Risk Factors For Caries Research Articles

Spatial Heterogeneity and Risk Factors of Dental Caries in 12-Year-Old Children in Shanxi Province, China

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the spatial heterogeneity and risk factors for dental caries in 12-year-old children in Shanxi province, China. MethodsThe data encompassed 3,721 participants from the two most recent oral health surveys conducted across 16 districts in Shanxi Province in 2015 and 2018. Eighteen specific variables were analyzed to examine the interplay between socioeconomic factors, medical resources and environmental conditions. The Geo-detector model was employed to assess the impacts and interactions of these ecological factors. ResultsSocioeconomic factors (Q = 0.30, P < 0.05) exhibited a more substantial impact compared to environmental (Q = 0.19, P < 0.05) and medical resource factors (Q = 0.25, P < 0.05). Notably, the urban population percentage (UPP) demonstrated the most significant explanatory power for the spatial heterogeneity in caries prevalence, as denoted by its highest q-value (q = 0.51, P < 0.05). Additionally, the spatial distribution's heterogeneity of caries was significantly affected by SO2 concentration (q = 0.39, P < 0.05) and water fluoride levels (q = 0.27, P < 0.05) among environmental factors. ConclusionThe prevalence of caries exhibited spatial heterogeneity, escalating from North to South in Shanxi Province, China, influenced by socioeconomic factors, medical resources, and environmental conditions to varying extents.

Dental caries risk assessment in children with congenital heart defects

Introduction. The present work was carried out with the aim of dental caries risk assessment in children with congenital heart defects (CHD). Material and methods: a case-control clinical study was performed on a sample of 76 children divided into 2 groups identical in structure. The research group consisted of 38 children with CHD aged between 7 and 18 years (L1). The control group (L0) consisted of 38 healthy children. Cariogram software was applied to assess the risk of developing dental caries (DC). Results: the caries risk was 20.72% higher in CHD subjects compared to L0 children. The main caries risk factors identified in L1 children were: the impact of congenital cardiac pathology and its medication, including decreased oral fluid flow due to diuretic preparations; unsatisfactory oral hygiene; Streptococcus mutans number in saliva &gt;5x105 CFU/ml and lack of implementation of preventive measures. Conclusions: personalized prediction of DC in children with CHD is important for the development of effective methods to prevent Streptococcus mutans invasion of the blood stream and ultimately the endothelium of cardiac tissues.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Caries among Children of Moroccan Schools

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to describe the oral health status of schoolchildren, while focusing on the relationship between carious prevalence and the two risk factors which are obesity and passive smoking. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in primary school of Casablanca, Morocco. A total of 1003 schoolchildren aged between 6 to 12 years old were examined in their classrooms in daylight. The questionnaire was used to collect information about socio-demographic status, oral health practice consumption of sweets and passive smoking. Dental caries was assessed using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft, DMFT) index, and oral hygiene status by the simplified oral hygiene index OHI. The obesity was defined based to the measurement of BMI index. Results: The caries prevalence was 57.7% in temporary dentition and 43% in permanent dentition. The caries index was dmft= 2.44 and DMFT= 1.3. Higher Caries prevalence was associated with poor oral hygiene, increased consumption of sweets; however, caries prevalence in temporary and permanent dentition was lower in children with obesity (5,5% and 4,9% respectively), and exposed to passive smoking (25,4%,31,8% respectively).

An Instrumental Analysis of the Triad Association Between Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Screen Time, and Dental Caries in Adolescents

Background: Previous studies reported screen time in association with unhealthy dietary behaviors, such as excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages leading to dental caries. Thus, we aimed to explore the association between screen time on mobile devices and dental caries experience in adolescents, as well as whether sugar-sweetened beverages would mediate the association. Methods: We analyzed 24,374 junior and senior high school students of age 12 to 17 years from the 2021 “Surveillance for common diseases and health risk factors among students” Project in Jiangsu Province of China. Dental caries experience was determined by the designated dentists. Screen time and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages were self-reported and treated as a priori risk. We employed an instrumental variable (IV) approach for the current cross-sectional setting. We used the lasso technique to shortlist covariates from a range of confounding factors. Binary logistic regression or ordered logistic regression was performed where appropriate to explore the associations of screen time on mobile devices with dental caries and sugar-sweetened beverages. Results: The prevalence rate of dental caries was 38.4% in the study population. In comparison with &lt;2 h/d screen time on mobile devices, extended screen time (≥2 h/d) was associated with higher dental caries risk (coefficient: 1.27, 95%; confidence interval: 0.80–1.75). Mediation analysis suggested that sugar-sweetened beverage intake might be an independent risk factor for dental caries, instead of the mediator between screen time on mobile devices and dental caries. None of the interaction terms under investigation was statistically significant. Conclusions: Exposure to mobile device screens and sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with dental caries in adolescents. These findings highlighted the importance of increasing awareness of potential risks owing to mobile device usage and sugar-sweetened beverages and the necessity to develop appropriate intervention strategies for school-aged adolescents.

Association Between the Risk of Dental Caries and DLX3 Gene Polymorphisms in Chinese Children.

To explore the association between the risk of dental caries and distal-less homeobox 3 (DLX3) gene in Chinese children. Based on the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) score, the children were divided into a control group (dmft &#61; 0) and a case group (dmft ≥ 1). DLX3 gene (rs11656951 and rs2278163) polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing methods. Possible association of DLX3 gene (rs11656951 and rs2278163) polymorphisms with dental caries risk was assessed using the chi-squared test. Subgroup analysis of association was assessed by logistic regression analysis for the potential risk factors. The age at which toothbrushing was started, the brushing frequency, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and regular dental visits were statistically significantly different between case and control groups (p 0.05). The frequencies of rs11656951 TT genotype and T allele were statistically significantly higher in the control group than in the case group. The chi-squared test showed that CT genotype (p &#61; 0.026, OR &#61; 0.613, 95%CI &#61; 0.398-0.944) and TT genotype (p &#61; 0.001, OR &#61; 0.378, 95%CI &#61; 0.212-0.673) were negatively correlated with caries susceptibility. The T allele of rs11656951 was more frequently discovered in the control group, and was statistically significantly associated with decreased caries susceptibility (p &#61; 0.001, OR &#61; 0.636, 95%CI &#61; 0.486-0.831). The G allele of rs2278163 was obviously correlated with elevated caries susceptibility (p &#61; 0.049, OR &#61; 1.314, 95%CI &#61; 1.000-1.725). DLX3 gene rs11656951 TT genotype was a protective factor for caries susceptibility in the subgroups gender, sweets intake, eating before sleep, brushing frequency, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and dental visits. The GG genotype of rs2278163 was a risk factor for caries in subgroups eating before sleep, brushing without fluoride toothpaste, and regular dental. The TT genotype of rs11656951 was dramatically correlated with reduced caries risk in low (p &#61; 0.004, OR &#61; 0.387, 95%CI &#61; 0.202-0.742) and moderate/high (p &#61; 0.016, OR &#61; 0.360, 95%CI &#61; 0.154-0.840) groups. DLX3 gene rs11656951 TT genotype is a protective factor and rs2278163 GG genotype is a risk factor for caries susceptibility, especially in low and moderate/high subgroups.

Sweetened Areca Nut, A Risk in Dental Caries among Adolescents in Pune, Maharashtra? A Case-Control Study

Abstract Introduction: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) causes dental caries and so does chewing of areca nut (sweetened supari) due to the presence of sugar. Since conflicting views exist about whether areca nut causes dental caries or not, and since studies are undertaken in adults and data on adolescents are not available, this study was carried out. Since those were cross-sectional or longitudinal studies, this case-control study was undertaken to understand if flavored/sweetened areca nut is a risk factor for dental caries. Material and Method: This unmatched case-control study was conducted among the male students of 8th to 10th standard in the age group of 12–16 of four Madhyamik Vidyalaya’s (MVs) in Pimpri–Chinchwad (urban area), Pune. A directed acyclic graph (DAG) was drawn to determine the independent variables to be selected for the study and minimal variables to be adjusted during data analysis. Selection of cases was based on diagnostic and eligibility criteria. The data on the use of sweetened areca nuts and the presence of caries were collected through oral examination and a semistructured questionnaire administered by the principal investigator on a one-to-one basis between August 2022 and October 2022. Data were analyzed using epiinfoTM 7.2.5.0. Results: This study of 146 males in the age group of 13 to 16 years had 61 students as cases and 85 as controls. No significant difference was observed between the group with (cases) and without (controls) dental caries for areca nut use (pack years) whether consumed daily or less frequently for 1 year or more. While the exposure rate to areca nut among cases was 44.26%, for the control group it was 36.47%. The odds ratio of sweetened areca nut as being the risk factor for dental caries was 1.38 at 95% CI (0.70–2.71) with P = 0.44. Conclusion: This study revealed that the adolescent users of sweetened areca nuts studying in government schools had a higher exposure odds ratio for dental caries. However, it was not significant statistically. Information bias including recall may have influenced the outcome.

Study Of Association Between Dental Caries And Nutritional Status Among Children Attending OPD Of A Tertiary Care Center - A Retrospective Study

Aim: The purpose is to study the association between nutritional status and dental carries in children attending outpatient department of a tertiary care centre. Materials and methods: A total of 342 children aged up to 16 years attending the department of District Early Intervention and Care (DEIC) of a Government Medical College and Hospital were selected for this study. The nutritional status was evaluated using BMI for age and converted into Z score by plotting into age and gender specific WHO growth charts. Dental caries status was recorded according to WHO criteria. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of underweight was 49.2% and prevalence of dental caries was 61.7%. Significant association between Caries and undernutrition was noted in ages between 2 to 10 years. Conclusion: Undernutrition is a risk factor for dental caries. It is important to identify and determine all the factors leading to undernutrition in children especially aged 2 to 10 and execute action plans for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Prevalence of Decay and Tooth Condition Changes Adjacent to Restored Dental Implants: A Retrospective Radiographic Study.

This study examined the association between a dental implant and changes in adjacent teeth over time. Electronic health records of 1818 patients who received a dental implant were retrospectively evaluated over 14 years (2005-2019) in a university setting. The status of the adjacent tooth and vertical and horizontal distance from the implant platform to adjacent teeth were determined using digital intraoral radiographs taken at baseline and the last follow-up visit (1-14 years, median 4 years). In total, 1085 dental implants were evaluated. There were 234 instances of a change in the adjacent tooth. Decay was observed in 83 (7.6%) of adjacent teeth; the mean time to development was 4 years (range 1-14 years). Approximately 9% of adjacent teeth received direct restorations, 4.8% received indirect restorations, 1% received endodontic root canal treatment, and 5.6% were extracted. The mean horizontal distance between the implant platform and the adjacent teeth was 3.56 mm; the mean vertical distance from the contact point to the alveolar crest on the tooth side was 6.2 mm at the first time of the reported decay on X ray. These distances did not significantly influence the occurrence of caries. The prevalence of interproximal contact loss was higher on the mesial of the implant crown at 63% compared with 20% on the distal side. This large retrospective analysis identified that teeth adjacent to a dental implant were at risk of decay and changes in their condition. In addition, the implant-to-tooth distance and inadequate emergence profile may contribute as caries risk factors in addition to hygiene and a high sugar level diet. These findings appear essential for clinicians when making treatment decisions and discussing outcomes with patients.

Comparative Analysis of Caries Risk Factors in Mother-Child Pairs

Comparative Analysis of Caries Risk Factors in Mother-Child Pairs

Associations between risk factors, including approximal contact types and dental caries in children from low-income families. Pilot study.

The present cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate various caries risk factors in children from low socio-economic groups and to assess if children with broad contacts between one or more primary molars (type I and S) should be categorized as at high caries risk. Clinical examinations were performed on 107, 3- to 10-year-old children from low socio-economic settings. Contact types along with other caries risk factors (insurance, diet, plaque, and fluoride use, and diet habits) were analyzed for effect on presence of caries lesions (prevalence) and caries experience (decayed, missing, filled teeth). 78% of the study population had dental caries lesions, with an average dmft of 5.6. Of the 277 evaluated contacts, 88% were categorized as broad contacts. Multivariate analyses failed to validate that broad contacts were a predictor of dental caries lesions. However, the analysis showed an association of insurance status, plaque index with dmft. In conclusion, the present study could not implicate broad contacts as a factor that increased caries risk in the studied population; however, it validates the importance of insurance status, plaque index, as well as diet frequency as predictors of dental caries lesions.

Changing smiles and minds-a community-based trial on parental knowledge impact on early childhood caries.

This study was carried out in New York City over a period of twelve months for each child. 1207 children from 977 families, with clinically diagnosed ECC, were recruited. Inclusion criteria included children that had at least one filled or decayed primary tooth surface and were aged between 2 years to 6 years. Exclusion criteria included children that may have conditions that would have prevented the provision of oral hygiene habits or moderation of diet, for example children with severe autism. Families were recruited from local specialist residency programmes within the city or by direct referral from local CHWs. Evaluation of the parental education was established through use of electronic surveys at baseline level and follow up following CHWs' intervention. The data was collected between 2015 and 2017 and required follow up appointments that were completed via telephone and other remote methods. Data collection separated caries risk factors into six domains with 26 factions across the pre- and post-intervention period. These addressed both parental knowledge of the aetiology of caries and factors that can contribute to this. Domains included titles such as saliva factors, hygiene, diet, severity/susceptibility, and outcome expectations. Parents were asked to note their agreement with the statements using a four-point scale (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree and Strongly Disagree). The survey was made up of statements including themes of caries risk factors, and behavioural science that can contribute to caries development. Examples include 'drinking juice can cause tooth decay' and 'all kids get tooth decay'. Correct answers would be given as part of the targeted advice and education given by the CHWs at subsequent visits. Data was collected from a total of 669 parents of 977 taking part in the study. Analysis focussed on the trend of changing knowledge of parents from baseline to follow up. The analysis also assessed features of the participants including the parents' first language, education level, country of birth, average age of the children and their insurance status - this was then assessed to see if this influenced the parents' beliefs and associations. Results found there was an improvement in the parental knowledge of salivary risks for caries, hygiene input and dietary effect post intervention. The only differing result was the statement that 'tooth decay is very common' - this showed a reduced change. The study concluded that the MySmileBuddy programme did improve parental education on Early Childhood Caries and factors influencing the risk of this, though acknowledges that there should be further exploration in the clinical impact that this education would have on the patients' caries status from the CHW input.

Risk factors for Early Childhood Caries in Italian preschoolers: A cross-sectional analysis.

Early childhood caries (ECC) represent a relevant public health issue in paediatric population globally. The current study aimed to investigate the main risk factors of this condition. This is a cross-sectional study carried out at the Child Dentistry Clinics of the Istituto Stomatologico Italiano, Milan, Italy, including patients aged 12-71 months and their parents. Demographical data, anthropometric measurements, oral hygiene and health assessment, and children's eating habits were collected. Our findings, according to recommendations, suggest that the prevention of ECC needs to begin in infancy. Oral health providers, physicians, nurses, and other health care personnel play an important role in educating parents about their child's oral and dental care and food choices.

Association between DEFB1 rs11362 and Caries Susceptibility in Permanent Dentition: A Cross Sectional Study.

Dental caries is a multifactorial chronic bacterial infectious disease. Variations in the predisposition of the general population to dental cavities suggest that genetic and immunological factors play significant roles in its pathogenesis. This study aims to explore the impact of the Beta-Defensin 1 (DEFB1) rs11362 polymorphism on caries susceptibility in permanent dentition among the Bai Kuyao and Zhuang ethnic groups in China. A sample of 754 adolescents aged 12-15 was randomly selected from primary and junior high schools in Nandan County, Guangxi, China. All adolescents underwent clinical examinations, and DNA samples were collected. The genotype of DEFB1 rs11362 was determined using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing. The concentration of human β Defensin 1 (hBD-1) protein in saliva was measured using a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The distribution of the DEFB1 rs11362 T allele was lower in the Bai Kuyao group compared to the Zhuang group. The disparity in the rs11362 genotype was statistically significant in the superficial dentin caries subgroup of the Bai Kuyao population (p = 0.017). Following adjustment for all potential confounding variables, the analysis revealed a heightened risk of superficial dental caries among CT genotype carriers in the Bai Kuyao population under a co-dominant model (odds ratios (OR) = 2.70; 95% confidence intervals (CI) [1.35-5.44]; p = 0.005), and an increased risk among CC genotype carriers in the Bai Kuyao population under a dominant model (OR = 2.35; 95% CI [1.18-4.67]; p = 0.015). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was noted in the distribution of rs11362 genotypes and salivary hBD-1 levels among the Bai Kuyao group. Salivary hBD-1 levels were notably higher in the CC genotype group (4.12 ± 2.07 ng/mL) compared to both the CT (2.77 ± 1.62 ng/mL) and TT genotype groups (2.32 ± 0.98 ng/mL). The DEFB1 rs11362 polymorphism showed an association with caries susceptibility in permanent teeth and influenced hBD-1 protein expression in saliva. Consequently, the DEFB1 polymorphism likely represents a concealed risk factor for caries.

Dental caries prevalence and caries-associated risk factors of students aged 12–15 in Xide County of Liangshan Prefecture, China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveAbout 2 billion people have caries in permanent teeth, and 514 million children have caries in primary teeth worldwide. Regional disparities in caries prevalence are evident in various areas of...

Association between LTF/MMP20/CA6/TAS1R2 polymorphisms and susceptibility to dental caries.

The aim was to assess the associations between the LTF, MMP20, CA6, and TAS1R2 polymorphisms and caries in the Zhuang population and explore the underlying mechanism of the impact of lactoferrin on caries susceptibility. A case-control study of 315 adolescents was conducted in Guangxi, China, from May-November 2022. Data were collected through oral examinations and questionnaires. Buccal mucosa cells and DNA samples were collected using the SNPscan technique. Saliva and supragingival plaque samples were taken from 69 subjects with various LTF rs10865941 genotypes. The relationships among the LTF rs10865941 polymorphism, lactoferrin, Streptococcus mutans, and caries were investigated by using the ELISA and qRT-PCR, along with logistic regression analysis. The genotype distribution of the LTF gene were significantly different between the case and control groups (p = 0.018). The case group had lower C allele and greater T allele frequencies than the control group (p = 0.006). The LTF rs10865941 polymorphism was associated with caries in the codominant, dominant, and additive models (p < 0.05). MMP20 rs1784418, CA6 rs2274328, and TAS1R2 rs35874116 were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). A greater quantity of S. mutans. in the supragingival plaque was found in the case group (p = 0.03). There were significant differences between the two groups in both the codominant model and the dominant model (p < 0.05). The LTF rs10865941 polymorphism may be associated with caries susceptibility in the Zhuang population of China. The LTF rs10865941 T allele may be a potential risk factor for dental caries.

The effect of using the CAMBRA mobile application on dental caries management in children and adolescents

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the CAMBRA-students application by assessing the changes in dental caries risk factors and management effectiveness in elementary and middle school students. Methods: This study was conducted between July 2023 and May 2024 and included 113 participants (55 experimental and 58 control participants). Participants used the CAMBRA-students application to enter the protective and risk factors. Clinicians recorded the disease indicators and classified the participants into risk groups. Only the experimental group received the tailored dental caries management program, with feedback provided via the applicationat each intervention stage. Results: The pre- and postintervention assessments revealed an increase in the high-risk group and a decrease in the extremehigh-risk group. Conversely, the control group exhibited a decrease in the high-risk group and an increase in the extreme high-risk group. The DMFT index and rateand salivary flow rate increased in both groups. The Simple Hygiene Score and ΔR decreased and increased in the experimental and control groups, respectively, with no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: The CAMBRA-students application effectively prevented dental caries in children and adolescents. The future development of personalized oral care programs tailored to different life stages is recommended.

Exploring the state and influential factors of dental caries in preschool children aged 3–6 years in Xingtai City

ObjectiveTo explore the main factors affecting early dental caries among preschool children aged 3–6 years in Xingtai City to formulate effective preventive measures.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 570 preschool children aged 3–6 years in Xingtai City through questionnaire surveys and oral examinations to understand their dental caries situation. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the main influencing factors for the occurrence of dental caries in preschool children.ResultsUnivariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in age (χ2 = 2.636, p = 0.008), father’s education level (χ2 = 4.207, p < 0.001), mother’s education level (χ2 = 4.217, p < 0.001), daily tooth brushing frequency (χ2 = 3.160, p = 0.002), age of starting tooth brushing (χ2 = 8.756, p < 0.001), mouth rinsing after meals (χ2 = 89.401, p < 0.001), Streptococcus mutans positivity (χ2 = 133.503, p < 0.001), non-sweet snack consumption frequency (χ2 = 5.962, p < 0.001), snack flavour preference (χ2 = 116.119, p < 0.001), use of fluoridated toothpaste (χ2 = 75.639, p < 0.001), regular oral examinations (χ2 = 98.711, p < 0.001), sugary drink consumption frequency (χ2 = 10.370, p < 0.001) and sweet food consumption frequency (χ2 = 9.261, p < 0.001) between the caries and non-caries groups. Multifactorial analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR] = 5.342, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.434–6.631), later initiation of tooth brushing (OR = 3.244, 95% CI: 2.413–5.424), S. mutans positivity (OR = 5.357, 95% CI: 4.529–8.563), high snack consumption frequency (OR = 3.452, 95% CI: 2.634–5.442), high sugary drink consumption frequency (OR = 4.414, 95% CI: 2.534–6.451) and high sweet food consumption frequency (OR = 4.531, 95% CI: 3.421–6.354) were risk factors for dental caries. Higher father’s educational level (OR = 0.724, 95% CI: 0.564–0.891), higher mother’s educational level (OR = 0.641, 95% CI: 0.601–0.813), high daily tooth brushing frequency (OR = 0.572, 95% CI: 0.423–0.864), mouth rinsing after meals (OR = 0.743, 95% CI: 0.643–0.813), use of fluoridated toothpaste (OR = 0.657, 95% CI: 0.553–0.931) and regular oral examinations (OR = 0.443, 95% CI: 0.352–0.747) were protective factors against dental caries (all p < 0.05).ConclusionMultiple factors result in early dental caries in preschool children aged 3–6 years; however, the most influential factors are older age and high snack consumption, as well as high sugary and sweet food/drink consumption.

Association between high birth weight and dental caries at 4–5 years of age: a birth-cohort study

ObjectiveEarly childhood caries has become a globally crucial oral health problem over the decades. Most studies have discussed the association between low birth weight and early childhood caries; however, studies focusing on high birth weight have been relatively limited. This study aimed to assess the impact of high birth weight on the incidence and severity of dental caries in 4–5-year-old children.Subjects and methodsStudy subjects included 491 children from a birth cohort study at 4–5 years of age. Data on dental caries, prenatal and perinatal factors, and socio-demographic determinants were recorded. Logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders were performed to analyze the data. Two-sided P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the 491 children, the prevalence of dental caries was 48.7%. High birth weight (≥ 4,000 g) was significantly associated with increased incidence of dental caries (OR, 2.000; CI 95% 1.062–3.765), and the relatively enhanced risk OR was further increased in subjects experiencing caries (dmft ≥ 3) (OR, 2.437; CI 95% 1.306–4.549) compared with the normal birth weight (2,500–3,999 g).ConclusionsHigh birth weight is a risk factor for early childhood caries. Particular attention should be paid to children with birth weight more than or equal to 4,000 g.

Low Salivary IgA Levels Against PAc (361-386) as a Risk Factor for Root Caries in Older Adults.

This study aimed to assess the intricate relationship between salivary IgA antibody levels to PAc (361-386) (PPA), mutans streptococci colonization, and root caries development in older adults. This study included 307 participants aged 76 years residing in Niigata city, Japan. Clinical oral examinations were performed at baseline in 2004 and 1 year later, during which the total number of untreated and treated root caries was assessed using the root decayed, filled tooth (DFT) index. The stimulated saliva samples were collected using the spitting method during the baseline survey. Salivary IgA antibody levels to amino acid residues 361-386 of Streptococcus mutans PAc were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses, including the χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regressions, were performed to examine the association of increased root DFT with the independent variables. Among the 307 participants (53.1% men), the mean root DFT at baseline was 3.77 ± 3.66, and 36.5% of the study sample exhibited increased root DFT after 1 year with a mean increment of 0.36 ± 0.48. Participants with increase in root DFT after 1 year had significantly higher rates of low PPA levels (≤ 25th percentile) than those without increased root DFT (p = 0.020). Low PPA levels (≤ 25th percentile) were significantly more likely to have an increased risk of root caries development compared with PPA levels > 25th percentile (adjusted OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.09-3.25). Low PPA levels and root caries incidence correlated significantly, suggesting that low levels of salivary IgA antibody to PAc (361-386) may serve as a risk factor for increased root caries in older adults.

Prevalence of dental caries among children and adolescents with intellectual disability in India: A scoping review.

Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at a higher risk of developing dental caries. Few scoping reviews have been conducted in India to understand their issues. We aimed to summarise the distribution and risk factors of dental caries among children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities in India. A scoping review was conducted based on the Arksey O Malley framework. Quality assessment of studies, descriptive and thematic analyses were also conducted. We charted, collated, and summarised from four databases. Thirty-one studies met the study criteria consisting of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Median caries prevalence was 70%, decayed missing and fIlled permenant teeth (DMFT) was 2.4, decayed missing and filled decidous teeth (dmft) was 2.36, and DMFS was 3.7. Major determinants were the severity of disability, socioeconomic status and parents' education. Oral care and dental visits were inadequate. Further exploration is required to improve access and reduce caries experience and prevalence among children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in India.