Decayed, Missing, Filled Surfaces Research Articles

Oral Health Status in relation to Salivary Antimicrobial Peptide in Pregnant Women

Background: Oral health is a mirror of general health. During pregnancy, oral health is affected by changes in saliva and oral hygiene measures which may lead to more dental caries. Objective: Assess oral health status in relation to salivary antimicrobial peptides in pregnant women. Subjects and Method: This cross sectional study was carried out in different primary health care centers in Rusafa sectors/ Baghdad city. The total sample included was 80 women (their age range from 21-30). The study group consisted of 40 pregnant women: half of them were in the first trimester and others were in third trimester, while the control group included 40 non-pregnant married females. Dental Plaque was recorded according to simplified oral hygiene index. Dental caries were diagnosed by using WHO (2013) criteria. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected. Chemical analysis of salivary samples was performed for the detection of human β-Defensin 2. Results: The current study revealed that dental caries experiences (decayed surfaces(DS), missed surfaces (MS) and decayed, missing, filled surfaces(DMFS)) were higher among pregnant than non-pregnant females especially in the third trimester, add percentage with no significant differences, while filled surfaces (FS) were higher in the control group with also no significant difference. Regarding plaque index, results revealed that pregnant women had higher plaque index than non-pregnant women, with significant higher per-centage (53.3%) in the third trimester, P value = 0.027. The salivary human β-Defensin 2 was higher among the pregnant group in the third trimester with statistically no significant difference. Conclusion: More plaque accumulation during pregnancy may explain the higher preva-lence of dental caries as the dental plaque considered to be the chief contributing factor in dental caries.

Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Oral Effects of Fermented Lingonberry Juice-A One-Year Prospective Human Intervention Study.

A 1-year prospective human intervention study was performed to examine the anticaries, anti-inflammatory, antiproteolytic, and antimicrobial effects of fermented lingonberry juice (FLJ), used as a mouthwash for a period of 6 months, followed by a 6-month washout period. Twenty-five adults were recruited from private dental clinics in Helsinki and Joensuu (Finland). Standard oral examinations and sample gatherings were performed at base level, 6 months, and 1 year for oral Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Candida, and Lactobacilli levels, and active matrix metalloprotease-8 (aMMP-8) levels, and for decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT), decayed, missing filled surfaces (DMFS) and decayed surfaces (DS) indexes, and probing pocket depths (PPDs), bleeding on probing (BOP), and visible plaque index (VPI). FLJ was used by the participants once daily for 30 seconds for 6 months. FLJ contains 0.212% (w/v) polyphenols, 3% (w/ v) sugars, and contains no excipients. Ten milliliters of FLJ were equal to 1 dL of lingonberry juice. Statistical analyses were performed with nonparametric Friedman's test and pairwise post-hoc analysis with Dunn-Bonferroni test, SPSS (version 27; IBM) and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The levels of S. mutans and Candida counts, DS, BOP, and VPI decreased significantly (p < 0.05) during the FLJ period. Lactobacilli counts increased significantly, while there was also significant difference in aMMP-8 levels, DMFT, and DMFS between the three measurement points. PPDs were not affected. The specially formulated FLJ may have a positive decreasing effect on S. mutans, and Candida counts as well as decrease low-grade inflammation and proteolytic burden in the oral mucosa and periodontal tissues. The beneficial effects to the oral cavity of FLJ mouthwash may be useful among patients with oral diseases, such as dental caries, periodontitis and candidosis.

A Comparison of Pre- and Postbreakfast Tooth Brushing in Caries Prevention through the Estimation of Streptococcus mutans Counts: A Prospective Clinical and Microbiological Study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of prebreakfast tooth brushing (PrBTB) and postbreakfast tooth brushing (PoBTB) with or without a prebrushing rinse in caries prevention through the estimation of Streptococcus mutans count. Sixty consenting dental students were divided into three age-matched groups of 20 each and instructed to follow prebreakfast, postbreakfast tooth brushing, and prebreakfast rinsing plus PoBTB using the Bass technique. Plaque samples were collected at the start and at the end of every quarter for a total of 6 quarters (18 months) for the evaluation of S. mutans colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. The decayed missing filled surface (DMFS) index of participants was also recorded and compared at the beginning and end of the study period. The post-breakfast tooth brushing group with pre-breakfast rinse (RPoBTB) and without pre-breakfast rinse (PoBTB) showed a highly significant reduction in total S. mutans CFU counts per ml (38% and 29% respectively) at the end of the study. The changes in DMFS value were not significant and did not show any correlation with the S. mutans counts. Our study revealed that PoBTB with or without a prebreakfast rinse reduces the total counts of the cariogenic bacteria S. mutans more efficiently than PrBTB. Although further proof in the form of clinical trials is essential, this study provides the proof of concept for a minor change in the tooth brushing habit, which can significantly enhance caries prevention.

The effect of dental problems on pregnancy and birth outcomes in pregnant women registered in family health centers in a city center: A prospective study

The researchers aimed to determine the effects of oral–dental health of pregnant women on their pregnancy and fetus health. In this descriptive observational study, the researchers prospectively followed up 64 pregnant women three times, who were registered in two family health centers that were selected by using a simple random sampling method. As the follow-ups progressed, an increase was determined in the DMF-S (Decayed-Missing-Filled-Surface) index and DEBRIS (Caries Surface Distribution Form) scores in the areas observed (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between the increased scores and the infant’s birth length, weight, and birth week.

The impact of caries experience on quality of life among dental students in Iraq

Background: Dental caries is generally given the highest priority in national oral health services for adult populations. Yet, there is no study which has explored the impact on quality of life specifically related to dental caries in samples of dental students. The purpose of the current study was to assess the impact of caries experience on quality of life among dental students in three governorates in Iraq. Materials and Methods: This observational study included 1364 dental students aged 18–22 years old, from three governorates. Information on quality of life was obtained from a structured, self-administered questionnaire from the students who were willing to participate in the study. The data was collected, summarized and statistically analyzed. Caries experience in the present study was determined by the Decayed- Missing Filled Surfaces (DMFS) indexed by WHO in 1997 in which all teeth were examined and all the third molars were included. Results: Regarding dental caries and the four Quality of Life domains, in each domain scores, DS component had the highest contribution to the DMFS followed by the MS component while FS components had the lowest contribution to the index. On the other hand, DMFS showed the lowest mean among the good scores of all domains and it had the highest mean among the poor type. Conclusion: The quality of life among dental students is associated with caries severity as the DMFS and its components affected different domains regarding quality of life. Keywords: caries experience, dental students, quality of life.&#x0D;

Four-dimensional oral health-related quality of life impact in children: A systematic review.

Oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) is an important dental patient‐reported outcome which is commonly based on 4 dimensions, namely Oral Function, Orofacial Pain, Orofacial Appearance and Psychosocial Impact. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) is the most used OHRQoL instrument designed for adults; nevertheless, it is used off‐label for children as well. Our aim was to describe the OHRQoL impact on children measured by OHIP and map the information to the 4‐dimensions framework of OHRQoL. A systematic literature review following the PRISMA statement was conducted to include studies assessing OHRQoL of children ≤ 18 years using OHIP. The OHIP seven‐domain information was converted to the OHRQoL 4‐dimension scores accompanied by their means and 95% confidence interval. Risk of bias was assessed using a six‐item modified version of quality assessment tool for prevalence studies. We identified 647 articles, after abstracts screening, 111 articles were reviewed in full text. Twelve articles were included, and their information was mapped to the 4‐dimensional OHRQoL. Most included studies had low risk of bias. OHRQoL highest impact was observed for Oral Function, Orofacial Pain, and Orofacial Appearance for children with: Decayed‐Missing‐Filled‐Surface (DMFS) of ≥10, anterior tooth extraction without replacement and untreated fractured anterior teeth, respectively. Across all oral health conditions, Psychosocial Impact was less affected than the other three dimensions. OHIP has been applied to a considerable number of children and adolescents within the literature. One instrument and a standardised set of 4‐OHRQoL dimensions across the entire lifespan seem to be a promising measurement approach in dental and oral medicine.

Salivary Biomarkers and Oral Microbial Load in Relation to the Dental Status of Adults with Cystic Fibrosis.

The mutation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) can modify the physical and chemical properties of saliva, which in turn can affect the oral microflora and oral health in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of the study was to examine oral health status, salivary properties, and total oral bacteria count in CF adults. Dental status was assessed using the decayed missing filled surfaces (DMF-S) index, and oral clearness using the approximal plaque index (API). The Saliva-Check BUFFER test was used to assess saliva, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to determine the total oral bacteria count. CF patients in comparison to healthy controls showed a higher level of examined clinical indices, higher total oral bacteria count, lower salivary flow rate, lower salivary pH, and increased viscosity. Conclusions: In CF patients, saliva properties, accompanied by insufficient dental care, might be an essential dental caries risk factor. In CF patients, among the etiological factors for dental caries, the bacterial agent seems to be less significant. The frequent and long-term infectious pharmacotherapy can probably explain that. A great deal of the information collected on the oral environment in CF patients, which has helped us understand the etiological conditions for inflammation and infection in this area of the body, indicates that proper dental care can mostly counteract these pathologies.

Diabetes status affects long-term changes in coronal caries - The SHIP Study

We estimated effects of diabetes mellitus and metabolic control on long-term change in coronal caries and restorative status using 11-year-follow-up data from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania. Data of 3731 participants with baseline and 5- and 11-year follow-up information were included. Diabetes was defined via self-reported physician´s diagnosis or intake of glucose-lowering drugs or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥6.5% or fasting blood glucose levels ≥11.1 mmol/l. The diabetes status was defined as no diabetes (HbA1c < 6.5% or non-fasting blood glucose <11.1 mmol/l), subjects with known or undetected diabetes mellitus and HbA1c ≤ 7% (well-controlled diabetes), and subjects with known or undetected diabetes mellitus and HbA1c > 7% (poorly-controlled diabetes). The caries status was clinically assessed using the half-mouth method and the Decayed Missing Filled Surfaces (DMFS) index and its component scores were determined. Covariate-adjusted linear mixed models were evaluated. Rates in change in DMFS were significantly higher in subjects with poorly-controlled diabetes compared to subjects without diabetes. Subjects with poorly- and well-controlled diabetes had significantly higher rates in change in Missing Surfaces (MS) compared to subjects without diabetes. For the DFS, rates in change were significantly lower for subjects with well-controlled diabetes and higher for subjects with poorly-controlled diabetes as compared to subjects without diabetes. Concordantly, all rates in change increased proportional to HbA1c levels. Effects were even more pronounced in subjects with diabetes duration of ≥5 years. Subjects with poorly-controlled diabetes are at higher risk for caries progression compared to subjects without diabetes, especially in case of longer disease duration.

Caries prevalence among schoolchildren in urban and rural Croatia.

The aim of the study was to evaluate caries prevalence in a sample of schoolchildren aged 6 to 16 years from rural and urban areas in Croatia. Using standardized World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria, the oral health status of 1,589 children (265 from rural and 1,324 from urban areas) was assessed by recording the following indices: DMFT (decayed, missing, filled permanent teeth), deft (decayed, extracted, filled primary teeth), DMFS (decayed, missing, filled surfaces - permanent teeth), defs (decayed, extracted, filled surfaces - primary teeth) and SiC (Significant Caries Index). Rural areas were Štitar and Babina Greda municipalities in Slavonia and urban areas were the cities of Županja (Slavonia), Zagreb and Dubrovnik. Half of the examined children (50.0%) had caries (D component in DMFT), with 46.0% of these being from urban and 70.2% from rural areas. The median DMFT among children was 2, 4 (rural) and 2 (urban) (p &lt; 0.001). Among 12-year-olds, the median DMFT was 4 (rural) and 3 (urban), and mean DMFT was 3.4. The median DMFS for rural area was 5 and for urban area 3 (p &lt; 0.001). The median deft was 1.00 for rural and 1.00 for urban, while the highest value was found among 6-year-olds at 9 in rural and 7 in urban areas. The median SiC was 4, 4 (urban) and 5 (rural). Schoolchildren from urban and rural areas in Croatia differ significantly in caries prevalence. They fall into the medium DMFT classification group according to the WHO, which indicates the need for a comprehensive oral health preservation programme.

Sleep quality impact on the oral health status of sugar mill workers of Fazilka, Punjab: A cross-sectional study

Background: A trend toward adopting a 24/7 lifestyle, long working hours, and shift works in industries can adversely affect the sleep health of workers. Sleep deprivation not only has an adverse effect on physical health but may also affect oral health. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the impact of sleep quality on the oral health status of sugar mill workers of Fazilka, Punjab. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 237 participants. The oral health status of mill workers was assessed using simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), decayed-missing-filled surface (DMFS), community periodontal index (CPI), loss of attachment (LOA) indices, and sleep quality by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Windows, Version 20.0. (Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp) for statistical analysis. Chi-square test and t-test were applied, and the level of statistical significance was set at P

Activity of rheumatoid arthritis correlates with oral inflammatory burden.

To study oral health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with emphasis on disease activity and treatment of RA. In this prospective cohort study 81 RA patients [53 early untreated RA (EURA) and 28 chronic RA (CRA) patients with inadequate response to synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)], underwent rheumatological [Disease Activity Score (28-joint) DAS28] and dental examinations [Total Dental Index (TDI), Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Decayed Missing Filled Surfaces (DMFS)]. For controls, 43 volunteers were examined. After the examinations, EURA patients started treatment with synthetic DMARDs, oral and intra-articular glucocorticoids. CRA patients were candidates for biological DMARDs. The patients were re-examined mean 16 months later. Results were analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. TDI was higher in both RA groups at baseline compared to controls [EURA: 2 (2-3); CRA: 2 (1-3); controls 1 (1-3), p = 0.045]. DMFT [rs 0.561 (p = 0.002)] and DMFS [rs 0.581 (p = 0.001)] associated with DAS28 at baseline in CRA patients. After follow-up, DAS28 associated positively with DMFT [rs 0.384 (p = 0.016)] and DMFS [rs 0.334 (p = 0.038)] in EURA patients; as well as in CRA patients DMFT [rs 0.672 (p = 0.001)], DMFS [rs 0.650 (p = 0.001)]. RA patients already in the early phase of the disease had poorer oral health compared to controls. The caries indices associated with the activity of RA in both patient groups. Oral status may thus contribute to the development and further relate to the activity of RA.

Route of Drug Abuse and its Impact on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Drug Addicts.

BackgroundVarious studies have tested quality of life (QOL) among drug addicts, however very few have reported any association between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) and mode of drug administration among drug addicts. Hence, the present study was conducted aiming to evaluate the impact of mode of administration of drugs on OHRQOL among drug addicts.MethodsData was collected using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method among 313 male drug addicts in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India, using self-administered questionnaires on oral hygiene aids and drug addiction history. OHRQOL was recorded using Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. The chi-square test, t-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis.FindingsIn this study, 56.2% of the drug addicts reported practicing oral hygiene aids. The main drugs abused were heroin, cocaine, and amphetamines as 51.4%, 35.1%, and 13.4%, respectively. Most of the drug addicts were employed (82.4%) and studied up to primary education (46.3%). The highest mean values of community periodontal index (CPI) and decayed, missing, filled surface (DMFS) were found among the cocaine addicts and amphetamine abusers with rates of 3.11 ± 0.98 and 6.69 ± 8.52, respectively. Poor OHRQOL was observed among addicts who consumed drugs in inhalation since a long time irrespective of the type of the drug, but among them heroin addicted subjects had the poorest OHRQOL.ConclusionOHRQOL was poor among the drug addicts in comparison to general population. Preventive strategies on oral health and other health promotion programs for this vulnerable group can be unified.

Calibration of dentists for Caries Management by Risk Assessment Research in a Practice Based Research Network - CAMBRA PBRN

BackgroundTo prove that Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) can be successfully implemented in dental practices outside of the university setting, dentists in the San Francisco Bay Area (CA) were approached to participate in a Practice Based Research Network (PBRN) study. The overall goal of the CAMBRA-PBRN study was to recruit 30 dentists to perform a two-year study involving approximately 900 patients. Goal of the calibration study was to standardize and calibrate dentists potentially participating in the CAMBRA-PBRN study.MethodsTo minimize inter-examiner variability in data collection, including classification of carious lesions and recording of existing restorations, participating dentists were trained and calibrated in accurate DMFS (decayed, missing, filled surfaces) charting. Dentists were also trained and calibrated to diagnose and differentiate between sound surfaces and non-cavitated caries lesions (International Caries Detection and Assessment - ICDAS scores 1 and 2) for posterior occlusal surfaces.Thirty dentists were calibrated to a single gold standard examiner (BJ) during 6 calibration sessions, between 2011 and 2014. Kappa statistics were used to determine inter-examiner reliability on 13 or more patients, aged 12–63 (average age 38 ± 15 years), per examiner during each session, resulting in 94 patient encounters over the course of all 6 sessions. To participate in the main study, examiners needed to achieve a minimum required kappa of 0.75. During the calibration process, examiners scored between 1036 and 2220 tooth surfaces.ResultsThe kappa values (unweighted kappa) of the participating dentists compared to the gold standard examiner ranged from 0.75 to 0.90, with an average kappa of 0.84 ± 0.03. 90% of the examiners achieved overall kappa values above 0.8. However, separate reliability for assessment of non-cavitated lesions, as in other studies, was lower (0.55 ± 0.15). Multiple subcategories were evaluated. All dentists reached sufficient reliability values to proceed into the study; nevertheless, one dentist discontinued with the study due to scheduling conflicts.ConclusionsThe high inter-examiner reliability results have shown that dentists who work in primarily non-research based practices can be effectively standardized and calibrated in data collection, based on specific guidelines created to anticipate potential research study scenarios.

Prevalence and Heritability of Early Childhood Caries Among Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins.

Deciphering the relative importance of genetic and environmental factors, which play a major role in the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC), can help clinicians with planning a long-term preventive treatment. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and heritability of ECC among monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins in Chennai, India, in the year 2013. A cross-sectional study was designed to estimate the prevalence of ECC among twins. Zygosity classification for the survey framework was adapted from a highly accurate parental report questionnaire pertaining to the physical similarity between twins. The associated heritability index was estimated. The Decayed, Missing, Filled Surface (DMFS) Index was used as the diagnostic criterion for dental caries. The prevalence of ECC was estimated at 18.7%. The correlation coefficient between the twin pair showed significant correlation. The heritability index for ECC was estimated at 15% higher prevalence of ECC found among children in the age group 25-36 months. The heritability estimate indicated a relatively low genetic influence for early childhood caries among twins. There was no significant difference detected in the concordance rate for the MZ and DZ twins. Further research could be directed toward the prevalence of ECC among higher age group children to explore the role of genetic and environmental factors.

Inhibition of salivary amylase by black tea in high-caries and low-caries index children: A comparative in vivo study.

Introduction:Dental caries is a universal disease. Dietary modification is important in reducing the occurrence of dental caries. Tea which is so frequently consumed with cariogenic starch rich food is proposed to have anticariogenic potential. The various mechanism has been proposed for same and one being inhibition of salivary amylase activity.Aim:To determine the effect of 1.5% black tea decoction on salivary amylase activity in children with high caries and no caries.Materials and Methods:A total of 30 children in the age group of 12–15 years were selected for the study. They were further grouped based on their decayed missing filled surface (DMFS) score into high-caries group (DMFS above 10) and no-caries group (DMFS = 0). After 2 h of fasting, subjects consumed two salted crackers for 60 s following which they rinsed with water and then with black tea decoction (1.5%) the very next day. Retained food particles were recovered salivary amylase activity was noted as maltose to sucrose ratio via chromatography.Results:The average ratio of maltose to sucrose ratio percentage reduction in high-caries group was 43.63% and 41.17% in no caries group which was highly significant (P < 0.005) while the intergroup comparison was found statistically insignificant.Conclusions:Tea decoction has inhibitory effect on salivary amylase activity thus dental caries. The effect was statistically insignificant in children with high- and no-caries index.

Prevalence of obesity and its influencing factors among affluent school children of Bangalore City

Objective: The problem of overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) is not confined only to developed countries but is also widely prevalent in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of OW and OB among affluent school going adolescents in Bangalore, India, and identify its associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and institutional study, adopting a multistage stratified cluster sampling procedure, was carried out on 1750 adolescents 12-15 years of age of both sexes from Bengaluru, India. Results: The prevalence of OW was 17.4% among boys and 17.0% among girls. Prevalence of OB was 7.4% in boys and 7% in girls. There was a higher prevalence of OW and OB in boys compared with girls, but difference was not significant. Junk food and chocolate eating habits had more prevalence of OB and OW than underweight indicating that the caloric intake is associated with an increase in body mass index (BMI). On assessing the relationship between caries and nutritional status, OW children had mean decayed missing filled surfaces (DMFS) of 1.57 ± 3.104 while obese children had a mean DMFS of 0.91 ± 1.702. The relation between BMI and DMFS was statistically significant. Conclusion: The increasing trend of the modern day epidemic of OW/OB in children calls for immediate action in both rural and urban areas to reduce the incidence through appropriate nutritional intervention programs involving school children, their parents, and school authorities.

Dental caries and oral health behavior in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Moradabad city, Uttar Pradesh, India

Introduction: Oral health is an essential component of health throughout life. It is important to organize community-oriented oral health promotion programs, so that information on oral health status and oral health behavior can be obtained. Aim: To investigate the caries experienced and oral health behavior in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Moradabad city, Uttar Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: Five hundred and twelve schoolchildren (256 private and 256 government) 12 year old schoolchildren were selected through multistage random sampling procedure. Dental caries was recorded using Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT)/Decayed, Missing, Filled Surface (DMFS) index. Data on oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavioral practices were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The mean DMFT/DMFS among private schoolchildren (1.90 ± 1.46/3.24 ± 3.18) was significantly higher than the government schoolchildren (1.54 ± 1.34/2.22 ± 2.42). The survey found that 26.95% of the private and 19.53% of the government schoolchildren brushed their teeth regularly (twice a day) with toothbrush and toothpaste. The study participants also reported having hidden sugar at least once a day: Sweets (34.77% of the private schoolchildren and 25% of the government schoolchildren) and tea/coffee with sugar (61.33% of the private schoolchildren and 54.29% of the government schoolchildren). Dental visits of both private and government schoolchildren were poor. Conclusion: The difference in oral health behavior among the private and government schoolchildren may have influenced the DMFT/DMFS values and provided knowledge about the disease experience. In addition to preventing oral disease and promoting oral health, the local health authorities should give priority to school-based community-oriented oral healthcare services.

Correlation of caries status and oral health behavior among adolescent school children of Moradabad city, Uttar Pradesh

Introduction: Oral health is an essential component of health throughout life. This study was done to assess the caries status, oral health behaviour and risk correlate in adolescent school children in Moradabad city, Uttar Pradesh, India. Methodology: 512 twelve year old school children (256 private and 256 government) were selected through multistage random sampling procedure. Dental caries were assessed using Decayed, Missing, Filled teeth (DMFT) / Decayed, Missing, Filled Surface (DMFS) index. Results: The mean DMFT/DMFS among private school children (1.90±1.46/3.24±3.18) was higher than the government school children (1.54±1.34/2.22±2.42) and the difference was found to be statistically significant. The study revealed that 26.95% of the private and 19.53% of the government school children brushed their teeth regularly (twice a day) with tooth brush and tooth paste. The participants also consumed sweets (34.77% of the private school children and 25% of govt. school children) and tea/coffee with sugar (61.33% of the private schoolchildren and 54.29% of the government schoolchildren) at least once in a day. Dental visits of both private and government school children were poor. Conclusion: The information obtained from the study can be used for oral health program planning for children to prevent oral disease and promoting oral health, the local health authorities should give priority to school based community-oriented oral health care services.

Dental disease prevalence among methamphetamine and heroin users in an urban setting: A pilot study

Researchers have reported rampant caries among methamphetamine users. The authors investigated the prevalence of dental disease and associated risk behaviors in methamphetamine users compared with those in heroin users. This pilot project was a cross-sectional study of an ongoing cohort of young adult injection-drug users (IDUs) in San Francisco. Participants completed an oral health questionnaire administered by a research assistant, and dentists performed clinical examinations to record the participants' data in terms of scores on the decayed-missing-filled surfaces (DMFS) index, presence of residual roots, scores on an oral hygiene index and whether any salivary hypofunction was observed. The prevalence of dental disease among 58 young adult IDUs was strikingly high compared with that in the U.S. general population; however, the authors found no difference in the level of dental disease between users of methamphetamine and users of heroin. The mean DMFS score and number of decayed surfaces exceeded 28 in both groups. Although the authors detected no difference in dental disease between methamphetamine and heroin users, they found a high prevalence of caries and caries-associated behaviors in the sample of young adult IDUs. Given the high level of dental disease observed in this population of young adult IDUs, one next step may be to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of providing low-intensity preventive measures (such as distribution of chlorhexidine rinses or xylitol gum or application of fluoride varnishes) through outreach workers.

Comparative efficacy of dentifrice containing sodium monofluorophosphate + calcium glycerophosphate and non-fluoridated dentifrice: A randomized, double-blind, prospective study

Background:The efficacy of fluoridated dentifrices in caries prevention has been well documented and research into various formulations continues for a more effective dentifrice. This study evaluated the anti-caries and anti-plaque efficacy of a dentifrice containing sodium monofluorophosphate (1000 ppm) and calcium glycerophosphate, and compared it with a non-fluoridated dentifrice.Materials and Methods:A total of 595 school children (12–15 years) were divided into test (302 children) and control (293 children) groups. The test group used the dentifrice containing sodium monofluorophosphate (1000 ppm) and calcium glycerophosphate, whereas the control group was given a placebo dentifrice. Oral examination for dental caries and plaque assessment was carried out at the start of the study and the children were followed up semiannually up to 18 months. Data were analyzed using repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by one-way ANOVA.Results:The values for decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) increased from baseline to 18 month examination from 4.43±2.03 and 4.67±2.25 (P=0.175) to 5.84±2.29 and 5.13±2.30 (P=0.001) for control and test groups, respectively. Similarly, the increase in decayed missing filled surface (DMFS) values were from 6.42±4.10 and 7.06±4.77 (P=0.082) to 8.64±4.51 and 7.92±5.07 (P=0.095) for test and control groups, respectively. The mean DMFT and DMFS values increased for both the groups; however, the increase was less in test group as compared to control group. The baseline plaque score reduced from 2.94±0.72 and 2.91±0.72 (P=0.679), respectively, for control and test groups to 1.33±0.46 and 0.91±0.38 (P<0.001), respectively, at 18 month examination.Conclusion:Results revealed that the test dentifrice was effective in inhibiting the progression of plaque and control of dental caries as compared to the placebo dentifrice.