Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Index Research Articles

Periodontal inflammatory and microbial profiles in healthy young African Americans and Caucasians.

This study aimed to compare microbial and inflammatory profiles in periodontally/systemically healthy African American (AA) and Caucasian (C) individuals. Thirty-seven C and 46 AA aged from 5 to 25 years were evaluated regarding periodontal disease, caries, microbial subgingival profile via 16-s sequencing, as well as salivary and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) inflammatory profile via multiplex assay. Greater probing depth percentage was detected in AA (p = .0075), while a higher percentage of caries index (p = .0069) and decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index (p = .0089) was observed in C, after adjusting for number of teeth, sex and age. Salivary levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα were higher for C, whereas GCF levels of eotaxin, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-2 and MIP-1α were higher in AA (p < .05). Different microbial profiles were observed between the races (p = .02). AA presented higher abundance of periodontopathogens (such as Tanerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Filifactor alocis, among others), and C presented more caries-associated bacteria (such as Streptococcus mutans and Prevotella species). Bacillaceae and Lactobacillus species were associated with higher DMFT index, whereas Fusobacterium and Tanerella species with periodontal disease parameters. A different inflammatory and bacterial profile was observed between healthy AA and C, which may predispose these races to higher susceptibility to specific oral diseases.

Comparison of perceived stress and oral health status using perceived stress scale and DMFT index between healthy, undiagnosed hypertensive, and known hypertensive dental patients.

Subtle and asymptomatic nature of high blood pressure results in increase in mortality and morbidity. Dentists may play a vital role in identifying patients with suspected hypertension who are not yet diagnosed to refer them timely to physicians for diagnosis and management of the condition. The aim of this study was to compare the oral health status using decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index and perceived stress score using perceived stress scale (PSS-10) between systemically healthy dental patients, and patients with undiagnosed and known hypertension attending dental out-patient department of Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Lahore Medical College & Institute of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan. It is a cross-sectional descriptive study in which 108 patients participated selected through purposive sampling method, 36 in each group. According to Kruskal Wallis H test, there were significant associations seen among the three groups with age (p < 0.001), DMFT (p < 0.001), and PSS-10 scores (p = 0.003). According to Spearman's matrix correlations, moderate positive correlations were observed between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and DMFT (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), and MAP and age (r = 0.38, p = 0.001), DMFT and PSS-10 (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), and DMFT and age (r = 0.33, p = 0.004) in healthy and patients with undiagnosed hypertension. It may be concluded that patients with raised blood pressure have higher perceived stress and deteriorated oral health.

Impact of tobacco habits on poor oral health status among bone-factory workers in a low literacy city in India: A cross-sectional study.

Oral health is a vital indicator of well-being that is influenced by various habits and lifestyles of individuals. Oral diseases are the bottleneck in the effective control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to chronic in nature and reciprocal relationship as sharing the common risk factors and habits such as sugar, tobacco, and alcohol consumption that increase the risk of developing various inevitable diseases. However, there is a lack of literature highlighting the relationship between risk factors for oral diseases and general health among individuals. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 study participants aged 20 to 64 years who gave written informed consent and were recruited by Multistage Stratified Cluster Sampling technique among workers in five bone factories, working for at least one year since January 2001 to March 2022 in Sambhal city, Uttar Pradesh. WHO-Basic Oral Health Survey-1997 was used to record the data regarding sociodemographic and oral health status variables. We used the modified WHO-STEPWISE pre-structured questionnaire to record tobacco consumption habits and oral health-seeking behavior. We scheduled a clinical intra-oral examination to record the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the interview on the premises of five bone factories. Among the 500 bone-factory workers, the total number of males was 342 (68.40%) and 158 (31.60%) were females. The mean age (Standard Deviation) was 33.18 (10), and the mean DMFT score of factory workers was 2.84 (3.12). Production workers had the highest mean DMFT score of 4.60 (3.25). More than half of the factory workers (53.2%) were tobacco users. Tobacco users were 3.52 times more likely to have a severe DMFT index. Most common pre-cancerous lesions were oral submucous fibrosis and leukoplakia. Compared to non-tobacco users, mild tobacco users have 6.80 folds higher odds of oral lesions. Tobacco consumption is not only harmful for oral health but also leads to several non-communicable and systemic diseases. NCDs and dental caries are chronic and preventable conditions with a bidirectional relationship implicated by modifiable major risk factors such as tobacco consumption. Decreasing the consumption of tobacco use may improve oral health and reduce the risk of the development of NCDs. Also, regular dental visits should be scheduled to monitor the oral health status of factory workers. Additionally, tailored intervention for tobacco cessation should be implicated to maintain the general and oral health of industrial workers.

Assessment of Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Institutionalized Children With Special Needs in Poonamallee, Chennai: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Dental caries represents a pervasive chronic pediatric ailment that significantly hinders normal patterns of nutrition intake, speech articulation, and daily activities. Notably, children with special needs emerge as a particularly susceptible demographic concerning dental afflictions, specifically in the context of dental caries and periodontal diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the oral health status of children with special needs in Poonamallee, Chennai, India. Methodology This cross-sectional survey involved a total of 1,114 children with special needs, classified into two groups, namely, intellectually disabled and physically challenged. The assessment of various oral health parameters in the study population was performed using the World Health Organization's Oral Health Assessment Form for Children 2013. For quantitative variables, mean and standard deviations were considered. The significance of the difference between quantitative variables was tested using an independent t-test. Statistical significance was set at p-values ≤0.05. Results Of the 1,114 children, 552 were females and 562 were males. Overall dental trauma was noted in 21%. The average decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) value was 0.74, with intellectually disabled children exhibiting a higher mean compared to the physically challenged group with a mean value of 0.72. Additionally, when assessing gingival conditions, children withintellectual disabilities displayed more unfavorable outcomes compared to their physically challenged counterparts. A need for dental intervention was observed in 97.3% of the pediatric population. A statistically significant difference was found for missing teeth (M) in the DMFT index between the intellectually disabled and physically challenged groups. Conclusions The results of this study emphasize the less-than-ideal oral health condition among children with special needs, highlighting the urgent necessity for the creation of a comprehensive dental healthcare program tailored to their specific needs.

Assessment of DMFT Score, Salivary Protein, and Flow Rate in UiTM’s Year One Dental Students

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the year one dental students for their score of decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT), total salivary protein, and unstimulated and stimulated flow rate of salivary secretions. In addition, correlations between DMFT index with their salivary parameters were also elucidated in our study. Methods: Fifty-seven of dental students were selected in the study, and informed consents were obtained prior to study. Intraoral examination specifically the DMFT scoring was performed. Both salivary proteins in unstimulated and stimulated saliva were measured using Bicinchoninic acid protein assay, and finally flow rates of unstimulated and stimulated saliva were calculated in the study. Data obtained for DMFT score and salivary parameters were analyzed by descriptive test and Spearman’s correlation test using SPSS version 26.0. Software Program (IBM, New York), Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Majority subjects showed DMFT index of 40.6% in DMFT 1-3 and 36.9% in DMFT 4-10 respectively. Statistically significant inverse correlations were observed between salivary total protein and unstimulated salivary flow rate (r=-0.314, p=0.017), and DFMT score with stimulated salivary flow rate (r=-0.244, p=0.067). Conclusion: In our study, majority of first year dental students evidenced DMFT scores of 1-10, with slightly significant associated dental caries prevalence with salivary flow rate. The findings obtained may serve as reference values for the growing interest in saliva as a diagnostic tool in predicting dental caries risk.

Association between periodontal disease and microstructural brain alterations in the Hamburg City Health Study.

The aim of the PAROBRAIN study was to examine the association of periodontal health with microstructural white matter integrity and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) in the Hamburg City Health Study, a large population-based cohort with dental examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Periodontal health was determined by measuring clinical attachment loss (CAL) and plaque index. Additionally, the decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) index was quantified. 3D-FLAIR and 3D-T1-weighted images were used for white matter hyperintensity (WMH) segmentation. Diffusion-weighted MRI was used to quantify peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD). Data from 2030 participants were included in the analysis. Median age was 65 years, with 43% female participants. After adjusting for age and sex, an increase in WMH load was significantly associated with more CAL, higher plaque index and higher DMFT index. PSMD was significantly associated with the plaque index and DMFT. Additional adjustment for education and cardiovascular risk factors revealed a significant association of PSMD with plaque index (p < .001) and DMFT (p < .01), whereas effects of WMH load were attenuated (p > .05). These findings suggest an adverse effect of periodontal health on CSVD and white matter integrity. Further research is necessary to examine whether early treatment of periodontal disease can prevent microstructural brain damage.

Oral Health Indices in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Insulin Treatment Compared With Metformin: A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: Due to the important influence of glycemic control on oral health, this study aimed to compare the gingival index and decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving insulin and metformin. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 130 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin and metformin were studied in two groups based on the type of treatment. The information for DMFT and gingival indices were obtained using the oral examination. In the insulin group, participants received insulin Lantus 0.2 unit/kg once daily, and in the metformin group, participants received metformin tablets 500 mg every 12 hours. Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured by lab test in all participants. Finally, HbA1c, the information of DMFT, and gingival indices were compared between the two groups. Results: The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in decayed, missed, and restored teeth, as well as the overall DMFT index between the two groups. The gingival index was significantly higher in the insulin group (P=0.046). Conclusions: Gingival health of insulin users is poorer than metformin users, but it seems that type of diabetes treatment does not affect the DMFT index

Anticholinergic Medication and Caries Status Predict Xerostomia under 65.

The use of anticholinergic medications is increasing in younger ages, yet information about xerostomia, the most common anticholinergic side effect, is limited. This case-control retrospective study examines the relationship between anticholinergic medication-induced xerostomia and caries status among adults between 18 and 65 years of age. The study sample comprised 649 cases with xerostomia and 649 age- and gender-matched controls. The anticholinergic burden was estimated using the anticholinergic drug scale (ADS). Caries experience was recorded by calculating the Decayed, Missing, Filled Tooth (DMFT) index. Individuals with xerostomia had a higher mean DMFT index (16.02 ± 9.50), which corresponded with a higher level of anticholinergic exposure from medications (3.26 ± 2.81) compared to their age and gender-matched controls without xerostomia (13.83 + 8.83 and 1.89 ± 2.45, respectively). Logistic regression analysis verified the effects of DMFT, the total number of AC medications, and the ADS burden on xerostomia status. Comparing adults with or without xerostomia revealed statistical differences in several risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, sleep apnea, and the utilization of anticholinergic medications. A personalized dental care plan should include the evaluation of the anticholinergic burden from medications regardless of the patient's age to prevent increased caries severity.

Vitamin D Levels and Oral Health in Stroke Patients During Inpatient Rehabilitation.

Stroke is a severe that restricts the individual's functions, effects the oral health. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral health and vitamin D levels in stroke patients in rehabilitation units. Participants with stroke, and age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited for the study. Oral Health Impact Scale-14 (OHIP-14), Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index, Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), Gingival Index (GI), and Plaque Index (PI) were assesed for all participants. Barthel Index (BI), and Brunnstrom Recovery Scale (BRS), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) assessed for the stroke patients. Vitamin D levels of each participant were recorded. The stroke patients' DMFT index and OHIP-14 values were higher than those of the healthy controls (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in terms of CPTIN, PI, or GI scores (p>0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined in the DMFT index, OHIP-14 scores, Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), PI (Plaque Index), and GI (Gingival Index) scores according to vitamin D levels among the stroke patients (p>0.05). Stroke patients' functional scores (BRS, MAS, and BI), vitamin D levels, and oral health status (OHIP-14, DMFT, CPITN, PI, and GI) were subjected to correlation analysis. This revealed significant negative correlation between BRS (arm, hand, and leg), and BI and OHIP-14 scores (p<0.05). Although the DMFT index and health-related quality of life were adversely affected in stroke patients, no relationship was found between vitamin D and oral health status.

Sağlıklı Popülasyonda Submandibular Bez Büyüklüğü ile Ağız Sağlığı Durumu, Cinsiyet, Yaş, Beden Kitle İndeksi Arasındaki İlişki: Kesitsel Bir Çalışma

Objective: One of the indexes that best shows the oral health status is the decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index. 65% of the saliva secreted in the body is produced by the submandibular gland. One of the best imaging methods of the submandibular gland is ultrasound. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a relationship between the volume of the submandibular gland, the gland in which saliva is produced the most, and the DMFT index. In addition, changes in the size and volume of the submandibular salivary gland depending on age, gender and body mass index (BMI) were investigated using ultrasonography (USG). Material and Methods: In this study, 240 submandibular glands (right and left) of 120 patients were examined by USG. Results: Submandibular gland volume in males; was found to be higher than that of females (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between salivary gland volume and BMI, DMFT index (p˃0.05). While the DMFT index increased with age, it did not change depending on gender. We found the mean volume of the right submandibular gland to be 4.21±0.839 cm3 and the volume of the left submandibular gland to average 4.23±0.825 cm3. The mean DMFT index was found to be 11.29±9.025. Conclusion: There is no relationship between submandibular gland size and DMFT index. There is no relationship between submandibular gland size and BMI index. In addition, males have a larger volume of submandibular glands than females.

Relationship of Decayed, Missing, Filled, Teeth and Related Indexes of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Various Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults Residing in Shahedieh City, Yazd Province

Introduction: Oral health problems in patients with chronic renal failure can endanger their systemic health. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of Decayed, Missing, Filled, Teeth (DMFT) and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). Materials &amp; Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, using the Shahidieh project conducted on 9000 people from the city of Yazd in 2017 for data collection. The serum creatinine level, and age, gender and weight of patients were extracted from the questionnaire designed for the Yazd Shahedieh Project after receiving permission. The GFR of each individual was calculated using the Cockcroft Gault formula. For assessment of oral health status, the DMF index of permanent teeth of adults was calculated. The Data analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and regression analysis. Results: Weight was not related to the number of carious teeth but was directly related to the number of filled teeth. Weight was also inversely related to the number of missing teeth and DMFT. Serum creatinine was not related to the number of decayed teeth but was directly related to the number of missing teeth and DMFT. Serum creatinine was inversely related to the number of filled teeth. Age was inversely related to the number of decayed and filled teeth, but was directly related to the number of missing teeth and DMFT. GFR is directly related to the number of decayed and filled teeth, but is inversely related to the number of missing teeth and DMFT. GFR and DMFT index had a significant and inverse relationship. Conclusion: According to the present study the lower GFR index and the higher the serum creatinine and the higher the stage of kidney disease, a direct correlation of a high DMFT index was observed.

Clinical status and assessment of caries on first permanent molars in a group of 6- to 13-year-old Tunisian school children.

The present survey aimed to highlight the clinical status of first permanent molars (FPMs) among a group of children aged between 6 and 13 years in public primary schools in Tunisia and to determine the association between FPMs' dental caries, gingival bleeding, malocclusion, dental fluorosis, and enamel defects. The survey involved a cross-sectional study based on a dental examination conducted in public primary schools in Monastir Tunisia. A dental caries assessment was performed on FPMs using the International Caries Detection and Assessment Systemclassification; the number of carious lesions in permanent and temporary dentition was established using the decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT)index. The Gingival Index and the Dental Aesthetic Index were used to determine the occurrence of gingival bleeding and malocclusions. Dean's index and the modified Development Defects of Enamel index were used to define the enamel defects. The χ2 test was used to assess the difference between more than two groups, and the level of statistical significance was set at .05%. A total of 545 children and 2080 FPMs were examined. The prevalence of dental caries in FPMs was recorded to be 35.8%. The overall mean DMFTindex of the study population was 1.62 and the mean DMFT index was 1.41. The proportion of carious FPMs increased significantly with the age of the children (p < .05). The mandibular first permanent molar presented higher caries prevalence than its maxillary counterpart (p < .05). The presence of surfaces affected by molar incisor hypomineralization was recorded in 4.3% and the presence of surfaces affected by fluorosis was recorded in 4.6% of FPMs. No association was reported between FPMs' dental caries, gingival bleeding, malocclusion, and enamel defects (p > .05). Although the prevalence of caries in FPMs was considered moderate, health promotion programs should be implemented on a large scale to decrease the prevalence of dental caries among school children.

Oral Health Status in Romani Children in Slovakia

Purpose: The purpose of this monitoring was to learn about the oral health status of Romani minority in Slovakia. The children were educated in oral health, as was expected that the dental status of the children would improve with the increased level of knowledge about dental health. Materials and methods: Romani children were regularly educated from 2010 to 2015. In 2010 and 2015 Romani children aged 5 to 14 were examined in the Spis Region, Slovakia. Dental cariosity was expressed by the DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) and DMFT index for permanent and temporary teeth, respectively. Parents were asked in 2015 whether they utilize free preventive oral care for their children. Results: In 2010, the average DMFT of all examined children was 1.11 ± 1.45 and DMFT 6.53 ± 3.57. In 2015, the average DMFT of all examined children was 1.81 ± 2.29 and DMFT 3.94 ± 4.19. 12 year old children in 2015 had DMFT 2.12 ± 2.19; permanent teeth of 35.1% of them were intact. In total, only 30.3% of asked parents visit dentists for preventive oral care of their children. In the villages with a segregated Romani community only 7.1% of parents visit dentists for preventive check-up of their children whereas in the villages with integrated Romani Community it is 51.1%. Conclusion: Conducted research showed that oral health status of Romani children in Spiš is slightly worse compared to the majority population in Slovakia. Oral health education of Romani children and their parents is necessary to meet Health21 goals in oral health in subsequent years.

Microbial characteristics of dental caries in HIV positive individuals.

BackgroundDental caries is a multifactorial disease that affects many people. Even though microorganisms play a crucial role in causing dental caries, diagnosis is routinely macroscopic. In order to improve early detection especially in HIV patients who are disproportionately affected, there is need to reconcile the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of dental caries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the oral microbiota profile along the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index using amplicon sequencing data.MethodsAmplicon sequencing of the V6-V8 region of the 16S rRNA gene was done on DNA recovered from whole unstimulated saliva of 59 HIV positive and 29 HIV negative individuals. The microbial structure, composition and co-occurrence networks were characterized using QIIME-2, Phyloseq, Microbiome-1.9.2 and Metacoder in R.ResultsWe characterized the oral microbiota into 2,093 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), 21 phyla and 239 genera from 2.6 million high quality sequence reads. While oral microbiota did not cluster participants into distinct groups that track with the DMFT index, we observed the following: (a) The proportion of accessory microbiota was highest in the high DMFT category while the core size (∼50% of richness) remained relatively stable across all categories. (b) The abundance of core genera such as Stomatobaculum, Peptostreptococcus and Campylobacter was high at onset of dental caries, (c) A general difference in oral microbial biomass. (d) The onset of dental caries (low DMFT) was associated with significantly lower oral microbial entropy.ConclusionsAlthough oral microbial shifts along the DMFT index were not distinct, we demonstrated the potential utility of microbiota dynamics to characterize oral disease. Therefore, we propose a microbial framework using the DMFT index to better understand dental caries among HIV positive people in resource limited settings.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

Association between dental and periodontal conditions with chronic kidney disease: A cross-sectional analysis of urban South Africans

Oral diseases are preventable causes of poor health outcomes in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Investigate the association between dental and periodontal conditions with kidney function and determine whether inflammation mediate the association between periodontitis and CKD. Cross-sectional analysis of 1551 South African adults of mixed ancestry. CKD was classified as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) &lt;60mL/min/1.73m2. Oral profile was captured by decayed, missing, filled teeth index (DMFTi), bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and periodontitis classified as PD ≥4 mm.Overall, 6% had CKD, with 93% and 66% of participants with and without CKD, respectively having a high DMFTi (p&lt;0.0001). Further, 84% (CKD) and 43% (without CKD) were edentulous (p&lt;0.0001). A great proportion of the dentate sub-sample (n=846) had periodontitis, however, BOP, PD ≥4mm and CAL ≥4mm were similar between the groups. DMFTi was associated with eGFR and prevalent CKD (p&lt;0.023), with this association driven by the Missing component. Periodontitis was not associated with eGFR nor CKD (p&gt;0.282). In routine care of people with CKD, attention should be given to oral health.