Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: Elongation of styloid process may result in development of Eagle syndrome with associated symptoms. This study aimed to assess the frequency of elongated styloid process (ESP) and to evaluate its prevalence according to sex and age.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on digital panoramic radiographs of patients refered to the Oral Radiology Department of dental school, Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Styloid process length was measured and classified as elongated, pseudoarticulated, or segmented. Calcification patterns were determined as A, B, C, and D. ESP was defined as length > 30 mm. Data were analyzed by SPSS using T-test, Chi square, Pearson, and Spearman (P<0.05).

Results: A total of 505 digital panoramic radiographs taken from 227 males (45%) and 278 females (55%) aged 10 to 72 (40.1±12.9) years were evaluated. Elongated styloids were present in radiographs of 230 (45.5%) individuals. There was no significant difference in the ESP frequency between males (46.09%) and females (53.91%) (P=0.63). Type I and calcification B pattern showed more frequency than that of other categories.

Conclusion: According to these findings, elongated styloid process was a common condition among the studied population and had a significant correlation to the age.

Background and Aims: Orphaned children are one of vulnerable groups in society. The aim of this study was to compare oral health, treatment needs, and oral health behaviors of orphaned children under the protection of welfare organization with the guardian children.
Materials and Methods: In this historical cohort study, all 7–12-year-old children under the protection of welfare organization in Isfahan were compared with their classmates’ counterparts in 2019. Clinical examination recorded DMFT/dmft, plaque index, and treatment needs. Children were asked about their oral health behaviors including the frequency of tooth brushing, flossing, fluoride toothpaste, and snacking. Mann-Witney U test, Chi-Squared test, and Fisher's exact test served for  analysis (P<0.05).
Results: The mean score of dmft and DMFT among orphaned children were 3.64±2.54 and 2.93±2.54, respectively, which showed no significant differences with comparison group (P>0.05). No significant difference revealed between the two groups in terms of mean number of deciduous teeth in need of treatment (P=0.175). Only the mean number of permanent teeth requiring treatment was higher in orphaned children (2.46) than that of the comparison group (1.28) (P<0.049). Also, the percentage of children with poor plaque index was higher in orphaned children (P=0.009). There was no significant difference between two groups regarding oral health behaviors (P>0.05).
Conclusion: No significant difference existed between orphaned children and their classmates’ counterparts in terms of dental caries index and oral health behaviors. Only plaque index and the number of permanent teeth requiring treatment was higher in orphaned children. Educational interventions are recommended to promote oral hygiene and to facilitate the orphaned children’s access to dental treatment.