Caries In Adults Research Articles

Evidence-based consensus for treating incipient enamel caries in adults by non-invasive methods: recommendations by GRADE guideline.

Remineralization treatment, which offers the advantage of being non-invasive, is increasingly being used as a minimal intervention treatment in managing incipient enamel caries. The aim of this review was to develop EBM guideline for optimized strategies for non-invasive treatment of incipient enamel caries.Japanese Society of Conservative Dentistry (JSCD) guideline committee formulated a Guideline for treating incipient enamel caries using the GRADE system, which is the global, mainstream standard for guideline development. The committee selected the most frequent clinical questions (CQs) in treating incipient enamel caries and identified clinically important outcomes in evaluating the efficacy of treatments. Using extensive electronic and manual searches, relevant randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials were identified. Based on evidence profiles produced by the committee, the panel discussed the effects, benefits and disadvantages of the selected treatments, as well as their cost effectiveness and feasibility, in order to achieve a consensus in treating incipient enamel caries non-invasively. A recommendation was made for each clinical question after voting by the panel members. Based on the evidence profile and panel discussions for each CQ, the experts strongly recommended application of topical fluoride to inhibit cavitation of incipient enamel caries, and to diminish white spot lesions.

Socio-hygienic aspects of the dental caries in adults and its prevention

Relevance . A significant group is occupied by risk factors that completely depend directly on the socio-hygienic aspects of the patient's lifestyle. Purpose. To study the impact of the nature of nutrition and oral hygiene on the dental health of adults in modern conditions. Materials and methods. To identify and assess the risk factors for dental caries, a questionnaire was developed and 121 patients from dental clinics in Kazan were interviewed. A discriminant analysis of a group of risk factors for dental caries was performed. We also conducted a comparative analysis of oral hygiene in 36 people using a manual toothbrush and the new device (toothbrush) for cleaning all surfaces of the teeth. Results. The majority of the respondents (95,0%) brush their teeth 2 times a day with a cleaning time of 2 minutes (64,5%), and equally use both electric and manual toothbrushes. However, the frequency of brushing does not correspond to the mode and frequency of consumption of foods with easily fermentable carbohydrates in the diet, sugar-containing beverages, which has a direct impact on the occurrence of dental caries and periodontal diseases. The nature of nutrition significantly affects the development of caries of all teeth, except for the incisors of the maxilla. Brushing your teeth with a frequency of less than 2 times a day also contributes to the development of caries (except for premolars and molars of the maxilla). To improve the level of dental health of the population and prevent the development of dental caries and periodontal diseases in adults a new device (toothbrush) for cleaning all surfaces of teeth has been proposed. Conclusion. The results of the study emphasize the practical importance of analyzing the risk factors for the development of dental caries in the adult population with the possibility of conducting reasonable, targeted correction methods to minimize the risk of further disease progression.

Contemporary Challenges and Management of Dental Caries in the Older Population

The prevalence of caries is set to increase in the coming years as a result of a growing ageing population and a concomitant reduction in levels of edentulousness. Evidence for management of caries in older adults is scarce compared to that for the child population, however, similar principles of risk assessment, prevention and minimal intervention should be applied by dental health professionals. Early identification of high-risk older adults facilitates the implementation of risk reduction strategies, such as topical fluoride regimes. When operative intervention cannot be avoided, Atraumatic Restorative Technique (ART) may allow for conservative cavity preparation and has the advantage of being suitable for the domiciliary setting.

Diabetes mellitus and poor glycemic control increase the occurrence of coronal and root caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To assess the occurrence of coronal and root caries in adults with diabetes mellitus (DM). This study was performed accordingly to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. A search strategy was adapted for six databases, as well as gray literature. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools for observational studies. Revman 5.3 was used to conduct five meta-analyses. The quality of evidence of meta-analysis was evaluated by GRADE. From 4047 titles retrieved, 29 studies were included in qualitative synthesis and 20 in quantitative synthesis. Findings showed a higher mean of DMFT in DM individuals compared with healthy controls (mean difference = 1.71; 95% CI 1.08-2.33; p < 0.01; I2 = 55%). Individuals with type 2 DM were three times more likely to have root caries in comparison with non-DM individuals (OR = 3.17; 95% CI 1.19-8.49; p = 0.02; I2 = 70%). Individuals with uncontrolled glycemic levels within the population with DM had higher prevalence of caries than individuals with controlled DM (OR = 3.82; 95% CI 1.12-13.07; p < 0.01; I2 = 89%; DMFT index mean difference = 2.61; 95% CI 1.14-4.08; p < 0.01; I2 = 75%). Diabetes mellitus may increase the occurrence of coronal and root caries in adults. Poor glycemic control turned diabetic individuals more likely to have caries. Dental caries can be an oral sign to indicate poor glycemic control in individuals with DM. Strategies to prevent root caries should be adopted in individuals with type 2 DM. Besides, dental and medical treatments should synergistically explore whether dietary habits are healthy for controlling both, DM and caries.

Lack of Association between Enamel Gene Variants and Dental Caries in Adults

Objectives: Studies report that gene polymorphisms associated with mineralization may change the structure of enamel and create a predisposition for developing dental caries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the VDR and TFIP11 gene variants in adults with caries experience and to investigate their interactions with the environmental factors. Materials and Methods: A total of 160 individuals at the age of 24-40 years were included in the study and they were assigned to two groups according to decayed-missing-filled teeth index (DMFT); namely the low caries experience (LCE, DMFT≤4) and high caries experience (HCE, DMFT&amp;gt; 9.13). DNA was isolated from buccal swab samples to genotype the VDR (TaqI; rs731236) and TFIP11 (rs5997096) gene variants. The real-time PCR was used for genotyping. The frequency of tooth brushing, carbohydrate intake, smoking, and the dental plaques were evaluated as environmental risk factors. Results: Between the caries groups and the distribution of the genotypes and alleles of the VDR rs731236 and TFIP11 rs5997096 gene variants were not statistically different. There was also no significant difference when homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, and recessive models were evaluated for the two variants. The frequency of tooth brushing was significantly higher in the LCE group. According to the regression analysis; the amount of plaque explained the high caries experience at a rate of 51.4%. Conclusions: The study findings indicated that common variants in the VDR and TFIP11 genes were not associated with high caries experiences in Turkish adults.

Dental caries in a South African adult population: findings from the Cape Town Vascular and Metabolic Health Study

Caries is a ubiquitous non-communicable disease worldwide. There is a paucity of literature on adult caries in Africa, with the last epidemiological caries study in South Africa conducted in 1988/1989. This article reports on the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) scores in relation to demographic characteristics for a mixed-ancestry South African population. This cross-sectional epidemiological study was part of the ongoing Cape Town Bellville South Vascular and Metabolic Health Study. Each participant signed an informed consent form prior to enrolling in the study. During a clinical examination, DMFT score and components were recorded for each participant. Data analysis was performed with the statistical Package STATA 15. A sample of 1,885 participants was included in the study. Sixty-eight percent of the population experienced high DMFT scores. Mean DMFT score increased with age from 5 (≤ 24-year-old group) to 32 (≥ 75-year-old group, P<0.001). It was higher in women than in men (28.5 vs. 18, respectively, P<0.001). The missing component contributed 83% to DMFT score, followed by decayed (14%) and filled (3%) scores. Males had a higher average number of teeth present than females (18 vs. 6.5, P<0.001). Dental caries experience was very high, with high levels of tooth loss in this community. These findings highlight limited access to preventive oral healthcare and a high rate of tooth extraction. Females presented higher levels of oral disease than males, indicating the need for preventive oral healthcare programmes in Cape Town, South Africa.

Trend and distribution of coronal dental caries in Australians adults.

To report the experience of coronal dental caries in the Australian adult population. Dentate people aged 15years and over were online or telephone interviewed, and dental examined (n=5022). The number of decay, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) were recorded. Independent variables were demographic, socioeconomic conditions and dental care characteristics. Proportions of DMFS >0, average DMFS and its components were calculated. Overall, 32.1% had decayed surfaces, with a higher proportion found in males (34.7%) and 40% higher in those living in remote areas than in those living in major city and regional areas. The prevalence of decayed surfaces varied from 37.4% (lowest income group) to 25.0% (highest income group). The mean number of decayed surfaces was three times higher in the lowest income group compared to the highest one. Uninsured people had a higher prevalence of decayed surfaces and lower mean of filling surfaces than insured group. Participants with an unfavourable pattern of dental visiting had two times higher prevalence of decay than their counterparts. Overall, three quarters (77.4%) had at least one filling in their permanent dentition. This percentage increased from 61.6% among 15-34 year olds, to 88.0% among those aged 55-74years. Socioeconomic inequalities in caries experience persist in Australia.

Assessment of Risk and Protective Factors for Root Caries in Older Adults

Assessment of Risk and Protective Factors for Root Caries in Older Adults

Household food insecurity and dental caries in Korean adults.

Food security is important to health maintenance and disease prevention. The aim of this study was to identify the association between household food insecurity and dental caries in Korean adults. Data from 14770 adults included in the 2013-2015 Korea National Health and Nutritional Survey were analysed. Household food insecurity was evaluated using the 18-item US Household Food Security/Hunger Survey Module. General characteristics differences based on household food security were compared with weighted one-way analysis of variance for continuous variables and weighted chi-squared tests for categorical variables. A modified Poisson approach was used to calculate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The prevalence of untreated dental caries in permanent teeth was 28.9% (CI;27.6, 30.2), 36.7% (33.0, 40.5) and 48.9% (40.0, 57.8) among individuals with household food security, household food insecurity without hunger and household food insecurity with hunger, respectively. Relative to those who were food-secure, the prevalence ratios (95% CIs) for dental caries were 1.12 (0.97-1.31) and 1.35 (1.02-1.80) for those with household food insecurity without and with hunger, respectively, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, socioeconomic status, life style, dietary and dental factors. We found that household food insecurity is associated with prevalence of untreated dental caries in Korean adults. Healthcare providers ought to consider the important role that food security can play in the prevention and management of oral health in adults.

Salivary sIgA and PRAP-1 Protein in Relation to Dental Caries: A Comparative Study

Aim: Certain individuals are more prone to dental caries than others are. Caries risk may be related in the secretion of certain defensive salivary proteins including secretory IgA (sIgA) and proline-rich acidic protein (PRAP-1). In this study, we investigated the relationship between PRAP-1 and sIgA leading to the susceptibility of development of dental caries in adults and explored the differences in the levels of sIgA and PRAP-1 between men and women. Materials and Methods: Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 28 patients with high caries risk and 32 control subjects with low caries risk according to caries management by risk assessment guidelines. sIgA and PRAP-1 levels in clarified saliva samples were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: According to our results, sIgA and PRAP-1 levels did not demonstrate statistically significant differences as a function of caries risk or gender, even when potential confounding variables such as age and numbers of teeth were taken into consideration. Estimates of effect size, however, revealed small- to medium-sized effects and suggest that significant results may have been found if larger sample sizes were used. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that caries risk and salivary levels of sIgA and PRAP-1 do not appear to be significantly associated. Statistically significant findings could emerge if the sample size was larger.

Flossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults

The effect of preventive oral habits is largely unexplored in older individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between home use of flossing and prevalence of periodontal disease and caries in older adults. Five-year incident tooth loss was also evaluated. Data on 686 individuals ≥65 y-old from the Piedmont 65+ Dental Study were examined including: 1) interproximal clinical attachment level (iCAL), 2) interproximal probing depth (iPD), 3) numbers of caries, and 4) missing teeth. Flossing behavior was evaluated according to the Periodontal Profile Class (PPC) system. Five-year follow-up data (n = 375) was evaluated for incident tooth loss. Dichotomous and categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson chi-square tests as well as covariate-adjusted Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests. Multiple linear regression compared clinical parameters based on flossing behavior. Elderly flossers had lower (mean, SE) %iCAL≥3 mm (38.2, 2.38 vs. 48.8, 1.56) and %iPD≥4 mm (8.70, 1.41 vs. 14.4, 0.93) compared to nonflossers (P ≤ 0.005). Flossers showed less coronal caries compared to nonflossers (P = 0.02). Baseline number of missing teeth (mean, SE) was 11.5 (0.35) in nonflossers compared to 8.6 (0.53) in flossers (P < 0.0001). Regular dental visitors had lower oral disease levels compared to episodic dental users. The majority of flossers classified into PPC-Stage I (health) whereas nonflossers classified as PPC-Stages V, VI, and VII (disease). At the 5-y follow-up visit, the average tooth loss for flossers was ~1 tooth compared to ~4 teeth lost for nonflossers (P < 0.0001). Among all teeth, molars showed the highest benefit (>40%) for flossing behavior (P = 0.0005). In conclusion, the extent of oral disease for older individuals was significantly less in flossers than in nonflossers. Flossers showed less periodontal disease, fewer dental caries, and loss of fewer teeth over a 5-y period. These findings further support flossing as an important oral hygiene behavior to prevent oral disease progression in older adults.

Long-term efficacy of Magnolia Bark Extract and Xylitol administered through chewing gums on caries in adults: A 2-year randomized controlled intervention trial

Abstract Caries preventive effect of a sugar-free chewing-gum containing Magnolia Bark Extracts and Xylitol in high-risk adults was investigated (NCT02310308). Two-hundred seventy-one high-caries-risk subjects were assigned to three groups: Polyols (Pols), Xylitol (Xyl) and Xylitol plus Magnolia (Xyl + Mag). Caries lesions, gingival bleeding, mutans streptococci (MS), and plaque pH were re-evaluated after 2 years in 64 Pols, 66 Xyl and 64 Xyl + Mag subjects. Net caries increment was evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U test. Caries increment was significantly different among groups at the 2-year evaluation (t3) (p

Association between overweight, obesity and incidence of advanced dental caries in South Korean adults: A 10-year nationwide population-based observational study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between overweight, obesity and the incidence of advanced dental caries in South Korean adults, using alternate measures. The participants included 376,077 people aged 20 years and older who had health examination at least one time between 2005 and 2008. This evaluation is based on a change of body mass index (BMI) category, for 10 years, using a nationally representative data resource available from the National Health Insurance System. Instead of using decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), the diagnostic codes which indicate dental caries, pulpal disease and visiting frequency at dental health professionals were used in this case. A multivariate adjusted Cox regression analysis was performed to examine the association between advanced dental caries and BMI. In addition to the BMI, a multivariate analysis of gender, age, lifestyle behaviors and systemic disease information was included. To this end, the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Chiefly, it is noted that the overweight and obese people were more likely to develop advanced dental caries independent of the noted variables. The positive association between high BMI and incidence of advanced dental caries was more prominent in the population’s characteristic of people who were in a classification of the elderly and women. Among the health and lifecycle behaviors, smoking or not was found to be one of the factors affecting the results. The alternate method used in this study showed that being overweight and obesity had a direct association with the incidence of advanced dental caries in Korean adults.

Longitudinal study of the primary prevention effect on dental caries

Assessment of the dental caries prevalence among 12-year-old children in Belarus and Russia and evaluation a possible effect of the primary prevention programs on oral health in adult population. Meta-analysis of the world dental literature and study of the descriptive epidemiology data on the prevalence of dental caries among key age groups of children, adolescents and adults using earlier study data carried in Minsk and Moscow and within the intercountry scientific project using the EGOHID system in 2013-2017 yrs. Analysis of the epidemiology data on the DMFT of 12-year-old children in the last 40-50 years suggested a trend of the reduction of dental caries prevalence in Belarus and Russia by 10-15%. An effect of the long-term preventive programs on dental caries in adults and elderlies was dubious. The evident success in primary prevention of dental caries in children might improve oral health in adolescents and adult people, however, it had no, or minimal effects on the oral health of elderlies.

Interproximal in situ Plaque pH after a Sugar Challenge in Relation to Caries in Adults before and after Short-Term Use of 1.5% Arginine Toothpaste

Interproximal in situ Plaque pH after a Sugar Challenge in Relation to Caries in Adults before and after Short-Term Use of 1.5% Arginine Toothpaste

The Healthy Eating Index and coronal dental caries in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014

BackgroundThe purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine if Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) scores are associated with coronal caries and the odds of untreated coronal caries in adults 20 years and older. MethodsData on decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), untreated coronal caries, and HEI-2015 scores were obtained from 7,751 adults who completed a dental examination and two 24-hour dietary recalls in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2011-2012 and 2013-2014. HEI-2015 scores were categorized into quintiles, with HEI-2015 quintile 1 scores indicating the least compliance with 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The authors used multivariable linear regression to assess associations of HEI-2015 with DMFT and logistic regression for associations with untreated coronal caries. All regression models were controlled for age, sex, race or ethnicity, current cigarette use, family income to poverty threshold ratio, last dental visit, education, and whether participants were ever told they had a heart attack. ResultsRelative to HEI-2015 quintile 1, the adjusted odds of any untreated coronal caries were quintile 5 (odds ratio [OR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46 to 0.80), quintile 4 (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.84), quintile 3 (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.04), and quintile 2 (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.31). Participants who met the recommendations for the total fruits, whole fruits, greens and beans, and added sugars components of the HEI-2015 score were less likely to have untreated coronal caries than those who did not meet the recommendations. Overall, mean coronal DMFT also decreased as HEI-2015 scores increased, but trends were not consistent in all racial or ethnic groups. Conclusions and Practical ImplicationsGreater compliance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is associated with lower prevalence and the odds of untreated caries in adults. Dietary counseling for caries prevention by dental professionals should incorporate comprehensive dietary guidelines that are consistent with those intended for enhancing overall health and reducing the risk of developing common systemic diseases.

Dietary patterns associated with dental caries in adults in the United States.

Dental caries experience, which affects 91% of US adults, is a consequence of a carious process influenced by diet. Although individual foods have been implicated, we hypothesized that dietary patterns might be important predictors of caries presence. We analysed data from 4467 people ≥18years old participating in the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative sample of the US population. Data from 24-hour dietary recalls were classified into standard food categories and reduced to three dietary patterns using principal components (PCs) analysis. We used regression to model the log-transformed decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score and the prevalence of any caries experience by quartiles of PC scores, controlling for potential confounders. Dietary patterns differed by age with respect to dental caries so 18-30-year-olds (n=1074) and >30-year-olds (n=3393) were analysed separately. Similar dietary patterns existed among individuals aged 18-30 and >30years, but the prevalence of DMFT score >0 and the median of DMFT was greater in those >30:78.7% (95% CI: 76.1, 81.3) vs 92.6% (95% CI: 91.4, 93.7) and 4 (95% CI: 4, 5) vs 12 DMFT (95% CI: 11, 13), respectively. In those 18-30, no dietary pattern was associated with greater prevalence or severity of dental caries experience. Among those >30, the prevalence of DMFT>0 was higher by 2% for those in each subsequent quartile of a diet high in sugar-sweetened beverages and sandwiches (adjusted PR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.001, 1.03)-thus, the prevalence of dental caries experience was 6% higher among those in the uppermost quartile than in the lowest quartile. For every subsequent quartile in the same pattern, there was a 1.98% higher (95% CI: 0.15, 3.85) DMFT score. However, analysis using the two strongest loading food groups from any of the PCs did not identify any predictors of caries experience. Dietary patterns were associated with the prevalence of dental caries experience, with differing findings by age. Although effect sizes were small, the population impact may be substantial. While food groups high in sugar were associated with caries prevalence and severity, associations were more apparent in the context of overall diet. Prospective studies are needed to confirm whether particular dietary patterns are causally related to the development of dental caries.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Role of Sugar-Free Chewing Gum in Dental Caries.

To determine the difference in level of dental caries in adults and children who chew sugar-free gum (SFG), compared with those who do not chew SFG or use alternatives such as lozenges, candies, rinses, tablets, and other nonchewing controls. Systematic review of published literature. Twelve studies of interventions of SFG for dental caries outcomes were included. SFGs were found to significantly reduce caries increment, giving a preventative fraction (PF) of 28% (95% CI, 7% to 48%). Including the 8 trials that used xylitol gum only as the basis of the intervention, the PF was 33% (95% CI, 4% to 61%). No adverse effects were recorded. There was a high level of heterogeneity among the trials included. The findings of this review provide tentative evidence that chewing SFG reduces caries increment in comparison to nonchewing controls. However, there is a considerable degree of variability in the effect and the trials included were generally of moderate quality. There is a need for future research to explore the acceptability and feasibility of the use of SFG as a public health intervention (PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018094676). The results of this study can be used by clinicians when deciding how best to implement dental caries prevention regimes for their patients. With consideration of cost and patient preference, this information could help to develop national policy directives on caries prevention and dictate the direction of future clinical research.

Minimum intervention dentistry for the management of caries in older adults: a review of the literature

##Statement of the problem The population is ageing and the proportion of older adults retaining their natural teeth is increasing. This means that there are increasing numbers of older adults at risk of and from dental caries for longer. This challenges traditional concepts of care delivery for older adults. With advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of dental caries, there is increasing evidence to support a shift from traditional mechanical ‘drill and fill’ techniques to the management of dental caries biologically as a complex ecological process. Minimum intervention dentistry (MID) has become an increasingly mainstream model of caries management, which minimises the need for treatment that destroys dental tissues. In contrast to traditional management of caries, MID focuses on prevention and risk reduction, while surgical intervention is limited to cases where it is absolutely necessary. This paper reviews the evidence to support adoption of MID, particularly for older adults in Ireland. ##Purpose of the study To review the evidence regarding aspects of MID for caries management among older adults. ##Materials and methods A structured search strategy was undertaken using PubMed, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library, with additional searching of reference lists. A total of 25 articles were deemed relevant to this literature review. The data was extracted and tabulated. The outcomes and quality of the studies were reported narratively. Weaknesses and clinical implications are discussed. ##Conclusions MID can be recommended for older adults. This review supports the use of topical fluorides in varnish, rinses and high-fluoride toothpaste to prevent dental caries in older adults, and the restoration of caries adopting the atraumatic restorative technique (ART). There was insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness of oral health education. No studies were identified looking at the effectiveness of caries removal techniques, the resin infiltration technique, or the repair rather than replacement of restorations for older patients.

Obesity, dietary sugar and dental caries in Australian adults

Objectives: To determine the association of overweight/obesity, dental caries and dietary sugars in Australian adults. Materials and methods: The National Survey of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH) 2004–2006 provided data for analysis of dental caries experience. Self-reported body weight and height were used to calculate body mass index (BMI) for a subsample (n = 3,745, 89.8%) of the NSAOH data. A self-report questionnaire of 13 food items estimated the daily intake of added sugar, total sugars and total carbohydrate, using food composition estimates from the AUSNUT2011–2013. Bivariate analyses (Pearson’s Chi-square with Rao–Scott adjustment and Student’s t-tests) were used to determine the association of overweight/obesity, dental caries, sugar variables and putative confounders. Poisson regression models for the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth Index and individual measures of decayed, missing and filled teeth were constructed, with models containing BMI, dietary added sugar, total sugar and total carbohydrate, controlling for putative confounders. Results: There was a positive association between dental caries experience and being overweight or obese compared with having normal weight or being underweight as well as between sugar consumption with all four dental caries outcome measures. When controlled for putative confounders where sugar consumption was identified as a key determinant, the statistical significance between dental caries experience and being overweight or obese disappeared. The demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with dental caries experience were age, sex, education, smoking status and usual reason for dental visit. Conclusion: Analysis of the relationship between dental caries and obesity must include data about sugar and carbohydrate consumption.