Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Research Articles

Clinical and dental predictors of preterm birth using machine learning methods: the MOHEPI study.

Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the most common and serious complications of pregnancy, leading to mortality and severe morbidities that can impact lifelong health. PTB could be associated with various maternal medical condition and dental status including periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to identify major predictors of PTB among clinical and dental variables using machine learning methods. Prospective cohort data were obtained from 60 women who delivered singleton births via cesarean section (30 PTB, 30 full-term birth [FTB]). Dependent variables were PTB and spontaneous PTB (SPTB). 15 independent variables (10 clinical and 5 dental factors) were selected for inclusion in the machine learning analysis. Random forest (RF) variable importance was used to identify the major predictors of PTB and SPTB. Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) values were calculated to analyze the directions of the associations between the predictors and PTB/SPTB. Major predictors of PTB identified by RF variable importance included pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), modified gingival index (MGI), preeclampsia, decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) index, and maternal age as in top five rankings. SHAP values revealed positive correlations between PTB/SPTB and its major predictors such as premature rupture of the membranes, pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal age, and MGI. The positive correlations between these predictors and PTB emphasize the need for integrated medical and dental care during pregnancy. Future research should focus on validating these predictors in larger populations and exploring interventions to mitigate these risk factors.

Association between Obesity and Dental Caries in Adults: An analysis of WHR, and DMFT score.

The relationship between obesity and dental caries in adults presents inconsistent findings in current literature, which necessitates further research to clarify this relationship. This study aimed to examine the association between obesity and dental caries in adults using a nationally representative sample. This study employed data of US adults aged > 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) pre-pandemic cycle. Obesity was defined using the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Dental caries were assessed using the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores. Most participants were categorized as individuals with obesity based on the WHR (74.5%) or BMI (72.7%). A significant difference in the DMFT scores and missing teeth was observed between individuals with normal weight and individuals with obesity. After adjusting for the sociodemographic variables, individuals with obesity had a 0.11 higher DMFT score (95% CI: -0.01-0.23). A significant association was observed between the WHR and DMFT scores when age was excluded from the model, demonstrating a higher coefficient of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.05-0.30). A positive association was observed between obesity and dental caries in the US adult population. However, age was found to be a confounding factor in this relationship. This study highlights the relationship between oral and general health, advocating healthcare providers for an integrated health promotion strategy, through comprehensive campaigns addressing obesity, diet, lifestyle, and dental health, aiming for raising awareness and a more effective public health strategy.

Correlation of Personality, Temperament, and Behavior of Children in the Dental Environment.

A child's temperament, influenced by inborn traits and emotional regulation, can impact their dental behavior and caries risk. Parenting styles, such as authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, or neglectful, also play a significant role. Authoritative parenting tends to yield more favorable dental outcomes, while permissive parenting can lead to a higher prevalence of caries. Studying these interactions can help tailor dental interventions and address potential risks associated with caries development. Thus, the study aims to correlate parental personality, the child's temperament to dental caries, and child's behavior in a dental setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 160 children in the age-group of 6-9 years. The children were selected based on the selection criteria. The children were asked to fill out the parental perception questionnaire (PPQ), and the parents were asked to fill out the emotionality, activity, sociability (EAS) questionnaire to assess the parenting style and child's temperamental status. Later, the child's behavior pattern was assessed using the Frankl behavior rating scale. The children were intraorally examined for the presence of caries using the decayed, extracted, filled teeth (deft) and decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index. All the data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. In this study, a total of 160 children were assessed, including 84 boys (52.3%) and 76 girls (47.5%), with an average age of 7.8 years. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Scheffe's post hoc test was performed to compare the temperamental status and parenting style with the behavior of the child in the dental office. The results were statistically significant with a p-value of 0.001. Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed a significant positive correlation between Temperament E scores and def scores in children with positive behavior (p-value = 0.004). This study's findings suggest that a child's behavior in a dental office is influenced by the parent's personality, the child's temperament, and the dentist. A child's capacity to handle dental visits and their overall oral health can be notably affected by the child's temperament and parenting style. Thamilvanan S, Srinivasan D, Benedict CH, et al. Correlation of Personality, Temperament, and Behavior of Children in the Dental Environment. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(8):907-912.

Oral and dental health status in patients with chronic headache

IntroductionHeadache is an illness with high prevalence and adverse effects on quality of life. As oral or dental problems such as pain can trigger or aggravate it, we aimed to investigate and compare oral and dental health status in patients affected with chronic headaches and healthy individuals.MethodsThe present case-control study included 60 patients with chronic headaches (case) and 60 healthy individuals (control) in Rasht, Iran. The demographic characteristics and clinical examinations, including decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMF-T) and community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) indices, as well as bruxism, frequency of tooth brushing and flossing, and maxillary and mandibular tooth wear were recorded in a checklist. Data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS version 28 at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsThe case group consisted of 25 men (41.7%) and 35 women (58.3%) with an average age of 32.55 ± 6.62 years, while the control group had 27 men (45%) and 33 women (55%) with an average age of 30.95 ± 6.33 years. The study groups were not significantly different in bruxism, frequency of tooth brushing and flossing, DMFT, CPTIN, and maxillary and mandibular tooth wear.ConclusionIt seems that chronic headaches do not significantly affect the oral and dental health of the sufferers. Moreover, it appears that these patients are well aware of the role of oral and dental hygiene in triggering or aggravating the episodes of headaches.

Evaluation of the Association Between Sociodemographic Characteristics, Systemic Diseases and Oral Health in the Turkish Suppopulation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and systemic diseases with oral health in individuals aged 18-65 with the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 367 volunteers aged 18-65 years. The sixty seven people who reported that they ate completely sugar-free and received orthodontic treatment were excluded from the study and 300 people (170 female/130 male; average age:38.64±14.19) were evaluated. The patients’ sociodemographic information (age, gender, education, brushing), systemic diseases, medication use and DMFT scores were recorded by the specialist researcher. Data were analyzed by using Kolmogorov Smirnov, Man Whitney-U, Kruskall Wallis test and Post-hoc Tamhane’s T2 test in SPPS software (22.0). Results: The difference in DMFT score with sociodemographic information (age, education, brushing) other than gender was statistically significant (p< .05). DMFT score was found in asthma (12.39±5.17), cardiovascular disease (14.56±7.23) and diabetes (14.00±3.42); was significantly higher compared to healthy (9.39±3.67) people (p< .05). The difference between gastrointestinal disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease and healthy people wasn’t statistically significant (p> .05). However the mean DMFT score in kidney patients (9.00±2.85) was significantly lower compared to asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (p< .05). DMFT score was significantly higher in people using medication (13.77±5.58) than in people not using medication (9.42±3.70)(p< .05). Conclusion: Oral health may be negatively affected by some systemic diseases and drug use. In addition, sociodemographic characteristics have an important effect on oral health. The individual’s sociodemographic characteristics, systemic diseases and medication use should be evaluated in detail in treatment planning and oral health motivation.

Determination of orthodontic anomaly patterns in patients in the Thrace region and assessment of the relationship between orthodontic anomalies and DMFT indices: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental and skeletal anomalies that could be a cause of malocclusion and their relationship with caries distribution in the western region of Türkiye. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted with 1815 digital panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs taken from patients, age ranging between 6 and 47 years, who applied for orthodontic treatment. The lateral cephalometric radiographs, panoramic radiographs, and dental records were reviewed according to skeletal anomaly, dental malocclusion (Angle classification), and decay-missing- filling teeth (DMFT) index. Kruskal Wallis test was used in intergroup comparisons of variables that did not show normal distribution, and Dunn’s multiple comparison test was used in subgroup comparisons. The chi-square test and Yates correction were used in comparisons of qualitative data. RESULTS: The mean DMFT of the dental Class I malocclusion group was statistically and significantly lower than Class II division 1 and Class III malocclusion groups (p < 0.05). The mean DMFT index of Class II subdivision malocclusion group was statistically and significantly lower than that of Class III malocclusion group (p < 0.05). The DMFT index was significantly lower in the skeletal Class I group compared to the skeletal Class II and Class III anomaly groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between DMFT indices and dental malocclusions as well as skeletal anomalies. By correcting dental malocclusions and skeletal anomalies with orthodontic treatment and providing ideal occlusion, it becomes easier for patients to maintain oral hygiene and DMFT indices might decrease.

Oral health, treatment burden and demographics of elders with care-resistant behavior: A cross-sectional study.

To assess oral health, treatment burden, mortality risk, and demographics in elders with care-resistant behaviors (CRB) in nursing homes (NH) and compare them with those without CRB. 503 participants from eight NH who received dental treatment through a mobile dental clinic were included. Their medical and dental records were screened regarding oral/dental health, treatment history, general health, demographics, and CRB. Statistical analysis was performed to show correlations between CRB and the measured parameters. Data were verified for normal distribution; a point-biserial correlation model was used (95% CI: α=0.05). No correlation was found between CRB and Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMF-T) (rpb=-0.061, p=.177), as well as periodontal status (rpb=0.004, p=.946). A negative correlation was observed between CRB and the required number of treatment procedures (rpb=-0.181, p<.0001), time (rpb=-0.118, p=.010), and costs (rpb=-0.100, p=.028). Sex predilection for men regarding CRB was evident (rpb=-0.155, p=.01). No correlation appeared between CRB and vital status (rpb=-0.41, p=.355). Oral health seems to be similar in institutionalized elders with or without CRB. Treatment burden was not elevated, but even reduced in elders with CRB, evincing that few/no treatment procedures were performed in those elders. CRB demonstrated a sex predilection for men. An association between CRB and increased mortality was not evident.

Dental caries and adolescent cardiometabolic health from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Background and aimsTo assess the association between dental caries and cardiometabolic risk in adolescents. Methods and resultsThe analysis included adolescents aged 13–17 years enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018 who completed an Oral Health Examination. Untreated caries was defined as having one or more decayed teeth. Caries experience was assessed by Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) score. Primary cardiometabolic outcomes included elevated BP (defined as BP 120–129/<80 mmHg) and hypertensive BP (defined as BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg). Secondary cardiometabolic outcomes included obesity, dyslipidemia (defined as any abnormal lipid level), glucose intolerance (measured by HOMA-IR), and microalbuminuria (defined as urine albumin: creatinine ≥30 mg/mg). Adjusted linear and logistic models examined associations using complex survey design procedures.In the sample of 2861 adolescents, 25.6 % (1.3 %) had untreated caries. 55.4 % (1.3 %) had DMFT ≥1. In adjusted regression analyses, untreated caries status was not significantly associated with primary outcomes of elevated BP (OR = 1.04, 95 % CI 0.71, 1.52 p > 0.05), hypertensive BP (OR = 1.72, 95 % CI 0.71, 3.89 p > 0.05), nor secondary cardiometabolic outcomes. No statistically significant associations were found between DMFT score and primary outcomes of elevated BP (OR = 0.01, 95 % CI 0.34, 1.07 p > 0.05), hypertensive BP (OR = 0.91, 95 % CI 0.81, 1.08 p > 0.05), or secondary cardiometabolic outcomes. ConclusionAlthough studies in other countries and in adults show associations between caries and cardiometabolic outcomes, this study did not find an association between caries and cardiometabolic markers.

Association Between ABO Blood Group, Dental Caries, Gingivitis, Impacted Teeth and Malocclusion Among Saudi Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Whether there is a relationship between blood group and the likelihood of acquiring oral diseases. Therefore, the present study investigated the potential association between ABO blood groups and various dental conditions, including dental caries, gingivitis, malocclusion, and impacted teeth, in Saudi adults aged 18 years and older. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 participants who met the inclusion criteria. Data collection included assessment of dental caries status using the decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed missing filled surfaces (DMFS) indices, evaluation of gingivitis using the Gingival Index, classification of malocclusion according to Angle's classification system, and recording the presence or absence of impacted teeth. The AB blood group had the significantly highest mean DMFS score (8.58±6.63), while the O blood group had the lowest mean DMFS score (6.37±4.43). Additionally, blood group O showed a slightly higher prevalence of gingivitis (51.92%) than the other blood groups. Blood group A demonstrated a higher prevalence of both Class II (34.2%) and Class III (19%) malocclusions, with statistically significant differences. Regarding impacted teeth, blood group AB (48.8%) had the highest occurrence. There exists an association between oral disease and ABO blood group in Saudi adults. The results of this study indicate that individuals with specific blood types may be more prone to oral diseases, which can aid in the early diagnosis and prevention of these conditions.

The salivary microbiome and oral health status in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B

Background/purposeDysbiosis of oral microbiota has been reported in late stage of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection with cirrhosis. CHB is characterized by the constant virus-induced liver injury which may lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, some patients show normal liver function without antiviral treatment, associating with favourable prognosis. The oral microbiota composition and oral health status in these patients is unidentified. Materials and methodsThe study focuses on the composition of oral microbiota and oral health status in individuals with CHB and HBV vaccinees as controls. The CHB patients were hepatitis B 'e' antigen (HBeAg)-negative, with or without elevated liver enzyme increase at time of sampling, The 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were applied to investigate oral bacterial diversity, and oral examination including decay-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index, probing depth (PD) and mucosal status was performed, along with oral health questionnaire, to assess the oral health status in CHB patients and healthy controls. ResultsOur results indicate that their oral microbiome compositions are not significantly different though some have increased ALT/AST liver enzyme levels at the time of sampling, compared to the healthy control participants who are vaccinated e.g. protected from this viral disease. CHB patients here bore a good oral health status and life-style habits as comparing to healthy controls. ConclusionThese findings suggest that a health-associated salivary microflora is present in CHB without severe liver injury. Continued regular dental health and lifestyle support in liver disease patients is therefore justified.

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...

Assessment of treatment needs, barriers, and self-perception regarding oral health among female university students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe study aimed to compare the self-perceived oral health status measured through a self-administered questionnaire with clinically determined oral health status measured by decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) and community periodontal index of treatment need (CPITN) indices in university going females. In addition, access barriers to treatment related to oral healthcare were also determined.MethodsA 3-month analytical cross-sectional study was designed for consenting university going females (aged 18–22 years) in Islamabad, Pakistan. The self-perceived oral health was recorded through a questionnaire requesting information regarding socio-demographics, self-perception of oral health, frequency of dental visits and barriers to seeking oral health. Seven independent examiners performed intraoral clinical examination and assessed the oral health status using globally standardized oral health assessment indices (DMFT and CPITN).ResultsA total of 400 students were included in the final sample. The study revealed a significant disparity between self-perceived oral health and clinical assessment. Although perceived oral health was considered “good” by 80.0% of the respondents, clinical examination revealed moderate DMFT scores (mean 2.95 ± 1.41) and periodontal disease requiring treatment in 89.5% of the individuals. The most common barriers in seeking dental care were lack of knowledge, dental phobia, affordability issue and false self-perception.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated a notable discrepancy between self-perception of oral health and clinically assessed oral health. These results emphasize the importance of focused educational programs and community outreach programs, especially directed towards this demographic. Prioritizing such initiatives will help individuals to recognize their actual oral health condition thus encouraging positive oral health behaviors and outcomes.

Association between objective measures of oral health and salivary gland irradiation with patient-reported outcomes following head and neck radiation therapy.

To determine whether objective measures of oral health and salivary gland irradiation correlates with subjective measures of eating, drinking, and salivation in patients following head and neck radiation therapy (HNRT). This cross-sectional study included 112 patients following HNRT with a completed patient-reported outcome (PRO) scale. Objective measures at post-HNRT visit included decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) scores, periodontal disease condition, oral hygiene status, dental prosthesis use, and prescribed radiation dose to salivary glands. Data were collected and statistical analysis was performed. There was no significant association between PRO scales and dental prosthesis use, periodontal disease, and oral hygiene. Although some significant findings were seen with DMFT and prescribed radiation dose to salivary glands, this explained only very small amounts of the variation in eating, drinking, and salivation measures in these patients. PRO measures should be integrated in the routine care of patients with head and neck cancer.

A comparison of subjective and objective caries risk assessment methods

Background: Dental caries is a serious public health problem significantly affecting oral health. Though there have been many advancements in treating dental caries, complete prevention of dental caries is still beyond reach. Several risk factors are associated with caries formation and progression. Previous studies have been conducted on dental caries and the efficiency of diagnosis using subjective and objective methodologies. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the contradictions in results of subjective and objective interpretations. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in the clinical setting of rural areas near Chengalpattu. Using convenience sampling, 285 samples were collected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria within the age range of 7–20 years. The subjects were selected from the Outpatient Department of Karpaga Vinayaka Institute of Dental Sciences. American Dental Association (ADA) questionnaires were used for subjective caries risk assessment (CRA), unstimulated salivary samples were collected to measure salivary pH for objective CRA, and DMFT (decayed, missing, filled tooth) and def indices were measured for reference. After data collection, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Chi-square and Pearson correlation tests were performed to find the statistical differences, and a correlation was found between subjective and objective assessment results. Results: In this study, the correlation between objective risk assessment based on salivary pH and actual caries status was slightly better (r=0.159) than other risk assessment methods (r=0.050). Moreover, a negative correlation was found between subjective and objective CRA (r=- 0.062). Conclusion: The study findings show a negative correlation between subjective and objective assessment. Objective CRA using salivary pH was positively correlated with actual caries status.

The Association Between Dental Caries and Salivary Buffering Capacity in Syrian Patients Diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease.

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the HBB gene, resulting in the abnormal shape of red blood cells. This condition is accompanied by various oral manifestations including salivary gland dysfunction leading to a heightened susceptibility to dental caries. This disorder is primarily treated with hydroxyurea. This study aims to assess dental caries utilizing the decay, missing, filling teeth (DMFT) index and evaluate salivary buffering capacity in patients diagnosed with SCD (HbSS type). The study also aims to assess the relationship between DMFT and salivary buffering capacity. Additionally, the study aimed to find a correlation between treatment with hydroxyurea and changes in both dental caries and salivary buffering capacity. Methods This case-control study enrolled a total of 100 participants aged between 20 and 50 years. The participants were divided into two groups: the study group, which comprised 70 individuals diagnosed with SCD (HbSS type), who were asked to report their current use of hydroxyurea, and the control group, which included 30 healthy individuals. Dental caries were assessed using the DMFT index, while salivary buffering capacity was measured using a pH meter model 420A device. Results The study group exhibited a mean DMFT index value of 6.39 compared to 5.20 in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (P-value=0.037), indicating higher DMFT values among patients with SCD. Salivary buffering capacity was significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group, with average values of 6.47 and 6.88, (P-value=.022). Interestingly, the administration of hydroxyurea impacted salivary buffering capacity, resulting in lower values for individuals using the drug (P-value=0.039). Conversely, hydroxyurea did not have a significant effect on DMFT values (P-value=0.317). Conclusion SCD increases susceptibility to dental caries and is associated with significant changes in salivary composition. At the same time, the potential negative impact of hydroxyurea is acknowledged.

The relationship between the source of oral health information and dental caries: Findings from Child Dental Health Survey 2013 in England.

To determine the magnitude and shape of the relationship between dental caries experience and the source of oral health information in England. This was a cross-sectional study using the Child Dental Health Survey 2013 in England. Using a negative binomial model, the relationship between the number of decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) of 12- and 15-year-old students and their primary source of oral health information was assessed. The sources of oral health information included parents, television, newspapers, the Internet, and social media. The adjusted model included age, sex, and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). R was used for data handling, analysis and reporting. Overall, 2,372 children were assessed (48.7% female, 48.6% 12-year-old). For the majority, the primary source of oral health information was their parents (89.5%) followed by the Internet (43.4%). Over nine-tenth of the participants had a DMFT = 0. The adjusted model showed that the prevalence rate of DMFT for the children whose primary source of information is their parents (0.45) or television (0.62) is lower than 1. The prevalence rate for the Internet (1.17) and social media (1.67) was higher than 1, but they were removed from the final model due to being non-statistically significant. Age and deprivation had a direct relationship with the prevalence rate of DMFT, meaning that 15-year-olds and children from more deprived areas had a higher prevalence rate of DMFT. Children whose primary source of oral health information was their parents or television had a lower DMFT. On the contrary, using the Internet or social media as the source of oral health information was associated with higher caries experience among schoolchildren.

Assessment of Oral Health Conditions Among Physically Disabled Patients in Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesThis study was undertaken to assess the oral health status among physically disabled Saudi patients. MethodsRecruitment took place in the Armed Forces Centre for Health Rehabilitation in Taif, Saudi Arabia. 124 patients living with a physical disability were enrolled and divided into three groups: hemiplegia, paraplegia and quadriplegia. Data was collected on demographics and different oral indices, including the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, the Mean Decayed Teeth score, the Community Periodontal Index (CPI), the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). ResultsHigh DMFT was observed among the hemiplegia group (mean = 22.61; P-value = .008) with no difference in the Mean Decayed Teeth. All groups showed signs of gingivitis in the form of gingival bleeding. The most compromised periodontal health in the form of pockets 6 mm or deeper was found in the hemiplegia group (53.7%; P-value = .001). This was also reflected in the CPITN (39.0%; P-value = .001), indicating the need for complex treatments in the same group. Regarding oral hygiene, all groups showed a “fair” oral hygiene condition (OHI-S < 3.0), with significantly poorer hygiene (mean = 2.49; P-value = .042) and greater debris accumulation (mean = 1.52; P-value = .024) among the quadriplegia group. In the regression analysis, both age and gender had significant effects on some indices, while disability type showed borderline effects. ConclusionThe findings indicate poor oral health in these individuals, mainly due to physical limitations, hindering effective self-care practices. Clinical significanceOral health is a critical aspect in people with physical disabilities, as it is intrinsically linked to overall health and well-being. Recognizing the clinical importance of oral health among physically disabled patients is essential to improve access and affordability of dental care for this vulnerable group of the population.

Unraveling the association between oral impacts on daily performances and dental caries among adults in a South Indian Metropolis

Objectives: Conventionally, oral health outcomes have been assessed using clinical criteria and the subjective opinions of clinicians. However, these methods have failed to capture the true impact of oral diseases on an individual’s overall quality of life (QoL). Specifically, dental caries and tooth loss have been identified as factors that can significantly affect an individual’s oral health-related QoL (OHRQoL). Taking this into consideration, a recent study was conducted to investigate the association between oral impacts on daily performance (OIDP) scores and the oral health status of adults aged 25 years and older residing in Bengaluru South. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 adults aged 25 years and older in Bengaluru, South city. Clinical examination was performed using the decayed, missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index. OHRQoL was assessed using the OIDP questionnaire. For statistical analysis, the Chi-square test, Mann– Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman’s correlation were applied. Results: 70.4% of the study participants had at least one oral impact affecting their daily performances. Out of eight daily performances, the most affected performance was eating, followed by emotional stability and carrying out major work. DMFT was significantly associated with OIDP. Conclusion: The prevalence of OIDPs in this population is high. Oral impacts had affected their QoL primarily through difficulties in eating. Appropriate program implementation is required for the upliftment of such deprived populations.

Comparison of Dental Caries Risk Assessment Using CaRisk- A Simple Mobile Based Application and WHO deft, DMFT Scores: A Cross Sectional Study.

It is essential to address caries risk at an early stage for the prevention of dental caries. Mobile application CaRisk is designed in a particular way to self-assess the dental caries risk by the individual's themselves. The current study aimed to assess the dental caries risk among age groups 5-6 and 35-44 using self-assessment caries risk mobile application CaRisk and compare it with the deft and DMFT values. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Chennai, India; to evaluate the risk of dental caries in children aged 5 to 6 and adults aged 35 to 44. The scores of the mobile application CaRisk and the decayed- extracted- filled teeth (deft)/ decayed-missing-filled-teeth (DMFT) caries risk assessment were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were performed. The risk category was determined by frequency. Chi-square analysis was done to determine whether the DMFT scores and the CaRisk mobile app were associated. The correlation was performed between the CaRisk mobile application and DMFT scores. Association was found between the caries risk assessment score of the mobile application CaRisk and the DMFT and deft scores of the adults and children for both the age groups 5-6 and 35-44 years respectively and it indicates that it was found to be statistically significant. Pearson's correlation was performed to assess the strength of association and R-values obtained for the age group 5-6 and 35-44 years respectively, which was statistically significant (0.892 and 0.840). This CaRisk mobile application scores correlate with the deft and DMFT scores and it is an effective self-diagnosis tool for assessing dental caries risk assessment. Further, it is suggested that the mobile application CaRisk should be tested among a huge population.

Comparison of traditional regression modeling vs. AI modeling for the prediction of dental caries: a secondary data analysis

IntroductionThere are substantial gaps in our understanding of dental caries in primary and permanent dentition and various predictors using newer modeling methods such as Machine Learning (ML) algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The objective of this study is to compare the accuracy, precision, and differences between the caries predictive capability of AI vs. traditional multivariable regression techniques.MethodsThe study was conducted using secondary data stored in the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry electronic health records system (axiUm) of pediatric patients aged 6–16 years who were patients on record at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic. The outcome variables considered in the study were the decayed–missing–filled teeth (DMFT) and the decayed–extracted–filled teeth (deft) scores. The predictors included age, sex, insurance, fluoride exposure, having a dental home, consumption of sugary meals, family caries experience, having special needs, visible plaque, medications reducing salivary flow, and overall assessment questions.ResultsThe average DMFT score was 0.85 ± 2.15, while the average deft scores were 0.81 ± 2.15. For childhood dental caries, XGBoost was the best performing ML algorithm with accuracy, sensitivity. and Kappa as 81%, 84%, and 61%, respectively, followed by Support Vector Machine and Lasso Regression algorithms, both with 84% specificity. The most important variables for prediction found were age and visible plaque.ConclusionsThe machine learning model outperformed the traditional statistical model in the prediction of childhood dental caries. Data from a more diverse population will help improve the quality of caries prediction for permanent dentition where the traditional statistical method outperformed the machine learning model.