Pediatric Dentistry and Pedodontics Commons^™

J Mich Dent Assoc January 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons. The January 2026 (Volume 108, No. 1) issue of the Journal is published in a print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This issue includes feature articles on Pediatric Dentistry and 2025 Life Membership recipients.

Regular monthly contributions include:

• Editorial …

What About Our Teen-Age Patients?, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial advocates for "mentally treating" teenage patients, specifically those around 14 years of age, as adults. By respecting their concerns and allowing age-appropriate decisions, clinicians can enhance a teen's dental IQ and self-esteem. This approach fosters confidence, communication, and independence, encouraging patients to take accountability for their treatment outcomes. Respectful dialogue leads to better compliance with home care, such as using rotary brushes or wearing retainers. Ultimately, treating teenagers with empathy and valuing their opinions helps them blossom into responsible adults while building lasting professional bonds.

Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization: Diagnosis, Management, And Treatment, Giovana Anovazzi Medeiros Dds, Msc, Phd, Bahareh Enghiad Dmd, James R. Boynton Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative developmental enamel defect affecting at least one permanent first molar. Characterized by high porosity and reduced mineral content, MIH leads to hypersensitivity, post-eruptive breakdown, and increased caries susceptibility. The etiology is multifactorial, typically occurring between birth and four years of age. Management depends on severity, ranging from topical fluorides and sealants for mild cases to stainless-steel crowns or extractions for severe instances. Because porous enamel facilitates bacterial penetration and pulpal inflammation, achieving effective local anesthesia is often difficult, necessitating individualized behavioral management and early intervention to preserve tooth structure.

A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Accurate Diagnosis Of Chronic Non-Bacterial Osteomyelitis Of The Jaw In Young Patients: An Assessment Of Clinical And Laboratory Data, Alexander Yu Kugushev, Andrey V. Lopatin, Suzan Dagher

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare autoinflammatory bone disorder predominantly affecting pediatric and adolescent populations. The clinical presentation is heterogeneous, with persistent pain and swelling representing the most frequent and often initial symptoms. These manifestations are commonly localized to the mandible, although involvement of other skeletal sites, including long bones, clavicle, and vertebrae, may occur in more advanced cases. Beyond localized symptoms, some patients exhibit mild systemic features such as low-grade fever, fatigue, or malaise; however, these systemic signs are generally less pronounced than those observed in infectious osteomyelitis. The diagnostic evaluation of CNO is intricate and necessitates …

Management Of Anterior Teeth Affected By Molar Incisor Hypomineralization Using Resin Infiltration Technique: A Case Report, Atika Bouabid, Selsebil Laajimi, Yamina Elelmi, Fatma Masmoudi, Ahlem Baaziz

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Background: Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental enamel defect affecting first permanent molars and often incisors, presenting unique restorative challenges. In line with minimally invasive dentistry, the “Würzburg concept” promotes conservative management strategies with resin infiltration.

Objectives: This case report investigates the impact of modifications to the ICON resin infiltration protocol on esthetic outcomes and adhesion in MIH-affected anterior teeth.

Method: Three clinical cases involving MIH lesions on anterior teeth were treated using the Icon® resin infiltration system by DMG (Hamburg, Germany).

Results: Preconditioning hypomineralized enamel with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite followed by resin infiltration enhances the physical integrity of composite …

Investigate The Role Of Tgfβ3 In Regulating Irf6 And Δnp63 In Periderm Desquamation, Nam Ha

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Failure in palatal fusion during palate development results in cleft palate, one of the most common birth defects in the US. During the final phases of palatogenesis, the palatal periderm (a protective cell layer that prevents premature fusion and adhesion with oral epithelium) must be removed, also known as desquamation. This process is a prerequisite for establishing the midline seam in the fused palate. Previous studies have shown that transforming growth factor-β3 (TGFβ3) plays an irreplaceable role in palate development in mice. Our previously published mechanistic models outline the role of TGFβ3 and its downstream signaling cascade involving proteins …

Musculoskeletal Disorders In Dentistry: An Insight Into Dental Techniques And Practices, Mehwash Kashif, Aman Ashar, Amna Rehman, Abdul Aleem, Sidra-Tul-Muntaha Hashmi, Muhammad Yousuf Ali

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common workplace hazards in dentistry resulting from poor ergonomics and static postures, which lead to back, neck, and upper limb (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand) problems among dentists, resulting in harm to their health, productivity, and career. This study aimed to assess the frequency of MSDs, risk factors related to MSDs, and awareness of ergonomics among clinicians. Methods: Data were collected from 400 dental professionals, including house officers, postgraduate trainees, general dentists, and teachers/consultants, each with at least 12 months of practice. Data were collected using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire. Before data collection, ethical approval …

Attitudes Of New York State Pediatric Dentists Toward Treating Hasidic Patients, Gideon Turk Dmd, Michelle Goldstein Dmd

The New York State Dental Journal

Purpose: This survey investigated variations in practices among pediatric dentists and dental residents in New York State concerning the treatment of Hasidic, Haredi or Ultra-Orthodox Jewish (HHUOJ) patients.

Methods and Results: The 16-question survey was distributed to 641 AAPD pediatric dentists and residents via email. Results were analyzed across six variables using the Mann-Whitney U Test. Statistically significant differences were observed in the responses to 14 of 16 questions.

Conclusion: The study revealed statistically significant variations in various aspects related to the treatment of HHUOJ patients, suggesting the need for further education among providers in New York State.

Management Of A Periapical Cyst In An 8-Year-Old Patient With Challenging Etiology: A Case Report With Three-Year Follow-Up, Nancy Nochahrly, Claire El Hachem, Josephine El Balaa, Elie Khoury, Christelle Abdel Nour, Marlene Khoury

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

The success of pulp therapy in primary teeth depends on accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Periapical inflammation due to bacterial infection or pulpal necrosis can result in granulation tissue and may activate epithelial rests of Malassez, leading to a periapical cyst. In large cysts, especially in children, marsupialization is preferred to preserve developing teeth and minimize damage to surrounding structures. This case report describes an 8-year-old presenting with spontaneous pain in the lower right jaw. Radiographic examination revealed a round welldefined radiolucency over 1 cm around tooth #84 with root canal treatment and #85 with pulpotomy, with dental bud displacement. …

A Clinical Investigation Of The Correlation Of Black Stains With Oral Cavity Ph And Dental Caries Presence In Children: A Cross-Sectional Study, Maguy Sfeir, Nada Chedid

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Black stains (BS) on teeth often lead to dental visits in children due to their esthetic impact. Beyond cosmetic concerns, black stains may play a role in oral health, potentially suggesting a lower risk of dental caries through the regulation of oral microbiota and pH levels. Understanding the association of black stains with oral pH and caries presence can offer insights into protective and preventive strategies in pediatric dentistry.

Objectives: the purpose of this study is to assess the correlation between black stains, oral cavity pH, and the presence of caries in a sample of 6-to 8- …

Effect Of Sdf Application Versus Diode Laser Irradiation On Incipient Carious Lesion’S Progression In Primary Molars: A Randomize Clinical Trial, Islam Yehia, Noha Samir Kabil, Basma Gamal

Dentistry

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of two different preventive measures a) Silver diamine (SDF) application, b) Diode laser irradiation, on caries progression of incipient carious occlusal lesions in primary second molars. This clinical trial included two equal study groups of patients, for applying; Group I: SDF application, Group II: Diode laser irradiation, the included second primary molars for intervention were selected with incipient carious lesions graded by International Caries Detection & Assessment System (ICDAS)with scores (0,1,2). The involved molars were followed up for 3, 6, 12 months and ICDAS scores were graded to check for caries progression …

Comparison Of The Efficacy Of Smart Polymer Burs With Carisolv Gel In Removing Dental Caries And Reducing Pain In Children - A Clinical Study., Nagham N. Khoury, Mohannad G. Laflouf, Mohammad S. Rikab

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Introduction The disadvantages of using conventional method in dental caries removal, such as patient discomfort, pain, and use of local anesthesia, in addition to thermal effects on dental pulp as a result of using high speed rotating burs, have increased the need for new approaches in removing caries can be more acceptable to patients and more conservative for dental tissues. Such as chemo-mechanical method (Carisolv) and smart polymer burs.

Methodology:. A total of 44 carious primary mandibular molars were selected for the study from children aged (6-8) years, they were selected from Damascus schools.

Results: Statistical analyzes of …

Evaluation Of The Irrigation Efficacy Of Chlorhexidine Gel In Disinfection Necrotic Pulp Root Canals Of Anterior Primary Teeth (Clinical Comparative Bacteriological Study), Dania K. Alkhourbotly, Mohamed Kamel Altinawi2 K. Altinawi, Rouaida Abou Samra

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Objectives: The study aimed to compare Qmix2in1 and sodium hypochlorite solution in eliminating Enterococcus faecalis bacteria within root canals of primary teeth.

Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 30 extracted primary molars, which were divided into two groups: Group 1 experimental

(n=15) Qmix²ⁱⁿ¹, Group 2 control (n=15) 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. The root canals were prepared using Kedo-S file rotary then sterilized within autoclave and then contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis bacteria. The root canals were irrigated for 5 minutes in a quantity of 3 ml using a 31-gauge irrigation needle and then bacterial sample were …

Comparing The Pull Out Resistance Of Two Typs Of Posts Used In Restoration Of Severely Damaged Primary Anterior Teeth )A Comparative In Vitro Study.(, Ayham H. Hijaz, Mohamed Kamel Altinawi2 K. Altinawi

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Background: severely damaged primary anterior teeth that require pulp therapy present a high-risk of failure due to the loss of tooth substance resulting from pre-existing decay and endodontic therapy itself. The ideal post material should have physical and mechanical properties that are similar to those of dentin . Another concern in restoring endodontically treated primary teeth is the need to find a material that can resorb in a similar way to natural tooth structure as a part of the exfoliation process allowing normal eruption of permanent successors . Accordingly there is no such material other than dentine itself.The introduction of …

Evaluation Of Dentinal Bridge Formation And Canal Obliteration After Pulpotomy In Primary Molars Using Mta And Bioceramic Putty (Well-Root-Pt), Ibrahim S. Alnassar, Mohamed K. Altinawi, Mohammad S. Rekab

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Summary: Preserving the primary teeth is important, as it plays an important role in the integrity of the dental arch, the development of the craniofacial complex, and the integrity of speech and chewing, as early loss of primary teeth leads to cosmetic, functional and verbal problems.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the formation of the dentinal bridge and canal obliteration after pulpotomy n in the primary molars using both mineral trioxides aggregate and Bioceramic putty (Well_Root PT) in the pulpotomy of the primary molars.

Materials and Methods: The study sample included forty second lower primary molars …

Assessing The Effect Of Aqueous Lavender Extract Sprays On Gingivitis In Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes (Randomized Clinical Trial), Doaa J. Sadea, Chaza N. Kouchaje

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Introduction: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents has increased worldwide over the past three decades. High blood sugar levels in diabetic patients negatively affect the inflammatory response to dental plaque, leading to gingivitis and periodontitis, manifested by periodontal abscesses, and xerostomia, which leads to cervical caries and a high carious predisposition. Several studies have shown that plaque removal is not completely achieved using mechanical methods alone, so chemical control methods have emerged as an adjuvant and enhancing method.

The aim of the research: The current study aims to evaluate lavender sprays on gingivitis in pediatric patients with …

Evaluation Of The Time Taken To Remove Caries From Immature Permanent Molars Using Brix 3000 Gel Compared To The Traditional Rotary Method (Clinical Study), Malek Rajab, Samar Alsalameh, Shadi Azzawi

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Background: The traditional method of removing caries using rotary instruments is associated with a number of disadvantages, such as thermal effects that are harmful to the pulp tissue and excessive preparation of the dental tissue, in addition to the feeling of discomfort, fear, and anxiety that accompany it.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the time taken to remove caries by the chemo-mechanical method using Brix 3000 compared to the traditional rotary method.

Materials and methods: The study sample consisted of 30 permanent first molars with Class I dentine caries, in 30 children between 7 and 9 years …

A Study Of The Knowledge And Awareness Of Dental Students In Syrian Public Universities About The Using Artificial Intelligence In Pediatric Dentistry, Abdulrhman A. Alkhaled, Chaza N. Kouchaje

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Background : The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has caused a paradigm change in the medical and dental disciplines in recent years. It is crucial for practitioners to comprehend the basic ideas, underlying principles, and applications of AI as it continues to influence clinical practices in the present and the future. AI is a potent diagnostic tool in pediatric dentistry that improves precision, effectiveness, and judgment. To maximize AI's potential in clinical practice, a thorough grasp of its function in this field is essential.

Object: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate a group of Syrian dental …

Effectiveness Of Apple Cider Vinegar And Mechanical Removal On Dental Plaque And Gingival Inflammation In Preschool Children (In-Vivo Study), Nour A. Asaad, Mohannad G. Laflouf

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Background: Daily oral care is a great challenge for preschool children. Therefore, it is essential to study methods that facilitate oral care to establish early oral hygiene and improve oral health in these groups.

This study was designed evaluate the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar (ACV) 5% and mechanical plaque removal with a manual toothbrush without toothpaste or both ACV with mechanical removal, on dental plaque and gingivitis in preschool children.

Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 75 children aged 3-6 years, divided into three groups based on the applied method. The modified plaque index (TQHPI) and the modified …

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index And Oral Health Indices In Adolescent Children: A Cross-Sectional Study., Lana Anwar Alshayeb, Mayssoon A. Dashash

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Background and Objective: The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically worldwide in recent years, becoming a growing public health concern globally, especially among children, due to its association with systemic health. Despite emerging evidence suggesting a bidirectional relationship between obesity and oral health, limited studies have examined this association in adolescent populations, particularly in Syria. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and oral h

ealth indices, including gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, among adolescents aged 12-14 years in Damascus, Syria.

Materials and Methods: In this …