Objectives: To compare the prevalence of parafunctional habits, erosive tooth wear and occurrence of tooth injuries among children being under the care of Social Welfare Centre and children treated in the Department of Children’s Dentistry of the Medical University of Warsaw. Study design: The study contains environmental and medical interviews, record-based analysis and clinical examination. Parafunctional habits were rated on the base of dental interviews and clinical examinations. The occlusal surfaces were evaluated by visual examination using modified tooth wear index (TWI). Tooth injuries were reported from a medical interview labeled using Andreasen classification. The consent of the bioethics committee and guardians of children participated in the study was obtained. Results: The study involved 782 patients, including 404 children from dysfunctional families (average age 11,4 ± 3,7) and 378 from ordinary families-control group (8,53 ± 3,92). In the study group we observed higher prevalence of erosive tooth wear (44,66% vs 18,02% p=0,000), dental trauma (9,4% vs 3,44% p=0,001) and a presence of parafunctional habits (67,8% vs 20,4 % p=0,000). Conclusion: The occurrence of parafunctional habits, erosive tooth wear and tooth injuries may be an indicator of domestic violence and a component of maltreated child syndrome.

Background. Children experiencing domestic violence may demonstrate behavioral impairments and emotional instability during a stressful visit to the dentist. Objectives. To identify the influence of domestic violence on a child's behavior in the dental office. Material and methods. For the study, children under the protection of Family Support Centers (study group) and patients from normative families reporting for regular dental checkups (control group) were qualified. The consent of the WUM bioethics committee and the written consent of the parents/legal guardians of the patients, as well as participants above 16 years of age, were obtained. The examination consisted of a questionnaire, analysis of personal files, assessment of appearance and the child's behavior and reaction during dental treatment in relation to parents and the doctor.Results. The study was carried out in 2017-2019 and involved 404 in the study group (average age 11.4 ± 3.7) and 378 in the control group (average age 8.53 ± 3.92). The presence of physical (n = 123, 30.45%), sexual (n = 19, 4.7%) and emotional abuse (n = 266, 66.34%) in the study group was confirmed. Behaviors observed only in the study group were a sense of guilt, aggressive reaction to stress, self-mutilation, lack of basic hygiene and mismatched clothing. The study revealed a connection between physical and emotional abuse and behaviors coming from auto-aggressive reactions and reduced self-esteem. Sexual abuse was connected with excessive anxiety and aggressive and irritable reactions in the relationship with parents/caregivers and the doctor. Conclusions. Children experiencing violence are characterized by typical behaviors, the knowledge of which can help to dispel doubts in case of suspicion of domestic violence.

Introduction. Healthy behaviours of parents determine their attitudes related to the protection of both their own as well as their children’s oral health. Aim. To assess the influence of socio-demographic factors and parental dental anxiety on health-related behaviours as well as the relationship between parental factors and the status of oral hygiene and dentition in children. Material and methods. Oral hygiene status (OHI-S) and caries levels (dmft/DMFT) were evaluated in patients aged between 3 and 18 years, treated in the Paediatric Dentistry Department in the Warsaw Medical University. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire on socio-economic factors, healthy dental behaviour and dental anxiety (using the Polish version of Modified Dental Anxiety Scale – MDAS). Statistical analysis was performed (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney U test). The level of significance was p < 0.05. Results. A total of 88 patients aged 3-15 years (mean age 8.73 ± 4.28 years) and their parents were included in the study. Moderate dental anxiety was found in 28.4%, while high and extreme anxiety in 23.7% of respondents. Age, sex and the level of dental fear were negatively correlated, whereas the level of parental education was positively correlated with healthy behaviours. The level of education and the socioeconomic status were negatively correlated with DT. The level of dental fear was positively correlated with OHI-S and the level of caries in deciduous dentition. Regular dental check-ups, the use of additional means of dental prophylaxis and hygiene, as well as the use of fluoride toothpaste were negatively correlated with the level of caries in both deciduous and permanent dentition. Conclusions. Children’s oral health and hygiene status depends on the health-related behaviours of their parents, which can be modified by socioeconomic factors and the level of dental anxiety.

Introduction: Children coming from dysfunctional families, exposed to violence and negligence, when reporting to a dentist present several symptoms that can help in detection of child abuse. Objectives: To compare oral health and hygiene status among child victims of domestic abuse under the protection of a welfare center and children from normative families treated in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Warsaw Medical University. Material and methods: The study group consisted of children under the care of a social welfare institution across the Warsaw city. The control group was formed from patients of the Pediatric Dentistry Department of Warsaw Medical University. A clinical and questionnaire study were conducted. The presence of tooth injuries (Andreasen classification), caries and its consequences (DMFT/dmft, PUFA), oral hygiene status (OHI-S) and gingival condition were evaluated. The questionnaire study consisted of five questions concerning regular visits to the dentist's office, pain complaints, hygienic habits, prophylactic procedures, extraction and orthodontic treatment. The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw. Results: The study involved 88 children of both sexes (average age: 8.09 ± 12.43). In the study group the study revealed more frequent occurrence of caries in permanent dentition (PUW 5.98 ± 1.23 vs. 2.43 ± 0.78, p = 0.002), presence of serious consequences of untreated caries (PUFA, F 1.2 ± 0.68 vs. 0.29 ± 0.05, p = 0.031), more frequent incidence of tooth injuries (29% vs. 2%, p = 0.001) and higher rates of oral hygiene index (OHI-s 1.8 ± 0.83 vs. 1.14 ± 0.32, p = 0.003). Children from the study experienced pain complains more often (66.7% vs. 22.7%), had worse hygienic habits (teeth brushing once a week 20% vs. 4.5%) and had undergone tooth extractions due to caries more often (33.3% vs. 15.9%). Conclusion: Dental and hygiene negligence are part of battered child syndrome.