This study aims to assess the caries susceptibility in pediatric patients aged 6-14 years old using Saliva-Check Buffer salivary tests. A total of 40 patients will be enrolled, divided into two groups: 1. Group A (Pre-Orthodontic Treatment): this group will include pediatric patients who have completed dental treatments (mechanical debridement, fillings, extractions) and have not yet started orthodontic treatment. 2. Group B (Orthodontic Treatment): this group will consist of pediatric patients who have been undergoing orthodontic treatment for at least 6 months.
This study aims to assess the caries susceptibility in pediatric patients aged 6-14 years old using Saliva-Check Buffer salivary tests. A total of 40 patients will be enrolled, divided into two groups: 1. Group A (Pre-Orthodontic Treatment): this group will include pediatric patients who have completed dental treatments (mechanical debridement, fillings, extractions) and have not yet started orthodontic treatment. 2. Group B (Orthodontic Treatment): this group will consist of pediatric patients who have been undergoing orthodontic treatment for at least 6 months. Ethical Considerations: the study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the norms of the Good Clinical Practice. Patient Enrollment: patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be identified from the dental clinic's patient records. Parents or legal guardians will be approached to obtain informed consent for participation in the study. Baseline Assessment: baseline dental examinations will be conducted to assess the dental health status of each patient, recording the following indexes: DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth), DMFS, PCR. Then, saliva collection and testing will be performed with Saliva-Check Buffer. Data Analysis: data will be statistically analysed. Normality test will be performed, and a parametric or non-parametric test will be performed to compare the two groups for all the variables tested. Significance threshold will be predefined for p\<0.05.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
40
Saliva-Check buffer test will be used to perform evaluations on saliva pH, quantity and quality
Unit of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry - Section of Dentistry - Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatrics - University of Pavia
Pavia, Lombardy, Italy
DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth)
Sum of decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth.
Time frame: Baseline
DMFS (Decayed, Missing, Filled Surfaces)
Sum of decayed, missing due to caries, and filled tooth surfaces.
Time frame: Baseline
PCR (Plaque Control Record)
Number of surfaces with plaque / Total number of surfaces examined) x 100 using disclosing Tri Plaque ID gel.
Time frame: Baseline
Frankl Behavioral Scale
Classification of patients based on cooperation during treatment, using a scale from 1 to 4: * 1: Definitely positive Good rapport with the dentist, interested in the dental procedures, laughing and enjoying the situation. * 2: Positive Acceptance of treatment; at times cautious, willingness to comply with the dentist, at times with reservation but patient follows the dentist's directions cooperatively. * 3: Negative Reluctant to accept treatment; uncooperative, some evidence of negative attitude but not pronounced, i.e. /sullen, withdrawn. * 4: Definitely negative Refusal of treatment, crying forcefully, fearful or any other overt evidence of extreme negativism.
Time frame: Baseline
Saliva Check Buffer test
Complete assessment of saliva quality, quantity and pH
Time frame: Baseline
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