Overview
Cementum caries, often part of broader dental caries affecting children, represents a significant public health issue characterized by decay primarily impacting the cementum layer of teeth, frequently leading to severe disease burdens necessitating interventions like dental treatment under general anesthesia 1.Diagnosis
Clinical examination revealing decay in cementum layers, often associated with pain and pulp involvement 13.
Radiographic assessment to evaluate extent of caries and involvement of tooth structures 1.
Assessment of socioeconomic status and family environment as risk factors 2.Management
Initial management includes behavior management techniques (BMT) for children with severe caries, aiming to avoid immediate invasive procedures 3.
For symptomatic cases with pulp involvement, definitive treatments such as pulpotomy, root canal therapy, or extraction may be necessary 3.
Emphasis on preventive measures post-treatment, including fluoride application and improved oral hygiene practices 1.Special Populations
Pediatrics: High-risk children may require dental treatment under general anesthesia due to extensive caries, highlighting the importance of early intervention and behavioral strategies 13.
Socioeconomic Factors: Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds exhibit stronger associations between guardians' sense of coherence and reduced caries prevalence, indicating tailored preventive programs could benefit these populations 2.Key Recommendations
Prioritize preventive oral health education and behavior management techniques in pediatric populations to reduce the need for invasive treatments 3 (Evidence: Moderate).
Consider socioeconomic status and family environment in risk assessment and intervention planning for children with high caries prevalence 2 (Evidence: Moderate).
Evaluate the necessity of general anesthesia for dental treatment in high-risk children as a critical juncture for behavioral and health education interventions 1 (Evidence: Expert opinion).References
1 Patel S, Fantauzzi AJ, Patel R, Buscemi J, Lee HH. Childhood caries and dental surgery under general anesthesia: an overview of a global disease and its impact on anesthesiology. International anesthesiology clinics 2023. link
2 Mizuta A, Aida J, Nakamura M, Ojima T. Does the Association between Guardians' Sense of Coherence and their Children's Untreated Caries Differ According to Socioeconomic Status?. International journal of environmental research and public health 2020. link
3 Rønneberg A, Skaare AB, Hofmann B, Espelid I. Variation in caries treatment proposals among dentists in Norway: the best interest of the child. European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry 2017. link