BackgroundThis study was purposed to evaluate palatal width, height, and height index at various stages of dentition in Iranian children and adolescent with normal occlusion.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 237 children (45% male and 55% female, aged 5–18 years) with normal occlusion selected from kindergartens and elementary and high schools in Hamadan, Iran. The subjects were clinically examined and classified based on dentition to primary (21.5%), mixed (21.9%), and permanent (56.5%) stages. Dental casts were obtained from all subjects. Palatal width (inter-molar and -canine distances), and height (at molar and canine areas) were measured on the casts by Korkhaus’ compass and digital caliper. Palatal height index was calculated for each dentition stage. Data were analyzed by SPSS 15 using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test and t- test (p <  0.05).ResultsPalatal inter-molar and -canine width values were increased from primary to permanent dentition. Palatal height and palatal height index in mixed dentition were significantly lower than those in primary and permanent dentition. Palatal width at inter-molar and -canine distances was significantly higher in males than females. There was no significant difference in palatal height and palatal height index at molar area between males and females. However, palatal height and palatal height index at canine area were significantly higher in males compared to females.ConclusionThese findings showed that palatal width increased from primary to permanent stage. Palatal height and palatal height index decrease from primary to mixed dentation, then increase from mixed to permanent dentition.

Research Motivation: Despite improvement of the trends in levels and experiences of dental caries in developed countries, it remains prevalent and is increasing in some developing countries. In this study we assessed the relationship between dietary regimens and dental caries in 9-year-old students in Tehran, Iran. Research Design/Methodology: The sample was selected by using multi-stage sampling from all the public primary schools in Tehran. 560 students were assessed using WHO questionnaires and dental examinations according to WHO criteria by indices of dmft and DMFT. The frequency of nutritional snacks consumed was determined in the following week on each individual. The acquired data were described according to abundance charts and indices of means and standard deviations. A linear regression test also was used. Main findings and implications: The mean dmft and DMFT of the students were 3.93 and 0.79 respectively. The study showed that the use of snacks such as cream-filled biscuits (P=0.030), plain cakes (P=0.048), cookies (P=0.008), caramel cream (P=0.009), milk-based ice creams (P=0.017), hard candies (P=0.003), popcorn (P=0.013), cheesy snacks (P=0.000), and bananas (P=0.002) significantly increased dmft in the study group. Furthermore, the use of snacks such as pistachios (P=0.036), cookies (P=0.03), caramel cream (P=0.048) and sugar-based chewing gums (P=0.008) showed a consequential relationship with the increase in DMFT. According to the results, the variety of the consumed snacks was high among 9-year-old students. The dietary habits including Oranges, Pies and Caramel Cream affected the incidence of the dental caries in both deciduous and permanent teeth.

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