DMFT Index Research Articles

Impact of Socioeconomic Inequalities on Dental Caries Status in Sardinian Children.

The association between oral health of schoolchildren living in the North Sardinia area and socioeconomic deprivation was assessed to evaluate a potential spatial correlation. A total of 10,947 subjects were examined (5281 aged 3-5-years, and 5666 aged 6-11-years). The WHO dmft index score was calculated following clinical examination by calibrated examiners. The Sardinian Deprivation Index (IDMS) of the children's municipalities was also considered. Descriptive, bivariate and multinomial data analysis was conducted to assess the association between clinical data and socioeconomic deprivation. The presence of systematic spatial variation regarding caries experience (dmft) and deprivation status was investigated using a spatial autoregressive analysis. Caries figures were statistically different in the two age groups (dmf > 0, 13.79% in the younger group vs. dmf > 0, 34.20% in the older one, p < 0.01). In a multinomial logistic regression model for caries experience, all the covariates were statistically significantly associated (p < 0.01) in comparison with the base outcome "caries-free". Linear regression analysis showed a dependence of dmft on IDMS (p < 0.01). Based on this equation, the dmft of the 39 municipalities that did not participate in the survey was estimated. IDMS was statistically significantly associated (p < 0.01) with caries prevalence in the spatial regression model. The deprivation index significantly increased the risk of caries for all categories of caries experience and prevalence compared to caries-free. The relationship between IDMS and caries data was also confirmed by spatial analysis.

Structural Relationships between Asthma and Dental Caries in Children: A Birth Cohort Study in Southern Brazil

Introduction: There is an inconclusive causal association between asthma symptoms and dental caries in the primary dentition. This study aimed to investigate, using SEM (structural equation modeling), a possible causal relation between asthma and dental caries in the primary dentition. Methods: Using data from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study, a sub-sample of 1,303 individuals was selected. Dental caries was clinically evaluated at 5 years old based on decayed, missing, and filled tooth (dmft) index criteria. Asthma-related symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) at 1- and 4-year-olds composed a latent variable and were the main exposures to caries occurrence. SEM was used to identify possible direct, indirect, and mediated effects of asthma in primary dentition dental caries. Results: The general prevalence of caries at age 5 was 1.95 (SD: 3.56). When comparing the dmft values for children with asthma symptoms and those without, they presented similar values in both periods where asthma symptoms were evaluated (1- and 4-year-old). SEM analysis showed that asthma was neither directly nor indirectly related to dental caries. Conclusion: Asthma, using a latent variable constructed based on asthma symptoms, showed no causal effect on dental caries occurrence in the primary dentition.

Self-reported oral health-related quality of life and caries experiences of 5-year-old children in Mandalay, Myanmar

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the impact of dental caries and other potential socio-demographic factors on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children from Myanmar. This was done using the Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old children (SOHO-5) as reported by both the children and their parents.MethodsA structured questionnaire was conducted to collect demographic information about the children and their caregivers, as well as socioeconomic data. The OHRQoL was assessed by interviewing the children and their parents using the Myanmar versions of SOHO-5c and SOHO-5p, respectively. Caries experience was assessed by two calibrated examiners and recorded using the dmft index. The Poisson regression model was adopted to investigate the association between OHRQoL and dental caries including socioeconomic factors.ResultsA total of 454 pairs participated in the study. Among them, 64% of children and 70% of parents reported a negative impact on OHRQoL (with SOHO-5c and SOHO-5p scores exceeding 0). The mean score (SD) of the child self-report and parental version of the SOHO-5 was 1.86 (2.27) and 2.65 (3.13), respectively. Difficulties in eating and sleeping were the most commonly reported by both children and parents. The overall prevalence of dental caries was 87% (mean dmft score:5.59, SD:4.65). The final multivariate-adjusted model revealed that children with higher caries experiences were more likely to have lower OHRQoL for both child self-report (RR 4.38, 95% CI 3.16–6.14, p < 0.001) and parental report (RR 6.07, 95% CI 4.38–8.41, p < 0.001), respectively. A lower family income had a negative impact on the children’s OHRQoL in child self-report (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.26–2.04, p < 0.001) and parental report (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.19–1.78, p < 0.001).ConclusionTwo-thirds of the study children and their parents perceived the negative impact on children’s OHRQoL. Higher caries experience and lower family income were associated with poorer OHRQoL of 5-year-old Myanmar children.

Salivary biochemical parameters in people living with HIV on ART and dental caries: a cross-sectional study in Monastir, Tunisia

BackgroundStudies regarding salivary biochemical parameters and dental caries in adult people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are scanty. Aim: To investigate salivary biochemical parameters and dental caries in adult PLWHA who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and compare the findings with people negative for HIV infection.MethodsThe study included 50 HIV positive individuals as a test group (TG) and 50 HIV negative individuals as a control group (CG). Dental examination was performed according to WHO guidelines to assess DMFT. Digital panoramic radiographs were taken to detect additional infectious foci. Non-stimulated saliva was collected between 9 and 12 a. m for 5 min to evaluate 18 biochemical parameters and salivary flow rate (SFR). Parametric and non parametric tests were used according to data distribution. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05%.ResultsPatients’ mean ages and M/F sex ratios for TG and CG were 38.80 ± 9.69 y/o. vs. 37.98 ± 13.47 y/o. and 3.54 vs. 2.33, respectively. Higher means of decayed teeth were recorded in TG, 4.47 ± 3.00 vs. 3.88 ± 2.81 in CG with no significant difference (p = 0.41). Means of filled teeth were significantly lower in TG 2.38 ± 2.16 vs. 4.16 ± 3.35 in CG (p = 0.01), respectively. No statistical significant difference was noted in DMFT indices between the 2 groups (8.04 ± 6.90 vs. 8.52 ± 6.24, p = 0.71). The following salivary parameters were significantly lower in TG compared to CG, respectively: mean SFR 0.44 ± 0.18 ml/min vs. 0.61 ± 0.26 ml/min; median levels of sodium and chlorides, 4 mmol/L and 13.5 mmol/L vs. 9 mmol/L and 19 mmol/L (p < 0.001) and uric acid, 103.50 mmol/L vs. 163 (p = 0.009). However, higher median levels were recorded with calcium, 1.09 mmol/L vs. 0.54 (p < 0.001) and sIgA 23 mg/dl vs. 5 mg/dl (p < 0.001). In TG, a positive correlation was found between DC, potassium, urea, and chlorides (p < 0.05). Salivary renal and hepatic biomarkers were comparable between the two groups.ConclusionsPLWHA have shown an alteration in some salivary parameters, more decayed teeth and less filled teeth. Preventive measures should be implemented to lower dental caries and enhance accessibility to oral care services. In addition, saliva can be utilized to monitor oral and general health status among PLWHA on ART.

Association between DMFT and primary headaches: a study based on the Rafsanjan cohort study

BackgroundAlthough primary headaches are common disorders, there is little research on the possible relationship between primary headaches and oral health (decayed, missing, and filled teeth: DMFT). The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the DMFT index and primary headaches.MethodThis descriptive study was performed on 8682 cases from the Rafsanjani cohort population based on the Rafsanjani cohort study (RCS) and Oral Health Branch of the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (OHBRCS). Episodic primary headache (EPH) and chronic primary headache (CPH) of RCS patients who participated in OHBRCS were studied according to their DMFT score in comparison to nonprimary headache patients. Demographic characteristics and risk factors were compared in different groups. We used crude and multiple logistic regression analyses in this study.ResultsThe missing teeth were significantly higher in the CPH group than in the no CPH group (P < 0.001), and filled teeth were significantly higher in the EPH group than in the no EPH group (P < 0.001). In the crude model, there was a direct significant association between the prevalence of EPH and filled teeth total and > 5 filled teeth, and after adjusting for confounders, this relationship remained significant. The odds ratios of CPH were not associated with DMFT or its components in the adjusted models.ConclusionOur study found a correlation between filled teeth and EPH cases, but no correlation between CPH and DMFT or its components.

A comparative evaluation of the effects of respiratory diseases on dental caries

PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the susceptibility of patients suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to dental caries by analyzing the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of saliva, which are influenced by the medications they use.MethodsA cohort of 104 individuals, spanning from 18 to 70 years of age, underwent a meticulous categorization based on their unique medical profiles and prescribed medication routines. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to elucidate potential risk factors associated with dental caries. Alongside the assessment of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT index), decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS index), and Green and Vermillion Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (G&V OHI-S) values, measurements were performed to gauge salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and the presence of S. mutans, L. casei, S. aureus, and C. albicans. The acquired data were then inputted into the Cariogram software, enabling the derivation of personalized caries risk profiles for each individual.ResultsThe diseased group exhibited significantly elevated levels of DMFT, DMFS, and G&V OHI-S values in comparison to the control group (p < 0.01). Moreover, the caries risk levels derived from the Cariogram were found to be significantly higher in patients diagnosed with asthma and COPD (p < 0.01). Notably, no substantial distinction was observed between these two experimental groups. Furthermore, it was discerned that COPD patients utilizing two or three distinct medications did not display any discernible variation in terms of their susceptibility to dental caries (p > 0.05).ConclusionAsthma and COPD patients exhibit an increased susceptibility to dental caries as a result of their medication regimens. Hence, it is highly advisable for these individuals to demonstrate heightened vigilance in terms of oral hygiene practices and seek regular dental check-ups for continuous monitoring and preventive care.

Early childhood caries risk indicators among preschool children in rural Egypt: a case control study

BackgroundEarly childhood caries (ECC) is a public health problem, especially in developing countries like Egypt which has an ECC prevalence of 74%. This research aimed to assess the risk indicators associated with ECC in a rural, socially-disadvantaged population in Alexandria, Egypt.MethodsA case-control study was conducted in 8 nurseries of preschool children aged 3 to 5 years in rural, deprived areas in Alexandria, Egypt, from October 2019 till January 2020. Two groups, 93 with ECC and 93 without ECC. A validated questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data including age, sex, number of siblings, socioeconomic status, oral health practices including toothbrushing frequency, pattern of dental visits, daily frequency of sugary snacks. Also, salivary pH and buffering capacity were assessed. A trained and calibrated dentist assessed caries status clinically according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria using the dmft index and oral hygiene status using Silness and Loe Plaque Index. Chi-squared test, followed by multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the relation between independent variables and ECC, P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.ResultsBivariate analysis showed that age, mother’s education, dental visits, dietary habits, Plaque index, salivary pH and buffering capacity were significantly associated with ECC. The significant risk indicators for ECC in multivariable regression were age (AOR = 4.73, 95% CI: 2.76–7.83), mother’s education (illiterate vs. university educated, AOR = 28.36, 95% CI: 8.51-112.92), frequency of daily sugary snacks (twice vs. once, AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.29–3.49, and three or more vs. once, AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.72–3.27), night feeding (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.38–10.21), Plaque index (AOR = 21.34, 95% CI: 5.56–81.99), and salivary pH (AOR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.05–0.58).ConclusionThis study suggests that sociodemographic indicators, dietary habits, plaque accumulation and salivary pH are risk indicators for ECC in the studied population.

Dental caries in children and adolescents with poorly-controlled diabetes: a case-control study.

The relationship between diabetes and dental caries remains uncertain. The main objective of this study was to quantify dental caries in children and adolescents with and without poorly-controlled diabetes to examine whether poorly-controlled diabetes influences caries prevalence and severity. This was a case-control study of children and adolescents with poorly-controlled diabetes and age-matched controls attending paediatric clinics at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE in August 2022. Dental caries was diagnosed by visual examination and dental probing to derive total number of decayed, missing, and filled tooth or surface (DMFT/DMFS) indices. Differences in caries metrics between subjects with diabetes and controls were assessed using chi-squared or Mann Whitney U-tests. Fifty-seven children and adolescents without diabetes and 42 with poorly-controlled (HbA1c ≥ 7.5) diabetes were recruited. The median (interquartile range, IQR) DMFT index was 4 (5) and the DMFS index was 4 (11). There were no significant differences in DMFT % [14.0 (21.5) vs.13.0 (20.0); p = 0.602], DMFT index [4 (5) vs. 3 (6); p = 0.749], nor DMFS index [5 (12) vs. 4 (11); p = 0.484] between patients and controls. Diabetes either has no effect on caries risk or its effect is so small that it is masked by dominant risk factors such as diet and obesity that require addressing through robust public health measures. While poor glycaemic control does not appear to influence caries risk, diet and obesity remain serious and addressable risk factors affecting oral health.

Epidemiology of dental caries in internally displaced children during wartime in Ukraine.

Aim: To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the oral health status of this vulnerable population in order to collect objective data that will contribute to the development of effective strategies for maintaining and improving oral health in wartime conditions. Material and Methods: This epidemiological study was carried out within the initial 6 months of the full-scale invasion of the country. The oral health indices of 1050 internally displaced children, aged 3 to 17 years, seeking dental care at the Municipal Children Dental Clinic in Poltava, were analyzed. Results: The total sample comprised 620 children aged 6-11 years (mean = 8.5, SD = 0.76), with a gender distribution of 52% boys and 48% girls. The participants were divided into three age groups: Group I (6-7 years), Group II (8-9 years), and Group III (10-11 years). The average prevalence of dental caries, as measured by the dmft + DMFT index, was 76.5%, with prevalence increasing with age. Specifically, the prevalence of dental caries based on the dmft index was lower in children of Group III (66.6%) compared to Group I (79.49%). Conclusions: The analysis of the oral status among internally displaced children aged 6-11 years revealed higher dental caries prevalence and intensity compared to local children. Notably, children aged 6-7 years showed a high rate of caries in temporary teeth.

Relationship between Water Quality in Coal Mine Voids and Dental Health

Dental and oral health is a major challenge in East Kalimantan, and nearly 73% of the population has problems with oral health. Water quality is an important factor that causes tooth decay through enamel demineralization. In the context of coal mining, high water acidity is primarily due to the presence of pyrite sulfide minerals and low fluoride ion content. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between water quality, oral hygiene (OHIS), and the level of dental health in people who consume post-mining void water. The method was analytic observation with a cross-sectional approach, and the instruments used were the oral hygiene index, dental caries index, acidity level of water, and fluorine content test. The population included people who lived in void water areas after coal mining, and the sample included post-coal mining void water users. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling method with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The dependent variable was dental caries, whereas the independent variables were post-mining void acid water, fluorine content, and oral hygiene. The procedure of this study included testing water samples at the location with a pH meter, testing the fluorine content in the laboratory using spectrophotometry, examining oral hygiene with the oral hygiene index, and assessing tooth decay with the DMFT index. The results showed that there was a relationship between the level of acidity (pH), fluorine content, oral hygiene, and the level of dental health (DMFT) in people who use coal mine void water.

The effect of vitamin D deficiency on the content of some soluble signaling molecules in the oral fluid in individuals with dental caries

The aim of the sthudy is to sthudy the level of soluble Immune Checkpoint Molecules (B7.2, CTLA-4, Tim-3, Lag-3, PD-1) in the oral fluid during dental caries with the background of a lack and/or deficiency of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D in body. During the research 3 groups of people were formed, each one of them included 17 people aged from 20 to 24 years. The first group included students with high-intensity caries (above 9 DMFt index) and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in blood serum >30 ng/ml, the second included students with high caries intensity and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels <30 ng/ml. The control group consisted of students with an average DMFt index of 1.5 (from 0 to 3) and a level of 25(OH)D in the blood more than 30 ng/ml. To determine the content of B7.2 (CD86), CTLA-4, Tim-3, Lag-3, PD-1, the Human Vascular Inflammation Panel 1 multiplex analysis kit from Biolegend (USA) was used. The results of the research showed that during dental caries with a normal level of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D there are no significant changes in the content of Immune Checkpoint Molecules. With the background of deficiency and lack of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D there is a decrease in the amount of B7.2, LAG-3, Tim-3 and PD-1. These changes are being aggravated with an increase of the caries intensity. Vitamin D deficiency leads to a decrease in mucosal immunity of the oral cavity, the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms, which in turn, releasing various metabolites, including cytokine-like substances, aggravate the pathological process and intensify carious lesions.

Trends and age-period-cohort effect on dental caries prevalence from 2008 to 2019 among Brazilian preschoolers.

This study aimed to evaluate trends in the prevalence of dental caries in preschool children and associated factors considering different time variations. This is a time series study performed using data from three cross-sectional studies with pre-school children from southern Brazil in 2008, 2013 and 2019. This children group was born between the years of 2003 to 2018. Dental caries was evaluated by decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth (dmft index). Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural and psychosocial variables were also collected. Chi-square test for trends and a hierarchical age-period-cohort (HAPC) analysis using multilevel Poisson regression model for testing the associations between predictor variables and dental caries experience were used. A total of 1,644 pre-school children participated in all surveys. There was a significant difference in caries experience considering all APC effects. The prevalence of dental caries was 25.0% in 2008, 16.3% in 2013, and 19.4% in 2019 (p < 0.01) and no statistical difference was observed. An age effect showed that older children were more likely to experience dental caries. Considering the cohort effect, there is a significant difference between the generations, mainly between 2003 and 2018. Household income, use of dental services, and parent's perception of child oral health were associated with dental caries experience no matter the time variation. Despite recent declines in dental caries prevalence among preschool children, caries levels increased with age and social inequalities persisted through the years, indicating a need of reviewing the policies to reduce the burden of this oral disease.

Need for prosthodontics of permanent teeth in children aged 8-18 years

To reveal need for prosthodontics in permanent teeth in children aged 8-18 years. The study was performed in Khimki Dental Municipal Clinic. Dental examination and radiological studies were conducted in 97 primary patients aged 8-18 years. Indications for prosthodontics in permanent teeth were occlusal deterioration index more than 40% and crown decay of more than 50% in incisors and canines. Additional features were registered including DMFT index, the presence of extracted teeth and teeth after root canal treatment, as well and teeth with extensive restorations with resins and marginal seal quality. From 97 primary patients (27.8%) children needed prosthodontics in permanent teeth (in average 2.3±2.1 teeth): 1 tooth in 10 children, 2 teeth in 11 children, 3 teeth in 1 child, 4 teeth in 3 children and 4 teeth in 2 children. Mean DMFT was 8.1±4.5 teeth. Six children already had extracted permanent teeth (9 teeth in total). Half of the teeth (49.2%) which needed orthodontic treatment had history of root canal treatment while 46% needed primary or secondary endodontic treatment. Occlusal deterioration index was more than 40% in 41.3% of cases, more than 60% in 49.2% of teeth and more than 80% in 9.52% of teeth. From all the teeth restored with composite resins 41.7% had good marginal seal but 58.3% showed macroscopic signs of marginal leakage. Our study shows high percentage of adolescents having need for prosthodontics in permanent teeth and unjustified widening of indications for direct resin restorations in this group of patients.

Association between bullying at school and tooth loss among 15-19-year-olds from southern Brazil.

This study aimed to investigate the association between bullying at school and tooth loss in southern Brazilian adolescents. This population-based cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 15-19-year-old students attending high schools in Santa Maria, southern Brazil. Data on sociodemographic and behavioral variables were collected through questionnaires. Contextual data on bullying at school was provided by educational institutions (bullying episodes in the previous year: 'no,' 'sometimes,' or 'often'). Tooth loss was clinically assessed by the M component of the DMFT index, modeled as a discrete variable. Multilevel Poisson regression was used, and rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. The prevalence of tooth loss was 9.2% (95%CI = 7.5-10.8). Adolescents who attended the schools where bullying events often occurred had 0.39 (95%CI = 0.33-0.45) missing teeth, on average, in contrast to an average of 0.14 (95%CI = 0.08-0.19) among those whose schools did not experience bullying in the previous year. After adjusting for important cofactors, the contextual variable of bullying at school remained significantly associated with the study outcome. Adolescents who attended schools where bullying frequently occurred were 2.49-fold more likely to have an additional missing tooth than those whose school did not experience bullying in the previous year (RR = 2.49, 95%CI = 1.37-4.51, p = 0.003). In conclusion, the frequent bullying episodes at school were associated with more permanent teeth lost due to caries in this population. Hence, improving the school environment may improve the oral health of adolescents.

PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES ON PERMANENT FIRST MOLARS AMONG CHILDREN OF AGE GROUP 6-14 YEARS

Background: Dental caries currently represents the most common chronic disease among children. Early detection of caries is very important as it helps in the prevention and control of carious diseases. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of dental caries on permanent first molars among children of age group 6-14 years. Methods: This descriptive cross–sectional study was conducted among 270 children coming to Department of Pedodontics of Chitwan Medical College. The children of age 6-14 years were included in the study. Caries status was noted using DMFT index and the data was presented using descriptive statistical tool. This was analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 270 children of age group 6-14 years (Mean ± SD: 9.84 ± 2.24 years, median 10 years) participated in the study. The prevalence of dental caries of left mandibular first permanent molar was high 108 (40%) among the studied teeth. The prevalence of dental caries was high in mandibular arch. Conclusions: Among the permanent first molars, prevalence of dental caries was higher in mandibular arch than maxillary arch.

Nutritional Status and Caries at Children in Tajinan Sub-District Malang District

Background: Caries is a multifactorial disease that can happen to all ages, caries and malnutrition are problems that often happens to children and can affect general health. Caries can be related to malnutrition. Caries can make the child uncomfortable and lower the child’s appetite, thus leading to the decrease of nutritional intake which can make the child’s tooth more susceptible to caries and make the existing caries more severe, then it’s back to the beginning where the worsened caries will make the child’s appetite worse and so on. Objectives: To know the relations between caries and nutritional status at children in Tajinan sub-district Malang district. Methods: 80 elementary students were selected from two elementary school at Tajinan sub-District Malang District. Then the nutritional status is measures by anthropometric, using the body mass index for age (IMT/U) and Z-score and the level of caries is measured by using DMF-T and def-t index. Conclusion: There is an inverse relationship between the two variables (nutritional status and caries) in children, which means the lower the child’s nutritional status the higher the caries is and vice versa. The Spearman significancy is p=0,012 (P&lt;0,05). Conclusion: There is a relationship between nutritional status and caries.

A mixed method study to assess orodental problems and barriers to utilisation of orodental care in pregnant ladies of Himachal Pradesh

Background: The hormonal changes along with decreased salivation during pregnancy result in many orodental problems. The existing orodental conditions worsen due to barriers to the utilisation of orodental care during pregnancy. The objective of this study is to assess orodental problems and barriers to utilisation of orodenatl care in pregnant ladies Methods: Sample size is calculated using Cochran’s formula. The Purposive sampling technique was used to select hospitals and pregnant women from OPD of the gynecology and obstetrics department of hospitals selected in Himachal Pradesh. Using DMFT and CPI index, interview schedules the study's specific objectives are achieved. Results: Out of a sample of 112, 92.8% of pregnant women had dental caries, 34.8% of pregnant women had got restorative treatment and 25.8% had their teeth extracted. The majority of pregnant women (51.8%) had dental calculus and (29.5%) shallow periodontal pockets. The system, personal, and caregiver-related barriers are responsible for the underutilisation of orodental care among pregnant women. Conclusions: This study concluded many pregnant women face orodental problems along with a major factor of lack of dental education and no dental insurance associated with their orodental problems.

Dental health status assessment of TNI-AL bintara officers using DMFT index and Chief of Naval Staff Regulation: a descriptive study

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Military personnel belong to a high-risk group for the development of various pathological conditions in the oral cavity. Based on research, the experience of dental caries in the army population of several other countries was relatively high. The purpose of this study was to describe the assessment of the dental health status of Bintara Officer (the NCO) the Indonesian National Military-Naval Force (TNI-AL) using caries experience index. Methods: The descriptive method was used with primary data collection through the caries experience index (DMF-T) examination and assessment of the dental health status of the TNI-AL. A purposive sampling technique with a total of 40 members with inclusion criteria, ranked Bintara Officer, 10 years of service, male or female, was used. Exclusion criteria were those serving outside the city or abroad and not signing an informed consent form. The data was collected and analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel. Results: DMF-T index value was 3.7, included in the Stakes I category, which had a maximum number of DMF of 10 teeth: 25.0% in the very low category, 17.5% in the low category, 27.5% in the moderate category, 17.5% in the high category, and 12.5% in the very high category. The dental health status of the TNI-AL were 95.0% in the Stakes I category, 2.5% in the Stakes II category, 2.5% in the Stakes III category, and there were no subjects in the Stakes IV category. Conclusion: Assessment of the dental health status of bintara officer Indonesian National Military-Naval Force using DMFT index value was in the moderate category, and based on Perkasal the majority was included in the Stakes I category.KEYWORDS : Caries, DMF-T index, dentistry, TNI-AL dental health status

DMFT index of patients in the COVID-19 normalization period in Turkey

DMFT index of patients in the COVID-19 normalization period in Turkey

Oral Hygiene Habits and Dental Caries Status in Thalassaemic Patients of Larkana: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Thalassemia, a prevalent blood disorder in Larkana, poses significant challenges to oral health. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the dental caries status and oral hygiene habits in thalassemia patients, addressing a crucial aspect of their overall health management. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the status of dental caries and oral hygiene habits among thalassemia patients in Larkana. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Fatmid Foundation Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Thalassaemia Centre, Larkana, from October 2020 to May 2022. Oral examinations were performed using a mouth mirror and a blunt ball-ended probe with a 0.5 mm end diameter. Dental caries were diagnosed following World Health Organization criteria, and Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) was employed for oral hygiene assessment. Data collection included demographic details and oral hygiene practices, analyzed using SPSS Version 24. Results: The study comprised 52% male and 48% female participants, with a mean age of 11.61±4.561 years. Dental caries were observed in 73% of the patients. The Oral Hygiene Index score (p = .112) and DMFT Score (p = .837) revealed no significant gender differences. Conclusion: The study concludes that thalassemia patients in Larkana exhibit poor oral hygiene, with a high prevalence of dental caries. These findings underscore the need for targeted oral hygiene education and caries prevention strategies in this patient population.