Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Research Articles

Cross-sectional study on the association of periodontitis with arterial hypertension in the Hamburg City Health Study

AimAim of this study was to investigate the association between periodontitis and arterial hypertension, both of which show correlations with classical cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory activity.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional analysis of data from a large population-based health survey (the Hamburg City Health Study, HCHS) including 5934 participants with complete periodontal examination and blood pressure data, of whom 5735 had medical records regarding anti-hypertensive medication, was performed. Probing depths, gingival recessions, bleeding on probing (BOP), dental plaque, and decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) indices were recorded as measures of oral health. Clinical attachment loss (CAL) per tooth was calculated and periodontitis was staged into three groups (no/mild, moderate, severe). Arterial hypertension was diagnosed based on the participants’ medication history and systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. Logistic regression models were constructed accounting for a set of potential confounders (age, sex, smoking, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, educational level, alcohol intake) and high sensitivity-C-reactive protein (hsCRP).ResultsThe odds of arterial hypertension increased significantly along with periodontitis severity (OR for severe periodontitis: 2.19; 95% CI 1.85–2.59; p < 0.001; OR for moderate periodontitis: 1.65; 95% CI 1.45–1.87; p < 0.001). Participants with moderate or severe periodontitis also had significantly higher age- and sex-adjusted odds of arterial hypertension, which was slightly weakened when additionally adjusted for BMI, diabetes, smoking, educational level, and alcohol intake (OR for severe PD: 1.28, 95% CI 1.04–1.59, p = 0.02; OR for moderate PD: 1.30, 95% CI 1.11–1.52, p = 0.001). The fraction of participants with undertreated hypertension (untreated and poorly controlled hypertension) was considerably larger in participants with severe periodontitis than in those with no/mild periodontitis (50.1% vs. 37.4% for no/mild periodontitis).ConclusionsThe study shows an association between periodontitis and arterial hypertension that is independent of age, sex, diabetes, BMI, smoking, educational level, and alcohol intake. In addition, undertreatment of hypertension was more common in people with severe periodontitis compared with periodontally more healthy people.

Oral health status of adult hypophosphatasia patients: A cross-sectional study.

This study evaluated the oral health status of adult patients with hypophosphatasia (HPP). Parameters of oral health assessment comprised decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level (CAL) as well as documentation of tooth loss and periodontal health status according to CCD/AAP criteria. Findings were compared with national reference data (DMS V survey) reporting oral health status in age-related controls. Within-group comparisons were made between the HPP patients harbouring one versus two alkaline phosphatase liver/bone/kidney type (ALPL) gene variants. Of 80 HPP patients (64 female) with a mean age of 46.4 years (range 24-78) and one (n=55) or two (n=18) variants (n=7 lacking testing) within the ALPL gene, those with two variants displayed substantially higher tooth loss rate (14.0 ± 9.3) than those affected by only one ALPL variant (4.1 ± 5.4), who did not differ substantially from healthy DMS V controls. While DMFT score and severe periodontal diseases (PDs) of HPP patients with one variant only increased with progressing age, the two-variant sub-cohort age independently exhibited increased DMFT scores and a higher rate of severe PDs. HPP patients affected by two variants of the ALPL gene exhibited a higher risk of periodontitis and tooth loss than the general population, while patients with one variant developed clinically relevant oral disease symptoms with progressing ageing. gov identifier: NCT02291497.

Oral health status and absence from school among 12 year olds.

To assess dental caries, periodontal status, malocclusion and absenteeism from school among 12-year-olds in Bhopal district, Central India. Two-stage random sample of 1238 school children. Decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT), Significant caries index (SiC), community periodontal index (CPI) and dental aesthetic index (DAI) were used to record dental caries, periodontal status and malocclusion. Information on absence from school in the previous year due to pain/discomfort in the teeth or mouth was collected via interviews. Generalized structural equation modelling (GSEM) examined the direct and indirect predictors of absence from school. A total of 39.1%, 17.3% and 23.9% of children had dental caries, calculus and gingival bleeding respectively. Mean DMFT and SiC scores were 1.82± 1.36 and 3.15 ± 1.47. 5,127 school hours were missed due to oral health problems per 1,000 children. None of the studied variables predicted absence from school. Utilization of dental care was associated directly with gender and malocclusion (p⟨ 0.001). Periodontal status was associated with male gender, nuclear families, tobacco consumption, and malocclusion (p⟨ 0.001). Higher DMFT was associated with male gender, malocclusion and experience of pain/discomfort (p⟨ 0.001). Poor oral health and a high prevalence of untreated dental caries were noted. Despite a considerable number of missed school hours reported due to dental conditions, none of the studied variables predicted absence from school.

Dental and Periodontal Health in Acute Intermittent Porphyria.

In the inherited metabolic disorder acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), high sugar intake prevents porphyric attacks due to the glucose effect and the following high insulin levels that may lower AIP disease activity. Insulin resistance is a known risk factor for periodontitis and sugar changes diabetogenic hormones and affects dental health. We hypothesized differences in homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) scores for insulin resistance in AIP cases vs. controls and in those with periodontitis. Our aim was to systematically study dental health in AIP as poor dental health was previously only described in case reports. Further, we aimed to examine if poor dental health and kidney failure might worsen AIP as chronic inflammation and kidney failure might increase disease activity. In 47 AIP cases and 47 matched controls, X-rays and physical examination of clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), and decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) were performed. Dietary intake was evaluated through a diet logbook. Plasma cytokines and diabetogenic hormones were measured using multiplex technology and urine porphobilinogen and kidney and liver function by routine methods. An excel spreadsheet from the University of Oxford was used to estimate HOMA scores; beta cell function, HOMA%B (%B), insulin sensitivity, HOMA%S (%S), and insulin resistance HOMA-IR (IR), based on glucose and plasma (P) C-peptide. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test, the Mann–Whitney U-test, and Spearman’s non-parametric correlation were used. Insulin (p = 0.007) and C-peptide (p = 0.006) were higher in the AIP cases with periodontitis versus those without. In AIP patients, the liver fibrosis index 4 correlated with DMFT (p < 0.001) and CAL ≥4 mm (p = 0.006); the estimated glomerular filtration rate correlated with DMFT (p < 0.001) and CAL ≥4 mm (p = 0.02). CAL ≥4 mm was correlated with chemokine ligand 11 and interleukin (IL)-13 (p = 0.04 for both), and PPD >5 mm was correlated with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (p = 0.003) and complement component 3 (p = 0.02). In conclusion, dental health in AIP cases was correlated with insulin resistance, inflammatory markers, and biomarkers of kidney and liver function, demonstrating that organ damage in the kidney and liver are associated with poorer dental health.

Investigate of Tooth Decay and Its Relationship With Knowledge, Attitude and Performance (Kap) in High School Students in Islamabad-E-Gharb City

Background and Aim Oral and dental health plays an important role in people's general health and is affected by various factors such as knowledge and attitude of a person regarding oral and dental health. Improving people's Knowledge and attitude in this regard will lead to more attention towards oral and dental health. therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the rate of tooth decay and its relationship with knowledge, attitude and performance in high school students in the Islamabad-e-Gharb city. Methods &amp; Materials This study was a cross-sectional study conducted among 348 high school students in Islamabad-e-Gharb. Which were selected through sampling in two stages, cluster and random. Data were collected using clinical examination and standard questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Sheffe post hoc test and Spearman's correlation coefficient at a significance level of less than 0.05 using SPSS software, version 22. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.KUMS.REC.1397.548). Results The Mean Decay-Missing-Filled Teeth (DMFT) index 6.07±3.47 and Mean teeth decayed were 5.31± 2.90 respectively and 96.3 percent of the students had dental carries. Both DMFT index (r=-0.124, P=0.021) and teeth decay (r=-131, P=0.015) had a significant relationship with students' performance regarding oral and dental health. There was no significant difference between DMFT index and the number of teeth decayed with students' knowledge and attitude regarding oral and dental health (P&lt;0.05). No significant relationship were found between either DMFT index (P=0.749) and teeth decay (P=0.614) with gender. Conclusion In this study, DMFT index and teeth decay were relatively high and this shows the need to design educational interventions in adolescents to prevent teeth decay.

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Effects of Imprisonment Period on the Oral Health Status of Inmates in Ghaziabad, Delhi National Capital Region, India

Background: Incarcerated individuals usually exhibit high oral health needs than the average population. Several factors contribute to these needs both before incarceration and during the sentence itself. Inmates are a marginalized group, who are at a higher risk for a variety of medical, dental, and emotional disorders than the general population. The aim of the study was to assess of effects of the imprisonment period on the oral health status of inmates.Material and Methods: A total of 532 inmates with imprisonment up to three years, three to six years, and six to ten years were included in the study. Incidence and prevalence of dental caries, decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index, and periodontal and prosthetic status were evaluated in detail.Results: Results showed that the prevalence of dental caries was relatively high among the convicts. It was found that 98.2% of the inmates had one or more teeth decayed. Additionally, 31.2% (pocket >4mm) of the inmates had poor periodontal status with 4.5% of the subjects having a loss of attachment score of 4-5mm or more. A total of 3.5% of the inmates had full dentures, either upper or lower arch. The relative need for full prosthesis was projected to be around 1.4% of the studied population.Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, the authors found that dental healthcare delivered and received by the inmates is much below the acceptable limit. Additionally, the incidence of dental caries in inmates was unexpectedly higher with tooth decay in 98.2% of subjects. Hence, the need of the hour is to critically incorporate and reinforce our efforts with a special focus on the risk factors of oral health.

Oral Health Status and Literacy/Knowledge Amongst Pregnant Women in Shanghai

BackgroundThe changes in hormones, diet, and hygiene associated with pregnancy are associated with oral diseases. There is insufficient awareness of the importance of oral health during pregnancy. This study investigated the oral health status and knowledge amongst pregnant women in Shanghai. MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled pregnant women at the Shanghai Red House Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital in December 2020. The Fourth National Oral Health Questionnaire was used to evaluate the oral health status. Decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) were the sum of the number of decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth. The chi-square test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to compare the groups. ResultsA total of 224 pregnant women were enrolled. The rates of dental caries were 69.8%, periodontal health was 1.8%, calculus detection was 95.6%, shallow periodontal pocket was 51.1%, deep periodontal pocket was 4.9%, regular oral examination was 22.8%, correct brushing was 49.6%, and prepregnancy oral examination was 20.1%. DMFT was 2.27, and the caries filling ratio was 45.4%. The number of missing teeth increased with age (P < .001). Only 26.3% used dental floss more than once a day, 47.3% rinsed the mouth more than twice a day, and 46.9% cleaned their tongue coating every week. In addition, 99% of the pregnant women agreed that “oral health was vital to their lives” and 97.7% agreed that “regular oral examination was necessary.” ConclusionsThe oral health status amongst pregnant women in Shanghai was poor, but oral health awareness and attitudes were relatively high.

Association of Early Childhood Caries with Feeding, Dietary Habits, and Oral Hygiene Practices among Rural and Urban School Children of Jaipur.

AimTo determine possible associations of early childhood caries (ECC) with risk factors such as feeding and dietary habits of children and oral hygiene practices by the parents or caregiver in rural and urban school children in Jaipur, India.Materials and methodsAn observational cross-sectional study was designed with a dental examination and a standardized questionnaire. A total of 1,824 children, that is, 848 (46%) rural, and 976 (54%) urban school children were enrolled in the study. The data regarding their diet and feeding habits of children, oral hygiene practices of the parents or caregivers were collected with the help of a standardized questionnaire. The caries status of rural and urban school children was recorded using the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index. Data thus collected were compiled, analyzed and were subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v 26.0, IBM). Comparison of frequencies of categories of variables with groups was done using Chi-square test with p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of ECC was 34.7% in rural and 45.5% in urban school children of Jaipur (p < 0.01). Caries risk increased with the use of both bottle and breast feeding, habit of milk at night, eating snacks between meals with no habit of rinsing teeth, and decrease in parental supervision during oral hygiene practices. In urban school children there is an increased access to junk food and refined sugar daily as compared to rural school children with more than two times in a week was found statistically highly significant in the study (p < 0.01).ConclusionThe prevalence of ECC was higher in urban school children as compared to rural school children in Jaipur. It was found that risk factors such as diet and feeding habits of children and oral hygiene practices by the parents or caregiver are strongly associated with the prevalence of ECC. It was concluded that the epidemiological data, which have been collected in a very comprehensive way can be utilized more effectively to eliminate the root cause of the disease by improving oral health services in the rural and urban school children in Jaipur, India.How to cite this articleYadav SP, Meghpara M, Marwah N, et al. Association of Early Childhood Caries with Feeding, Dietary Habits, and Oral Hygiene Practices among Rural and Urban School Children of Jaipur. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):273-279.

ASSESSMENT OF DMFT INDEXES, SALIVARY FLOW RATE, PH, AND DETECTIONS OF S.MUTANS SALIVARY LEVELS BY A QUANTITATIVE REAL-TIME PCR IN POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Objectives: PCOS is an endocrine disorder that is common in women. However, PCOS effects on oral and dental health have not been stated clearly. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is common in women of reproductive age, on saliva and dental tissues in these women.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: One-hundred individuals who were / were not diagnosed with PCOS and insulin resistance were included in this study (n=100). Subsequently, individuals, with PCOS and insulin resistance (PCOSID +), with PCOS and non-insulin resistance (PCOSID-), without PCOS and insulin resistance (ControlID +) and without PCOS and non-insulin resistance (ControlID-) were divided into 4 groups (n=25). DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) index was used for dental health evaluation, while pH meter was used for saliva pH measurement. Also, Streptococcus Mutans (S. Mutans) numbers were analyzed by the real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. In statistical analysis p

Oral health among prisoners of District Jail, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India - A cross-sectional study.

Aim: Prisoners are at risk from a range of health related problems, caused by a number of factors. This study was conducted to assess the impact of incarceration on oral health among the prisoners of Haridwar District Jail, Uttarakhand state.Material and method: A total of 573 inmates (534 males and 39 females) comprised the total study population. Oral health was examined with the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, and by measuring pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL).Results: The age of the study participants ranged between 18 to 90 years with a mean age of 46.14 ± 15.29 years. The overall mean DMFT score was 5.40±6.49, with a prevalence of 77%. A significant difference (P=0.001) was found when the mean score of DMFT was compared to the period of incarceration, where the highest mean score was 6.97±7.69 for 5-10 years.Discussion: There was a significant difference found for DMFT among inmates based on a period of incarceration. Gender and period of incarceration had no significant impact on the severity of periodontal diseases among jail inmates. Longitudinal studies are required to find out the causal association between incarceration and oral health. Comprehensive and timely oral health care is required for this vulnerable population.Conclusion: The level of oral disease among jail inmates was high. There was a significant difference for DMFT among inmates based on the period of incarceration.

Prevalence, correlates and treatment needs of dental caries among people on antiretroviral therapy in Uganda: a cross sectional study

BackgroundOral diseases are estimated to affect half of people living with HIV in the western world, and are often marked by pain, discomfort, disfigurement and reduced quality of life. Both HIV-specific and antiretroviral therapy-associated oral diseases have been found in this population. However, the prevalence, correlates and treatment needs of dental caries among people on antiretroviral therapy has not been well studied in rural Africa where majority of people living with HIV reside. Moreover, health behaviors and access to dental care vary significantly from high-income countries in the global north.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among people living with HIV attending a high-volume HIV clinic with an enrollment of 10,000 patients in a regional referral hospital in Southwestern Uganda. The clinic is located in an urban setting with a large rural catchment area. Oral health data was collected using the modified World Health Organization oral health questionnaire for adults. Dental examinations were conducted to identify and classify dental caries using the decayed, missing, filled, teeth (DMFT) index and compute the treatment need. Logistic regression models were employed to identify correlate of dental caries.ResultsA total of 194 participants were included in the study. The majority were female (124/194, 63.9%) with a median age of 42 years (IQR 36–49). The prevalence of dental caries experience among study participants was 67%, (130/194, 95% CI 60–75%). The mean DMFT index score was 4 (IQR 2–6) and treatment need was 96% (192/200). A higher CD4 count was associated with the presence of dental caries (OR 0.403, 95% CI 0.175–0.932) although it was not significant in multivariate analysis.ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of dental caries among people living with HIV on ART in Uganda. Our data demonstrate a high oral treatment need among this population. We recommend inclusion of preventive and therapeutic oral care into HIV care in this region.

Oral Health of Older Individuals in Long-Term Care: An Evaluation of Residents in Private Homes and Nursing Homes

Introduction: The demographic change results in an increasing number of older adults in long-term care. Long-term care can be provided either noninstitutionalized by nurses/relatives at private home or institutionalized in nursing homes. As oral health is associated with general health and overall quality of life, numerous studies addressed the oral health of older people in nursing homes. Clinical investigations focusing on older high-maintenance people living at their private home are still limited. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was the evaluation and comparison of the oral health of older individuals in long-term care living at home and in nursing homes. Methods: Data were collected from 121 home residents and 243 nursing home residents. A questionnaire was used for self-reported data. Within the intraoral examination, Decayed/Missed/Filled Teeth (DMFT), the condition of the oral mucosa and oral hygiene and removable dental prostheses were recorded. Results: Nursing home residents were older (85.4±9.01 years) than home residents (82.7±9.87 years). Most participants had not used dental services for several years and the DMFT value was higher the longer the utilization was delayed. The older removable dental prostheses were, the higher the DMFT value was. The condition of oral hygiene and mucosa was better with higher DMFT values. Overall, 77.6% of the home residents and 80.9% of the nursing home residents, respectively, felt satisfied with their personal oral situation.

Oral health problems among patients with type 2 diabetes attending UNRWA health centres in Gaza governorates: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOral health is an essential component of general health. Oral diseases have a negative social impact and adverse consequences on quality of life, while their treatment places considerable economic burden on individuals, communities, and countries. As diabetes can have oral implications, this study aimed to assess oral health problems among patients with type 2 diabetes attending UNRWA health centres in Gaza governorates. MethodsThis was an analytical cross-sectional study. 406 patients aged 35–65 years with type 2 diabetes (243 female, 163 male) were selected by systematic random sampling from five UNRWA health centres. WHO's basic methods tools (the standard oral health assessment form and WHO oral health questionnaire for adults) were used to collect data and assess oral health. Ethical and administrative approvals were obtained from the Helsinki Committee and Chief of the Department of Health, UNRWA Gaza, respectively. Findings136 (36%) of 374 participants with natural teeth never brushed their teeth and only 62 (17%) brushed their teeth twice or more per day. 219 (54%) of 406 participants had not experienced pain or discomfort associated with the teeth or mouth during the past 12 months. The mean decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) score was 18·6. Only 61 (16·4%) of 374 participants had no gingival bleeding. The mean number of teeth showing gingival bleeding was 9·91 and showing no gingival bleeding was 9·79, and the mean number of teeth not present for the bleeding test was 9·14. Although nine (2%) of 374 participants had no periodontal pockets, the mean number of teeth with no pocket was 7·15, with a pocket of 4–5 mm was 7·84, with a pocket of 6 mm or more was 4·96, and that were not present for pocket measurement was 9·13. No treatment was needed for 34 (8%) of 406 participants, whereas prompt treatment (including scaling) was needed for 285 (70%) participants. The DMFT index was significantly associated with age, educational level, employment status, frequency of teeth brushing, duration of diabetes, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level. It was higher in male participants than in female participants, and in participants under the deep poverty line (as defined by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics 2014). Gingival bleeding was significantly associated with sex (women were more likely to not have bleeding than were men) and frequency of tooth brushing, but there was no statistically significant association between gingival bleeding and periodontal pocket, sociodemographic factors, the HbA1clevel, or the duration of diabetes. InterpretationPatients with type 2 diabetes have many oral health problems, and most are unaware of the oral implications of diabetes. A new UNRWA strategy for oral health should be devised to increase the awareness of patients and health providers about the oral implications of diabetes. In view of the low levels of awareness and personal dental care, similar studies should be conducted in the general population, in school students, and in high-risk groups, including pregnant women. FundingNone.

Risk of Dental Caries and Erosive Tooth Wear in 117 Children and Adolescents' Anorexia Nervosa Population-A Case-Control Study.

IntroductionRestrictive type of anorexia nervosa (AN) is still one of the most severe eating disorders worldwide with an uncertain prognosis. Patients affected by AN should be encouraged to undertake psychiatric care and psychotherapy, but whether they should necessarily be included in careful dental care or not may still be questionable. Even though there is a constantly increasing number of AN studies, there are just a few data about the youngest group of AN children and adolescents aged < 18.MethodologyThis case-control study aimed to compare the dental health and gingival inflammation level in female adolescent inpatients affected by severe AN restrictive subtype vs. controls. Based on clinically confirmed 117 AN cases (hospitalized in years 2016–2020 in public Psychiatric Unit, BMI < 15 kg/m2, mean age 14.9 ± 1.8), the dental status has been examined regarding the occurrence of caries lesions using Decay Missing Filling Teeth (DMFT), erosive wear as Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE), gingival condition as Bleeding on Probing (BOP) and plaque deposition as Plaque Control Record (PCR). The results were compared with age-matched 103 female dental patients (BMI 19.8 ± 2.3 kg/m2, age 15.0 ± 1.8, p = 0.746) treated in a public University dental clinic.ResultsAN patients were found to present a higher incidence of oral-related complications according to dental status (DMFT 3.8 ± 4.5 vs. 1.9 ± 2.1, p = 0.005), erosive tooth wear (BEWE 18.9 vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001), less efficient in controlling plaque (PCR 43.8 vs. 13.7%, p < 0.001) and gingival inflammation (BOP 20.0 vs. 3.9%, p < 0.001) compared with female adolescents. In the AN group, a significant correlation between BOP, BEWE, and duration of AN disease (p < 0.05), similarly to the number of decayed teeth D, filled teeth F and PCR were detected (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAlthough the obtained results did not reveal any severe oral status, our findings indicated impaired dental and gingival conditions in young anorexics. Considering AN's potential role in oral health, it is essential to monitor dental treatment needs and oral hygiene levels in their present status to prevent forward complications in the future.

Status of Dental Caries and Its Association with Oral Hygiene Practices among School-going Children of Rural and Urban Areas in Kamrup District of Assam.

The study aimed to assess and compare the prevalence of dental caries with its association with oral hygiene practices among 13-14 years old schoolchildren in urban and rural areas in Kamrup Metropolitan (M) District, Assam. A total of 1,501 schoolchildren in the age group of 13-14 years were included in the study and dental caries was recorded from decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT)/deft index as described by World Health Organization (WHO) (1997). The children were asked to fill in the basic information in the proforma by themselves. The statistical tests used in this study were unpaired t-test, Chi-square test, and one-way ANOVA test to compare the DMFT among the different age groups, gender, and location. A statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence of the decayed (D) component between the 14 years old (33.9%) and the 13 years old (28.5%) age groups and a highly statistical difference was found between the male (27.9%) and the female (35.7%) population. However, the prevalence of decayed components for the rural (30.1%) and the urban (33.1%) population was not statistically significant. The overall prevalence of dental caries among schoolchildren of Kamrup (Metropolitan) District was 33.6%. Dental caries is a major public dental health problem; hence, an active and effective preventive program for dental care is needed for the child population in the area. Doley S, Srivastava M, Piplani A, et al. Status of Dental Caries and Its Association with Oral Hygiene Practices among School-going Children of Rural and Urban Areas in Kamrup District of Assam. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(2):182-186.

Association of Salivary Mucin-7 Levels with Dental Caries in Adults

Objectives: This study examines the potential relationship between the incidence of dental caries in adults and the level of mucin-7 glycoprotein, a specific parameter in saliva. Methods: In a case-control study, samples of whole unstimulated saliva from 40 volunteers in two different groups were classified according to the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index. One group was caries-free (n = 17), and the other had severe carries (n = 23). We measured the level of mucin-7, salivary buffer system, and pH and examined for relationships to the DMFT index. Results: There was a statistically significant difference among the groups (p &lt; 0.001) in the level of mucin-7, salivary buffer system, and pH. The DMFT index for case and control groups was calculated as 0 and 14.09 ± 3.78. There was a strong, negative relationship between the level of mucin-7 and the DMFT index. Conclusion: The development of dental caries is linked to a reduced concentration of mucin-7 in saliva. The level of mucin-7 may be clinically useful for evaluating dental caries risk.

Prevalence and susceptibility profiles of oral yeast species isolated from a healthy adult Thai cohort

ObjectiveAs the emerging resistance of Candida species to common antifungals is a major global concern, we assessed the antifungal susceptibility of oral yeast isolates from a healthy, Thai adult cohort, and correlated the yeast prevalence with oral disease indices. MethodsOral rinse samples collected from 100 Thai adults were concentrated and cultured on CHROMagar Candida. The yeasts were then isolated, identified and finally speciated using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Their antifungal sensitivity against fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B were investigated using standard Etest strips. The decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) and the periodontal health were recorded and correlated with mycological data. ResultsThe overall oral yeast prevalence was 25%. C. albicans was the commonest species isolated, followed by C. tropicalis and C. dubliniensis. Non-albicans-Candida was noted in approximately one-third, and included C. lusitaniae and C. nivariensis; Trichosporon asahii, was also detected in one subject. A majority of C. albicans isolates, (> 54%), exhibited resistance to fluconazole and voriconazole, while approximately a quarter (27%) were resistant to itraconazole. The vast majority (92%) however, were susceptible to amphotericin B. Those with oral yeasts had a significantly higher DMFT score (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe resistance of a majority of Candida spp. to common azoles, described here for the first time in a Thai cohort, is disconcerting, and appear to confirm the creeping emergence of antifungal resistance globally. An incidental finding was the positive correlation between oral yeast carriage and DMFT score in Thai subjects.

Associaton of dermatoglyphic patterns and salivary pH with DMFT index of patients in Riyadh.

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease with a genetic disposition. To evaluate correlation among dermatoglyphic patterns, salivary pH, and dental caries. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 150 randomly selected volunteers between 15 and 30 years of age who visited dental clinics from November 2019 to December 2020. Caries status was evaluated as decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index, and salivary pH was measured. Patients with a DMFT score of 0-5 were into Group A, those with DMFT 5-10 into Group B, and those above 10 were classified into Group C. The dermatoglyphic patterns on the palmar digits of participants were recorded using the method by Cummins and Midlo. A higher salivary pH was observed in Group A and Group B when compared with Group C (P = 0.001), and this difference was statistically significant. Group A exhibited a statistically significant association with the arch form of fingerprint (58.1%), whereas Group B exhibited a statistically significant association with the loop form (51.9%). Group C exhibited a statistically significant association with the whorl pattern of fingerprint pattern (98.8%) (P = 0.001). The loop pattern is associated with lesser incidence of caries, whereas whorl pattern is associated with higher incidence of caries. Dermatoglyphics is a noninvasive method that can be used to identify caries susceptibility and take appropriate prophylactic measures.

Kariesprävalenz und Karieserfahrung bei 3- bis 6-jährigen Kindern in Hamburg

Background and objectives: A caries epidemiological survey in daycare centers in the city of Hamburg, Germany, was conducted to determine the caries prevalence and the mean caries experience in 3- to 6-year-old children in 2016. The findings were compared with a survey conducted 10 years earlier. Special focus was placed on the caries burden of 3 year olds. Methods: A visual caries examination was conducted according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and with additional registration of initial lesions. A questionnaire was used to obtain information from the parents about tooth brushing in their children. Results: A total of 933 children were examined. The caries prevalence was 22.7%, the decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) value was 0.8. Each child with caries had a mean of 3.5 affected teeth. Including initial lesions, the caries prevalence was 44.4% with a mean DMFT value of 1.8. Compared to the previous study, a further decrease in caries was observed. However, this was only minimal in the 3-year-old children. Of note is the already high incidence of initial caries in the 3 year olds. Univariate statistical analyses showed significant relationships between the start of tooth brushing (fewer caries when starting in the first year of life), daily tooth brushing frequency (more caries when brushing less than twice a day), and quality of oral hygiene (high caries burden with large amounts of plaque). Conclusions: The unfavorable results for the 3-year-old children and the correlations between tooth brushing and caries prove once again that structured caries prevention measures must begin well before the age of 3. This highlights the potential of the recently implemented dental screening examinations in very young children and the current recommendations for an early start of tooth brushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste for children.

Radiographic Bone Loss and Its Relation to Patient-Specific Risk Factors, LDL Cholesterol, and Vitamin D: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The influence of patient-specific factors such as medical conditions, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) on periodontal diseases is frequently discussed in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to evaluate potential associations between radiographic bone loss (RBL) and patient-specific risk factors, particularly LDL-C and 25OHD levels. Patients from a dental practice, who received full-mouth cone beam CTs (CBCTs) and blood-sampling in the course of implant treatment planning, were included in this study. RBL was determined at six sites per tooth from CBCT data. LDL-C and 25OHD levels were measured from venous blood samples. Other patient-specific risk factors were assessed based on anamnesis and dental charts. Statistical analysis was performed applying non-parametric procedures (Mann–Whitney U tests, error rates method). Data from 163 patients could be included in the analysis. RBL was significantly higher in male patients, older age groups, smokers, patients with high DMFT (decayed/missing/filled teeth) score, lower number of teeth, and high LDL-C levels (≥160 mg/dL). Furthermore, patients with high 25OHD levels (≥40 ng/mL) exhibited significantly less RBL. In summary, RBL was found to be associated with known patient-specific markers, particularly with age and high LDL-C levels.