Incidence Of Caries Research Articles

Association of Mothers' Genetic Taste Perception to Eating Habits and Its Influence on Early Childhood Caries in Preschool Children: An Analytical Study.

AimsTo examine (1) the association of mothers’ 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) sensitivity with snacking habits and caries experience of both the mother and their 2-5-year-old preschool children and (2) the association of feeding habits with caries prevalence in 2-5-year-old children.Materials and methodsIn this analytical cross-sectional study, 2-5-year-old preschool children were clinically examined by a single calibrated examiner and divided into two groups of 80 children with early childhood caries (ECC) and 80 without. Mothers of the children were clinically examined and a second blinded investigator determined their genetic taste type using PROP. Data regarding feeding practices of the child and snacking habits of the mother and child were obtained using questionnaires. The data obtained were statistically analyzed.ResultsCariogenic snack consumption was more among nontaster mothers and their children (p value < 0.001). More number of children of the nontaster mothers in the ECC group were bottle-fed with sweetened beverages (n = 24) and received sweet snacks as rewards (n = 32). Caries prevalence of 73%, 20%, and 7% was seen in children of nontaster, medium taster, and supertaster mothers, respectively (p value < 0.05). Significant association was found between mother's caries activity, past bottle-feeding, receiving sweet snacks as reward and their child's caries experience.ConclusionMothers’ PROP sensitivity was significantly associated with snacking habits and caries experience of their children. Mothers’ PROP type could be an important factor that may determine and explain the dental caries experience in their 2-5-year-old preschool children.Clinical significanceEarly identification of nontaster mothers may prove beneficial in guiding them and consecutively their children toward healthy dietary habits, leading to lesser incidence of caries and their better overall wellbeing.How to cite this articleNellamakkada K, Patil SS, Kakanur M, et al. Association of Mothers’ Genetic Taste Perception to Eating Habits and Its Influence on Early Childhood Caries in Preschool Children: An Analytical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S135-S139.

Caries Experience and Its Relationship with Mother's Educational Level and Occupational Status: A Cross-sectional Survey.

AimMost studies have investigated established risk factors contributing to dental caries in children, however, with the growing incidence of caries in children more risk factors are being included in literature. Thus, this cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the relationship between mother's educational level and occupational status with the caries experience of the child.Materials and methodAbout 120 mother–child pairs participated in the study. Children below 12 years were screened for their dental caries status using DMFT index. The pairs were equally divided into three groups according to the mother's education and occupational status as: Group I–Mothers who did not receive any formal education, Group II–Educated mothers but unemployed, and Group III–Educated employed mothers. Mother's knowledge and attitude regarding the child's oral health was recorded analyzed using Chi-square test with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsIn the present study, the lower DMFT score has been significantly related to higher levels of education and occupation of the mother. It was also observed that the knowledge and attitude of the mother related to the child's oral health is directly proportional to the education and occupational status.ConclusionThe findings of our study suggest that mother's level of education increases the awareness of the child's oral health. Therefore, it is utmost important to educate a mother to help the child maintain his oral health and reduce the caries prevalence.Clinical significanceThe results of the present study conducted will help the clinician to keep in sight the relationship of mother's education and occupational level and its impact on their child's teeth, which will in turn help them for creating further dental awareness in the society.How to cite this articleNembhwani HV, Varkey I. Caries Experience and Its Relationship with Mother's Educational Level and Occupational Status: A Cross-sectional Survey. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S226–S229.

Ameloglyphics – A New Thought to Forensic Odontology, A Review

Soft tissues are unable to provide reliable information of human identification in mass disasters, it is largely feasible with skeletal remains especially teeth. There is a crucial need for new and dependable methods for recognition and confirmation of victims in mass disasters. Forensic Odontology employs various methods like rugoscopy, dental labelling, DNA analysis from dental pulp, bite marks analysis, etc. Currently it embraces the study of enamel rods end patterns. Ameloglyphics is an analysis of the end patterns of the enamel rod. These patterns have been found to be unique to the individual teeth of the same individual, as well as to different individuals. A potential association between the type of enamel rod end pattern and the incidence of dental caries can help to predict the individual's susceptibility to caries and to implement preventive measures. Individual identification is becoming more important than ever in today's world. Numerous techniques have been used for victim recognition in forensic dentistry, including rugoscopy, cheiloscopy, bite marks, dental impressions (ameloglyphics), radiographs, photographic samples, and biochemical approaches .The use of enamel rod end patterns may be used to identify the susceptibility of an individual to common dental conditions that are acquired during one's lifetime.&#x0D; Keywords: Biometric analyses; Forensic science; Acid etching, Peel technique ;Automated biometric technique.

Analysis of the Dental Caries Epidemiological Profile in Children of Benguela city, Angola.

To analyse the epidemiological profile of dental caries in children aged 5 and 12 years in the city of Benguela, Angola. This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 with 190 12-year-old schoolchildren and 240 5-year-old schoolchildren from the public education system in Benguela, Angola. The relationship between dental caries and dental characteristics, sociodemographic factors, access to dental services, oral hygiene practices, and eating habits was analysed. Dental condition was evaluated using the dmft and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) indices. It was found that 62.63% (n = 119) of 12-year-old students and 42.08% (n = 101) of 5-year-old students were free from dental caries. The average DMFT was 0.76 + 1.35 and dmft was 2.19 + 2.95. The majority of children (56.51%) had never been to the dentist, had no dental elements restored, and none of the students used dental floss. The proportion of students who consumed sweets every day was higher at 5 years of age (46.25%) than at 12 years of age (22.63%). There was a statistically significant association (P = 0.01) between the higher incidence of dental caries and peri-urban location among 5-year-old schoolchildren. This study showed that the prevalence of dental caries in the permanent dentition of schoolchildren in Benguela is very low; however, the situation is critical in the primary dentition, especially in the peri-urban area. The limited access to dental surgeons and lack of treatment for affected teeth highlight the need to implement and develop public policies to promote oral health.

Associaton of dermatoglyphic patterns and salivary pH with DMFT index of patients in Riyadh.

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease with a genetic disposition. To evaluate correlation among dermatoglyphic patterns, salivary pH, and dental caries. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 150 randomly selected volunteers between 15 and 30 years of age who visited dental clinics from November 2019 to December 2020. Caries status was evaluated as decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index, and salivary pH was measured. Patients with a DMFT score of 0-5 were into Group A, those with DMFT 5-10 into Group B, and those above 10 were classified into Group C. The dermatoglyphic patterns on the palmar digits of participants were recorded using the method by Cummins and Midlo. A higher salivary pH was observed in Group A and Group B when compared with Group C (P = 0.001), and this difference was statistically significant. Group A exhibited a statistically significant association with the arch form of fingerprint (58.1%), whereas Group B exhibited a statistically significant association with the loop form (51.9%). Group C exhibited a statistically significant association with the whorl pattern of fingerprint pattern (98.8%) (P = 0.001). The loop pattern is associated with lesser incidence of caries, whereas whorl pattern is associated with higher incidence of caries. Dermatoglyphics is a noninvasive method that can be used to identify caries susceptibility and take appropriate prophylactic measures.

The first thousand days of mother and child: a lifelong investment in oral health!

Obstetricians, gynaecologists, paediatricians, pharmacists, paediatric dentists and hygienists are all health professionals that women encounter during the perinatal period. Today we know that during pregnancy and even earlier-at a pregnancy planning phase-the factors that will influence the future of the child's oral health are established. These are the 1,000 days stretching from conception to the child's second year of life, a time that will influence the health of oral cavity for life, and the foundations for the overall health are laid. In fact, oral health is the result of the ongoing prevention carried out by all the above-mentioned health professionals and operators. Often, dental diseases result from misinformation, mistakes and carelessness that begin in pregnancy and continue for the first few years of life. During pregnancy there is an increased risk for and/or worsening of periodontal diseases and a higher incidence of dental erosion and caries for the mother-to -be. In turn, this can even lead to an increase in pregnancy-related diseases such as premature births and miscarriages. Maternal nutrition, oral hygiene and lifestyle choices are the main elements influencing the health of both the mother and the child. Adequate nutrient levels during crucial periods of fetal development can lead to optimal fetal tissue programming and confer the child a greater protection against chronic diseases later in life. It is therefore imperative to promote information campaigns on these topics to prepare caregivers and women for the perinatal period. A survey carried out in Italy on a sample of women of childbearing age shows widespread misinformation about the oral health of mothers and children. The knowledge of health providers is also unsatisfactory: while most respondents recognise the importance of care during pregnancy, they do not advise patients to have dental check-ups or ask them if they have underwent dental care in the previous 12 months. We are carrying out a similar project with the University of Barcelona and it would be interesting to have data from other countries: we will consider them for immediate publication in our journal. Only by improving our knowledge of different realities we will achieve an effective dissemination of information and reduce the incidence of both pregnancy-related pathologies and those affecting childhood. We are looking forward to your contributions!

Kariesprävalenz und Karieserfahrung bei 3- bis 6-jährigen Kindern in Hamburg

Background and objectives: A caries epidemiological survey in daycare centers in the city of Hamburg, Germany, was conducted to determine the caries prevalence and the mean caries experience in 3- to 6-year-old children in 2016. The findings were compared with a survey conducted 10 years earlier. Special focus was placed on the caries burden of 3 year olds. Methods: A visual caries examination was conducted according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and with additional registration of initial lesions. A questionnaire was used to obtain information from the parents about tooth brushing in their children. Results: A total of 933 children were examined. The caries prevalence was 22.7%, the decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) value was 0.8. Each child with caries had a mean of 3.5 affected teeth. Including initial lesions, the caries prevalence was 44.4% with a mean DMFT value of 1.8. Compared to the previous study, a further decrease in caries was observed. However, this was only minimal in the 3-year-old children. Of note is the already high incidence of initial caries in the 3 year olds. Univariate statistical analyses showed significant relationships between the start of tooth brushing (fewer caries when starting in the first year of life), daily tooth brushing frequency (more caries when brushing less than twice a day), and quality of oral hygiene (high caries burden with large amounts of plaque). Conclusions: The unfavorable results for the 3-year-old children and the correlations between tooth brushing and caries prove once again that structured caries prevention measures must begin well before the age of 3. This highlights the potential of the recently implemented dental screening examinations in very young children and the current recommendations for an early start of tooth brushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste for children.

Analisis Kejadian Karies Gigi Pada Anak SD Al-Azhar di Kelurahan Bangun Jaya Kota Pagar Alam

Dental caries is a disease that often occurs in children, which is a condition of cavities and causes pain. This study aims to determine the factors associated with the incidence of dental caries in elementary students at Al-Azhar Elementary School, Pagar Alam City Donation Work Area in 2021. The design of this study used a Cross Sectional, where the population in this study were students of Al-Azhar Elementary School in Bangun Village. Jaya Kota Pagar Alam in 2021. The method for taking the sample in this research is the total sampling technique. The research sample is Al-Azhar Elementary School students in Bangun Jaya Village, Pagar Alam City in 2021, each with 97 respondents. This research has been carried out in June 2021. Data collection using a questionnaire. The results of statistical test analysis using the Chi-Square statistical test where the results show there is a significant relationship (p &lt; 0.05) for the attitude variable (p value 0.008) and toothbrushing habits (p value 0.02). dominant is attitude (p value 0.012) with OR value (0.162). From this study it was concluded that the Puskesmas should optimize dental and oral health services in preventing caries as early as possible in children

Association of Dermatoglyphic Patterns with DMFT Score, Salivary pH and Plaque Index Score: An In-Vivo Study

Background: Dental caries, although of infectious origin along with its multiple predisposing factors, may have a genetic predisposition. This study was executed to evaluate the association of dermatoglyphics as a genetic predictor of the susceptibility of participants to acquire dental caries considering environmental factors such as salivary pH, Decayed, Missing and Filled Permanent (DMFT) Score and Plaque Index Score. Methods: 531 student volunteers of a dental college were included in the study. Thumbprint patterns of the thumbs of their respective dominant hands were analyzed. DMFT Index, Plaque Index Score and Salivary pH for each subject was recorded. Statistical analysis was executed using nonparametric chi-square tests, correlation coefficients and measures of central tendencies. Results: The predominant thumbprint pattern seen was loop type followed by whorl and arch type with 52%, 31% and 17% of occurrence and a salivary pH of 7, 5 and 6 respectively. The Chi-Square tests concluded that whorl type of thumbprints show association with increased DMFT score. Mean and median plaque index score was considerably higher in the individuals with a whorl type of thumbprint. Conclusion: There was distinct association between pattern of thumbprints and prevalence of dental caries. Whorl type thumbprint could prove itself as a genetic predictor towards increased caries incidence.

A Review on Xerostomia and Its Various Management Strategies: The Role of Advanced Polymeric Materials in the Treatment Approaches.

The medical term xerostomia refers to the subjective sensation of oral dryness. The etiology seems to be multifactorial with the most frequently reported causes being the use of xerostomic medications, neck and head radiation, and systematic diseases (such as Sjögren’s syndrome). Xerostomia is associated with an increased incidence of dental caries, oral fungal infections, and difficulties in speaking and chewing/swallowing, which ultimately affect the oral health-related quality of life. The development of successful management schemes is regarded as a highly challenging project due to the complexity of saliva. This is why, in spite of the fact that there are therapeutic options aiming to improve salivary function, most management approaches are alleviation-oriented. In any case, polymers are an integral part of the various formulations used in every current treatment approach, especially in the saliva substitutes, due to their function as thickening and lubricating agents or, in the case of mucoadhesive polymers, their ability to prolong the treatment effect. In this context, the present review aims to scrutinize the literature and presents an overview of the role of various polymers (or copolymers) on either already commercially available formulations or novel drug delivery systems currently under research and development.

New Method of Avoiding Underestimation of Caries Incidence and Its Association with Possible Risk Factors in Japanese University Students: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The objective of this three-year prospective cohort study was to investigate the association between a new definition of an increase in dental caries and risk factors in Japanese young adults. Data of Okayama University students who volunteered to undergo oral examinations and answer questionnaires in 2015 and 2018 were analyzed. The status of filled teeth and the status of occlusal/proximal surfaces of filled or decayed teeth were recorded. An increase in dental caries was defined as a change in the status of filled teeth and/or an increase in dental caries of occlusal and proximal surfaces. A total of 393 participants (18.2 ± 0.8 years) were analyzed. First and second molars showed a high prevalence of dental caries. Of the participants, 144 (36.6%) showed an increase in dental caries. In all the participants and in the females, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score and history of orthodontic treatment at baseline were significantly associated with an increase in dental caries (p < 0.05) in logistic regression analyses. In the males, the DMFT score and the daily frequency of snacking (≥2) at baseline were significantly associated with an increase in dental caries (p = 0.04). The DMFT score and history of orthodontic treatment at baseline can be risk factors for an increase in dental caries using the new definition in young adults.

Sealants for preventing dental caries in primary teeth.

Sealants for preventing dental caries in primary teeth.

Retention Ability of a Glass Carbomer Pit and Fissure Sealant.

Dental sealants are an excellent means to prevent pits and fissure decay. Currently, there are multiple commercially available sealant materials. The purpose of this study was to assess the retention of glass carbomer fissure sealant and the incidence of secondary caries over a period of 24 months in comparison with a resin-based sealant. Materials and Methods: We included 32 children in the study, with ages between six and eight years and an average age of 6.8 years old. For each child, we sealed four permanent molars (totaling 128 teeth). The study group was divided into sub-groups. Sub-group A was represented by 64 first permanent molars which underwent dental sealing procedures with composite resin-based fissure sealant, Helioseal F™, and sub-group B was represented by 64 first permanent molars which underwent dental sealing procedures with glass carbomer cement, GCP Glass Seal™. The sealants were assessed clinically at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Results: The 6-month follow-up evaluation showed no statistically significant differences between the two materials neither regarding sealant retention nor new carious lesions formation (p > 0.05). At the 12-month recall, 57 molars had good retention (89.06%) from sub-group A and 44 molars (68.75%) from sub-group B; there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0187) between the two treatment choices only regarding material retention. At the last recall after 2 years, sub-group A had a higher number of molars with perfect sealing (47–73.43%) and 8 molars (12.5%) with new caries lesions and sub-group B had 23 (35.93%) molars with perfect sealing and 15 molars (23.44%) with new caries lesions; there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) between the two treatment choices only regarding material retention. Conclusions: The glass carbomer retention is very inferior to the resin-based material. The glass carbomer sealant was effective in preventing new caries development, comparable with the conventional resin-based sealant.

Multicenter RCT on intensive caries prevention for children undergoing dental general anaesthesia: Intensive caries prevention for children undergoing dental general anesthesia

ObjectivesEarly childhood caries is a persistent problem often leading to dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA). Thus, this study investigated the effect of two additional individual caries prevention appointments before and after GA. Materials and MethodsIn this multi-center, 2-arm randomized, controlled clinical trial, 408 children (age 2–5 years, mean 4.2 ± 1.04) intended for GA were recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups with or without two additional intensive oral hygiene appointments before and after the GA. At baseline and at 6-/12-months follow-ups, approximal plaque index (API), gingival sulcus bleeding index (SBI), caries experience (dmft/s) and initial caries were recorded. ResultsParticipants in test group and control group (ITT; n = 161 vs. n = 147) as well as drop-outs in test and control groups (n = 40 vs. n = 58) showed no statistical significant difference in baseline characteristics. Test and control groups showed equivalent baseline oral health parameters (API: 78 and 77%, SBI: 22.6 and 23.5%, dmft: 8.5 and 8.2, respectively), which continuously improved during the study. The test group exhibited statistically significant greater improvement (API: 42%, SBI: 7%) than the control (API: 54%, OR: 0.48; P = 0.003; SBI: 12%, OR=0.44; P = 0.005). Due to the robust rehabilitation with predominantly stainless steel crowns and extractions, caries incidence was minimal and, therefore, without statistical significance (mean increase dt, test: 0.5, control: 0.6; P = 0.68), which was also true for new initial carious lesions (mean increase test: 0.8 vs. control: 0.9; P = 0.55). ConclusionsAdditional preventive sessions for children undergoing treatment under GA improved their oral hygiene parameters signifiqantly. Clinical significanceIntensive caries prevention appointments for children receiving dental treatment under GA improved their oral hygiene and might reduce their caries risk.

TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN KESEHATAN GIGI TERHADAP KEJADIAN KARIES GIGI PADA MAHASISWA FAKULTAS KEDOKTERAN UNIVERSITAS KRISTEN INDONESIA ANGKATAN

Dental caries is the most common infectious disease in the oral cavity and is still a dental health problem in Indonesia. Lack of knowledge about dental and oral health can increase the risk of dental caries. This study aims to analyze the level of dental health knowledge on the incidence of dental caries in students of the Faculty of Medicine, Christian University of Indonesia Class of 2019. This study is a cross-sectional design study conducted from January to December 2021 with a total of 138 respondents. Knowledge of oral health and the incidence of dental caries was assessed using a questionnaire. The results of the study: there is a distribution of students who have a good level of knowledge of dental and oral health as many as 115 people (83.3%) and students who experience dental caries events are 99 people (71.7%). Bivariate analysis of Spearman correlation test and obtained p value = 0.462 &gt; alpha value (0.05). The conclusion is that there is no relationship between knowledge of dental health and the incidence of dental caries in students of the Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University Class of 2019. Better knowledge about dental and oral health can change a better attitude in preventing dental caries. Many factors can cause dental caries that is a lifestyle of consuming sweet foods, the habit of brushing teeth after eating and before going to bed and the tooth structure is different for each person.

TYPES OF PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS. INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR SILANIZATION. REVIEW

Background: Dental sealants have been used to reduce the incidence and severity of dental caries in the pits and fissures of teeth for over 40 years. Since that time, numerous scientific discoveries have led to the development of multiple generations of new sealant materials. Aim: The aim of this paper is to summarize the findings of reviews regarding the types of pit and fissure sealants, indications and contraindications for their use. Methods and materials: Previous systematic reviews on this topic were used as the basis for the current review. Cochrane, MEDLINE, Embase, and a few other bibliographic databases were searched for English and Bulgarian-language articles. The year of publication of the searched articles was limited from 2000 to 2020. Only articles in English and Bulgarian languages were read in full. Results: A total of 114 articles were identified by the literature search, the title and abstract of the articles were examined. Twenty-four original research studies met the inclusion criteria. They were read in full, and evidence was extracted for types of pit and fissure sealants, as well as indications and contraindications for their use. Conclusion: Evidence derived from the literature led to the conclusion that sealants are effective in preventing pit and fissure occlusal carious. The selection of the material used for silanization is made depending on a few factors that should be considered, such as patient's and tooth age, child's behavior and ability to isolate the surfaces which are going to be sealed. Regular examinations are required to be able to determine the need for reapplication of sealants and to maximize the effectiveness and results of the treatment.

Risk Factors for the Incidence of Dental Caries in Low, Very Low, and Extremely Low Birth Weight Children: A Cohort Study

Objective: To assess the incidence of caries in a two-year period among low birth weight (LBW), very low birth weight (VLBW), and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) children considering socioeconomic indicators, dietary factors and oral hygiene. Material and Methods: A convenience sample was formed of 42 low birth weight children aged two to five years at baseline. Two examiners diagnosed caries using the World Health Organization criteria. Birth weight, socioeconomic indicators and diet were collected from medical records and questionnaires. Binomial models were used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted rate ratios (RR) and respective 95% confidence intervals for the factors evaluated. Results: Thirty-six children were re-examined after two years. The incidence of dental caries was 36.7%. The dmft index was 0.44 (±1.25) at baseline and increased to 1.36 (±3.85) at follow-up. VLBW children (1,000 to 1,500 g) (RR=0.23; 95%CI: 0.08-0.72) and LBW children (1,500 to 2,500 g) (RR=0.06; 0.01-0.55) had fewer carious lesions compared to ELBW children (<1,000 g). Carious lesions were more frequent among children with a lower income (RR=6.05; 1.05-34.84) and less frequent among those who did not consume sweetened juice, tea or yogurt (RR: 0.21; 0.07-0.62). Conclusion: An inverse dose-response relation was found between birth weight and the incidence of caries. A lower income and the consumption of sweetened beverages were risk factors for the development of caries.

Risk indicators of untreated dental caries incidence among preschoolers: a prospective longitudinal study.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of socioeconomic factors, oral conditions and the impact of OHRQoL as possible risk indicators related to the incidence of untreated dental caries in preschool children two years after an initial examination. A prospective longitudinal study was performed with a sample of 288 preschool children allocated to two groups at baseline (T0): caries free (n = 144) and with untreated dental caries (n = 144). Untreated dental caries was determined through clinical examinations performed by a calibrated dentist at T0 (Kappa > 0,89) and T1 (two years after the baseline) (Kappa > 0,91) using the dmft criteria. Parents/caregivers answered a socioeconomic questionnaire and the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) at T0 and T1. Mann-Whitney test and hierarchically adjusted Poisson regression models were used (95%CI, p < 0,05). The incidence of untreated dental caries was 41.3%. Low (RR = 1.63; 95%CI:1.18-2.26; p < 0.001) and high severity of untreated dental caries (RR = 1.92; 95%CI:1.36-2.72; p < 0.001), monthly household income less than two times the Brazilian minimum salary (RR = 1.79; 95%CI:1.04-3.25; p = 0.042) and overall B-ECOHIS score (RR = 1.03; 95%CI:1.02-1.05; p < 0.001) at T0 were risk indicators for the incidence of untreated dental caries among the preschool children. In conclusion, the incidence of untreated dental caries was high and the higher severity of untreated dental caries, the lower monthly income and the higher the B-ECOHIS score (indicating a negative impact on quality of life) were risk indicators to the developing of new lesions of untreated dental caries after 2 years.

Incidence of Dental Caries in Relation to Sweet Taste Perception and Dietary Habits among Students - A Cross Sectional Study.

Aim:The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of sweet taste perception on dietary habits among students. Furthermore, the relationship between dietary habits and caries was studied.Methodology:cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 college-going students aged 18–23 years from the Asan Memorial Institutions. The frequency of consumption of certain food items was analyzed from a Beverage and Snack Questionnaire, and the dietary record was obtained for 3 days. The sweet taste perception level was determined as sweet taste threshold and sweet taste preference. According to the sweet taste perception level, children were grouped into low, medium, and high. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth index was used for recording the incidence of caries.Results:High sweet threshold and preference groups showed an increased incidence of dental caries compared to the low and medium threshold and preference groups.Conclusion:Sweet taste perception level influenced the dietary habits and intake of sweets. The relationship between the dietary habits and the caries was found to be significant.

Effect of oral health education on the parents knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding dietary habits in 4- to 6-year-old children and its relation to dental caries incidence: A prospective study

Aim: Four- to six-year-old children were examined to evaluate dental caries incidence in relation to knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward oral health and dietary practices among their parents, and improvements achieved through targeted oral health educational interventions. Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal study over 1 year, with interventions at baseline and 6 months followed by evaluation at 1 year on children of two schools located at Bengaluru. The calculation of sample size was based on percentage of knowledge according to a pilot study = 66.87%, precision (%) = 5, desired confidence level (%) = 95, and sample size (n) = 340 samples were included. A 25-item KAP questionnaire on diet and dental caries was administered to parents along with an audio-visual intervention at baseline and oral health education booklet at 6 months. The children were examined at baseline and divided into two groups: Group A (caries free) and Group B (caries active). They were examined again at 1 year to evaluate impact of interventions on KAP of their parents, data recorded on modified World Health Organization (WHO) form, statistical analysis was done. Results: Group A showed higher mean scores for KAP with P value of (P < 0.001) being statistically significant. Z-test for proportions to evaluate deterioration in attitudes and practices among parents showed difference in proportion of samples with worsening in Groups A and B not statistically significant (P > 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Diet is an important determinant in incidence of caries in the community, KAP toward dietary practices of caregivers of children impacts caries incidence.