Assessment Of Dental Status Research Articles

Dental health in the adult population of Arkhangelsk: а study protocol

BACKGROUND: The Arkhangelsk region is characterized by a high prevalence and intensity of dental diseases among adults, but most of the studies were either hospital-based or used small samples with questionable representativeness.
 AIM: This article is a protocol of an original study, the purpose of which is to assess the dental status and its association with somatic health in a representative sample of the adult population of Arkhangelsk.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2022, a cross-sectional study “Prevalence of dental pathology among the population of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (using the example of Arkhangelsk) and associated characteristics of the microbiome of the intestine and the respiratory tract” (hereinafter referred to as the dental study) was conducted in Arkhangelsk. The dental study was a part of the study “Molecular and genetic markers of the response to coronavirus infection and changes in the human microbiota and metabolome during the COVID-19 pandemic” (hereinafter referred to as the study on the effects of COVID-19). Data collection for the study was carried out from October 3 to November 10, 2022 at the Northern State Medical University. The study involved 463 adults aged 42–76 years living in the city of Arkhangelsk, representing a random sample of the adult population who had previously taken part in the “Know Your Heart” project in 2015–2017. All participants were asked to undergo an additional dental examination. The response rate was 91.6%. The dental examination included a questionnaire, assessment of dental status as recommended by the World Health Organization (2013), assessment of oral hygiene and gum inflammation, dental aesthetic index (DAI), collection of gingival fluid, autofluorescence stomatoscopy (AFS), examination by an orthodontist with periotestometry, performing a photo protocol, conducting biometrics of plaster models. When indicated, participants were asked to undergo an in-depth diagnostic to identify orthodontic pathology, namely, teleradiography and a cone-beam computed tomography.
 EXPECTED RESULTS: The proposed study using validated instruments and a representative sample has a major strength in providing unbiased assessment of the prevalence of oral health conditions in Arkhangelsk in the studied age group. Moreover, the material collected in this study has a potential to provide a unique opportunity to assess the associations between dental health and somatic health, lifestyle, microbiota, and metabolome since the data on the abovementioned characteristics were collected during the other projects and stored in a biobank.

Factors Influencing the Survival Rate of Teeth and Implants in Patients after Tumor Therapy to the Head and Neck Region-Part 1: Tooth Survival.

We aimed to evaluate possible factors influencing the long-term survival of teeth after tumor therapy (TT) to the head and neck region with and without radiation. Between January 2019 and January 2020, patients who underwent TT for head and neck cancer and received dental treatment before and after TT at the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg were enrolled in the study. Clinical examination with assessment of dental status and stimulated salivary flow rate (SFR) was performed and information about disease progression and therapy was retrieved from medical records. Of 118 patients (male: 70.3%; mean age: 63.2 ± 12.4 years), 95 received radiotherapy (RT), and 47 were administered radio-chemotherapy (RCT). The teeth of irradiated patients exhibited a lower 5-year survival probability (74.2%) than those of non-irradiated patients (89.4%). The risk of loss (RL) after RT increased with nicotine use, presence of intraoral defects, reduced SFR, RCT and regarding mandibular teeth, and decreased with crowning following TT. Lower SFR increased the RL even without RT. Consideration of patient’s treatment history, individual risk profile, and clinical findings during the prosthetic planning phase could enable earlier, more targeted dental treatment after TT (e.g., timely crowning).

Zavisnost dentalnog statusa mlađih osoba sa razičitom težinom od navika u ishrani

Introduction. Obesity is a global problem of modern society. According to the WHO, in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults are overweight and about 650 million adults are obese. Numerous studies indicate the role of overweight, obesity and metabolic status on periodontal health, however, the mechanism of their development is not fully understood. Aim. The aim of the study was to explore the mechanism of periodontal disease development in patients with diverse body mass index and the mechanism of extra weight and obesity onset in these patients. Methods. The study involved 132 Ukrainian males and females, 18 - 22 years old. Body mass index was determined in all patients. Information on life history, illness and family history was collected. The assessment of dental status was conducted by indicating the oral and tongue hygiene indices and periodontal indices. Eating behaviour was assessed using the standardised Dutch eating behaviour questionnaire (DEBG) and the three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ R-18). Diet assessment was determined by standardized diet questionnaire. Results. More than 60% of young people with the 1st and 2nd degree obesity had eating disorders, the most prevalent were disturbance of cognitive restraint and emotional eating components of eating behavior. The prevalence of periodontal disease was significantly higher in obese individuals, up to 87% in patients with the 1st and 2nd degree obesity. Conclusion. Eating behavior disturbances play a crucial role in the development of obesity in young adults and onset of gingivitis. The cause of non-plaque-induced gingivitis in patients with the 1st and 2nd degree obesity is a impaired general host response to the pathogenic factors of the oral cavity, caused by excess adipose tissue, which led to the development of chronic systemic mild inflammation. That is why these patients need a specific, integrated periodontal treatment.

Oral Health Status and its Impact on Daily Performance in Adult Population with Diabetes

Background: According to World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes mellitus, is a silent epidemic which affects large number of people around the world and is directly related to the oral health status of the patients.
 Objectives: To know the level of oral health and its impact on daily performance in adult population with Diabetes.
 Methods: A cross sectional study was comprised of group of 100 diabetic patients (males=68, females=32) from the OPD of Dhaka Dental College and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical college, Dental unit of Dhaka. Oral health status is assessed by WHO described DMFT caries index and CPITN (community periodontal index treatment need). And oral impact on daily performance is determined by a modified form of OIDP index. Clinical examinations were included for the assessment of Dental Status. Chi-square was used for statistical evaluation.
 Results: Mean DMFT of the study population of Decayed, Missing and filled tooth were 3.89±3.35, 3.04±2.66 and 3.87±2.66 However, in case of CPITN index of the study population, Supragingival or subgingival pocket more than 6mm was in 32% cases. Mean scores of overall impacts on daily performances (OIDP) was 2.18±1.85. Bivariate analysis revealed that the self-reported oral impacts from the participants were not significantly associated (p≥0.05) with those who were diagnosed with presence of periodontal pockets more than 6 mm (32%).
 Conclusions: Oral health is an essential part of general health. Despite dental caries was comparatively low in diabetics, periodontal status was compromised which affected the participant’s daily life chiefly through difficulty in eating. Routinely follow-up of dental problems of the diabetics and oral health education is much required.
 Update Dent. Coll. j: 2021; 11 (1): 7-10

Differences in Sweet Taste Perception and Its Association with the Streptococcus mutans Cariogenic Profile in Preschool Children with Caries.

The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis about differences in sweet taste perception in the group of preschool children with and without caries, and to determine its relationship with cariogenic microbiota and the frequency of sweets consumption in children. The study group included of 63 children aged 2–6 years: 32 with caries and 31 without caries. The study consisted of collecting questionnaire data and assessment of dental status using the decayed, missing, filled in primary teeth index (dmft) and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II). The evaluation of sweet taste perception was carried out using a specific method that simultaneously assessed the level of taste preferences and the sensitivity threshold for a given taste. The microbiological analysis consisted of the assessment of the quantitative and qualitative compositions of the oral microbiota of the examined children. The sweet taste perception of children with caries was characterized by a lower susceptibility to sucrose (the preferred sucrose solution concentration was >4 g/L) compared to children without caries (in the range ≤ 4 g/L, p = 0.0015, chi-square test). A similar relationship was also observed for frequent snacking between meals (p = 0.0038, chi-square test). The analysis of studied variables showed the existence of a strong positive correlation between the perception of sweet taste and the occurrence and intensity of the cariogenic process (p = 0.007 for dmft; and p = 0.012 for ICDAS II), as well as the frequency of consuming sweets (p ≤ 0.001 for frequent and repeated consumption of sweets during the day, Spearman test) in children with caries. Additionally, children with an elevated sucrose taste threshold were more than 10-times more likely to develop S. mutans presence (OR = 10.21; 95% CI 3.11–33.44). The results of this study suggest the future use of taste preferences in children as a diagnostic tool for the early detection of increased susceptibility to caries through microbial dysbiosis towards specific species of microorganisms.

Assessment of dental status, monitoring of individual hygiene and quality of life of patients with jaw defects in combination with medical osteonecrosis

Was to study the dental status, control individual hygiene and assess the quality of life of patients with jaw defects in combination with medical osteonecrosis at the stages of orthopedic rehabilitation. 38 patients were examined, divided into two groups of 19 people aged 49 to 74 years (average age - 61.5±4.25 years). The main group was comprised of patients after resection of the jaws for malignant neoplasms. The comparison group consisted of patients with partial tooth loss who do not have a history of cancer. All participants used individual hygiene products in the form of parodontax Complete protection toothpaste and parodontax Extra 0.2% mouthwash, along with dental prosthetics, according to a certain scheme. The analysis was performed at the beginning of the study, after 7, 14 days and 2 months. The results of prosthetics and the quality of life of patients in both groups were evaluated using a questionnaire developed by us, which allows us to evaluate various parameters (pain, functions, sensations, social activity). The dynamics of the values of the hygiene index, bleeding gums and qualitative analysis of mixed saliva confirm the positive effect of regular use of recommended hygiene products on the oral tissue. There was an increase in the number of buccal epithelial cells with a low degree of destruction, which indicates the restoration of the barrier properties of the epithelial layer. The orthopedic rehabilitation performed against the background of the use of personal hygiene products showed a positive dynamics of all the studied parameters. After applying prosthetics, patients in the control group noted the restoration of chewing and speech, improved appearance and mood. Orthopedic treatment of patients after jaw resection in combination with the complex use of PO and OP allows to solve the issue of their functional, cosmetic and social rehabilitation.

CLINICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUBSTANTIATIONS OF INDICATIONS FOR ORAL CAVITY SANATION IN CHILDREN OF DIFFERENT AGES UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA

This article presents clinical and psychological substantiations of indications for oral cavity sanation in children of different ages under general anesthesia based on the assessment of dental status and child’s psychological characteristics at different ages, such as intellectual development, temperament and phobias.

Dental aspects of purging bulimia

vomiting, which in long term can result in irreversible loss of dental tissue, most commonly manifested as dental erosion. Frequent purging, xerostomia, lack of oral hygiene and acidic environment are also suitable for caries development. The aim of the research was to determine the presence, localization and degree of dental erosion using Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index system, as well as to determine the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index in purging bulimic patients. Methods. The study involved 30 purging bulimic patients and 30 healthy subjects. Used methods were survey (questionnaire) and clinical examination. The clinical examination included intraoral inspection and assessment of dental status using BEWE and DMFT index. Results. On the bases of conducted research, it has been found that dental erosion are significantly more often present in purging bulimics compared to the controls (?2 = 5.963, p < 0.05), that eroded lesions are more severe in the bulimic group (t = 3.925, p < 0.05) and predominantly located on oral surfaces of the teeth (?2 = 10.561, p < 0.05). DMFT index values showed no significant difference between bulimic patients and controls (t = 0.741, p = 0.461). Conclusion. Dental erosion are often encountered in patients suffering purging bulimia, especially on oral surfaces of anterior teeth that come into direct contact with gastric acid, so many bulimics exhibit high values of erosive tooth wear on mentioned surfaces. DMFT index score did not show significant differences compared to healthy participants, but due to complexity of carious process further investigation is necessary.

Оцінка стоматологічного статусу у щурів при експериментальній гіпергомоцистеїнемії та її корекції холіном і вітаміном D

Оцінка стоматологічного статусу у щурів при експериментальній гіпергомоцистеїнемії та її корекції холіном і вітаміном D

Assessment of Dental Status and Oral Health Status in Children with Congenital Heart Diseases

Purpose: This study aims to identify the dental caries, decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (dmft/DMFT) scores amongst children with cyanotic, and acyanotic congenital heart diseases (CHD), compare with healthy controls and identify the risk factors for poor dental health. Methods: Between January 2016 and June 2017, 236 children aged 2 to 15 years (mean±SD=7.61±3.88 yrs, median 7 yrs) with CHD and 951 healthy children aged 2 to 15 years (mean±SD=8.83±7.34 yrs, median 9 yrs) were evaluated. Results: Children with CHD had more caries in their primary and permanent dentition (mean dmft: 2.42±3.82, cardiac group vs. 2.32±6.68, control group; p<0·05; mean DMFT: 2.15±3.38, cardiac group vs. 1.27±1.89, control group; p=0.002). The DMFT scores for children with CHD were higher in the rural areas. Children frequently consuming biscuits, confectionary and sugared milk had higher dmft±SD scores. The possibility of caries in permanent dentition was more in children with cyanotic CHD compared to acyanotic. Caries in primary dentition showed positive correlation with age. Conclusions: CHD is associated with poorer dental health in children. Close cooperation between pediatric cardiologists and pediatric dentists is warranted to raise awareness, prevent and institute early treatment for dental ailments.

Assessment of dental status of patients undergoing treatment in a multidisciplinary hospital

Assessment of dental status of patients undergoing treatment in a multidisciplinary hospital

CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL INDICATORS IN WHITE RATS IN THE TREATMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL GENERALIZED PARODONTITIS

A number of scientists put forward and confirmed the assumption of the presence in the body of biological regulators, polypeptides, carrying out the transfer of information necessary for the functioning, development and interaction of cell populations. The problem of studying the mechanism of action and clinical application of polypeptides is key in modern medicine.
 The aim of the research is to examine the clinical parameters and the state of free radical oxidation in blood and periodontal tissues of white rats in the treatment of spontaneous generalized periodontitis with the use of polypeptides.
 Materials and methods of the research. Experiments were performed on 280 six-month-old of rats Wistar line of both sexes weighing 120-130 g. During the study, the animals were kept under vivarium conditions in individual cells, food and water were not limited.
 All animals were divided into the following groups:
 Group I – intact animals (70),
 Group II – animals with spontaneous periodontitis (70),
 Group III – animals with spontaneous periodontitis, treated with thymalin polypeptide preparation in a dose of 0.1 mg / kg i / m daily, for 10 days (70),
 Group ІV – animals with spontaneous paradontitis, treated with parodontylin polypeptide preparation at a dose of 1 mg / kg i / m, daily for 10 days (70).
 Blood for research in rats was taken against the background of hexenalum anesthesia with a syringe from the heart into a plastic syringe. Subsequently, it was mixed with sodium citrate (3.8% solution) in a ratio of 9:1 and centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 10 min. Periodontal tissues and jaws of animals were taken and examined immediately after euthanasia. For the study, the collection of periodontal tissues (gums with periosteum) was performed in the area of the upper and lower molars, since periodontitis often affects these tissues. Indicators of free radical oxidation were determined in blood and periodontal tissues. Resorption of bone tissue of the alveolar process was evaluated.
 Results and discussion. In the treatment of experimental spontaneous periodontitis using thymalin on the 7th day of observations, regression of symptoms of the disease in animals was observed. Hyperemia and edema, bleeding gums remitted. Whereas under the influence of thymalin there is a regression of dental symptoms by 3.8 times, under the influence of parodontylin – by 7.2 times. The condition of periodontal tissues in animals improved more significantly on the 20th day of observation, the scale assessment of dental status indicates that in animals, treated with thymalin, it is 1.1, and by parodontylin – 0.3 points per animal.
 In studying the processes of lipid peroxidation in periodontal tissues, their significant reduction in rats with spontaneous periodontitis after administering parodontylin has been established. We also observed an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Hence, the activity of SOD was twice as high, catalase – by 1.95 times.
 Reactions of lipid peroxidation had the same dynamics in the blood of animals after administering periodontal polypeptides and thymalin, as in periodontal tissues. We observed a significant decrease in the level of conjugated dienes, the concentration of the latter reaches the value of indices of intact animals. Similar results were obtained with regard to the level of TBA-active products, accumulation of MDA, spontaneous hemolysis of erythrocytes. Attention is drawn to the fact that parodontylin reduced lipid peroxygenation of blood to a greater extent than thymalin. We also observed increased activity of SOD, and, on the other hand, the concentration of ceruloplasmin decreased by 25.4%.
 Thus, administering periodontal polypeptides during spontaneous periodontitis leads to a decrease in the responses of lipid peroxidation in periodontal tissues and blood. To a greater extent this effect is characteristic of parodontylin in comparison with thymalin.

Assessment of Dental Status and Perception Towards Oral Health Among Pharmacy Students In Quetta, Pakistan

Assessment of Dental Status and Perception Towards Oral Health Among Pharmacy Students In Quetta, Pakistan

Dentition, nutritional status and adequacy of dietary intake among older residents in assisted living facilities.

We examined the relationships between dentition, nutritional status and dietary intakes of energy, protein and micronutrients among older people in assisted living facilities in Helsinki. Poor dentition is associated with malnutrition. Less is known about how dentition is associated with detailed nutrient intakes in institutionalised older people. This cross-sectional study assessed 343 participants (mean age 83 years). Dentition was assessed by trained ward nurses and divided into edentulous participants without dentures (group 1), edentulous participants with removable dentures (group 2) and those with any natural teeth (group 3). Nutritional status was assessed by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). The energy, protein and nutrient intakes were calculated from detailed 1-day food diaries and compared with the recommendations of the Finnish National Nutrition Council as a measure of dietary adequacy. Assessment included also participants' cognitive and functional status. Of the participants, 8.2, 39.1 and 52.8% were in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Altogether 22% were malnourished according to MNA. Group 1 had the poorest nutritional status. A large proportion of participants consumed less than the recommended amounts of energy, protein or micronutrients. Half of the participants consumed <60 g/day of protein. The intake of protein was significantly lower in group 1 than in other two groups. Malnutrition and inadequate protein intake were very common and associated with dentition among older people with multiple disabilities in assisted living facilities. Assessment of dental status should be part of good nutritional care in long-term care.

Oral manifestations, oral health status and saliva composition changes in a sample of Iraqi systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Sicca symptoms are frequent in SLE which may be related to concomitant occurrence of Sjogren's syndrome (SS). The aims of study were to determine prevalence of oral manifestations and tempromandibular joint disorders, and to find a correlation between the changes in saliva flow rate, pH and composition with the incidence of dental caries in SLE patients. Subjects, materials and methods: One hundred and two individuals were enrolled in this study; 52 of them were SLE patients; and 50 were healthy control individuals matched in age and gender. The assessment of dental status was made according to the decay missing filling teeth (DMFT) index; the gingival inflammation was assessed using the criteria of gingival index; Clinical pocket depth was measured with periodontal probe type William, and whole unstimulated saliva samples have been collected from each subject for biochemical analysis. Also, salivary flow rate and pH were measured. After centrifugation, the supernatant of saliva was aspirated for biochemical analysis. Results: Oral ulceration was the most prominent orofacial manifestations of SLE patients followed by Tempromandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and facial skin rash then oral vesicles& bullae, oral lichen planus and finally oral petechiae & purpura. Salivary flow rate and salivary pH were significantly lower in SLE patients than in the control subjects. Oral hygiene index (DMFT index, gingival index, Clinical pocket depth) were significantly higher in SLE patients than in the control subjects .Salivary calcium, sodium, chloride, and total protein were significantly higher among SLE patients than in the control subjects. While salivary potassium and inorganic phosphorus were significantly lower among SLE patients than in the control subjects. In addition, there was a highly significant positive linear correlation between age of SLE patients and DMFT, and between age and clinical pocket depth; and a highly significant negative linear correlation between salivary flow rate and salivary calcium in SLE patients. Also there was highly significant positive linear correlation between DMFT and salivary calcium, and between DMFT and salivary chloride. Conclusions: Oral manifestations are common in Iraqi SLE patients. Changes in salivary flow rate, pH, salivary composition, and increased dental caries may serve as potential markers of the extent of autoimmune mediated salivary gland dysfunction which is similar to Sjogren's syndrome.

Factors that effect dental caries status of medical students in Udaipur city, India

To evaluate the effect of oral hygiene behaviour, dental anxiety, self assessed dental status and treatment necessity on dental caries status of medical students. The study was conducted among 345 medical students of Udaipur city, India who had provision for free dental services and the study was based on a questionnaire which consisted of two parts, first part containing questions regarding self assessment of dental status and treatment necessity along with oral hygiene behaviour and the later part comprised of Corah Dental Anxiety scale (DAS). Clinical examination was based on the WHO caries diagnostic criteria. Females perceived greater dental anxiety than males. Individuals claiming poor dental status had higher mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score (6.67) than good (2.89) and fair (4.44). The mean decayed component among the anxious students (5.4) was almost twice that of less anxious (2.77) student population. DAS constituted the first major contributor for missing component followed by smoking status which alone explained a variance of 7.1%. The cumulative variance explained by all the independent variables on the DMFT status accounted to 56.4% with self assessed dental status alone contributing a variance of 44.9%. The most significant (P < 0.001) contributor for filled component was self assessed dental status (14.5%). Oral hygiene behaviour, dental anxiety, self assessed dental status and treatment necessity significantly affected the dental caries status of medical students.

Effect of Implementing Dental Services in Israeli Psychiatric Hospitals on the Oral and Dental Health of Inpatients

Psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, mood disorders, and organic brain disorders) and their treatment may lead to oral diseases, but assessment of dental status and oral care needs among patients with these disorders is lacking. This study reports changes in dental health and oral care needs of psychiatric inpatients after 1998, when psychiatric hospitals in Israel were required to provide regular dental examinations and treatment for every inpatient hospitalized longer than a year. Two epidemiological cohorts from 1997 and 2006 representing long-term psychiatric inpatients before (N=431) and after (N=254) the reform of dental services were compared on the standardized criteria of the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index scores and DMFT component scores, as well as on the use of and need for dentures. Compared with the prereform cohort, the postreform cohort had fewer decayed teeth and lower DMFT index scores. These differences were independent of gender and clinical diagnosis. No between-cohort differences were found in the use of and need for dentures. On-site dental services were more effective than outsourced services in improving dental health. The results suggest a substantial improvement in the dental health of this at-risk population after the dental reform in psychiatric hospitals. However, oral health needs are still not fully met, and therefore, additional organizational efforts for further prevention and treatment of dental diseases are required.

Osteonecrosis of the Mandible or Maxilla Associated with the use of New Generation Bisphosphonates

The use of bisphosphonates is well established for the treatment of patients with metastatic bone disease, osteoporosis, and Paget's disease. Osteonecrosis of the mandible or maxilla associated with the use of bisphosphonates is a newly described entity never before discussed in the otolaryngology literature. In this paper, we review a series of patients diagnosed with osteonecrosis, all treated with new generation bisphosphonates. Our objective is to inform and educate others, particularly otolaryngologists/head and neck surgeons, about this drug induced entity, a condition that should be recognized early to avoid potential devastating consequences. Retrospective chart review of a series of patients from a tertiary referral center. Pathology reports of specimens submitted from either the mandible or maxilla were reviewed from the previous 12 months. Any patient diagnosed with osteonecrosis without evidence of metastatic disease at that site was included; those with a previous history of radiation therapy were excluded. Each patient's medical history and profile were reviewed. Twenty-three patients were identified with osteonecrosis of the mandible or maxilla. All of these were associated with the use of new generation bisphosphonates: zolendronate (Zometa, Novartis), pamidronate (Aredia, Novartis), and alendronate (Fosamax, Merck). Eighteen patients with known bone metastases had been treated with the intravenous form, whereas five patients with either osteoporosis or Paget's disease were using oral therapy. Patients typically presented with a nonhealing lesion, often times the result of previous dental intervention. Although the majority of these patients were treated with conservative surgical debridement, we present a case requiring a near total maxillectomy. Drug induced osteonecrosis of the mandible or maxilla has been recently recognized as a sequelae of treatment with the new generation of bisphosphonates. Most patients can be treated with conservative surgical debridement and cessation of bisphosphonate therapy, whereas a few may require radical surgical intervention. Other recommendations include regimented prophylactic care with an assessment of dental status before the administration of bisphosphonates, avoidance of dental procedures, and close monitoring of oral hygiene.

Determinants of dental status and caries among adults in southern Thailand

This study describes the tooth mortality and the prevalence and severity of dental caries among 30- to 39- and 50- to 59-year-old rural Thais from the Province of Songhkla, Thailand. Three hundred and sixty-three persons were given a clinical examination, including assessment of dental status, dental caries, and periodontal recordings. Information on religious faith, smoking, and betel use was obtained by means of an interview. The prevalence of edentulism was low (< 2% among 50- to 59-year-olds). The mean number of teeth present was high, 29.4 among the 30- to 39-year-olds and 24.3 among the 50- to 59-year-olds. The prevalence of caries was high (91% among 30- to 39-year-olds and 84% among 50- to 59-year-olds). The mean DFT values were 5.7 and 5.8, respectively, and a substantial part of the DFT consisted of deep dentin lesions. The results did not corroborate the hypothesis that persons of Muslim faith have worse dental conditions than do Thai Buddhist or that dental disease levels are higher among the Thai population than among other Southeast Asian populations.