Differences In Caries Experience Research Articles

Стоматологічний статус дітей з вродженими вадами серця і магістральних судин в Україні

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common congenital defect worldwide. The increase in the number of patients with CHD creates a group of people with individual special care needs, including dental care. Purpose: to evaluate oral health conditions (oral hygiene, caries experience, periodontal health) in children with CHD and compare their caries experience with the one of the group of healthy children in Ukraine. Materials and methods: Fifty-eight children with congenital heart disease and eighty healthy children aged 3-15 years were enrolled in this study. According to their age and period of dentition, all the children were subdivided into 3 groups: with primary, mixed and permanent dentition. Caries experience, oral hygiene, periodontal health and dental developmental defects were assessed. A one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and an independent-measures t-Test were used. All statistical analyses were performed using the statistical software (SPSS version 26.0, SPSS Inc.). The statistical significance was set at 5%. Results and discussion: The caries experience of children with CHD and healthy children in primary dentition was 4.0 and 6.4 respectively. The highest DMFT was registered in children with CHD in mixed (4.7) and permanent (4.6) dentitions. 33,3% of children with primary dentition and up to 52,9% in mixed dentition had poor oral hygiene. Conclusions: According to limitation of this epidemiological study, there were no significant differences in caries experience of children with congenital heart disease and healthy children in primary and mixed dentitions. These findings indicate the importance of preventive dental care and appropriate treatment of children with CHD. Key words: congenital heart disease, oral health, children, caries, airway volume, dentoalveolar abnormalities.

Long-term effects of a community-based oral health intervention for young children in the Netherlands: A 5-year follow-up.

The aim of this study was to assess whether referral of parents of 6 months old children by a well-child care (WCC) clinic medical practitioner for an early first dental visit combined with the Non Operative Caries Treatment and Prevention (NOCTP) approach in dental practices was effective to maintain oral health in children. The study was conducted as a quasi-experimental comparative pre-post trial with a baseline measurement before the intervention. In total 1347 children were allocated at the age of 6 months and 306 children (intervention group: n = 166; care as usual (CAU) group: n = 140) underwent an oral examination at 5 years of age and their parents completed a questionnaire. Nonparametric tests and Hurdle models were used to determine differences in caries experience between the intervention and CAU groups. Children in the intervention group had significantly lower caries experience (d1,2,3 mfs) than children in the CAU group (Median = 2 vs. 5, r = .15, p < .01). Children in the intervention group had significantly fewer inactive caries lesions compared with children in the CAU group (Median = 2 vs. 3, r = .18, p < .001). No differences were found for dentin caries experience and also no differences for active caries lesions. Referral of parents of newborns for a preventive first dental visit by a WCC medical practitioner combined with NOCTP in dental practices may offer a new opportunity to reduce enamel caries lesions in young children.

Oral Hygiene Instruction – How it Affects the Caries Experience, Oral Hygiene Status, and sCD14 Levels?

Background: Caries experience, oral hygiene status, and salivary sCD14 level are three essential factors to analyse individual dental caries development risk. Therefore, regular and effective oral hygiene instruction (OHI) is essential for dental caries prevention. Objective: This study aims to analyse the differences in caries experience, oral hygiene status, and sCD14 levels before and after OHI. Methods: An observational study with intervention before and after oral hygiene instruction was conducted on 40 samples of each group taken with an accidental sampling method. The sample was calculated using the sample size formula to determine the difference between two paired means; confidence level 95%; power test 90%. The OHI materials include microbial aspects, plaque control methods and instruments, and directives for visiting the dentist. Caries' experience was obtained using DMF-T index; oral hygiene status using simplified oral hygiene instruction (OHI-S); sCD14 levels obtained from unstimulated saliva using an ELISA kit. Data analysis used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Kolmogorov normality test showed that the caries experience data were normally distributed, while oral hygiene status and sCD14 were not. The paired-t difference test result for caries experience cannot be determined because the data showed a similar value. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test result for oral hygiene status showed no significant difference, while the sCD14 showed a significant difference. Conclusion: Oral hygiene instruction showed a similar value of caries experience before and after oral hygiene, and also no difference was found in oral hygiene status; however, the sCD14 levels showed a difference after oral hygiene instruction.

Regional variations in caries experience, predictors, and follow-up among children and adolescents in Western Norway

Objective To identify regional differences in, and determinants of dental caries among children in western Norway Material and methods We studied dental caries in 705 children aged 12 years and 18 years living in the southern region (n = 403) and other parts of Hordaland County (n = 302) in Norway. Information on oral hygiene, fluoride intake, and sugar consumption was collected using questionnaires. We also collected information from the Public Dental Service (PDS) on the history of decayed, missing, or filled teeth; professional fluoride application; recall and regular check-up intervals and treatment visits. Residence (southern region versus the rest of Hordaland, the reference) was the independent variable. We analysed regional differences in (i) caries prevalence and severity, (ii) potential contributors to caries, and (iii) procedures and routines in PDS. Results Caries prevalence and severity were higher in the southern region (67% and 24%, respectively). Self-reported brushing habits, fluoride use, and sugar consumption patterns were similar between regions. We observed more frequent application of professional fluoride (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.99–4.66], fewer check-ups [IRR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81–0.95], and fewer treatment visits [IRR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60–0.98] among participants in the southern region, compared to the rest of Hordaland. The recall intervals in the southern region were 10% longer among 12-year-olds and 10% shorter among 18-year-olds, compared to their respective counterparts in Hordaland. Conclusions The observed regional gradients in caries experience mirrored regional differences in dental routines and procedures. Caries-related risk behaviours did not explain the observed differences in caries experience.

Caries status of first-born child is a predictor for caries experience in younger siblings

ObjectivesThis study analysed if children of families in need of dental interventions can be identified by using the caries status of the first-born child as a predictor for caries in younger siblings of the same family.Material and methodsAll children aged 4 to 15 years, i.e. 13,596 children, visiting a compulsory school in the canton of Basel-Stadt, Switzerland, during the school year 2017/2018 were analysed. Total caries experience and untreated carious lesions at time of examination were recorded as well as a subset of socioeconomic factors such as gender, age, nationality, birth order and the family’s place of residence.ResultsA total of 6738 schoolchildren who had at least one sibling of school age could be included. Differences in caries experience and the presence of active carious lesions were found for age, nationality and place of residence but not for gender or birth order. Younger siblings had odds of having a history of caries 3.7 times higher (95% confidence interval: 3.0–4.4) and odds of having active carious lesions 3.5 times higher (95% confidence interval: 2.6–4.7) if the eldest child in the family already had caries.ConclusionCaries could be shown to be family-dependent. Younger siblings had a more than three-fold higher risk for caries if the first-born child already had carious lesions.Clinical relevanceBased on these results, the caries status of the first-born child could be used as a potential indicator to detect vulnerable families and to initiate targeted preventive measures.

Dental health status and hygiene in children with cerebral palsy: A matched case-control study.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk for oral pathology and parafunctional habits, and are reliant on caregivers for oral hygiene. To evaluate oral hygiene habits and oral examination findings among a group of children with CP and a healthy age- and gender-matched control group. A comparative, cross-sectional study, consisting of a questionnaire component and a standard dental examination component, each applied to both groups. Eighty-three children with CP and 84 healthy children were included. Parents of children with CP were more likely to be of low educational level and lack a professional line of occupation (P<.05). Children with CP were less likely to be responsible for oral hygiene maintenance, adhere to toothbrushing, or receive procedural dental care (P<.001). Food packing and drooling were significantly more likely in children with CP. Malocclusion type III was more prevalent among children with CP, as was higher gingival index and gingival enlargement index-horizontal component (P<.001). There were no differences in caries experience between the CP and control groups. Children with CP have suboptimal oral hygiene habits, limited access to procedural dental care, higher parafunctional habits, and increased periodontal pathology.

Caries experience among adults in core Sámi areas of Northern Norway.

Dental caries is a major oral health problem among indigenous people worldwide, but knowledge on this issue among the indigenous Sámi people in Norway is scarce. The aim of the study was to describe dental caries experience in an adult population in core Sámi areas of Northern Norway and to assess the corresponding associations with socio-demographic, socioeconomic and oral health-related behavioural factors. This cross-sectional study is based on data from the Dental Health in the North study (2033 participants aged 18-75years). A questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, socioeconomic and oral health-related behavioural factors. Clinical examinations were performed by dentists and dental hygienists at Public Dental Service (PDS) clinics in core Sámi areas of Northern Norway. About 68% (n=1380) of participants reported Sámi ethnicity, and the mean number of decayed (D), missed (M) and filled (F) teeth (T) was 16.2 (standard deviation [SD]=6.7). The mean DMFT was 15.7 (SD=6.7) among Sámi and 17.0 (SD=6.7) among non-Sámi. The mean DT among Sámi was 1.0 (SD=1.6), with a significant, higher prevalence among coastal Sámi (DT=1.3, SD=1.8) than inland Sámi (DT=0.8, SD=1.5). Living in the coastal region, consumption of sugary soft drinks several times a week or daily, toothbrushing less than daily and irregular dental visits were associated with DT. Caries experience among adults in core Sámi areas of Northern Norway was common. Dental caries were more common in the coastal than the inland region, with minor differences in caries experience between Sámi and non-Sámi people within these regions.

Oral health in the Pacific Islands

To assess the variability of caries prevalence throughout the Pacific Islands region. Search conducted using Medline database for relevant journal articles (in English) from 1970 documenting oral health status in the region. Further material and statistics accessed through World Health Organization website and Secretariat of the Pacific Community. Available literature reviewed. There is a lack of recent data. Marked geographical differences in caries experience were reported with high DMFT values in urban areas compared to rural areas. The rise in caries prevalence was linked to an increase in sugar consumption. This was demonstrated in Tokelau where the mean number of decayed and filled teeth of children aged 5-10 years rose from approximately 3 in 1963 to 5 in 1999; sugar imports increased by up to 8 times over this period. IMPLICATIONS FOR ACTION: Standardised epidemiological surveys are needed to document current oral health status in the region. A collaborative approach to health promotion should be adopted with cooperation between nations, healthcare professionals and other agencies to ensure effective preventative strategies are developed.

Epidemiological survey of early childhood caries in Cambodia

BackgroundThe Southeast Asian Forum for Early Childhood Caries identified the need for more epidemiological surveys involving preschool children. To date, the only data on Early Childhood Caries in Cambodia come from convenience samples and only using the basic dmft index without measurement of the early signs of disease.MethodsA cross-sectional survey on an epidemiological sample of Cambodian preschool children was conducted in conjunction with the fourth follow-up of the Cambodian Health and Nutrition Monitoring Study. Children were examined in a field setting using both the South East Asian Index for Early Childhood Caries as well as the ‘pulpally involved, ulcerated, fistula, abscess’ (pufa) index. Caregivers also participated in a short questionnaire covering dietary habits, oral health knowledge and behaviors, as well as the Family Impact Scale (FIS) for Oral-Health-Related Quality-of-Life.ResultsThe sample included 3985 participants between birth and 4-years of age, across three provinces. There was an even sex distribution (50.7% male). Overall 56.6% of participants had one or more carious lesions and 5.4% had one or more pulpally-involved teeth. There were some significant differences by age and location. Among those in the 3-year-old age group 84.9% had at least one decayed tooth, and 16.1% had one or more pulpally-involved teeth. There were differences in oral health knowledge and behaviors by province; those in Phnom Penh reported more favorable responses. Consumption of non-nutritious foods also differed between provinces with those in Phnom Penh consuming a higher mean number of sweet beverages per day. Those children with at least one pulpally involved tooth had a ten times greater chance of realizing an impact across the FIS.ConclusionsCambodian preschool children have a severe burden of dental caries and a high proportion of families are impacted by this problem. There were differences in oral health knowledge and behaviors according to province and this translated into differences in caries experience. The data from this study support the need for urgent action to address the issue of ECC in Cambodia.

Race- and Income-Related Inequalities in Oral Health in Australian Children by Fluoridation Status.

Inequality in child oral health exists by race and income. Water fluoridation (WF) is effective in caries prevention, but evidence for WF reducing inequality in caries experience is equivocal. This study tested the hypothesis that WF reduces race- and income-related inequality in child caries experience. A cross-sectional national population-based study of child oral health was conducted across 2012 to 2014 for Australian children aged 5 to 14 y, involving a parental questionnaire and an oral epidemiological examination. Children were stratified by fluoridated (F) and nonfluoridated (NF) area of residence, equivalized household income quartiles, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous status. Directly standardized caries experience (measured by the decayed, missing, or filled tooth surfaces [dmfs/DMFS] in both primary [age 5-10] and permanent dentitions [age 9-14]) was estimated for each stratum accounting for the complex sampling design. Differences in caries experience by Indigenous status and equivalized income quartiles were examined between F and NF strata. Socioeconomic inequality in caries experience was examined using the Absolute Concentration Index (ACI), Slope Index of Inequality (SII), Relative Concentration Index (RCI), and Relative Index of Inequality (RII). A total of 21,328 (86.5%) children had complete data. Caries experience was higher in NF than F strata. Race- and income-related gradients in caries experience were observed in both F and NF areas. All indexes of inequality indicated that caries experience was concentrated among lower income groups. Absolute inequalities were consistently lower in F than in NF areas. For the primary dentition, SII values were -4.18 versus -6.20 in the F and NF areas, respectively. The respective values were -0.60 versus -1.66 for the permanent dentition. Income-related inequality in caries was lower in F than in NF areas for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. WF was associated with lower caries experience and reduced inequality among children. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study greatly increase the evidence base that water fluoridation is effective and socially equitable. Dental caries has remained one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in children worldwide. The presented evidence can be used by policy makers and the profession to support the maintenance or expansion of this important public health program to benefit those most at risk of dental caries, the groups at the lowest socioeconomic position in any society.

Impact of Bitter Taste Threshold on Caries Experience in Relation to ABO Blood Types among Dental Students at Al Kufa University

Background: Blood group system and the ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) are the most studied traits in human genetics which have been extensively used in describing genetic variations among human populations around the world that may had an effect on dental caries. The aims of present study were to investigate the caries experience among students with different bitter taste threshold in relation to blood type. Materials and Methods: The sample of present study includes dental students female aged19-21 years. The diagnosis of dental caries was done according to the criteria of Manjia et al, 1989 recording decayed lesion by severity (D1-4) MFS. Furthermore, bitter taste sensitivity was measured according to PTC (phenylthiocarbamide) test while concerning blood types, depending on the identity student’s. Statistical analysis that used in this study can be classified into two categories: Descriptive Analysis and second Inferential analysis (Levene test, One-way Analysis of Variance). Results: The data of present study demonstrated that the differences in caries experience among different bitter taste threshold were found statistically not significant although the higher mean value for the higher grades of caries severity (D2-3) were among medium taster students while the non-taster group had the higher mean value of D1. Concerning difference in caries experiences among students with different bitter taste threshold for blood types were not significant in spite of grade D1 was found higher among non –taster A, AB blood type students while for O blood type students were found within super taster. While grade D4 severity was found higher with medium taster among students with A, AB blood types while found higher with super taster among students with O type as grades D4 were absent among students with B blood type. Conclusion: Bitter taste perception which identified according to ptc test has some effect on dental caries experience and were found different for different blood type

Dental caries experience and treatment needs of an adult female population in Nigeria.

Experience and awareness of adult females concerning dental caries is important in its prevention particularly in children because of their natural role as care givers. To determine the prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs in an adult female Nigerian population. In this cross-sectional study, adult females attending outreach programmes were examined for dental caries using the Decayed Missing and Filled Teeth caries index (DMFT). Socio-demographic variables were also recorded and statistical analysis done with SPSS software. A total of 430 females aged 16 to 59 years participated in the outreach programme out of which 109 (25.3%) had a DMFT score > 0. Mean DMFT was 0.7 ± 1.6. Fifty-five (12.8%) participants had decayed teeth, 78 (18.1 %) had missing teeth and 10(2.3%) had filled teeth. The treatment need was 34.3%, restorative index was 13.3% and significant caries index was 2.0. There were significant differences in caries experience based on age, marital status and educational qualifications of participants p < 0.05. The prevalence of dental caries among the study group was low but the treatment need was high. Younger females, singles and those with lower educational qualifications had a higher dental caries experience.

Differences in dental caries experience between diabetic adolescents and healthy controls

Introduction: While the influence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on periodontal health is well established, results of previous studies regarding the association of this metabolic disease and caries experience are rather inconsistent. The aim of this study was to assess the differences between caries status of healthy and adolescents with T1DM, as well as to determine the differences in caries experience among diabetic patients in relation to their metabolic control.Methods: Assessment of caries status was performed using the DMFT index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth). The study group (Diabetic) included 60 patients diagnosed with T1DM, aged 12-18 years, from Sarajevo Canton. This group was divided into two sub-groups: a sub-group Diabetic-W consisted of 30 patients with well-controlled glycaemia, while a subgroup Diabetic-P comprised of 30 patients with poorer glycemic control. The control group consisted of 30 age-matched metabolically healthy individuals.Results: The T1DM adolescents had a significantly higher (p &lt; 0.01) mean DMFT score than the healthy subjects, 11.49 and 6.19 respectively. Statistically, the diabetic group had also significantly higher values of the D and M components. Concerning the metabolic control, mean DMFT score in the Diabetic-W subgroup was lower (10.57) than in the Diabetic-P subgroup (12.39), however the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the T1DM patients have a higher caries experience, regardless of the degree of metabolic control. The level of untreated dental decay and missing teeth components among the diabetic adolescents indicates irregular dental attendance.

Does lower lifetime fluoridation exposure explain why people outside capital cities have poor clinical oral health?

Australians outside state capital cities have greater caries experience than their counterparts in capital cities. We hypothesized that differing water fluoridation exposure was associated with this disparity. Data were the 2004-06 Australian National Survey of Adult Oral Health. Examiners measured participant decayed, missing and filled teeth and DMFT Index, and lifetime fluoridation exposure was quantified. Multivariable linear regression models estimated differences in caries experience between capital city residents and others, with and without adjustment for fluoridation exposure. There was greater mean lifetime fluoridation exposure in state capital cities (59.1%, 95% confidence interval = 56.9, 61.4) than outside capital cities (42.3, confidence interval = 36.9, 47.6). People located outside capital city areas had differing sociodemographic characteristics and dental visiting patterns, and a higher mean DMFT (capital cities = 12.9, non-capital cities = 14.3, p = 0.02), than people from capital cities. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and dental visits, DMFT of people living in capital cities was less than non-capital city residents (regression coefficient = 0.8, p = 0.01). The disparity was no longer statistically significant (regression coefficient = 0.6, p = 0.09) after additional adjustment for fluoridation exposure.

Dental caries in individuals with Down syndrome: a systematic review.

Many studies have shown a lower experience of caries in people with Down syndrome compared to individuals without Down syndrome, but this issue has not been critically evaluated. To conduct a systematic review of the international literature on dental caries experience in people with Down syndrome. Three online databases (PubMed, LILACS, and Cochrane) were used to identify relevant studies on caries experience in people with Down syndrome published until May 2015. PICO (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison group, and Outcome) criteria were used to screen studies by title and abstract. An assessment of the methodological study quality was performed according to the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The search resulted in 226 studies. Thirteen publications were included in the systematic review. Ten studies reported results of lower caries experience in individuals with Down syndrome in at least one age group studied. Three studies reported no differences in caries experience among the groups. All studies, however, included in this systematic review had limitations that increased the likelihood of bias in the study results. There is no scientific evidence to support the hypothesis that people with Down syndrome have a lower experience of caries than non-syndromic individuals.

Epidemiologische Studie zur Kariesprävalenz von Erstklässlern (Schuljahr 2013/2014) in Rheinland-Pfalz

AimIn the scope of the annual examination of first graders ‘oral health we intended to evaluate the first graders’ oral health based on the examination data for 2013/2014.MethodsInstructed examiners measured the d3mft/ D3MFT index and evaluated the oral health in 28,522 first grade school childrenResultsThe majority of the children (61 %) had a naturally healthy dentition, 13 % had undergone succesful caries treatment and 26 % showed carious lesions. The mean d3mft score was 1.28 (SD: 2.27); 19 % of the first graders had a d3mft > 2. This group had by far the most caries experience (79.6 %). Furthermore, Boys (d3mft 1.38) showed a worse dental health compared to girls (d3mft 1.15). Significant differences in caries experience between children from rural regions and children from urban areas were not seen. The mean d3mft values of first graders in urban areas were 1.25 (SD: 2.23) respectively 1.35 (SD: 2.35) in rural areas.ConclusionCaries experience was reduced in Rhineland Palatinate by 28.1 % versus 2009. The percentage of caries free dentitions increased to 61 %.

Oral health, medical diagnoses, and functioning profiles in children with disabilities receiving paediatric specialist dental care – a study using the ICF-CY

Purpose: To describe 0–16-year-old children with disabilities receiving paediatric specialist dental care from a biopsychosocial perspective, with focus on relationship between oral health, medical diagnosis, and functioning. Method: A questionnaire with an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Children and Youth version (ICF-CY) Checklist for Oral Health was completed using structured interview, direct observation, and information from dental records. Descriptive data analysis was performed together with principle component analysis to calculate factors of functioning used in cluster analysis in order to present functioning profiles. Results: Ninety-nine children with at least one major medical diagnosis were included. Twenty had previous caries experience. Two factors of functioning were calculated, labelled “Physical ability” and “Intellectual ability, communication, and behaviour”. Based on functioning profiles three clusters were determined. There were no statistically significant differences in caries experience between medical diagnoses or clusters. Conclusion: It was possible to identify profiles of functioning in children with disabilities receiving specialist dental care. Despite complex disabilities, the children had good oral health. Neither medical diagnosis nor functioning was found to have a clear relationship with oral health. To understand the environmental context leading to high-quality oral health, further studies of dental management in relation to medical and oral diagnoses and child functioning are needed.Implications for RehabilitationChild Oral HealthThe use of ICF-CY makes it possible for paediatric dentists to assess children’s functioning, disability, and health from a biopsychosocial perspective, showing that the medical diagnosis alone is not enough to assess functions relevant for oral health in the individual.In order to adequately organize, plan, and improve dental care for this heterogenic group of young patients with disabilities a biopsychosocial approach is valuable, aiding a holistic perspective on oral health.Despite complex medical and functional disabilities that may challenge oral health and dental care, this study finds oral health to be good in a group of children with disabilities attending a specialist dental clinic.

Saliva composition in three selected groups with normal stimulated salivary flow rates, but yet major differences in caries experience and dental erosion

Objective. It was hypothesized that, by comparing matched subjects with major differences in these dental diseases, but yet normal saliva flow rates, it would be possible to obtain data on the effect of saliva composition on dental disease isolated from the effect of the flow rate. Thus, the aim of the study was to compare the major physicochemical characteristics of stimulated whole saliva in three groups of 85 subjects, each with normal saliva flow rates and at least 24 remaining teeth. Materials and methods. A group with very little dental disease (healthy), a group with dental erosion (erosion) and a group with very high caries experience (caries) were chosen. Furthermore, the aim was to determine whether differences among groups could also be found on an individual level. Results. Although it was not possible to retrieve three groups whose members were completely identical, the present study points in the direction that, on a group level, subjects with very little dental disease seemed to have a more favorable physicochemical saliva composition with respect to higher calcium, phosphate, bicarbonate, pH, degree of saturation with respect to hydroxyapatite and a lower critical pH (p < 0.05 or less). However, on an individual level the explanatory power for the saliva composition was only 10% for caries experience and only 11% for dental erosion (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The compositional analyses performed in this study on stimulated whole saliva, including major physicochemical characteristics of saliva, will most likely have little predictive value for future dental caries and erosion in single individuals.

Overweight and obesity are not associated with dental caries among 12‐year‐old South Brazilian schoolchildren

To assess the association between weight status and dental caries among 12-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Porto Alegre using a multistage probability sampling strategy to draw a representative sample of schoolchildren attending public and private schools. Data on demographics, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene habits, anthropometrics, and dental caries were collected. Overweight and obesity were defined according to WHO categories for BMI (body mass index)-for-age Z-scores. Survey Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between weight status and dental caries. Estimates were adjusted for gender, socioeconomic status, and brushing frequency. Prevalence ratios (PR), rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported. One thousand five hundred and twenty-eight of 1837 eligible schoolchildren were examined. Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 22.15% (95% CI = 20.59-23.72) and 13.61% (95% CI = 11.44-15.78), respectively. Caries experience was observed in 55.23% (95% CI = 45.26-65.19) of children. Schoolchildren presented, on average, 1.39 (95% CI = 1.07-1.71) decayed, missing or filled teeth. No significant differences in caries experience or extent were observed among BMI groups. After adjusting for important cofactors, weight status was not associated with caries prevalence (overweight, PR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.89-1.10; obese, PR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.87-1.16) or caries extent (overweight, RR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.74-1.12; obese, RR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.72-1.04). Our findings indicate that overweight and obese adolescents should not be regarded as at higher risk of dental caries in this population.

Risk indicators of coronal and root caries in Greek middle aged adults and senior citizens

BackgroundDental caries is the result of a complex interplay of multiple determinants which may change overtime. Therefore, periodic surveys of caries experience and redetermination of the risk indicators of the disease are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of coronal and root caries in Greeks aged 35-44 and 65-74-year-old in relation to socio-demographic parameters. Furthermore, trends in coronal caries experience of the 35-44-year-olds were investigated.MethodsA sample of 1188 35-44-year-old and 1093 65-74-year-old individuals was selected in 2005 according to WHO guidelines for national pathfinder surveys. Caries was assessed in dentate subjects using the DMFT, DMFS, RDFS and RCI indices. Socio-demographic data were also collected. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify the effect of socio-demographic parameters.ResultsThe mean DMFT and DMFS scores of the adults were 14.06 and 45.78 respectively, while those of the senior citizens were 20.63 and 89.82. Among the 35-44-year-ods, men and those having a higher educational attainment had significantly lower DMFS values (women OR = 1.679, CI: 1.243-2.267 and >12 years of education OR = 0.321, CI: 0.193-0.535 respectively), while educational level was the only predictor of DMFS in senior citizens (OR = 0.279, CI: 0.079-0.992). The mean DMFT score of the 35-44-year-olds has not improved since 1985, but there was a remarkable reduction in the number of DT related to a simultaneous increase in the number of FT. The mean RDFS rose from 0.39 in adults to 2.66 in senior citizens. The mean RDFS score of the middle aged adults was significantly correlated with education (OR = 0.346, CI: 0.180-0.664). The RCI was almost four times greater in seniors (9.73) than in adults (2.53). There were significant differences in caries experience between the surveyed regions. MS and RDS were the major components of the DMFS and RDFS indices respectively, in both age groups.ConclusionsCaries experience in Greek adults is similar to what is observed in most industrialized countries. The mean DMFT score of the 35-44-year-olds has not improved since 1985, but a great improvement in restorative care has been observed. Senior citizens had a high percentage of untreated coronal and root surfaces. Region and education were the strongest predictors of caries experience. An increase in oral care utilization and effective prevention over the whole lifespan are needed to improve the dental health of the Greek adult population.