Higher DMFT Score Research Articles

The Influence of The Role of Parents on Dental and Oral Health From The Severity of Dental Caries in Deaf Children Aged 7-14 At SLB N 1 Bantul

Deaf children in their limitations really need the role of parents. Parental behavior is very important in the formation of behaviors that support or do not support children in maintaining dental and oral hygiene. Dental caries is a disease of dental tissue that is characterized by tissue damage, starting from the surface of the tooth (recess, fissure, and interproximal area) extending towards the pulp. The problem of high DMF-T scores in deaf children aged 7-14 years at SLB N 1 Bantul. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of the role of parents on dental and oral health from the severity of dental caries in deaf children aged 7-14 at SLB N 1 Bantul. This type of analytical research research with a cross sectional design. The research target was parents (fathers/mothers) and deaf children aged 7-14 years at SLB N 1 Bantul with a total sampling technique using the purposive sampling method. Data collection instruments, questionnaire sheets and examination sheets. The data analysis technique used is the Spearman-rank test. The results of the study showed that the p value (0.020) < 0.05, it can be concluded that there is an influence of the role of parents on dental and oral health reviewed from the severity of dental caries in deaf children aged 7-14 years at SLB N 1 Bantul with sufficient closeness.

Effect of Periodontal Scaling in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment on General Oral and Periodontal Health

Background: Orthodontic treatments, while improving dental alignment and facial aesthetics, significantly complicate oral hygiene management due to the fixed nature of orthodontic appliances. This study investigates the potential benefits of periodontal scaling in mitigating the adverse effects on oral and periodontal health among orthodontic patients. Objective: To evaluate the impact of periodontal scaling on the general oral and periodontal health of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 50 patients from the College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore. Conducted from April 2023 to April 2024, the study utilized a questionnaire to collect demographic data and information about the patients’ last dental scaling. The Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN) and the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) assessed the periodontal and general oral health. Results: The correlations between the time since the last scaling and general oral health (DMFT score: p=0.950) and periodontal health (CPITN: p=0.635) were not statistically significant. Higher DMFT scores were noted in patients who last had scaling over a year ago (30%), followed by those never scaled (26%). Pocket depths of 6mm were solely observed in unscaled patients. Conclusion: The incidence of decayed, missing, and filled teeth, as well as deeper pocket depths, were notably higher in orthodontic patients who had not received scaling in over a year or never at all, emphasizing the necessity of regular periodontal care.

Dental caries prevalence in relation to the cardiovascular diseases: cross-sectional findings from the Iranian kurdish population.

Oral and dental health (ODH) is a significant public health concern globally, affecting billions of people. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the prevalence of dental caries using the DMFT index and investigate its relationship with cardiovascular diseases in the Iranian Kurdish population. A total of 3,996 individuals aged 35-70 years were included from the Dehgolan prospective cohort study (DehPCS). Clinical examinations were performed to assess decayed (DT), missing (MT) and filled (FT) teeth (DMFT index). Data on demographics, socioeconomic status, medical history, oral hygiene practices were also collected. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) history was self-reported via questionnaires assessing heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between oral health indicators and self-reported CVD, adjusting for potential confounders. The mean DMFT score was 18.18 ± 19, indicating a high oral disease burden. Specifically, 60.04% had DT, 37.82% had more than 16 MT, and 38.83% had FT. Only 13.21% reported flossing regularly and 43.17% brushed less than daily, showing suboptimal oral hygiene. The overall CVD prevalence was 9.21%. Individuals with high DMFT (≥ 14) scores had approximately two times higher CVD prevalence than those with low DMFT. DMFT decreased by 10.23% with increase in education level, and by 5.87% as economic status increased In adjusted analyses, high DMFT scores (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.2-1.9) and MT (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.1-2.1) were associated with 50-150% increased odds of CVD, though associations weakened after adjusting for age. Among men, DMFT remained a significant predictor for CVD after age adjustment, with an odds ratio of 2.37 (95% CI: 1.22-4.60). This population had substantial oral disease and poor oral hygiene. Higher DMFT scores and MT positively correlated with increased CVD prevalence. Promoting preventive oral care and health education could help reduce dental issues and potentially lower CVD risk. Further research is needed to clarify biological mechanisms linking oral and systemic health.

Oral health vulnerability and its associated risk factors among tribal elderly people in Bangladesh: a primary pilot initiative of national oral health survey

Background Tribal elderly is a vulnerable population due to their geographic location and lack of access to healthcare services including poor oral health. As the primary initiative for representative ethnic oral health survey for elderly, this pilot study aims to assess the oral health status of tribal elderly in Bangladesh and identify the associated risk factors. Methods This cross-sectional pilot survey was conducted among 280 tribal elderlies aged 60 years and above residing in the main tribal residing region in Bangladesh. The data was collected through cluster sampling methods using a semi-structured questionnaire and oral examination. Different statistical tools including frequency distribution, Chi-square association test and multivariable logistic regression model were performed in data analysis. Results The results showed that 25.35% of the tribal elderly had high DMFT score, indicating poor oral health. Respondents’ age, sex, marital status, occupational status, sweet eater, tobacco, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with oral health. The major oral clinical sign and symptoms were dental carries, teeth sensitivity, loose teeth, broken teeth, calculus and staining in teeth, tongue pain and bad breath. The logistic regression analysis suggested that elderly aged 80 and above had 3.33 times more, males were 4.6 time less, tobacco user (smoked/smokeless) were 2.03 times more and alcohol consumers were 6.83 times more likely to experienced poor oral health condition than their counterparts. Conclusions Elderly individuals were found to be more likely to suffer from poor oral health condition than younger individuals, and certain lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, meal frequency, and sweet consumption can further increase the risk of poor oral health condition. The findings can be a primary initiative for further investigation on the nationally representative oral health survey among ethnic elderly.

The relationship between DMFT status and dental anxiety

Objective: This study aimed to assess the anxiety trait, the anxiety state, the dental anxiety, as well as the oral health of a group of patients who were referred to a maxillofacial surgery department. Material and Method: The study was conducted between 1 May 2019 and 31 May 2019. All patients were administered the anxiety-trait and anxiety state using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaires and Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale. Then, they were clinically examined, and a DMFT index score was calculated according to the WHO criteria and recorded for each patient. Demographics, smoking, and alcohol habits were also recorded for each patient. Result: Overall, 81 patients (52 females, 29 males) completed the study. Statistical analyses revealed a statistically significant association between occasional or daily smoking and high DMFT scores (p < 0.005). As for anxiety, a statistically significant association was observed between both high anxiety state and trait and high DMFT scores (p < 0.05), as well as between moderate or severe dental anxiety and high DMFT scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A higher anxiety is associated with a higher DMFT score. The assessment of dental anxiety may be necessary for routine diagnostic work-ups during dental practice. In more severe cases, a multidisciplinary approach with the aid of behavioral health or psychological professionals may be a valid option.

Factors influencing the longevity of posterior composite restorations: A dental university clinic study

ObjectivesThis retrospective study aimed to assess the performance of posterior composite resin restorations (PCRRs) and evaluate the influence of patient-specific factors on restoration outcomes. MethodsA total of 189 PCRRs were examined in 54 patients, with evaluations based on Modified USPHS criteria. Patient-specific factors were analyzed. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, and ANOVA tests, were conducted. ResultsPatients aged over 50 exhibited higher DMFT averages and a higher rate of unsuccessful restorations. Despite higher DMFT scores in females, gender doesn't significantly impact restoration outcomes. Secondary caries correlated with.plaque scores, significantly affecting restoration survival. Marginal adaptation, retention deficiencies, and secondary caries were primary causes of failure. Multi-surface restorations faced higher failure risk due to elevated plaque scores. Class-V restorations showed a higher failure rate, challenging the number of surfaces and longevity correlation. ConclusionsThis study identified key factors influencing posterior composite resin restorations-(PCRRs) in patients over 50, including higher DMFT averages and more unsuccessful restorations. No significant difference was found between brushing; frequency and DMFT rates, possibly due to the absence of non-brushers. Secondary caries; correlated with elevated plaque scores, impacting restoration survival. Primary causes of; failure included marginal adaptation issues, retention deficiencies, and secondary caries, with multi-surface restorations facing a higher risk. However, tooth vitality, beverage and acidic food consumption, and oral hygiene habits did not significantly affect PCRR outcomes. Clinical significancePatient-specific factors significantly impact PCRRs' long-term performance. Dentists must tailor strategies, emphasizing regular monitoring and preventive measures for extended survival.

Association of Dental Caries, Periodontal, and Nutritional Status with Body Mass Index among Incarcerated Women in Central Jail, Karachi, Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the association body mass index and the status of dental decay and gum health in women serving prison sentences. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation took place at the Central Jail for Women, Pakistan, spanning from January 2021 to February 2022. The study included all incarcerated women and those awaiting trial aged between 18 and 65 years, while individuals who declined participation were excluded. Con- venience sampling was employed, and each participant underwent examinations for dental caries and periodontal status. Sample size was calculated by considering the total number of women in prison to be 205, keeping the margin of error as 5%, and a confidence level of 95%, a sample size of 134 was calculated. Oral health was measured through DMFT index. Body mass indexes were re- corded by measuring the height and weight of the participants. Furthermore, nutritional habits includ- ing height, weight, source of food and frequency of food were also documented. Oral health conditions were evaluated in 131 women currently serving prison sentences. Results: About 23.7 % (n=31) were overweight and 6.1% were obese. Total 71.7% (n=94) of women had at least one decayed tooth, 63 (48.1%) had at least one missing tooth, and 7 (5.3%) had at least one filled tooth. The logistic regression analysis indicated a significant association between being overweight and the DMFT score, with an Exponentiation of B of 1.19 and a 95% confidence interval ranging from 1.03 to 1.38. The associated p-value was 0.021. Conclusion: It was found that high BMI was significantly associated with higher DMFT score. The re- sults of this study drives the attention of clinicians and researchers towards the unidentified health needs of incarcerated women. Among other medical conditions, sensitization to oral hygiene and oral health must also be prioritized. Further efforts should be directed towards making oral health acces- sible to the incarcerated population.

Poor oral health and the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Malawi.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the second most common cancer in Malawi. Risk factors for this cancer in Malawi are poorly understood. Poor oral health has previously been linked to increased ESCC risk in other high-incidence regions, including parts of Eastern and Southern Africa. We assessed the relationship between oral health and ESCC risk in a sex, age and location frequency-matched case-control study based at two hospitals in Lilongwe, Malawi from 2017 to 2020. Trained interviewers used a structured questionnaire and direct observation to collect data on demographics; behaviors; oral hygiene habits; the sum of decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT score); oral mucosa status; lip depigmentation and dental fluorosis via a visual scale. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), adjusted for known and suspected ESCC risk factors. During the study period, 300 cases and 300 controls were enrolled. Subjects in the highest tertile of DMFT score (≥7) had an increased risk of ESCC with an adjusted OR of 1.96 (95% CI: 1.16-3.36) compared to those with a DMFT score of 0. Severe dental fluorosis was associated with a statistically nonsignificant increased risk of ESCC (adjusted OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 0.97-5.49) compared to individuals with no fluorosis. Associations with oral mucosa status, lip depigmentation and toothbrushing method and frequency were mostly null or uncertain. Poor oral health, indicated by a higher DMFT score, was associated with increased ESCC risk in Malawi. Dental fluorosis is another possible risk factor in this population, but further evaluation is necessary to clarify any effects of fluorosis on ESCC risk.

The educational gradient in dental caries experience in Northern- Norway: a cross-sectional study from the seventh survey of the Tromsø study

BackgroundAlthough, studies from Norway indicate a reduction in dental caries experience, in Northern-Norway this non-communicable oral condition is still prevalent. There is conflicting evidence of presence of social inequalities in dental caries in an adult population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess an association between educational level and dental caries experience in adults in urban Tromsø municipality, Northern-Norway, using The World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) framework of health determinants.MethodsData from 3752 participants having recorded dental caries status and educational level in the seventh survey of the Tromsø Study: Tromsø7 were included. Dental status was examined clinically as decayed-, missing-, filled-teeth (DMFT score). For statistical analyses DMFT score was grouped into lower (DMFT < 19) and higher (DMFT ≥ 20). Educational level was obtained from a questionnaire and categorized as primary/partly secondary education, upper secondary education, tertiary education, short and tertiary education, long. Data on social and intermediary determinants was also self-reported. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were applied.ResultThis study included 1939 (52%) women and the mean age of the participants was 57.11. The mean DMFT score was 18.03. The odds of having higher DMFT score followed a gradient based on educational level. Participants who reported lower than secondary education had 2.06 -fold increased odds of having higher DMFT score than those with tertiary education, long (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.50–2.83). Those with upper secondary education had 60% higher odds of having higher DMFT score (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.21–2.11), and those with tertiary education, short had 66% higher odds of having higher DMFT score (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.24–2.22).ConclusionThe current cross-sectional study suggested an educational gradient in dental caries experience in an adult population of Northern- Norway. Further studies validating our results and investigating mechanisms of educational inequalities in oral health are warranted.

Impact of Dialysis on Periodontal and General Oral Health of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Objective: To assess the impact of dialysis on periodontal and general oral health of chronic kidney disease patients. Methodology: A Cross sectional comparative study was conducted in the department of Nephrology and Urology, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore on 32 patients with chronic kidney disease in the time duration of one year. Chronic kidney disease stage 3, 4 and 5 patients with age above 18 years, belonging to both the genders and same socioeconomic status were a part of the study. Data collection was based on the following parameters: Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). Results: There was a statistically non-significant association between stage of chronic kidney disease and periodontal health of patients undergoing dialysis (p=0.185) and general oral health (p=0.120). Practical Implication: This study will help dental practitioners understand the impact of renal dialysis on general oral and periodontal health of patients with chronic kidney disease and in turn help them provide effective health care to these patients who have specialized treatment needs. Conclusion: It was seen that stage 3 patients had the highest percentage of bleeding gums while none had periodontal pockets nor calculus deposition. Stage 4 patients had an equal percentage of calculus deposition and periodontal pocket depth of 4-5 mm. Stage 5 patients had a high percentage of Periodontal pocket depths of 4-5mm followed by calculus and then bleeding gums. A higher percentage of stage 3 and 5 patients undergoing dialysis had a high DMFT whereas the percentage of stage 4 patients with high and low DMFT scores was equal. Keywords: Dialysis, Chronic kidney disease, periodontal health, Community periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN)

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.

Significant Caries (SiC) Index and Distribution of Regional Origins for Members of Formed Police Unit (FPU) XI

Indonesia's geographical conditions are very diverse. Oral disease which is the most common global health problem is caries. An indicator of caries experience which includes decay, missing, filled criteria is DMF, the easiest and most frequently used method for epidemiological surveys of dental caries. To identify the subset of the population with high and very high DMF-T scores and to find individuals who are still susceptible to caries, the Significant Caries (SiC) index is used as a complement to the average DMF-T value. This study aims to determine the description of the Significant Caries (SiC) index and the distribution of regional origins of members of the Formed Police Unit (FPU) in LKOK Pusdokkes Polri Jakarta by the year 2020. This research is descriptive study with a total sampling method of selecting samples. A The DMF-T score was 1157 with a mean DMF-T of 6.4 (high criteria), and SiC index of 11.4 (very high criteria). Respondents from the Western Region of Indonesia had a DMF-T score of 465 and SiC index of 11.34 (very high criteria). The DMF-T score for respondents from Central Region of Indonesia was 155 and SiC index 11.9 (very high criteria). Respondents from Eastern Region of Indonesia had DMF-T score of 76 and SiC index 10.85 with (very high criteria). It can be concluded that respondents have DMF-T scores in the high criteria and SiC index with very high criteria. Based on the regions of origin of the respondents, SiC score index in all three regions are of origin is included in the very high criteria with respondents from the Central Region of Indonesia having the highest SiC index compared to the other 2 regions. Keywords: Significant Caries (SiC) Index, Regions of Origin of FPU XI Member

Impact of a Prenatal Vitamin D Supplementation Program on Vitamin D Deficiency, Rickets and Early Childhood Caries in an Alaska Native Population.

Background: Early childhood rickets increased in Alaska Native children after decreases in vitamin D-rich subsistence diet in childbearing-aged women. We evaluated the impact of routine prenatal vitamin D supplementation initiated in Alaska’s Yukon Kuskokwim Delta in Fall 2016. Methods: We queried electronic health records of prenatal women with 25(OH) vitamin D testing during the period 2015–2019. We evaluated 25(OH)D concentrations, vitamin D3 supplement refills, and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) scores and rickets in offspring. Results: Mean 25(OH)D concentrations increased 36.5% from pre- to post-supplementation; the percentage with deficient 25(OH)D decreased by 66.4%. Women with ≥ 60 vitamin D3 refill days had higher late pregnancy 25(OH)D concentrations than those with no refill days (p < 0.0001). Women with late pregnancy insufficient 25(OH)D concentrations had offspring with higher dmft scores than those with sufficient 25(OH)D (RR 1.3, p < 0.0001). Three children were diagnosed with nutritional rickets during the period 2001–2021, and none after 2017. Conclusions: These findings suggest that prenatal vitamin D supplementation can improve childhood outcomes in high-risk populations with high rates of rickets.

Exposure to screen time and dental neglect.

Dental neglect is the failure of parents to meet a child's basic oral health needs and causes complications. Long screen time, and its health impact, is an important public health issue. This study is aimed at determining whether there is a relationship between screen time of children and parents and dental neglect. Two hundred and fifteen patients were included in this cross-sectional observational study. A questionnaire including questions exploring demographic data, children's life-styles and, screen time of both parents and children. A dental neglect scale was administered to the parents. The children's intraoral examinations were evaluated using the decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft) and pulp, ulcers, fistula, abscess (pufa) indices. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that dental neglect was statistically significantly associated with brushing teeth unsupervised and infrequently, frequent snacking, rarely doing exercise, screen exposure at an early age and presence of dental plaque (P < 0.05). Long screen time was statistically significantly associated with high dmft scores, reflecting poor oral health. It was found that children who did not attend daycare, had statistically significantly longer exposure to screens, compared to those who attended daycare. Early exposure to screens and long-term screen use are associated with adverse outcomes pertaining to children's oral health.

Pattern of caries lesions and oral health-related quality of life throughout early childhood: A birth cohort study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different patterns of dental caries on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) throughout early childhood. This birth cohort study followed 277 children from southern Brazil for 6 years. Demographic and socioeconomic variables were collected at birth. At age 3 years, children's dental caries experience was quantified by the decayed, missing, or filled teeth (dmft) index. At age 6 years, parents answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations between caries experience and later OHRQoL, presented as the ratio of ECOHIS scores between the groups. The prevalence of dental caries at 3 years of age was 37.5%. In children with caries, lesions only in anterior teeth, only in posterior teeth, and in both dental segments at age 3 were associated with age 6 ECOHIS scores that were 2.7, 7.8, and 6.2 times higher, respectively, than in children without dental caries experience. OHRQoL was worse among children with higher dmft scores. Dental caries lesions in posterior teeth by age 3 years was strongly predictive of adverse impacts on later OHRQoL, presumably as an indicator of continued disease experience in the intervening years.

Prevalence of Dental Caries Among Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Users Attending A Dental Hospital

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental caries among smoking and smokeless tobacco users attending a dental hospital. Study design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Study Setting: The study was conducted at Oral &amp; Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Akhtar Saeed Medical &amp; Dental College, Lahore from November 2021 to April 2022. Methods: Patients were instructed to brush their teeth and gargle with water before their examinations, after which a cotton swab was used to dry the teeth and note any instances of dental caries. We utilised an index called DMFT, where D stands for decaying teeth, M for missing teeth, F for filled teeth, and T for tooth health Results: There were 42 chewers and 42 non-chewers in the age between 20 – 60 yrs. Subjects of same age groups were selected in both the groups. 73.8% of the study subjects in both the groups were males and the remaining 26.2% were females. Results shows the distribution of the study subjects according to DMFS scores. Among the chewers, 38.1% of study subjects were caries free (DMFS = 0) and 61.9% were caries affected (DMFS = 1 or more). In the non-chewers group, 9.5% were caries free and 90.5% were caries affected. Conclusion: A greater incidence of dental caries has been linked to tobacco use. Those who smoked cigarettes had a higher DMFT score. They also had a higher caries index, which is an indicator of poor oral hygiene. Keywords: Prevalence, Dental Caries, Smokeless Tobacco Users

Dental caries risk factors of childbearing-age mother in rural village: A cross-sectional study

Aim: To evaluate the risk factors of dental caries in childbearing-age mother. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-observational study. The samples were selected by using the total sampling method in the population of childbearing-age mothers in Urung-urung Village, Indonesia, with a total sample of 85 respondents. This study used a questionnaire for risk factor assessment, as well as intra-oral examination using the DMF-T index (decay, missed, filled teeth index) and the OHI-S (Oral Hygiene Index Simplified). Data that had been obtained were processed to determine the caries level based on the DMF-T index. From the DMF-T index data, a cross-tabulation test was carried out between the DMF-T score and education level, age, daily expenditure, use of prostheses, toothbrush habits, knowledge of oral health, and status of oral hygiene presented in table form. Data analysis was conducted by using SPSS Ver 18 Software Program (IBM, New York). Results: Overall, 65% of the respondents have a high DMF-T score (>6). The results of the cross-tabulation test with the DMF-T score showed that age (OR = 1.151), educational background (OR = 2.625), access to health services (OR = 1.140), knowledge of dental caries (OR = 1.040), and the OHI-S score (OR = 3.087) were risk factors for the severity of dental caries. However, only the OHI-S score showed a significant Odds Ratio (OR) <0.05. Conclusions: The OHI-S score variable represented the risk factor of caries severity in the childbearing-age mother population in Urung-urung Village.

Oral health-related quality of life and caries experience of Hong Kong preschool children

This study aimed to investigate the association between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and caries experience of Hong Kong preschool children. Parents or primary caregivers of Hong Kong preschool children were invited to complete a self-administered dental health questionnaire. The study children were examined in their classrooms. The decayed, missing and filled primary teeth (dmft) index was used for documenting the caries status. The questionnaire included the Chinese Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and collected sociodemographic information on the parents and children. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between OHRQoL and caries experience of preschool children. A total of 434 preschool children were invited to participate in the study; 336 (77.4%) received a dental examination and returned a parental questionnaire. The mean (SD) age of the study children was 4.7 (0.3) years. An OHRQoL impact (ECOHIS score of >0) for at least one item was reported by 236 (70.2%) parents/caregivers of the children included in the study. The overall mean (SD) ECOHIS score was 5.8 (6.2). A caries prevalence (dmft>0) of 36.9% and a mean (SD) dmft score of 1.7 (3.2) were calculated for the study children. In the final logistic regression model, children with a higher dmft score had a significantly higher chance of having a poorer OHRQoL (OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.07-1.35, P=0.002), whereas children's sex, parent's education levels and the respondent's relationship to the child were not associated with OHRQoL (P>0.05). Caries experience is associated with lower OHRQoL of Hong Kong preschool children.

Knowledge and Awareness of Oral Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus and Oral Health Assessment among Diabetes Mellitus Patients- A Cross Sectional Study.

Diabetes mellitus has increased rapidly throughout the world. The objectives of our study were to assess the knowledge and awareness about oral manifestations of diabetes, among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, their risk for developing oral diseases due to complications associated with diabetes mellitus, and at same time, to perform an oral examination to detect these oral symptoms, if present any, along with the recording of Decayed Missing Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) index. Structured questionnaires consisting of 12 different statements on the knowledge base of oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus were distributed to 447 Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Following this oral examination, brushing and dental visit history were noted, and CPI index and DMFT indices were recorded in all the patients. Results showed that the knowledge about oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus was poor with a mean value of 4.92 out of a possible score of 12. Among the study subjects, the average score of men was 4.42 while that of females, was 5.41. These scores, when subjected to statistical analysis, were highly significant. (P value- 0.005) Subjects also showed significantly high DMFT (P value <0.001) and CPI scores (P value- 0.270). Our study concluded that there is a significant lack of knowledge about oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus among patients and hence steps have to be taken to increase their awareness through various outreach programs. All health professionals need to work together for promoting better oral health so that oral complications of diabetes can be brought under control.

Determining the Association between Oral Health Status and SelfPerceived Oral Health Satisfaction among Residents in the Largest Care Home in East Coast Malaysia

Introduction: Little is known about the association between actual and selfperceived oral health status among residents living in a care home. This study aimed to assess their oral health status and to determine its association with their selfperceived oral health satisfaction. Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2018 among 75 residents of Rumah Ehsan, Terengganu (the largest care home in east coast Malaysia). The oral health status and oral hygiene of the participants were examined. Their sociodemographic profile and self-perceived oral health status were collected through structured interviews. Chi-square, Man-Whitney, and multiple logistic regression tests were used to test the factors associated with the self-perceived oral health satisfaction of the participants. Results: Unsurprisingly, the majority of the participants had poor oral health with high median DMF-T score of 29.0 (IQR=12) and majority (86.7%) had poor oral hygiene. It was intriguing to know that the majority of them (64%) perceived they have good oral health status with 68% satisfied with their current oral health status. There was no significant association between their actual oral health status and their perceived satisfaction. However, increasing age, Malay and those eating dependently were less likely to satisfy with their oral health status. Meanwhile, those who were dependent on the staff to brush their teeth were more likely satisfied with their oral health status. Conclusion: There was a wide discrepancy between the actual and self-perceived oral health status among residents in care homes. Hence, it is crucial to improving awareness and knowledge among them in order to improve their oral health. Factors contributed to their oral health satisfaction should be acknowledged by all dental practitioners.