Abstract
Consciousness of the esthetic appearance of deciduous anterior teeth was investigated. Questionnaires were used, and 105 child dental patients age of two to seven whose anterior teeth were repaired esthetically, and their mothers were selected as subjects of the survey. The following results were obtained.
1. Approximately two-thirds of the subjects answered that the motivation to visit the hospital was treatment of dental caries despite freedom from toothache. Improved maternal consciousness of dental health was inferred.
2. Approximately one-half identified the upper anterior teeth as their primary concern. "Being unsightly" as a reason was the third among the mothers, and the first responce among the children themselves. Apparently, the demand for esthetic repair of maxillary anterior teeth was extremely strong.
3. More than half of the children experienced application of tooth-darkening medications. Although the younger children were not conscious of darkened teeth,21 % of the older children clearly expressed the feeling that darkened teeth were unsightly. As many as 17% of the mothers answered that they felt darkened teeth were not something the children should have to bear. Certainly, their intentions should not be neglected.
4. Concerning psychological and behavioral effects, some mothers reported that negative behavior accompanied darkened teeth, and that complete repair of these teeth resulted in more positive behavior. These effects were most apparent in children three-and-a-half years and older, being somewhat less noticeable in younger children, with report of many episodes occuring both at home and at nurseries. Condition of the anterior teeth had a great impact of the children's personal relationships.
5. An overwhelming majority of mothers acknowledged that the state of the anterior teeth of children affected their psychology and behavior, and wanted every child to recieve complete, esthetic treatment. Only 2% answered that mere suppression of the progress of dental caries was sufficient for deciduous teeth.
6. Unsatisfactory prognosis of the application of diammine silver fluoride was reported in many cases. Thus, misuse of this agent caused by the neglect of primary indications was suggested. In conclusion, the recovery of clean, white anterior teeth, a primary concern among children, should be the best opportunity for having them realize the significance of dentistry and dental health.
