In the dental field, the value of early prevention is self-evident. Appropriate use of fluoride, parental and child education on correct oral hygiene practices, early detection of conditions such as molar-incisor hypomineralisation, implementation of pit and fissure sealing programmes, and dietary management aimed at reducing sugar intake are all interventions that demonstrate long-term benefits. These measures not only improve the prognosis of future treatments, but also reduce susceptibility to oral diseases in adulthood as well as systemic disorders. Dental caries, the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide, continues to increase in both primary and permanent dentition. Its early occurrence is not merely a dental problem, but also an indicator of exposure to unhealthy lifestyles and to risk factors common to other major conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This highlights oral prevention as a cornerstone of broader non-communicable disease prevention strategies, in line with WHO recommendations. Examples from daily practice clearly show that paediatric dental prevention is not a cost, but a lifelong investment: every early intervention generates benefits that persist for decades. The challenge in the coming years will be to increasingly integrate oral prevention into maternal and child health programmes, schools, and public health policies, building concrete bridges with paediatrics, nutrition, and other health disciplines, extending through to geriatrics. On the occasion of this anniversary, this special issue seeks to reaffirm a key message: paediatric dental prevention is fundamental to securing oral health and general well-being across the life-course, from childhood to old age. This statement is not a rhetorical claim, but a commitment firmly grounded in scientific evidence.

To evaluate the oral health, oral hygiene, and dietary habits of pregnant women, as well as the health status and habits of their children in their first few months of life. This project, implemented through an agreement between the Pescara Local Health Authority and the "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti and Pescara, enabled these investigations to be carried out and assessed satisfaction with pre-/post-partum courses.

Fluoride is a chemical element widely distributed throughout nature. In our bodies, fluoride is considered a trace element, meaning mineral salts that, although present only in small quantities or even trace amounts, perform important biological functions. Fluoride is present in the body primarily associated with calcium, for which it has a high affinity, in teeth and bones. It is rapidly absorbed in the stomach and proximal small intestine, and peak serum levels are reached within 40-60 minutes. Fluoride absorption from water in the form of fluoride ions is faster and more complete than that bound to proteins, the form in which it is found in foods. Fluoride is excreted in urine. In children, 20% of the fluoride is eliminated, with 80-90% retained by bone tissue and developing teeth. The main benefits of fluoride are obtained through local administration, on the tooth surface. Fluoride is considered safe when consumed at recommended levels, but excessive fluoride exposure will lead to the occurrence of fluorosis [Srivastava et al., 2020] with detrimental effects on teeth, bone strength [Wei et al., 2019; Helte et al., 2021; Lindsay et al., 2023] thyroid function and cognitive development [Iamandii et al., 2023; Granjean, 2019; Taylor et al., 2025]. Efforts to develop safe and effective strategies to prevent this common disease are critical, particularly among lower-to-middleincome countries. The aim of this work is to discuss evidence that excessive fluoride exposure is not essential for caries prevention, offers little benefit to the fetus and young infant, and is particularly hazardous for young children due to the vulnerability of their developing brain.

Lichen Planus is a chronic, mucocutaneous disease that may affect the oral mucosa, skin, genital mucosa, nails, and scalp. It occurs more frequently in adults than in children. Ten cases of Oral Lichen Planus (OLP), diagnosed in children presenting to the Liverpool University Dental Hospital (UK) Oral Medicine department are presented. The case series includes four male and six female patients, ranging in age from 10 to 17 years at diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis alone was made in five patients and five patients underwent an incisional biopsy, which confirmed a histological diagnosis consistent with OLP. In one case, moderate dysplasia was diagnosed, on a background of OLP. Five patients presented with asymptomatic disease. In symptomatic cases, treatments included topical anesthetic mouthwash and topical steroid preparations. OLP is classified as an oral potentially malignant disorder and approximately 1% of patients develop oral cancer, however no cases of malignant transformation have been reported in children. None of our paediatric patients with OLP have developed oral cancer during a mean follow up time of 2 years. However, ongoing clinical monitoring is required so that malignant change can be detected at the earliest possible stage when treatment is most successful.

Crouzon syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic condition characterised by craniofacial malformations due to mutations in the FGFR2 gene. This study aimed to evaluate the contributing factors for Angle's Class III malocclusion in patients with CS through cephalometric analysis. Six patients with confirmed CS diagnosis were included in the study. Cephalometric measurements were performed using CT scans and compared to established norms. Pathogenic variants in the FGFR2 gene were identified in all patients. Phenotypic and cephalometric characteristics were assessed in each patient. Results showed consistent craniofacial abnormalities, including midface retrusion, mandibular prognathism, and malocclusion. Cephalometric analysis revealed specific patterns indicating growth deficiency at the posterior base of the skull, maxillary retroposition, and an anterior accommodation of the mandibular condyles in the glenoid fossa. These findings provide valuable insights into the underlying factors contributing to Angle's Class III malocclusion in patients with Crouzon syndrome.

It is rare for teeth to be visible in the mouth at birth or shortly after birth, whether they are additional teeth or primary teeth that have erupted early. If there is excessive mobility, the tooth must be extracted to avoid the risk of aspiration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of these teeth and their effects on the developing dentition in children with natal/neonatal tooth extraction.

To evaluate the role of orthodontic and craniofacial orthopaedic interventions in the prevention and management of otitis media with effusion (OME), focusing particularly on rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and its implications for Eustachian tube function.

The Italian Society of Paediatric Dentistry (SIOI) is committed to encourage all dental practitioners to provide safe and updated prevention and treatment strategies for oral diseases in paediatric patients. SIOI promotes quality communication and information to parents and caregivers for prevention and awareness of oral diseases in the paediatric population.

Maintaining oral health and preventing dental caries are crucial for overall well-being and quality of life, especially during childhood. Parental knowledge and practices play a key role in shaping children's oral health. This pilot study investigates parental knowledge and attitudes towards children's oral health and preventive practices.

This study explored the association between overprotective parenting and children's behaviour during dental treatment, toothbrushing behaviour and children's dental caries experience in the Netherlands.

To define MIH prevalence, HSPM co-presence, and delineate MIH/HSPM clinical patterns in Italian and Turkish children.

Secondhand smoke (SHS) is a major public health concern, especially for children, who are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects. Although alternative smoking devices like IQOS and e-cigarettes are marketed as harm reduction tools, their impact on paediatric oral health remains underexplored. This study evaluates the effects of SHS from conventional cigarettes, IQOS, and e-cigarettes on cotinine levels in gingival crevicular fluid and the risk of dental caries in children.

The European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry (EJPD) has attained a significant milestone by entering the first quartile (Q1) in the 2024 Journal Citation Reports (JCR), curated by Clarivate Analytics, in both the "Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine" and "Paediatrics" categories". This dual recognition is a rare and significant achievement for a journal exclusively devoted to paediatric dentistry, underscoring its growing influence within both the dental and broader medical research communities. Since its initial inclusion in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) in 2010, the European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry has demonstrated a consistent trajectory of growth. In 2015, with an Impact Factor (IF) of 0.421, the journal entered a phase of strategic consolidation marked by renewed editorial leadership and a refined scientific focus [Clarivate, 2024]. This evolution led to a steady and measurable increase in bibliometric performance, culminating in an Impact Factor of 2.7 in 2024. EJPD's ascent into Q1 status is thus not only a reflection of increased citations but also of enhanced selectivity, stringent peer review, and alignment with international standards of scientific publishing. The editorial workflow has been strengthened through the adoption of advanced manuscript handling systems, facilitating a more efficient and transparent peer-review process. This infrastructure supports rigorous scientific scrutiny, ensuring the publication of high-quality, evidence-based content. Moreover, the journal's early and proactive adoption of the Open Access model has significantly broadened its readership and facilitated global dissemination of its published research [Livas et al. 2018; García et al. 2022]. EJPD has established itself as a platform for high-impact contributions in key domains of paediatric oral health, including: maternal and paediatric dentistry, early childhood caries, prevention strategies behavioural and psychological management in paediatric patients craniofacial growth and developmental disorders dental trauma and restorative protocols in the paediatric population interdisciplinary research linking dentistry with nutrition, paediatrics, epidemiology, developmental medicine The journal has consistently prioritised research with clinical applicability, thereby serving not only the academic community but also informing best practices among paediatric dental practitioners worldwide. Of particular note is the journal's sustained commitment to the promotion of oral health and preventive medicine. Despite the universally acknowledged value of prevention in public health, current bibliometric analyses reveal that less than 6% of the global scientific literature addresses behavioural determinants of chronic disease prevention-a proportion that has been declining since 2015 [Stival et al. 2025]. EJPD has countered this trend by systematically integrating preventive perspectives into its editorial focus, with special attention to the maternal-infant period, a critical window for shaping lifelong oral and systemic health trajectories. The continued evolution of EJPD has been made possible by the steadfast support of the Italian Society of Paediatric Dentistry (SIOI) and its membership. Their contributions- scientific, logistical, and institutional-have been essential in enabling the journal to function as an authoritative voice in the international paediatric dental research landscape. The inclusion of the European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry in the Q1 segment of the JCR rankings represents not merely a bibliometric accomplishment, but a qualitative leap in the international scientific visibility of paediatric dentistry. By fostering methodological rigour, clinical relevance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and open dissemination, EJPD reaffirms its mission to serve as a benchmark for scientific excellence in its field. This achievement serves as both a recognition of the progress made and a stimulus for continued advancement. The journal remains committed to supporting innovative research that improves oral health outcomes in children and adolescents globally. Science with purpose. Progress with impact.

Nitrous oxide sedation is an effective and safe pharmacological behaviour management technique that has been used in dentistry for many decades. The aim of this study was to assess the patients', accompanying adults' and dentists' satisfaction with dental treatment under nitrous oxide sedation.

This case report presents a comprehensive postural evaluation of a 9-year-old paediatric patient with unilateral right crossbite and an associated visual defect. Postural assessments were performed using a vertical laser line (VLL) and a baropodometric-stabilometric platform, revealing significant postural alterations, including cervical extension, increased dorsal kyphosis, pelvic rotation, and an asymmetrical distribution of plantar load. The Romberg test indicated a visual system dysfunction, confirmed by ophthalmologic and orthoptic examinations, which identified mild myopic astigmatism and convergence insufficiency. The patient underwent two years of treatment with the Mouth Slow Balance (MSB) functional appliance, combined with corrective lenses and orthoptic exercises. Post-treatment evaluations demonstrated substantial improvements, including correction of the crossbite, normalization of visual function, improved head and body posture, and balanced plantar load distribution. The Romberg Index returned to physiological values, confirming restored visual influence on postural control. This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving dental, postural, and ophthalmologic evaluations in addressing occlusal and visual dysfunctions. Early identification and intervention can prevent compensatory postural adaptations, optimise craniofacial growth, and enhance the overall quality of life in paediatric patients.

Digital applications are transforming dental practice, from diagnosis to treatment planning. In this context, digital impression-taking is becoming an increasingly prevalent method. This study aimed to evaluate the comfort and efficiency of digital impression-taking compared to classic alginate impressions. Additionally, the study explored the correlation between comfort, dental fear, and the gag reflex.

To determine children's expectations regarding their dentist preferences, considering age and sex differences, and evaluate the results in terms of their communication with dentists.

Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most common oral disease in children, and its causes are complex and diverse, which has a serious impact on children's physical and mental health. Over the past decade, a large number of studies have investigated ECC in depth, and bibliometrics can reveal its research trends within specific fields.

Avulsive trauma to permanent teeth is a critical dental emergency, particularly in children and adolescents, where timely intervention is essential for preserving aesthetics, function, and psychological well-being. This scoping review evaluates clinical adherence to the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines for the replantation of avulsed permanent teeth, with a specific focus on the 2012 and 2020 versions. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science yielded 812 records, from which 92 studies were included after rigorous screening. Findings indicate that while adherence to IADT guidelines is generally observed, a greater alignment with the 2012 guidelines persists even in cases reported after the 2020 update. Adaptations of the guidelines were common, often reflecting case-specific considerations. Despite the IADT's standardized framework, long-term outcomes for replanted teeth remain unpredictable, with failure rates ranging from 55% to 96%. Key challenges include complications like ankylosis and root resorption, particularly in delayed replantation. These issues underscore the need for enhanced focus on long-term management and prognosis in future guideline updates. The review highlights the critical role of replantation in preserving aesthetics, functionality, and psychological stability, especially for adolescents in developmental stages. However, limitations in current guidelines regarding long-term care and medico-legal clarity necessitate revisions to address complications, future prosthetic needs, and comprehensive follow-up protocols. Structured guidelines have significantly advanced the management of dental avulsions, yet further research and refinement are essential to improve outcomes and provide clearer medico-legal guidance, ensuring optimal care for affected patients.

To evaluate the association between dietary consistency, masticatory patterns, and the presence of posterior crossbite in growing patients, and to explore potential preventive strategies.

Hypomineralisation of the first permanent molars (MIH) and second deciduous molars (HSPM) is an increasingly prevalent structural problem in paediatric patients. At the same time, the transverse palatal deficit is frequently found in that age group and necessitates early intervention. The purpose of this work is to present three new designs of the ZeroExpander, specifically developed for patients with hypomineralised teeth, which would otherwise be challenging to engage during orthodontic treatment.