The Dental Aesthetic Index and Its Association with Dental Caries, Dental Plaque and Socio-Demographic Variables in Schoolchildren Aged 12 and 15 Years.

Paula Fernández-Riveiro,Nerea Obregón-Rodríguez,María Piñeiro-Lamas,Ernesto Smyth-Chamosa,Almudena Rodríguez-Fernández,María Mercedes Suárez-Cunqueiro

doi:10.3390/ijerph18189741

Abstract

The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was determined in 12- and 15-year-old schoolchildren to ascertain the prevalence of malocclusion and to assess its association with dental caries experience, dental plaque accumulation, and socio-demographic variables. We performed a cross-sectional study with a stratified two-stage sampling design. An oral health survey and oral examination were conducted, and socio-demographic data were recorded. The sample comprised 1453 schoolchildren aged 12 (868) and 15 (585). These two samples were analyzed separately because statistically significant differences were found: the 12-year-old age group displayed a higher frequency of schoolchildren who attended state-run public schools (p = 0.004) and belonged to a lower social class (p = 0.001); the 15-year-old age group registered higher levels of caries (p = 0.001) and lower levels of dental plaque (p < 0.001). The malocclusion was 9.5% higher (p = 0.001), and the global mean DAI score was likewise higher among the 12-year-olds (p < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis not only showed that caries and dental plaque were the variables that were the most strongly associated with malocclusion, but that caries (OR = 1.5) and dental plaque (OR > 2) were also risk factors for malocclusion in both groups. In conclusion, this study revealed a higher prevalence of malocclusion and dental plaque at age 12. A higher risk of caries and dental plaque was found to be related to the presence of malocclusion in both age groups.

Highlights

The degree of malocclusion severity can be ascertained by different indices [5,6], since its introduction in 1986, the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI)
The aims of this study were to ascertain the prevalence of malocclusion according to the DAI and to analyse its association with dental caries experience, dental plaque accumulation, and socio-demographic variables among 12- and 15-year-old schoolchildren
An epidemiological oral health survey of random samples of schoolchildren aged 12 and 15 from north-west Spain (Galician Regional Authority) was conducted in accordance with the international guidelines established for this type of survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) [9]

Summary

Introduction

Malocclusion is generally ranked as the third highest oral health priority worldwide, due to its high prevalence and functional and psychosocial consequences [1,2]. Some consequences of malocclusion are bite and phonetic problems, temporo-mandibular dysfunction, and altered dental appearance affecting psychosocial well-being, self-esteem, and social interactions [2,3,4]. The degree of malocclusion severity can be ascertained by different indices [5,6], since its introduction in 1986, the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Has been widely used in various epidemiological studies to estimate the prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs [7,8]. After only one year of being 4.0/).

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Discussion

Conclusion