Consequences Of Untreated Caries Research Articles

Perceptions of Parents/Caregivers About the Impact of Oral Conditions on the Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

To investigate the perceptions of parents/caregivers about the impact of oral conditions on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to the perceptions of parents/caregivers of children/adolescents without ASD. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 80 children/adolescents with ASD three to 16 years of age matched by sex and age with 80 children/adolescents without ASD and their parents/caregivers. Clinical examinations were performed for the diagnosis of dental caries experience (DMFT/dmft), clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (PUFA/pufa), visible plaque (VPI), bleeding on probing (BPI), malocclusion and traumatic dental injury (TDI). Parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics and the Brazilian version of the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ), which measures OHRQoL from the perspective of parents/caregivers. Data analysis involved the Wilcoxon test, chi-squared test and Poisson regression. Dental caries experience impacted OHRQoL in the group with ASD regarding the total P-CPQ score (p < 0.001) as well as the "oral symptoms" (p = 0.011) and "wellbeing" (p < 0.011) domains. No differences were found between the perceptions of parents/caregivers of children/adolescents with ASD and perceptions of parents/caregivers of children/adolescents without ASD (p = 0.721). Dental caries experience can have a negative impact on the OHRQoL of children/adolescents with ASD.

Does the severity of untreated dental caries of preschool children influence the oral health-related quality of life?

AimTo assess the impact of untreated dental caries and its severity on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of Kuwaiti preschool children and their caregivers.MethodsParticipants were 4- and 5-year-old kindergarten children attending preselected public schools from one of the Governorates in Kuwait. Early childhood caries (ECC) was evaluated by clinical examinations and presented using decayed, missed, filled teeth/surface (dmft/dmfs). The clinical consequences of untreated dental caries were assessed using the pufa (pulp, ulcers, fistula, abscess) index for primary teeth. A structured questionnaire obtained demographic information of children and their caregivers. OHRQoL was assessed using the Arabic version of Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (A-ECOHIS).ResultsAmong the 334 participants, 171 were kindergarten level-1 (KG1), and 163 were level-2 (KG2). The overall prevalence of dental caries was 78.9% for KG1 children and 67.4% for KG2 children. Decayed teeth were the main component for both dmft (84%) and dmfs (68%). The total mean (SD) pufa score was 0.54 (1.5), and about 19.2% of participants had at least one tooth with pufa > 0. A total of 207 A-ECOHIS were completed. Both family and child impact scores were significantly higher for children with a dmft score of 1 or more (p < 0.001) or with one or more pufa (p < 0.001). Child impact section scores were significantly higher with the increasing degrees of untreated caries (dt) (p = 0.004).ConclusionThe severity of untreated dental caries and caries experience had a negative impact on the OHRQoL of Kuwaiti preschool children and their families. Using the pufa index had provided additional information about the effect of the caries severity on the OHRQoL than assessing the caries experience alone.

Does using the sociodental approach in oral health care influence use of dental services and oral health of adolescents living in deprived communities? a one-year follow up study

BackgroundOral health needs assessment is important for oral health care planning. This study compared dental treatment needs between normative and sociodental needs. We also longitudinally examined the relationships of baseline sociodental needs measures and socioeconomic status with one-year follow up measures of use of dental services, dental caries, filled teeth, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).MethodsA prospective study was conducted with 12-year-old adolescents from public schools in deprived communities in the city of Manaus, Brazil. Validated questionnaires were used to collect adolescents’ sex and socioeconomic status, OHRQoL (CPQ11 − 14) and behaviours (sugar intake, frequency of toothbrushing, regular use of fluoridated toothpaste and pattern of dental attendance). Normative need was assessed according to decayed teeth, clinical consequences of untreated dental caries, malocclusion, dental trauma, and dental calculus. The relationships between variables were tested thorough Structural equation modelling.ResultsOverall 95.5% of adolescents had normative dental treatment needs. Of these, 9.4% were classified as high level of propensity. Higher normative/impact need and greater propensity-related need directly predicted use of dental services at one-year follow up. The latter mediated the association of normative/impact need and propensity-related need with incidence of dental caries and filled teeth. Normative/impact need and use of dental services were directly associated with filled teeth at one-year follow up. Poor OHRQoL at one-year follow-up was directly predicted by higher normative/impact need at baseline and less filled teeth at one-year follow up. Greater socioeconomic status was directly associated with better propensity-related need. Socioeconomic status indirectly predicted incidence of dental caries and filled teeth via propensity-related need and use of dental services.ConclusionsSociodental needs measures were related to use of dental services, dental caries, filled teeth and OHRQoL after one year among adolescents living in deprived communities. Adolescents with dental needs treatment priorities according to the sociodental approach had more filled teeth via use of dental services. Dental services utilisation did not attenuate the impact of normative and impact-related need on dental caries incidence and poor OHRQoL after one year. Our findings suggest the importance of developing oral health promotion and enhancing access to dental care to improve oral health of adolescents living in deprived communities.

Oral health characteristics in children and adolescents with Down syndrome.

To compare oral health indicators of children/adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) with a group of children/adolescents without DS. This cross-sectional study included 144 individuals with DS, ages 4 to 18 years, matched for age and sex with a group of 144 individuals without DS, and their parents/caregivers. Parents/caregivers completed a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic information and habits related to their children's oral health. Clinical examination of the children/adolescents evaluated dental caries experience (DMFT/dmft), bleeding on periodontal probing, presence of visible plaque, clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (PUFA/pufa), and malocclusion (DAI). The chi-square test, linear by linear test, and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the variables between the groups (p < .05). Children/adolescents without DS brushed their teeth more times per day (p < .001) and had a higher frequency of daily sugar intake (p < .001). The children/adolescents in the DS group had a greater presence of gingival bleeding (p < .001) and had a greater number of cases of "severe malocclusion" and "very severe malocclusion" (p = .001). No difference was found in the prevalence of dental caries between the two groups. The children/adolescents in the DS group had a greater presence of gingival bleeding during the clinical examination and had a greater need for orthodontic treatment.

Consequences of untreated dental caries in children aged 36 to 71 months in the province of Yauyos

Consequences of untreated dental caries in children aged 36 to 71 months in the province of Yauyos

Assessing the Clinical Consequences of Untreated Caries in 8- to 10-Year-Old Children with Pufa Index

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the oral health conditions of 8- to 10-year-old students in the mixed dentition stage in Erzurum, Turkey, by determining their dental caries’ status and the soft tissue damages by untreated caries. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in two randomly selected schools in the residential areas populated predominantly by families with mid-and-low socioeconomic levels. A total of 586 children, 275 girls, and 365 boys with a mean age of 8.95 ± 0.8 participated in the study. Number of decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth in the permanent dentition/number of decayed and filled teeth in the primary dentition (DMFT/dft) and visible pulpal involvement (P/p), ulceration caused by dislocated tooth fragments (U/u), fistula (F/f) and abscess (A/a) (PUFA)/pufa indices are included in the clinical examination section of the study. Obtained data were analyzed with SPSS (IBM Corp. 2013, IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. Armonk, NY). Results: Our research revealed a DMFT score of 2.43 ± 1.7, dft 4.12 ± 2.7, pufa 0.75 ±1.2, PUFA 0.05± 0.24, a caries frequency of 96.1, PUFA/pufa frequency of 40.9, and untreated caries PUFA/pufa ratio was found as 13.3%. A significant difference with positive correlation was found between d and pufa scores ( P &lt; .01). Increasing DMFT, decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS) in the permanent dentition, and decreasing dft, decayed, and filled surfaces (dfs) in the primary dentition, and pufa scores with the age increment were found to be significant ( P &lt; .05). Conclusion: The frequency of soft tissue damage associated with untreated caries, caries index scores, and frequency of dental caries was found to be quite high in the study population consisting of children belonging to families with similar socioeconomic status.

Oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: paired cross-sectional study.

To evaluate the impact of oral health conditions on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and compare with children and adolescents without CP. This was a paired cross-sectional study, consisting of 121 children and adolescents with CP and 121 without CP, aged 6 to 14years. Caregivers filled a socioeconomic-demographic and the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ). Physical examination of the oral cavity assessed the dental caries experience, need for treatment, consequences of untreated dental caries, presence of dental trauma, bruxism and malocclusion. A descriptive analysis and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05) were performed. Variables with p values ≤ 0.20 in the bivariate analysis were included in the adjusted model analysis. Variables with a p value < 0.05 remained in the final Poisson Regression model. Caries experience had a negative impact on the quality of life of both groups, with and without CP. Presence of gastroesophageal reflux and difficulty to opening the mouth also had a negative impact on the OHRQoL of the group with CP. Children and adolescents with CP suffered a greater negative impact on OHRQoL than individuals without CP. Difficulty in opening the mouth and the presence of GER had a negative effect on the quality of life of individuals with CP, while dental caries had a negative impact on the OHRQoL of children and adolescents of both groups.

Assessing consequences of untreated dental caries using pufa/PUFA index among 6-12 years old schoolchildren in a rural population of Kerala.

Dental caries is the most common dental disease of childhood. India with a population of more than 135 crores accounts for a high proportion of dental morbidity. Poor oral health has a significant impact on quality of life, especially in rural areas. The consequences of untreated dental caries include pain, abscess, and space infections which may lead to loss of function and school hours. These consequences are of utmost important while planning a community dental care program. To assess the prevalence of dental caries, caries experience, and severity of dental caries among 6-12 years old schoolchildren in the rural areas of Kollam District, Kerala State. A community school-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study in the rural areas of Kollam District. A cross-sectional study was carried among 2194 schoolchildren in the rural areas of Kollam District in the age group of 6-12 years. Children from eight randomly selected schools were examined for pufa/PUFA and dmf/DMF indices. SPSS version 17.0, Mann-Whitney, t-test, KruskalWallis test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Overall caries prevalence among the total population was found to be 74%. The prevalence of caries in the deciduous dentition was 61% and a mean decayed, missing, filled teeth value of 2.74 ± 3.200 and for the permanent dentition the caries prevalence of 26.8% and a mean Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth of 0.66 ± 1.360 were observed. The prevalence of untreated dental caries (pufa/PUFA) was 40.8%. The pufa prevalence in deciduous dentition was 38.3% with a mean pufa of 0.99 ± 1.679. Moreover, the PUFA prevalence in permanent dentition was 4.1% with a mean PUFA of 0.06 ± 0.349. The highest prevalence of untreated dental caries (pufa/PUFA) was found in the 7 years' age group (52%) and the lowest in 12 years' age group (22.4%).

Longitudinal evaluation of determinants of the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries in early childhood.

This study aimed to evaluate whether the trajectory of family income, parental education and clinical variables are associated with the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries among children. A prospective cohort study was conducted with 439 children between one and three years of age, evaluated at baseline and re-evaluated after three years. Sociodemographic and economic variables, untreated dental caries and biofilm were investigated both at baseline and at the 3-year follow-up. The pufa index (pulpal involvement, ulceration, fistula and abscess) was used to diagnose the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries. The prevalence of pufa ≥1 was 18.2% in the follow-up. The following variables were associated with a higher risk of clinical consequences of untreated dental caries: mother's low schooling level at baseline and follow-up (RR=1.51; 95% CI: 1.04-2.18), incidence or baseline presence of biofilm (RR=4.66; 95% CI: 2.02-10.74), cavitated dental caries at baseline (RR=3.57; 95% CI:1.86 to 6.83) and incidence of cavitated dental caries (RR=2.04; 95% CI: 1.24-3.35). Low maternal schooling level, biofilm, cavitated dental caries at baseline, and incidence of dental caries were the factors determining the consequences of untreated dental caries.

Association of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference With Dental Caries and Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries Among 12- to 14-Year-old Boys: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) and dental caries (DC), and the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (U-DC) among 12- to 14-year-old male public-school adolescents in the Northern Province, Saudi Arabia. MethodsThe demographic and anthropometric measurements of 302 boys 12 to 14 years of age (mean: 12.5 years) were recorded. BMI and central obesity (based on WC) were measured. The decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index was used to record DC. The pulp involvement, ulceration, fistula, abscess (PUFA) index was used to quantify the clinical consequences of U-DC. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors related to DC and clinical consequences of U-DC. ResultsA high prevalence of DC was found in adolescents who were underweight according to BMI and nonobese based on WC (46.7% vs 34.5%). The association between underweight (BMI) and obese (WC) with DC (odds ratio [95% CI]) was 1.91 (0.87, 4.18) and 0.34 (0.18, 0.63), respectively, while with PUFA (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]; 95%CI), it was 1.76 (0.76, 4.09) and 0.19 (0.06, 0.63) respectively. The logistic regression model showed that consuming sugar more than once a day led to a 2.87-fold greater likelihood of DC (AOR [95% CI] = 2.87 [1.68, 4.88]) and a 3.91-fold greater likelihood of mean PUFA score (AOR [95% CI] = 3.91 [2.05, 7.44]. ConclusionHigh risks for DC and clinical consequences of U-DC were observed among underweight and nonobese adolescent males. The frequency of sugar consumption was significantly associated with both conditions.

Factors associated with oral health-related quality of life in homeless persons: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of homeless persons. A cross-sectional study was conducted, with participants (n = 176) attending a Specialized Reference Center for the Homeless Population in Teresina, Brazil. Dental caries (DMFT index, WHO criteria), periodontal disease (CPI index), and the consequences of untreated caries (PUFA index) were measured by a single calibrated examiner (Kappa ≥0.83). Sociodemographic, oral health, and OHRQoL (OHIP-14) data were obtained through interviews. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and Poisson regression, with a significance level of 5%. Most of the participants were male (86.4%) and from the age group of 30 to 43 years (52.2%). Mean DMFT was 11 (SD ± 6.9) and mean total PUFA score was 1.2 (SD ± 2.2). Most of the participants (88.6%) had dental calculus and 8.5% and 1.7% of the sample had gingival bleeding and periodontal pocket > 3.5mm, respectively. The highest prevalence of negative impact in the OHRQoL was associated with females (1.4 (95%CI 1.1-1.7)), low educational level (2.0 (95%CI 1.3-3.0)), caries (1.6 (95%CI 1.1-2.6)), fistulas (1.9 (95%CI 1.3-3.1)), gingival bleeding (1.7 (95%CI 1.1- 2.7)), dental calculus (1.8 (95% CI 1.3-2.5)), periodontal pockets > 3 mm (1.5 (95%CI 1.1-2.0)), and need for extraction (2.3 (95%CI 1.1-5.0)). In conclusion, the negative impact on the OHRQoL of homeless persons was associated with low educational level, presence of decayed teeth, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus.

Clinical consequences of untreated dental caries and school performance in low-income adolescents.

The possible link between dental status and school performance has been investigated. The influence of the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries in this association, however, has been minimally explored. To assess the relationship between clinical consequences of untreated dental caries and school performance in adolescents, and to examine the demographics and socioeconomic status pathways by which clinical consequences of untreated dental caries is associated with school performance. A cross-sectional study involving 363 low-income school adolescents was conducted in the city of Manaus, Brazil. Dental clinical measures were registered by five calibrated examiners to evaluate dental caries experience (decayed, missing, and filled teeth index [DMFT]) and clinical sequelae of dental caries (PUFA/pufa index). School performance was assessed using school grade history obtained from official records. Statistical analysis was conducted using pathway analysis to estimate beta coefficients (β) of the direct and indirect effects between variables. DMFT and PUFA/pufa mean were 1.93 and 0.30, respectively. PUFA/pufa scores (β=-0.19) and male sex (β=0.35) directly predicted poor school performance. DMFT was indirectly linked to poor school performance via PUFA/pufa scores (β=-0.03). Dental caries and clinical consequences of dental caries were important predictors of poor school performance in low-income adolescents via direct and indirect effects.

Assessment of the impact of toothache, untreated caries and its consequences on the quality of life among poor Brazilian children

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of dental pain and the consequences of untreated dental caries on the quality of life in children of low social-economic status aged from 8 to 10 years old. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 230 children were submitted to a clinical examination in which the caries-pufa ratio was measured, afterward, they answered to two questionnaires: one about their quality of life (CPQ8-10) and the other about dental pain. Data were statistically analyzed through Chi-square, Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests to evaluate the association between the variables with impact on children’s OHRQoL. To establish the existence of risk factors among variables and impact on OHRQoL a Poisson Regression model was applied. Results: Dental caries (p = 0.003; PR 2.39; 95% CI 1.04–1.56), severity of untreated caries (p = 0.008; PR 2.86; 95% CI 1.13–2.00), toothache (p &lt; 0.001; PR 2.31; 95% CI 1.64–3.27) and PUFA + pufa index (p &lt; 0.023; PR 2.68; 95% CI 1.10–1.87) were associated with and were a predictor factor for impact on overall OHRQoL. All of these variables also had an effect over the social welfare subscale (p ≤ 0.001), whereas caries presence was also statistically linked with the emotional wellbeing subscale (p = 0.008) and dental pain with all four subscales (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Untreated dental caries’ clinical consequences and dental pain exerted a negative influence on the quality of life of schoolchildren analyzed.

Prevalence and severity of coronal and radicular caries among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross sectional study

BackgroundStudies among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients have reported total caries experience; however the severity and clinical consequences of untreated dental caries are often ignored. MethodsFor this study, 150 well (I) and poorly controlled (II) diabetic participants were recruited. The spectrum of caries was evaluated using DMFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled Tooth) index, Dental Caries Severity Classification Scale, PUFA (Pulpal involvement, Ulceration, Fistula and Abscess) index, RCI (Root Caries Index) and the severity of radicular caries by Root Surface Caries Severity Index. ResultsThe prevalence of coronal and root caries was 90.7% and 23.3%, respectively. There was significant difference among caries experiences for D, M and DMFT. In group II, severity of coronal caries and mean rank of P, F, A and PUFA scores were higher, so were prevalence of root caries and severity of RD2, RD3 and RD4. HbA1c level had positive correlation with DMFT and PUFA scores (r = 0.458 and 0.522), so was the duration of diabetes with coronal caries, DMFT, PUFA score, root caries and RCI score (r = 0.235, 0.320, 0.273, 0.308 and 0.323). ConclusionThis is probably the first study to examine the severity of coronal caries, prevalence of untreated dental caries and severity of radicular caries in diabetic patients. Uncontrolled diabetes causes substantial increase in prevalence and severity of coronal and radicular caries.

Validating and assessing the oral health-related quality of life among Hungarian children with cleft lip and palate using Child-OIDP scale

AimsTo validate the Child-Oral Impact on Daily Performance (Child-OIDP) in the Hungarian language and to explore the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and associated factors among Hungarian children with cleft lip or/and palate (CLP).MethodsThis cross-sectional study consists of a survey and clinical examination among conveniently selected children with CLP visiting the Pécs cleft lip and palate clinic, Pécs, Hungary. OHRQoL was assessed using the Hungarian version of Child-OIDP. Additionally, a validated structural questionnaire was used for gathering information related to oral hygiene practice. Clinical examination was done to register the dental status using ICDAS criteria, consequences of untreated dental caries (pufa), and bleeding on probing. Results were presented as proportions, means, and standard deviations (SD). Construct validity and internal reliability of the Hungarian Child-OIDP was assessed using the Pearson and Spearman's correlation coefficients, respectively. The logistic regression model examined the association between OHRQoL and explanatory variables.ResultsA total of 45 children with CLP participated in this study. The Hungarian Child-OIDP had the Cronbach's alpha value 0.73, and the Spearman’s correlation coefficient was 0.31. The mean (SD) Child-OIDP score among the study participants was 4.4 (7.0) and three-fifths (65.9%, n = 27) of the participants reported impact in one or more items of the OHRQoL scale. Tooth brushing was more frequent among 6−10-year-olds compared to 11−16-year-olds. The proportion of those requiring restorative treatment need (DS ≥ 1) was 90.2% (n = 37), those with PUFA/pufa (score ≥ 1) was 24.4% (n = 10), and those with bleeding on probing (> 15%) was 63.4% (n = 26). Children aged 11–16 years had a higher impact on OHRQoL compared to the younger ones. Girls had a higher impact on OHRQoL compared to boys. Children with clefts involving both lip and palate had poorer OHRQoL than the rest. The same was true for those having a high dental caries rate.ConclusionThe Hungarian Child-OIDP was a reliable and valid measure. There was a substantial impact on OHRQoL among Hungarian children and adolescents with CLP. Age, gender, cleft type and dental caries were associated with poor OHRQoL.

Clinical Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries, Individual Characteristics, and Environmental Factors on Self-Reported Oral Health Measures in Adolescents: A Follow-Up Prevalence Study

Background/Aims: This study evaluated the relationships of clinical consequences of untreated dental caries, individual characteristics, and environmental factors on self-reported oral health measures in adolescents. Methods: A follow-up prevalence study was conducted involving 406 twelve-year-old adolescents selected from public schools in the eastern area of the city of Manaus, Brazil. Baseline data included clinical consequences of untreated caries (PUFA/pufa index), DMFT, sociodemographic characteristics (sex, parental schooling, and family income), psychosocial factors (sense of coherence [SOC-13 scale], oral health beliefs and self-esteem [Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale]), and social support (SSA questionnaire). Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL [CPQ_11–14]) and self-rated oral health were assessed at the 6-month follow-up. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the relationships between variables according to the Wilson and Cleary model. Results: The prevalence of PUFA/pufa was 17.8% and mean DMFT was 1.5. The number of teeth with clinical consequences of untreated caries predicted poor self-rated oral health at the 6-month follow-up. Low parental schooling predicted low family income and clinical consequences of untreated dental caries. Psychosocial factors predicted OHRQoL directly and self-rated oral health indirectly. OHRQoL was linked to self-rated oral health. Clinical consequences of untreated dental caries mediated the relationship of parental schooling with OHRQoL and self-rated oral health. OHRQoL mediated the relationship of psychosocial factors and sex with self-rated oral health. Clinical consequences of untreated dental caries was associated with adolescents’ self-rated oral health. Furthermore, the former was an important mediator on the link between low parental education and adolescents’ self-reported oral health measures. Conclusions: Socioeconomic status, psychosocial factors, and social support were related to OHRQoL and self-rated oral health via direct and indirect pathways.

Evaluation of Pulpal Involvement, Ulceration, Fistula, and Abscess Index and Periapical Index in Screening for Endodontic Disease: Reliability and Accuracy

IntroductionThe pulpal involvement, ulceration, fistula, and abscess (PUFA) index was developed to screen for the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the PUFA index and the periapical index (PAI) in identifying pulpal and periapical diseases. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using consecutive sampling. Each participant went through screening using the PUFA index, orthopantomography assessment using PAI, and comprehensive clinical examination to derive pulpal and apical diagnoses. The outcomes were dichotomized. Reliability was estimated using the Cohen kappa coefficient. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was compared using the chi-square test. ResultsA total of 165 participants were examined, 98.2% of whom had a decayed, missing, or filled tooth index >0. Of 4115 teeth assessed, 16.2% (n = 666) were diagnosed with pulpal disease and 7.9% (n = 325) with periapical disease. Interexaminer reliability for the PUFA index and PAI was 0.87 and 0.80, respectively. Intraexaminer reliability was 0.83 and 0.76 for the PUFA index and 0.75 and 0.72 for PAI. For pulpal diagnosis, the sensitivity of the PUFA index and PAI was 67.6% and 41.7%, respectively; the specificity of the PUFA index and PAI was 99.8% and 99.2%, respectively. For apical diagnosis, the sensitivity of the PUFA index and PAI was 87.7% and 75.4%, respectively; the specificity of the PUFA index and PAI was 95.4% and 98.4%, respectively. The PUFA index is statistically more accurate than PAI for pulpal diagnosis and apical diagnosis (P < .05). ConclusionsThe PUFA index can be used in screening for pulpal and periapical diseases with some limitations.

How to evaluate adolescents’ dental anxiety? A review of instruments

How to evaluate adolescents’ dental anxiety? A review of instruments

Determinants of parental report of dental pain and discomfort in preschool children-The Dental Discomfort Questionnaire.

Pain is a major consequence of caries, which negatively impacts the quality of life of children and their families. To analyse the parental report of dental pain and discomfort in preschool children, and to identify clinical and sociodemographic factors associated. This cross-sectional study involved 375 four- and five-year-old preschoolers enrolled in the city of Campo Magro public school system, along with their parents and caregivers. Parents/caregivers answered the Brazilian version of the Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (DDQ-B) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Two examiners (kappa>0.79) performed clinical examinations using dmf-t and pufa index. The associations were statistically analysed by univariate and multiple Poisson regression with robust variance (α=0.05). The prevalence of dental pain and discomfort was 70.3% (66%-75% 95% CI). Children from non-nuclear families (PRa 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01-1.76) and whose parents presented a lower level of education (PRa 2.43; 95% CI 1.66-3.55) presented a higher prevalence of dental pain or discomfort. Considering the clinical determinants, after adjusting, only the presence of clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (pufa≥1) (PRa 1.37; 95% CI 1.02-1.84) was significantly associated with higher dental pain or discomfort. Dental pain and discomfort were associated with socioeconomic factors and with the presence of clinical consequences of untreated dental caries.

Caries experience, clinical consequences of untreated dental caries and associated factors among school going children - A cross-sectional study.

To assess the dental caries experience, clinical consequences of untreated dental caries, and associated factors among 6-13 years school going children in Tiruvallur taluk of Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. The study population included a sample of 1,060 study subjects, aged 6-13 years from both government and private schools. The subjects were interviewed regarding oral hygiene practices, diet, dental visits, body mass index, income of the parents using a closed-ended questionnaire. Caries experience was assessed by recording the Pulpitis, Ulceration, Fistula, Abscess (DMFT)/dmft score and untreated carious lesion was assessed using Pulpitis, Ulceration, Fistula, Abscess (PUFA)/pufa index. Pearson's Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, Kendal tau correlation and binary logistic regression were performed to determine the relationship between DMFT, dmft, PUFA, pufa scores, and various independent factors. Among the study subjects, the mean DMFT and dmft scores were 0.12 ± 0.45 and 0.79 ± 0.15, respectively. The mean PUFA and pufa scores were 0.02 ± 0.150 and 0.14 ± 0.55, respectively. Subjects who never visited the dentist and who belonged to underweight group had significantly 2.2 times and 2.3 times, respectively, increased chances for caries experience in deciduous dentition. Subjects who never visited the dentist and who belong to underweight group had significantly 1.8 times and 1.7 times respectively, increased chances for odontogenic infection in deciduous dentition. Dental caries experience and odontogenic infections were found to be higher in the primary dentition compared to permanent dentition. The habit of not visiting the dentist had increased the chances of developing dental caries and odontogenic infection in primary dentition.