Waleed Taju | Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia (original) (raw)

Papers by Waleed Taju

Research paper thumbnail of Factors Influencing the Decision Process within Seeking Orthodontic Care among the Saudi Population: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract: Aims & Background:Orthodontic treatment is the first choice for the treatment of many d... more Abstract:
Aims & Background:Orthodontic treatment is the first choice for the treatment of many different types of malocclusions, and patients’ decision processes while seeking orthodontic treatment are multifactorial. The aim of
the present study is to assess these factors influencing the decision process regarding the public and orthodontic treatment for themselves or for their children, as well as the factors influencing the selection of an orthodontist versus a general dentist in Saudi Arabia.
Materials and Methods: A survey-based questionnaire was distributed through social media accounts that included questions about demographic data, reasons for seeking orthodontic care, barriers to care, and sources of information that may influence the decisions regarding the choice of orthodontic treatment for the participants and their children.
Results: The final sample included 320 responses from eligible participants (181 men & 139 women with a mean age
of 39.98). ‘Family dentist recommendation’ was the most important reason for participants to seek out orthodontic treatment for themselves or a child while finding a caregiver who can handle complications and the availability of appointments were the most important barriers in seeking orthodontic treatment. Participants also assumed an orthodontist would be more reliable in finishing the treatment in the expected duration, yet they expected that treatment with a general dentist would be less costly and more convenient.
Conclusion: A referral from the family dentist has the most impactful influence on seeking orthodontic care. People are keen to have their treatment done by an orthodontist, but the major barrier in seeking orthodontic care is finding a suitable candidate. Parents prioritize orthodontic treatment for their children more than for themselves.

Research paper thumbnail of The Prevalence of Malocclusion among Schoolchildren in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, Mar 15, 2019

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of malocclusion varies from one region to another and among different ... more BACKGROUND: The prevalence of malocclusion varies from one region to another and among different age groups and ethnicities. According to the World Health Organization, malocclusion is the third most common abnormal dental condition. AIM: This study aims to establish the prevalence of malocclusion among schoolchildren in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 Saudi schoolchildren, 12-15 years of age, of both genders, randomly selected from 15 schools in different regions of Makkah. Molar and canine relationships were examined, in addition to traits such as crowding, spacing, overjet, overbite, cross-bite, scissor bite, and maxillary diastema. RESULTS: The most prevalent molar relationship was Class I (52.3%), followed by Class II (25%), and Class III (20.5%). Crowding was the most prevalent malocclusion trait (74%), and scissor bite was the least common (2.5%). A statistically significant difference was found between males and females in most of the recorded criteria (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Among schoolchildren in Makkah, Class I molar relationship was the most prevalent type of occlusion, and the most prevalent malocclusion trait was crowding.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparing the Effect of Three Different Fluoride Varnishes on Salivary Fluoride Ions and Streptococcus Mutants' Levels: Clinical Trial

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 2019

Background: Fluoride content in saliva and dental plaque plays a key role in the prevention and c... more Background: Fluoride content in saliva and dental plaque plays a key role in the prevention and control of dental caries. Fluoride varnish adheres to the tooth surface for longer period and prevents its immediate loss, thus acting as slow-releasing reservoirs. Aim: to evaluate the effect of different fluoride varnishes forms on the level of fluoride ions in saliva and their antibacterial action on streptococcus mutans. Materials and methods: Seventy five school children of age 12-15 years were selected fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into three groups: Group I (Duraphat varnish); Group II (Bifluorid 10) ; Group III (MI varnish). Salivary samples were collected and fluoride ions were recorded at baseline, one, two, 24,48 hours after applications. Salivary streptococcus mutans(CFUs X 10 6) was assessed at baseline and after one, two, three, and four weeks of applications. Results: Statistical significant higher mean values of fluoride ions Group II (Bifluorid 1...

Research paper thumbnail of Parental Knowledge and Attitude About the Emergency Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries and the Predictive Factors Affecting their Knowledge - A Cross Sectional Study in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Medical Sciences

Background:Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are common dental problems among children worldwide. ... more Background:Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are common dental problems among children worldwide. Some of these injuries occur at home, where parents are considered responsible for reporting them and taking the first action, which directly can influence the prognosis. The present study aims to quantify the level of parents’ knowledge and attitude towards emergency management of TDI and to predict the factors that affect their level of knowledge. Subject and Methods: 269 questionnaires were completed by parents who live in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was divided into three parts, including questions on demographic data, knowledge, and attitude about emergency management, and self-assessed knowledge and attitude toward further education on TDI emergency management. Results: The average knowledge score was 2 out of 9 (SD±1.9). More than 78% of the participants were enthusiastic about further free education and believed that they don’t have enough knowledge about TDI. A signi...

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparison between Two Different Remineralizing Agents against White Spot Lesions: An In Vitro Study

International Journal of Dentistry, 2021

Enamel demineralization and white-spot lesions (WSLs) around the orthodontic brackets are common ... more Enamel demineralization and white-spot lesions (WSLs) around the orthodontic brackets are common clinical complications after orthodontic fixed appliance therapy. WSLs form mainly due to plaque deposition around the brackets during the orthodontic treatment period. This study was designed to compare and evaluate the efficacy of two different remineralization agents on WSLs, which are “Clinpro 5000 and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief”. 27 caries-free human premolar teeth were collected after extraction for orthodontic purposes. The crowns were set in acrylic resin, and the entire surfaces were coated with nail varnish apart from an area of 4 × 4 mm on the buccal surface. The surface microhardness (SMH) was measured using the Vickers microhardness testing machine at baseline, after demineralization, and after treatment. Then, the different SMH values were statistically analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression. All samples were immersed in demineralizing solution for ten days to cre...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Temperature Changes on the Tensile Property of Nonlatex Intra-Arch Elastics (Power Chains): An In Vitro Study

Background: The use of intra-arch elastics (power chains) is a common practice in current orthodo... more Background: The use of intra-arch elastics (power chains) is a common practice in current orthodontics and the loss of mechanical properties of the power chains, including tensile strength, has been a topic of discussion among scientists and clinicians. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature changes on the tensile property of nonlatex power chains. Material and Methods: Twenty-four medium sized power chains were used. Tests were performed by immersing identical lengths of the elastic chains in distilled water at various temperatures (37oC, 15oC and 55oC) to simulate ambient mouth temperature and ingestion of cold or hot drinks, respectively. The elastic chains were stretched from 8 cm to approximately 12 cm and immersed in the water for 8 min and the process was repeated 3 times per day for 4 weeks. A universal testing machine read the tensile strength weekly. Results: The analysis focused on differences in the tensile properties between control a...

Research paper thumbnail of Children and adolescents preference of different orthodontic appliances in Makkah province, Saudi Arabia: a comparative study

International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Orthodontic extrusion of nonrestorable teeth to prevent the development of osteoradionecrosis in patients with head and neck cancer postradiotherapy

Special Care in Dentistry

Research paper thumbnail of Association between severity of hypodontia and cephalometric skeletal patterns: a retrospective study

European Journal of Orthodontics

Objective: To assess if severity of hypodontia is related to a specific skeletal pattern. Study d... more Objective: To assess if severity of hypodontia is related to a specific skeletal pattern. Study design: Lateral cephalometric radiographs and dental panoramic tomographs of 182 hypodontia patients were analysed. The severity of hypodontia was recorded and the sample was divided into groups with mild (n = 71), moderate (n = 56) and severe (n = 55) hypodontia. According to ethnicity, the sample was further subdivided into White Caucasians, African-British, and Arabian/ Indian subgroups. Cephalometric measurements were used to quantify the skeletal discrepancy and vertical facial dimensions. Mean and standard deviation for each group were obtained for comparison and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to assess the level of significance between the means of the readings in different severity groups. Results: In the white Caucasian group, increased severity of hypodontia, was related to a retrusive maxilla with concomitant reduction of A point, Nasion, B point (ANB), reduced mandibular plane angle and anterior lower facial height (P value: 0.0935-0.9371). For the Black-British and Arabian/ Indian groups' findings were inconsistent, with no specific pattern as the number of missing teeth increased. Conclusion: The white Caucasian group followed a pattern that has previously been reported in other studies. For Black-British and Arabian/Indian groups' findings were inconsistent and no specific pattern emerged for different degrees of hypodontia.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of malocclusion among school children of Southern Saudi Arabia

journal of orthodontic science

Research paper thumbnail of Factors Influencing the Decision Process within Seeking Orthodontic Care among the Saudi Population: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract: Aims & Background:Orthodontic treatment is the first choice for the treatment of many d... more Abstract:
Aims & Background:Orthodontic treatment is the first choice for the treatment of many different types of malocclusions, and patients’ decision processes while seeking orthodontic treatment are multifactorial. The aim of
the present study is to assess these factors influencing the decision process regarding the public and orthodontic treatment for themselves or for their children, as well as the factors influencing the selection of an orthodontist versus a general dentist in Saudi Arabia.
Materials and Methods: A survey-based questionnaire was distributed through social media accounts that included questions about demographic data, reasons for seeking orthodontic care, barriers to care, and sources of information that may influence the decisions regarding the choice of orthodontic treatment for the participants and their children.
Results: The final sample included 320 responses from eligible participants (181 men & 139 women with a mean age
of 39.98). ‘Family dentist recommendation’ was the most important reason for participants to seek out orthodontic treatment for themselves or a child while finding a caregiver who can handle complications and the availability of appointments were the most important barriers in seeking orthodontic treatment. Participants also assumed an orthodontist would be more reliable in finishing the treatment in the expected duration, yet they expected that treatment with a general dentist would be less costly and more convenient.
Conclusion: A referral from the family dentist has the most impactful influence on seeking orthodontic care. People are keen to have their treatment done by an orthodontist, but the major barrier in seeking orthodontic care is finding a suitable candidate. Parents prioritize orthodontic treatment for their children more than for themselves.

Research paper thumbnail of The Prevalence of Malocclusion among Schoolchildren in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, Mar 15, 2019

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of malocclusion varies from one region to another and among different ... more BACKGROUND: The prevalence of malocclusion varies from one region to another and among different age groups and ethnicities. According to the World Health Organization, malocclusion is the third most common abnormal dental condition. AIM: This study aims to establish the prevalence of malocclusion among schoolchildren in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 Saudi schoolchildren, 12-15 years of age, of both genders, randomly selected from 15 schools in different regions of Makkah. Molar and canine relationships were examined, in addition to traits such as crowding, spacing, overjet, overbite, cross-bite, scissor bite, and maxillary diastema. RESULTS: The most prevalent molar relationship was Class I (52.3%), followed by Class II (25%), and Class III (20.5%). Crowding was the most prevalent malocclusion trait (74%), and scissor bite was the least common (2.5%). A statistically significant difference was found between males and females in most of the recorded criteria (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Among schoolchildren in Makkah, Class I molar relationship was the most prevalent type of occlusion, and the most prevalent malocclusion trait was crowding.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparing the Effect of Three Different Fluoride Varnishes on Salivary Fluoride Ions and Streptococcus Mutants' Levels: Clinical Trial

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 2019

Background: Fluoride content in saliva and dental plaque plays a key role in the prevention and c... more Background: Fluoride content in saliva and dental plaque plays a key role in the prevention and control of dental caries. Fluoride varnish adheres to the tooth surface for longer period and prevents its immediate loss, thus acting as slow-releasing reservoirs. Aim: to evaluate the effect of different fluoride varnishes forms on the level of fluoride ions in saliva and their antibacterial action on streptococcus mutans. Materials and methods: Seventy five school children of age 12-15 years were selected fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into three groups: Group I (Duraphat varnish); Group II (Bifluorid 10) ; Group III (MI varnish). Salivary samples were collected and fluoride ions were recorded at baseline, one, two, 24,48 hours after applications. Salivary streptococcus mutans(CFUs X 10 6) was assessed at baseline and after one, two, three, and four weeks of applications. Results: Statistical significant higher mean values of fluoride ions Group II (Bifluorid 1...

Research paper thumbnail of Parental Knowledge and Attitude About the Emergency Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries and the Predictive Factors Affecting their Knowledge - A Cross Sectional Study in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Medical Sciences

Background:Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are common dental problems among children worldwide. ... more Background:Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are common dental problems among children worldwide. Some of these injuries occur at home, where parents are considered responsible for reporting them and taking the first action, which directly can influence the prognosis. The present study aims to quantify the level of parents’ knowledge and attitude towards emergency management of TDI and to predict the factors that affect their level of knowledge. Subject and Methods: 269 questionnaires were completed by parents who live in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was divided into three parts, including questions on demographic data, knowledge, and attitude about emergency management, and self-assessed knowledge and attitude toward further education on TDI emergency management. Results: The average knowledge score was 2 out of 9 (SD±1.9). More than 78% of the participants were enthusiastic about further free education and believed that they don’t have enough knowledge about TDI. A signi...

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparison between Two Different Remineralizing Agents against White Spot Lesions: An In Vitro Study

International Journal of Dentistry, 2021

Enamel demineralization and white-spot lesions (WSLs) around the orthodontic brackets are common ... more Enamel demineralization and white-spot lesions (WSLs) around the orthodontic brackets are common clinical complications after orthodontic fixed appliance therapy. WSLs form mainly due to plaque deposition around the brackets during the orthodontic treatment period. This study was designed to compare and evaluate the efficacy of two different remineralization agents on WSLs, which are “Clinpro 5000 and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief”. 27 caries-free human premolar teeth were collected after extraction for orthodontic purposes. The crowns were set in acrylic resin, and the entire surfaces were coated with nail varnish apart from an area of 4 × 4 mm on the buccal surface. The surface microhardness (SMH) was measured using the Vickers microhardness testing machine at baseline, after demineralization, and after treatment. Then, the different SMH values were statistically analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression. All samples were immersed in demineralizing solution for ten days to cre...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Temperature Changes on the Tensile Property of Nonlatex Intra-Arch Elastics (Power Chains): An In Vitro Study

Background: The use of intra-arch elastics (power chains) is a common practice in current orthodo... more Background: The use of intra-arch elastics (power chains) is a common practice in current orthodontics and the loss of mechanical properties of the power chains, including tensile strength, has been a topic of discussion among scientists and clinicians. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature changes on the tensile property of nonlatex power chains. Material and Methods: Twenty-four medium sized power chains were used. Tests were performed by immersing identical lengths of the elastic chains in distilled water at various temperatures (37oC, 15oC and 55oC) to simulate ambient mouth temperature and ingestion of cold or hot drinks, respectively. The elastic chains were stretched from 8 cm to approximately 12 cm and immersed in the water for 8 min and the process was repeated 3 times per day for 4 weeks. A universal testing machine read the tensile strength weekly. Results: The analysis focused on differences in the tensile properties between control a...

Research paper thumbnail of Children and adolescents preference of different orthodontic appliances in Makkah province, Saudi Arabia: a comparative study

International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Orthodontic extrusion of nonrestorable teeth to prevent the development of osteoradionecrosis in patients with head and neck cancer postradiotherapy

Special Care in Dentistry

Research paper thumbnail of Association between severity of hypodontia and cephalometric skeletal patterns: a retrospective study

European Journal of Orthodontics

Objective: To assess if severity of hypodontia is related to a specific skeletal pattern. Study d... more Objective: To assess if severity of hypodontia is related to a specific skeletal pattern. Study design: Lateral cephalometric radiographs and dental panoramic tomographs of 182 hypodontia patients were analysed. The severity of hypodontia was recorded and the sample was divided into groups with mild (n = 71), moderate (n = 56) and severe (n = 55) hypodontia. According to ethnicity, the sample was further subdivided into White Caucasians, African-British, and Arabian/ Indian subgroups. Cephalometric measurements were used to quantify the skeletal discrepancy and vertical facial dimensions. Mean and standard deviation for each group were obtained for comparison and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to assess the level of significance between the means of the readings in different severity groups. Results: In the white Caucasian group, increased severity of hypodontia, was related to a retrusive maxilla with concomitant reduction of A point, Nasion, B point (ANB), reduced mandibular plane angle and anterior lower facial height (P value: 0.0935-0.9371). For the Black-British and Arabian/ Indian groups' findings were inconsistent, with no specific pattern as the number of missing teeth increased. Conclusion: The white Caucasian group followed a pattern that has previously been reported in other studies. For Black-British and Arabian/Indian groups' findings were inconsistent and no specific pattern emerged for different degrees of hypodontia.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of malocclusion among school children of Southern Saudi Arabia

journal of orthodontic science