Decayed, Missing, And Filled Teeth Score Research Articles

Impact of contextual school and home environmental characteristics on oral health-related quality of life among 11–14 years old children residing in Sri Ganganagar city

Background: Environment has shown a significant impact on day-to-day activities like psychological well-being, including oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among children. Aim: To assess the impact of contextual school and home environmental characteristics on OHRQoL among 11–14 years old children residing in Sri Ganganagar city. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of 345 children aged 11–14 years old were recruited. The present cross-sectional study was conducted among school-going children in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, during November 2018–January 2019. Data were collected on demographic characteristics along with OHRQoL using Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (C-OIDP) index. A prevalidated questionnaire used to collect data on contextual school and home environmental characteristics, oral hygiene, and dental caries were recorded using Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, respectively. The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics Windows, Version 21.0. (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, t-test, and multivariable Poisson regressions models were analyzed for this study, and the level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean C-OIDP extent was significantly higher in 11-year-old (6.11 ± 4.53) (P = 0.008), among those who were living with single parents with a less maternal level of education (<9 years). The mean DMFT score was higher among the participants who did not feel safe at school (3.94 ± 2.24) (P < 0.01) and mean OHI-S score was seen higher among those who were bullied at school (2.50 ± 0.51) (P = 0.018). Mean C-OIDP extent was statistically associated with bullying at school (P = 0.007) and lack of security (P = 0.002). Among all factors of C-OIDP, smiling factor shows a major problem for the children (10.2 ± 4.73) (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Poor school and home environmental characteristics were independently associated with poor OHRQoL in individuals. Actions toward the improvement of schools' security and implementation of anti-bullying campaigns should be components of health promotion strategies.

Dietary patterns associated with dental caries in adults in the United States.

Dental caries experience, which affects 91% of US adults, is a consequence of a carious process influenced by diet. Although individual foods have been implicated, we hypothesized that dietary patterns might be important predictors of caries presence. We analysed data from 4467 people ≥18years old participating in the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative sample of the US population. Data from 24-hour dietary recalls were classified into standard food categories and reduced to three dietary patterns using principal components (PCs) analysis. We used regression to model the log-transformed decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score and the prevalence of any caries experience by quartiles of PC scores, controlling for potential confounders. Dietary patterns differed by age with respect to dental caries so 18-30-year-olds (n=1074) and >30-year-olds (n=3393) were analysed separately. Similar dietary patterns existed among individuals aged 18-30 and >30years, but the prevalence of DMFT score >0 and the median of DMFT was greater in those >30:78.7% (95% CI: 76.1, 81.3) vs 92.6% (95% CI: 91.4, 93.7) and 4 (95% CI: 4, 5) vs 12 DMFT (95% CI: 11, 13), respectively. In those 18-30, no dietary pattern was associated with greater prevalence or severity of dental caries experience. Among those >30, the prevalence of DMFT>0 was higher by 2% for those in each subsequent quartile of a diet high in sugar-sweetened beverages and sandwiches (adjusted PR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.001, 1.03)-thus, the prevalence of dental caries experience was 6% higher among those in the uppermost quartile than in the lowest quartile. For every subsequent quartile in the same pattern, there was a 1.98% higher (95% CI: 0.15, 3.85) DMFT score. However, analysis using the two strongest loading food groups from any of the PCs did not identify any predictors of caries experience. Dietary patterns were associated with the prevalence of dental caries experience, with differing findings by age. Although effect sizes were small, the population impact may be substantial. While food groups high in sugar were associated with caries prevalence and severity, associations were more apparent in the context of overall diet. Prospective studies are needed to confirm whether particular dietary patterns are causally related to the development of dental caries.

The burden of oral conditions among adolescents living with HIV at a clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa.

BackgroundThere are inconsistent reports on the prevalence of oral conditions and their associated factors among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). The current inconsistencies may hinder the development of clear guidelines on the prevention and treatment of oral conditions among ALHIV. This study provides an update on oral conditions and their associated factors in a cohort of South African ALHIV and receiving routine HIV treatment services at a Johannesburg HIV wellness clinic.MethodsDecayed Teeth (DT), Decayed Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Oral HIV/AIDS Research Alliance case definitions were used for caries examination and reporting of the Oral Mucosal Lesions (OML) respectively. Data analyses were stratified by the study main outcomes; chi-squared tests were performed to determine the associations; and multiple logistic regressions were also used to identify associated factors after adjusting for other exposure variables. In addition to fitting logistic regressions, we explored the data for potential confounders and effect modifiers.ResultsA total of 407 ALHIV were assessed, of which 51.0% were females. The mean age of the ALHIV was 14.75 years (SD 2.43) while the median age of their parents was 43 years (IQR 37–48 years). Regardless of sex, age group and other socio-demographic characteristics, participants had high count of dental caries (DMFT>0). The overall prevalence of dental caries was 56.76% (n = 231) with mean DT score of 2.0 (SD 2.48) and mean DMFT score of 2.65 (SD 3.01). Dental caries prevalence (DT>0) was significantly associated with the HIV clinical markers. HIV RNA viral loads more than 1000 copies/ml and CD4 cell counts less than 200 count cells/mm3, increased the likelihood of having dental decay among ALHIV (p<0.05). ALHIV at WHO staging III, IV had higher caries prevalence ranging from 70% to 75% (p<0.05). The prevalence of dental caries was directly related to the presence of oral mucosal lesions (p<0.05). The prevalence of OML was 22%, with linear gingival erythema (13.8%) accounting for most of the OML. Multiple logistic regression modelling suggested that dental caries experience (DMFT>0), age category 13–15 years, WHO staging of IV and viral load of more than 1000 copies/ml significantly predicted the outcome of oral lesions as assessed using the OHARA case definitions (p<0.05). The odds of developing dental caries was also 1.5 times more among ALHIV who brush their teeth less frequently and those who reported more frequent eating of sugar sweetened diets (p<0.05).ConclusionsThere is high prevalence of dental caries and OML among ALHIV in Johannesburg. The reported prevalence was associated with high HIV RNA viral loads, shorter duration on antiretroviral treatment and high WHO staging of HIV disease on crude analysis. Additionally, caries experience contributed to the prevalence of OML. Our study acknowledges the protective effect of HIV treatment and positive oral health practices on the presence of oral conditions among ALHIV in Johannesburg.

Factors Influencing Dental Caries in HIV/AIDS Patients

Background. Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) / Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the most significant public health challenges in Surabaya, Indonesia where the greatest number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) among key populations is in areas served by Sememi Public Health Center. HIV-infected persons have a greater risk for developing dental caries, such as salivary gland enlargement, and decreased salivary glands function. Given the fact that PLWHA are at high risk of dental caries, utilization of dental health service among PLWHA are still low. Objective. This study aims to know the factors influencing dental caries in HIV/AIDS patients.Methods. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted on 16 HIV-seropositive individuals. They were asked to complete a WHO questionnaire concerning basic oral health and quality of life. Dental caries was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Whole stimulated saliva samples were also collected.Results. Nine out of 16 respondents had low salivary flow rate (56.3%). One patient had low DMF-T score (6.3%) and eight had high DMFT score (50%). Among seven respondents who had normal salivary flow rate (43.8%), two of whom had low DMFT score (12.5%) and five of whom had high DMFT score (31.3%).Conclusion. People living with HIV/AIDS have high DMFT and low salivary flow rate.

Association of oral health status with the CD4+ cell count in children living with HIV in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The association between oral and overall health, and particularly between dental and immune health, in children living with HIV remains unclear. This study examined the association between the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score and CD4+ cell counts in 142 children living with HIV aged 8–15 years (male, 51%) from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Other indicators of oral health (e.g., debris index, salivary flow, salivary pH and oral health-related quality of life) and overall health (e.g., nutritional status and quality of life) were also evaluated. DMFT scores were negatively associated with the CD4+ cell count in male children (β: −0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.25, −0.02). In all children, positive associations were observed between salivary pH and CD4+ count (β: −0.645, 95% CI: 0.02, 1.25) and between salivary flow and height-for-age Z-score (β: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.50, 1.95). The debris index was negatively associated with the height-for-age Z-score (β: −2.04, 95% CI: −3.38, −0.71). In summary, oral health was associated with immune and nutritional status. Oral health policies for children living with HIV should be emphasised, and further studies should evaluate the mechanism underlying the relationship between oral and overall health.

Vegetarian diet and its possible influence on dental health: A systematic literature review.

ObjectivesPeople following a vegetarian diet could be more prone to oral health problems than people following a nonvegetarian diet. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the possible impacts of following a vegetarian diet on dental hard tissues, focusing on caries development, dental erosion and number of natural teeth.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched systematically up until 17 April 2019. Original studies comparing dental health (exclusively focusing on dental hard tissues) in vegetarians and nonvegetarians were selected. Study characteristics and outcome data were extracted, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. When a dental health characteristic was reported in three or more papers in a comparable way, a meta‐analysis was performed.ResultsTwenty‐one papers reporting on 18 studies were included in this review. In meta‐analyses, the vegetarian diet was associated with a higher risk for dental erosion (odds ratio: 2.40 [95% confidence interval: 1.24, 4.66]; P = .009) and a lower decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score (mean difference: −0.15 [95% confidence interval: −0.29, −0.02]; P = .023), although the quality of most included studies was poor and the findings for DMFT score became insignificant when only studies on adults were included in the meta‐analysis. A meta‐analysis for the other dental characteristics was not possible due to the limited number of eligible studies. There was inconsistent evidence for a link between following a vegetarian diet and dental caries or the number of natural teeth.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of the present study, the findings suggest that following a vegetarian diet may be associated with a greater risk of dental erosion.

Comparative performance assessment of composite indicators for DMFT, DMFS, FS-T and T-Health indices among a 35-44 year old urban population: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Several limitations of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) (DMF surfaces [DMFS]) have been addressed with the introduction of new composite indicators such as filled and sound teeth (FS-T) and T-health. These indices not only reflect the determinants of oral health but also reveal the utilization of health services and help in planning health programs. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the dentition status and extract DMFT, DMFS, FS-T, and T-health scores and to determine which of the four would represent the dentition status of a population. Basic Research Design: A cross-sectional study was planned to collect data through probability proportionate sampling. Participants: Two hundred and forty-one individuals aged between 35–44 years old residing in Bangalore city. Sociodemographic data were collected and oral examination of subjects was done to obtain the scores for DMFT, DMFS, FS-T, and T-health indices. Data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS version 19. Results: DMFS index showed maximum variance of 8.5% followed by T-health index which was 7.7%. FS-T showed the variance of 7.2%. Among the individual components, missing teeth component and sound functional teeth showed the maximum variance of 7.6% and 7.1%, respectively. Conclusion: DMFS as an indicator of dentition status is more sensitive than the other three compared indices in identifying sociodemographic factors, utilization of health services by a population, and perceptions about oral health as determinants of oral health.

Aesthetic Perception and psychological impact of molar-incisor hypomineralisation among patients and parents

Abstract The aim of this study was investigate`s patient and parent’s aesthetic perception and psychological impact of molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and to assess the correlation of MIH with caries experience. The sample comprised 56 children, 28 with MIH and 28 without MIH (comparison group), and their gardens (n=56). For the perception data we used the Child and Parent’s Questionnaire of Teeth Appearance. We used the European Academic of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria to define MIH. Caries experience was assessed by Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Chi-square, Student’s t-test and correlation tests were used with significance level set at 5%. Most children were male (n=35; 62.5%) and patients with MIH perceived their affected teeth as stainned (p=0.01). MIH was considered by parents (6.96±1.7) to enhance psychosocial condition (social, physical, and psychological social) of their children (p&lt;0.01). Patients with severe MIH showed the worst perception about the color of the teeth (p=0.07). There was no correlation between DMFT scores and presence of MIH (p=0.80). Patients and parents perceived MIH. Groups with severe MIH (children/ parents) showed the worse aesthetic perception.

The frequency and severity of dental caries, and counts of cariogenic bacteria in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

It has been reported that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more likely to exhibit periodontitis than patients without RA. However, the frequency and severity of dental caries in patients with RA is still unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate whether higher counts of cariogenic bacteria are present in RA patients in contrast to healthy subjects, and to ascertain whether the frequency and severity of dental caries are increased in RA patients. The study involved 160 adults: an RA group (n = 80) and a control group matched by age and gender (n = 80). The participants' dental status scores were determined based on the following indices: the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, the Filled and Sound Teeth (FS-T) index, Treatment Needs Index (TNI), Care Index (CI), and Integrative Dental Caries Index (IDCI). DNA copies of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus) were quantified using realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The IDCI showed that the RA group was more affected, mainly presenting moderate to severe dental caries. The RA group also had higher global DMFT scores than the control group and scored higher on the decayed component of the DMFT index. The TNI and CI indicated that RA patients required more dental attention and appropriate treatment. The Streptococcus mutans count was significantly higher in the RA group. A complete basic oral examination, along with oral health instruction including adequate oral and dental hygiene, is crucial to prevent dental caries and associated complications in RA patients, since they appear to be more vulnerable than the non-RA population.

Association between obesity/overweight and dental caries in psychiatric patients.

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Patients with psychiatric illness are more prone to develop obesity and dental caries due to general self-negligence associated with psychiatric illness and side effect of various medications used in psychiatry.OBJECTIVE: Assess the association between dental caries status and obesity among resident patients.DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional.SETTING: Mental health hospital.PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sample of psychiatric in-patients was recruited. Dental caries detection was performed according to the World Health Organization criteria and body mass index (BMI) was measured. Relationships were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relationships between decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and obesity.SAMPLE SIZE: 223.RESULTS: The sample included 126 males and 97 female with a mean (SD) age of 42.3 (2.2) years. The prevalence of dental caries was 92.6%. The mean (SD) DMFT score was 5.2 (4.2). Twenty-seven percent were schizophrenic, 21.9% had mental retardation and 19.7% had bipolar mood disorder. The mean (SD) BMI was 27.7 (6.3) kg/m2. One hundred twenty-three (55.2%) of in-patients were classified as normal weight, 47 (21.1%) as overweight, and 45 (20.2%) as obese. The logistic regression model showed a strong association between caries and obesity/overweight (adjusted odds ratios=2.7; 95% CI=1.4 – 4.3, P<.001).CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated a significant association between the frequency of caries and obesity/overweight among resident patients at a psychiatric hospital.LIMITATIONS: Since the data were cross-sectional, causal relationships cannot be established and the observed association could be due to other unexplored factors.CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Characteristics of disease related to mesio-angular mandibular third molar teeth

The aim of this study was to identify the indications for the removal of mesio-angular mandibular third molars based on age and dental health as measured by the DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) score, and to find out if early intervention should be considered. We studied 319 patients who had 431 mesio-angular mandibular third molars removed. Variables recorded were age, primary indication for removal, and the DMFT score. Indications for removal included distal cervical caries (DCC) in the mandibular second molar (n=180, 44%), pericoronitis (n=131, 32%), and caries and related disease (n=62, 15%). The frequency of distal cervical caries (DCC) in the mandibular second molar increased linearly as patients became older and was the most common reason why mesio-angular third molar teeth were removed. This suggests that patients should be advised of the consequences of retaining thesetypes of third molars, and offered prophylactic removal of asymptomatic teeth.

Reduction of Dental Caries Among Children and Adolescents From a 15-Year Community Water Fluoridation Program in a Township Area, Korea.

Since 2000, a community water fluoridation program (CWFP) has been implemented in Hapcheon for over 15 years. We aimed to evaluate the caries-reducing effect on permanent teeth after this implementation. In 2015, evaluation surveys were conducted by our study group, 498 subjects aged 8, 10, 12, and 15 years. As the control, 952 similarly aged subjects were selected from the Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015 KNHANES). Data of a prospective cohort of 671 8-,10- and 12-year-olds, collected when CWFP started, were used for the evaluation. Caries-reducing effects were estimated by decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) scores between CWFP and control groups, pre- and post-program. Confounders including the mean number of sealant teeth and gender were adjusted for. The mean adjusted DMFT scores of 10-, 12- and 15-year-olds in Hapcheon were significantly lower compared to KNHANES DMFT scores; in addition, those of 8-, 10- and 12-year-olds after the 15-year CWFP were significantly lower than in 2000. The caries-reducing effect among 12-year-olds was 37.6% compared to those recorded in KNHANES, and 67.4% compared to those in 2000. In conclusion, the caries-reducing effect was so high that health policy makers should consider CWFP as a priority policy for caries-reducing in Korean children and adolescents.

Assessment of Dental Caries Prevalence Among Bangladeshi School Children

Background: Dental caries or tooth decay is one of the most important health problems in human life. In addition, tooth decay is an infectious disease that affects all population Worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index among a representative sample of 11-16 years old school children in Rangamati district, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed from 1st October to 30th November, 2016 on 146 children 11- 16 years old students who were conveniently selected from a high school in Kaptai Upazila, Rangamati District to assess the DMFT index. The DMFT index was determined using the standard method suggested by World Health Organization (WHO) and data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 18.0) and presented as mean ± Standard Deviation (SD). Results: The prevalence of dental caries in permanent dentition was 57.53% and the highest 64.71% in 13 age group in comparison to the other ages (11, 12, 14, 15, and 16) (55.56%, 52.63%, 64.29%, 54.55% and 25.00%) respectively. The mean DMFT for the sample was 1.92 ± 2.36, while the mean DMFT for different age groups (11-16) were 1.67±2.06, 1.68±2.23, 2.45±2.66, 2.29±2.25, 1.09±1.38 and 0.25±0.50 respectively. The prevalence of dental caries was higher in female with DMFT 2.32±2.57 than in males with DMFT 1.60±2.14. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the mean DMFT scores in 11-16 years old students are lower than the global standards suggested by WHO.&#x0D; JCMCTA 2018 ; 29 (2) : 63-67

Dental caries experience and related factors among a clustered random sample of students in occupied Palestinian territory: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDental caries is still the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide. In the occupied Palestinian territory, data about oral health status and its determinants are scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among schoolchildren in a random sample of marginalised schools in the West Bank. MethodsMarginalised schools (according to the School Support Program [SPP] criteria) were stratified by district, gender, and grade level to select a random sample of 20 schools. Students in the sixth and ninth grades were interviewed by senior dental students about their oral hygiene and diet habits. Students' weight, height, gingival health, and dental caries experience were assessed. Senior dental students were trained and calibrated to carry out the interviews and the examinations. Parental informed consents were collected by school administrative staff. Ethics approval for the study was obtained from the Al-Quds University Scientific Research Ethics Committee. FindingsIn total, 1282 students completed the interviews and the clinical screening. The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index was 6·4 (SD 4·4). According to the WHO dental caries experience classification, 49% (309 of 623) of the sixth grade students and 74% (484 of 658) of the ninth grade students fell in the high and very high categories. The mother's level of education and recent visit to the dentist correlated negatively with DMFT score (ρ=–0·06, p=0·029; ρ=–0·063, p=0·024). BMI was correlated positively with DMFT (r=0·092, p=0·001). Drinking milk and fresh juices was related to lower DMFT scores (r=–0·077, p=0·006 and r=–0·072, p=0·010). In the final model, grade (β=0·314, p<0·0001), gender (β=0·058, p=0·034), recent visit to the dentist (β=–0·059, p=0·029) and drinking fresh juices (β=–0·054, p=0·047) were significant factors in explaining the high level of dental caries in this sample. InterpretationStudents in the marginalised schools of the West Bank have high DMFT scores that indicate high prevalence of dental caries. Access to dental care and bad oral health habits are associated with high disease prevalence. Interventions to improve access to care and increase awareness about healthy diet and hygiene habits are crucial to alleviate the burden of oral disease in this population. FundingAMIDEAST School Support Program (SSP).

The relationship between body mass index and oral health status among Saudi adults: a cross-sectional study.

To assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the sum of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), periodontal pockets, and oral soft tissue variations. A systematic sample of 250 people attending King Abdulaziz Medical City was included. The study was conducted using questionnaires and clinical examinations. Questionnaires were prepared to include socio-demographic, smoking, oral hygiene, medical and physical variables. Clinical examination included DMFT, pocket depths and soft tissues changes. BMI was calculated as kg/m² using height and weight. Analyses included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Chi-square and logistic regression. Participants mean age was 35.3 years (18-83 years), and about 60% were females. The mean BMI was 28.24. Two thirds (67%) of participants were overweight (BMI=25.0-29.9kg/m²) or obese (BMI⟩30kg/m²). Mean DMFT correlated with BMI (p=0.005). However, periodontal pocket depths were not associated with increased BMI. In the bivariate analyses, there were associations between BMI and age, education, smoking, tooth brushing, hypertension, diabetes, use of medication and traumatic ulcer. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between BMI and DMFT in people educated to less than high school, current smokers, those with any medical problem or with edematous gingiva (P=0.026). Participants higher BMI were more likely to have a higher DMFT score in the presence of low education, presence of edematous gingiva, smoking or a medical condition.

The influence of orthodontic treatment on dental caries: An Australian cohort study.

To assess the influence of orthodontic treatment on long-term caries experience in 30-year-old South Australians. The research hypothesis that was tested was that those with previous orthodontic treatment would have lower caries experience. In 2005-2006, a sample of 1859 30-year-olds from Adelaide, South Australia, who comprised 47% of participants who had previously taken part in an oral epidemiology study in 1988-1989, were traced from the Australian electoral roll and invited to participate in a cross-sectional study investigating long-term dental health outcomes. Participants completed a questionnaire that collected information on socio-demographic characteristics, dental health behaviours and receipt of orthodontic treatment. This was followed by clinical examination. The outcome variables were the summed decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score, and its individual components. Data were analysed using negative binomial regression. The response rate for the questionnaire was 34% (n=632). There were no systematic differences between those who were followed up and those who were not followed up. Clinical data for 448 participants were available for analyses, representing 24% of the originally contacted individuals. By the age of 30, over a third of participants had received orthodontic treatment. Regardless of initial malocclusion classification, orthodontically treated participants had a lower DMFT score at age 30 but this did not reach statistical significance. Adjusted models controlling for socio-demographic, dental health behaviour and malocclusion status showed no associations between orthodontic treatment and decayed (Exp B: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.72-1.40), missing (Exp B: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.59-1.69), or filled teeth (Exp B: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.93-1.51) or overall DMFT (Exp B: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.88-1.41). There was no difference in the long-term caries experience of South Australians aged 30years based on past orthodontic treatment. Our study does not support the contention that those treated orthodontically have better dental health later in life.

A cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of early childhood caries and associated risk factors in preschool children in district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the prevalence and related risk factors of early childhood caries (ECC) in preschool children of district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India. A total sample of 2859 children aged between 2 and 6 years were selected from various parts of district Mandi. The status of dental caries and decayed missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score was recorded. ECC increased significantly with age. Boys had significantly higher caries prevalence and mean DMFT score as compared to girls. Children who belonged to low socioeconomic group showed higher caries prevalence and mean DMFT score. Children aged 3-6 years who brushed their teeth twice daily had the least prevalence of dental caries as well as DMFT score when compared to children with one time and no brushing. The early identification of poor oral hygiene and improper feeding habits should be considered in preventive health promotion in low socioeconomic communities of district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.

Associations between caries experience, dietary habits, and metabolic syndrome in Japanese adults.

Dental caries could be a risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS); however, there is limited evidence of such a relationship in the literature. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationships among dental caries experience, dietary habits, and MetS in Japanese adults. A total of 937 participants aged 40-74 years underwent a health check, including dental examination. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) were used as an index of caries experience. The mean DMFT score was 14, and 12% of the participants had MetS in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the prevalence of MetS was significantly related to DMFT (first vs. fourth quartile, odds ratio [OR] = 1.80; P < 0.05). In addition, the OR of DMFT for MetS was found to be greater in each successively higher DMFT quartile. The prevalence of MetS was significantly related to daily coffee consumption (OR = 0.51, P < 0.01), and the relationship between DMFT and MetS was noted after adjusting for daily coffee consumption. There appears to be a positive association between caries experience and MetS in Japanese adults. This relationship increased with the increase in DMFT regardless of dietary habits.

Dental Caries, Body Mass Index, and Diet among Learners at Selected Primary Schools in Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa

To assess whether the prevalence of dental caries (DC) was associated with the body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status (SES), and diet of grade six learners in Pretoria, South Africa (SA). A cross-sectional study was carried out. Learners underwent an oral and anthropometric examination, while the information on dietary intake and SES were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Of a possible 529 learners, 440 (83%) participated of whom 53% were boys. The mean age was 11.8 years, and 50% fell into the "medium" SES category. The prevalence of DC was 43%. The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score was 1.19 (SD = ±1.79), of which the decayed (D) component was the largest 1.07 (SD = ±1.59). Two-thirds (62%) of learners had a normal BMI, and 26% were underweight. Less than half (47%) reported brushing their teeth twice a day; 71% claimed to drink up to one and a half glasses of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and 67% reported eating one to three sweets a day. The prevalence of DC was not significantly associated with BMI, diet, or SES, although having no caries was associated with eating less than three sweets a day. The mean DMFT score was relatively low with much of the decayed teeth being untreated. Most learners were classified having a normal BMI, despite having bad eating habits. Oral health in this group of learners may be more influenced by healthcare-seeking behavior and access to healthcare services than by diet alone. The decayed component was fairly high, which means that there is a huge need for dental treatment, and although prevention and oral health promotion is important, learners with decayed teeth should have access to curative services. How to cite this article: Nkambule NR, Madiba TK, Bhayat A. Dental Caries, Body Mass Index, and Diet among Learners at Selected Primary Schools in Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019;20(11):1241-1248.

Prevalence of dental caries, oral health awareness and treatment-seeking behavior of elderly population in rural Maharashtra.

There have been numerous studies of oral health status of school children and young population; however, similar studies in elderly population in India are lacking. With advances in medical science and consequent increase in life expectancy, elderly population is on the rise and is a subject of growing concern for public health policy. Hence, an attempt was made to study factors influencing decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, oral health awareness, and dental treatment-seeking behavior of elderly population. A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted between September 2014 and December 2014 in villages in rural Maharashtra. Sociodemographic and health-related information were collected from 352 participants 60 years of age and above in 10 villages. Prevalence of dental caries was 76.4% in a study population with median DMFT score of 12 with interquartile range of 7-22. The majority of the participants cleaned their teeth with fingers using charcoal and mishri. Only 17.2% participants used toothbrush. About 39% participants had experienced dental pain, of which majority did not visit dentist. The median DMFT index who used toothbrush and toothpaste was significantly less when compared with participants who did not use tooth brush and tooth paste. The majority of the participants had one or more missing teeth, but only 2.2% were using dentures. There is an urgent need for comprehensive oral health educational programs, and accessible and affordable oral health services to be provided to rural community.