Decayed, Missing, And Filled Surfaces Research Articles

Identification of caries-active individuals in longitudinal data a methodological study using a national registry

Objective The aim was to identify caries active individuals among adults by using a trajectory model of longitudinal data from the Swedish national registry (SKaPa) and comparing them with published data from the Dunedin cohort. Materials and methods Data from two different age groups (30- and 40-year-olds) followed for 10 years were retrieved from SKaPa and were compared with published longitudinal birth-cohort data from the Dunedin study. Using the trajectory model, the subjects were divided into three different trajectories according to their caries development over time (i.e. high, 15%; moderate, 45%; low, 40%). Results Caries experience, as measured by mean decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS) index, revealed significant differences among the three trajectories in both age groups. The patterns were similar to those observed in the Dunedin cohort. The mean increase in DMFS during the 10-year follow-up period from SKaPa was significantly higher for the high trajectories in both age groups compared with the moderate and low trajectories. Conclusions The method using three trajectories for presentation of caries experience over time, may be a useful tool to identify subjects with different disease activities. Identification of subjects in the high caries experience trajectory may increase the possibility to explore and evaluate more effective caries prevention for this group in the future.

Association between obesity and dental caries among adolescents in UAE: a pilot cross sectional study.

Obesity and dental caries among adolescents is a growing worldwide public health issue. They share some common and modifiable influences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between obesity and dental caries among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This pilot cross-sectional study enrolled 161 adolescents 13-19 years old from private and public schools in the UAE. Participants were classified as normal weight, underweight, overweight or obese. Dental caries was diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Independent t-tests were used to compare average number of decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) by age, sex, school type, mothers' employment, BMI categories, waist circumference, oral health habits and plaque index. Additionally, a multiple linear regression model was applied to analyze the association between BMI, waist circumference and dental caries, adjusted for confounding factors considered in this study. The average age of the participants was 16.2 ± 1.4 years old. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 42% (N = 68) measured by BMI. In addition, 82% (N = 132) had average waist circumference and 18% (N = 29) with above average waist circumference. Overall, the average DMFS score was 4.35 ± 4.5, with significantly lower dental caries rates among girls ([3.3 (SD:4.0)] than boys (6.7 (SD:5.3), (p < 0.05). The linear regression model revealed that, being a male, attending a public school and having average waist circumference were all positively and significantly associated with dental caries (p < 0.05). Obesity measured by waist circumference was significantly associated with dental caries among adolescents in the UAE. Further research is required to investigate the complex association between obesity and dental caries and how dietary habits, oral hygiene habits, and parental socioeconomic status mediate the association between obesity and dental caries.

Oral Health Status among a Group of Population with Chronic Kidney Disease in Iraq

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been identified as one of the irreversible deteriorations in renal function that naturally progresses over years. This disease has been considered as one of the worldwide public health problems that have reverse consequences of kidney failure, cardio-vascular diseases as well as premature mortality. The present study was conducted to assess the seriousness of dental caries in association with the oral cleanliness among patients suffering from CKD compared to the controls according to age groups and gender. Materials and Methods: This research employed thirty patients with CKD in ages from (24–72) years (male, female) attending kidney center centers in Medical City Teaching Hospital in Baghdad province, Iraq, were selected for the study compared to 30 healthy people matching in age and genders with the study group. Decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS), Gingival (GI), calculus (CI) indices as well as plaque (PlI) have been applied for measuring oral health status for these two study groups. The data of current study was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Result: The (CKD) group has been caries-active. The greater DMFS-values have been registered for the study in comparison with the control group and highly statistical difference has been observed, concerning DMFS (p is less than 0.01). (DS, MS, FS) higher in CKD patients than control with highly significant difference between them regarding to (DS, MS) only. PlI, GI, indices have been greater in the study group than that of the controls and differences were not observed to be significant. The CI index has been greater in the study group than that of the controls and significant differences have been observed (p is less than 0.01). Significant correlation has been not found between PlI, GI, CI indices and DMFS indices in study group. Conclusion: Participants suffering from (CKD) experienced greater caries severity than the normal participants.

Dental Caries Postradiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer.

Treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) such as radiotherapy (RT) can lead to numerous acute and chronic head and neck sequelae, including dental caries. The goal of the present study was to measure 2-y changes in dental caries after radiotherapy in patients with HNC and test risk factors for caries increment. Cancer and dental disease characteristics, demographics, and oral health practices were documented before and 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo after the start of RT for 572 adult patients with HNC. Patients were eligible if they were age 18 y or older, diagnosed with HNC, and planned to receive RT for treatment of HNC. Caries prevalence was measured as decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS). The association between change in DMFS and risk factors was evaluated using linear mixed models. On average, DMFS increased from baseline to each follow-up visit: 6 mo, +1.11; 12 mo, +2.47; 18 mo, +3.43; and 24 mo, +4.29 (P < 0.0001). The increase in DMFS during follow-up was significantly smaller for the following patient characteristics: compliant with daily fluoride use (P = 0.0004) and daily oral hygiene (brushing twice daily and flossing daily; P = 0.015), dental insurance (P = 0.004), and greater than high school education (P = 0.001). DMFS change was not significantly associated with average or maximum RT dose to the parotids (P > 0.6) or salivary flow (P > 0.1). In the subset of patients who had salivary hypofunction at baseline (n = 164), lower salivary flow at follow-up visits was associated with increased DMFS. Increased caries is a complication soon after RT in HNC. Fluoride, oral hygiene, dental insurance, and education level had the strongest association with caries increment after radiotherapy to the head and neck region. Thus, intensive oral hygiene measures, including fluoride and greater accessibility of dental care, may contribute to reducing the caries burden after RT in HNC. The results of this study can be used by clinicians when deciding how to minimize oral complications related to cancer therapy for patients with head and neck cancer. Identification of modifiable factors (e.g., oral hygiene and prescription fluoride compliance) associated with increased caries risk can minimize radiation caries burden.

Effect of a School-based Fluoride Mouth-rinsing Programme on Dental Caries

AimsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the posttreatment effects of a school-based fluoride mouth-rinsing programme (FMR) on the prevalence of dental caries.MethodsWe included 364 newly enrolled university students aged 20 to 25 years who were not in any FMR and 187 students who had previously participated in such programmes. We calculated the prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth and the mean decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS) according to sex, age, participation in FMR, and dental health behaviours. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyse the association between dichotomous variables (caries present or absent) and demographic data, participation in FMR, and dental health behaviours.ResultsThe difference in the prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth between the subjects who participated in the FMR (51.3%) and those who did not (64.5%) was statistically significant. There were 39.6% fewer DMFS in the subjects who participated in the FMR at least during elementary school. The multivariate logistic regression model analysis demonstrated that subjects who participated in the FMR at least during elementary school were protected against dental caries as compared to those who did not. Age and sex were risk predictors of dental caries in adults, whilst other variables were not associated with dental caries.ConclusionsParticipation in an FMR at least during elementary school is a predictor for the reduction in the prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth.

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.

Prevalence of dental caries in the first permanent molar and associated risk factors among sixth-grade students in S\xe3o Tom\xe9 Island

BackgroundDental caries is one of the most preventable oral diseases among children in developing countries. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and severity of dental caries in the first permanent molar and analyze the related risk factors among sixth-grade students in São Tomé Island.MethodsA cross-sectional study with a stratified cluster sampling method was conducted on 1855 sixth-grade school children, mainly aged 11 to 14 years old, from 10 schools in 6 regions of São Tomé Island, from April 17 to June 27, 2021. Dental caries examination was performed by using the CAST criteria (DMFT) index, and the self-administered questionnaires about family background, oral hygiene, and relevant behaviors were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study risk factors related to dental caries of the first permanent molar, and all data analyses were done using SPSS version 25.ResultsThe prevalence of dental caries in the first permanent molar was 68.79%, without significant difference between gender, age, residence, and whether only child or not. The mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surface (DMFS) index were 1.751 ± 1.514 and 3.542 ± 3.941, respectively. The rate of filling teeth was 5.50%, and Pit and Fissure Sealant (PFS) rate was 2.21%. The overall prevalence and DMFT index of dental caries of permanent teeth was 76.01% and 2.753 ± 4.569, respectively. The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that the frequency of candy/chocolate consumption (OR = 1.095) and fair self-assessment of dental health (OR = 1.354) were significantly associated with dental caries (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe high prevalence of dental caries in the first permanent molar was a public health issue among sixth-grade school children in São Tomé Island. The prevalence of dental caries, mean DMFT and DMFS scores were higher, while the rate of filling and PFS teeth were lower than the average score of other African countries. Thus, oral health education, implement oral health preaching to school children and their parents is crucial to prevent dental caries.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease of High School Students Aged 15 to 18 Years in Taiwan.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of dental caries and periodontal disease in Taiwanese high school students aged 15–18. A total of 1069 Taiwanese students participated in a cross-sectional nationwide dental survey. By using a stratified method based on the National Health Insurance administration regions, 24 high schools were randomly sampled in different areas of Taiwan. The participants were examined with dental mirrors and community periodontal index (CPI) probes without using radiographs, to measure dental caries and periodontal status. Demographic information and other relevant risk indicators for the two diseases were gathered via a self-report questionnaire. In this study population, the weighted mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) scores for ages 15 to 18 were 5.2, 6.1, 6.1, and 5.7. The weighted mean decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) scores were 9.0, 12.0, 13.1, and 11.2 at ages 15, 16, 17, and 18, respectively. Additionally, 88.2% of the subjects had periodontal disease, with calculus as the most prevalent type. Moreover, 5.2% of these students showed loss of attachment. There was no significant association between dental caries and periodontal disease. Dental caries and periodontal disease were prevalent among Taiwanese high school students in this national dental survey.

Oral candidal carriage and its association with dental carious lesions in asymptomatic adults: a cross-sectional study from the UAE

BackgroundCandida’s potential association with dental caries has previously been reported in children. This research aimed at investigating the associations between Candida species in whole saliva and dental and periodontal health indices in a sample of adult patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 160 patients investigated the associations between Candida species collected by oral rinse technique, and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surfaces (DMFS), and periodontal health indices. Chi-square and Independent Samples t-test were used to assess the associations between Candida carriage and confounding variables. Binary logistic regression was used to assess association strengths between Candida carriage and DMFS, adjusted for socio-demographic variables, diabetes mellitus and plaque index.ResultsCandida colonies were identified in 49 (30.6%) patients with CFUs ranging from 103 to 105 colonies per mL. The quantity of Candida CFUs increased with age (r = 0.200; p < 0.05). Among all dental and periodontal health indices, only DMFS was significantly associated with higher values of Candida carriage (p = 0.034), and this association was independent from sex, age, smoking, diabetes mellitus and plaque index (OR: 1.014; 95% CI 1.0–1.03; p = 0.048).ConclusionThe association between Candida species in whole saliva and DMFS reported here supports an etiological role of Candida in dental cariogenesis among adults.

Environmental Cadmium Exposure and Dental Indices in Orthodontic Patients.

Background. Previous studies have shown that environmental cadmium exposure could disrupt salivary gland function and is associated with dental caries and reduced bone density. Therefore, this cross-sectional study attempted to determine whether tooth decay with tooth loss following cadmium exposure is associated with some dental or skeletal traits such as malocclusions, sagittal skeletal pattern, and tooth decay. Methods. Between August 2019 and June 2020, 60 orthodontic patients with no history of previous orthodontics, functional appliances, or surgical treatment were examined. The patients were stratified into two groups according to their urine cadmium concentrations: high (>1.06 µg/g creatinine, n = 28) or low (<1.06 µg/g creatinine, n = 32). Results. The patients were 25.07 ± 4.33 years old, and most were female (female/male: 51/9 or 85%). The skeletal relationship was mainly Class I (48.3%), followed by Class II (35.0%) and Class III (16.7%). Class I molar relationships were found in 46.7% of these patients, Class II molar relationships were found in 15%, and Class III molar relationships were found in 38.3%. The mean decayed, missing, and filled surface (DMFS) score was 8.05 ± 5.54, including 2.03 ± 3.11 for the decayed index, 0.58 ± 1.17 for the missing index, and 5.52 ± 3.92 for the filled index. The mean index of complexity outcome and need (ICON) score was 53.35 ± 9.01. The facial patterns of these patients were within the average low margin (26.65 ± 5.53 for Frankfort–mandibular plane angle (FMA)). There were no significant differences in the above-mentioned dental indices between patients with high urine cadmium concentrations and those with low urine cadmium concentrations. Patients were further stratified into low (<27, n = 34), average (27–34, n = 23), and high (>34, n = 3) FMA groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the urine cadmium concentration among the three groups. Nevertheless, a marginally significant p-value of 0.05 for urine cadmium concentration was noted between patients with low FMA and patients with high FMA. Conclusion. This analysis found no association between environmental cadmium exposure and dental indices in our orthodontic patients.

Comparison of dental caries (DMFT and DMFS indices) between asthmatic patients and control group in Iran: a meta-analysis

BackgroundThe association between caries index, which is diagnosed by Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT), and asthma has been assessed in several studies, which yielded contradictory results. Meta-analysis is the statistical procedure for combining data from multiple studies and reducing the differences among parameters due to the increased number of studies involved in the analysis process. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between dental caries using decayed, missing, filled teeth indices (DMFT, dmft, and DMFS indices) and asthma using meta-analysis.MethodsDatabases were searched using such keywords as “Asthma,” “Caries,” “DMFT,” “DMFS,” “Iran,” and OR operators, AND, and NOT. After the elimination of duplicate documentation, the articles which met the inclusion criteria were selected. Quality assessment was performed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Checklist (NOS). After that, standardized mean difference (SMD) of DMFT, dmft, and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surfaces (DMFS) indices were estimated.ResultsThe number of 10 evidence was extracted out of nine studies in which mean oral health indices were compared between asthmatic patients and the control group. Out of 10 evidences that examined the association of DMFT, dmft, and DMFS with asthma, these indices were higher in asthmatic patients than the control group in seven cases. In three cases, these differences were statistically significant. The SMD of DMFT, dmft, and DMFS indices between asthmatic patients and the control group at the confidence level of 95% were reported as 0.29 (− 0.05, 0.62), 0.48 (− 0.20, 1.17), and − 0.05(− 0.30, 0.21), respectively.ConclusionAccording to the results, the prevalence of dental caries is higher among patients with asthma than in the control group. Therefore, having asthma could be considered a risk factor for the development of dental caries.

Sicca Symptoms, Oral Health Conditions, Salivary Flow and Oral Candida in Sjögren's Syndrome Patients.

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among sicca symptoms, oral health conditions, salivary profiles and oral Candida in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) patients. Eighty-five SS patients (mean age = 50.5) and 40 healthy non-SS individuals (mean age = 51.4) were recruited. They self-completed the Sicca Symptoms Inventory (SSI). Decayed, missing and filled surface (DMFS) scores, salivary flow rates, pH and oral Candida colonization were determined. Mean SSI summary scores of SS patients and non-SS individuals were 11.1 and 5.4 respectively (p < 0.001). The most prevalent sicca symptoms in SS patients were eye irritation (93%), dry throat or nose (88%) and need of fluid for mouth wetting (88%). SS patients had significantly lower whole salivary flow rates than the non-SS individuals. Candida strains were isolated from over 60% of SS patients but not in non-SS patients. C. albicans was the predominant species. SSI summary score was negatively correlated to salivary flow rates while SSI summary and domain scores were positively correlated to the number of filled surfaces (FS) and DMFS scores and oral Candida counts. In conclusion, SS patients had more severe sicca symptoms than non-SS individuals. SSI scores were negatively correlated to the salivary flow rates but positively correlated to caries experience and oral Candida colonization.

Effectiveness of fluoride varnish on caries in the first molars of primary schoolchildren: a 3-year longitudinal study in Guangxi Province, China

To evaluate the effectiveness of 5% sodium fluoride varnish on caries in first permanent molars and to assess the suitability of using this method to control caries among children in rural areas of Guangxi province, China. A total of nine schools with 32 classes were selected by simple random sampling. There were 999 students in the experimental group and 1,004 in the control group. The experimental group received oral health education and topical application of 5% sodium fluoride varnish, while the control group received oral health education only. Dental examinations were performed in November 2014 and November 2017, and the modified International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II) was used to record the caries status of the first permanent molars. The data were entered into SPSS 22 for statistical analysis. A total of 1,748 students (853 in the experimental group and 895 in the control group) completed the study. After 3years of intervention, the experimental group had a lower prevalence of caries, a lower caries increment, a lower decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index and a lower decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) index compared with the control group (respectively: 58.9% vs 65.5%, 34.8% vs 42.1%, 1.38 vs 1.59 and 2.06 vs 2.38). All the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In this study population, twice-yearly application of 5% sodium fluoride varnish and oral health education were more effective for preventing caries in first permanent molars than oral health education alone. The implementation of fluoride varnish application as a public health measure in schools in rural areas is recommended.

Clinical and microbial oral health status in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

To study the oral health of young individuals with controlled and uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and compare the results with those for healthy counterparts. One-hundred and forty-four youngsters (6-15years of age) were assigned, according to glycaemic control, to three study groups: (i) diabetic patients with poor glycaemic control [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c ≥7.5%)] (n=35); (ii) diabetic patients with good glycaemic control (HbA1c <7.5%) (n=39); and (iii) healthy individuals (n=70). Plaque, gingival inflammation, calculus and decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) indices were recorded. Salivary parameters were determined, and stimulated saliva was collected to allow detection and determination of the levels of oral Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Significantly different amounts of plaque were found among the study groups (P=0.024): youngsters with poor glycaemic control had significantly more plaque than youngsters in the other two groups. The gingival, calculus and DMFS indices were not significantly different among groups (P>0.05). Candidaalbicans levels were not statistically significant different among groups, but the group with poor glycemic control showed an elevated frequency of detection. Streptococcusmutans was isolated from the oral cavity of 96 of the 144 individuals. A statistically significant difference in the level of S.mutans was found between the group with poor glycaemic control and the healthy control group (P=0.032). The results imply that youngsters with T1DM have a lower level of oral hygiene and are potentially at a higher risk of future oral disease, particularly when their metabolic disorder is uncontrolled. However, factors outside the oral cavity may also have a considerable impact on the initiation and progression of oral diseases.

Diet quality and dental caries in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Fermentable carbohydrate is universally recognized as the major dietary risk factor for dental caries. We assessed the broader relationship between diet quality and dental caries in a diverse Latinx adult population. In a cross-sectional probability sample, 14,517 dentate men and women in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) received a dental examination and completed two 24-hours dietary recalls and a food propensity questionnaire. The 2010 Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) assessed diet quality and the National Cancer Institute method predicted usual intake of the 11 dietary components that comprise the AHEI. Dental caries experience was quantified using the decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) index. Covariates included sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics. Survey multivariable-adjusted linear regression models quantified the relationship of 2010 AHEI score, and its 11 components, with DMFS. In multivariable-adjusted models, each 10-unit increase in diet quality score was associated with 2.5 fewer (95% confidence interval: -3.4, -1.6) DMFS. The relationship was pronounced among foreign-born individuals, who comprised three-quarters of the sample, irrespective of their length of US residence, but was not apparent among U.S.-born individuals. Greater intake of sugar-sweetened beverage and fruit juice was positively associated with dental caries, whereas vegetables (excluding potatoes); whole grains; and omega-3 fats were inversely associated with dental caries, independent of covariates and the other dietary components (all P < 0.05). An association between diet quality and dental caries was restricted to foreign-born Latinix and was not limited to the adverse impact of sugar-sweetened drinks.

Association between sickle cell disease and dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives: Although dental caries has been widely reported in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), there is still controversial in the literature regarding the association between SCD and dental caries. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether individuals with SCD have more dental caries than individuals with non-SCD. Methods: PubMed and Embase databases were searched for eligible studies. The parameters of the permanent decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index and the permanent decayed, missing and filled surface (DMFS) index were considered as outcome measures. The overall meta-analyses of the DMFT and DMFS index and various subgroup analyses (caries components, age, and genotypes) of DMFT index were performed to calculate the weighted mean differences (WMD) between patients with SCD and non-SCD individuals. Results: A total of 9 studies covering 1478 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. The results of overall meta-analyses indicated that the scores of the DMFT and DMFS index were not significantly different between patients with SCD and non-SCD participants. The results of subgroup analyses by caries components, age, and genotypes showed no significant difference in most items. The result of the missing teeth was significantly lower in patients with SCD than in non-SCD individuals (WMD, −0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.25 to −0.03; P = 0.01). Discussion and Conclusions: The results revealed that compared with non-SCD individuals, patients with SCD did not suffer from worse dental caries. Considering the limitations, further well-designed studies are necessary to reveal the association between SCD and dental caries.

Dental caries status of children receiving Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) - A multicentric cross-sectional study in Tamil Nadu, India.

Background:Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has progressively improved the life expectancies in HIV positive children. These antiretroviral drugs could possibly have an influence on the oral health status. Different age groups of children under HAART with caries had implications in approach to dental treatment, which were attempted to be identified in the study.Aims/Objectives:The aim of the study was to assess the caries status among HIV positive children receiving HAART. To characterize the age group with high caries indices and treatment needs.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 313 HIV infected children aged 3–14 years receiving HAART from various ART centers Tamil Nadu, India. Dental examinations were performed and caries status of primary and permanent dentition was assessed using Decayed, Missing, and Filled teeth (DMFT)/Decayed, Missing, and Filled surface (DMFS) indices.Statistical Analysis:The one way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey HSD test.Results:The mean deft/DMFT scores were 3.15 ± 2.72/2.07 ± 1.31 and defs/DMFS scores were 7.42 ± 5.90/4.30 ± 2.58. The caries incidence was significantly different across the three age groups compared. DMFT scores of 13 − 14 years age group were significantly higher than in the 3−6 years (P < 0.0000) and 7−12 years (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:A higher caries experience was present among children on HAART as compared to the general population in Tamil Nadu. A significant association with increasing age and DMFT scores was noted. Age groups of 13−14 had high caries prevalence than age groups of 3−6 and 7−12 years in given study population. The individualized treatment approaches based on the age groups is suggested.

Improvement of Oral Health Status in a Group of Students with Visual Impairment in Istanbul

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the oral health status of a group of students with vision impairment and to compare the changes of oral hygiene after oral health education.Materials and Methods: Dental examination of 6-19-year-old of 136 students with vision impairment in a Primary School for Individuals with Vision Impairment in Istanbul was performed. The students were divided into 6-9-year-age group (Group I) and 10-19-year-age group (Group II) and in the first visit, they were examined and their findings were recorded according to DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth), DMFS (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surfaces) indices of permanent teeth, dft and dfs indices of primary teeth and in the first visit and 3rd follow up period, their Dental Plaque (PI), Calculus (CI) and Oral Hygiene (OHI) Indexes were recorded. They received one-to-one oral health education (OHE). Statistical evaluation was carried out with Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests and p&amp;lt;0.05 was found as statistically significant.Results: Regarding the pre and post OHE results of periodontal indexes, PI and OHI scores statistically significantly increased after OHE in Group I (p&amp;lt;0.05). On the other hand, CI results significantly decreased after OHE in Group II (p=0.042). Comparing post OHE results of PI and OHI, Group I showed statistically significantly higher scores than Group II (p&amp;lt;0.05). Comparing the difference values of PI and OHI between pre and post OHE, Group I showed statistically significantly lower scores than Group II (p&amp;lt;0.05).Conclusions: Students with vision impairment have a high prevalence of dental caries and poor oral hygiene. We emphasise the importance of providing proper dental education and regular dental visits to them.

Follow-up survey of oral health status of children enrolled in UNRWA schools: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) School Health Programme provides preventive oral health services to school students through regular dental screening of new entrants and fourth and seventh grade students, in addition to the health education activities and treatment of decayed teeth provided by dental surgeons in health centres and by mobile dental teams. The main focus of UNRWA oral health services continues to be prevention rather than treatment. The objective of this follow-up survey was to calculate decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), and decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS) indices among seventh grade UNRWA schoolchildren in all five areas in which UNRWA operates (Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and West Bank), and to compare the results of this survey globally, locally and with a previous survey conducted in 2010 and 2011. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted by calibrated examiners between March, 2016, and May, 2016. Two-stage sampling was used, with schools selected during the first stage and classes selected in the second stage. The sample size was calculated based on the number of students registered in each area. The confidence level was 95%, power 80%, and precision 5%. A total of 1550 children participated (100% response rate), 383 in Jordan, 390 in Lebanon, 340 in West Bank, and 437 in Gaza. All participants provided verbal informed consent. Data were analysed using Epi Info 7. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse caries experience, prevalence of caries, and the most relevant behavioural and sociodemographic indicators. A p value of less than 0·05 was considered statistically significant. FindingsThe prevalence of dental caries among examined children was 72·8% (1129 of 1550; 95% CI 70·5–75·0); the highest prevalence was in the West Bank (79·7%; 271 of 340) and lowest was in Jordan (68·4%; 262 of 383). The prevalence of untreated decayed surfaces was 69·4% (1076 of 1550; 95% CI 67·0–71·7); the highest prevalence was in the West Bank (76·8%; 261 of 340) and lowest was in Jordan (64·0%; 245 of 383). The percentage of children with one or more sealed permanent teeth was 9·8% (8·4–11·4), compared with 6·8% in 2011, and with wide variation between areas; the highest prevalence was in Lebanon (31.5%), while in Gaza and the West Bank the prevalence was less than 2·0%. The percentage of children who did not use a toothbrush and toothpaste was 19·1%, compared with 22·0% in 2011. The percentage of children who cleaned their teeth after every meal was 59·3% (919 of 1550), compared with 31·6% in 2011. Overall, 18·3% (284 of 1550) of children had never attended a dentist, and 83·1% (1289 of 1550) had experienced toothache in the past. In the total sample, 66·0% (1022 of 1550) of children were used to drinking soft drinks during meals. This habit was less frequent in Gaza (37·5%; 164 of 437) than in Jordan (71·1%; 272 of 383), the West Bank (75·0%; 255 of 340), and Lebanon (75·0%; 292 of 390). InterpretationThe prevalence of dental caries remains very high in Palestinian refugee school children, of whom only 27·2% are free of caries. The high percentage of untreated dental caries and the low percentage of sealed teeth call for increased efforts, refinement, and completion of the preventive strategies of the UNRWA. The main behavioural factors relating to the prevalence and severity of caries were frequency of sugar intake between meals and soft drink consumption. FundingNone.

Molecular analysis of oral microflora in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome by using high-throughput sequencing.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to characterize the oral microflora profile of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients, thereby revealing the connection between oral bacterial composition and dental caries, and to identify the “core microbiome” in the oral cavities of pSS patients and systemic healthy individuals by using a high-throughput sequencing technique.MethodsTwenty-two pSS patients and 23 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Their clinical data and oral rinse samples were collected. The V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene of samples were amplified and analyzed by high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina Miseq PE300 platform.ResultsBoth two groups were age- and sex-matched. There were significantly higher decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) in the pSS group than in the control group (p < 0.01). Alpha diversity was depleted in pSS patients, compared with healthy controls (p < 0.01), while beta diversity between the two groups was not significantly different. Seven discriminative genera (LDA > 4) were found between the two groups in LEfSe (LDA Effect Size) analysis. The relative abundance of Veillonella in pSS patients was fourfold higher, while Actinomyces, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Rothia, Porphyromonas and Peptostreptococcus were significantly lower in pSS patients than in healthy controls. However, the correlation between Veillonella and DMFT/DMFS was not significant (p > 0.05). In Venn diagram analysis, nine genera shared by all samples of two groups, which comprised 71.88% and 67.64% in pSS patients and controls, respectively.DiscussionThese findings indicate a microbial dysbiosis in pSS patients; notably, Veillonella might be recognized as a biomarker in pSS patients. The core microbiome in pSS patients was similar to the systemic healthy population. These provide insight regarding advanced microbial prevention and treatment of severe dental caries in pSS patients. This study also provides basic data regarding microbiology in pSS.