Frequency Of Sugar Consumption Research Articles

Oral health status and associated factors among 12 to 15-year-old Chinese adolescents in Southeast China: A cross-sectional study.

This study assessed oral health conditions and associated factors (including sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported oral health-related behaviors) among Chinese adolescents. This cross-sectional study enrolled 3840 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years from 12 middle schools in Foshan, Southeast China, in 2016, using multistage, stratified cluster sampling. Participants underwent a clinical oral examination and completed a questionnaire. The prevalence of dental caries, probe bleeding, and calculus was 37.6%, 46.2%, and 39.7%, respectively; the mean decayed/missed/filled teeth index was 0.86 ± 1.58. A mean of 2.09 ± 3.65 and 1.85 ± 3.52 teeth showed probe bleeding and calculus, respectively. Only 0.3% and 0.1% of adolescents aged 15 years had periodontal pockets (depth ≥ 4 mm) and attachment loss, respectively, which were most common in tooth positions 46 and 36 (Federation Dentaire International 2-digit system). Regarding oral health-related behavior, 49.1% of the participants failed to brush their teeth at least twice daily, 98.5% never or rarely used dental floss, and 58.7% reported middle-high frequency sugar consumption. Older age, female, administrative region, maternal education lower than university, brushing teeth less than twice daily, flossing less than once daily, and frequent sugar consumption were significant risk factors of caries. Older age, female, administrative region, brushing less than twice daily, and flossing less than once daily significantly increased periodontal risk. Despite the overall low prevalence of adverse dental conditions among adolescents in Foshan, their oral hygiene habits were undeveloped. Thus, their identified risk factors need close monitoring, and families, schools, communities, and the government should jointly promote adolescents' oral health.

Development and Testing of the Novel Sugar Meter for Informing Sugar Intake Guidelines to Parents of Three- to Six-Year-Old Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In recent years, the consumption of refined sugar has increased manifold. Added sugar is implicated in dental caries, cardiovascular risk and obesity amongst other conditions. The 1025 World Health Organization (WHO) Sugar Guidelines recommends sugar intake below 10% of energy, but there is limited awareness about the same in the general population. The aim of this study was to test the Novel Sugar Meter for informing the WHO Sugar Guidelines to the parents of three- to six-year-old children. Twenty consenting parents and their three- to six-year-old children from an English-medium school in Navi Mumbai, India, were selected. The parents were asked to record their child's baseline dietary data for three consecutive days including one weekend day. The Novel Sugar Meter, an indigenously developed ready reckoner for identifying the quantity of sugars consumed, was used. The parents were counselled using the Novel Sugar Meter (intervention) and standard instructions on the WHO guidelines (control). The dietary data were recorded again to assess and compare dietary behaviour modifications. Comparison of pre-intervention versus post-intervention sugar consumptions showed a statistically significant reduction in the Novel Sugar Meter group (t(10) = 3.70891; p = .001388) but not in the control group (t(10) = 0.94081, p = 0.35926). Both groups showed a reduction in the frequency of daily sugar exposure, with significantly more reduction in the Novel Sugar Meter group (p = .000049). Novel Sugar Meter-based counselling has the potential for application for reducing the quantity and frequency of sugar consumption in children.

Differential longitudinal effects of frequent sweetened food consumption at different exposure ages on child cognitive, language, and motor development

BackgroundEvidence reveals frequent sugar consumption worsens cognition in animal models, and similar effects on child development are probable. We aimed to investigate the influence of sweetened foods (SFs) on child developmental trajectories. MethodsThe prospective cohort recruited 3-month-old children in Taiwan from 1st April 2016 to 30th June 2017. Developmental inventories including cognitive, language, and motor domains, were measured at the age of 3-,12-, 24-, and 36 months old via in-person interviews. We constructed latent growth models with covariates to estimate the influence of SFs on child development. ResultsUltimately, 4782 children (50.7% boys) were included in the statistical analysis. In the cognitive domain, consumption at one year of age significantly affected the intercept, but not the linear slope and quadratic term (intercept: estimate = −0.054, p < .001); consumption at two years of age significantly affected the intercept and quadratic term (intercept: estimate = −0.08, p < .001; quadratic term: estimate = −0.093, p = .026), but not the linear slope. In the language domain, only consumption at two years of age significantly affected the intercept (estimate = −0.054, p < .001). In the motor domain, consumption at two years of age significantly affected the linear slope and quadratic term (estimate = 0.080, p = .011 and estimate = −0.082, p = .048, respectively). ConclusionWe found SFs exposure at different times has different negative effects on child development. Early exposure to SFs harmed children's cognitive function. Relatively late exposure to SFs not only deteriorated children's cognitive and language abilities but also decelerated developmental velocity in cognitive and motor domains.

Parity, dental caries and implications for maternal depletion syndrome in northern Nigerian Hausa women.

Female reproductive history, especially high parity, affects general health and may impact negatively on oral health. While parity has been positively linked to tooth loss, the specific association between parity and caries has not been adequately investigated. To determine the association between parity and caries in a population of higher parity women. Influences of likely confounders (age, socio-economic status, reproductive parameters, oral health practices and sugar consumption between meals) were considered. This was a cross-sectional study involving 635 Hausa women of varying parity aged 13-80 years. Socio-demographic status, oral health practices and sugar consumption were obtained using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. All decayed, missing and filled teeth due to caries (excluding third molars) were noted, and tooth loss etiology was queried. Associations with caries were evaluated through correlation, ANOVA, post hoc analyses and Student's t tests. Effect sizes were considered for magnitude of differences. Multiple regression (binomial model) was used to investigate predictors of caries. Hausa women had a high prevalence of caries (41.4%) despite low sugar consumption; nonetheless the overall mean DMFT score was very low (1.23 ± 2.42). Older, higher parity women experienced more caries, as did those with longer reproductive spans. Additionally, poor oral hygiene, use of fluoride toothpaste and frequency of sugar consumption were significantly associated with caries. Higher parity (>6 children) was associated with higher DMFT scores. These results suggest that a form of maternal depletion, expressed as heightened caries susceptibility and subsequent tooth loss, occurs with higher parity.

Health-risk behaviours co-occur among children with untreated caries.

The aim of this study was to examine whether an aggregate of health risk behaviours is associated with the number of untreated dental caries among 12- and 15-year-old children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Data were from the Children's Dental Health Survey (CDHS) 2013, a nationally representative sample of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The survey included assessment of oral health and data on socioeconomic, demographic and behavioural factors pertaining to children aged 12-15 years. Tooth condition (decayed, missing and filled) was assessed by NHS dentists. The survey included questions on age, sex, country, index of multiple deprivation, smoking, alcohol consumption, frequent sugar consumption and sweetened sodas, infrequent dental visit, infrequent toothbrushing and infrequent consumption of fresh fruits. Health risk behaviours were summed up to create an aggregate variable of health risk behaviour. The association between number of untreated caries and the aggregate of health risk behaviours was assessed using negative binomial regression and adjusting for age, sex, country and deprivation. The total number of children included in the analysis was 4414. The mean number of untreated caries was generally higher among children with health risk behaviours. The aggregate of risk behaviour was associated with greater prevalence of untreated dental caries with rate ratio (RR) 1.26 (95% confidence interval: 1.18, 1.36). This study demonstrated an association between an aggregate of health risk behaviours and untreated caries. The findings highlight the importance of addressing multiple risk factors not only those directly related to dental caries.

Limitations in the comparison of the Brazilian National Dietary Surveys of 2008-2009 and 2017-2018.

ABSTRACTOBJETIVE:To present particular characteristics of two Brazilian National Dietary Surveys (Inquéritos Nacionais de Alimentação - INA) and the methodology used to better compare their data.METHODS:This study details the differences between both INA conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in 2008–2009 and 2017–2018. We present the alterations in data collecting methods and food composition tables as well as the analysis strategies recommended to obtain such data. A validation study with 95 participants of the third wave of the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health assessed the measurement error associated with the procedures adopted in the 24-hours dietary recall of INA 2017–2018. The reference standards were urinary protein recovery, sodium, and potassium biomarkers. Different strategies were used in the analysis of INA to compare two essential dietary items that had their collection method changed: fats and sugars.RESULTS:The validation study indicated lower underreport in the most recent survey with higher means of energy intake. The correlation of means for the 24-hours recalls with their respective biomarkers was 0.58 for proteins, 0.31 for potassium, and 0.30 for sodium. Comparing the food composition tables used in both surveys with the data obtained by INA 2008-2009, the mean variation of energy, macronutrients, and minerals was lower than 15%, except for trans fats and selenium, which had means 40% and 52% lower in the Tabela Brasileira de Composição de Alimentos (TBCA - Brazilian Food Composition Table). INA 2017–2018 presents lower means for added sugar, using a generic question about the frequency of sugar consumption as a measure for sugar as an additional item.CONCLUSION:The methodological changes promoted in the most recent INA enhanced food groups and nutrients intake estimation, adding detailed and specific data in dietary habits reports.

Associated Factors of Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Chinese Adolescents Aged 12-15 Years.

Students aged 12 to 15 years were recruited using to a multistage stratified random sampling method. All the subjects received oral examination and completed a questionnaire. Information relating to OHRQoL was collected through a Mandarin version of the child oral impacts on daily performances (Child-OIDP) questionnaire. The relationship between the Child-OIDP scores and independent variables was assessed using a Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and a multivariate Poisson regression. A total of 89,582 subjects were included in the analysis, of whom 76.6% reported oral impacts in the last 6 months. Eating was the most affected daily performance. The results of the regression analysis showed that factors associated with adolescents' OHRQoL included sex, location of residence, region, only child status, parents' level of education, frequency of sugar consumption, self-perception of general/oral health, dental appointments in the past 12 months, oral health knowledge status, age, decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index and number of teeth with gingival bleeding. Oral impacts were common among Chinese adolescents, although most were not so severe. Eating was the most commonly affected performance. Sex, location of residence, region, only child status, parents' level of education, frequency of sugar consumption, selfperception of general/oral health status, dental appointments in the previous 12 months, oral health knowledge status, age, DMFT index and number of teeth with gingival bleeding were found to be associated with OHRQoL.

Association of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference With Dental Caries and Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries Among 12- to 14-Year-old Boys: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) and dental caries (DC), and the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (U-DC) among 12- to 14-year-old male public-school adolescents in the Northern Province, Saudi Arabia. MethodsThe demographic and anthropometric measurements of 302 boys 12 to 14 years of age (mean: 12.5 years) were recorded. BMI and central obesity (based on WC) were measured. The decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index was used to record DC. The pulp involvement, ulceration, fistula, abscess (PUFA) index was used to quantify the clinical consequences of U-DC. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors related to DC and clinical consequences of U-DC. ResultsA high prevalence of DC was found in adolescents who were underweight according to BMI and nonobese based on WC (46.7% vs 34.5%). The association between underweight (BMI) and obese (WC) with DC (odds ratio [95% CI]) was 1.91 (0.87, 4.18) and 0.34 (0.18, 0.63), respectively, while with PUFA (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]; 95%CI), it was 1.76 (0.76, 4.09) and 0.19 (0.06, 0.63) respectively. The logistic regression model showed that consuming sugar more than once a day led to a 2.87-fold greater likelihood of DC (AOR [95% CI] = 2.87 [1.68, 4.88]) and a 3.91-fold greater likelihood of mean PUFA score (AOR [95% CI] = 3.91 [2.05, 7.44]. ConclusionHigh risks for DC and clinical consequences of U-DC were observed among underweight and nonobese adolescent males. The frequency of sugar consumption was significantly associated with both conditions.

Dental caries in adolescents from public schools in Maputo, Mozambique

To assess dental caries prevalence in adolescents at urban and sub-urban areas of Maputo-City, Mozambique and to identify its relationship with dental fluorosis, dental plaque, nutritional status, frequency of sugar consumption and the concentration of fluoride in public water supply. Subjects (n=601) were randomly selected from five urban schools and five sub-urban schools. Clinical examinations were performed under standardised conditions by a trained examiner using DMFT index, SiC index, fluorosis index, PHP, BMI, a sugar consumption questionnaire and water supply analysis. The bivariate analysis and Pearson correlation was used (p < 0.05). The mean (DMFT) was 0.9 (+/- 1.65 SD). Children in urban schools showed less dental caries (0.8 +/- 1.49 SD) than children in sub-urban schools (1.1 +/- 1.80 SD, p = 0.03). Only 8.15% had very mild to moderate fluorosis but most presented poor oral hygiene. Cases of malnutrition were found in more sub-urban schools (n=109; 36.22%) than in urban schools (n=66; 22.00%) (p = 0.03). The frequency of sugar consumption was higher among urban children compared to suburban schools (p < 0.00). The level of fluoride in water consumption in urban schools was 0.4 ppmF, above the level of fluoride in sub-urban schools, 0.2 ppmF. Dental caries should not be considered a major oral health problem in Maputo at the moment. However the data suggest the implementation of a population strategy to reduce dental caries rates, in children of both urban and sub-urban areas, in Maputo.

Association between maternal socioeconomic factors, decision-making status, and dental utilization by children with early childhood caries in sub-urban Nigeria.

To determine the association between maternal education, income, and decision-making status and the presence of early childhood caries (ECC) and dental-service utilization among young children. This cross-sectional study was based on data from a household survey of 1,549 mother-preschool-aged-child dyads conducted in Ife Central Local Government Area, Nigeria. The explanatory variables were maternal education, income, and decision-making status (related to healthcare, large household purchases, and visits to family/relatives). Outcome variables were the presence of ECC and the child's history of dental-service utilization. Poisson regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with outcomes; the models were adjusted for maternal age, child's socioeconomic status, oral hygiene status, and frequency of sugar consumption. The study recruited 1,549 mother-child dyads, of which 66 (4.3 percent) children had ECC, and 90 (5.9 percent) children had a history of dental-service utilization. Fewer than half (42.3 percent) of the mothers earned between N18,001($49.00) and 60,000 ($168.00) per month. Also, 896 (57.8 percent) reported not making any independent decisions, 152 (9.8 percent) made one of three decisions independently, and 313 (20.2 percent) made two or three decisions independently. In the adjusted model, children of mothers with monthly income higher than N60,000 were more likely to have used dental services than were those whose mother's monthly income was less than or equal to N18,000 (adjusted prevalence ratio = 2.29; 95%CI: 1.30-4.02; P = 0.004). No other maternal factor was associated with ECC. Although maternal socioeconomic factors and decision-making abilities were not associated with ECC prevalence, more preschool children whose mothers had high income used dental services.

Frequent use of selected sugary products associates with thinness, but not overweight during preadolescence: a cross-sectional study.

Convincing evidence suggests that diets laden with added sugar, specifically sugar-sweetened beverages, associate with excess weight in children. The relationships between sugar consumption frequency and BMI remain less well studied. We, therefore, evaluated children's consumption frequency of selected sugary products (n 8461; mean age 11·1 (sd 0·9) years) selected from the Finnish Health in Teens cohort study. Using a sixteen-item FFQ including six sugary products (chocolate/sweets, biscuits/cookies, ice cream, sweet pastry, sugary juice drinks and sugary soft drinks), we calculated a Sweet Treat Index (STI) for the frequency of weekly sugary product consumption and categorised children based on quartiles (Q) into low (Q1, cut-off < 4·0), medium (Q2 + Q3, range 4·0-10·5) and high STI (Q4, cut-off > 10·5), and as thin, normal and overweight/obese based on the measured BMI. Through multinomial logistic regression analyses, we found that subjects with a high STI exhibited a higher risk of being thin (OR 1·20, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·41) and lower risk of being overweight (OR 0·79, 95 % CI 0·67, 0·92), while subjects with a low STI were at higher risk of being overweight (OR 1·32, 95 % CI 1·14, 1·53). High consumption frequencies of salty snacks, pizza and hamburgers most closely were associated with a high STI. Our findings suggest that consuming sugary products at a high frequency does not associate with being overweight. The relationship between a low consumption frequency and being overweight suggests that overweight children's consumption frequency of sugary products may be controlled, restricted or underreported.

Association between nutritional status and early childhood caries risk profile in a suburban Nigeria community.

Malnutrition is associated with oral health problems. To determine the association between malnutrition (undernourished and over-nourished) and early childhood caries (ECC) in a suburban population in Nigeria. Data were extracted from a database of a household survey of 1549 under 6-year-old children. Explanatory variables were nutritional status (normal, undernourished [wasted, stunted and underweight], or over-nourished). The outcome measure was the prevalence of ECC. Children's sociodemographic characteristics (socio-economic status, sex, age) and caries-risk variables (frequency of sugar consumption in-between-meals, oral hygiene status) were the confounders. Association between ECC and malnutrition was determined using the Poisson regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at P≤.05. About one-third (31.4%) of children had expected height/weight for age; 848 (54.7%) were undernourished; and 215 (13.9%) were over-nourished. Nutritional status was not significantly associated with the prevalence of ECC. Children who consumed sugar in-between-meals three or more times a day were twice as likely to have ECC as were those who consumed sugar less often in-between-meals (APR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.30-3.81; P=.003). Children 3-5years old were more likely to have ECC than were those 0-2years old (APR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.10-5.22; P=.03). ECC was not associated with undernourished and over-nourished in a suburban population in Nigeria.

Prevalence and Correlation of Dental Caries with its Specific Risk Factors in 5-15-year-old School-going Children in Urban Population of Ghaziabad.

ABSTRACTDental caries is a rapidly emerging oral health problem amid the children with differing prevalence rate in different states of India. The data available from Ghaziabad city regarding dental caries are scarce; therefore, the study was conducted in 5–15-year school-going children in urban population of Ghaziabad.PurposeThe objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of dental caries in school-going children of 5–15-year age groups in urban population of Ghaziabad and to assess and intercorrelate its relationship with the form, frequency and total sugar exposure, socioeconomic status (SES) of family, and fluoride in drinking water.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted in 3,000 school-going children aged 5–15 years (divided into three age groups of 5–6, 7–12, and 13–15 years) studying in the government and private schools in the urban area of Ghaziabad city. A specifically designed pro forma was used for recording the personal data; sociodemographic profile; World Health Organization oral health assessment form for dental caries; 24-hour dietary recall to record the form, frequency, and total number of sugar exposure; and SES of the family (Kuppuswamy scale) of children. The concentration of fluoride in collected samples of drinking water was measured by the visual spectrophotometric method test. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed.ResultsThe overall caries prevalence in 5–15-year age group was found to be 54.6%. There was a statistical significant difference found when the age-group comparison (p = 0.001), gender-wise comparison (p = 0.001), SES comparison (p = 0.002), the physical form of sugar intake (p = 0.038), frequency of sugar consumption at/between meals (p = 0.001), and total number of sugar exposure during last 24 hours (p = 0.001) were evaluated with caries prevalence. The mean water fluoride level in the surveyed area was found to be 0.48 ppm and was found to be nonsignificantly (p = 0.248) associated with caries prevalence.ConclusionThe risk factors, such as age, gender, physical form of sugar, frequency of sugar consumption at and between meal and total number of sugar exposure during the last 24 hours, and SES of parents, were found to be associated with the prevalence of dental caries in school-going children of 5–15-year age group.How to cite this articleKumar D, Gandhi K, Maywad S, et al. Prevalence and Correlation of Dental Caries with its Specific Risk Factors in 5–15-year-old School-going Children in Urban Population of Ghaziabad. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(1):72–78.

Height and dental caries among 13-year-old adolescents in India: A sociobehavioral life course approach

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between height and dental caries among 13-year-old adolescents in schools of Bangalore, India. A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 1900 schoolchildren aged 13 years from both government and private schools of Bangalore using stratified random sampling. Demographic data; family-related factors; and general and oral health-related factors such as frequency of sugar consumption, dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and dental attendance were interviewed using both open-ended and close-ended questions. Anthropometric measurements for height and weight were performed. Clinical examination was done and caries was recorded using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index (WHO criteria, 1997). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0, and descriptive statistics including percentages, mean, and frequencies were performed. Student's t-test and ANOVA were applied to find the significant differences between mean DMFT among groups. Categorical data were analyzed by Chi-square test for differences between groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to find the correlation among dental caries and height and body mass index (BMI).P value was set at a statistical significance level of 0.05. The prevalence of dental caries among the study population was 36.3% which was higher among girls as compared to boys. Dental caries was found to be significantly associated with socioeconomic status, family structure, birth order, use of oral hygiene aids, mouthrinsing, last dental visit, weight, and BMI. Height and BMI showed a strong negative correlation with dental caries. The present study showed a significant negative correlation between height and dental caries. However, since both caries and height are a dynamic phenomenon, hence a longitudinal study exploring the possible relationship should be considered.

Association between early childhood caries and malnutrition in a sub-urban population in Nigeria

BackgroundTo determine the association between malnutrition and early childhood caries (ECC) in children resident in sub-urban, Nigeria.MethodsThis study was a subset of a larger cross-sectional study the data of which was generated through a household survey conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study’s explanatory variable was malnutrition (underweight, overweight, wasting and stunting) and the outcome variable was ECC. Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the association between ECC and malnutrition. Variables (sex, frequency of sugar consumption, maternal knowledge of oral hygiene, oral hygiene status) associated with ECC in the primary study were adjusted for to obtain the adjusted prevalence ratio (APR).ResultsOf the 370 children, 20 (5.41%) were underweight, 20 (5.41%) were overweight, 67 (18.11%) were wasting, 120 (32.43%) were stunted and 18 (4.86%) had ECC. Factors associated with ECC were being stunted, underweight, overweight and fair oral hygiene. The prevalence of ECC was lower in children who were stunted (APR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.03–0.69; p = 0.02), almost seven times higher in children who were overweight (APR: 6.88; 95% CI: 1.83–25.85; p < 0.001), and predictively absent in children who were underweight (APR: 0; 95% CI: 0–0; p < 0.001) when compared with children who had normal weight. Non-significant risk indicators for ECC included consuming sugar between meals three times a day or more, having low socioeconomic status and being female.ConclusionsFor this study population, the indicators of malnutrition – being stunted, underweight, overweight - and fair oral hygiene were risk indicators for ECC. The frequency of sugar consumption was not a significant risk indicator when malnutrition was included as an explanatory variable for ECC in the study population.

Early childhood caries epidemiology, aetiology, risk assessment, societal burden, management, education, and policy: Global perspective

This paper is a summary of the proceedings of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry Bangkok Conference on early childhood caries (ECC) held in 3-4 November 2018. The paper aims to convey a global perspective of ECC definitions, aetiology, risk factors, societal costs, management, educational curriculum, and policy. This global perspective on ECC is the compilation of the state of science, current concepts, and literature regarding ECC from worldwide experts on ECC. Early childhood caries is related to frequent sugar consumption in an environment of enamel adherent, acid-producing bacteria in a complex biofilm, as well as developmental defects of enamel. The seriousness, societal costs, and impact on quality of life of dental caries in pre-school children are enormous. Worldwide data show that ECC continues to be highly prevalent, yet infrequently treated. Approaches to reduce the prevalence include interventions that start in the first year of a child's life, evidence-based and risk-based management, and reimbursement systems that foster preventive care. This global perspective on ECC epidemiology, aetiology, risk assessment, global impact, and management is aimed to foster improved worldwide understanding and management of ECC.

Oral Health Behavior and Treatment Needs among Drug Addicts and Controls in Amritsar District: A Case-controlled Study.

Background:Substance and drug abuse is associated with severe psychosocial problems, violence and health complications.Aims:The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the oral hygiene status and sugar eating patterns among drug addicts with their age, gender and socio-economic status matched controls.Settings and Design:The present study comprised of two groups-Group A comprised of 100 drug addicts and Group B included 100 controls. The study sample were interviewed and subjected to a comprehensive intra-oral examination.Methods and Material:Standardized methods of evaluation were performed using mouth mirror, dental probe, explorer and WHO probe.Statistical Analysis:The data was subjected to statistical analysis using Chi Square test and student t-test.Results and Conclusions:CPITN index revealed bleeding in 56% addicts and calculus in 20% addicts. The mean DMFT of group A was 5.71 as compared to 2.45 in group B. The frequency of sugar consumption was found to be high in addicts as compared to the controls. Significant P values (< 0.001) of DMFT index, periodontal status and frequency of sugar consumption were obtained on statistical analysis. The caries status was found to be poor in addicts, but the periodontal treatment needs were similar for both group A and B. Oral health promotion should be undertaken in drug rehabilitation centers for overall success of withdrawl treatment.

Gene Phenotypes: The Role Can't Be Ignored in Etiology of Dental Caries

Gene Phenotypes: The Role Can't Be Ignored in Etiology of Dental Caries

Host Genetic Control of the Oral Microbiome in Health and Disease

Host-associated microbial communities are influenced by both host genetics and environmental factors. However, factors controlling the human oral microbiome and their impact on disease remain to be investigated. To determine the combined and relative effects of host genotype and environment on oral microbiome composition and caries phenotypes, we profiled the supragingival plaque microbiome of 485 dizygotic and monozygotic twins aged 5-11. Oral microbiome similarity always increased with shared host genotype, regardless of caries state. Additionally, although most of the variation in the oral microbiome was determined by environmental factors, highly heritable oral taxa were identified. The most heritable oral bacteria were not associated with caries state, did not tend to co-occur with other taxa, and decreased in abundance with age and sugar consumption frequency. Thus, while the human oral microbiome composition is influenced by host genetic background, potentially cariogenic taxa are likely not controlled by genetic factors.

Knowledge about preventive dentistry versus self-reported competence in providing preventive oral healthcare \u2013 a study among Nepalese dentists

BackgroundDentists’ and dental healthcare providers’ professional knowledge and attitude towards the prevention of oral diseases may have an impact on the oral health of the general population. The aim of this study was to describe Nepalese dentists’ competency in giving preventive education and treatment to their patients, and to assess their level of knowledge about preventive dental health.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 195 dentists (71 males and 124 females). Knowledge of preventive oral healthcare and self-reported aspects of preventive oral healthcare were assessed using a close-ended multiple-choice questionnaire. Statistical evaluation was done using chi-squared test, independent sample t-test and factor analysis as appropriate.ResultsMore than 90% of dentists self-reported to be competent in providing preventive treatment and oral hygiene education to their patients. Female dentists reported being more competent in giving oral hygiene education than their male counterparts (p = 0.045). Dentists scored a mean of 24.06 ± 3.8 [range (15–33)] out of 56 on knowledge based on self-reported awareness of seven different aspects of preventive dentistry. More than 70% of the dentists had relatively good knowledge regarding the use of fluoride, whereas the preventive knowledge in other aspects of dental health such as frequency of sugar consumption, xylitol use, dental visits, sealant, gingival health, dental and general health was found to be limited.ConclusionsThe majority of participating dentists reported a high level of general competency in providing preventive treatment and oral health education to their patients, whereas their knowledge was found to be limited in some aspects of preventive dentistry.