Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Index Research Articles

일부 초등학교 양치교실 운영 효과 평가

본 연구는 창원시 M 초등학교 양치교실 운영에 따른 효과를 평가하고 추후 효과적인 사업 운영을 위한 기초자료를 제공하기 위하여 실시되었다. 연구대상은 양치교실이 운영되고 있는 M 초등학교 347명을 실험군으로, 양치교실이 운영되지 않는 J 초등학교 289명을 대조군으로 하여 구조화된 설문지와 DMFT index, DMFS index, 치면세균막지수를 검사하여 조사 분석하였다. 수집된 자료는 IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 19.0 프로그램을 이용하여 분석한 결과는 다음과 같다. 양치교실 운영여부에 따라 FT index (p<0.001), SeT index (p<0.001), FS index (p<0.001), MS index (p<0.01), SeS index (p<0.001), DMFS index (p<0.001), 치면세균막지수(p<0.001)에서 실험군과 대조군 간에 통계적으로 유의미한 차이를 보였다. 칫솔질 횟수가 적을수록(t=-2.704, p<0.01) DMFT index가 높아지는, 통계적으로 유의미한 부적관계가 있는 것으로 나타났으며, 칫솔질 횟수가 적을수록(t=-2.413, p<0.05), 회전법이 아닌 경우(t=-2.003, p<0.05) DMFS index가 높아지는, 통계적으로 유의미한 부적관계가 있는 것으로 나타났다. 양치교실이 운영되는 경우(t=-4.010, p<0.001) 치면세균막지수는 낮은 것으로 나타나 통계적으로 유의미한 부적관계가 있는 것으로 나타났다. 이상의 결과에서 학교 내 양치교실의 설치 및 운영은 초기 교육 이후 구강보건전문가의 계속적인 도움 없이도 아동들의 식사 후 칫솔질 습관을 지속적으로 인식시켜 학생 스스로가 구강건강관리 능력을 배양할 수 있는 구강건강 예방사업이다. 따라서 효과적인 양치교실의 지속적인 운영을 위해서는 학교장과 보건교사, 담임선생님의 학생들에 대한 꾸준한 관리 감독이 절실히 요구되며 또한 지역 내 관할 보건소와 인근 대학 관련전공학과와 체계적인 협력구축을 통한 지속적인 구강보건교육과 인근 초등학교 내 양치교실 설치사업의 확대를 제언한다. This research was conducted in order to examine the effect of tooth brushing room M elementary school in Changwon-city and to provide foundation data for effective project operation afterwards. The subjects were 347 students at the M elementary school where the tooth brushing room was being taught. The control group is 289 students at J elementary school where the tooth brushing room was not being taught. Research and analysis were carried out with structured survey and examination of decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index, decayed, missing, filled tooth surface (DMFS) index and O'leary index. The data was analysed by IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 19.0 program and the result is as follows: Depends on the tooth brushing room there was difference in statistical significance in filling teeth, sealant tooth surface, filling tooth surface, missing tooth surface, DMFS, O'leary index between the subject and control group. The less the frequency of brushing, the higher the DMFT index. Negative correlation was statistically significant. With incorrect brushing method, the less the frequency, the higher the DMFS index, Negative correlation was statistically significant. When the tooth brushing room was being implemented, O'leary index became low, negative correlation was statistically significant. As a result, in order to continue the effective operation of tooth brushing room, constant supervision and monitoring on students should be acutely needed by a principal, a school nurse and teachers in charge. Also together with a systemized cooperation between a health center and a nearby university's related majors departments, the research proposes to execute constant oral health education and to expand the implementation project of the tooth brushing room at nearby elementary schools.

Oral health related knowledge, attitude, and practice among school children of Jyamrung, Nepal

Oral diseases are common in school children of underprivileged region of developing countries. The community-based oral health promotion approach, using schools as a platform, is a way to tackle the oral health problems of community with limited human and financial resources. A base-line study was conducted in a school of Jyamrung so as to evaluate oral health related knowledge, attitude and practices among schoolchildren, based on which an oral health promotion program will be developed for the school. A descriptive study was conducted among all the students of the school. Oral heath related information of the students was collected using DMFT (Decayed Missing Filled Teeth) index and a questionnaire. A total of 88 children with age ranging from 6 to 16 years took part in the study. A total of 61% of the children had dental caries. Mean DMFT of the schoolchildren was 1.78 (SD 2.04). The Filled component score was 0. Children with the experience of tooth pain the previous year was 36.5% for 6-11 years of age, and 58.3% for 12-16 years of age. None of them had received any form of treatment following the pain. Only 4 children have dental consultation. Almost 92% of them have never received oral health education in their school. A comprehensive oral health care program is required to address the present oral health needs of the schoolchildren. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i3.11930Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(3): 1-4

Determination of salivary flow rate, pH, and dental caries during pregnancy: A study

Introduction: Saliva is an important diagnostic biofluid and the salivary composition is affected by various systemic conditions including pregnancy. Aims: The study was conducted to evaluate the salivary flow rate and pH in pregnant and non-pregnant Indian women and, consequently, to compare and correlate the salivary flow rate, pH, and prevalence of dental caries in both groups. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in our institute on a sample of 30 pregnant and 30 non-pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The clinical findings for Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth (DMFT) index were recorded. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected to determine the salivary flow rate and pH. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were statistically analyzed using Student's t-test. Results: Salivary flow rate was lower in pregnant women (0.63 ml/min) as compared to that in non-pregnant women (0.81 ml/min) (P < 0.05) and the pH was also lesser in pregnant women (6.56) than in non-pregnant women (6.86) (P < 0.05). DMFT index showed a strong negative correlation with pH in pregnant women and non-pregnant women (P < 0.05). Conclusion: A difference was observed between the salivary parameters of pregnant and non-pregnant women in this sample. However, all the values were within the normal range. A significant inverse relation was found between salivary pH and dental caries for both the groups.

Correlation of oral health status of socially handicapped children with their oral heath knowledge, attitude, and practices from India

Background:Information on oral health knowledge and practice in orphanage house children is essential for healthcare policy makers to promote oral health resources and address oral health needs of this unprivileged group of society.Objectives:To assess the source of information, level of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward oral hygiene and oral health among socially handicapped children from city of Mysore, Karnataka state, India.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 488 children of 12-14 years of age living in five different orphanage houses of Mysore district. Data regarding knowledge and practice were collected through structured questionnaire and oral health status by type III clinical oral examinations by two trained examiners. Decayed, Missing, Filled, Teeth (DMFT) and OH I-S was then correlated with the above information. Spearman's correlation test was used to measure the correlation.Results:The final data analysis included 488 children, of which 216 (44.26%) were boys and 272 (55.74%) were girls. A total of 88.5% children showed one or more decayed teeth in their oral cavity, with an overall mean DMFT of 3.55. Among DMF, component D showed maximum value with mean 3.42, followed by components F and M. Correlation between source of information, knowledge, and attitude for oral health to oral hygiene index (OHI-S; P < 0.05) and gingival index (P < 0.001) showed highly significant negative values. Correlation between oral hygiene practice to OHI-S, DMFT, and gingival index (P < 0.001) showed highly significant (P < 0.001) negative values.Conclusions:Although children of orphanage have positive attitude toward oral health, knowledge and practice among children are still below the satisfactory level. The children did not receive appropriate information or, if informed, were not re-evaluated or reinforced for its practical application by the concerned authority. The findings of this study suggest that awareness on the importance of oral health needs to be enhanced among the orphanage children of Mysore.

Retention and Effectiveness of Dental Sealant After Twelve Months in Iranian Children

Background: Pit-and-fissure sealants are safe and effective ways to prevent dental caries and are considered as a part of an overall caries-preventive strategy. Dental caries are a public health problem and the most common intraoral disease affecting mankind. It is an infectious transmissible disease, with the child patient being at the highest risk. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the retention rates and effectiveness of occlusal sealants in children in Hamadan, Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 118 sealed first permanent molar teeth in 52 students (mean age, 8 years; male, 48%) were evaluated for fissure sealant retention and occlusal caries status. All teeth were examined 12 months after application of sealants. Data were collected and evaluated by survival analyses methods for age at placement, patient sex, decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) index, fluoride history, toothbrush, tooth position in arch, and refer to dentistry. Results: The overall success rate with pit-and-fissure sealant was 68.6%; in addition, 38.9% of the seals were completely retained, 38.9% partially lost, and 10.2% completely lost. There were no signs of carious lesions in 69.6% of the teeth. The factors associated with an increased risk of failure included female sex (P = 0.001) and no history of fluoride use (P < 0.01). There were no significant association between the results and patient age, tooth position in the arch, DMFT index, toothbrush, and refer to dentistry. Conclusions: Although pit-and-fissure sealants are effective methods for preventing tooth caries, the low success rate of fissure sealants in current study indicated that dental sealant need to be implemented more carefully and follow-up programs are advisable.

Determination of the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Index in Iranian Students: A Case Study of Zahedan City

Background:: One of the most important health problems in life is dental caries or tooth decay. Untreated caries are painful and may affect diet, school attendance, and sleep. Tooth decay can also have significant negative health and social consequences in later life. Objectives:: The aim of this study was to determine the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index in 8-12 year old students in Zahedan City and also to determine fluoride concentrations in drinking water in the studied area. Patients and Methods:: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed in 2009 on 800 (400 boys and 400 girls) 8-12 year old students, who were randomly selected in Zahedan City (southeast of Iran) to assess the DMFT index. The DMFT index was determined using standard methods suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and drinking water fluoride concentration was measured in 144 samples collected from 12 desalination units using the SPADNS method. Data was analyzed using SPSS 15 software and presented as mean SD. Results:: The mean DMFT value was 2.41 2.12, which was higher in the boys (2.68 2.15) in comparison with the girls (2.13 1.91). Of the subjects surveyed, 38.5% were healthy, with 42.5% of the girls and 63.75% of the boys. The mean fluoride concentration of the drinking water was 0.57 0.07 mg/L, which is less than the normal range (1.5 mg/L). Conclusions:: According to the results of the present study, the DMFT scores in 8-12 year old students are higher than the global standards suggested by WHO. Results indicate that the availability of other sources of fluoride must also be considered and taken into account in public health dentistry planning programs.

The severity of dental caries in adults aged 35 to 44 years residing in the metropolitan area of a large city in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn recent decades, studies in the field of public health have increasingly focused on social determinants that affect the health-illness process. The epidemiological perspective considers oral health to be a reflection of socioeconomic and environmental aspects, and it is particularly influenced by the social context. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between the severity of dental caries among adults aged 35 to 44 years and characteristics on the different levels at which the determinants of caries operate (individual, social structure and social context).MethodsA home-based, cross-sectional field study was carried out involving a sample of 1,150 adults (35 to 44 years of age) residing in metropolitan Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The DMFT (decayed, missing, filled tooth) index (≥14) was used to determine the severity of dental caries. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using the Poisson regression model with the level of significance set at 5% (p < 0.05) and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsThe majority of the participants (68.5%) had high caries severity. The rate of high-severity caries in the group between 40 and 44 years of age was 1.15-fold (CI: 1.04-1.26) greater than that among those aged 35 to 39 years. A greater prevalence of high caries severity was found among those who frequently visited the dentist (PR = 1.18; CI: 1.07-1.30), those with a lower income (PR = 1.11; CI: 1.01-1.23), those who reported that their neighborhood did not come together in the previous year to petition political leaders for benefits (PR = 1.16; CI: 1.05-1.28) and those who are unable to make decisions (without empowerment) (PR = 1.12; CI: 1.01-1.24).ConclusionsThe present study revealed high dental caries severity in adults, which was associated with individual characteristics, health-related behavior and social structure and contextual variables. These findings underscore the importance of considering social determinants involved in the health-illness process when carrying out epidemiological studies on dental caries.

Oral health assessment among dental students

Introduction. Oral health is an important part of general health. Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes that students acquire during dental school can influence their behavior towards not just their own health, but also towards health in their immediate environment. The aim of the study was to assess the level of oral health among dental students of the second and fifth year at the University of East Sarajevo. Material and Methods. Sixty-six students from the Dental Department of the Faculty of Medicine, the University of East Sarajevo were assessed. The study was conducted in 2012. The parameters used to assess oral health were: DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index and its components, index for the assessment of periodontal tissues (CPITN), and Green?s Vermillion oral hygiene debris index (DI). According to the methodology and criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) all patients were examined using standard dental diagnostic tools under artificial light on dental chair. Results. Average number of decayed teeth of the second year students was 9.93 while it was 11.44 in the fifth year students. The mean dental caries index was 38.23% and person caries index was 100%. The average value of the debris index was 0.42. Healthy periodontium had 18.2% of students, while in 34.8% of students shallow periodontal pockets were observed. Conclusion. Oral hygiene and periodontal health was satisfactory in dental students. However, high average values of decayed teeth indicated that for better results caries preventive services should be activated earlier, even in school or preschool period.

Association Between Tooth Loss and Bone Mineral Density in Brazilian Postmenopausal Women

BackgroundTo evaluate oral health in postmenopausal women and verify whether there is a correlation between tooth loss according to index of decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) and bone mineral density (BMD).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 women. The DMFT and its associations with lumbar and femoral BMD (T-score and g/cm2) were assessed. Analysis of covariance and multiple logistic regression were applied and the mean and standard deviation, absolute and relative frequencies (percentages) were obtained.ResultsThe analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant association between the DMFT index and bone mass (T-score), compared to the young adult in L2-L4 (P = 0.0252) and in bone mass in L2-L4 (below average) in g/cm2 and in the DMFT index (P = 0.0332), and for women with bone mass below the average index DMFT was higher. Between L2-L4 below average (g/cm2) and extracted component (P = 0.0483) association was also significant because women with bone mass below the average had a greater extracted component.ConclusionsPostmenopausal women with poor oral health may present reduced bone mass. There was significant association between BMD and DMFT at the L2-L4 site. Women must be advised that their good oral health, amount and quality of bone mass should also be matters of concern.KeywordsBone mineral density; Post-menopausal; Osteoporosis; Tooth loss

Prevalence of Dental Caries among 13 and 15-Year-Old School Children in an Endemic Fluorosis Area: A Cross-sectional Study

To assess the prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis among 13- to 15-year-old school children in Panyam, Andhra Pradesh, India. The cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 school children and were examined for dental fluorosis and dental caries. This study shows that male students have a decrease in DMFT (Decayed, missing, filled, teeth) index and increase in Dean's index when compared with females. Among students with 13 to 15 years of age, 13-year-old student has increase in DMFT score when compared with other age groups and 14-year-old students has increase in Dean's score when compared with other age group students. The prevalence of dental caries decreased with the increase of fluorosis among the students examined. Patients with dental fluorosis show a decreased prevalence of dental caries.

Effect of Oral Diseases on Mothers Giving Birth to Preterm Infants

Objectives: To determine the association between preterm birth (PTB) and maternal oral diseases during pregnancy. Subjects and Methods: This prospective study was performed by the neonatal and dental departments at Jordan University Hospital. The study included 100 women who gave birth to preterm singleton infants (born less than 37 complete weeks from last menstrual period) between January and July 2009. The control group included an equal number of women who delivered singleton, full-term infants on the same day or the day after the women in the study. The mothers’ demographic data were collected using a questionnaire, and an oral examination was conducted for each participant. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows release 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill., USA). Factors related to PTB were studied in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Significantly higher DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index scores, Silness and Loe plaque index scores and Mühlemann tooth mobility index scores were associated with PTB. Mothers who did not have prepregnancy dental checkups had a significantly higher incidence of PTB. Fewer mothers in the PTB group visited dentists during their last pregnancy compared with controls. Conclusions: Oral health, especially healthy periodontium, is one reliable indicator for predicting a safe pregnancy outcome.

Dental caries trend among adolescents in Lagos, South-West Nigeria

The past few decades have witnessed a changing trend in dental caries prevalence among Nigerians; thus the need to investigate the current trend of caries among adolescents Nigerians. To determine the prevalence and severity of dental caries among adolescents in Lagos, South-west of Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) methodology for basic oral health surveys was employed. The study population was 11 to 16 year-old adolescents from primary and secondary schools in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Surulere local government area (LGA) of Lagos State, South-West Nigeria was selected as the location of this study as the LGA is quite cosmopolitan having Nigerians of all walks of life. Information on sex, age, socioeconomic status and ethnicity was obtained. The dentition of subjects was examined for dental caries, fillings and missing teeth. Six hundred adolescents of age 11 to 16 years were studied. A high caries-free prevalence of 457 (76.2%) was found among the subjects. Mean(SD) DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) of 0.72 (1.67) and mean DMF% (decayed, missing, filled per cent) of 2.62 (6.17) were recorded among the study population. Older adolescents had higher caries erates than the younger ones. More females than males had caries while the socioeconomic status did not seem to influence caries experience. DT (decayed teeth) was the major contributor of the DMFT index. Among the ethnic groups the Igbo and Edo/Delta had the highest caries experience while the Efik/Ibibio, Yoruba and Hausa had the lowest. A restorative index of 1% was recorded, showing poor utilization of dental health care services by the population. This study shows an increasing caries trend when compared to previous Nigerian studies despite the mean DMFT of 0.72 being better than the WHO target of 1.5DMFT. Ready availability of sweets and confectionaries to all classes of people in the country compounded by poor knowledge of and utilization of preventive and restorative oral health care services may be contributory to the current trend.