Objective:To evaluate children's perspectives on pediatric dentists and dental environments using the write-and-draw technique. Materials and methods:Children were divided into two groups based on prior dental experience. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Child Drawing: Hospital (CD:H) scale, and participants were asked to draw and write about their perceptions of dental visits. Results:Children with prior dental experience showed lower anxiety levels. No significant gender differences in anxiety were observed within groups. Both genders in the exposed group exhibited lower anxiety than those in the nonexposed group. Children preferred play areas, colored clothing for dentists, and toy-shaped dental instruments. Even children without dental experience demonstrated basic oral health knowledge. Conclusion:The write-and-draw technique effectively elucidates children's perspectives on dental experiences. Findings suggest tailoring anxiety management strategies based on previous dental exposure and creating child-friendly environments to improve pediatric dental experiences. How to cite this article:Luqmana M, Kumar B, Pathivada L, et al. Evaluating Children's Attitudes toward Dentistry Using Write-and-draw Approach: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(1):61-66.
Background: Oral diseases have significant impact on the rural community. According to World Health Organization, 5, 12 and 15 years children from the vulnerable population for the development of these diseases and hence it is important to monitor their oral health status. Aim and Objectives: To assess the oral health status of 5, 12 and 15 years old rural children of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Raipur district. A total of 600 rural children were examined to assess the oral health status using WHO Oral Health Assessment form for children 2013. Results: There was significant difference in caries experience between 12 and 15 years old children (P=0.031) whereas, no statistically significant difference seen in gender wise comparison of dmft and DMFT scores among different age groups (P = 0.061; P=0.681). Almost 80% of the children were free from gingival diseases; 6% of them had dental erosion and 18.2% were suffering from dental trauma related consequences. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries amongst children was quite high and hence the need for caries treatment was substantial, and there is also an urgent need for establishing caries-preventive activities for rural children.
Primary oral tuberculosis (TB) is very rare accounting for less than 1% of the cases. The clinical presentation is indistinguishable from other common oral lesions particularly squamous cell carcinoma in adults. A careful examination of punch biopsy with microbiological work-up is essential for correct diagnosis. Herein, we report three sporadic cases of primary oral tuberculosis presenting as mass lesions and masquerading as malignancy diagnosed on histopathological evaluation emphasizing the diagnostic approach and management, along with a review of the literature. Middle-aged patients (02 males and 01 female) presented with ulcero-proliferative oral lesion with regional lymphadenopathies. Two of the patients had a history of chronic tobacco chewing. The clinical diagnoses of squamous cell carcinoma were made. Moreover, one of the patients was also misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma on biopsy from a private lab. All three patients showed characteristic necrotizing granulomatous inflammation which also demonstrated Mycobacterium tuberculosis on Ziehl Neelsen staining. Diagnosing oral TB based on clinical symptoms and signs is very challenging. The purpose of this report is to inform clinicians and pathologists about various presentations of oral TB, as timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, decrease morbidity and mortality, especially since TB is a curable disease.
Aim and background: The maxillary labial frenum is a fold of mucosal tissue that emerges as a posteruptive remnant of tectolabial bands. Frenal aberrations can lead to diastema formation between central incisors. This diastema can be corrected orthodontically followed by frenectomy to provide a therapeutically stable result. Preston D Miller Jr (PD) suggested frenectomy combined with a laterally positioned graft for such cases. To counter the shortcomings of Miller's technique, the present case report simplifies and modifies the technique to confirm the biological principles. Case description: A 25-year-old orthodontic patient with a thin papilla penetrating frenum was referred for frenal excision. After the completion of nonsurgical therapy, a modification in the frenectomy combined with a laterally positioned pedicle graft technique (Miller's technique) was planned and implemented. Postsurgical healing was uneventful, and stable result was obtained. Conclusion: The alteration in incision design of frenectomy combined with the laterally positioned pedicle graft technique allows it to provide functionally and esthetically stable results.
Introduction: Gingival retraction is a crucial aspect of dental impression procedures, especially in fixed prosthodontics. It involves moving the gingival tissue away from the tooth surface to expose the preparation for recording both the prepared and unprepared surfaces. The accuracy of the marginal fit of a fixed prosthesis depends upon the location of the finish line, which is essential for maintaining the health of the periodontium. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of diode lasers as a method of gingival retraction in comparison to a conventional retraction method. Materials and Methods: The present pilot study included a total of 10 healthy patients from the Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge at Rungta College of Dental Sciences and Research, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India, all of whom required a single-unit fixed prosthesis. Of the 10 patients, five underwent retraction using conventional means with a retraction cord, while the other five patients received diode laser retraction before impression making. A comparative evaluation of the vertical dimension achieved was conducted for both techniques, focusing on the fit of the prosthesis and patient comfort. The data were tabulated in Microsoft Excel and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24 software. Independent t-tests and paired t-tests were employed for statistical analysis. Results: The patients included in this study were between 20 and 50 years of age. The mean age of the patients was 35±2 years. The change in vertical dimension from before to after treatment was significantly greater in the laser group than in the retraction cord group (p=0.014). Conclusion: Diode lasers proved to be more efficient, providing better vertical displacement and greater patient satisfaction compared to the procedure using retraction cords.
