There are many reports on the complications associated with antibiotics abuse during the treatment of paediatric patients, particularly those related to antimicrobial resistance. The dental profession is no exception; there is growing evidence that dental practitioners are misusing antibiotics in the treatment of their paediatric patients. This review is directed to dental practitioners who provide oral healthcare to children. It is also directed to medical practitioners, particularly those working in emergency departments and encountering children with acute orofacial infections. A systematic search of literature was conducted to explore the clinical indications and recommended antibiotic regimens for orofacial infections in paediatric outpatients. The main indications included cellulitis, aggressive periodontitis, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, and pericoronitis. Amoxicillin was found to be the most commonly recommended antibiotic for short durations of 3–5 days, with metronidazole or azithromycin being the alternative antibiotics in penicillin-sensitive patients.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is manifested on the skin. Studies of oral health in psoriasis patients are limited. The aim of this study is to assess the experience and risk of caries and periodontal disease in individuals with and without psoriasis. Methods: The material consisted of 89 individuals with mild-to-moderate chronic plaque psoriasis and 54 without psoriasis, recruited at the University Hospital in Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. Psoriatic arthritis (PsoA) was diagnosed in 25 of the individuals with psoriasis. All participants answered questionnaires and were subjected to saliva sampling and oral radiologic and clinical examinations. Two computer applications were used for illustration of oral disease risk profiles. Results: Individuals with psoriasis had lower salivary pH, fewer remaining teeth, fewer sites with probing depth ≤4 mm, and a lower radiographic alveolar bone level than individuals without psoriasis (P <0.05). Most of the differences remained significant after controlling for confounders. Differences in alveolar bone levels were no longer significant, particularly after introducing the confounder sex into the regression model. Similar numbers of decayed and filled teeth, sites with deep pockets, sites that bled on probing, and risk profiles were observed. Individuals with PsoA exhibited a lower stimulated salivary secretion rate than those without psoriasis (P <0.05). Conclusions: There were no differences in profiles of caries and periodontal disease experience and risk between individuals with and without psoriasis. Fewer remaining teeth were observed in individuals with psoriasis. However, the exact reason for tooth loss could not be identified. Meanwhile, the reduced salivary pH in individuals with psoriasis and salivary secretion in individuals with PsoA may pose some risk for future caries.

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in Saudi Arabia and although caries is associated with obesity, this association has not been investigated in Medina. This study aimed to determine the association between dental caries, body mass index (BMI) and dietary habits of 12-year-old boys from four geographically distinct schools in Medina. Mean BMI was 22.17 kg/m² (± 5.15); 41% had normal BMI, 25% were overweight and 30% were obese. The mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score was 1.46 (± 2.04). Those in the normal BMI range had a significantly higher prevalence of caries (57%) and DMFT score (1.92) compared with the overweight and obese groups (P < 0.05). These differences remained significant after controlling for possible confounders via linear regression. Mean BMI was significantly lower in boys with severe compared with mild or no caries. Normal and underweight participants had an almost 2 times greater risk of developing caries compared with their overweight and obese counterparts. The children had poor dietary habits and there were no significant associations between dietary variables and caries.

Objectives. To study root caries and risk profiles using the Cariogram in relation to periodontal disease severity and to analyse indicators associated with high caries risk. Material and methods. A cross-sectional examination was carried out on 112 patients with periodontal disease from two government clinics in Saudi Arabia. The investigation comprised a questionnaire, bitewing radiographs, measurement of salivary secretion rate, buffering capacity and cariogenic microorganisms, and registration of periodontal status, plaque amount and coronal and root caries/fillings (DFT and RDFT). The data were then entered into the Cariogram pedagogic model to illustrate the caries risk profiles. Results. Patients were grouped according to periodontal disease severity into one of three groups: (1) gingivitis (n = 44); (2) mild-to-moderate periodontitis (n = 33); and (3) severe periodontitis (n = 35). The prevalence of RDFT in the total sample was 17%. There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups in number of root lesions or mean ‘Actual Chance to Avoid New Cavities’ (Chance-AC) according to the Cariogram. Of the total sample, 22% displayed high caries risk (Chance-AC ≤40%). The most significant risk indicators in high caries risk patients were infrequent use of fluoride and unfavourable salivary and microbial parameters. Conclusions. Root surface lesions and high caries risk were present in about one-fifth of the patients referred for periodontal treatment. A combination of risk indicators rather than a single one contributed to the increased risk. Caries and risk profiles were not significantly correlated with periodontal disease severity.

Comparing dental students’ perceptions of their educational environment in Northwestern Saudi Arabia