High Caries Levels Research Articles

Caries Level in 3-Year-Olds in Germany: National Caries Trends and Gaps in Primary Dental Care

Background: Nationally representative long-term data on caries in the primary dentition are rare but essential for determining the need for prevention and treatment. This research assessed the prevalence and trends of dental caries in 3-year-old children across Germany, with national data analyzed and compared with the corresponding data for 6–7-year-olds. Methods: Data were extracted from the most recent German National Oral Health Survey in 2016. Children aged 3 years were examined by calibrated dentists in 10 German regions using the WHO criteria for d3–4mft, including assessment of initial carious lesions d1–2mft. In addition, the Significant Caries Index (SiC), the Care Index (CI) and the Specific Affected Caries Index (SaC) were considered to identify provision of care and risk groups. Results: In a total of 95,127 3-year-old preschool children, caries prevalence was 13.7% with a mean d3–4mft of 0.48. Including initial carious lesions, prevalence increased to 18.7% (mean 0.67 d1–4mft). Dependent on the German region, d3–4mft values varied noticeably from 0.38 (Schleswig-Holstein) to 0.58 (Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin). Comparing data from 3-year-olds to 6–7-year-olds, the d3–4mft value for 6–7-year-olds (1.73) was more than three times higher than that for 3-year-olds (0.48). The SiC value was 1.47 for 3-year-olds and 4.88 for 6–7-year-olds, while the SaC values were 3.57 and 3.97, respectively. The Care Index was low for both groups (26.1% and 57.5%, respectively). Conclusions: Germany exhibited a high level of dental caries in the primary dentition for 3 (13.7%) to 6–7-year-olds (44%) children. This large cross-sectional study revealed considerable room for improvement in the early caries prevention and treatment within the well-equipped German dental health infrastructure.

Abstract 4138333: Childhood Oral Health Associates with the Incidence of Ischemic Heart Disease, Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke in Adulthood

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease remains a considerable source of years of life lost. Thus, identification of possible risk factors and prevention strategies continues to be important. In adults, oral diseases are associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke (IS). Few studies have examined the effect of oral health in childhood on the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood, thus overlooking a potentially important avenue of early detection of high-risk individuals. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that poor childhood oral health is associated with IHD, MI, and IS in adulthood. Methods: Using nationwide Danish registry data from the National Child Odontology Register, National Patient Register, and the Central Person Register we followed individuals born between 1963 and 1972. Follow-up started in 1995 or by age 30 (whichever occurred last), and ended in 2018, where study participants were aged 46 to 56. Using Cox-proportional hazards modelling we examined the association of childhood oral health, defined as the highest registered level of dental caries and gingivitis for any one individual, with the occurrence of IHD, MI, and IS in adulthood. The highest achieved level of education between ages 25 and 30 was used as Cox-strata. Results: The study consisted of n = 569.057 individuals, 51.2% male, 48.8% female. The incidence of IHD was 26% (1.17; 1.86) higher in females with high levels of caries in childhood compared to those with low-level caries, 19% (1.08; 1.40) higher in males. Severe caries in childhood was associated with a 58% (1.19; 2.09) higher incidence of MI in females, 19% (1.01;1.42) higher in males, and a 45% (1.19; 1.78) higher incidence of IS, 52% (1.27; 1.81) in males. Females had a 52% (1.19; 1.94) higher incidence of MI, and males a 32% (1.15; 1.52) higher incidence of IS, if they had high levels of gingivitis as children (table 1). Conclusion: Poor oral health in childhood is associated with an increased incidence of IHD, MI, and IS, pointing to a potential new avenue for early identification of and prevention amongst high-risk individuals.

Effects of community water fluoridation on child dental caries in remote Northern Territory, Australia: a difference-in-difference analysis.

Community water fluoridation (CWF) is a cost-effective intervention to reduce dental caries at population level. This Australian study used a difference-in-difference (DiD) analysis to measure dental caries in children exposed to CWF in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Oral health data obtained from the NT Department of Health contained 64 399 person-year observations from 2008 to 2020, totalling 24 546 children aged 1-17 years. Drinking water quality data for fluoride levels, held by the Power and Water Corporation, were obtained for 50 remote communities and linked to the oral health dataset. The DiD analysis used a treatment group and two control groups to compare the effects of CWF on dental caries outcomes in children, measured using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index. The treatment group consisted of records from children residing in five remote NT communities that implemented CWF in 2014.The control 1 group included records of children residing in communities with naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water supplies at levels at or above the Department of Health policy threshold of 0.5 mg/L. The control 2 group included records of children residing in communities with naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water supplies below the level recommended by the Department of Health policy (<0.5 mg/L). The data were grouped into time periods prior to the inception of CWF in five remote communities in 2014 (pre-intervention) and after 2014 (post-intervention). Our results demonstrated that dental caries was significantly decreased for children in the treatment group following the implementation of CWF at a greater magnitude than both control groups for the same time period. Overall, children assigned to the treatment group exhibited a decline in the number of teeth affected by caries by an average of 0.28 (p=0.001). Notably, children of ages 7-10 years and 11-17 years experienced significantly greater post-intervention declines in average dmft/DMFT, by 0.32 (p=0.051) and 0.40 (p=0.012) fewer affected teeth respectively. While dental caries disproportionately impacts Aboriginal children in remote and very remote NT, it is clear that CWF produces population-level reductions in overall dental caries for these populations. Additionally, our study demonstrates the application of the DiD method in a public health policy evaluation. Our findings suggest that the longstanding policy position of the NT Department of Health on CWF has supported improvements in oral health among child populations that experience high levels of dental caries in remote NT communities.

Dental caries status and treatment need among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Dar-Es-Salaam region, Tanzania

BackgroundLiterature shows that pregnant women are more susceptible to dental caries due to several reasons, including changes in salivary flow, reduced pH in the oral cavity, and sugary dietary cravings. The unmet need for care is of special concern, as the failure to obtain treatment can affect the health status of the mother and her unborn child.ObjectivesTo determine dental caries status and treatment needs among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Dar-es-Salaam region.Materials and methodsA descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among 461 pregnant women aged 14–47 years. Informed consent was obtained from participants during data collection. Dental caries status and treatment need were diagnosed according to the WHO criteria. The Data collected was cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 software for generating frequency distribution tables, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis. The Confidence Interval was 95% (p < 0.05).ResultsThe overall prevalence of dental caries was 69%, with a mean DMFT score of 2.86 (± 3.39). Untreated dental decay was observed in 60.5% of study participants, which needed more restorative treatment (fillings & RCT) than a tooth extraction. Caries experiences differed significantly among the pregnant women in various gravidity. In logistic regression, dental caries experience was significantly higher among multigravida respondents (p-values = 0.04) (OR: 1.840, CI 1.021–3.319).ConclusionThis study demonstrated a high level of dental caries experience and the presence of treatment needs. Multiple pregnancies were a major factor that contributed to high levels of dental caries.

Oral processing behavior and dental caries; an insight into a new relationship.

Previous evidence suggests an individual variation in the preferred oral processing behavior. Individuals can be classified as firm processing(FPL) or soft processing likers(SPL). FPL(crunchers and chewers) prefer using their teeth while SPL(smooshers and suckers) prefer using the tongue and the palate when processing different food items. Variation in the preferred oral processing behavior has been associated with differences in food texture preference and eating time. Time is one of the factors directly related to the development of dental caries(tooth decay). Oral retention and eating times are associated with greater caries experience. This study aims to explore if a relationship exists between the preferred oral processing behavior and the individual's caries experience. This was a cross-sectional, dental center-based study conducted at Jordan University of Science and Technology. Five hundred participants consented to fill out the preferred oral processing behavior(POPB) questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements (including weight, height, and waist circumference) were recorded. A single trained and calibrated dentist registered each participant's caries experience and plaque levels using the DMFS index and plaque index of Silness and Loe. A total of 351(70.2%) and 149(29.8%) participants were typed as FPL and SPL, respectively. SPL demonstrated higher levels of dental caries experience compared to FPL. The mean DMFS score for SPL was 28.8(±25.43) while for FPL was 18.71(± 18.34). This difference remained significant after adjustment for confounders(P<0.001). SPL exhibited a significantly higher mean score for the "M" component(P <0.001) while no significant difference in the mean score of the "D"(P = 0.076) and "F"(P = 0.272) components was observed when compared to FPL. The current findings provide new insight into a possible relationship between the preferred oral processing behavior and an individual's caries experience. A relationship in which the preferred oral processing behavior can potentially affect and/or be affected by the dental caries experience.

Analysis of the Association between Stunting and Saliva Potential of Hydrogen (pH) in Preschool Children

Stunting can affect dental health due to changes in saliva content. Saliva that cannot work optimally will increase the risk of dental caries. The problem in this research is the high level of caries in preschool children at the DWP V Jatirejo Kindergarten. This study aims to determine the association between stunting and the potential of hydrogen (pH) in the saliva of preschool children at DWP V Jatirejo Kindergarten, Lekok District, Pasuruan Regency. The study design was an analytic observational with a cross-sectional approach, the sample in this study was 40 students who were determined using the Slovin formula with a proportional stratified random sampling technique. The stunting variable data collection method was measuring of Height/Age using microtoise and the saliva pH variable was measured using pH meters, and the data analysis techniques used the chi-squared test. Results: There is an association between stunting and the saliva pH in preschool children at DWP V Jatirejo Kindergarten. The Height/Age measurement results to determine the stunting status of respondents were found to be dominated by short height (stunted), and the saliva pH category of respondents was dominated by the acidic category.

Impact of Smoking on Dental Caries and Gingival Health Among Dental Student in The College of Dentistry / Tikrit University/ Iraq

Smoking has a negative impact on overall health including oral health causing dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, calculus and other effects. Aim of study: This study was conducted to assess correlation between cigarette smoking and oral health condition among dental student in college of dentistry/ Tikrit university. Material and Methods: Students (male only) from Tikrit university were selected on a random basis, after consent form has been obtained from participants. They were divided into two groups, smoking and nonsmoking groups. Dental caries experience was diagnosed and scored according to the index of DMFs (WHO). Results: In the present study dental caries and mean value of (PI, GI, Cal) index were higher among smoking students than non-smoking group. Conclusion: According to our findings in the current study, smoking had an effect on dental caries and gingivitis, as smoking dental students had higher levels of dental caries and gingivitis than nonsmokers.

The association between smoking and smokeless tobacco use with dental caries among Pakistani patients

BackgroundTobacco use is widely recognised as a significant risk factor for oral cancer and periodontal diseases. However, the relationship between various types of tobacco use and dental caries has been inconsistent. This study aimed to determine the association between smoking and smokeless tobacco and dental caries among patients in a tertiary care hospital in Quetta, Pakistan.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021 among patients in a tertiary care hospital in Quetta, Pakistan. Oral examinations and interviews were performed according to the WHO Oral Health Survey basic methods (5th edition) to determine dental caries status, tobacco use, and oral health behaviours. The odds ratio and binary logistic regression were analysed to assess the association between the types (smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and use of both types), duration, and frequency of tobacco use and high caries level (DMFT ≥ 5).ResultsFour hundred participants aged 18–65 were included, and 67.8% were tobacco users. Use of both smoking and smokeless tobacco (aOR = 14.7, 95%CI = 1.87–115.96, p = 0.011), smokeless tobacco only (aOR = 5.90, 95%CI = 1.89–18.37, p = 0.002), and smoking only (aOR = 2.18, 95%CI = 1.23–3.88, p = 0.008) were associated with significantly increased risk of high caries. Using tobacco for longer periods and more frequently daily also significantly increases the risk of high caries.ConclusionSmoking and smokeless tobacco are significantly associated with high dental caries after adjusting for other factors. Due to the high severity of dental caries and the high prevalence of tobacco use among Pakistani patients in this study, it is highly recommended to strengthen policies aimed at reducing tobacco usage, including smokeless forms.

Dental caries status and related factors among 12-year-old Somali school children in Hargeisa.

There is little data on the oral health conditions of Somali children. The aim was to assess the dental caries status and related risk factors of 12-aged children in primary schools in Hargeisa, Somaliland. A school-based survey was conducted in Hargeisa in December 2022. Using 2-stage cluster sampling, 405 children (12-aged) were randomly selected from 16 primary schools. Data collection involved WHO structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and clinical examinations. The DMFT index was measured according to WHO criteria, and accordingly, the mean for the significant caries index (SiC) was calculated. The association between the DMFT and the relevant variables was analysed using negative binomial regression in STATA. The overall prevalence of dental caries was found to be 62.7%, with a mean DMFT of 1.7 and a SiC score of 3.7. Non-public school pupils showed significantly higher prevalence of dental caries and mean DMFT compared to public school counterparts (68.5% vs. 58.6%) and (1.91 vs. 1.48), respectively. Merely 14.7% of the participants utilized dental care services in the previous year. The multivariable analysis showed a significant positive association of the DMFT outcome with attending a non-public school (95% CI 1.16-2.12) and having many previous dental visits (95% CI 1.22-2.83). In the adjusted model, fathers of low education had children with better dental caries status (lower mean DMFT) than their well-educated counterparts. The mean DMFT was not significantly influenced by the factors sex, location, educational attainment (school class of the participants) and frequency of teeth cleaning. Although the overall mean DMFT of school children in Hargeisa could be regarded low, the high levels of untreated caries especially in the one-third most affected are a cause for concern. Children enrolled in non-public schools formed the high-risk group. Preventive oral public health programs targeting Somali school children are recommended.

Dental treatment of children under general anesthesia during the period of matrial law.

Aim: To summarize the experience of providing dental medical care under general anesthesia to children from different regions of Ukraine during the martial law, taking into account the factors affecting the choice of optimal conditions for dental treatment. Materials and Methods: Dental treatment under general anesthesia of 1,258 children from different regions of Ukraine has been performed since March 2022. The condition of the teeth (df, df+DMF, DMF) and hygienic state of the oral cavity (OHI-S) were determined. The level of awareness of parents regarding the preservation of children's dental health was studied through a questionnaire. Results: An unsatisfactory oral hygiene, a high level of caries were found in the vast majority of children. The highest df was observed in the group of children aged 3 to 6 years (7.14±0.33), which is significantly higher than in the group of children under 3 years of age (4.32±1.04, p≤0.05). The worst oral hygiene was observed in children aged 6-12 years (OHI-S 2.62±0.32). An insufficient level of awareness of parents and children regarding dental health was revealed. A total of 1,712 operations under general anesthesia were performed. The majority of patients could not regularly appear for follow-up examinations due to the forced departure from the country. Conclusions: The organization of dental treatment under general anesthesia allows solving a number of problems of dental care for children during the war.

Prevalence of Dental Caries among School Going Children in Dolakha, Nepal

IntroductionThere is a significant prevalence and morbidity of dental caries due to a lack of health education and insufficient preventive measures and the health status of students is not satisfactory. A number oforal disorders are linked to chronic diseases, and poor oral health has a major negative impact on overall health. People's everyday lives and general well-being are significantly impacted by pain, issues with eating, chewing, smiling, and communication brought on by missing, discolored, and damaged teeth. The aim of the study was to assess dental caries status among age groups, 3-14 years based on government and private schools.MethodsA cross-sectional comparative study done among 377 school going students age 3-15 years. Children from both private and public schools were included in the study. Dental caries status was assessed using the WHO oral health assessment form for children 2013.ResultsThe overall caries prevalence among the study participants was 341 (90.2%). Dental caries varied among age groups. Males scored higher dental caries levels than females. The private school students (5.78 ± 4.69) showed significantly higher levels of dental caries than the government school students (5.01 ±4.61).ConclusionsThe caries prevalence is very high in the school children of Dolakha with the highest burden among middle childhood age group with high number of untreated caries which emphasizes the need for further intervention.

Physico-chemical properties of the oral fluid and their importance in ensuring dental health

Background. The incidence of dental caries is high regardless of age and region. In this regard, there is a need to study the risk factors for the development of caries, in particular, the physicochemical properties of oral fluid as one of them. Aim of the research was to study the physico-chemical properties of oral fluid in children with caries of different levels of intensity and in caries free children. Materials &amp; Methods. An examination of 6-year-old children living in Bukovina was conducted. The following observation groups were selected: Group I – 69 children suffering from caries, and Group II – 26 caries free children. The rate of saliva secretion, physicochemical properties of oral fluid were studied: pH, viscosity, buffer capacity. The probability of the results was statistically assessed. Results. In children with different levels of caries intensity, the level of salivation differed: for children with a high level of intensity was characterized by a low level of salivation, and for children with a low level – a high level of salivation. The viscosity of saliva was increased in children with caries of varying intensity. The buffer capacity of saliva was low in children with low levels of caries and very low in children with high levels of caries. PH in children with medium and high intensity was below normal. The analysis of the results of the Test of enamel resistance depending on caries activity showed that in children with a low level of intensity of caries, the enamel was conditionally resistant, and under the conditions of medium and high levels of intensity – the average structural and functional resistance of the enamel and the average acid resistance of the teeth. Conclusions. Thus, in children suffering from caries with different levels of intensity, there are changes in the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the oral fluid, which lead to disorders of the homeostasis of the oral cavity and deepening of the pathological process in the hard tissues of the teeth. Keywords: caries, children, buffer capacity, level of salivation, pH.

Oral Health Status in a Group of Roma Children in Seville, Spain.

Identify the oral health status through an epidemiological survey of the population of gipsy children in the city of Seville. The WHO (World Health Organization) criteria for oral health surveys were used in the study with children aged 6 to 13 years carried out in two Seville schools located in neighborhoods with a high percentage of gypsy population (Polígono Norte and Sur of the city of Seville). The final sample consisted of 108 children in whom the DMF (decay-missing-filled index) for primary dentition was 5.0 + -3.1 for the 6-9 year-old age group and the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) for the 10-13 year-old group was 4.5 + -3.3. The frequency of brushing was low, with a significant percentage of children not brushing their teeth (42.3%). The striking feature is that 26.9% of children had never visited the dentist despite their basic dental care being covered by the regional government. The children studied present high levels of caries compared to the rest of the Spanish population, as well as very low levels of oral hygiene. Given the lack of success of existing oral health programmes among this population, a different intervention is needed, taking into account the idiosyncrasies of the gipsy community.

Dietary Intake of Vitamin D and Dental Caries Incidence in People with Overweight and Obesity

Abstract Aims The aims of the present study are to investigate the relationship between the anthropometric indicators and peculiarities of the nutritional intake in people with overweight and obesity and the risk factors for the development of dental caries in adults. Materials and Methods The study involved 264 individuals aged between 18 and 60 years. The following risk factors for the development of dental caries were traced: diet (carbohydrate intake), oral hygiene habits and social status in overweight and obese people. The dental caries incidence was determined through the DMFT index, by assessing the total number of teeth which are decayed (D), missing (M) due to caries, or filled (treated, F). Results The age-related distribution was as follows: from 18 to 25 years – 14.4%; from 25 to 35 years – 16.7%; from 35 to 50 years – 42.4%; and over 50 years – 26.5%. The established average BMI was 25.60 ± 4.359, with the lowest and highest measured values – 18.5 and 37.55, respectively. The value of DMFT was 12.55 ± 5.545. A direct correlation between the elevated incidence of dental caries in patients with overweight and obesity was revealed. No significant relationship was found between the decreased nutritional intake of vitamin D and the incidence of dental caries in individuals with Class I and Class II obesity. Conclusion Dental caries and obesity have a similar etiology – improper dietary habits, excessive consumption of foods containing low molecular weight carbohydrates and carbonated beverages. The reported higher levels of dental caries in these groups could be explained by an improper diet and more frequent snacking.

Clinical Recommendations to Improve Utilization of Fissure Sealants in Primary Healthcare Centers in Bahrain

A situation analysis among which a cross-sectional survey of dental practitioners working in primary healthcare centers found that while 127 (94.8%) out of 134 respondents consider fissure sealants effective yet, most of them have misconceptions regarding which teeth to consider carious and which to seal as only 15 (11.2%) recognized that initial carious and non-cavitated carious lesions are the same and only around half sealed either. Fissure sealants are provided for free in primary healthcare centers, but they seem underutilized as only 35 (37.6%) dentists use them very often. To address these issues and others raised by dentists and dental hygienists on the indications and the use of fissure sealants; evidence-based clinical recommendations are provided keeping in mind the high level of caries among children and adolescents in Bahrain and the services provided in primary healthcare centers. Further studies will be needed to evaluate different reasons affecting dental practitioners' knowledge and use of fissure sealants as a method of preventing and controlling caries.

Oral health by obesity classification in young obese women – a cross-sectional study

Objective To explore oral health by increasing degree of obesity and the influence of modifying factors. Materials and methods A cross-sectional design was used. Swedish females (n = 118; 18–35 years) with morbid obesity were recruited from the BAriatric SUbstitution and Nutrition study (BASUN). Body mass index (BMI) was used as continuous and categorized into 35–39.9 kg/m2/40–44.9 kg/m2/≥45 kg/m2. Oral examinations assessed dental caries using the ICDAS system, periodontal status and saliva characteristics. Information on sociodemographics, oral health behaviour and symptoms was collected via a questionnaire. Results Mean BMI was 42.2 kg/m3 (SD 4.0; range 35.0–63.7). Significantly higher frequencies of dentine caries (p = .001) and total caries (p = .046) were found with higher BMI with an increase in total caries by 0.59 tooth surface (p = .025) for each increasing BMI degree. There were consistent associations between obesity and dentine caries for the group with the highest BMI (≥45), adjusted RR 2.08 (95% CI 1.20–3.61), and all stages of caries, adjusted RR 1.41 (95% CI 1.02–1.96). High scores were found for dental plaque (50.2%) and gingivitis (34.5%). Conclusion Young obese women exhibited poor oral health with higher caries levels by higher BMI. Dental care should adapt the prevention efforts for obese individuals. Trial Registration: The trial was prospectively registered on March 03; 2015; NCT03152617

A Video-Game-Based Oral Health Intervention in Primary Schools-A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Background: Poor oral health practices and high levels of dental caries have been reported among children in the developing world. Video games have been successful in promoting oral health in children. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an oral-health-education video game on children’s dietary knowledge and dietary and toothbrushing practices; Methods: Two Schools in Amman, Jordan were randomly selected and assigned to either intervention or control. Six- to eight-year old children took part. The intervention group played the oral-health-education video game; the control group received no intervention. The groups were compared in terms of changes in: child dietary knowledge, dietary and toothbrushing practices, plaque scores, and parental familiarity with preventive treatments. Data were submitted to statistical analysis with the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Two hundred and seventy-eight children took part. Most (92%) had carious teeth. At baseline, children reported having more than one sugary snack a day and only 33% were brushing twice a day. Most parents were unaware of fluoride varnish (66%) or fissure sealants (81%). At follow-up, children in the intervention group had significantly better dietary knowledge, and parents in both groups became more familiar with fluoride varnish. There were no significant changes in children’s plaque scores, toothbrushing and dietary practices, or parental familiarity with fissure sealants in either group. Conclusions: Using an oral-health-education video game improved children’s dietary knowledge. However, future efforts should target children together with parents, and need to be supplemented by wider oral-health-promotion.

Oral manifestations of Type I diabetes mellitus in pediatric patients

Introducción: Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. There is a significant relationship between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and an increased prevalence of oral cavity-related diseases in the pediatric population. Objective: To analyze the literature and describe T1DM and its oral manifestations, including alterations in saliva and dentobacterial plaque, as well as periodontal disease and caries, and to emphasize its importance in pediatric dentistry. Methodology: An exhaustive search was carried out in PubMed with the keywords Type I diabetes Mellitus, children, oral manifestations, caries, periodontal disease, gingivitis, xerostomia, pediatric dentistry, candida. Results: Salivary flow could be considered decreased with T1DM. Higher plaque levels and higher incidence of chronic gingivitis. Higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Higher caries levels, higher prevalence of xerostomia. Insulin treatment may cause local reactions such as lipohypertrophy, lipoatrophy and instant and delayed allergy. Erythema multiforme, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, drug eruptions and photosensitivity have been described as adverse reactions to oral antidiabetics.Conclusion: Childhood and adolescent patients with T1DM have a predisposition to xerostomia and this leads to halitosis and a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria and the formation of dental caries, they present greater accumulation of plaque and therefore are susceptible to gingival inflammation and this ends in periodontal disease at an early age producing bone loss. Patients receiving insulin often present skin lesions. Medications can immunosuppress and this makes them susceptible to Candida.

Caries prevalence and severity in association with sociodemographic characteristics of 9-to-12-year-old school children in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia

AimThis study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and severity of dental caries in 9-to-12-year-old schoolchildren in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia (SA); to compare its expression by mean of decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) and the Significant Caries Index (SiC Index); to examine the association between caries experience and sociodemographic factors; and to determine whether schoolchildren in Al-Madinah are at greater risk for high levels of dental caries. Materials and methodsData of 1,000 schoolchildren aged 9–12 years old from a cross-sectional oral health survey in Al-Madinah, SA was obtained and analysed. Dental caries was measured using dmft/DMFT and the SiC Index which was computed into two groups: highest 30% DMFT scores (SiC30) and highest 10% DMFT scores (SiC10). Sociodemographic variables included age, gender, nationality, school type (public or private) and family income. Descriptive and inferential were calculated to estimate caries prevalence and severity and its association with sociodemographic factors. ResultsCaries prevalence in primary or permanent teeth was 85.1%, with untreated caries of 76.1%. The mean dmft was 2.66 ± 2.63 while the mean DMFT was 1.43 ± 1.73. Caries severity was significantly higher among males, Saudis, those from low-income families and those from public schools (p < 0.05). The mean values of SiC30 (3.52 ± 1.57) and SiC10 (4.98 ± 1.77) were considerably higher than the overall average DMFT value. ConclusionDental caries persists as a public health challenge among schoolchildren in Al-Madinah, SA, with a very high prevalence and severity among schoolchildren. The use of the SiC Index highlighted the subgroups with more severe caries experience.

An Assessment of Pediatric Dental Caries and Family Quality of Life in an Informal Amazonian Community.

Background:Oral diseases are among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide, disproportionally affecting vulnerable populations. The Community of Claverito is one of many informal urban floating communities located on the Amazon River in Peru.Objectives:To assess child and caregiver dental health status (DHS) and to measure the associations between child DHS and child and family quality of life in the informal Community of Claverito.Methods:DHS, as measured by decayed and filled teeth (DFT/dft), was recorded for 66 children and 35 caregivers using the WHO Oral Assessment form. Oral health-related quality of life was measured using the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ). The family impact of child oral disorders was measured using the Family Impact Scale (FIS). Descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between DFT/dft, P-CPQ, and FIS scores (p < 0.05).Findings:The majority of children assessed were female (52%) with a mean age of 9.4 years (SD ± 4.4). The prevalence of untreated child dental caries was 97%. The child and caregiver’s mean DFT/dft scores were 6.8 (SD ± 4.5) and 8.7 (SD ± 13.3), respectively. Mean total P-CPQ and total FIS scores were 33.4 and 12.5, respectively. A significant positive association was observed between child DFT/dft scores and total FIS scores (p < 0.01). Significant associations were also observed between child DFT/dft scores and caregiver age (p < 0.01) and child DFT/dft scores and caregiver DFT scores (p < 0.01).Conclusions:Children and their caregivers living in the Community of Claverito exhibited high levels of dental caries. Children’s untreated dental caries were associated with both family’s quality of life and caregivers’ untreated dental caries. Further research is needed on how improving availability and access to oral health services have the potential to benefit the health of residents of informal communities like the one of Claverito.