The prevalence of caries in this sample of 12-year-old schoolchildren was low compared to that in other developing countries. The present study indicated that urban living conditions were associated with more dental caries. Since urbanization is rapid in India, oral health promotion at the present time would be valuable to prevent increased caries prevalence.

Background:Early childhood caries (ECC) is a severe form of dental decay with multi-factorial origin.Objectives:The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and related risk factors of ECC among preschool children residing in rural and urban areas of Trivandrum district in Kerala.Methods:A sample size of 1329 preschool children of <60 months of age was randomly selected from rural and urban areas of Trivandrum and decayed missing filled teeth indices were recorded. A standardized questionnaire was distributed to the parents. The data were subjected to SPSS version 16 and statistically analyzed with Chi-square test.Results:Prevalence of ECC in the study sample was found to be 54%. Furthermore, a positive association was obtained between ECC and age of the child, location of residence, dietary habits, and oral hygiene habits.Conclusion:There is an urgent need to implement preventive and curative oral health programs for preschool children in rural and urban areas.

This study showed that salivary BC, flow-rate, resting pH and levels of s-IgA in saliva are risk factors in the development of RC in children.

Mouth breathing due to obstructive adenoids and tonsils has deleterious effects on craniofacial morphology especially on dentition and dental arches. Reports confirm that removal of nasal obstruction, adenoids and tonsils has not given beneficial development of circumoral musculature. Use of muscles to correct malocclusion was first recommended by Alfred Paul Rogers. This study highlights the imaging of circumoral musculature using ultrasound to evaluate the effectiveness of muscle exercises in adenotonsillectomized children. Definite changes in muscle thickness were noted in subjects, who were given muscle exercises.

APF gel caused erosive wear of the GICs esp. Fuji II. Hence, it is advisable to avoid the use of APF containing preparations for regular home use especially in children having glass ionomer restoration. If APF gel is indicated or preferred for professional application, it is recommended to apply glass ionomer varnish on the restored teeth prior to the APF gel application.