decayed, missing, and filled teeth for permanent dentition (dmft/DMFT) scores, plaque index (Silness and Löe), gingival index (Löe and Silness), and unstimulated salivary flow rate. Parents completed structured questionnaires assessing their children’s medical and dental history, oral health-related behaviors, and symptoms. Oral health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale. Results: Statistically significant improvements were found in salivary flow rate (from 0.43 ± 0.21 mL/min to 0.75 ± 0.19 mL/min), plaque index (1.58 ± 0.48 to 1.06 ± 0.33), and gingival index (1.28 ± 0.55 to 0.70 ± 0.39) (all P = 0.001). Several mouth breathing related symptoms, such as snoring, dry mouth, daytime sleepiness, and halitosis, also showed a significant postoperative reduction (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy significantly improved periodontal parameters and reduced mouth breathing-associated symptoms in children. These findings highlight the importance of interdisciplinary management involving otolaryngologists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists.
Effect of plaque-disclosing agents on biofilm removal: Single-center randomized trial in fourth-year dental students
(BioMed Central, 2026) Ballı Akgöl, Beyza; Bayram, Merve; Üstün, Nilüfer; Aksaka, Nurcan
Background To assess whether plaque-disclosing agents (PDA) improve self-performed mechanical plaque removal and gingival health compared with standard instruction alone in dental students. Design/Setting Single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial (1:1), Istanbul Medipol University (Oct 2023–Jan 2024). Participants 124 fourth-year dental students (age 20–30 years) randomized to test (n=62) or control (n=62). Interventions Both groups received standardized oral-hygiene instruction (Modified Bass; interdental cleaning guidance). The test group additionally received PDA before brushing as a visual aid; all outcomes were measured after triple rinsing. Primary outcome (prespecified) Between-group difference in change (Δ) in Plaque Index (PI) from baseline to week 1. Secondary outcomes ΔPI baseline→post-brushing and baseline→month 1; ΔGingival Index (GI) baseline→week 1 and baseline→month 1. Masking Outcome assessor blinded at the time of measurement (after rinsing). Results All 124 randomized participants completed follow-up and were analyzed. Both groups showed short-term improvement (immediate reduction in PI post-brushing; GI improvement at week 1). The primary outcome showed no significant between-group difference in ΔPI from baseline to week 1. Secondary analyses similarly found no significant between-group differences in ΔPI or ΔGI at month 1. Conclusions In a population with high baseline oral-hygiene proficiency, adding PDA did not confer a measurable advantage over standardized instruction alone on PI or GI change. PDA may be more informative in lay populations with lower oral-health literacy. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06080672, registered on October 12, 2023.
Aesthetic preformed paediatric crowns in primary incisors: A bibliometric study and critical analysis
(Springer Nature Link, 2026) Taşdemir, Tülin; Erbaş Ünverdi, Gizem; Çehreli, Zafer Cavit
Purpose The aim of this bibliometric study was to assess clinical research regarding preformed crowns used for the treat ment of primary anterior teeth. Methods A search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) for publications on preformed crowns for primary anterior teeth, and was completed in a single day (August 8, 2025), identifying 379 articles. After filtering for original research and case report/series published in English, 40 relevant articles were selected for review. These publications were evaluated based on annual publication trends, study designs, journals, citation counts, authors, and keywords, using the ‘biblioshiny’ program in RStudio. Additionally, the review included critical analysis of articles with full texts to collect detailed information on study design, sample size, and clinical outcomes. Results The review of 40 articles over three decades showed a 4.57% annual increase in publication number on preformed crowns for primary anterior teeth, especially since 2012, with USA authors leading. The data reveal temporal trends in preveneered preformed metal crowns for anterior primary teeth, strip crown success, zirconia crowns (gingival health, qual ity of life and parental satisfaction comparisons), and preformed crowns for primary anterior teeth after pulpal treatment. Amongst them, the journal “Pediatric Dentistry” had published the most papers. Recent studies highlighted zirconia crowns’ high retention and gingival health benefits, whilst strip crowns showed lower durability. Conclusion For anterior primary teeth, that zirconia crowns offered high durability, aesthetics, and parental satisfaction. The heterogeneity of study designs underscores the necessity for more comprehensive research to inform paediatric dentistry practices.
Design, use, and contemporary technological approaches of mouthguards in pediatric athletes
(Harran University, 2025) Kaplan, Ceren; Yoğurucu Değerli, Gizem
Orofacial trauma is a common concern among pediatric athletes, particularly those participating in contact and high impact sports. Due to their developing dentofacial structures, children are more vulnerable to injuries. Mouthguards are intraoral devices designed to absorb and disperse impact forces, playing a critical role in injury prevention. This review outlines the classification of mouthguards, fabrication techniques, and the process of personalized design. It also examines usage trends in children and highlights how awareness among parents and coaches influences adherence. Recent advancements in digital dentistry—especially CAD/CAM systems and 3D printing technologies—have enabled the production of custom-made mouthguards that provide superior fit, comfort, and protection. Studies suggest that individualized mouthguards improve compliance among pediatric athletes and significantly reduce the risk of orofacial trauma. Therefore, technological innovations, combined with increased stakeholder awareness, are believed to enhance the adoption and clinical success of effective protective mouthguards in pediatric sports dentistry.
Association of health-promoting behaviors with oral health status among Turkish dental students: A cross-sectional study
(Springer Nature Link, 2026) Ballı Akgöl, Beyza; Bayram, Merve; Üstün, Nilüfer; Aksaka, Nurcan
Background: Oral health is an essential component of overall well-being, and dentistry students are expected to model healthy behaviors. However, their lifestyle habits may not always reflect this role. This study explores the relationship between oral health status and health-promoting behaviors among fourth-year dental students. While the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) has been widely applied, its use alongside objective oral health indices in this population remains limited. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed health-promoting behaviors using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) and evaluated oral health status using clinical indices, including Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, Gingival Index (GI), and Plaque Index (PI), among fourth-year dental students. Results: Students with better gingival health exhibited higher overall health-promoting lifestyle scores, particularly in the domains of nutrition and health responsibility. Similarly, participants with better plaque control demonstrated more favorable stress management behaviors. In addition, weak inverse associations were observed between dental caries experience and spiritual growth, as well as between plaque accumulation and overall health-promoting lifestyle behaviors. Conclusion: This study revealed significant links between key health promoting lifestyle domains—nutrition, stress management, and health responsibility—and oral health indicators. These findings underscore the need to integrate structured health promotion modules into dental curricula to improve students’ well-being and clinical competence.
Nanotechnology approaches in caries management: Insights from a pediatric dentist
(Turkiye Klinikleri Yayınevi, 2025) Esentürk, Gülce; Yoğurucu Değerli, Gizem; Özen, Buğra
This review evaluates the potential contributions of nanotechnology-based materials in caries prevention and management, taking into account the limitations of traditional approaches. Nanomaterials, with their antibacterial, remineralizing, and diagnostic properties, offer an innovative perspective to caries management strategies especially in pediatric dentistry. While the efficacy of dental materials modified with nanotechnology is enhanced, pH-responsive and targeted smart drug carrier systems along with theranostic approaches can optimize the treatment process via minimally invasive methods, thus increasing success rates. These innovative strategies are expected to play a critical role in updating caries management protocols and providing long-term solutions in pediatric dentistry.
Sports drinks may affect salivary parameters in adolescent footballers
(Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, 2025) Bakdım, Kürşat; Yılmaz, Şeyda; Kement, Sevgi; Küçük, Fatih Berkay; Sücüllülü, Beyza Nur; Yalvaç, Seda; Vural, Yasemin; Saygılı, Seda; Özüpek, Gökçen; Özgün, Mete; Keskin, Melih; Özen, Buğra; Günalan, Elif
Many adolescent athletes turn to sports supplements (SS) to improve their performance. Still, the growing use of these products raises questions about how they might affect oral health in the long run. While most studies focus on adult athletes and link sports drink consumption to dental issues like erosion and decay, it is worth asking whether these problems could begin much earlier, during the teenage years. This study explored how supplement use may influence salivary characteristics and early signs of oral health changes in adolescent football players.
Investigation of the effects of fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride and peptide P11-4 on dentin nanostructure in an in-vitro dentin caries model via SEM, FTIR spectroscopy and SAXS methods
(MRE Press, 2025) Yoğurucu Değerli, Gizem; Güven Polat, Günseli; İde, Semra; Bülbül, Onurcan
Background: To evaluate and compare the structural effects of fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and peptide P11-4 on dentin nanostructure in an in vitro dentin caries model. Methods: Forty dentin discs were demineralized and treated with either SDF, fluoride varnish or P11-4. Structural changes were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to evaluate topographical, molecular and nanoscale modifications. Results: SEM revealed morphological differences across groups: the P11-4 group showed fibrillar structures and narrowed dentinal tubules; the SDF group exhibited blocked tubules with a granular appearance; and the fluoride varnish group presented partially occluded tubules. FTIR analysis showed a reduction in Amide A and Amide I bands in the P11-4 group, suggesting enhanced interaction with dentin collagen and early-stage remineralization. In contrast, the SDF group showed higher Amide A values, indicating limited interaction with the organic matrix. These spectral shifts imply differential impacts on the preservation and reorganization of the dentin matrix. SAXS analysis confirmed that the P11-4 group exhibited the closest nanostructural resemblance to healthy dentin, whereas the SDF group showed the least similarity. Both the P11-4 and fluoride varnish groups demonstrated organized fibrillar alignment and improved mineral patterning. Conclusions: The findings suggest that P11-4, through its biomimetic action, facilitates favorable nanostructural and molecular changes in demineralized dentin. These effects may contribute to enhanced mechanical stability and long-term clinical outcomes. Broader in vivo studies are warranted to validate these results before clinical application.
Is digital anesthesia a viable alternative for pain and anxiety control in pediatric dentistry?
(Wiley, 2025) Ateşçi, Alp Abidin; Korkut Işık, Buse; Yılmaz, Dilek Özge; Gergit, Berk; Çoruh Kılıç, Münevver; Önçağ, Rüştü Özant
Background: Pain and anxiety during dental procedures remain major challenges in pediatric dentistry, particularly during local anesthesia administration. Aim: This study compared the effectiveness of digital anesthesia systems versus conventional infiltration and mandibular block techniques in managing pain, anxiety, and behavioral responses in pediatric dental patients. Design: Seventy-nine children aged 6–12 were randomly assigned to receive anesthesia via digital anesthesia system (DAS), infiltration, or mandibular block. Pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFRPS), anxiety via the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS), and behavioral responses through the FLACC scale. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and chi-square tests (p<0.05). Results: Children in the DAS group reported significantly lower pain scores during needle insertion, anesthetic delivery, and treatment. Post-treatment MCDAS scores decreased significantly in the DAS group, especially for items related to “tooth exami nation,” “filling,” and “gingival injection.” FLACC results also indicated more favorable behavioral responses—such as relaxed facial expressions and absence of crying—in the digital group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Digital anesthesia appears to be a highly effective alternative to conventional techniques for minimizing pain, reducing dental anxiety, and improving behavioral cooperation in pediatric patients, supporting its broader implementation in clinical practice.
Improving oral health in children with disabilities: A preventive home-based care model from Türkiye
(Wiley, 2025) Tunalı, Esra; Ataş, Cafer; Çağ, Yakup; Orhan, Ahmet Lütfullah; Özen, Buğra; Aydınbelge, Mustafa; Tunalı, Mustafa
Background: Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) face significant challenges in maintaining oral hygiene and accessing dental services due to disabilities. It has been reported that, because of these disadvantages, individuals with special needs experience oral health problems at a higher rate compared to the general population. This study aimed to assess factors influencing oral health in CSHCN within the dental home framework and propose preventive strategies. Methods: A total of 1229 children aged 0-8 years with disability health reports in Istanbul were examined through home visits by mobile dental teams. Caries experience was evaluated using combined indices (dfs + DMFS and dft + DMFT). Data on oral hygiene habits, dietary patterns, parental education level and dental visit history were collected through structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square and Spearman's correlation tests (significance set at p < 0.05). Results: A statistically significant positive correlation was found between age and all caries indices (p < 0.01) 0.57. 1% of children reported brushing their teeth, with irregular brushers showing significantly higher caries indices than regular brushers (p < 0.05). Children requiring > 45 min to eat had significantly higher dfs + DMFS (1 surface) (p = 0.036) and dft + DMFT values (p = 0.019). Those consuming snacks > 3 times daily showed significantly higher caries indices across all measures (p < 0.01). Moderate/severe plaque accumulation was detected in 50.5% of participants. Lower parental education levels were significantly associated with higher caries indices (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study highlights the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach to protect the oral health of CSHCN. The widespread implementation of the dental home model and regular dental check-ups will be a significant step in addressing oral health needs.

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