Solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) is a rare dental anomaly. It is estimated to occur in 1 : 50,000 live births. The SMMCI tooth differs from the normal central incisor in that the crown form is symmetric and it develops and erupts precisely in the midline of the maxillary dental arch in both primary and permanent dentitions. The presence of SMMCI with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a very rare clinical condition. We report a case of SMMCI in a female of African ethnic origin, who presented with SMMCI in permanent dentition with mild nasal stenosis. An early diagnosis of SMMCI is important, since it may be a sign for other severe congenital or developmental abnormalities. Therefore, systematic follow-up and close monitoring of the growth and development of SMMCI patients are crucial.

Purpose: To evaluate mothers’ knowledge of the use of fissure sealant (FS) and topical fluoride (TF) therapy among children aged between 7 to 12 years in Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants (n = 350) were selected based on simple random sampling method from the mothers’ of children aged from 7 to 12 years old, attending outpatient pediatric dental clinics in College of Dentistry King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Results: The age group of mothers included are as follows: 31.7 % in 20 - 30 years age group, 53.1 % in 31 - 40 years age range, and 15.1 % in 41 - 50 years. On FS therapy benefits in the prevention of caries in children, 22 % responded that it was beneficial. When participants were asked regarding FS wearing out easily after application on the tooth, 8 % agreed while 13.4 % disagreed. A majority of mothers (40.9 %) agreed that TF therapy prevents caries, while 47.7 % stated that they brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. The mothers that disagreed that fluoride gel is recommended only for children, not for adults were 32.9 %. When the mothers were asked about the benefit of fluoride if its cost is taken into consideration, 46.6 % disagreed that fluoride gel was worth its cost, while 22.3 % took the opposite view. Conclusion: Positive knowledge of FS and TF therapy have been observed among mothers. However, mothers demonstrated greater positive knowledge of TF therapy than FS therapy.

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The aim of this case report is to highlight poor endodontic treatment and persistent periradicular periodontitis as a possible etiology of gingivitis artefacta minor. Self-inflicted gingival lesion can be defined as an intentional self-abrasion of the gingiva, in which injuries are caused by the patient's own fingernail. This disorder is the most commonly found in younger age groups. It has both major and minor forms. Gingivitis artefacta minor is the milder, localized form which is usually due to an underlying local irritant or aggressive tooth brushing habits. Gingivitis artefacta major designate a more aggressive form which is linked to psychological disorders. The case report described here discusses gingivitis artefacta minor, an oral presentation of self-injurious behavior in an otherwise healthy 10-year-old girl, which developed as a consequence of poor endodontic treatment to a primary molar tooth. Prompt treatment of the case which included extraction of the offended tooth resulted in cessation of the destructive habit and healing of the periodontal breakdown. This case report describes the possibility to treat gingivitis artefacta minor and maintain the gingival and periodontal health of a patient with a destructive habit, once the underlying cause is disclosed and promptly managed. However, careful monitoring is of paramount importance and is recommended to prevent possible complications. Although habitual fingernail scratching is a common habit among children, emphasis on the necessity of a comprehensive history to rule out any possible systemic contribution is highly crucial to reach an accurate diagnosis and plan a successful treatment accordingly.