Decayed, Missing, And Filled Teeth Research Articles

Association of Dental Caries with Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, and Sarcopenia: A Community-Based Study.

Changes in the oral cavity can reflect other changes throughout the body. This study aimed to investigate the association of dental caries with muscle mass, muscle strength, and sarcopenia, and also to describe the microbial diversity, composition, and community structure of severe dental caries and sarcopenia. Cross-sectional study based on a Chinese population aged from 50 to 85 years. Communities from Lanxi City, Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 1,442 participants aged from 50 to 85 years from a general community (62.8% women; median age 61.0 [interquartile range: 55.0, 68.0]). Dental caries was assessed by the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Sarcopenia was defined as the presence of both low muscle mass (assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning) and low muscle strength (assessed by handgrip strength). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of dental caries with muscle mass, muscle strength, and sarcopenia. Fecal samples underwent 16S rRNA profiling to evaluate the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota in patients with severe dental caries and/or sarcopenia. In the fully adjusted logistic models, dental caries was positively associated with low muscle strength (DMFT ≥ 7: OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.25-2.06), and sarcopenia (DMFT ≥ 7: OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.01-2.26), but not low muscle mass. Severe dental caries was positively associated with higher alpha-diversity indices (richness, chao1, and ACE, all p < 0.05) and associated with beta-diversity based on Bray-Curtis distance (p = 0.006). The severe dental caries group and the sarcopenia group overlapped with 11 depleted and 13 enriched genera. Dental caries was positively associated with low muscle strength and sarcopenia but not muscle mass, and this association was more pronounced in male individuals. Significant differences were observed in gut microbiota composition both in severe dental caries and sarcopenia, and there was an overlap of the genera features. Future longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal relationships.

Oral Health Status and Caries Experience in Children Diagnosed with Attention-deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

The present study aimed to assess and evaluate oral hygiene status and oral hygiene behaviors among children with the attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and children without ADHD. A total of 34 children of ages 6-14 years were included in the study. Groups I-17 children with ADHD and group II-17 healthy children. A visual examination of dental caries and traumatic injuries was performed, and the oral hygiene status of these children was determined. The parent/guardian completed a structured questionnaire regarding the child's oral hygiene practices and food habits. Data obtained from oral examination and questionnaires were compiled and subjected to statistical analysis. The student t-test and the Chi-squared test showed that children with ADHD had significantly higher decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores and incidence of traumatic injuries without significant difference in oral hygiene status. There is no significant difference in oral hygiene status between both the groups but caries experience, and incidence of traumatic injuries are high in children with ADHD. Reddy ER, Kiranmayi M, Mudusu SP, et al. Oral Health Status and Caries Experience in Children Diagnosed with Attention-deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(4):438-441.

Dental Caries and Dental Anomalies in Children Undergoing Chemotherapy for Malignant Diseases.

The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries and anomalies in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy or those who have completed chemotherapy. A total of 250 pediatric patients within the age group of 6 months to 17 years, either admitted to hospitals for chemotherapy or on follow-up, were included as a part of the study. Complete oral examination inclusive of the diet history, oral hygiene methods, past dental history, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), def score, and any dental anomaly was diagnosed clinically and radiographically using an orthopantomogram. The samples were further categorized under type of malignancies and duration of chemotherapeutic drug usage groups (from 6 months to 10 years and more than 10 years) to establish a correlation of these variables with the prevalence of dental caries and dental anomalies. Among all patients, 108 (43.2%) had completed the treatment (chemotherapy), while 142 (56.8%) were undergoing the treatment. Forty-three (17.2%) patients showed positive findings for dental anomalies. The present study confirms the strong positive correlation between long-term exposure to chemotherapeutic agents and the prevalence of dental anomalies and dental caries in children. Talekar AL, Musale PK, Kothare SS. Dental Caries and Dental Anomalies in Children Undergoing Chemotherapy for Malignant Diseases. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(4):428-432.

Oral Conditions as Risk Factors for Low Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among the Elderly Population in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Approximately 70% of the elderly population living in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, has a low oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study aimed to identify the risk factors for low OHRQoL in the elderly population of Yogyakarta. Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S), Community Periodontal Index, Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index, and the number of natural occluding pairs (NOP) were assessed for 153 participants aged ≥ 60 years. Xerostomia, hyposalivation, and OHRQoL were also examined using Xerostomia Inventory (XI), unstimulated spitting whole saliva collecting method, and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire, respectively. OHRQoL was categorized as low, moderate, and high. Bivariate and multivariate tests were conducted to identify the risk factors for low OHRQoL. Initial analysis of characteristics of participants revealed that hyposalivation, xerostomia, periodontal pocket, high DMFT, NOP ≤ 5, poor OHI-S, and low OHRQoL were experienced by 40 (26.1%), 92 (60.1%), 39 (25.5%), 110 (71.9%), 112 (73.2%), 44 (28.8%), and 108 (70.6%) participants, respectively. Relative risk (RR) and p values for hyposalivation, xerostomia, periodontal pocket, high DMFT, NOP ≤5, and poor OHI-S were found to be at 1.573 (CI 0.681-3.637) and 0.225; 2.532 (CI 1.255-5.108) and 0.006; 0.846 (CI 0.391-1.830) and 0.606; 1.759 (CI 0.843-3.670) and 0.110; 1.133 (CI 0.522-2.461) and 0.008; and 2.723 (CI 1.293-5.734) and 0.632, respectively. Multivariate tests showed that xerostomia and NOP ≤5 had RR of 2.519 (CI 1.221-5.195) and 2.536 (CI 1.175-5.477), respectively. Overall, elders with xerostomia or NOP ≤ 5 had 2.5 times higher risk of having a low OHRQoL.

Correlation Analysis between Self-perceived Oral Health and Self-perceived General Health among Adults in China.

To analyse the correlation between self-perceived oral health (SPOH) and selfperceived general health (SPGH) and the influencing factors. In this study, we collected sociodemographic information and details about SPOH and SPGH status for Chinese adults (≥ 18 years), and a total of 2233 people were included. The data were analysed using SPSS software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) with a chi-square test and binary logistic regression. In total, 43.4% of adults' self-perceived oral health was at a "good" level and 57.9% of adults' self-perceived general health was at a "good" level. The SPOH was correlated with SPGH (r = 0.593, P < 0.001). Good SPOH was associated with younger age, no dentures, no smoking, brushing teeth twice or more a day, periodontal health, no malocclusion and decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) ≤ 12. Good SPGH was associated with younger age, higher educational level, no dentures, no smoking, brushing teeth twice or more a day, periodontal health, no malocclusion and DMFT ≤ 12. SPOH and SPGH are correlated with each other, and greater attention should be paid to oral health to promote general health.

Connectivity between Frequency of Toothbrushing and Dental Caries

The goal of this research was to evaluate the oral health of the children of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian (RAE) community in relation to toothbrushing frequency. Methods and Results: A total of 201 children (93 boys and 108 girls) participated in this research. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index of deciduous teeth and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) developed by Greene and Vermillion were evaluated in relation to toothbrushing frequency. Our research revealed an important and significant difference in toothbrushing frequency between the variables for F=3.7839 and P=0.0244. Children who brushed their teeth twice a day had a markedly lower DMFT index (3.15±3.29) than children who brushed their teeth less than once a day (4.86±3.81). Also, this group of children for P=0.02 had a markedly lower DMFT index (3.15±3.29) than children who brushed their teeth once a day (4.86±3.81). An important and significant difference was found between plaque index (PI) and toothbrushing frequency (H=7.86, P=0.02). Conclusion: Difficult economic circumstances and poor oral hygiene are the main factors causing poor oral health in this group of children.

Decline in dental caries experience among schoolchildren in Taiwan, 2012-2020.

This study investigated the association between the decline of the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and several family-level and individual-level factors among 6- to 18-year-old Taiwanese children from 2012 to 2020. This study used data from the 2012 and 2020 Taiwan National Oral Health Survey of Children and Adolescents. Both surveys used similar methods and were performed in the same study age group. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on parents' sociodemographic background; the number of children in the family; oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours; and children's dietary habits. Dental caries was recorded through standardized oral examinations. Multivariable multilevel zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used to determine the association between family-level and individual-level factors and the DMFT index from 2012 to 2020. A total of 10217 and 10436 schoolchildren completed the oral examinations and questionnaires in the 2012 and 2020 surveys, respectively. The adjusted mean DMFT index of 12-year-old Taiwanese schoolchildren in 2020 was 2.01, denoting a significant decline from 2.50 in 2012 (adjusted mean ratio=0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.17, 0.23, p < .0001). Furthermore, children who often consumed sugar-rich drinks had a significantly higher risk (mean ratio=1.05, 95% CI=1.01, 1.10) of having DMFT than those who seldom consumed such drinks (p=.017). In the period of 2012-2020, the DMFT index among Taiwanese children significantly declined. Children who often consumed sugar-rich drinks had a higher DMFT index than those who seldom consumed such drinks. Our findings are valuable to paediatricians, dentists, nutritionists, and public health policymakers.

Relationship between DMFT index and reproductive history- a cross-sectional study on enrollment phase of Azar cohort study

BackgroundHormonal changes in women throughout life might affect the oral health. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and reproductive history.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was performed using data of Azar Cohort Study conducted in 2014, in Shabestar city, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. In the present study, the data of all 8294 women from the enrollment phase of the Azar cohort were included. All available data related on the variables of reproductive history (including age at the onset of menstruation, age of onset of menopause, age of first pregnancy, and frequency of pregnancy), age at interview, educational level, socioeconomic status, frequency of tooth brushing, chronic diseases, body mass index and DMFT were extracted. Negative binomial regression with loglink was used to analyze the relationship between variables. Three regression models have been applied to adjust the effect of confounding variables. Model 1 adjusted for education, socio-economic status, age, chronic diseases, body mass index and frequency of tooth brushing. Model 2 adjusted for education, socioeconomic status, age, chronic diseases and body mass index. Model 3 adjusted for education, socio-economic status and age.ResultsThe mean DMFT of 8294 women was 20.99 ± 8.95. In model 1, there was no significant relationship between DMFT and frequency of pregnancy. However, model 2 and 3 showed that in women who had four or more pregnancies, the DMFT rate was significantly higher than those who did not have a history of pregnancy (P = 0.02, P = 0.04). Age at the onset of menopause, age at the onset of menstruation and age of first pregnancy had no significant relationship with DMFT in the models. Brushing less than once a day and increasing age at interview had significant relationship with DMFT in the models (P < 0.001).ConclusionDespite hormonal changes through the life, the history of reproductive showed no significant relationship with women’s DMFT. Oral health education for women is an important step in promoting oral health and it is necessary to pay special attention to preventive programs in oral health policy for women specially with increasing the age.

Dental caries and Oral hygiene status among primary school children in Quetta, Pakistan: A quantitative approach.

This study was conducted to ascertain the extent of dental caries among primary school children in Quetta. A total of 362 children were examined for their dental and oral hygiene status. WHO recommended indexes, including Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT), were used for dental examinations. The study results reveal a high prevalence of dental caries (74%), and the mean "DMFT" score was 1.07±1.63, and "deft" score 2.29± 2.31. There were no significant differences among mean deft, gender, and type of school (P=.27 and .07) in deciduous dentition. Public school children were approximately two times more likely to have dental caries (OR 1.92; P=.021). Dental caries were significantly higher among children with poor oral hygiene (OR 2.40; P=.005). Overall, the treatment needs of the children were noted to be over 90%.

What Is the Role of Oral Factors in Halitosis in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Background: Prevalence of Halitosis includes a variety of 22 up to 50% in different societies. There have been reports of remarkable improvements in Halitosis after Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral factors and halitosis in patients suffering from GERD. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 98 patients (45 females and 53 females) with mean age of 19.4 years whose gastroesophageal reflux was diagnosed by gastroenterologist. Halitosis was detected by organoleptic method. Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) was utilized to record the dental status. Oral hygiene was evaluated using the Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), Debries Index (DI), Calculus Index (CI), and coated tongue. Data were analyzed by Spearman and Pearson correlation tests. Results: There was not a significant relationship between halitosis and DMFT, OHI-S, and debris index and calculus index, and coated tongue (p&gt;0.01). Also, there was a direct and significant relationship between DI and CI (p&lt;0.01). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, there is no relationship between oral factors (debris index, calculus index, oral hygiene index, and DMFT) and halitosis in patients with GERD. Therefore, the presence of halitosis might be attributed to the presence of GERD in these patients.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Caries and Periodontal Diseases among Adolescents in Kunming: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of dental caries, and periodontal diseases among adolescents in urban high schools of Kunming and associated factors. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional survey enrolled 560 adolescents (17.3±0.5 years old), with an equal gender ratio. Self-administered questionnaires obtained the sociodemographic and behavioral variables. All subjects were examined for their clinical parameters; including, Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT), the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) by two dentists. The correlations of explanatory variables with dental caries and periodontal disease outcomes were investigated using bivariate analysis; via chi-square and t-test. Multivariate regression analysis; including linear regression and logistic regression models, were investigated for related factors of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Results: The prevalence of caries was 72.5%, with a mean DMFT of 3.70±3.65. The DMFT of females was higher than males (p-value&lt;0.001); approximately 12.3% were periodontal healthy. The prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis was 80.4% and 7.3%, respectively; with no statistical difference between genders (p-value=0.221). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases were associated with females and fair/ poor oral hygiene. Additionally, high sugar consumption was a significant risk predictor for dental caries (p-value=0.008). Conclusion: The high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease in Kunming urban high school adolescents were associated with females and oral hygiene. Therefore, it is necessary for them to pay more attention to their oral health, and to focus on improving the efficiency of oral hygiene behavior.

Meal patterns and the quality of breakfast and snacks in relation to adolescents' dental health in southeast of Iran.

Aim: The objective was to determine the frequency pattern and nutritional quality of breakfast and snacks in Iranian adolescents and to investigate these dietary habits in relation to tooth decay and tooth erosion. Methods: A multistage cluster random sampling method was adopted to recruit 600 adolescents with equal sex distribution in the city of Kerman/southeast of Iran. Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Tooth Wear Index (TWI) were recorded for each subject. Snacking and breakfast quality, frequency of snacking and regular/irregular use of main meals were also recorded. Poisson regression and Firth's bias-reduced penalized-likelihood logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: DMFT score of adolescents who consumed low-quality snacks were 1.13 times more than those who consumed high-quality snacks. Regular use of all three main meals was associated with a lower DMFT score. DMFT score of adolescents who did not have regular use of breakfast was 1.19 times more than those who consumed breakfast on a regular basis. Also, regarding adolescents who had an irregular use of lunch, the DMFT score was 1.3 times more than those who had a regular lunch schedule. In addition, participants with irregular dinner consumption had 1.24 times more DMFT scores compared to those with a regular dinner schedule. Conclusions: Regular breakfast consumption, decreased snacking occasions, use of higher nutritional quality snacks, and increased nutritional education are important in order to prevent a higher chance of dental caries and promote dental health status.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PALATAL RUGAE PATTERN AND DENTAL CARIES AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION: A CROSS‑SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Palatal rugae appear in the 3rd month of intrauterine life around six different types of rugae patterns have been recognized at present, which might have a potential implication in human identification. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the association between dental caries and palatal rugae pattern among the general population. Materials and Methodology: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among n = 230, out patients reporting to Asan Memorial Dental College and Hospital. Palatal rugae identification was done using photographs. Canon EoS 60D digital single‑lens reflex camera with a 100 mm macro lens was used along with retractors and dental mirrors for identification of the rugae pattern and decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) scoring was done for recording dental caries. Results: The number of rugae varies across gender (P &lt; 0.05) and caries‑free individuals had higher number of rugae than individuals with DMFT &gt;1 (P &lt; 0.05 – statistically significant). Conclusion : Rugoscopy can be used as a screening method to provide adequate preventive treatment by showing the higher risk of caries detection.

Streptococcus mutans carriage in the saliva of mothers and its association with dental caries and Streptococcus mutans carriage in the saliva of children between 6 and 30 months old in a low-income setting in Karachi, Pakistan.

Early childhood caries poses a significant health issue in children under 6 years old. It is determined that Streptococcus mutans is a primary etiological agent, likely to be transferred through maternal contact. To determine the association of maternal S. mutans counts with S. mutans counts in their children between 6 and 30 months of age, and to determine the maternal and child DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) indices. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan. A sample of 193 dyads of mother-children (6-30 months of age) was selected via purposive sampling. Saliva samples of the dyads were collected to assess S. mutans count. Caries assessment was performed for both using the DMFT index. A pretested questionnaire was used. The association of bottle-feeding, oral hygiene measures, and other factors with S. mutans counts in children were also explored. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression model at a 5% level of significance was applied using STATA version 12.0. Out of 193 children, 109 (56.47%) were males and 84 (43.52%) were females. The mean age of mothers and children was 29.4 ± 6.2 years and 19.54 ± 6.8 months, respectively. Maternal S. mutans counts were not statistically associated with child's S. mutans counts (Mean child's S. mutans count ratio: 1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1, 1.01; p = .882). Compared with children who were breastfed, S. mutans counts were higher in children who were bottle-fed (mean S. mutans count ratio= 4.85 [95% CI: 1.53, 15.41], p = .007). Age of mother and present caries status of mothers was significantly associated with the child's S. mutans count. No association between maternal S. mutans and child S. mutans was observed. However, maternal age, children who were breastfed, children who did not use pacifiers,and children with mothers who did not have caries, exhibited low S. mutans counts in their saliva.

Prevalence of dental caries and associated factors of detention center inmates in South Korea compared with Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) respondents: a retrospective study

BackgroundCorrectional institution inmates have reduced access to dental care; however, a quantitative assessment of their oral health condition has not yet been performed in South Korea. Therefore, this study aimed to assess dental caries and compare the prevalence of dental caries and associated factors between inmates and the general South Korean population.MethodsThe dental records of two detention centers in South Korea were retrospectively analyzed to assess the clinical oral health condition of inmates using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and self-reported questionnaire. These data were compared with similar data obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for the general South Korean population.ResultsIn total, 642 inmates were analyzed and compared with 13,345 KNHANES participants in the KNHANES. The inmate and KNHANES groups demonstrated significant intergroup differences, with a higher prevalence of untreated caries, DMFT, decayed teeth (DT), and missing teeth (MT) values among the inmates. The prevalence of untreated caries decreased according to the history of dental pain in the inmate group but increased in the KNHANES group. The decrease in DMFT with a history of dental pain was significant only in the inmate group. Furthermore, self-rated oral health was significantly associated with prevalence of untreated caries, DMFT, DT, MT, and filled teeth (FT) in the inmate group but with prevalence of untreated caries, DMFT, DT, and MT in the KNHANES group. It was found that this is because there is an interaction effect by the group.ConclusionsThe oral health of the inmate group was significantly poorer than that of the general group. Since DMFT, DT, MT, and FT values and prevalence of untreated caries in the inmate group were significantly related to their self-rated oral health, suggesting that self-rated oral health should be incorporated into the dental health screenings of correctional institution inmates.

Oral health status among orphan and non-orphan children in Mashhad: a case-control study.

Developing and modifying the policies of orphanages requires the availability of accurate information. This study aimed to compare caries and oral hygiene status among orphan and non-orphan children. This descriptive cross-sectional study took place in governmental orphanages and schools of both genders in Mashhad, Iran. The prevalence of caries was assessed using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Tooth (DMFT) index, and oral health status was assessed using the Oral Hygiene Index - Simplified (OHI-S). The results were statistically analyzed using a t-test and Chi-Square test. The mean DMFT was 3.36 in orphans and 2.10 in non-orphan children, which was not statistically significant (p=0.6). The mean dmft was 9.01 in the orphan group and 5.26 in the non-orphan group, which was statistically significant (p=0.003). The average OHI-S index was 2.30 in the group of orphan children and 1.05 in the non-orphan children, presenting a statistically significant difference (p=0.00). The prevalence of caries, especially in deciduous teeth, was high among orphan children. The oral health status of these children was worse than that of children living at home. Consequently, there is a need for proper planning to promote the oral health of children living in orphanages.

The impact of smoking on periodontal status and dental caries.

INTRODUCTIONInvestigations to explore the relationship between smoking and its oral manifestations are important to clinicians. Among these oral manifestations, periodontal diseases and dental caries have still a controversial association. This study aims to analyze the effect of smoking on periodontal disease and caries and their relevance to each other.METHODSData on demographic and clinical features were retrieved from 7028 patients. Smoking status was categorized as a smoker, non-smoker, former smoker and passive smoker. Each patient received a diagnosis according to the new classification system for periodontal disease, in which periodontal disease is divides into stages (PS). The carries status was diagnosed by evaluating the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index.RESULTSOf the patients, 66.6% were non-smoker women, whereas 53.7 % of passive smokers were women. Being a worker and having a Bachelor’s degree was associated with a higher likelihood of getting diagnosed with periodontal disease and caries in smokers. Smoking significantly influences periodontal disease severity and DMFT values (p<0.001). This becomes more evident in former smokers by showing the highest severe periodontal problems (PS3: 29.7% and PS4: 18.9%), and the highest DMFT mean (16.4 ± 7.4) Accordingly, persons having high DMFT had significantly the most severe periodontal disease, namely PS4 (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONSSmoking is associated with higher caries prevalence and more severe periodontal disease, and DMFT tend to increase with the severity of periodontitis in the same subjects.

The relationship between vitamin D and calcium serum levels with dental caries in 6-12 years old children

Introduction: There are limited studies with contradictory results on the relationship between vitamin D and calcium levels with dental caries at different ages. Objectives: Given the contradictory results of studies and the importance of preventing the onset and progression of dental caries for oral health, this study aimed to find the relationship between vitamin D and calcium levels with dental caries in 6-12 years old children. Patients and Methods: This descriptive-cross sectional study was conducted from 2019 to 2020 on 256 children of 6-12 years old referring to children’s hospital in Tabriz. Serum vitamin D (sufficient, insufficient or deficient) and calcium (sufficient, insufficient) levels were measured for each child, and the relationship between their levels and dental caries was investigated by descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Results: The dental index of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) in the deficient and insufficient vitamin D groups was significantly higher than in the sufficient vitamin D group (P=0.03). The linear regression model on the effect of age, vitamin D, and calcium on dental indexes showed no significant statistical relationship. However, in the case of the dental index, age, and calcium level affected dental caries (d), but vitamin D did not affect this index. Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between calcium and vitamin D serum levels with dental caries in 6-12 years old children.

ORAL HEALTH PROFILE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

<h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of the study was to evaluate the oral health profile of the patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC; ethics approval 2.421.701). <h3>Study Design</h3> Convenience sampling of 30 patients with OSCC (G1) and 31 controls (G2) was performed. Demographic data and social and oral hygiene habits were collected. The oral health condition was assessed through clinical periodontal examination; Visible Plaque Index (VPI); and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index. <h3>Results</h3> The average age was 55.7 ± 11.5 years old, and the majority were female (54%). The results for G1/G2 respectively were as follows: educational level, G1 < G2 (80% up to elementary school and 64% up to high school, respectively; <i>P</i> < .05); both had low income (between 1 and 2 minimum wages); 70.5% and 6.4% were smokers; and 66% and 29% consumed alcohol. Average daily brushing, 1.63 ± 1 and 2.45 ± 0.8; dental flossing, 11% and 67%; uses mouthwash, 11% and 25%. Average probing depth 4.56 ± 1.2 mm and 3.34 ± 1.1 mm; DMFT = 23.33 ± 8.6 and 16.03 ± 5.2; VPI = 2.5 ± 0.8 and 0.8 ± 0.8. All data were statistically significant (<i>P</i> < .05). <h3>Conclusions</h3> The oral health condition in individuals with OSCC was worse than that of controls. The importance of oral health care for individuals with OSCC is highlighted.

Prevalence of Dental Caries With Salivary Assessment in Six to Twelve Years Old School-Going Children in Shahpura Tehsil, Jaipur.

IntroductionDental caries is a chronic, infectious, and irreversible disease of the calcified tissues of teeth, which demineralises the inorganic portion and destroys the organic substance of the tooth, which often leads to cavitation. Epidemiological studies measuring the prevalence and severity of dental caries have used modified versions of Klein and colleagues’ decayed, missing, and filled (DMF) or Gruebbel’s decayed, extraction indicated, and filled (def) indexes; however, these indexes only capture cavitated lesions. Saliva plays a vital role in caries prevention; significant reduction or deterioration of salivary function can aggravate the development of dental caries. Saliva affects the incidence of dental caries in four ways: as a mechanical cleansing agent that results in less accumulation of plaque, by reducing enamel solubility using calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, by buffering and neutralising the acids produced by cariogenic organisms, or by introducing directly through diet and by antibacterial activity. The study aims to assess the prevalence of dental caries and salivary parameters such as salivary pH, flow, and buffering capacity in six to 12 years old children of a rural tehsil of Jaipur.Materials and methodsThe study was done on a population consisting of 400 school-going children in the age group of six to 12 years. Oral examination was undertaken by a single examiner, who is the study's principal investigator, to avoid inter-examiner variability. Testing of resting saliva was done for evaluation of visual inspection of the level of hydration, saliva consistency, pH measurement, saliva quantity, and buffering capacity.Statistical analysisThe data were analysed using the chi-square test, t-test, and statistical software SPSS version 17.00 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). The chi-square test was used to compare and analyse qualitative data, whereas the unpaired t-test was used to analyse and compare quantitative data. Quantitative data were summarised as mean and standard deviation. A p-value of 0.001 or less was considered for standard significance.ResultsThere was no significant difference in resting salivary flow rate between children with decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores less than 5 and DMFT scores of 5. The mean buffering capacity of stimulated saliva was found to be significantly more among children with DMFT scores less than 5 than children with DMFT scores of 5 or more. The mean pH of resting saliva was found to be significantly higher among children with DMFT scores less than 5 than children with DMFT scores of 5 or more.ConclusionThe prevalence of caries based on age was maximum in mixed dentition and minimum in primary dentition. In contrast, the difference in severity based on age was maximum in permanent dentition. The prevalence of caries was higher in children whose parents were aware of dental health; the difference was more significant in children with primary and mixed dentition. This study showed that salivary parameters such as salivary flow rate, salivary pH, and salivary buffering capacity among school-going children correlated with the prevalence of caries.