Caries Prevalence Rate Research Articles

Prevalence of Caries on Individual Tooth Surfaces and its Distribution by Age and Gender in University Clinic Patients

The objectives of the present study were to assess the prevalence rate of caries on individual permanent tooth surfaces, and to compare individual tooth surface caries rates among gender and age groups. Without drying the teeth, examinations were performed with dental mirrors and blunt, sickle-shaped explorers under a dental chair light, according to WHO recommendations. Caries distribution was higher in the maxillary jaw (62.4%) than in the mandibular jaw (37.6%). Except molars, approximal surfaces of all teeth demonstrated the highest caries rates, ranging from 58.5% to 77.5%. Occlusal fissures on the first and second molars contributed most significantly to caries frequency, from 52.7% to 66.3%. Females (59.1%) showed a higher incidence of caries than males (40.9%). Approximal surfaces of incisors, canines, premolars and occlusal fissure sites in molars showed the highest caries rates in both sexes. Caries were most common among individuals aged 17 to 25 years. Approximal surfaces of incisors, canines, premolars and occlusal surfaces in molars had the highest caries rates in all age groups, except for individuals older than 65 years of age. Gender and age do not affect the prevalence of caries on teeth sites. In addition, more caries are experienced in younger age groups, and their incidence decreases as age increases.

Study on relationship between dental caries and oral hygiene pre-school children in Xi'an

Objective To investigate the prevalence of caries among pre-school children in Xi' an and the relationship between dental caries and oral hygiene in order to provide the guidance of prevention of caries in deciduous teeth.Methods 5 infant schools in Xi' an were selected randomly.Examination of dental caries and oral hygiene were conducted according to the same standard among 2307 pupils from selected school.Results The caries prevalence rate of deciduous teeth was 56.4% with a mean DMFT of (2.35±3.049).The caries prevalence rate among children who had good oral hygiene was significantly lower than those had bed oral hygiene.Conclusions Prevalence rate of dental caries among pre-school children is high.Oral hygiene is a very important influencing factor of it.It is very important to enhance awareness of oral health to improve the health for children. Key words: Caries; Oral Hygiene; Per-school Children

Root caries patterns and risk factors of middle‐aged and elderly people in China

The objectives of this study were to describe root caries patterns of Chinese adults and to analyze the effect of selected demographic and socioeconomic factors on these patterns. A total sample of 1080 residents aged 35-44-years-old and 1080 residents aged 65-74-years-old from three urban and three rural survey sites in Hubei Province participated in both an oral health interview and a clinical oral health examination. Root surface caries prevalence rates were 13.1% in the middle-aged group and 43.9% in the elderly group. The mean number of teeth affected by caries in the middle-aged group was reported at 0.21 and 1.0 in the elderly group. Mean Root Caries Index (RCI) scores of the middle-aged were reported at 6.29 and elderly subjects were reported at 11.95. Elderly people living in rural areas reported a higher RCI score (13.24) than those living in urban areas (10.70). A significantly higher frequency of root surface caries was observed in elderly participants (P < 0.001, OR = 3.80) and ethnic minorities (P < 0.001, OR = 1.93). In addition, smokers, nontea drinkers, and those with an annual household income of 10,000 yuan or less tended to have higher caries prevalence. RCI figures for the different tooth types ranged from 1% to 16%, indicating a wide variation in attack rates. In conclusion, our study suggests that root surface caries occurrence is high among the Chinese adult population, especially older adults. With an increasing number of retained teeth in both middle-aged and elderly people, root caries is a growing disease in the People's Republic of China which deserves more attention in future research.

Assessment of two standards for diagnosis of dental caries in epidemiological survey

To investigate the difference between the results of using two standards(CPI and No.5 sharp probes) in the diagnosis of clinical dental caries during epidemiological survey. The CPI and No. 5 sharp probes were used respectively for the diagnosis of clinical dental caries in the same group of children aged 12 by the two examiners. This group of children were reexamined after 14 days to compare the consistency and the rate of coincidence of the location of teeth and caries average and the prevalence rate of dental caries diagnosed by the two kinds of probes. The difference between the location of teeth with caries examined by the two different standards respectively by the same examiner was not statistically significant. The difference between caries average and the prevalence rate of dental caries examined with the two different standards respectively by the same examiner was also not statistically significant. The difference between the outcomes of the crossover comparison by the two examiners showed no statistical significance. There was no significant difference between the two diagnostic standards for caries. The outcomes of the diagnosis based on both standards shows a similarity. CPI could replace No. 5 sharp probes due to its convenience in large scale of oral health survey.

Dental caries pattern of first and second permanent molars and treatment needs among adolescents in Lagos

Objective: The study was carried out to assess the dental caries pattern of first and second permanent molars and treatment needs among adolescent Nigerians in Lagos. Method: Examinations for dental caries and treatment needs in accordance with the criteria of the World Health Organization Basic Methods for oral health surveys were carried out among six hundred 11-16 year-old urban Nigerians (307 boys and 293 girls) from six schools in Lagos. Results: A low caries prevalence rate and severity was found in this study. Only 421(2.5%) teeth were carious in 143(23.8%) subjects. First permanent molars had the highest caries prevalence rate (9.3%), followed by second permanent molars (7.8%), while premolars (0.13%), incisors (0.08%) and canines (0%) had the lowest rates. Pit and fissure caries on occlusal surfaces was the most prevalent lesion as evidenced by the fact that one-surface filling was the commonest restoration need among the subjects. Caries prevalence rate was higher in the lower jaw than upper jaw but similar on left and right sides of each jaw. Conclusion: There was a higher caries prevalence rate in the first permanent molars compared to the second permanent molars in this study contrary to previous Nigerian studies. This suggests a change in lifestyle and diet towards consumption of sugars at an earlier age when these teeth are still very susceptible to caries. Keywords: Caries pattern, permanent molars, urban adolescentsNigerian Dental Journal Vol. 15 (2) 2007: pp. 78-82

Development of a Theoretical Screening Tool to Assess Caries Risk in Nevada Youth

One objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of caries among Nevada youth, subsequently comparing these data with national statistics. A second objective was to identify the risk factors associated with caries prevalence and severity in order to develop and tailor a theoretical screening tool for this cohort for future validation. Researchers computed the prevalence rates of dental caries (D-score) and severity rates of decayed, missing, and filled teeth indices in a cohort of 9202 students, 13 to 18 years of age, attending public/private schools in the 2005/2006 academic year. Multiple regression established which of the 13 variables significantly contributed to caries risk, subsequently using logistic regression to ascertain the weight of contribution and odds ratios of significant variables. Living in counties with no municipal water fluoridation, increased exposure to environmental smoke, minority race, living in rural communities, and increasing age were the largest significant contributors (respectively). Exposure to tobacco, being female, lack of dental insurance, increased body mass index risk, and lack of dental sealants were also significant, but to a lesser extent. Nonsignificant factors included socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and family history of diabetes. This study confirmed high caries prevalence and severity and identified significant risk factors for inclusion in a theoretical risk screening tool for future validation and translation for use in the early detection of caries risk in Nevada youth.

Caries prevalence in 2-year-old children in the city of Zurich.

To establish caries prevalence in 2-year-olds in the city of Zurich; and to investigate the relationship between caries prevalence and dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices in native children and children with immigrant background. 1,000 randomly selected 2-year-olds were invited to participate in a clinical examination, at which parents were interviewed about the child's oral hygiene and dietary habits. Caries diagnosis was based on visual inspection of all tooth surfaces and included both initial (d1) and cavitated (d2) lesions. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions for two subgroups of children (children of Swiss and foreign-born mothers) were performed in order to assess the association between predictor variables and caries. 771 children were examined (participation rate 78%; mean age 2.4 years (age range 2.06-2.90 years)). Although the majority (94%) was born in Switzerland, 61% of children had immigrant backgrounds (mother not born in Switzerland). Cavitated teeth (d2mft) were observed in 12.6% of children (95% CI: 10.4-15.1%). Caries including initial lesions (dl2mft) affected 25.3% of children (95% CI: 22.4-28.5%). There were 34 (4.4%) children with severe caries (all maxillary incisors cavitated). For children with caries, the mean d2mft was 4.3 (+/- 2.8). Children with foreign-born mothers (mothers not born in Switzerland) exhibited a significantly higher caries prevalence than those with Swiss-born mothers (17.4% versus 5.0% with d2mft > 0). Children with foreign-born mothers exhibited significantly higher caries prevalence rates than those with Swiss-born mothers. Poor oral hygiene and night-time bottle use were identified as risk indicators for caries in all children. Further risk indicators identified in children of foreign-born mothers were a preference for sugar-containing non-milk drinks, no pacifier use, child's age and male gender.

Heritability estimates for dental caries and sucrose sweetness preference

The aim of this study was to determine heritability estimates for dental caries traits and sucrose sweetness preference. Participants included 115 pairs of twins 4-7-years-old. Caries exams followed NIDCR criteria where the severity of the lesion was also determined. Twins ranked their preference for five concentrations of sucrose/grape juice solutions (0.15-1.17M) with a Face Scale. Variables submitted to analysis: (1) surface-based caries prevalence rate (SBCPR); (2) lesion severity index (LSI); (3) sucrose sweetness preference score (SSPS). Heritability analyses were performed with the SOLAR software package. Heritability estimates adjusted for age and gender were: SBCPR-h(2)=64.6 (p<.00001), LSI-h(2)=61.7 (p<.00001) and SSPS-h(2)=55.2 (p<.00001). Treating SPSS as a covariate in the SBCPR and LSI models did not alter heritability estimates. These results suggest that variation in dental caries traits and sucrose sweetness preference have a significant genetic contribution that is mediated independently.

Longitudinal Analysis of Heritability for Dental Caries Traits

The role of genetic and environmental factors on dental caries progression in young children was determined. A detailed caries assessment was performed in 2 examinations on 314 pairs of twins initially 1.5 to 8 years old. Surface-based caries prevalence rates (SBCPR) and lesion severity (LSI) were computed. Heritability estimates were calculated by SOLAR software. Analyses were performed on all ages combined and by age group (1.5-< 4; 4-6; > 6). Overall heritability estimates (H) of net increments SBCPRs were H = 30.0 (p < 0.0001), and were greatest for the youngest (H = 30.0) and oldest groups (H = 46.3). Overall LSI heritability estimates [H = 36.1 (p < 0.0001)] were also greatest for the youngest (H = 51.2) and oldest groups (H = 50.6). Similar findings were found for net increments of occlusal surfaces and deep dentinal lesions SBCPRs (H = 46.4-56.2). These findings are consistent with a significant genetic contribution to dental caries progression and severity in both emerging primary and permanent dentitions.

A study on the epidemiology of permanent tooth caries in juvenile group in Anhui province

To survey the prevalence of dental caries and the needs for dental treatment in Anhui province. The survey of prevalence of dental caries in group aged 12 and 15 years in Anhui province was conducted using the non-proportional, stratified, cluster sampling method. DMFT in 12-year and 15-year group was 0.58 and 0.95 respectively, and permanent tooth caries prevalence rate was 30.78% and 39.78% respectively, lower than that of same age of other 11 provinces in mainland China (P < 0.01). The constituent ratio of DMFT was 90.51% (D), 2.48% (M), 7.01% (F) in 12-year group and 86.78% (D), 4.30% (M), 8.92% (F) in 15-year group. When we controlled dental caries in 19.98% 12-years crowd and 22.8% 15-years crowd of Anhui province, we will had controlled the occurrence of 80% caries too in group aged 12 and 15 years.

Dental Caries and Microbial Acid Production in Twins

Objective: To determine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental stimuli on dental caries traits and microbial acid production in a twin model. Methods: Dental caries examinations and microbial acid production assays were performed on 388 pairs of twins 1.5–8 years old from the city of Montes Claros, Brazil. Genotyping 8 polymorphic DNA markers determined zygosity. Caries exams followed NIDCR criteria modified to distinguish white spot lesions from cavitated lesions. Surface-based caries prevalence rates (SBCPR) were computed and lesion severity was determined by a weighted index (LSI). Biofilm samples were collected from the tongue using a lactic acid indicator swab. Assay scores were categorized based on acid formation as 1 = low, 2 = medium, and 3 = high. Heritability analyses were performed using the SOLAR software package. Results: Heritability estimates for SBCPRs, LSI and for microbial acid production were H = 76.3 (p < 0.001), H = 70.6 (p < 0.001), H = 16.2 (p = 0.0078), respectively. Treating microbial acid production as a covariate in the SBCPR and LSI models did not significantly alter the heritability estimates, i.e. H = 76.5 (p < 0.001) and H = 70.8 (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that variation in dental caries surface traits has a significant genetic contribution and that microbial acid production is modulated by the environment.

Level of caries activity and an estimate in the increase of permanent teeth caries: a three-year follow up study in preschool senior children

The aim of this study was to examine relationships between the level of caries activity in preschool senior children and the increase of dental caries 3 years after the permanent teeth erupted. A total of 1133 preschool senior children aged 5–6 years were examined yearly during 3-year duration. A Caries Activity Test (Cariostat Test) was used at the first examination of this study. The results were as follows; 1. The caries prevalence rate of the subjects was 84.1% and the mean dft was 5.89 at the first examination. 2. There was a significant relationship between the CAT score and dft at the first examination ( P < 0.001). 3. The subjects were divided into 3 risk groups by CAT score: low-risk group (20.4%), middle-risk group (43.3%) and high-risk group (36.3%). 4. Increments of DFT from 1 year to 3 years after the permanent tooth erupted for the high-risk group were more than twice for those of the low-risk group ( P < 0.001). The prevalence of the permanent tooth decay for the high-risk group was also higher than that of the low-risk group ( P < 0.001). The results showed that the usage of the CAT Test for preschool senior children was useful to predict increase in permanent teeth caries over 3-year duration.

Dental caries experience in children at public and private schools from a city with fluoridated water

The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between type of school as a measure of socioeconomic conditions and caries prevalence among preschoolers and schoolchildren in Rio Claro, São Paulo State, Brazil, a city with fluoridated water supply. The data were secondary, from a sample of 888 children 5 to 12 years old enrolled in private and public schools. Caries was measured by the dmft and DMFT indices as well as the Care index. Qui-square and Mann-Whitney tests were utilized with 5% significance. In 5-year-old children, mean dmft was 2.50, and 42.20% were caries-free. At age 12, mean DMFT was 2.70 and 28.90% were caries-free. Caries prevalence rates in public schoolchildren as compared to private were 74.50% and 61.20%, respectively (p < 0.0001), and the dmft and DMFT scores were the highest in public schoolchildren (p < 0.05). The Care Index was higher in private schoolchildren (71.20%) as compared to public (52.80%). Highest caries rates were found among public schoolchildren, so the variable type of school proved sensitive for discriminating different oral health conditions; however limitations need to be recognized, suggesting that other variables should be assessed.

The relationship between healthful eating practices and dental caries in children aged 2–5 years in the United States, 1988–1994

As a result of the introduction of multiple fluoride vehicles and other preventive agents, caries prevalence rates in young children have been declining over the past two decades in the United States. However, changing dietary patterns in young children may offset some of the oral health benefits of fluoridation. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between caries in primary teeth and healthful eating practices in young children. The authors used data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate the relationship between healthful eating practices (such as breast-feeding, eating breakfast and consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables a day) and dental caries (untreated tooth decay and overall caries experience) in the primary dentition among children aged 2 through 5 years. The odds of experiencing caries in primary teeth were significantly greater in nonpoor children who did not eat breakfast daily or ate fewer than five servings of fruit and vegetables per day (odds ratio, or OR = 3.77; 95 percent confidence interval, or CI, 1.80 to 7.89 and OR = 3.21; 95 percent CI, 1.74 to 5.95, respectively). No association was found between breast-feeding and caries in primary teeth. Young children with poor eating habits are more likely to experience caries. Overall, the findings support the notion that dental health education should encourage parents, primary caregivers and policy-makers to promote healthful eating practices, such as eating breakfast daily, for young children. Dental professionals are well-positioned to inform parents and caregivers regarding age-appropriate healthful eating practices for young children entrusted in their care.

Dental caries among schoolchildren: report of a health education campaign in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The study describes a dental health education campaign and reports the epidemiology and prevalence rates of dental caries among male and female primary-school children in Jeddah. Over a 2-year period, all 296 public primary schools in Jeddah were visited by dentists conducting a health education campaign. A total of 82,250 children in the first and fourth grades were screened. The rate of detected dental caries was 83%, with significantly higher rates detected among females and first-grade children. Lower social class was significantly associated with higher rates of dental caries. The study emphasizes the importance of health education programmes and the value of school health surveys for targeting this young group.

Dental treatment and oral health care on Tokashiki Island, Okinawa

Okinawa Prefecture has been promoting dental treatment and oral health care in places where there are no dentists. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has been cooperating with eight dental colleges, including Tokyo Medical and Dental University, for promotion thereof since 1961. The 155th promotion was held on Tokashiki Island. The caries prevalence rate of the students on Tokashiki Island was relatively high compared with the average caries prevalence rate of the same age group throughout Japan, and most of the caries were thought to be due to too many soft drinks. Resin filling was the most popular treatment during this promotion. Severe periodontal disease was observed in middle-aged persons, but we could only perform initial periodontal treatment because of the limited treatment period. Complete or partial dentures were made or repaired for many elderly. The questionnaire study showed most of the denture wearers on Tokashiki Island were satisfied with their dentures, although many dentures did not fit, and the prescription was improved. The period of this promotion was too short to perform complete dental treatment and to prevent caries and periodontal disease, and primary prevention and higher dental hygiene education should be strengthened in no dentist areas like Tokashiki Island.

Relationship of microbial and salivary parameters with dental caries in Brazilian pre-school children.

Caries examination and collection of paraffin wax-stimulated saliva samples were performed in 37 children, 3-6 years old, in a child-care facility at the Vidigal slum, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva were estimated by the Cariescreen and by the Dentocult tests and the saliva secretion rate was determined. Statistical analysis was performed on surface-based and patient-based caries prevalence rates (SBCPR and PBCPR), and related to bacterial and salivary parameters. The results show that 31 of the 37 children were caries active. The SBCPR for the primary dentition was 6.7% +/- 1.0%. Occlusal surfaces were the most affected by decay. Regression analysis revealed that mutans streptococci salivary levels were significantly associated with the SBCPR (P = 0.0001). Similarly, lactobacilli salivary levels were significantly associated with the SBCPR (P = 0.0001). No significant association could be found between the saliva secretion rate and the SBCPR. When regression analysis was used to model dependence of the SBCPR on both organisms, the mutans streptococci and lactobacilli salivary levels were significantly associated with the SBCPRs (P = 0.0021 and 0.0118, respectively), and salivary levels of these organisms accounted for 57% of the SBCPR variability. These findings indicate that the levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva are significantly related to the SBCPRs on the primary dentition of these children.

３歳児歯科健康診査成績の時系列解析 ５． 岩手県６２市町村の歯科保健水準と地域特性の関連性

The geographic distribution of caries prevalence rate among 3-year-old children in Iwate prefecture was determined according to political divisions in computing the annual statistical data for 1987. High caries prevalent areas were concentrated in the mountainous regions or the northern part of Iwate prefecture. The relations between these geographic differences in caries prevalence and community characteristics were studied by factor analysis. Three common factors (Factors I, II and III) were selected from a total of 20 community, socio-economical, cultural, and health indices of 62 municipal areas and these were characterized as “industry”, “population” and “medical service, ” respectively. The structural analysis of each municipal community using factor scores corresponding to Factor I or II revealed that the 62 municipal areas in Iwate prefecture could be classified into “urban” and “rural” areas, and the low caries prevalence rate among 3-year-olds was a dominant characteristic of the urban communities. In contrast, rural communities had high caries prevalence, but the low caries prevalent areas were not always coincident with the urban areas.

Five‐year follow‐up caries study among Nigerian children

Eighty-five children (age in 1981, 3-9 yr) examined in the 1981 survey in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, were seen again in 1986. In addition cross-sectional caries data in a small sample of 6-14-yr-olds were compared with data obtained in 1986. Results show that caries prevalence rate and the average number of DMFT increased slightly in the urban area, but was still very low. Both caries prevalence and the average number of DMFT decreased in rural areas because attrition proceeded faster than did caries.

３歳児歯科健康診査成績の時系列解析 ４． ３歳児歯科保健水準の時系列変化と社会変動の関連性

We used factor analysis to study the relation between regional difference in dental caries prevalence rate among Japanese 3-year-olds and 31 prefectural socioeconomical indices such as population, industry, culture and health.In 1975, 1980 and 1985, five common factors clearly represented the prefectural socioeconomical indices and were closely related to the community characteristics. 47 prefectures were divided into three areas such as “rural”, “urban-rural” and “urban” by means of cluster analysis based on factor scores.The most significant factors characterizing urban and rural areas were population and industrial structures during the decade from 1975 to 1985, when gravitaion of the population toward cities and aging of the rural population occurred. In parallel with the increase in difference between urban and rural areas, urban-rural prefectures around big cities have been gradually urbanized. Urban areas, however, had little change and the caries prevalence rate among 3-year-olds was constantly low. On the other hand, constant higher caries prevalence rate in rural areas has been observed.The present investigation indicates that recent declining trends in caries prevalence among 3-year-old Japanese children could due to the decrease of caries prevalence in “urban-rural”prefectures where the social structure was remarkably changed.