Childhood Caries Research Articles

Relationship between the salivary concentrations of proteinase-3 and interleukin-8 and severe early childhood caries.

Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a multifactorial transmissible infectious disease continuing to affect infants and toddlers worldwide. Saliva plays a modulatory role in the pathogenesis of dental caries. The present study aimed to assess the salivary levels of proteinase-3 (PR3) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) as pro-inflammatory cytokines related to the function of neutrophils in association with S-ECC and its treatment. Fifty children aged 36-60 months were recruited (25 caries-free controls and 25 S-ECC patients). Saliva sampling was performed in all participants. In the S-ECC group, sampling was repeated 6-8 weeks after restorative treatment. The salivary concentrations of PR3 and IL-8 were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, the independent t test, and the paired t test were applied at p < 0.05. The baseline salivary concentrations of PR3 and IL-8 in the S-ECC group were significantly higher than in the caries-free group (p < 0.001). A significant reduction occurred in the levels of these cytokines following restorative treatment in the S-ECC group (p < 0.001), although they were still significantly higher than in the caries-free group (p < 0.05). The salivary levels of PR3 and IL-8 were significantly affected by the presence of dental caries in children, implying their potential efficiency as non-invasive indicators in the determination of the caries risk and treatment effectiveness.

Gambaran Indeks Def-t pada Anak Prasekolah di Kelurahan Puhun Pintu Kabun Kecamatan Mandiangin Koto Selayan Kota Bukittinggi

Caries is a dental health disorder that often occurs in early childhood. It causes porous teeth, cavities, and fractures, resulting in less than optimal growth. According to the WHO, caries in children aged 4-5 years in Asia, including Indonesia, reaches 90%. The study aims to determine the description of dental caries based on gender and age group and the distribution of the decidui dental caries index in preschool children. Quantitative research method with descriptive design, research conducted by direct examination, conducted at State Kindergarten 1 Bukittinggi, Raudhatul Athfal Al-Ikhwan, Al-Ikhwan Playgroup, and Kenari Kindergarten. The research sample was all preschool children in Pintu Kabun Village, Mandiangin Koto Selayan District, Bukittinggi City, totaling 113 children. The data were presented in the form of a frequency distribution table. The results showed that the caries of girls was higher than that of boys, based on age group; the higher the age of the child, the greater the number of caries. We found 427 teeth indicating decay, 121 teeth indicating extraction, and only 2 teeth filling, with an average caries of 4.78. The conclusion of the study was that preschool children's dental caries met the bad criteria. It is recommended that children reduce the consumption of sweet and sticky foods, rinse their mouths after eating, brush their teeth twice a day in the morning after breakfast, and at night before going to bed.

Risk Factors for Caries in Elementary School Children Based on Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA)

Background: the prevalence of dental caries in children aged 10 to 14 years is almost 41.4%. The CAMBRA method helps doctors identify the cause of dental caries by identifying risk factors in each patient. Based on research, the etiology of dental caries was found by identifying risk factors in each participant. This study aims to describe what factors influence dental caries in children based on CAMBRA. Method: This research uses observational analysis with. The respondents were students at SDN Kadipiro I, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Purposive sampling was used to create the sample, which included 82 children between the ages of 10 and 12 years. The research was carried out by finding dental caries risk factors using the CAMBRA method: 1. cavity or new dentin lesion, 2. white spot, 3. restoration in the last three years, 4. saliva volume, 5. plaque index/PHPM, 6. water pH saliva, and 7. Frequency of consumption of sweet foods. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 25.0 program which included frequency analysis. Results: The results of the analysis showed five risk factors for caries, namely the condition of the teeth, cavities or new dentin lesions were found in 58 respondents (70.7%), predisposing factors, the number of plaque was obtained in 44 respondents (53.7%), the frequency of protective factors was obtained and the frequency of caries was obtained. 63 respondents experienced dental caries. Conclusion: The risk factors for dental caries based on CAMBRA that influence children's dental caries are the criteria for lesion depth of dentin, saliva pH, and amount of plaque. Keywords: CAMBRA, risk actors, caries, children

Overlooked fluorine deficiency in children of South and East China may be exacerbated by climate change: Evidence from the national assessment

Fluoride (F) exhibits toxicity in excess but provides health benefits in moderate concentrations. While extensive research has focused on elevated F levels in groundwater, studies are scarce on F concentrations in surface water, a crucial drinking water source. In this study, we compiled a comprehensive database encompassing three decades of oral epidemiological data from over 140,000 Chinese children (6–17 years) and F concentrations in 160 freshwater lakes and reservoirs across China to investigate the health risks, environmental drivers, and future evolution of F in surface water. We found that insufficient F intake through surface water does not cause dental fluorosis but rather dental caries in children. East and South China regions bear the highest health burdens, quantified in Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), reflecting the extensive use of surface water for drinking purposes. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that soil & geology largely control F concentrations, with precipitation exerting a significant negative effect, accounting for 16.5% of the explained variance. As China anticipates increased precipitation in the future, a potentially elevated risk of fluorine deficiency in South and East China demands vigilant attention.

Dental and alveolar pathologies of the Early Iron Age population of the Upper Ob region based on the materials of the Bystrovka-3 burial ground)

The study is focused on the analysis of distribution of the dentoalveolar pathologies (caries, calculus, periodontitis, dental fluorosis, antemortem enamel chips, alveolar abscess, antemortem loss of teeth), which are generally used for revealing the diet component composition of ancient groups and as the markers of the stress episodes (enamel hypoplasia, child dental caries). In addition, several anomalies in the structure of the dentition (dystopia, crowding, hypo- and hyperdentia) are considered. The study is based on the anthropological materials of the Bolsherechenskaya culture of the Bystrovka-3 burial ground, dated to the second half of the 1st millennium BC. The series consist of 130 skulls: 46 male, 34 female, 26 infants and 24 individuals whose gender could not be determined. The frequencies of the pathologies of the Bystrovka-3 sample were compared with those of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages populations of Western Siberia. The results of the study reveals that diet of the Bystrovka-3 people included both animal and plant products. The presence of endemic fluorosis on the teeth of four people (two female and two infants) may indicate the migration of a small group of people from outer regions with high fluoride content in soil and water to the Bolsherechye area. It was also found that the representatives of the study group experienced significant stress caused by adverse environment event. In addition, in the main group several rather rare dentoalveolar anomalies were identified, which, according to some researchers, are hereditary. Comparative analysis of frequencies of dentoalveolar pathology of the study group and the Neolithic-Bronze Age population of the south of Western Siberia revealed that the component composition of the diet of Bolsherechye people had significant differences from that of the Bronze Age pastoralists and is more similar to the Neolithic and pre-Andronovo bronze populations of Baraba forest-steppe, which had similar economy structure based on fishing, gathering and hunting.

The stomatological care of schoolchildren in the Soviet Russia in 1920s: Succession of ideas

The article considers historical interaction between the Soviet Russia and the Weimar Republic related to prevention of caries in children in 1920s and the role of P. G. Dauge in it. The methodology of German Professor A. Kantorovich with minor alterations was adopted to be applied in organization of dental care of schoolchildren in the RSFSR. In the Soviet Russia, the practical implementation of planned oral cavity sanation in children started on a national scale only in second half of the 1920s. It was caused by skeptical attitude of dentists to methodology of "planned sanation" in conditions of the Soviet Russia.

Sleep and its association with dental caries or myopia in first graders.

First grade is a transition from pre-school to school-age. The change in lifestyle behaviours such as sleep may have a physiological response, which contributes to the presence or absence of two highly incident diseases: dental caries or myopia. The aim of the study was to examine the association between sleep and myopia as well as sleep and dental caries in first graders. It is a cross-sectional study. This was a recruitment phase of an interventional study. A total of 338 children whose caregivers completed a Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Caregivers also provided information regarding myopia and caries status of children and their parents. Binary logistic regression was applied to analyse the potential risk factors. Dental caries and myopia rates were 45.9% and 9.5%, respectively. After adjusting for children's gender, children's age, fathers with caries and mothers with caries, the odds ratio for dental caries in children who slept less than 9 h when compared to those who slept for nine and more hours was 1.94. Mothers with caries were 3.37 times more likely to have children with caries than mothers without caries. However, sleep was not associated with myopia in first graders. Sleeping less than 9 h and maternal caries were risk factors of children developing dental caries. Future sleep and myopia studies can be conducted on higher graders who may present prolonged exposure and accumulations of myopic risk factors. Screening of children with insufficient sleep is needed for nurses to enable the early identification of high-risk groups for dental caries in school settings. Family nurses are encouraged to work with family members to implement tailored sleep interventions, in order to facilitate better sleep and oral health practices in both school and home settings. This study protocol was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration number: Redacted).

ON THE TOPIC OF ADVISABILITY OF ENDODONTIC TREATMENT OF RETAINED (PERSISTENT) PRIMARY TEETH

Treatment of complicated caries in children and adolescents has a number of features, which is determined by age-related anatomy and the limited functioning time of temporary teeth, as well as the timing of their root resorption. Today, the treatment of pulpitis of preserved temporary (persistent) teeth is of particular clinical interest. Persistent (delayed) teeth are temporary (baby) teeth that are preserved in the dentition after the physiological time of their replacement and are capable of functioning for 10 years or more. In most cases, the presence of retained temporary teeth is due to congenital edentia of permanent teeth, retention or death of their rudiments. There is no data in the literature on the features of the anatomical structure of persistent teeth and recommendations for their endodontic treatment. At the same time, in the treatment of this pathology, the methods of pulpotomy (devital amputation, impregnation method) and pulpectomy (pulp extirpation, vital method) are widely used, followed by obturation of the root canals with resorbable filling materials. Taking into account the above, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 192 orthopantomograms of patients with congenital permanent adentia and the presence of 289 persistent teeth. The anatomical features of the structure of the root canals of persistent teeth have been determined. The results of treatment of 44 preserved temporary teeth with chronic fibrous pulpitis in 27 patients of childhood and adolescence using the method of vital extirpation followed by restoration of the crown parts of the teeth using therapeutic and orthopedic methods are presented. Long-term treatment results up to 60 months were assessed. Meanwhile, the results obtained indicated the absence of signs of root resorption in persistent teeth over a long period of time from the period of their physiological change, as well as the features of the anatomical structure of root canals, similar to that of permanent teeth, and allowing endodontic treatment of preserved teeth using classical for permanent teeth pulpectomy method. The results of clinical observation and X-ray examination in the long term after treatment allow us to conclude that the approach used is highly effective, which reduced the risk of periapical complications and created conditions for the longterm functioning of persistent teeth.

Early Childhood Caries, Masticatory Function, Child Early Cognitive, and Psychomotor Development: A Narrative Review.

Dental caries is known as a global public health issue that has been affecting general health apart from its painful nature. Hence, it is undeniable that caries affecting young children or known as early childhood caries, also have an effect on children's general health. One of the interesting findings about caries is that it can also affect child growth and development, specifically on their cognitive and psychomotor ability. Untreated caries are linked to cognitive development through both neural and vascular pathways, with masticatory function as the key. Meanwhile, its effect on psychomotor development might be related to nutritional intake, which might slightly decline on those with caries. This review is aimed to describe the current findings of caries effect on early child development, from masticatory disturbance to further impacts on cognitive and psychomotor development. The overall conclusion of this review is that untreated severe caries in children are potentially associated negatively with their growth and development.

Dynamics of the demineralization of temporary teeth using ultrasonic shadow velosymmetry and autofluorescence microscopy &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt;

BACKGROUND: Given the high prevalence of caries in preschool children, additional methods for diagnosing hidden carious foci with deep structural demineralization of the hard tissues of temporary teeth without generating X-rays must be updated.&#x0D; AIM: To improve methods for studying the demineralization of hard tissues of primary teeth using ultrasonic shadow velosymmetry and autofluorescence microscopy.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included primary second molars (n=11). Samples of primary teeth were placed in a test tube with a demineralizing solution on days 1, 4, 8, 21, and 31. The samples were examined by autofluorescence microscopy and ultrasonic shadow velosymmetry according to the exposure time. The rate of acid demineralization of the primary teeth samples was assessed using our score scale. The averages were compared using the Wilcoxon W-test (p 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis was used, taking into account the statistical significance of the correlation coefficients for p 0.05.&#x0D; RESULTS: Analysis of samples of hard tissues of primary teeth by ultrasonic shadow velosymmetry showed that the velocity of the ultrasonic wave passage decreases with increasing exposure to the demineralizing solution and acquires a linear character with a negative regression coefficient. The decrease in the ultrasonic wave velocity in the enamel and dentin of the samples directly correlated with the degree of demineralization.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The conducted experiment on the hard tissues of primary teeth showed that demineralization not only leads to micromorphological structural changes in the hard tissues of enamel and dentin but also affects the physical and acoustic properties of the samples.

Prediction model of dental caries in 12-year-old children in Sichuan Province based on machine learning.

The machine learning algorithm was used to construct a prediction model of children's dental caries to determine the risk factors of dental caries in children and put forward targeted measures and policy suggestions to improve children's oral health. Stratified cluster random sampling was adopted in this study. In accordance with different policies and measures in Sichuan Province, 12-year-old students from 3-4 middle schools in eight cities of Sichuan Province were randomly selected for questionnaire survey, oral examination, and physical examination. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of risk factors for dental caries in 12-year-old children was conducted. The dataset was randomly divided into training set and validation set at a ratio of 7∶3. Four machine learning algorithms, including random forest, decision tree, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and Logistic regression, were constructed using R version 4.1.1, and the prediction effects of the four prediction models were evaluated using the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A total of 4 439 children aged 12 years were included in this study. The incidence of permanent teeth caries was 50.93%. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index, highest educational background of the father, highest educational background of the mother, whether to brush teeth, how many times a day, use of toothpaste when brushing teeth, duration of brushing teeth, mouthwash after meals, eating before going to bed after brushing teeth, sweet drinks, snacks, going to dental clinic to examine teeth, and age of brushing teeth were the factors influencing children's dental caries (P<0.05). The AUC values predicted by random forest, decision tree, Logistic regression, and XGBoost were 0.840, 0.755, 0.799, and 0.794, respectively. In the random forest model, the variable with the highest contribution was eating before bed after brushing. A prediction model of dental caries in children was established on the basis of random forest, showing good prediction effect. Taking preventive measures for the main factors affecting the occurrence of dental caries in children is beneficial.

Detecting children's dental caries risk through finger-digit ratio

Objective: This research aimed to determine whether fingerprints could be used to predict the risk of tooth decay.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A total of 157 children aged 6 to 12, were included in the study. Their 2D:4D digit ratio was measured using digital calipers. Additionally, intraoral examinations were conducted to assess their caries status using the DMF-T index.&#x0D; Results: a significant correlation between the digit ratio and the probability of dental caries in children aged 6-12 years at SD Inpres Panaikang. The statistical output shows a positive association between lower digit ratio values and an elevated risk of dental caries. The significance value of the analysis is 0.044, which is below the standard threshold of 0.05. &#x0D; Conclusion: There is a relationship between the digit ratio (2D: 4D) and the risk of dental caries. Hence, the digit ratio (2D: 4D) can be used to predict the occurrence of caries.

Risk Factors for Dental Caries in Elementary School Children Aged 6-12 in Indonesia (Systematic Literatur Review)

Background: The highest prevalence of dental caries was in the group of children aged 5-9 years (92.6%), and in the age group 3-4 years was 81.1%. Unhealthy teeth and mouth can affect a child's development because the condition of the milk teeth will determine the growth of the child's permanent teeth. Caries are influenced by brushing teeth, how to brush teeth, consumption of cariogenic foods, knowledge, and possibly many other factors that can affect caries. Purpose: to review the collected literature on risk factors for dental caries in children aged 6-12 years in Indonesia. Methods: This study used the literature review method which began with searching research results in 3 databases, namely PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar with predetermined inclusion criteria. Results: The articles that have been obtained in this literature show that there are many variables in the process of dental caries in elementary school children in Indonesia. These variables are divided into several discussion groups, namely individual characteristics, parental characteristics, consumption patterns, dental and oral hygiene, socioeconomic status, and dental and oral health interventions. Conclusion: there are many variables selected to be risk factors for dental caries, but not all variables are proven to be risk factors for dental caries in elementary school children. This is because other factors make the hypothesis rejected.

Relationship Between Mother And Child Behavior In Maintaining Dental Health With The Incidence Of Caries (Study Of Preschool Children At Al-Masyithoh Pati Muslimat Kindergarten)

Background: Dental caries is still a priority issue in children’s health. The high prevalence of caries in children is partly due to the lack of maternal behavior in maintaining oral health, as well as a child’s diet. This study aims to analyze the relationship between mother and child behavior in maintaining dental health with the incidence of caries in children. Methods: This type of research is analytically observational with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 73 children aged 3-5 years and the respondents were the mothers of the sample. Sampling used a proportioned stratified random sampling technique. Collecting data using observation sheets and questionnaires. Univariate and bivariate data analysis (Rank Spearman). Results: The results showed that 75.3% of mothers had good knowledge, 100% of mothers had a supportive attitude, 68.5% of mothers had good actions, 93.2% of children had cariogenic food consumption habits, and 58.9% of children had caries in the very high category. There is no relationship between maternal knowledge (p-value 0.942 &gt; 0.05) and maternal attitude with caries incidence (p-value 0.816 &gt; 0.05), there is a relationship between maternal actions (p-value 0.000 &lt;0.05) and children’s habits of consuming cariogenic foods with caries incidence (p-value 0.004 &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Maternal knowledge and attitude in maintaining dental health have no relationship with the incidence of caries in children, while maternal actions and children’s habits of consuming cariogenic food are related to the incidence of caries in children.

Prevalence and socio-behavioral determinants of early childhood caries in children 1-5- year- old in Iran.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early childhood caries (ECC) is still considered a major global health problem despite the general improvement in oral health practice. This study aimed to assess ECC's prevalence, severity, and key social and behavioral determinants in Iranian children 1-5- years of age. This cross-sectional study recruited Iranian 1-5-year-olds with a three-stage stratified clustered sampling method. After providing consent, parents were interviewed using a validated questionnaire, including questions on child characteristics and behavioral factors. Each child underwent a dental examination by one of four trained and calibrated dentists. Associations between key covariates of interest and primary outcome measures were assessed by multivariable logistic regression modeling and multivariate generalized negative binomial regression modeling after weightings were applied. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V25 and Stata V14.2 software packages. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The mean age of 909 participants was 41.1±1.2 months, 48.6% were male, and 38.1% lived in rural areas. The overall prevalence of ECC was 53.2% and mean dmft score was 2.7± 0.3. Key determinants associated with ECC included living rurally (p = 0.009, OR = 2.13), consuming sweet drinks, sugary snacks, or both [p-value = 0.02 (OR = 2.53), and p-value<0.001 (OR = 4.96), respectively], and visible plaque (p<0.001, OR = 3.41). Covariates associated with dmft scores included residing in rural regions (p = 0.02, IRR = 1.31), having both sugary snacks and sweet drinks (p = 0.02, IRR = 1.85) compared to those had none, and visible dental plaque (p<0.001, IRR = 2.06). The prevalence of dental caries in children is high in Iran. The increase of ECC prevalence and severity from toddlers to preschoolers emphasizes on the critical importance of early interventions in toddlers. Improving access to care for rural children is essential along with the need to change dietary and self-care behaviors through multilevel efforts.

Barriers and enablers for oral health promotion programs amongst primary healthcare stakeholders in Qatar – a qualitative investigation

BackgroundOral health of preschool children remains a concern globally. Primary healthcare providers are in a vital position to support preventive oral care programmes. This study explored current practices, perception and barriers of primary health care professionals towards oral health promotion program of children in Qatar.MethodsThe qualitative research used focus group discussions and interviewed a total of 108 participants that were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Four major themes emerged and were analysed to explore contextual patterns within the data.ResultsParticipants acknowledged the high prevalence of caries in children and identified the causes in the local context which included parental practices, poor dietary habits, impact of culture lack of oral health knowledge, limitations in the healthcare system, and negative role of the media. However, complex barriers were exposed, including lack of time and ownership, system coordination between organizations, and lack of policy.ConclusionHealth professionals and bureaucrats involved in decision-making held a positive attitude towards oral health prevention programs and were enthusiastic to initiate and support these programs.

Leveraging School Health Programs in Africa: Integrated Screening for Rheumatic Heart Disease and Dental Caries.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and dental caries (DC) disproportionately affect children and young adults in sub-Saharan countries, with major impact on schoolchildren's health and education. DC in children with RHD constitutes an important risk for fatal complications. Our study aimed at assessing the feasibility of simultaneous RHD and DC screening in school environment. March 20-24, 2022, we performed an observational descriptive study of schoolchildren in a public school in Maputo City, Mozambique. RHD screening involved two stages: first, a physical examination (including cardiac auscultation and direct observation of the oral cavity), and second, an abbreviated echocardiography performed by a cardiologist. Rapid testing for group A Streptococcus (GAS) was done to every eighth child in the classroom and for those with signs suggesting recent infection, in accordance with the study protocol developed for screening. A multidisciplinary team collected the data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 954 students (median age 9; range 6-15) were screened. One hundred and twenty-five participants were eligible for a rapid antigen test, of which 6 (4.8%) tested positive. On clinical evaluation 52 children (5.3%) presented a heart murmur. Echocardiography on 362 children showed borderline RHD in 35 children and definite RHD in 2 (0.6%); 1 child had a ventricular septal defect. Dental cavities were present in 444 (48.4%), despite 904 out of 917 students reporting brushing of their teeth once to three times daily (98.6%). School-based integrated oral and cardiovascular screenings and use of rapid tests for GAS carriage provide crucial information to create customized preventive strategies for rheumatic fever (RF) and RHD in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), in addition to detecting children at very high risk of bacterial endocarditis. The sustainability of such interventions and acceptability by health providers needs to be assessed.

Peningkatan Pola Hidup Sehat melalui Pelatihan Teknik Menyikat Gigi pada Anak Usia Dini

One of the dental and oral problems that often occurs is caries. Young children are at higher risk because their ability to maintain oral hygiene is still not optimal. Caries in children causes various impacts, including obstruct children's development, thereby reducing children's intelligence levels, which in the long term will have an impact on people's quality of life. Efforts to improve dental and oral health must begin as early as possible. One effort to improve dental and oral health is to instill in children the habit of maintaining healthy teeth through counseling and training. The counseling and toothbrushing training provided in this service activity is carried out to young children supported by parents and teachers. It is hoped that this outreach activity and toothbrushing training will provide an opportunity to teach children the importance of oral health and how to care for them properly. Counseling and training were carried out to students, teachers and parents at PAUDIT Nurul Fikri Banjarmasin using a participatory approach consisting of 3 stages, namely planning, implementation and evaluation. Counseling was carried out through animated videos, banners and dental puppets. Tooth brushing training was carried out with students brushing their teeth accompanied by parents and teachers. Based on the evaluation results, it was found that all parents were able to help their children brush their teeth better, and based on the results of interviews regarding the habit of brushing their teeth at home, all parents admitted that they always accompanied their children in brushing their teeth morning and night. It is hoped that this activity will become the basis for the establishment of the Little Dentist Program.

Association of parental social support and dental caries in hispanic children.

This study describes social support of Hispanic parents and the correlation with dental caries in their children. A cross-sectional study design was utilized to assess the 157 parent-child triads recruited from the Children's Hospital Colorado Dental Clinic. The Basic Research Factors Questionnaire (BRFQ) survey was utilized to assess parents' oral health knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and other psychosocial measures with social support as the main predictor variable. Bivariate associations between the independent variables and dmfs were conducted. Independent variables with a bivariate association of p ≤ 0.2 for the outcome variable were included in the multivariable linear regression model. Dental caries in children was significantly associated with less overall parental social support (β = -10.10, p = 0.03). Overall social support was divided into four sub-categories: errand help, money help, childcare help, and transportation help. Dental caries decreased by 7.70 units for every 1-unit increase in transportation help (β = -7.70, p = 0.03). A significant association was observed between parental knowledge on dental utilization and dmfs (β = -2.70, p = 0.04). In the multivariable linear regression model, caries was significantly associated with social support (β = -11.18, p = 0.02) and knowledge on dental utilization (β = -3.84, p = 0.01). The study concludes that a higher level of social support and knowledge on dental utilization for Hispanic parents is correlated with lower rates of dental caries in their children.

Protection Factors and Risk Factors of Caries in Children Aged 10-13 Years in Ujung Tanah Sub-District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi

Background: Caries is one of the oral diseases that is often experienced by children around the world by 60%-90%, especially in low socioeconomic groups. The causes of caries are multifactorial, including socioeconomic level, age, gender, diet and oral hygiene. Sucrose or sugar commonly consumed is an important factor causing caries. Elementary school children are an age group that is very vulnerable to caries because they have poor behavior in maintaining oral and dental health. Aim: Knowing the protection factors and risk of caries in children aged 10-13 years. Method: The study was conducted in September 2022 - March 2023 on elementary school students aged 10-13 years in 3 (three) elementary schools in Ujung Tanah District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi Provision. The number of samples at SD Hang Tuah was 64 people, SDN Ujung Tanah 54 people, and SDN Cambaya 49 people with a total sample of 167 people with quantitative research methods using questionnaires. Results: The average value of protection factor against caries in SD Hang Tuah was 66.8%, SDN Ujung Tanah 72.5%, and SDN Cambaya 64.2%. The protection factor against caries in the three schools still needs to be improved. The average value of risk factors for caries in SD Hang Tuah was 33%, SDN Ujung Tanah 29.3%, and SDN Cambaya 32.7%. Risk factors for caries in the three schools still need to be reduced. Conclusion: The protection factor still needs to be improved while the risk factor still needs to be lowered by the three elementary schools. In addition, this study also found caries rates in the three schools in the very high category with a caries index of &gt;6.6.