Relevance. The evaluation of masticatory patterns in children with normal and distal occlusion is essential for identifying potential morphological and functional disorders of the maxillofacial region and determining the need for corrective interventions.

Objective. To examine masticatory patterns in children with normal occlusion and distal occlusion (Class II, Division 1).

Materials and Methods. The study encompassed a total of 104 children aged 9 to 12 years, who were allocated into two groups: 67 children with distal occlusion (Class II, Division 1) and 37 children with normal occlusion. The evaluation was conducted over a period of six months.

Results. In children with normal occlusion, the proportion exhibiting a grinding-chewing pattern increased from 62.2% to 73% after 3 months but declined to 24.3% by the 6-month mark (p < 0.001). Conversely, in children with distal occlusion (Class II, Division 1), the prevalence of the grinding pattern increased from 38.8% to 58.2% after 3 months (p = 0.018) and further to 80.6% after 6 months (p = 0.018).

Conclusion. The proportion demonstrating a grinding-chewing pattern increased from 62.2% to 73% after 3 months; however, it subsequently declined to 24.3% by the end of the 6-month period (p < 0.001). In contrast, among children with distal occlusion (Class II, Division 1), the prevalence of the grinding-chewing pattern increased from 38.8% to 58.2% after 3 months (p = 0.018) and further rose to 80.6% at the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.018).

Relevance. Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including oral and oropharyngeal cancer, ranks as the seventh most common cancer worldwide, contributing to over 660,000 new cases and 325,000 deaths annually. Understanding the interplay of adverse factors, their association with disease development, and the creation of mathematical risk prediction models can play a crucial role in enhancing screening efforts and advancing primary prevention of malignant neoplasms.

Objective. This study aimed to identify significant risk factors for oral mucosa cancer in the Altai Krai population and to develop a mathematical model for disease risk assessment.

Material and methods. The study included 184 patients diagnosed with oral mucosa cancer, along with a control group of 416 healthy volunteers with no history or current diagnosis of oncological diseases. A total of 39 potential risk factors were analyzed across all participants. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify region-specific risk factors for Altai Krai. Binary logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to construct the risk prediction model.

Results. Comparative analysis between the patient group and the control group revealed differences in 19 of the 39 evaluated factors. However, the final risk prediction model identified five key factors significantly influencing disease development. Advanced age, smoking status, the number of cigarettes smoked, and alcohol consumption were found to substantially increase the risk of oral mucosa cancer, while engagement in intellectual work-related activities was associated with a reduced risk. The resulting formula demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with an Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) of 0.91, a standard error of 0.024, and a 95% confidence interval of 0.856–0.955 (z-statistic: 17.50; significance level: P (area = 0.5) < 0.001). Both the sensitivity and specificity of the model were high.

Conclusion. The developed risk assessment model shows great promise for helping screen and diagnose oral cancer in the Altai Krai population. This tool could give dentists and healthcare providers a simple, practical way to identify individuals at risk early by using well-established risk factors.

Relevance. The treatment of unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis remains a significant challenge. Children who develop unilateral ankylosis in early childhood frequently exhibit pronounced craniofacial asymmetry. Accordingly, assessing the extent of asymmetry between the left and right sides of the skull, the positional discrepancy of the auditory canals, and the inclination of the Frankfurt plane is crucial for planning future analyses and reconstructing the TMJ fossa during total joint replacement.

Objective. To determine the difference in the Frankfurt plane inclination angle in patients with unilateral TMJ ankylosis that developed in early childhood.

Materials and methods. The study included 38 patients (18 boys and 20 girls) aged 13 to 19 years with unilateral TMJ ankylosis diagnosed between the ages of 1 and 6. All patients underwent head computed tomography (CT), followed by cranial rotation analysis using specialized software to align with the natural head posture. Measurements of cephalometric landmarks Porion (Por) and Orbitale (Or) on both sides of the skull were performed, and the inclination of the Frankfurt plane was assessed using Jacobson 3D digital analysis tools.

Results. CT analysis of 38 patients with unilateral TMJ ankylosis, diagnosed between the ages of 1 and 6, revealed a consistent pattern in the position of the auditory canal and adjacent structures. The Porion on the ankylosed side was, on average, 5.74 mm lower than on the contralateral side. Furthermore, the mean inclination angle of the Frankfurt plane on the ankylosed side exceeded the normal range, averaging 5.48°, while the angle on the contralateral side remained within normal limits (0–3°).

Conclusion. The difference in Frankfurt plane inclination observed in 87% of patients with unilateral TMJ ankylosis developed in early childhood should be taken into account when planning treatment, designing total TMJ prostheses, and forecasting clinical outcomes for this patient population.

Relevance. Non-invasive methods are favoured for treating early childhood caries to reduce treatment time and prevent discomfort or pain, which can lead to dental anxiety. Among the well-established non-invasive approaches for managing dentinal caries in primary teeth is the application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF). However, the extent to which SDF components diffuse into carious and sound dentin remains insufficiently studied. This study aimed to evaluate the depth of dentin infiltration by silver ions after SDF treatment of carious lesions in primary teeth.

Materials and methods. An in vitro study was performed on six extracted primary teeth with carious lesions, which were treated using a domestically produced SDF preparation. Tooth microsections were analyzed through qualitative and quantitative micro-X-ray analysis, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy equipped with elemental analysis detectors.

Results. The depth of silver ion penetration varied from 48.30 ± 9.43 µm to 875.00 ± 35.76 µm, aligning with the depth of carious and demineralized dentin. The silver concentration progressively increased from the surface to the deeper layers of the carious lesion, reaching its peak in the demineralized layer adjacent to the carious dentin. No silver ions were detected in sound dentin.

Conclusion. Following SDF treatment of carious lesions in primary teeth, silver ions fully infiltrated the carious tissue, with the highest concentration observed in the demineralized dentin layer, while sound dentin remained unaffected.

Relevance. Following environmental rehabilitation efforts in Chapayevsk, Samara Region, an increase in the prevalence and severity of dental caries has been observed, particularly among preschool-aged children.

Objective. To evaluate the safety of fluoride use for preventing dental caries in children.

Material and methods. A survey was conducted among 124 parents of children aged 5–6 years attending preschools and 361 adolescents aged 12 and 15 years, using the WHO questionnaire (2013). Responses regarding oral hygiene habits were analyzed. Fluoride ion concentrations were measured in drinking water using the potentiometric method (GOST 4386-89 S.6), in urine according to GOST 8.563-96, and in toothpastes following GOST 7983-2016. The availability and popularity of fluoride-containing toothpastes in pharmacies and supermarkets were also assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v.26 (IBM Corporation).

Results. Over the past 15 years, the fluoride content in drinking water decreased from 0.78–0.91 mg/L to 0.49– 0.71 mg/L following the city’s environmental rehabilitation efforts, remaining suboptimal for caries prevention. Analysis of fluoride excretion via the kidneys indicated low overall fluoride intake from water, toothpaste, and food. A weak correlation was found between the DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index and urinary fluoride levels (ρ = 0.35), as well as estimated systemic fluoride levels (ρ = 0.36). These results indicate low fluoride intake, eliminating concerns about toxic effects on health. An analysis of toothpaste preferences showed that the population primarily chooses fluoride-free toothpastes or those with fluoride levels below 1000 ppm. This trend is influenced by the product range available, low adherence to preventive dental care, and misinformation from online sources that often attribute negative effects to fluoridation or raise safety concerns. The actual fluoride content in toothpastes was found to be within acceptable technological limits.

Relevance. The quality of life in children aged 13–17 years with amelogenesis imperfecta is a significant medical and social concern in modern dentistry. This issue is particularly important due to several key factors. Firstly, amelogenesis imperfecta is a rare hereditary condition that severely affects enamel formation and development, resulting in considerable functional and aesthetic impairments. Secondly, adolescence, particularly between the ages of 13 and 17, is a critical period for self-esteem development, intensified interpersonal interactions, and an increased emphasis on appearance in social adaptation. Thirdly, while modern dentistry provides various treatment options for amelogenesis imperfecta, their impact on the quality of life of adolescent patients has not been sufficiently studied.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted through the synthesis of clinical case data reported in publications and the practical experience of pediatric dentists at the V. F. Voyno-Yasenetsky Scientific and Practical Center for Specialized Medical Care for Children under the Moscow City Health Department. A total of 120 children were examined.

Results. Children with amelogenesis imperfecta often encounter significant social and psychological challenges, including difficulties in peer communication and the risk of social isolation. Managing such patients requires a comprehensive approach that extends beyond oral health care to include psychological support. The primary objectives of therapy are to preserve the teeth, restore their function, and improve aesthetics. Emphasis should be placed on maintaining oral hygiene through the use of specialized products and techniques. It is essential to consider each child's individual characteristics and address potential psychological barriers to treatment. Effective rehabilitation can greatly enhance the quality of life for these young patients and support their social integration.

Conclusion. The conducted study has revealed a significant impact of this condition on the physical, psychological, and social well-being of patients. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive treatment approach that incorporates not only oral rehabilitation but also psychological support. Such an integrated approach can enhance the effectiveness of therapy and improve the quality of life of adolescents with amelogenesis imperfecta.

Relevance. The prevalence of dentoalveolar anomalies in children is reported to range from 40% to 81% in various studies. Symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction are more frequently observed in children with distal and deep occlusion, as well as in school-aged children with physiological occlusion.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of TMJ dysfunction symptoms and their association with malocclusion in children aged 7–12 years.

Materials and methods. A total of 420 children aged 7–12 years (192 boys and 228 girls) attending schools in Volgograd were examined to assess the presence of malocclusion and TMJ dysfunction symptoms.

Results. Signs of TMJ dysfunction were identified in 188 children, representing 44.8% ± 2.4% of the sample. The most common indicators of TMJ dysfunction in prepubertal children were mandibular head dislocation (31.5% ± 2.3%) and deviations in mandibular movement trajectory during maximum mouth opening (19.3% ± 1.9%). The prevalence of TMJ dysfunction was higher among girls. Mandibular head dislocation was the most frequent symptom observed in both boys and girls. Among children with dentoalveolar anomalies, TMJ dysfunction symptoms were present in 51.3% ± 3.1% of cases. Students with malocclusion had a significantly higher prevalence of TMJ dysfunction symptoms (t = 3.57, p < 0.05).

Conclusion. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a common condition among children aged 7–12 years, affecting 44.8% of the study population. It was identified in children with and without malocclusion. The high prevalence of TMJ dysfunction symptoms in younger school-aged children underscores the need for heightened awareness among specialists to detect early signs of TMJ dysfunction, ensuring timely intervention to prevent potential complications.

Relevance. Over the past few years, electronic cigarettes have gained popularity as an alternative means of nicotine consumption. In Russia, the number of individuals using vapes has reached 4.2 million. According to studies by Russian addiction specialists, 8.5% of adolescents aged 13–15 in Russia use electronic cigarettes, with prevalence rates of 10.3% among boys and 6.8% among girls. The oral tissues, particularly the mucosa, are the first point of contact with electronic cigarettes, directly exposed to the adverse effects of vape liquid components.

Objective. To investigate the effects of vapes on oral health, with a particular focus on the oral mucosa and associated structures.

Materials and methods. A total of 37 sources were selected for analysis, including 16 articles from the eLibrary database, 5 from CyberLeninka, and 4 from databases such as Wiley, Taylor & Francis Online, and ScienceDirect. The search was conducted using the query "the impact of vapes on the oral mucosa" and keywords such as "electronic cigarette", "vapes," "oral health," "oral mucosa", and "smoking," in both Russian and English. Preference was given to materials published between 2014 and 2023 that directly addressed the topic, described conducted studies, and provided conclusions. Additionally, a manual search was performed within the reference lists of relevant articles to identify suitable publications.

Results. A review of the literature revealed that electronic cigarettes adversely affect oral health, causing irritation of the mucosa and periodontium, salivary gland disorders, demineralization of dental hard tissues, and alterations in the pH of oral fluids.

Conclusion. The impact of vapes on oral health remains insufficiently studied. Further experiments and long-term analyses are necessary to more accurately assess the effects of vape chemical components on oral tissues.

Relevance. Postoperative scarring from primary and secondary cheilorhinoplasty procedures often results in impaired nasal breathing and aesthetic deformities. Objective: To enhance regeneration of damaged nasal mucosa and prevent recurrent nasal breathing dysfunction caused by secondary scarring and septal displacement during septoplasty, through the use of protective concealment.

Description of clinical case. This article presents a clinical case of surgical treatment in a patient diagnosed with "Congenital complete left-sided cleft of the upper lip, alveolar process, hard and soft palate; status post cheilorhinoplasty and uranostaphyloplasty; deviated nasal septum; and cicatricial deformity of the skin-cartilaginous portion of the nose on the left." After undergoing multiple surgical interventions, the patient displayed a flattened left nasal wing, functional impairments in nasal breathing, and dissatisfaction with the aesthetic appearance of the nose.

Conclusion. Using a platelet-rich plasma membrane during septoplasty can help prevent nasal cicatricial deformities, significantly reducing the risk of postoperative nasal deviations and breathing impairments, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes.

Relevance. The dislocation of wisdom teeth into soft tissues following extraction is a relatively rare but clinically significant complication. Optimal management requires treatment in a specialized maxillofacial surgical unit. This article presents a clinical case of successful management of a child with a third molar dislocated into the surrounding tissues.

Case description. The article details the medical history of a 13-year-old patient who presented with a diagnosis of "foreign body (tooth 1.8) in the maxillary region." The authors conducted a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and complaints, performed clinical examinations, and utilized additional diagnostic methods, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the maxillofacial area, to establish a definitive diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment strategy. The dislocated wisdom tooth was surgically removed in a specialized pediatric maxillofacial surgery unit. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged in satisfactory condition.

Conclusion. Patients undergoing surgical removal of third molars should be informed about potential complications. In the event of complications, prompt professional intervention is essential. Cases involving intraoral access complications require immediate referral to a maxillofacial surgery unit.

Relevance. Delayed eruption of mandibular canines and premolars is a frequent concern in pediatric dentistry, commonly linked to tooth retention or impaction. Several treatment strategies are available to address this issue, including surgical-orthodontic repositioning into the dental arch or extraction of the affected teeth. Given the anatomical positioning of impacted teeth in the mandible, surgical procedures are often performed via a vestibular approach, which can lead to substantial bone defects and an elevated risk of microtrauma to the vascular-nerve bundle.

Description of clinical case. In the first case, during the removal of the impacted tooth 3.3 and a follicular cyst in the left mandibular region, a portable nasopharyngolaryngoscope was used to ensure sufficient visibility. The surgical intervention involved a selective method of minimally invasive osteotomy performed with a surgical hand-piece, which allowed for a reduction in the size of the bony wound and the prevention of trauma to the vascular- nerve bundle. In the second case, during the removal of the impacted tooth 3.5, a selective method of minimally invasive osteotomy was also applied, utilizing a dual vestibular approach. This technique reduced the size of the bone defect and minimized the risk of injury to the mental nerve.

Conclusion. When a tooth is positioned in proximity to the mandibular canal or mental foramen, it is essential to adjust the surgical access approach accordingly. This article provides an overview of clinical cases involving the removal of impacted teeth, highlighting the application of different surgical techniques.

Relevance. Magnesium is a vital cation that serves as a cofactor in numerous biochemical reactions within the human body. It plays a crucial role in various intracellular processes, including calcium homeostasis, signal transduction, and energy metabolism regulation. Deficiency of this essential micronutrient can manifest early in life and may result in a range of pathological conditions, some of which pose a significant threat to a child's health.

Description of the clinical case. The parents of an 18-month-old child presented to the clinic at Kuban State Medical University, under the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, with concerns regarding gingival overgrowth. The child’s medical history revealed seizure episodes of unknown origin that had first occurred at three months of age, necessitating the administration of multiple high-dose anticonvulsant medications. Upon examination, edema of the subcutaneous tissue in the face, trunk, and limbs was noted, along with pronounced gingival hypertrophy in the absence of inflammatory signs. A provisional diagnosis of drug-induced gingival fibromatosis was established. To clarify the diagnosis and optimize anticonvulsant therapy, molecular genetic testing was recommended. The results confirmed autosomal recessive hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia, attributed to previously unreported genetic mutations. Inpatient treatment included magnesium supplementation with the gradual tapering of anticonvulsant medications. Over the course of treatment, a marked reduction in gingival hypertrophy was observed, and no further seizure episodes occurred.

Conclusion. The diagnosis of genetically determined diseases is unattainable without the use of modern high-tech diagnostic methods. Accurate and timely identification of such conditions is essential for effectively managing pathological manifestations, ensuring the selection of appropriate treatment strategies, and preventing potential iatrogenic complications.