Higher Caries Prevalence Research Articles

Factors Associated with Dental Caries Prevalence Among Socially Vulnerable Children

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between socioeconomic factors and the oral health status (OHS) of children in socially vulnerable situations assisted by a prominent nongovernmental organization in Fortaleza, Ceará state, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach. One hundred children aged 5 to 6 years were included. Most children (n = 71, 71%) had dental caries. Only access to running water showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.005) in relation to the level of dental pain. Correlations were tested through multiple linear regression analysis, revealing that the number of rooms in the home (p = 0.023) and family income (p = 0.022) were predictors of the DMFT index. Access to running water (p = 0.001) and the DMFT index (p = 0.010) were predictors of the level of pain. Children in situations of social vulnerability have a higher prevalence of dental caries associated with socioeconomic factors. It is essential that continuous strategies for promotion and prevention in oral public health be renewed to monitor children's development and growth.

The relationship between dental caries and vision impairment based on the DMFT Index: A literature review

Objectives: This study aims to explore the relationship between dental caries and vision impairment, specifically in individuals assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. The research focuses on identifying the prevalence of dental caries, factors influencing oral health, and the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in maintaining good oral hygiene. Methods: A literature review method was employed to gather data from international scientific journal articles accessed through databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Keywords used for the search included "Dental Caries", "Vision Impairment", and "DMFT". Only articles published in the last ten years (2015-2024) were considered. The selected studies were analyzed to draw conclusions regarding the oral health status of visually impaired individuals. Results: The review found a consistently high prevalence of dental caries among individuals with visual impairments, with mean DMFT scores ranging from 1.23 to 2.71. Contributing factors include difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene, limited access to dental care, lack of awareness about proper brushing techniques, and dietary habits such as frequent snacking. Gender differences were noted, with female participants generally showing poorer oral health outcomes. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant oral health challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, including a high prevalence of dental caries. Interventions focusing on education for both caregivers and patients, improved access to dental care, and preventive measures such as fluoride toothpaste use are crucial. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for visually impaired individuals.

The relationship between pregnancy and the prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries among pregnant women in Indonesia: A review article

Pregnancy is a physiologically complex state marked by significant hormonal and physiological changes, which heighten vulnerability to oral diseases, particularly dental caries and periodontal disease. These conditions represent critical oral health challenges among pregnant women in Indonesia. This review seeks to investigate the association between pregnancy and the prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries in Indonesian pregnant women, emphasizing underlying risk factors, outcomes, and opportunities for intervention. A review article was conducted using reputable databases, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2019 and 2024 were included, supplemented by manual searches of cited references to ensure comprehensive coverage. The analysis identified a high prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries among Indonesian pregnant women, driven by hormonal fluctuations, behavioral modifications, inadequate oral hygiene practices, and limited access to dental care. Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy exacerbate gingival inflammation and tooth demineralization. Behavioral factors, including infrequent dental visits, increased vomiting, cravings for sugary foods, and suboptimal oral hygiene, further compound these conditions. Sociodemographic determinants such as education level and socioeconomic status significantly influence oral health outcomes. The high prevalence of oral diseases in Indonesian pregnant women stems from hormonal changes and factors like low education, smoking, vomiting, and inadequate dental care.

ЗНАЧИМОСТЬ ЗДОРОВЬЯ ПОЛОСТИ РТА ВО ВРЕМЯ БЕРЕМЕННОСТИ

This article discusses the dynamic monitoring of oral health in pregnant women, emphasizing the increasing incidence of dental diseases during pregnancy. The study's objective was to identify changes in dental and periodontal conditions and assess the correlation between oral health, hemoglobin levels, and iron deficiency anemia. Conducted at based at the women's consultation department of Clinical Hospital No.5 in Volgograd, the research involved 200 pregnant women aged 18-40, who underwent initial and follow-up oral exams. Results showed a high caries prevalence, especially in the 18-20 age group, and a significant correlation between hemoglobin levels and caries progression in women with anemia. Acute caries progression was observed in a notable portion of the participants, with new carious lesions forming in previously intact teeth. Dynamic monitoring of oral health during pregnancy facilitates early detection and prevention of dental diseases, significantly improving maternal and infant health outcomes. The study highlights the importance of routine dental check-ups and preventive strategies, suggesting further research in this area. The findings could guide the development of clinical recommendations and increase awareness among healthcare professionals and pregnant women regarding the importance of oral care during pregnancy. This study also emphasizes the need for educational programs aimed at pregnant women, educating them about the impact of oral diseases on both maternal and fetal health. The results provide critical insights for formulating comprehensive preventive healthcare programs aimed at enhancing dental health and ensuring the well-being of mothers and their children during pregnancy and postpartum. A comprehensive approach that includes outreach to pregnant women helps develop sustainable oral health habits and increases their adherence to preventative measures. Overall, this research underscores the necessity for integrated healthcare approaches that consider both oral and general health, fostering better health outcomes for families and encouraging proactive involvement in preventive care.

Oral Condition and Salivary pH Down Syndrome Children in the Occurrence of Caries: A Narrative Review

Purpose:. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by trisomy 21, which affects various body systems and morphology, including the oral cavity. Down syndrome shows a intraoral characteristics such as taurodontism, microdontia, hypodontia, and delayed tooth eruption higher salivary pH, elevated bicarbonate levels, and increased IgA concentrations. The higher prevalence of caries in children with DS, mainly due to poor eating habits, neuromuscular dysfunction, and inadequate oral hygiene. Our aim in this study was to analyze the relationship between oral cavity conditions, salivary composition, and caries prevalence in children with Down syndrome highlighting unique factors that contribute to their oral health status. Methodology: Narrative review analyzing 15 relevant journals on oral health in children with Down syndrome. Findings: Salivary pH, delayed tooth eruption, and eating habits contribute to the incidence of caries. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The varying prevalence of caries in children with Down syndrome highlights the importance of a focused approach to dental care, considering the unique challenges they face.

Dental caries and antemortem tooth loss in Late Antique caucasian Iberia: A bioarchaeological study of Dusheti municipality and Great Mtskheta

This bioarchaeological study investigates the prevalence of dental caries and antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) in Late Antique populations of Dusheti municipality and Great Mtskheta in the Caucasus region of Georgia. Dental health data from 75 individuals and 666 examined teeth were analyzed to understand the relationships between dental pathologies, sex, age, and geographical location. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were conducted to assess differences in caries and AMTL frequencies between sexes and regions. The results revealed significant disparities in dental health between Dusheti and Mtskheta, with higher AMTL prevalence observed in Dusheti. Furthermore, age and sex disparities in dental health were identified, with middle-aged adults exhibiting higher AMTL frequency and males demonstrating a higher prevalence of dental caries. These findings highlight the importance of considering historical, socio-economic, and geopolitical factors in understanding oral health outcomes in Late Antique populations. Further interdisciplinary research is recommended to enhance our understanding of oral health dynamics in ancient societies.

Prevalence of Obesity and Dental Caries in Kindergarten Children During the First Decade of Saudi Vision 2030: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Obesity and dental caries are significant health issues affecting children worldwide. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of obesity and dental caries among kindergarten children in Saudi Arabia during the early implementation years of the Vision 2030 initiative. Specifically, it examines the obesity rates between public and private kindergartens and assesses the correlation between obesity and caries risk. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving a stratified sample of 347 kindergarten children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from September 2022 to March 2023, as part of a larger project assessing the obesity and dental caries prevalence in school-aged children. Their body mass index (BMI) was computed after their weight and height were measured. Following an oral examination, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) scores were noted. The relationships between dmft and BMI, sex, and school type were studied using non-parametric tests, and its predictors were assessed as well. Results: Our findings indicate that 15.3% of the children were classified as obese based on the BMI measurements, while 9.8% were categorized as overweight. The prevalence of obesity did not show significant differences by school type when classified by BMI. The mean dmft score was 2.8 ± 3.6, with those children in public kindergartens demonstrating significantly higher dmft scores compared to their private counterparts (p < 0.001). Notably, there was no observed relationship between obesity and caries activity. Conclusions: Despite the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030, the high prevalence of obesity and dental caries among kindergarten children suggests that the current health initiatives may be insufficient. The lack of a relationship between obesity and caries activity highlights the complexity of these health issues and the need for targeted interventions. To improve the health outcomes, it is recommended to enhance the awareness campaigns regarding oral health and nutrition, increase access to preventive dental care, and integrate nutrition education into kindergarten curricula.

The Incidence of Palatal Fistula Postpalatoplasty in Children with Dental Caries: A Multi Centre Study

Background: Cleft lip and/or palate (CL&/P) is the most common congenital craniofacial abnormality, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 newborns. Patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL&/P) generally display poor oral hygiene and a higher prevalence of caries. This may be due to the difficulty in achieving adequate plaque control associated with dental anomalies and defects from the lips and/or palate. Palatal fistula is a significant complication following cleft palate repair. It is the aim of this research to find correlation between palatal fistula and dental caries. Patient and Method: Patients with unilateral complete cleft palates admitted to the Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital, Adam Malik hospital within the period July 2012 till March 2013 were included in this study. All cases underwent modified two flap palatoplasty leaving lateral periosteum technique and follow-up were done in two weeks to see if there are any palatal fistula. Result: Thirty eight patients with unilateral cleft palate were enrolled in the study. Fifteen (39.5%) of them are boys and 23 (60.5%) are girls. Fifteen of the patients (41.7%) had dental caries, with six patients (40%) had palatal fistula in the follow up after palatoplasty, while there was none (0%) of the 21 (58.3%) patients that were found negative for dental caries developed a fistula. Conclusion: Dental caries is one of the important predisposing factors of palatal fistula in patients who undergo palatoplasty.

Evaluation of Oral Health Status among Children of Halba Tribe in Bastar Division of Chhattisgarh, India.

The Halba tribe owes its nomenclature term "Hal" which locally means plowing or farming. Bastariya Halba is Dravidian tribe from Warangal. They speak Indo-European language Halbi. There are no population-based studies till date evaluating the oral health status among Halba children in Chhattisgarh. To evaluate the oral health status of Halba tribe children in the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh by assessing the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the dental caries and periodontal status in Halba tribe children. Children aged between 6 and 12 years (N = 1,050) were randomly selected from Halba community of Chhattisgarh. Dental caries status was recorded by using the decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT/dmft) index and papillary marginal attached (PMA) index for periodontal status. The statistical software namely Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used for the analysis of the data. The study population was 1,050 children from the Halba tribal community. Among the subjects, 545 (51.9%) were boys and 505 (48.1%) were girls. The overall mean dmft/DMFT was found to be 2.25 ± 2.71. In this study, boys had significantly higher values for overall dmft/DMFT (2.55 ± 2.74) than girls. It was observed that mild, moderate, and severe gingivitis significantly increased with increasing age. The population examined was characterized by high prevalence of dental caries as well as unmet treatment needs. Factors like poverty, illiteracy, poor awareness, and lack of oral health services may be a reason for poor oral health in these children. Pathivada L, Prabhat SK, Garg N, et al. Evaluation of Oral Health Status among Children of Halba Tribe in Bastar Division of Chhattisgarh, India. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(10):1121-1123.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG PATIENTS OF 6-15 YEARS AGE PRESENTING TO THE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF AYUB COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY, ABBOTTABAD

Background: Dental caries in the mixed dentition stage is a common problem leading to tooth decay and extractions. This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of caries among children of 6-15 years age presenting to Ayub College of Dentistry and its association with different factors such as age, dietary habits, snacking habits, and previous dental visits. Methods: It was cross-sectional research250 participants of 6-15 years presenting to Ayub College of Dentistry from November 2023 to April 2024. Dental caries was examined and DMFT index calculated with the help of questionnaires. DMFT was correlated with age, tooth brushing habits, gender, snacking habits, and previous dental visits. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Statistical correlation tests were applied to find the association between different variables such as age group, brushing habits, snacking habits and prevalence and severity of caries. Results: Dental caries was prevalent among 79.7 percent whereas the mean DMFT of sample was 5.82±4.48. There was a trend of higher DMFT scores among male population than females. A greater DMFT score of 4.2±1.8 was seen among children of 13-15 years followed by 10-12 years (3.8±1.7) and 6-9 years (2.7±1.5). Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of dental caries among children and adolescents and its association with brushing habits, snacking habits, age, gender, and previous dental visits. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene practices, and a healthy diet low in sugar are key factors in preventing dental caries in elementary school students.

Salivary Markers of Oxidative Stress and Their Relation to Periodontal and Dental Status Among Children With Down Syndrome.

The current body of literature on oral health in individuals with Down syndrome (SD) presents contradictory information. Individuals with DS often have distinct oral health difficulties that set them apart from the general population. This study aimed to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels in the saliva of children diagnosed with DS and explore their association with oral health status. A cross-sectional study enrolled 82 participants aged 7-12, comprising 40 children with DS and 42 controls matched based on age and gender. Diagnosing dental caries relied on the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization. Oral hygiene was examined with the plaque index, and gingival health was estimated using the gingival index (GI). To evaluate oxidative stress, unstimulated whole saliva samples were gathered to measure levels of MDA and TOS. The study data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The p value for parametric variables was obtained using Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. In this study, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding periodontal health and dental decay. However, children with DS displayed significantly elevated GI values compared to the control group (p = 0.05).Children with DS demonstrated significantly higher MDA levels than the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, DS children demonstrated a higher prevalence of dental caries in their primary teeth than their permanent teeth. Children with DS have comparable rates of dental caries to non-DS childrenbut show elevated levels of GI values. Furthermore, children with DS exhibit high levels of saliva MDA compared to their peers without DS. Future research should include a wider age range, additional oxidative stress markers, and factors like diet, lifestyle, and antioxidant supplementation. Longitudinal studies and quality-of-life assessments could offer deeper insights into the oral health of individuals with DS.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions Targeted to Parents for Improving the Oral Health of Children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Backgrounds.

A high prevalence of dental caries is a significant health problem, especially in the pediatric population. Low-income minority groups, including the refugee and immigrant populations, are at higher risk of compromised oral health. It has been suggested that migrant parents do not have enough understanding of oral health, risk factors associated with dental caries, or the progress of dental decay. This systematic review aims to study quantitative literature on oral health interventions, health promotion programs, or behaviour change interventions targeting the parents/ caregivers of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children. A systematic search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, CINAHL, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, COCHRANE, and PROQUEST, was conducted until August 2023. Randomised (RCT) or non-randomised controlled trials (NRCTs) were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. Meta-analysis was performed as appropriate. The initial search from the databases retrieved 2073 articles. After the removal of duplicates, 1683 articles remained. Finally, 69 articles were reviewed in full text, and 15 articles were considered eligible in this review. The RoB assessment for RCTs rated three as low-risk and three as high-risk. The serious RoB in these NRCTs mostly pertained to measurement bias based on self-reporting oral health behaviours. The meta-analysis pooling of results (for RCTs and NRCTs) favoured interventions for CALD parents' oral health knowledge [0.73 (95% CI, 0.08 to 1.38) for RCTs, 1.73 (95% CI; 1.45 to 2.02) for NRCTs] and attitudes [0.86 (95% CI, 0.31 to 1.42)]. Relatively high heterogeneity was observed. Oral health educational interventions can be effective in improving the oral health literacy of CALD parents' oral health knowledge and attitudes, especially when facilitated by lay health advisors. However, the low quality of evidence due to high heterogeneity and high RoB further highlighted the need for well-designed RCTs targeting CALD parents.

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF METHODS FOR THE PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES IN CHILDREN OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

The high prevalence and intensity of early childhood caries in Ukraine and in the world indicate insuffi cient attention of practical dentistry to the prevention of dental caries in young children. The development of adapted prevention programs considering the risk factors for the development of the disease remains relevant.Aim of the study. To compare the eff ectiveness of methods of pre- and postnatal prevention of early childhood dental caries based on correction of the microbial environment of the oral cavity and macro- and microelemental nutrition.Material and methods. The work was carried out within the framework of the research work of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry of the Bukovinian State Medical University «Development of methods of prevention and treatment of major dental diseases in children, taking into account the risk factors of their development» (DR # 0121U110122). The prenatal method of dental caries prevention was applied to a group of pregnant women (30 persons) whose average age was (25,17±1,05) years. It included the use of Elevit Pronatal and Iodomarin 200, one tablet daily, starting from the second trimester ofpregnancy, and a course of local probiotic therapy with BioGaya ProDentis chewable tablets, used for 20 days in the second trimester of pregnancy and 20 days before delivery. As a method of postnatal prevention of dental caries in children, a preventive complex was used, including the use of the probiotic BioGaya ProDentis and the vitamin and mineral complex Supervit. The course lasted three weeks twice a year. The preventive complex was applied to a group of children aged 2-3 years. The number of children in the control group was 30. The mean age of the group was (2.51±1.30) years. The eff ectiveness of preventive measures was evaluated by the prevalence and intensity of caries of primary teeth («kpv» and «kpppv»), the state of oral hygiene (M. E. Kuzmina index), the content of phosphate ions, inorganic and ionized calcium in the oral fluid of children, the content of mutans streptococci in the oral cavity and the concentration of sIgA in the oral fl uid of children. Statistical processing of the study results was performed using standard methods of variation. The study complied with all bioethical norms (conclusion of the Bioethics Commission of the Bukovinian State Medical University No. 4 dated 15.12.2022).Results of the study. The use of preventive complexes for early childhood caries, based on the supplementation of macro- and microelements and the infl uence on the microbial landscape of the oral cavity, are eff ective methods of prevention of caries of temporary teeth in children, which is confi rmed by a decrease in the prevalence and intensity of dental caries in children in the dynamics of their observation. Prenatal measures are more eff ective in the prevention of early childhood caries in children, as they optimize the processes of primary mineralization of hard dental tissues and thus strengthen them, reducing the risk of dental caries. Postnatal use of the drugs has a slightly lower preventive eff ect on early childhood caries, while it has a positive eff ect on the processes of secondary mineralization of tooth enamel, as it was found that the level of phosphate ions in the oral fl uid of children under these conditions increased by 23.72 % (p&lt;0.05), and the level of total calcium decreased by 15.84 % and its free fraction by 25.86 % (p&lt;0.05).Conclusions. Our results suggest that both methods of prevention of early childhood caries are eff ective, but prenatal prophylaxis is clinically more eff ective with respect to the hard tissues of temporary teeth in children, due to its eff ect on the processes of primary mineralization of enamel. Postnatal prophylactic measures have a positive eff ect on the secondary mineralization of the hard tissues of temporary teeth and the primary mineralization of permanent teeth and will have a clinical result in the long term.

PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG SMOKERS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF LAHORE

Dental caries is a common chronic oral health condition globally, with an increased prevalence among smokers. Smoking contributes to caries risk by affecting saliva production, oral microbiota, and oral hygiene practices. In Pakistan, where smoking is prevalent. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of dental caries among smokers attending a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, from January to July 2024. The sample included 100 adult smokers aged 18 years and above. Data on demographics, smoking frequency, oral hygiene practices, and dental caries were collected using structured interviews and clinical examinations. Caries severity was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were conducted to explore associations between smoking habits and caries prevalence. Results: The majority of participants were aged 26-35 (30%), with 35% smoking 6-10 cigarettes daily. Oral hygiene practices were suboptimal, with only 25% brushing twice daily, and 15% reporting no regular hygiene routine. The prevalence of dental caries was strongly correlated with smoking frequency and duration. Participants smoking more than 21 cigarettes daily had an 80% caries prevalence, while those with a smoking history of over 16 years had a mean DMFT score of 7.6. These results align with previous studies linking smoking with higher caries risk and severity. Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of dental caries among smokers, with significant associations between smoking frequency, duration, and caries severity. These findings underscore the need for preventive dental health interventions, including smoking cessation programs and targeted oral hygiene education, to mitigate the burden of dental caries in this high-risk population.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Caries among Children of Moroccan Schools

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to describe the oral health status of schoolchildren, while focusing on the relationship between carious prevalence and the two risk factors which are obesity and passive smoking. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in primary school of Casablanca, Morocco. A total of 1003 schoolchildren aged between 6 to 12 years old were examined in their classrooms in daylight. The questionnaire was used to collect information about socio-demographic status, oral health practice consumption of sweets and passive smoking. Dental caries was assessed using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft, DMFT) index, and oral hygiene status by the simplified oral hygiene index OHI. The obesity was defined based to the measurement of BMI index. Results: The caries prevalence was 57.7% in temporary dentition and 43% in permanent dentition. The caries index was dmft= 2.44 and DMFT= 1.3. Higher Caries prevalence was associated with poor oral hygiene, increased consumption of sweets; however, caries prevalence in temporary and permanent dentition was lower in children with obesity (5,5% and 4,9% respectively), and exposed to passive smoking (25,4%,31,8% respectively).

Oral health status in relation to nutritional status amongst orphans aged (6-12) years in Baghdad city, Iraq.

Aim: We aimed to assess selected measures of oral health, namely, enamel defect, eruption of permanent teeth, and dental caries. The nutritional status of orphans was investigated by physical examination, and then the nutritional status was correlated with measures of oral health. Materials and Methods: A total of 192 orphans aged of 6 and 12 living in all orphanages in Baghdad, Iraq, were studied. Enamel defect was derived from the WHO's modified developmental defects of enamel index, investigation of caries using Decay -Missing - Filled index (DMF) for permanent teeth, the decay-missing filled index for primary teeth (dmf) index. All permanent teeth were inspected for eruptive stage. According to body mass index (BMI) for age, subject's visits and birthday dates were recorded as day/month/year. Height was measured in centimetre and weight in kilogram. Data were then transfer data to BMI Excel calculator. Results: The prevalence of enamel defect was low in the sample, and fully erupted teeth had high prevalence amongst orphans (more than 9 years old). A high percentage of caries existed amongst orphans, and the highest percentage of the sample was normal in weight. Conclusions: Enamel defect was higher amongst normal weight then overweight children. The mean of permanent teeth eruption increased with increased BMI for age. A high caries prevalence existed amongst orphans.

The prevalence of dental caries in children with iron deficiency anemia in the Karaganda Region

Aim of the study. To assess the prevalence of caries in children with iron deficiency anemia.Materials and methods. A study was conducted on 1500 children and adolescents in 3 areas of the Karaganda region, of which 54% suffer from IDA. Study examined children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 years, who were classified into three age categories: preschool children (3-6 years), primary school age (7-11 years), and high school age (12-17 years). The analysis was aimed at identifying the connection between iron deficiency anemia and the prevalence of caries among children and adolescents in the Karaganda region. To achieve this goal, statistical methods were applied, including correlation analysis and analysis of variance, considering age groups and regional characteristics.Results and discussion. All study participants examined showed a direct connection between the degree of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the prevalence of caries, amounting to 67.98%, which is a significant correlation. This effect is especially noticeable among children aged 7 to 11 years. It was also found that with an increase in the severity of iron deficiency anemia, an increase in the number of cases of decompensated caries is observed.Conclusions. Children and adolescents with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) exhibit higher rates of caries activity. In severe iron deficiency anemia, there is a high prevalence of caries, which indicates a significant impact of iron deficiency on dental health. Such figures indicate the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia to improve overall health and prevent possible complications in the form of oral diseases, including caries.

Exploring the Link between Xerostomia and Oral Health in Mental Illness: Insights from Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia.

The relationship between mental disorders and oral health is complex, involving behavioral, biological, and psychosocial factors. This review aims to investigate the impact of mental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, on oral health outcomes. A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted to analyze the oral health outcomes associated with each mental disorder. The focus was on examining dietary habits, oral hygiene behaviors, physiological changes, and medication side effects that contribute to oral health issues. The findings indicate that individuals with ASD often exhibit unique dietary habits and reduced oral hygiene capabilities due to sensory sensitivities, leading to a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Depression and bipolar disorder are associated with physiological changes such as reduced saliva production and poor oral hygiene behaviors, increasing the risk of oral health problems. Medications used for these conditions exacerbate issues like xerostomia, further elevating the risk of dental diseases. Schizophrenia poses additional challenges, including cognitive impairments and medication side effects that hinder effective oral care, heightening susceptibility to oral diseases. This review highlights the specific oral health challenges associated with different mental disorders and emphasizes the need for tailored dental care strategies that integrate mental health considerations. The study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the unique oral health impacts of these disorders. However, the findings are limited by the scope of available cross-sectional data and the absence of longitudinal studies. Future research should focus on longitudinal and intervention-based studies to explore causal relationships and develop effective treatments.

Oral health status and dental treatment needs in children with autism spectrum disorder

ObjectiveTo evaluate oral health care practices, health status, and dental treatment needs in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 96 children diagnosed with ASD per the DSM-V criteria and 96 typically developing healthy children. The WHO form assessed oral health status and dental treatment needs. ResultsOver 50 % of ASD children had mild/moderate autism, 35.4 % had severe autism, and 13.5 % had autistic traits. ASD children experienced more toothbrushing difficulties compared to non-ASD children. Based on Nyvad's criteria and decayed/filled teeth (dft) index, non-ASD children had higher caries prevalence than ASD children, indicating less need for restorative treatments in the ASD group. However, ASD children had poorer plaque scores than non-ASD children. A significantly higher percentage of ASD children exhibited harmful oral behaviors, including mouth breathing, lip biting, bruxism, nail biting, object biting, and self-injury (p < 0.001). ASD children also showed increased traumatic dental injuries compared to non-ASD children. ConclusionCompared to non-ASD peers, children with ASD have lower dental caries prevalence and less need for restorations, yet poorer plaque control. They also demonstrate more frequent oral self-injuries. ASD status appears related to toothbrushing difficulties. These findings highlight the need for tailored oral health interventions for children with ASD.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics Associated With Dental Caries among Patients Attending Malindi Sub-County Dental Clinic, Kenya

Purpose: The goal of this study was to determine socio-demographic characteristics associated with dental caries among patients attending dental clinic at Malindi sub-county. Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive study design consisting of 223 participants. This study took place at the Malindi Sub County Dental Clinic. A systematic random sampling method was used to pick the participants on a daily basis until we had contacted all the eligible individuals and enrolled them. This study was done from March, 2023 to November, 2023 approved by ERC reference (ISERC/MSc/041/2022). The pretested questionnaire was used for collecting data on socio-demographic characteristics associated with dental caries among patients attending dental clinic at Malindi sub-county. The data were analyzed using statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21.The descriptive statistics were done on socio-demographic factors, associated with the dental caries among dental patients seeking services in Malindi Sub County. The data was presented in frequency tables. Ethical approval no P688/09/2016) was obtained. Findings: The study recruited 223 participants, 117 (52.5%) female and 106 (47.5%) males. Of the 223 participants, 49 (21.9%) were less than 18 years old, 63 (28.3%), 76 (34.1%) and 35(15.7%) were 18 to 29, 30 to 49 and ≥50 years old respectively. The prevalence of dental caries found in this study was 72.6% among patients attending Malindi sub county Hospital dental clinic. The socio-demographic factors, associated with the dental caries were those aged 18- 29 years who were 2 times at risk of having dental caries as compared with those aged less than 18years old. Almost two-thirds (n=138, 61.9%) reported to occasionally use sugary food, 72 (32.3%) moderately sugar exposures per day. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study revealed a high prevalence of dental caries among patients visiting the dental clinic in Malindi Hospital. The demographic factors associated with dental caries were among ages 18 to 29 years old. Oral health care should focus on addressing dental caries and emphasized in the policies by Ministry of health aimed at mitigating dental caries among this age group.