UNAIR NEWS 鈥 Advances in paediatric dentistry continue to drive innovations that improve both patient comfort and diagnostic accuracy. Professor at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, 东京热 (UNAIR), Prof Dr Sindy Cornelia Nelwan drg SpKGA K-KGA, presented her latest research on the potential of saliva testing to monitor children’s growth and development, including that of children with Down syndrome
Detecting dental maturity without radiation
Until now, determining the timing of tooth eruption and the most appropriate time for dental treatment has largely relied on X-ray imaging. However, X-rays expose children to radiation, which should be minimised whenever possible. Through her research, Prof Nelwan utilised the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), which is present in saliva. This hormone reflects adrenal gland activity, and its levels increase as the body matures.
Prof Nelwan explained that using this hormone provides a safe alternative for paediatric patients. 鈥淏y using a hormone found in saliva, we can conduct the research in a non-invasive manner. Traditionally, we rely on X-ray imaging to determine when teeth will erupt, but that involves radiation exposure, which we want to minimize in children,鈥 said Prof Nelwan.
Future goal: Developing a practical diagnostic kit
Prof Nelwan emphasised that the research is not intended to remain confined to the laboratory. She expressed her hope of developing a practical diagnostic kit for independent use in the future.
鈥淭his research is intended to lead to the development of a diagnostic kit, one that can be used directly by practitioners in the field, much like a pregnancy test. Once a saliva sample is applied, it would enable us to immediately assess and predict when a child’s teeth are likely to erupt. However, the process is still quite lengthy, as we first need to develop the diagnostic kit itself,鈥 said Prof Nelwan.
Education on preventing dental caries and harmful oral habits in children
In addition to presenting her research, Prof Nelwan also shared guidance for parents on maintaining their children’s oral health. She explained that dental caries are influenced by four main factors: tooth quality, the oral environment, the presence of microorganisms, and time.
鈥淚f a child goes to sleep while drinking milk, it can lead to dental caries affecting the four upper front teeth, a condition known as nursing bottle syndrome. Formula milk itself is not necessarily harmful, provided there is sufficient time between feedings and the teeth are cleaned promptly so that fermentation and acid production, which can damage the teeth, do not occur,鈥 explained Prof Nelwan.
Prof Nelwan emphasised that preventing dental caries should begin during pregnancy through adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, as a child’s tooth buds start to develop at around four months of gestation. She also encouraged parents to take their children for dental check-ups at least once every six months
鈥淲e recommend that parents take their children to the dentist at least once every six months. Do not wait until your child complains of pain, because by then the cavity is likely to have progressed. Early-stage tooth decay is marked by white spot lesions, which can only be detected by a dentist,鈥 Prof Nelwan concluded.
Author: Fauziah Laili Romadhon聽
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
