Caries-related Factors Research Articles

Quantitative Analysis of Bifidobacterium and Scardovia wiggsiae in Dental Plaque from Children in Northern Thailand and Their Association with Caries Factors

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study were to measurably detect Bifidobacterium and Scardovia wiggsiae in plaque from severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) and caries-free children and to analyze the interrelation between these bacteria and clinical caries presentation and caries-related factors assessed by questionnaire. Materials and Methods One-hundred forty supra gingiva plaque samples from children aged between 2 and 5 years were used in this study. There were 70 children in each group. Recorded plaque index, modified gingival index, and decay, missing, and filled tooth (dmft) scores. Parents' attitudes, child's oral hygiene, and diet were assessed by questionnaire. DNA was extracted from plaque samples and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using fluorescent dye was performed. Results Plaque (p < 0.001) and modified gingival indices (p < 0.001) in the S-ECC group were higher than in the caries-free group. Prevalence of Bifidobacterium (p = 0.004) and S. wiggsiae (p < 0.001) in the S-ECC group was higher than in the caries-free group. The numbers of total bacteria (p = 0.003), Bifidobacterium (p < 0.001), and proportion of Bifidobacterium to total bacteria (p < 0.001) were higher in the S-ECC group. Detections of both bacteria, Bifidobacterium + S. wiggsiae (p < 0.001), were higher in the S-ECC group than in the caries-free group. In the S-ECC group, dmft scores (p < 0.001; p = 0.024) and the modified gingiva index (p = 0.004; p = 0.002) were higher in the presence of Bifidobacterium and S. wiggsiae, respectively. In the S-ECC group, the dmft scores (p = 0.005) and modified gingiva index (p = 0.004) were higher in the presence of both Bifidobacterium + S. wiggsiae. There were positive correlations between the Bifidobacterium level (p = 0.003), the proportion of Bifidobacterium to total bacteria (p = 0.017), and S-ECC. The level of Bifidobacterium (p < 0.001) and ratio of Bifidobacterium to total bacteria (p < 0.001) were correlated with the dmft score and modified gingival index in the S-ECC group. From the questionnaire, S-ECC were associated with major caregiver (p = 0.002), parent education levels (p = 0.02), prolonged bottle-feeding (>18 months) (p = 0.015), night-time feeding (p < 0.001), eating cariogenic snacks (p = 0.019), and frequency of dental visits (p = 0.003). Conclusions Levels of total bacteria, Bifidobacterium, S. wiggsiae and plaque, and the modified gingival indices were higher in the S-ECC group. Factors associated with S-ECC included the major caregiver, parent education levels, feeding patterns, cariogenic snacks consumption, and frequency of dental visits.

Principal component analysis of dental caries related factors among 3- to 5-year-old children in Urumqi City

Principal component analysis of dental caries related factors among 3- to 5-year-old children in Urumqi City

Dental caries status and its associated factors among schoolchildren aged 6–8 years in Hangzhou, China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDental caries prevalence reaches the first peak around 6 years old. It is necessary to take effective measures to prevent and treat caries at this stage. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries among schoolchildren aged 6–8 years in Hangzhou City, China.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hangzhou from October 2017 to May 2018. Oral health status of schoolchildren in 1st and 2nd grades of primary schools aged 6–8 years was examined by well-trained examiners according to the WHO criteria. Questionnaires about potential caries-related factors were distributed to their parents. ANOVA test and logistic regression were conducted for the statistical analyses (α = 0.05).ResultsA total of 7959 pairs of schoolchildren and their parents were invited to participate, and 5595 were included in this study according to the eligible criteria (response rate: 70.3%). The overall prevalence and mean dmft/DMFT of dental caries in the investigated schoolchildren were 52.78% and 2.11. The prevalence and mean dmft/DMFT were 39.05% and 1.63 in the deciduous teeth, while these were 21.45% and 0.48 in the permanent teeth, respectively. For the first permanent molars (FPMs), the rate of fully eruption and pit and fissure sealing (PFS) were 79.09% and 6.60%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression showed that girl (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.25, p < 0.05), seldom or never brush teeth (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.08–5.44, p < 0.05), consuming sweet food or drink once or more time a day (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.00–1.29, p < 0.05; OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.07–1.36, p < 0.05), dental visit experiences (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.35–1.86, p < 0.001) were positively and no tooth pain in the past 12 months (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.38–0.80, p < 0.05) were negatively associated with caries.ConclusionsDental caries was prevalent among schoolchildren aged 6–8 years in Hangzhou, and was associated with gender, frequency of toothbrushing, sweet food or drink consuming, tooth pain and dental visit experiences. A large number of fully erupted FPMs did not receive timely PFS.

Early childhood caries prevalence and associated factors among preschoolers aged 3-5 years in Xiangyun, China: A cross-sectional study.

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the early childhood caries (ECC) prevalence among preschoolers aged 3-5 years in Xiangyun of Yunnan, China and explore the factors associated with the prevalence.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional survey including 3-5-year-old children was conducted in Xiangyun County, China, between September and November 2020. According to the dental examination standard of the WHO 2013 criteria, the presence of ECC was recorded. Besides the dental examination for children, their parents completed questionnaires about caries-related factors, including demographic variables, family socioeconomic status, feeding, and oral health-related habits, parental dental knowledge, and the condition of dental service utilization. SPSS Statistics 25.0 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe ECC prevalence among a sample of 1,280 children aged 3–5 years consisting of 665 boys and 615 girls in this study, was 74.3%, and the mean decayed-missing-filled teeth (dmft) was 4.9 ± 5.0. There were no statistically significant differences in the ECC prevalence between the sexes and among different ethnic groups. Children with different dietary and oral hygiene habits showed no significantly different prevalence of ECC. Logistic regression analysis showed that the most significantly associated factors were older age, lower family income, and worse parental perception of children's oral health status.ConclusionThe ECC prevalence among 3–5-year-old preschool children in Xiangyun was higher than the average national ECC prevalence in China. This study implies that more attention should be given to children's caries prevention from early childhood; oral health education and promotion should be intensified to reduce the ECC prevalence and improve the oral health status of children in Xiangyun.

Association between Bifidobacterium and Scardovia Wiggsiae and caries-related factors in severe early childhood caries and caries-free Thai children: a quantitative real-time PCR analysis and a questionnaire cross-sectional study.

To quantitatively identify Bifidobacterium, S. wiggsiae and S. mutans in plaque samples obtained from children with severe-ECC and caries-free groups and to analyze their association with caries-related factors retrieved from the questionnaire in each group. To establish the 2 study groups, clinical examination in 122 Thai children, aged 2-5years, recorded decayed, missing and filled teeth scores (dmft), in addition to plaque and gingival indices. Sixty one children in the caries-free group and 61 in the S-ECC group were identified. A questionnaire was used to assess the parent's attitudes and behavior regarding the child's oral hygiene care and diet. Pooled overnight supra gingival plaque was collected from each child using a sterile toothpick, released in 1ml of TE buffer, transported on ice to the Laboratory and stored at - 20°C. DNA was extracted from the plaque based on enzymatic lysis and quantitative real-time PCR using fluorescent dye (SYBR green) in addition to Agarose gel electrophoresis were performed. All laboratory and retrieved from the questionnaire data per child were recorded and statistically analysed. S. wiggsiae (p < 0.005) and S. mutans (p < 0.001) were higher in the S-ECC group. Bifidobacterium, S. mutans, and S. wiggsiae were associated with the dmft score and gingival index (p < 0.001). The dmft scores of children who detected only S. mutans were significantly lower than the dmft scores of children who detected two bacteria; S. mutans + S. wiggsiae (p = 0.028), S. mutans + Bifidobacterium (p = 0.026), and three bacteria; S. mutans + Bifidobacterium + S. wiggsiae (p = 0.007). Children who found all three bacteria (Bi + Sm + Sw) had the highest dmft scores, followed by children who had two bacteria (Bi + Sw, or Bi + Sm, or Sw + Sm). The guardians' education levels, occupations, household income, prolonged bottle feeding, taking of water after bottle or breast feeding, eating sugar-coated crackers or bread with sweetened cream, and premature birth were the factors that related to S-ECC. Levels of S. wiggsiae and S. mutans, guardian's education, family economics, prolonged bottle feeding, eating high sugar-containing snacks and premature birth were associated with S-ECC.

Enamel resistance, properties of oral fluid and the concentration of 25-нydroxycalciferol in blood serum in children with celiac disease

Aim to study the properties of oral fluid and the concentration of 25-hydroxycalciferol in the blood serum of children with celiac disease due to their great theoretical and practical importance in assessing the resistance of teeth to caries for early diagnosis and choice of adequate preventive measures.&#x0D; Material and methods. The study involved 98 children aged 6 to 12 years. In all participants, the following caries-related factors were assessed: oral fluid pH, concentration of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity, kinematic viscosity of the oral fluid and salivation rate, remineralizing potential of saliva, intensity of caries, oral hygiene index, concentration of 25-hydroxycalciferol in blood serum.&#x0D; Results. A survey of 98 children aged 6 to 12 years showed a high risk for oral diseases in children with a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease. The main risk factors are: high titer of Streptococcus mutans in the oral fluid, high kinematic viscosity, low salivation rate, acidic pH level of the oral fluid.&#x0D; Conclusion. The study showed that children with celiac disease who do not follow a diet have a low concentration of 25-hydroxycalciferol in the blood serum, probably, as the result of the specific vitamin absorption, which, in turn, reduces the remineralizing potential of saliva and the resistance of hard dental tissues to caries.

Dental Caries and Associated Factors in 3-5-Year-Old Children in Guizhou Province, China: An Epidemiological Survey (2015-2016).

Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors influencing dental caries among 3–5-year-old children in Guizhou Province and the interrelationship between these factors using structural equation modeling, while providing theoretical references to improve the prevention and control strategy.Materials and Methods: A total of 1,291 children aged 3–5 years in Guizhou Province were selected by a multistage stratified and whole group random sampling to examine the caries prevalence in whole-mouth deciduous teeth crowns, and parents were surveyed with questionnaires to analyze the caries-related factors. IBM SPSS Statistics v 23.0 software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis.Results: The caries prevalence of children aged 3–5 years in Guizhou Province was 63.1%, the mean decayed-missing-filled teeth was 3.32, the caries filling rate was 0.5%, and there was no statistically significant difference between urban and rural areas and among genders in each age group; results of logistic regression analysis showed that the caries risk increased with the following factors: age, brushing frequency <2 times per day when parents did not take their children to the dentist, and with parents poor evaluation of the oral condition of their children. The higher the education of the parent, the lower the risk of children suffering from caries in deciduous teeth.Conclusions: With an overall poor situation about oral hygiene habits, oral healthcare attitude of the parents, and behavior transformation, the prevalence of dental caries in the deciduous teeth of children aged 3–5 years in Guizhou Province is high, and their caries status was severe, with more than 99% of the caries cases that were untreated. Therefore, prevention and treatment measures of caries in preschool children need strengthening through the improvement of public awareness and the enhancement of the management of oral health habits of their children.

Factors Affecting Future Caries Occurrence Among Preschoolers in Northern Guangdong: A Longitudinal Study.

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the new development of caries among preschoolers in northern Guangdong and to assess caries-related factors to distinguish groups with different caries risk levels.MethodsBaseline data were recorded for participants from September to November 2019, and participants were reexamined from September to November 2020. A longitudinal observation of 11,973 preschoolers was conducted. The simplified debris index (DI-S) and decayed-missing-filled tooth (dmft) index values were obtained for each participant.ResultsFactors associated with whether caries would occur in the future and one-year increase in dmft (Δdmft) included baseline dmft, baseline DI-S, and baseline age. The risk ratio (RR) of caries occurrence and the number of teeth with new-onset caries were 4.482 (95% confidence interval, 4.056–4.957) and 2.945 (2.742–3.165) in the participants with baseline dmft ≥3, which were higher than those with baseline dmft =1 or 2. In the baseline caries-free group, whether caries would occur in the future was related to the baseline DI-S (95% confidence interval, 0.022–0.062). The caries incidence of maxillary central incisors (27.9%) was the highest among teeth of preschoolers without caries at baseline, whereas the caries incidence of mandibular first deciduous molars (42.7%) was the highest among teeth of preschoolers with caries at baseline.ConclusionBaseline dmft is a good predictor of future caries. Children with baseline caries-free status, baseline dmft >0, and baseline dmft ≥3 should be treated with preventive interventions of different intensities and frequencies. The occurrence of future caries in baseline caries-free participants is related to oral hygiene status. Measures to prevent caries on smooth surfaces, such as topical fluoridation, should be applied to all preschoolers. Preschoolers with caries at baseline may be given priority for pit and fissure sealing.

Oral Health, Caries Risk Profiles, and Oral Microbiome of Pediatric Patients with Leukemia Submitted to Chemotherapy.

Background Chemotherapy is the primary treatment modality used for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but inevitably causes microbiota-related oral complications. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of chemotherapy on oral health status, caries risk, and oral microbiome in pediatric patients with ALL. Methods Thirty-nine children with ALL receiving chemotherapy were enrolled, and a gender-, age-, dentition stage, and socioeconomic class matched healthy counterpart were recruited. Demographic information and overall health condition were obtained through the questionnaire and medical records. Oral examination was performed to assess caries and salivary status, plaque index, and other oral manifestations. Cariogram was used to assess the overall caries risk. Supragingival samples of thirteen ALL subjects and their counterparts were randomly selected to perform a 16S ribosomal RNA gene 454 pyrosequencing. Raw sequence data were screened, trimmed, and filtered using Seqcln and MOTHUR. Results The prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis, oral mucositis, xerostomia, and candidiasis in ALL groups was higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Children with ALL demonstrated higher caries risk compared to healthy controls (HC) based upon Cariogram (p < 0.05). The oral microbial structure of ALL patients receiving chemotherapy is different from that of healthy controls. Oral microbiota of ALL groups showed less alpha diversity and significant differences in the composition of the oral microbiome compared to healthy controls. Conclusions ALL patients receiving chemotherapy demonstrated compromised oral health, high caries risk, alteration of caries-related factors, and dysbiosis of oral microbiota. These findings may be of clinical importance in developing better strategies for personalized preventive management of oral diseases for pediatric children with ALL.

To assess the correlation between caries prevalence and caries related factors in 6-12 year old children in various districts of Uttarakhand

Introduction: The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of dental caries in 6–12 years old school going children in various districts of Uttarakhand including those visiting the OPD of the Department of Pedodontics and to correlate the caries status of the study population with the caries related factors. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a sample size of approximately 1200 school going children (both males and females) aged 6-12 years. Oral examination of the children was performed and data was recorded with the help of Questionnaire which contained queries regarding the demographic details, oral hygiene habits, frequency of snacking and visits to the dentist. The findings of the present study were then recorded and analysed statistically. Results and Conclusion: The results of the present epidemiological study revealed that prevalence of dental caries was more in females, more in age group of 11-12 years children. It was noted that the children who did not brush their teeth or brushed once a day had a higher prevalence of caries. It was also seen that caries prevalence was more in children who consumed sweets and candy twice a day and in children who visited the dentist irregularly or had never visited a dentist. Keywords: Dental caries, Prevalence, Dietary habits, Oral hygiene, pH.

Effect of Lactobacillus brevis CD2 containing lozenges and plaque pH and cariogenic bacteria in diabetic children: a randomised clinical trial

ObjectiveThe short-term effect (60 days) of Lactobacillus brevis CD2 lozenges vs placebo on variables related to caries and gingivitis in type 1 diabetic children was evaluated.Material and methodsEight diabetics (4–14 years old) were assigned to two groups (n = 34 subjects each), probiotic lozenges and placebo. Stimulated saliva for microbiological analysis and plaque pH were assessed at baseline (t0), 30 days (t1), 60 days (t2) and in the follow-up period (90 days from baseline, t3). Gingival status was assessed at t0, t2 and t3. Two-way ANOVA assessed differences between groups.ResultsIn the probiotic group, Streptococcus mutans bacterial density mean scores dropped from 3.11 ± 1.13 at baseline to 1.82 ± 0.72 (t2) and to 2.06 ± 0.56 (t3), while in the placebo group, the scores were 3.09 ± 0.8 (t0), 2.82 ± 0.47 (t2) and 3.11 ± 0.43 (t3) (p < 0.01). Lowest and maximum pH fall increased in the probiotic group, from 5.37 ± 0.41 at baseline to 5.49 ± 0.24 at t3 (p < 0.01) and from 1.20 ± 0.46 to 0.98 ± 0.29 (p = 0.02). Bleeding score decreased significantly in both groups, showing a statistically significant lower bleeding score at t2 in the probiotic group (25.6%, 95% CI 21.5–32.7 vs 29.5%, 95% CI 25.2–34.9, p = 0.02).ConclusionsLactobacillus brevis CD2 has shown to improve caries-related risk factors and gingival health in diabetic children.Clinical relevanceLactobacillus brevis CD2 might contribute to improved oral health in type 1 diabetic children.

Association between asthma and caries-related salivary factors: a meta-analysis

Objectives This meta-analysis aimed to examine the comprehensive conclusive evidence of association between asthma and caries-related salivary factors including salivary pH (SpH), salivary flow rate (SFR), salivary buffer capacity (SBC), and other salivary components. Methods Electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Open Gray databases) were searched for relevant studies. After screening, studies were selected and data were collected from each study. The risk of bias in individual studies and across studies was evaluated. Mean differences (MD) were used to measure the effect estimates in the comparisons of SFR, SpH, SBC, and other salivary components. Additional analyses, namely sensitivity, subgroup, and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation analyses, were also conducted. Results Eighteen and fourteen studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis, respectively. Significantly higher SFR (MD = −0.3, 95% CI [−0.39, −0.2], p < 0.001) and SpH (MD = −0.25, 95% CI [−0.45, −0.05], p = 0.01) were found in the reference group compared to the group with asthma. A significant difference in SBC was found only for unstimulated saliva (MD = −0.20, 95% CI [−0.24, −0.15], p < 0.001). No significant associations were found between asthma and other salivary components (p > 0.05). Conclusions Notwithstanding the limitations of this study, the evidence showed that SFR whether stimulated or unstimulated was significantly reduced in asthma patients. SBC and SpH were significantly reduced in asthma patients only when saliva was unstimulated. No evidence was found regarding the association between asthma and other salivary components.

The status and associated factors of early childhood caries among 3- to 5-year-old children in Guangdong, Southern China: a provincial cross-sectional survey

BackgroundDental caries of deciduous teeth (Early Childhood Caries, ECC) has become a crucial oral health problem over the decades in China. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and severity of ECC among preschool children from Guangdong Province, Southern China. In addition, to assess the association of ECC with reported oral health-related behaviors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 2592 participants was carried out in Guangdong Province by means of an equal-sized, stratified, multistage random sampling method during December 2015 and April 2016. The participants were divided into three groups according to their ages (3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds). Half of the participants were derived from urban areas, while the other from rural areas. According to the standard for clinical dentition examination of the WHO 2013 criteria, the presence of ECC was determined by the dmft (decayed-missing-filled tooth) index using a CPI (Community Periodontal Index) probe. A questionnaire about caries-related factors was completed by each of the participants’ parents or grandparents through a face-to-face and one-on-one interview. Then, t-test, Chi2 tests, One-Way ANOVA served for statistical analysis, and logistic regression analysis as well as covariance analysis were executed to identify potential associated factors for ECC.ResultsThe prevalence (% dmft > 0) of ECC was 68.3 (95% CI: 66.5–70.1), the mean dmft was 4.36 (95% CI: 4.17–4.55), and the filled rate was 1.2%. In multivariable modeling, associated factors for both prevalence and mean dmft were older age, rural areas, consumption of sweets before sleep, dental visit history, low household income, and low parental education level. Initiating toothbrushing after 3 years of age and being exclusively/ predominantly breastfed indicated only the prevalence; being female and frequently consuming sweetened milk/powdered milk indicated only the mean dmft.ConclusionsPreschool children in Guangdong Province, especially children from rural areas, experienced a significant amount of ECC. Associated factors for ECC included demographics, oral health measures, dietary factors, and socioeconomic factors. More attention should be given to prevention of ECC from early life. The construction of social support for oral health should be strengthened. Oral health education and promotion, especially of rural areas, should be intensified to reduce the inequality between urban and rural areas.

Factors Associated with Early Childhood Caries in Polish Three-Year-Old Children.

To assess the prevalence and associated factors with early childhood caries (ECC) in a Polish population. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 656 three-year-old preschool children of both sexes. Data were collected through oral examination of the children and a questionnaire self-reported by their parents. The questionnaire contained information on sociodemographic aspects, feeding and oral hygiene practices, dental care utilisation and dental health knowledge. Associations between ECC and caries-related factors were analysed with use of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression and Mann-Whitney U test. ECC was diagnosed in 64.0% children from the rural area and 46.6% from the urban one, more often in boys (57.7%) compared to girls (49.5%) and S-ECC in 37.1%, 24.2%, 31.5% and 27.5%, respectively. The associations between caries experience and living in a rural area, male sex, education level and oral health-related knowledge of a parent, tooth brushing frequency, nocturnal bottle-feeding and feeding with sweet beverages at the age over 12 months, consumption of sweetened within the first 2 years of age and drinking of sweet beverages once a week at bivariate level were found. In the final model of the logistic multivariate regression analysis, seven variables were associated with ECC experience. They revealed the probability in decreasing order: living in a rural area (odds ratios (OR) = 1.90); feeding the child during the first 2 years with sweetened food (OR = 1.77); nocturnal drinking of sweet beverages by the >12-month-old child (OR = 1.73); education level of parent (OR = 1.53); gender - male (OR = 1.48); nocturnal bottle-feeding of the over-12-month child (OR = 1.44); and frequency of tooth brushing (OR = 1.41). The most prominent risk factors for ECC were living in a rural area, consumption of sweetened foods within the first 2 years of age and nocturnal drinking of sweet beverages by the over 12-month-old child.

Evaluation of Some Caries-Related Factors in the Saliva of 3-5 Year Old Children in Sari, Northern Iran

Background: Dental caries is one of the most common oral diseases in pre-school children. Several factors can affect caries process. Aim of this study was comparison of some of the chemical properties of saliva such as total antioxidant capacity, total protein, pH, nitric oxide level in caries free (CF), and caries active (CA) children. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional based study was designed with random selection of 80 healthy population including 40 CF and 40 CA children (3-5 years old) from several public kindergartens in Sari, Iranin 2019. Caries status was assessed using DMFT (Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth) index according to WHO criteria. Un-stimulated saliva samples were collected from children in the morning. Then, several caries-related factors including total antioxidant capacity, nitric oxide, total protein concentration and pH were assessed in saliva samples. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. Results: Significant higher total antioxidant capacity and total protein concentration were observed in the saliva of CA than in the CF children. On the other hand, nitric oxide level was markedly lower in CA samples. In addition, a decrease in pH of saliva was observed in CA children. Conclusion Based on the results, increase in the total antioxidant capacity and total protein as well as decrease in nitric oxide levels in the saliva of CA children can be considered as valuable evidence of dental caries occurrence among children.

Investigation of differences in caries-related factors between 2-3 years old and 4-5 years old children by analysis of first visit patients

Investigation of differences in caries-related factors between 2-3 years old and 4-5 years old children by analysis of first visit patients

Effect of a Daily Dose of Snacks Containing Maltitol or Stevia rebaudiana as Sweeteners in High Caries Risk Schoolchildren. A Double-blind RCT Study.

To evaluate the effect of sugar-free snacks on caries-related factors in 6- to 9-year-old schoolchildren. Two hundred seventy-one children at risk for caries as measured through the Cariogram were randomly assigned to three groups consuming twice-daily snacks containing Stevia, maltitol or sugar for 42 days. Parents filled out a standardised questionnaire regarding personal, medical and oral behavioural information. Bleeding on probing, plaque pH and salivary mutans streptococchi (MS) and lactobacilli (LB) were assessed at baseline (t0), 42 days of snack use (t1) and 120 days after the end of use (t2). The Cariogram calculation was repeated at t1. Treatment effects were estimated using linear mixed-effects regression models. At t2, a decrease in cariogenic bacteria (MS X2 = 8.01, p < 0.01 and LB X2 = 4.60, p = 0.03) and an increase of the minimum pH (F = 4.48, p < 0.01), maximum pH (F = 2.88 p < 0.01) and pH drop (F = 2.95 p < 0.01) was recorded in the Stevia group compared to baseline. In the maltitol group, an improvement effect was noted: LB concentration decreased (p = 0.04) and maximum pH (F = 3.16 p < 0.01) increased. Subjects classified by the Cariogram as have a low probability of developing caries increased in the Stevia and maltitol groups (X2(4) = 25.44, p < 0.01, C*sV = 0.38 and X2(4) = 12.85, p = 0.01, C*sV = 0.27, respectively). Regression analysis underlines the effect of Stevia snacks on the cariogenic microflora, mainly on MS and plaque pH variations. The short-term administration of Stevia or maltitol snacks improves some important factors related to caries. This preventive strategy might be an additional means of combatting this common childhood disease.

Differences in Caries Status and Risk Factors among Privileged and Unprivileged Children in Colombia.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the ICDAS-II caries status and caries-related factors among children from rural and urban schools in Pasto, Colombia.Materials and MethodsThe study included 120 children (4 - 6 year- old children) from rural (privileged) and urban (unprivileged) schools. Caries was evaluated using the ICDAS-II criteria. A survey about the factors related to the presence of caries was applied. Chi-square and Fisher’s tests were used to assess the differences in each study variable between the two groups. A Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the number of teeth, per ICDAS-II category, between the groups. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate the percentage change in the mean number of teeth, per ICDAS-II category, among the rural and urban students.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the rural and urban students for the ICDAS-II 0 and 3-6 categories (p<0.001). The mean number of teeth with moderate-to-severe caries status increased 233% in children from the rural school compared to those attending the urban school (p=0.0). Toothbrushing frequency (p=0.006), cariogenic diet, time elapsed from last dental visit, socioeconomic status, and type of health regime (p<0.001) were among the significant factors related to the rural and urban schools.ConclusionsThis was the first study to compare ICDAS-II caries status between rural and urban students in Colombia. A worse caries status was found in rural students. This study identified the socioeconomic and clinical factors to guide specific interventions for rural children by modifying the available oral health promotion and disease prevention programs.

PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES

Objective: Prevalence of dental caries among patients attended Isra Dental CollegeOPD. Setting/ Methodology: A total of 1037 patients with dental carries were recruited from theoutpatient clinic of the Department of Dentistry Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad. All 1037patients who were affected by Dental caries were included in the analysis. Research period wasfrom January 2013 to December 2013. Local ethical committee approval was obtained before thetrial started from the local research ethical committee, Isra University Hospital and all patientsgave written informed consent. Written information about the study was given to each patientbefore attending the clinic. All participants of the study had undergone careful clinical evaluationincluding a full medical history and clinical examination to confirm the diagnosis of dental caries.Determination of whether the patient fulfils the inclusion / exclusion criteria; written, witnessedinformed consent was obtained and a copy given to the patient. They were assured that they canwithdraw from the study, at any time, without being required to state a reason and this would notaffect their future management. Duration: January to December 2013. Sample Size: Atconfidence level 1 and precision 0.1; calculated sample size was 1037. Study Design: CrossSectional Study. Sampling Technique: Non-Probability Sampling Technique. InclusionCriteria: Patients of ages 11-70 years participated as a study inhabitants were included.Exclusion Criteria: Chronic debilitating disease (carcinoma, tuberculosis and diabetes).Prolong steroid therapy (more than one month). BMI less than 18 (Before gathering informationBMI was computed from several patients by scaling via height and weight scale). Results: Themean age of the participants was 28 years and ranged between 0 and 60 years; the majority of theparticipants were Male, 60% (n=600), while 40% (n=400) were female. The entire population(n=1000) was invited to participate in the quality evaluation of dental restorations in the hospital.However, only those patients who had been willing to participate in the evaluation were included.As mentioned above, a total of 1000 out of 1037 patients had agreed in this specific evaluation. Atooth was recorded as “decayed” if it was presented with deteriorated and discolored conditionor it had a presentably softened floor or created an ecological imbalance in the equilibriumbetween tooth, minerals and oral bio-films (plaque). The result of conducted study depicts thatMean DMFT is higher in males i.e 0.99 and in females its 1. The present study confirmed thefindings comparing to previous studies by stating that DMFT keeps on increasing as the ageincreases. The mean DMFT in age 11-20 is 0.005, 21-40 is 0.003 and 40-60 is 0.001. However, thefindings of the current study cannot be generalized because selective nature of inhabitants.Conclusions: Therefore it’s the responsibility of family dentist to educate patients aboutavailable treatment options and their expected outcomes. The research has evaluated the dentalcaries risk profile in the adult population and the caries-related factors which can contribute to therisk which were identified. The core reason for this unacceptable rating of such restorations wasrecurrent level of dental caries.

Caries-related risk factors of obesity among 18-year-old adolescents in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort study

BackgroundSocio-economic status, health awareness, and dietary habits have been reported as common risk factors of dental caries and obesity. The present study aimed to explore shared mediators between caries and obesity and to estimate the effects of caries-related factors on adiposity.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study among adolescents aged 18 years. The study was nested in a population-representative cohort of Chinese in Hong Kong. The number of decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) was recorded during the oral examinations. Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-Hip-Ratio (WHR), Waist-Height-Ratio (WHtR), and Triceps Skinfold Thickness (TRSKF) were used as adiposity indices. Data on socio-economic status, oral health behavior (tooth brushing habit, use of fluoride toothpaste, dental flossing habit, and mouth rinse habit), and dietary record (frequency and amount of different food) were collected through self-completed questionnaires. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regressions were used for analysis.ResultsThree hundred eighty-three participants were included. The mean (standard deviation, SD) of BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR, TRSKF, and DMFT were 21.26 (3.72), 69.11 (9.25), 0.77 (0.06), 0.42 (0.05), 15.72 (6.33), and 2.06 (2.43), respectively. Males were more likely to be overweight/obese than females. Various factors including gender, parental employment status, mouth rinse habit, frequency and amount of meat intake, frequency of oil intake, use of fluoride toothpaste, and DMFT were found significant (p < 0.05) in different final models of adiposity status.ConclusionsMore mediators should be included in future research to elucidate mechanism of the association between caries and obesity.