A Curto, D Garcovich, A Alvarado Lorenzo, L Antonio Zancajo, R Aiuto, M Adobes Martin, L Paglia
{"title":"Correlation between children's oral health status and parents' oral health literacy: a cross-sectional study in a Spanish population.","authors":"A Curto, D Garcovich, A Alvarado Lorenzo, L Antonio Zancajo, R Aiuto, M Adobes Martin, L Paglia","doi":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2645","DOIUrl":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed at analysing the oral health status of children aged 1-9 years and explore its correlation with parental oral health knowledge.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Salamanca involving 200 child-parent pairs. Children's oral health was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT), the Decayed and Filled Teeth Index (dft), and the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (DHC-IOTN). Parents completed a 25-item questionnaire on oral health knowledge and practices.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although global correlations were not significant, specific parental knowledge and behaviours showed significant associations with children's caries indices and orthodontic status.</p>","PeriodicalId":11930,"journal":{"name":"European journal of paediatric dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"226-231"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147835248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C Maspero, L Giannini, A M Inchingolo, C Cressoni, L Esposito, C Dini, G Di Iasio, M A Mauri, F Macrì, A Palermo, F Inchingolo, F Calò, A D Inchingolo, G Dipalma
{"title":"Implementation and preliminary educational outcomes of a schoolbased peer-led oral health program in primary school children: A Pilot Study.","authors":"C Maspero, L Giannini, A M Inchingolo, C Cressoni, L Esposito, C Dini, G Di Iasio, M A Mauri, F Macrì, A Palermo, F Inchingolo, F Calò, A D Inchingolo, G Dipalma","doi":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2801","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2026.2801","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This pilot study aimed to describe the implementation of a school-based peer-led oral health education program in primary school children and to explore its feasibility and preliminary educational outcomes. The program was implemented in an international primary school and involved third- and fourth-grade students aged 7-9 years. After parental informed consent was obtained, baseline assessments were performed using questionnaires investigating oral health knowledge, oral hygiene habits, dietary behaviors, and previous dental experiences. Plaque-disclosing tablets were also used as a visual awareness tool. Fourth-grade students received a 3-hour training session delivered by a dental hygienist and subsequently conducted peer-led educational activities for third-grade students through five interactive learning stations. Follow-up assessments were carried out approximately 2 weeks and 5 months after the intervention. All educational materials were independently produced and designed to be easily reproducible in school settings. At the 5-month follow-up, most participants showed an improvement in oral health knowledge compared with baseline. Overall, 87.5% of children improved their knowledge scores, 75% reported improvements in oral hygiene and dietary habits, and 59.4% showed improvement in a derived home oral hygiene score based on questionnaire responses. In addition, the proportion of children reporting no gingival bleeding increased compared with baseline. Although limited by the small sample size, the single-school setting, the lack of a control group, and the reliance on questionnaire-based outcomes, this pilot study suggests that a peer-led school-based oral health program is feasible and may support improvements in children's oral health knowledge and self-reported habits. Larger controlled studies are needed to evaluate effectiveness and long-term sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":11930,"journal":{"name":"European journal of paediatric dentistry","volume":"27 3","pages":"211-218"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148886733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A decade of progress: biliometric analysis of trends and developments in early childhood caries research.","authors":"X Lin, Y Zhang, K Han, L Yu, H Shi","doi":"10.23804/ejpd.2025.2395","DOIUrl":"10.23804/ejpd.2025.2395","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most common oral disease in children, and its causes are complex and diverse, which has a serious impact on children's physical and mental health. Over the past decade, a large number of studies have investigated ECC in depth, and bibliometrics can reveal its research trends within specific fields.</p><p><strong>Materials: </strong>ECC-related publications published in the last decade were retrieved from the Web of Science database. The publication year, country, institution, author, journal and keywords were visualised by using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Through bibliometric analysis, this study delineated a comprehensive landscape of ECC research hotspots and potential trends, which provided necessary information for relevant decision makers to make decisions. At the same time, it also helped researchers in this field to conduct in-depth exploration and exchanges in the clinical and academic fields, and jointly committed to ECC research, and ultimately improved the oral health of young children.</p>","PeriodicalId":11930,"journal":{"name":"European journal of paediatric dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"168-176"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144575105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C Borrell Garcia, P Boo Gordillo, E Garcia Miralles, J I Aura Tormos, C Guinot Barona, L Marqués Martínez
{"title":"Psychological Factors in Paediatric Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"C Borrell Garcia, P Boo Gordillo, E Garcia Miralles, J I Aura Tormos, C Guinot Barona, L Marqués Martínez","doi":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2581","DOIUrl":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2581","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to identify psychological, demographic, and environmental factors that influence dental anxiety in paediatric patients treated in a university clinic by undergraduate dental students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 203 children aged 5-18 years attending the dental clinic of the Catholic University San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain. Dental anxiety was assessed using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) for children and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) for parents, along with additional questions regarding separation anxiety, gift reception, and room color preferences. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Pearson correlation analyses, and Kruskal-Wallis tests; p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Paediatric dental anxiety is multifactorial, influenced by age, gender, prior dental experience, parental anxiety, and cultural background. Simple non-pharmacological strategies, including environmental modifications and positive reinforcement, may help reduce anxiety, but their effectiveness may vary according to individual and cultural factors. These findings support early, culturally sensitive, and family-centered approaches in paediatric dentistry, particularly in educational clinical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":11930,"journal":{"name":"European journal of paediatric dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"201-206"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146200589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T Cantile, A Valletta, E Salza, F Riccitiello, S Lombardi, M Quaraniello, A Riccitiello
{"title":"Self-inflicted oral-dental mutilations (SIODMs) in paediatric patients: a systematic review of case reports and case series.","authors":"T Cantile, A Valletta, E Salza, F Riccitiello, S Lombardi, M Quaraniello, A Riccitiello","doi":"10.23804/ejpd.2025.2213","DOIUrl":"10.23804/ejpd.2025.2213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Self-inflicted oral-dental mutilations (SIODMs) are the result of an intentional or unintentional action that leads to anatomical and functional damage to the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. In paediatric patients they can be associated with both organic and functional diseases. A systematic review was conducted aiming to consolidate and integrate the existing knowledge on SIODM in paediatric patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Literature search, study design and data analysis were performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The research question was structured using the PICO framework (PROSPERO n° CRD42023433727).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This is the first systematic review aimed to synthesize the findings of studies on SIODM in paediatric patients. The extensive heterogeneity of underlying diseases, anatomical sites and nature of mutilation, as well as of the proposed treatments, make SIODM in paediatric population a challenging clinical field, in which only a multidisciplinary approach can provide adequate know-how in terms of prevention and therapeutic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":11930,"journal":{"name":"European journal of paediatric dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"178-191"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143002590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G Magalhães Cairo, M Cardoso Oliveira, V Meira Maia, I F Neves Oliveira, M J Neves Souza Gomes, C Augusto Casotti
{"title":"Effectiveness of chlorhexidine and xylitol varnish versus silver diamine fluoride in the control of initial dental caries lesions: a randomised clinical trial.","authors":"G Magalhães Cairo, M Cardoso Oliveira, V Meira Maia, I F Neves Oliveira, M J Neves Souza Gomes, C Augusto Casotti","doi":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2361","DOIUrl":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2361","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to compare the effectiveness of a chlorhexidine (2%) and xylitol (5%) varnish (VCX) versus a silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution (30%) in controlling initial dental caries lesions in young children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomised clinical trial was conducted with children aged 5 and 6 from public schools in Jequié, Bahia. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: one treated with VCX, another with SDF, and a control group that received no intervention. Carious lesions were classified using ICDAS-II criteria, and interventions were applied following standardised clinical protocols. Blinding was applied to participants, though not to researchers due to physical differences in treatment materials.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both VCX and SDF were effective in reducing initial dental caries lesions, with SDF showing superior efficacy. However, VCX may serve as a viable alternative for patients concerned with aesthetics, though further studies are required to confirm its long-term effectiveness and optimise treatment protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":11930,"journal":{"name":"European journal of paediatric dentistry","volume":"27 ","pages":"27-210"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147503440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A Scarpis, G Bruno, M Basilicata, P Bollero, A Gracco, A De Stefani
{"title":"Parents/caregivers' perceptions of the influence of oral health on the quality of life of paediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder.","authors":"A Scarpis, G Bruno, M Basilicata, P Bollero, A Gracco, A De Stefani","doi":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2219","DOIUrl":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2219","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>The Parental-Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ) is designed to measure how parents or caregivers perceive the influence of children's oral health on their quality of life. P-CPQ can be extremely useful in measuring oral health-related quality of life for patients who are unable to provide firsthand information about their oral health, such as many autistic patients who may have impaired communication abilities or different degrees of intellectual development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Italian version of the Parental/Caregiver - Child Perception Questionnaire (P-CPQ) was used to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as perceived by their parents or caregivers. The questionnaire comprises 31 items categorised into four domains: oral symptoms (OS), functional limitations (FL), emotional well-being (EWB), and social well-being (SWB) of the child. Participants included parents or caregivers of neurotypical and autistic children aged 6 to 14 years, recruited from the Padua University Dental Clinic. Data collected from the questionnaires were analysed, and scores from autistic and neurotypical children were compared.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Parents of children and adolescents with ASD have a worse perception of the OHRQoL of their children than parents of unaffected children. In some cases, the relevance of oral conditions may be overlooked because parents of children with ASD have a huge workload related to the child's general health problems. Dentists should be part of the multidisciplinary team of professionals who are concerned with the health of individuals with ASD to provide appropriate preventive and rehabilitative oral care.</p>","PeriodicalId":11930,"journal":{"name":"European journal of paediatric dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"192-195"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146118318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S Saccomanno, D Adamo, V Quinzi, L Coceani Paskay, C L Pimenta Ferreira, F Canfora, B Marzo, L Memè
{"title":"The Role of Neuroplasticity in the Integration of Orthodontics and Myofunctional Therapy Part 2.","authors":"S Saccomanno, D Adamo, V Quinzi, L Coceani Paskay, C L Pimenta Ferreira, F Canfora, B Marzo, L Memè","doi":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.27.03.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2026.27.03.02","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review of the literature was performed focusing on the structural, neuromuscular, and neurophysiological components of the orofacial region. Evidence regarding cranial nerve involvement, sensorimotor integration, autonomic regulation, respiratory influences, and functional activities such as breathing, swallowing, mastication, and parafunctional behaviors was analyzed to explore the biological rationale for integrated therapeutic approaches.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Recognising the bidirectional relationship between structure and function within a neuroplastic framework supports a multidisciplinary therapeutic model involving orthodontists and myofunctional therapists. The integration of mechanical correction with neuromotor re-education may enhance functional rehabilitation, optimise treatment stability, and contribute to overall patient health and systemic well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":11930,"journal":{"name":"European journal of paediatric dentistry","volume":"27 3","pages":"241-247"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148886701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B B Chambon, J P Lopes, G Balixa, L Bandeira Lopes
{"title":"The Role of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Paediatric Dentistry: An Umbrella Review.","authors":"B B Chambon, J P Lopes, G Balixa, L Bandeira Lopes","doi":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2654","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2026.2654","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To synthesise evidence from existing systematic reviews on the clinical effectiveness of SDF for the prevention and arrest of dental caries in primary teeth.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This umbrella review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Systematic reviews (SRs), with or without meta-analyses, involving paediatric populations treated with SDF were retrieved from five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, LILCAS) up to January 2025. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The biannual use of 38% SDF remains the most evidence-supported, non-invasive intervention for arresting caries in primary dentition. Further high-quality randomised trials are required to confirm long-term outcomes and support clinical guideline development.</p>","PeriodicalId":11930,"journal":{"name":"European journal of paediatric dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148886720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Preoperative Ibuprofen on Pain Perception and Pulse Rate in Paediatric Patients with Deep Caries: A Randomised Controlled Trial.","authors":"M Bilmez Selen, B Kuru","doi":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2598","DOIUrl":"10.23804/ejpd.2026.2598","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the effect of preoperative ibuprofen on intraoperative pain and stress responses during vital pulp therapy (VPT), a minimally invasive treatment aimed at preserving pulp vitality, in children with reversible pulpitis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-four children aged 7-13 years with reversible pulpitis in mandibular first permanent molars were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (10 mg/kg ibuprofen 40 minutes before treatment, n = 22) or the control group (no premedication, n = 22). Pain was assessed intraoperatively using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and pulse rate monitoring. Postoperative VAS scores were recorded on days 1, 3, and 7. Ethical approval was obtained (Approval No: 2024-KAEK-08; 25.12.2024), and the study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07114198).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Preoperative administration of ibuprofen significantly reduces intraoperative pain and stress responses during VPT in children, improving comfort and cooperation, and may serve as a simple and clinically applicable adjunct in routine paediatric dental practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":11930,"journal":{"name":"European journal of paediatric dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"219-224"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147671552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}