Hyaluronic acid-based medical device and oral disorders: can it be used in paediatric dentistry?

Due to its physical and biological characteristics and safety profile, hyaluronic acid is very widely used in numerous clinical conditions, ranging from its best-known use in cosmetic surgery (as a filler and for its ability to promote tissue regeneration and therefore minimise scarring) to lesser-known fields such as ophthalmic surgery, major abdominal surgery (where it is used to prevent the complication of adhesion bands) and intra-articular use. Studies were recently published in which this type of device was also used in paediatric patients for the management of inflammatory disorders of the oral cavity and teething symptoms. As this is a highly topical field for dentists, we felt it would be useful to review the efficacy and safety of the device in the paediatric population treated, and analyse any discrepancies with the results obtained in the adult population. The preparations of hyaluronic acid used in pediatric dentistry, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties, proved to be very effective in therapy of oral diseases in children. Further clinical research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these products to dispel doubts about any side effects.