This retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluated dental records of 1000 healthy children to determine factors associated with plaque, gingivitis, and caries. A logistic model for plaque and gingivitis (mild versus moderate/severe) and caries (yes/no) was carried out separately for each variable using the following potential factors: Age, Gender, Brush Type, Starting Age of Brushing, Brushing Frequency, and Bite Type. Data from 998 children (median age: 4 years, 10 months (range: 2.5–7 years)) were analyzed. Sixty-four percent were manual toothbrush users; 36% were oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush users. For plaque and gingivitis, but not caries, Brush Type was more impactful than Brushing Frequency. Age influenced the severity of plaque and gingivitis, with increases in the odds of having moderate/severe plaque or gingivitis associated with increasing age. The probability of caries increased until approximately age 5 and then decreased until age 7. Oscillating-rotating brush users were more likely to present with less plaque, gingivitis, and caries, with 6.0, 5.1, and 1.4 times greater odds of having mild (versus moderate/severe) plaque, less severe gingivitis, and being caries-free, respectively, than manual brush users. Similarly, brushing twice daily and starting brushing at an earlier age were associated with better oral health outcomes. Children with anterior bite abnormalities had increased odds of developing moderate/severe plaque and gingivitis than children with normal anterior bites. Gender was not a statistically significant factor associated with plaque, gingivitis, or caries. Children’s oral health is influenced by toothbrush type, starting age of brushing, compliance with twice-daily brushing, and bite abnormalities.

Until recently, the treatment for molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) mainly included interim restorations such as resin restorations and stainless-steel crowns. These require replacement after adolescence. The use of intraoral scanners (IOS) has opened a new venue for restoring MIH teeth, by reducing the challenge of dealing with uncooperative children’s behavior and enabling tooth structure preservation and long-lasting restoration. We present an innovative treatment approach for children with MIH, using a digital workflow with IOS and CAD-CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) fabrication of the restoration. The overall protocol involves a thorough diagnostic phase throughout treatment planning, which takes into consideration the child’s behavior and the parent’s cooperation and compliance. Initial preparation consists of inhalation sedation if needed, an effective local anesthesia, and the use of a rubber dam. Removal of all areas of enamel and dentin porosity is essential, and the tooth/teeth must be appropriately prepared to accommodate inlays or onlays for molars and labial veneers for incisors. IOS impressions are taken, including scanning of the prepared tooth and its antagonist, scanning of the bite, and CAD-CAM preparation of the restoration. Next is restoration, cementation, and follow up. Digital workflow provides definitive restorations in young patients due to the high accuracy of the scanning.

The custom of canine bud removal has detrimental consequences on children’s general health and dental care. The objective of this study was to assess whether the prevalence of missing primary canines and dental defects in offspring of emigrants from Ethiopia is greater than in offspring of native Israeli parents of similar socioeconomic class. 477 children of Ethiopian descent and 317 offspring of native Israeli parents, from 21 nursery schools and kindergartens, underwent dental examinations aimed to determine the presence or absence of primary canines and of developmental enamel defects on adjacent teeth to the primary canines. For purposes of analysis, children were classified into two age groups: younger (ages 18–48 months) and older (ages 49–82 months). Canines were present in more Israeli than Ethiopian younger children, 87.5% vs. 42.3%, p=0.0001; and in more Israeli than Ethiopian older children, 92.6% vs. 40.4%, p=0.0001. More dental defects were detected in Ethiopian than in Israeli younger children, 32% vs. 3.9%, p=0.0001; and in more Ethiopian than Israeli older children, 31.2% vs. 5.8%, p=0.0001. The prevalence of missing primary canines and dental defects was greater among offspring of parents who had emigrated from Ethiopia 15–20 years earlier than among offspring of native Israeli parents living in the same low socioeconomic neighborhoods.

Background: Clinical investigations of electric toothbrushes in young children are limited.Aim: To assess plaque reduction efficacy of an oscillating‐rotating electric versus manual toothbrush in a paediatric population in primary and mixed dentitions.Design: In this randomised, single‐brushing, 2‐treatment, 4‐period, replicate‐use crossover study, subjects were divided into 2 age groups (3‐6 years; 7‐9 years) and assigned to a treatment sequence involving an Oral‐B Kids electric brush and a manual brush control. Plaque was assessed pre‐ and post‐brushing (Turesky Modified Quigley‐Hein Plaque Index). Parents brushed the teeth of their children aged 3‐6 years, whereas children aged 7‐9 years brushed their own teeth under supervision. Plaque removal scores were analysed for brush differences in each age group separately using an analysis of covariance for crossover design.Results: Forty‐one children (n = 20, 3‐6 years; n = 21, 7‐9 years) completed the study. For the primary dentition in children 3‐6 years, the electric brush reduced 32.3% more plaque than the manual brush (P = .005). For the mixed dentition in children 7‐9 years, the electric brush reduced 51.9% more plaque than the manual brush (P < .001).Conclusions: An electric toothbrush reduced significantly more plaque than a manual toothbrush in 2 paediatric age groups.

Stainless steel crowns are the most popular restoration technique for young permanent first molars treated endodontically. However, these restorations are not aesthetically appealing and need to be replaced. Endocrowns constitute a reliable approach for restoring severely damaged molars and premolars. Intraoral scanners (IOSs) are well tolerated by children and are easily and quickly implemented. We present an innovative treatment approach for endodontically treated teeth in children, using a digital workflow with IOS and computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) fabrication of the restoration. The protocol involves a thorough diagnostic phase and comprehensive treatment planning. Among the factors to be considered are the child’s behavior, the parents’ cooperation and compliance, and initial preparation including inhalation sedation, effective local anaesthesia and the use of a rubber dam. Full attention should be given to 1–2 mm of ferruling by the endocrown, which should be appropriately prepared to accommodate endocrowns for molars. IOSs include scanning of the prepared tooth and its antagonist, and scanning of the bite. CAD-CAM preparation of the restoration is followed by restoration bonding and follow up. Digital workflow should be considered in the treatment of endodontically treated molars since the high accuracy of the scanning enables definitive restoration in young patients.