Dental Status Research Articles

Correlation of palatal anatomic characteristics with dermatoglyphic heterogeneity in different growth patterns

The study aimed to explore the correlation between dermatoglyphic patterns and quantitative palatal anatomic variables in individuals with different growth patterns. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 126 healthy patients aged 17-25 years. Participants were divided into three groups based on growth patterns: average, vertical, and horizontal. Dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using an optical fingerprint sensor, and palatal characteristics were measured using digital software. Palatal characteristics, including intercanine width, intermolar width, and palatal depth, were measured using digital software. The results were statistically analyzed. Significant differences were observed in ridge counts among the three growth patterns. The average growth pattern showed lower ridge counts compared to the vertical and horizontal growth patterns. Dermatoglyphic patterns, such as double loops and tented arches, were significantly higher in the horizontal growth pattern. Weak correlations were found between certain dermatoglyphic patterns and palatal characteristics, with simple arch patterns showing a negative correlation with inter-canine width and symmetrical whorl patterns showing a positive correlation with palatal depth. Loop patterns, spiral patterns, double loop patterns, symmetrical whorl, and simple arch patterns were significant predictors of growth patterns. This study revealed distinct dermatoglyphic patterns and ridge counts among individuals with different growth patterns. Weak correlations were observed between dermatoglyphic patterns and palatal characteristics. However, the predictive value of dermatoglyphics for skeletal malocclusion requires further investigation. Understanding the relationships between dermatoglyphic patterns and craniofacial growth can provide valuable insights into genetic and developmental factors affecting dental and orthodontic conditions.

Current Uses of Bromelain in Children: A Narrative Review.

Bromelain is a complex natural mixture of sulfhydryl-containing proteolytic enzymes that can be extracted from the stem or fruit of the pineapple. This compound is considered a safe nutraceutical, has been used to treat various health problems, and is also popular as a health-promoting dietary supplement. There is continued interest in bromelain due to its remarkable therapeutic properties. The mechanism of action of bromelain appears to extend beyond its proteolytic activity as a digestive enzyme, encompassing a range of effects (mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antiedematous effects). Little is known about the clinical use of bromelain in pediatrics, as most of the available data come from in vitro and animal studies, as well as a few RCTs in adults. This narrative review was aimed at highlighting the main aspects of the use of bromelain in children, which still appears to be limited compared to its potential. Relevant articles were identified through searches in MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE. There is no conclusive evidence to support the use of bromelain in children, but the limited literature data suggest that its addition to standard therapy may be beneficial in treating conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections, specific dental conditions, and burns. Further studies, including RCTs in pediatric settings, are needed to better elucidate the mechanism of action and properties of bromelain in various therapeutic areas.

Hospital usage for oral and dental conditions in Hawaii: A cross-sectional study using the 2021 Hawaii statewide hospital data.

To investigate the frequency of emergency department (ED) usage primarily for oral/dental conditions in Hawaii and to examine social-demographic factors associated with the identified ED visits. This was a cross-sectional study of the 2021 Hawaii Statewide Hospital data. We identified records indicating ED usage and a primary diagnosis of non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDC) and other oral dental conditions (OODC). Descriptive analyses of ED visits for NTDC and OODC were performed to identify vulnerable individuals based on age, sex, race/ethnicity, primary source of payment, county of residence, and total charges per hospital record. A multivariable negative binomial regression model included age, sex, and county of residence was used to obtain adjusted rate ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of ED visits for NTDC. Among hospital records with diagnoses for oral or dental conditions (n = 12,336), 97% indicated ED, of which half had an NTDC diagnosis, and the remaining half had an OODC diagnosis. Distinct differences in the characteristics of ED visits were observed between NTDC and OODC. The median total charges per record indicating ED for NTDC and OODC were $1439 and $2439, respectively. A higher rate of ED visits for NTDC was found for those aged 21-44 (aRR [95%CI] = 3.02 [2.41, 3.80], reference: 0-9 years) and those living in a less populous county (Hawaii: 1.73 [1.43, 2.07]; Kauai: 1.78 [1.45, 2.19], reference: Honolulu). Continued effort to improve dental health is required to reduce ED visits for oral and dental conditions among Hawaii residents, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Visual attention to food cues and dental caries-Are they associated?

The role of diet has a key role in dental caries. Attention to food cues can be an indicator for food choices. This study investigates children's visual attention to images with healthy and unhealthy food cues and correlates it with that of their parents and with their dental caries status using eye-tracking technology. A total of 30 children with and without dental caries and their 30 parents were calibrated to the eye-tracking device (Tobii Nano Pro) to ensure standardisation. Participants viewed matching images of healthy and unhealthy food cues, whereas an eye-tracking device tracked their eye movements. Children had a dental examination and were classified as children with dental caries (n = 15) and their parents (n = 15), and children without dental caries (n = 15) and their parents (n = 15). In children with dental caries, visual attention duration was longer to healthy foods than to unhealthy foods. Likewise, parents of children with dental caries spent longer time looking at healthy foods than unhealthy foods. Our preliminary findings indicate a significant association between children's visual attention to healthy and unhealthy food cues and their dental caries status. This underscores the need for further investigation into the correlation between children's and their parents' visual attention to food, particularly in the context of children with dental caries. Such exploration holds promise for informing targeted interventions in food choice education.

Evaluating Oral and Dental Health and the RelatedFactors regarding the Elderly in Aliabad City of Golestan Province in 2022


 
 
 Introduction: Considering the increasing growth of the elderly population, the importance of their life quality e, and the impact of oral and dental health on their quality of life, this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating oral and dental health and the factors affecting it in the elderly of Aliabad city, Golestan province, in 1400.
 Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. The research population consisted of 216 elderly of over 60 living in Aliabad city of Golestan province in 2022; they were selected through cluster random sampling method. 128 people (59/3 percent) were women and 88 people (40/ 7 percent) were men. This study was conducted from May to September 2022. To collect data, demographic information questionnaire and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) were used, whose Persian version was valid and reliable. In addition, the last dental visit, the number of times the mouth was washed, the need for dental treatment, and personal assessment of the individual's oral and dental health status were among the items that were collected and recorded in the form of dental information regarding the elderly. After completing the questionnaires, data were entered into SPSS version 20 software and the analysis was done through descriptive statistics (frequency distribution calculation and central and dispersion indices), one way ANOVA, and t-test.
 Results: In the present study, the score of oral and dental health questionnaire regarding the elderly was 49/51±8/67, which was considered satisfactory. This variable had a statistically significant relationship with the number of mouth washes (p=0/02) , personal evaluation of mouth condition (p=0/01), and the number of teeth (p<0/001). While there was no significant relationship regarding education level (p=0/26), place of residence (p=0/072), gender (p=0/56), employment status (p=0/63), income level (p=0/062), smoking (p=0/23) and the last dental visit (p=0/28),and the presence or absence of dentures (p=0/62) did not show a significant difference.
 Conclusion: Although the quality of life score related to the oral health of the elderly in Aliabad city was satisfactory, there is still roome to improve this score. Prevention strategies for chronic diseases and high blood pressure, re-emphasizing oral and dental hygiene, and improving related health behaviors should be considered as the most important future programs in this city. Integrating oral and dental health program in the country's public health program and creating a team to promote oral and dental health at primary care level are considered effective and low-cost solutions.
 
 

Investigation of Dental and Oral Health in Children and Adolescents with Special Support Needs from a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Perspective.

The current literature lacks scientific research on child and adolescent psychiatrists' (CAPPS) perspectives on dental and oral health. This study aims to investigate the opinions and approaches of child and adolescent psychiatrists and their patients regarding oral and dental health. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among members of the Professional Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy in Germany. Out of the association members, 10.9% (n = 109) participated, with 5.2% (n = 52; 38f/14m) completing the questionnaire. Dental and oral health topics were discussed with one-fifth of the patients (19.2%), while 11.5% reported that they were "never" a part of their therapy. Patient-related concerns about dental and oral health were primarily brought into the context of child and adolescent psychiatric work. Dental treatment anxieties were prominent. Only 3.8% of the participants regularly assigned diagnoses related to dental status. The CAPPS employ a bio-psycho-social model for the genesis of oral health-related conditions in Children and Adolescents with Special Needs. CAPPS have a foundation in relationship-based work for assessing oral and dental healthcare and providing recommendations for further dental care. Regional networking and science must be further developed.

Psychology of pregnant females regarding perinatal oral health

Aim: To evaluate the attitude, behaviour, experience and knowledge of pregnant females regarding perinatal oral health in rural population of Faridabad. Methodology: Data was collected through personal interview. Eleven questions related to knowledge, attitude, experience and behaviour were asked. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 21. Results: About one- fourth of the study population experienced adverse effects on oral health during pregnancy and their knowledge was also found to be poor with respect to perinatal oral health maintenance. They also reported ill behaviours to manage morning sickness. Despite this, their attitude towards maintenance of perinatal oral health was found to be positive. Conclusion: The dental status of the child is a direct reflection of maternal oral condition in pregnancy. Thus, there is a need for educational oral health interventions in pregnant women to improve their own and children oral health status. Keywords: Perinatal, Oral health, Pregnancy, Rural population

Potential Factors of Dental Health Behavior as a Predictor of Dental Caries Status in Visually Impaired Children: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to explain the potential factors of dental and oral hygiene behavior as a predictor of dental caries status in children with visual impairments. The prevalence of dental caries in visually impaired children was investigated through a cross-senal study conducted at a visually impaired special needs elementary school in Jakarta, Indonesia. The study included 25 visually impaired children aged 6-12 years, with dental caries status examined using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT)/dmft index according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Data were collected through comprehensive interviews involving the completion of 13 WHO Annex questions. The result showed that the overall prevalence of dental caries in visually impaired children was 64%, with an average dmft/DMFT of 2.24/0.96. Some of the factors that significantly influence the dental caries status in children with visual impairments aged 6-12 years include visiting the dentist [p = 0.029, 0.05, Pearson's Chi-square, confidence interval (CI) 95%] and the need for care (p = 0.002, 0.05, Pearson's Chi-square, CI 95%). In conclusion, the majority of visually impaired children have dental caries, which is influenced by factors, such as visiting the dentist and the need for treatment. Visiting the dentist regularly and knowing the need for the treatment are the important factors in preventing of dental caries. How to cite this article: Darwita RR, Mayasari Y, Danaswari PVS, et al. Potential Factors of Dental Health Behavior as a Predictor of Dental Caries Status in Visually Impaired Children: A Pilot Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(2):174-179.

The Association between the Dental Status and Tongue Thrust Habits of Latvian Preschool Children and Their Mothers' Oral Health Knowledge.

The aim of this study was to describe the factors that affect the normal dental development of preschool children in Latvia, and to investigate sources that mothers use to get information on children's oral health. A cross-sectional study was performed in two kindergartens in Latvia (cluster sampling). The study sample comprised 141 child-mother pairs of preschool children aged 4-7 years. The dental situation of all children was assessed including evaluation by an orthodontist and a speech therapist, and mothers of children filled out the survey on oral health-related habits and information about it. We described individually factors related to orthodontal situations, children's speech problems, and factors that can affect tongue thrust. We investigated relationships between sources of mothers' information and oral health-related behaviors using univariate (Kruskal-Wallis test, a chi-squared test, a Fisher test, or Cramer's V test) and multivariate analyses. We built a multiple logistic regression model adjusted for the demographic and oral health-related factors to investigate the factors associated with tongue thrust. Results of multiple logistic regression were presented with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). In total, 36.9% of children grazed vegetables several times a week, and 61.0% cleaned their teeth twice a day. Of mothers, 12% did not receive any information about child dental care from their general physician, and 23.4% found the received information insufficient. A total of 43.3% of mothers received oral health-related information from friends, and it was significantly related to less carbonated water (p < 0.01), more help during teeth cleaning (p = 0.03), starting cleaning teeth in earlier age (p = 0.03), and more frequent visits to a child dentist (p = 0.03). A lack of knowledge was found to be prominent in mothers of kindergarten children in Latvia, and most of them received information not from official sources such as their general physician. This can be related to some problems in oral health behaviors and oral health-related diseases. Communication among dental health specialists, state authorities, and families is crucial for the improvement of children's dental situation.

The oral health-related quality of life of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

A child's oral health impacts their development and quality of life. Children who live with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) face barriers to dental care combined with poorer oral health outcomes. However, how this affects their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is largely unknown. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the OHRQoL of children living with FASD. This cross-sectional survey used the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form-19 (COHIP-SF-19) to evaluate the OHRQoL quality of life of children (aged 8 to 15) living with FASD, compared to healthy controls. A total of 332 children (or their caregivers) completed the survey. The survey results showed that children living with FASD reported significantly more untreated dental conditions. The majority of children in the control group experienced a low impact across the majority of COHIP-SF-19 domains. However, children living with FASD experienced significantly higher impact scores related to oral health, functional well-being, and social-emotional well-being. The results demonstrated that children who live with FASD have a poorer OHRQoL. Overall, more investigation is necessary to identify the best ways to improve the OHRQoL of children living with FASD.

Impact of Bisphosphonate Therapy on Oral Health in Patients with Breast and Prostate Cancer and Bone Metastases: A Comprehensive Study.

This study investigates the impact of bisphosphonate therapy on the stomatognathic system in 80 patients with cancer of the breast and prostate with bone metastases. Bisphosphonates are integral for managing skeletal complications in these malignancies but are associated with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), affecting 0.8-18.5% of patients. BRONJ manifests with pain, neuropathy, tissue swelling, mucosal ulceration, tooth mobility, and abscesses, yet its pathogenesis remains elusive, complicating risk prediction. The research employed comprehensive dental and radiological evaluations. Dental status was assessed using DMFT and OHI-S indices, Eichner's classification, and clinical periodontal measurements like the pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mSBI). A radiological analysis included panoramic X-rays for radiomorphometric measurements and TMJ lateral radiographs. Results indicated a significant decline in oral hygiene in patients with cancer after bisphosphonate therapy, marked by increased DMFT and OHI-S scores. Periodontal health also showed deterioration, with increased PD and CAL readings. The incidence of BRONJ symptoms was noted, although exact figures are not quantified in this abstract. The study also revealed changes in radiomorphometric parameters, suggesting bisphosphonates' impact on bone density and structure. No substantial alterations were observed in TMJ function, indicating a need for extended observation to understand bisphosphonates' long-term effects on the stomatognathic system. These findings highlight the importance of continuous dental monitoring and prophylaxis in patients undergoing bisphosphonate therapy. Implementing meticulous oral care protocols is essential for mitigating BRONJ risk and managing the complex oral health challenges in patients with cancer.

Cluster-Based Toxicity Estimation of Osteoradionecrosis Via Unsupervised Machine Learning: Moving Beyond Single Dose-Parameter Normal Tissue Complication Probability by Using Whole Dose-Volume Histograms for Cohort Risk Stratification

PurposeGiven the limitations of extant models for normal tissue complication probability estimation for osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible, the purpose of this study was to enrich statistical inference by exploiting structural properties of data and provide a clinically reliable model for ORN risk evaluation through an unsupervised-learning analysis that incorporates the whole radiation dose distribution on the mandible. Materials and MethodsThe analysis was conducted on retrospective data of 1,259 head and neck cancer (HNC) patients treated at XXX between 2005 and 2015. During a minimum 12-month post-therapy follow-up period, 173 patients in this cohort (13.7%) developed ORN (grades I to IV). The (structural) clusters of mandibular dose-volume histograms (DVHs) for these patients were identified using the K-means clustering method. A soft-margin support vector machine (SVM) was used to determine the cluster borders and partition the dose-volume space. The risk of ORN for each dose-volume region was calculated based on incidence rates and other clinical risk factors. ResultsThe K-means clustering method identified six clusters among the DVHs. Based on the first five clusters, the dose-volume space was partitioned by the soft-margin SVM into distinct regions with different risk indices. The sixth cluster entirely overlapped with the others; the region of this cluster was determined by its envelopes. For each region, the ORN incidence rate per pre-radiation dental extraction status (a statistically significant, non-dose related risk factor for ORN) was reported as the corresponding risk index. ConclusionThis study presents an unsupervised-learning analysis of a large-scale data set to evaluate the risk of mandibular ORN among HNC patients. The results provide a visual risk-assessment tool for ORN (based on the whole DVH and pre-radiation dental extraction status) as well as a range of constraints for dose optimization under different risk levels.

Oral Health Status and Factors Related to Oral Health in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Matched Case-Control Observational Study.

Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) patients have disproportionately poor oral health outcomes owing to a multidimensional set of factors, such as pathophysiology of the disease, drug-related adverse effects and lower utilization rate of dental healthcare services. The aim of the present observational study was to compare the indicators of dental and periodontal health in patients with SCZ to those of nonaffected healthy controls; furthermore, the influence of various anamnestic factors and lifestyle habits on oral health status were also assessed. Methods: A total of 50 SCZ patients-in remission-receiving treatment at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, were compared with 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls attending the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Szeged. Participants' dental (decayed, missing and filled surfaces [DMF-S] and decayed, missing and filled teeth [DMF-T]) and periodontal (plaque index [%], bleeding on probing [BOP%], pocket depth [PD] and attachment loss [AL]) status was measured according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Results: In total, 74.0%, 80.0% and 78.0% of SCZ patients received second-generation antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and mood stabilizers, respectively. Patients with SCZ had significantly higher DMFs (81.30 ± 40.16 vs. 61.64 ± 40.56; p = 0.010), D (8.18 ± 7.73 vs. 4.18 ± 4.22; p < 0.001) and DMF-T (18.20 ± 8.36 vs. 14.42 ± 8.21; p = 0.024) scores but significantly lower F (1.84 ± 0.29 vs. 4.62 ± 3.98; p < 0.001) scores compared to the controls; male subjects had significantly lower DMFs (74.52 ± 39.72 vs. 90.67 ± 39.1; p = 0.020) and DMF-T (16.52 ± 8.12 vs. 20.52 ± 8.32; p = 0.031) scores. Additionally, SCZ patients had significantly higher plaque indices (56.96 ± 23.19 vs. 27.44 ± 17.53; p < 0.001), BOP% (58.96 ± 22.89 vs. 23.56 ± 17.53; p < 0.001), PD (2.84 ± 0.67 vs. 2.19 ± 0.49; p = 0.024) and AL (3.39 ± 1.72 vs. 2.49 ± 0.76; p < 0.001) values compared to controls. Smoking > 10 cigarettes/day was associated with worse dental and periodontal indices, while consuming ≥ 4 units/week of alcohol was associated with worse periodontal indices, respectively (p < 0.05 in all cases). In contrast, coffee consumption rates and vitamin supplementation status had no significant effect on oral health status indicators. Conclusions: Our study highlights the overall poor oral health status of individuals affected by SCZ and the need for targeted preventive interventions.

Evaluation of Parents' Perceptions of the Dental and Oral Health in Children with Disability in the Bandung City.

Children with disability have a risk of poor dental health because of their mental and physical limitations. They depend on caregivers in their daily life Parents have an important role in maintaining children's dental health. Parents attitudes can be influenced by parents' perceptions of children's dental health. This study explored parental perceptions regarding the dental and oral health of children with special needs in Bandung City. This study utilized a descriptive observational research using a cross-sectional survey. The subjects in this study were 239 parents who had children aged 0-18 years who were taken from 9 special schools. The variables of this study were parents' perceptions and the dental and oral health status of children with disability. Primary data were obtained through a validated questionnaire. Parents' perceptions of the dental and oral health of children with disability consists of 84.94% good enough perceptions, 12.13% good perceptions, and 2.93% bad perceptions. Most parents have a fairly good perception of the dental and oral health of children with special needs.

IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON BRUXISM AND THE DAILY LIFE OF CHILDREN AGED 7-10

Introduction: In 2020, the global pandemic of COVID-19 significantly affected our daily lives. The youngest students were most affected due to the establishment of distance education, which is associated with social isolation and increased screen time. Aim:To investigate the prevalence and specific risk factors for sleep bruxism associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in children aged 7-10 years, their eating habits and physical activity. Materials and methods: The object of the study are 267 children aged 7-10 years. The examined children underwent a clinical examination, during which the following were registered: dental status and attrition, oral hygiene and orthodontic status. Anamnestic data on nocturnal bruxism, physical activity, dietary habits, and screen exposure were obtained from 241 parents via a questionnaire. The results were statistically processed with SPSS-19. Results: The frequency of bruxism in children aged 7-10 is 21.4% (p&lt;0.05). No increase in its frequency or intensity was found during the pandemic in the studied groups. The average increase in screen exposure during the pandemic was more than 60 minutes per day (p&lt;0.05). In 1/4 of the children, physical activity during the pandemic decreased (p&lt;0.05). In 21.6% of the examined children, the intake of simple carbohydrates increased (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Bruxism is a common condition in school-aged children. The restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a rise in some risk factors for bruxism oral and general health of children aged 7-10 years by increasing their screen exposure, consumption of simple carbohydrates and decreasing their physical activity.

Pain Correlates in Endodontic Procedures: A Narrative Review Examining the Causative Factors and Clinical Approaches for Management.

Endodontic treatment, encompassing the diagnosis and management of dental pulp and periapical conditions, is pivotal in preserving dental health. Root canal treatment, a common endodontic procedure, involves the removal, cleaning, and sealing of the tooth's root system to address issues like pain and infections. Patients undergoing endodontic procedures often encounter pain due to the sensitivity of dental pulp nerves to caries, inflammation, infections, or treatment manipulations. The severity of pain is variable and influenced by individual factors such as pain threshold, anxiety levels, gender, and the extent of dental infection. In conclusion, despite advancements in endodontics, pain management remains a significant concern. The narrative review emphasizes the importance of adopting comprehensive clinical management strategies encompassing the entire treatment process. A thorough assessment of the patient's medical history and dental condition is crucial to identify risk factors for increased pain. Effective communication with patients regarding the procedure and potential discomfort aids in managing expectations and reducing anxiety. Continuous professional development is highlighted as essential for dental professionals to stay abreast of the latest advancements, enabling the implementation of optimal pain management strategies and the delivery of enhanced patient care.

Self-perceived oral health

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-perceived oral health and the prosthetic status of individuals who seek care in prosthodontics clinics. Methods: Self-perceived oral health was analyzed through the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Abutment tooth mobility was assessed, and denture status was determined by clinical assessment of stability, retention, occlusal balance, vertical dimension, and integrity of dentures. The frequency of individuals in each variable was determined for the low and very low GOHAI conditions. Chi-square, Pearson, and stepwise logistic regression tests were used for the statistical analyses (α = 0.05). Results: Ninety wearers of removable dentures with a mean age of 55.1±9.1 years were evaluated. None of the variables was related to GOHAI values (p &gt; 0.05). The regression analysis showed that age predicts (p = 0.006) the variation of GOHAI conditions (OR = 0.924, CI = 0.873- 0.978), showing only 7.6% protective effect against very low GOHAI. Unsatisfactory stability showed the opposite effect (p = 0.034) and the individuals with this characteristic are more likely (OR = 3.055) to have very low GOHAI scores (CI = 1.085- 8.602). Conclusions: The self-perceived oral health of wearers of removable dentures worsens with age and unsatisfactory stability of dentures.

Evaluation of the Influence of Consanguinity and the Role of IFN-γ in Autistic Children, as well as Disease Severity and Oral Health Status

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting children, characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behavior. Consanguineous marriages increase the likelihood of discovering recessive conditions and promoting gene expression, leading to autosomal recessive disorders. Immunity also plays a vital role in autism development, with changes in pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations or synthesis indicative of aberrant cellular immunity. This research aims to determine the effects of consanguinity on autism, measure interferon-gamma salivary levels, and examine the relationship between autistic subjects’ dental health condition and caries occurrence. Materials and Methods: Forty autistic children were divided into mild, moderate, and severe categories according to their symptoms and social impairments. The oral investigation involved calculating decayed, missing, and filled teeth and simplified oral hygiene indices. Salivary samples were collected via the drooling technique, and salivary interferon-gamma levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Consanguineous marriage was significant in the patient group, and salivary interferon-gamma levels were considerably elevated. A higher occurrence of dental caries was detected in autistic individuals. As disease severity increases, dental caries and oral health conditions also worsen. Conclusion: Consanguinity increases the incidence of autism due to the likelihood of recessively inherited congenital abnormalities. Autism has higher levels of interferon-gamma, which play a role in the condition’s pathophysiology. Additionally, inadequate oral health was noticed in autistic children.

Dental caries as a health risk for visual acuity in relation to salivary transforming growth factor beta-1 among students aged 8-10 years: A cross-sectional study.

Dental caries and an impairment in visual acuity (VA) may both be caused by a variety of risk factors. Various conditions of the eye can appear as a consequence of overall inflammation and active dental caries. The present study aims to assess dental caries and salivary status by measuring the transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and flow rate between visually impaired students compared with students with normal vision. Research was performed employing a cross-sectional comparative study design conducted among representative 653 students aged 8-10 years at primary schools in Al-Diwaniyah governorate using the Snellen E chart for measuring VA status. Partitioning the students according to the degree of VA into normal students with normal VA of 6/9 or better and students with visual impairment of 6/12 or worse was done. Sub-sample of 180 students was recruited randomly from both groups, age and gender-matched participants for salivary analysis, and dental caries assessment measured by decay, missed, filled index, according to the World Health Organization in 2013. Out of 653 students, only 70 students suffer from a decrease in VA. Dental caries was more prevalent in those who had a decrease in VA compared with normal groups. For primary teeth decay, missed, filled teeth index (DMFT/dmft), the result was not significant but highly significant for DMFT/dmft. A significant decrease in salivary flow rate and increased salivary TGF-β1 level among visually impaired students was found. According to the current research, the study population that has impaired VA, dental health status has greatly deteriorated.

Dental Caries in Children with Sickle Cell Disease and Its Association with the Use of Hydroxyurea and Penicillin Prophylaxis in Dar Es Salaam.

This comparative study sets out to report dental caries status among individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (HbSS) against those with sickle cell trait (HbSA) and those without the disease (HbAA) as controls. The study further assessed the impact of penicillin chemoprophylaxis and hydroxyurea use on dental caries among Sickle Cell Disease participants. This was a comparative cross-sectional study in which 93 children aged 30 to 60 months were recruited. There were 60 participating children who had SCD (HbSS), 17 with SCD trait (HbAS) and 16 were without SCD or SC trait (HbAA). A questionnaire was used to record sociodemographic details including mean age in months and sex and on haemoglobin genotype for all the participants. Specifically, for the participants with HbSS, information on their whether they are taking hydroxyurea (HU), and penicillin chemoprophylaxis was recorded. To assess the prevalence of dental caries, clinical examination of all primary maxillary and mandibular teeth to determine the presence or absence of dental caries lesions was also recorded. A total of 1197 teeth from 93 children were examined, whereby, 45 (2.4%) of them had dental caries. The participating children with HbAA genotype (6.6%, N=21) had more dental caries than their HbSS counterparts (2.0%, N=24), while none of the participants with HbAS exhibited dental caries. Among the participants with HbSS, males and those who use HU were 3.79 and 3.07 times more likely to have dental caries than their counterparts, female and non-users of HU, respectively. Dental caries was observed to be low among participants with HbSS when compared to those with HbAA. More research utilizing more robust methodologies is recommended.