Oral Health Indicators Research Articles

Changes in oral health indicators due to implementation of the National Health Insurance Services coverage for first molar dental sealant for children and adolescents in South Korea

BackgroundIn South Korea, dental sealant was included in the National Health Insurance Services (NHIS) coverage for the first molar for ages 6–14 in December 2009. The second molar was included in 2012, and the age of insurance coverage was extended to under 18 in 2013. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of an NHIS dental sealant coverage policy for children and adolescents by comparing the changes in first molar oral health indicators before and after policy implementation.MethodsThe Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were analyzed; the fourth period (2007–2009) provided data for before and the sixth period (2013–2015) provided data for after policy implementation. The proportion of individuals with first-molar sealant, decay-missing-filled first molar permanent teeth, and single crowns in the group aged 11–20 years were calculated. Data were analyzed using chi-square for complex samples and the complex samples general linear model. In addition, complex-sample logistic regression analysis was performed to confirm the association between factors.Results: Compared with non-beneficiaries, among policy beneficiaries, sealant ownership increased by 7.7% (from 27.8 to 35.5, P < 0.001), and the number of permanent teeth with sealant per capita increased by approximately 0.4 to 0.8 (P < 0.001). The proportion of individuals with decay-missing-filled permanent teeth decreased by 9.1% (from 68.4 to 59.3, P < 0.001), and the average decay-missing-filled permanent teeth index per person decreased by approximately 2.0 to 1.5 (P < 0.001). The rate of single-crown holders decreased by 2.7% (from 8.7 to 6.0, P > 0.05), and the average single-crown index decreased by approximately 0.11 to 0.08 per person(P > 0.05). The number of sealants increased with age and household income (P < 0.001). The mother’s education level affected sealant experience (P < 0.05). The caries rate was higher in females and older respondents (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe sealant covered by NHIS contributed to decreasing dental caries in Korea. However, policies that can reduce oral health inequality should also be considered, and a follow-up study is required for long-term sealant maintenance in Korea.

Nutrition and oral health in early childhood: associations with formal and informal childcare.

To examine associations between childcare type and nutrition and oral health indicators. Cross-sectional data extracted from a longitudinal birth cohort. Parent-completed FFQ and questions regarding oral health and childcare use. The associations between childcare type, classified into four groups: parent care only (PCO), formal childcare only (FCO), informal childcare only (ICO) or combination of care (F&I), and nutrition and oral health indicators were examined. Home and childcare. Families with children aged 3 years (n 273) and 4 years (n 249) in Victoria, Australia. No associations were observed between childcare type and core food/beverage consumption or oral health indicators. For discretionary beverages, compared with children receiving PCO at age 3 years, children in FCO or F&I were less likely to frequently consume fruit juice/drinks (FCO: adjusted OR (AOR) 0·41, 95 % CI 0·17, 0·96, P = 0·04; F&I: AOR 0·32, 95 % CI 0·14, 0·74, P = 0·008). At age 4 years, children receiving FCO or ICO were less likely to consume sweet beverages frequently compared with children receiving PCO: fruit juice/drink (ICO: AOR 0·42, 95 % CI 0·19, 0·94, P = 0·03; FCO: AOR 0·35, 95 % CI 0·14, 0·88, P = 0·03) and soft drink (ICO: AOR 0·23, 95 % CI 0·07, 0·74, P = 0·01; FCO: AOR 0·14, 95 % CI 0·03, 0·76, P = 0·02). Associations between childcare type and discretionary beverage intake were observed. Investigation into knowledge, attitudes and activities in formal and informal childcare settings is required to explore different health promotion practices that may influence nutrition and oral health.

Chemosensory dysfunction, Oral disorders and Oral health-related quality of life in patients with primary Sj\xf6gren\u2019s syndrome: comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate chemosensory function and oral disorders in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and to compare these findings with those of age- and gender-matched healthy controls.MethodsThis comparative cross-sectional study included 58 patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and 55 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Olfactory and gustatory function, burning sensations in the tongue (BST) and halitosis were assessed. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated using the short-form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14).ResultsPatients with pSS had significantly lower self-reported visual analogue scale (VAS) smell score (8.6 ± 2.2 vs. 9.6 ± 0.7, p = 0.016) and VAS taste score (8.5 ± 2.1 vs. 9.5 ± 0.7, p = 0.014) than healthy controls. A greater proportion of patients with pSS had anosmia (3.8% vs. 0.0%) or hyposmia (36.5% vs. 13.2%) and ageusia for basic tastes: sweetness (34.0% vs. 7.5%), sourness (10.6% vs. 0.0), saltiness (10.0% vs. 5.7%) or bitterness (19.1% vs. 1.9%) as evaluated using Sniffin Sticks test and taste stripts, respectively. A higher proportion of pSS patients complained of dysgeusia (52.6% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.0001) and BST (45.6% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.0001), while similar number of patients with pSS and controls reported halitosis (31.6% vs. 28.3%, p = 0.434). The mean OHIP-14 score was significantly higher in patients with pSS (6.8 ± 7.0 vs. 2.3 ± 8.5, p < 0.001) indicating patients’ poorer OHRQoL compared with controls.ConclusionsThe majority of patients with pSS had impaired chemosensory function and indicators of oral health in comparison with the age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Further studies of oral hygiene habits and dietary intake of these patients are needed to ensure better management of oral health problems in patients with pSS.

Does Oral Health Have an Impact on Self Perceptions, Parental Ratings and Photographic Assessments of a Child’s Smile?

AIM: To determine whether there is a relationship between the oral health of a child and evaluation of the child’s smile by self-perception, their parents perception and through measurements by photographic assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Cross sectional study was conducted among 100 children to determine their oral health status. The children and parents were given a questionnaire to assess the child’s self perception of their smile, the parents also responded to questions directed at evaluating the smile of their children. Then the photographs of children were taken at 2 occasions one when they were at rest position and the other photograph was taken when the child was smiling. RESULTS: The child’s self-evaluation correlated significantly with the photographic assessment of the smile and the number of positive responses by the parents. There were significant relationships between oral health indicators and the overall smile evaluation scores. The children with less decayed teeth showed more teeth while smiling and received more positive responses by the parents than children with decay. CONCLUSIONS: Poor oral health is related to the child’s smiling patterns and the way others perceive their smile. Poor oral health may significantly impair a child’s smile and may impact the child’s social interactions, confidence level and the way they feel about themselves

Association between Oral Health and Frailty among Older Adults in Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to examine the association between normative and subjective oral health indicators and frailty assessed by Frailty Phenotype (FP) and frailty index (FI) among older Saudi adults. cross-sectional study. community and hospital-based. participants were 356 community-dwelling older adults attending dental clinics and social centres at Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Frailty was measured with the frailty phenotype and a 34-item FI. Oral health included the following measures: self-rated oral health, number of teeth, and functional dentition. Covariates included sociodemographic factors and nutritional status. Logistic regression and negative binomial regression models were constructed to test the association between oral health indicators, FP, and FI, respectively. The first model was adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic factors, the second model was additionally adjusted for nutritional status. The number of teeth, functional dentition and self-rated oral health showed significant associations with frailty after adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic variables for both FP and FI. Adjusting for nutritional status attenuated the associations. This study has shown significant associations between oral health indicators namely number of teeth, functional dentition and self-rated oral health, and both FP and FI among Saudi older adults. Nutritional status appeared to mediate the association between oral health and frailty implicating inability to eat in this relationship.

The Effects of Oral Health Instruction, and the Use of a Battery-Operated Toothbrush on Oral Health of Persons with Serious Mental Illness: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

People with a diagnosis of serious mental illness (SMI) have a greater incidence of poorer oral health as compared to the general population. The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the effect that a combination of the use of a battery-operated toothbrush and a related educational intervention may have on the oral health of individuals with serious mental illness. Key findings include that the battery-operated toothbrush resulted in a significant improvement in the mean change in gingival index, a common indicator of oral health. The study also found that oral home care instructions, smoking and level of negative symptoms did not have an effect on the mean change in plaque or gingival indices. This project suggests that the implementation of a relatively simple, cost effective measures such as a battery-operated toothbrush may have a positive impact on the oral health in this population.

Parenting practices and oral health status in rural areas in Egypt: a household survey

BackgroundParenting practices influence children’s health and development. The present study assessed the association between parenting practices and oral health status of children living in rural areas in Egypt.MethodsA cross-sectional household survey including 190 households and 392 children was conducted from May 2019 to January 2020 in four villages in Egypt. Data were collected through clinical examination and interview-based questionnaires of children. Clinical examination assessed caries (DMFT and dft), oral hygiene and gingival condition. Parenting practices were assessed using the short version of the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) and oral health practices were assessed using the WHO questionnaire-child form. Four linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between four outcome variables (oral health indicators: (DMF, df, plaque and gingival indices) and parenting practices and oral health behaviors (exposure) after adjusting for potential confounders. Regression coefficients (B), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and model adjusted R2 were calculated.ResultsComplete questionnaires and clinical data were available for 392 children (response rate = 86.34%). The mean (SD) age = 9.93 (3.05) with 54.60% females. Most children (67.60%) had caries in their primary teeth, mean ± SD of df = 2.94 ± 3.10, while only 27.30% had caries in their permanent teeth, mean DMF ± SD = 0.57 ± 1.13. There was a statistically significant difference between parenting practices of both fathers and mothers (p < 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.008 and < 0.001 for the five parenting constructs). The adjusted R2 of the models that included parenting practices (for DMF = 0.168, for df = 0.400, for plaque index = 0.061 and for gingival index = 0.090) were similar to the models that included oral health behaviors (for DMF = 0.197, for df = 0.421, for plaque index = 0.059 and for gingival index = 0.084).ConclusionThe association between oral health status and parenting practices which- although not statistically significant- was similar in impact to that between oral health behaviors and oral health status, highlighting the importance of parenting practices to oral health.

Comparison of oral health indicators between two places of endemic dental fluorosis in Jordan

IntroductionExcessive fluoride intake during tooth development causes dental fluorosis. AimThis study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence of dental fluorosis in association with fluoride concentrations in drinking water, (2) explore the effects of altitude on the severity of fluorosis in two towns with high fluoride levels in the drinking water, and (3) assess decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and oral hygiene practices among participants. Material and methodsThe sample consisted of 100 and 141 schoolchildren, aged 15.3 ± 1.4 and 16.1 ± 1.3 years, living in Ruwaished and Kuraymah, respectively. Oral examinations were carried out, and dental fluorosis was assessed using the Dean’s index. The DMFT index was also used for assessment. Samples of drinking water were analyzed using a fluoride-ion selective electrode. SPSS was used to analyze the data. ResultsTwo-thirds (68.8%) of adults from Kuraymah had moderate to severe fluorosis, with only 7% being unaffected. In Ruwaished, 50% of the sample had severe fluorosis, 22% showed moderate fluorosis, and none were unaffected. The average DMFT scores were 3.18 ± 1.81 and 3.81 ± 1.41 for Kuraymah and Ruwaished, respectively. In both towns, males had significantly higher caries scores than females. Oral hygiene was poor, as 64% and 57% of the participants from Kuraymah and Ruwaished, respectively, did not brush their teeth. A significant correlation was found between poor oral hygiene and increased DMFT scores. ConclusionsThis study concluded that higher fluorosis incidence and severity were present in the higher-altitude location (Ruwaished). Moreover, this study also indicated that fluorosed teeth are not immune to caries, and the preventive management of dental fluorosis should be directed to de-fluoridation of drinking water in endemic areas.

Association between oral health status and handgrip strength in older Korean adults.

Poor oral conditions in older adults are not limited to oral problems, which lead to physical problems. Prior research insufficiently has probed the relationship between oral health and physical function. This study investigated the relationship between oral health status and grip strength in older adults living in the community. This study used data from the 2014-2018 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey. Oral health status was assessed by the type of dental prosthesis, the number of teeth. Grip strength was determined as the highest value among the three consecutive measurements of the dominant hand. The covariates included age, income, education, alcohol drinking, smoking, body mass index, sedentary time, comorbidity and number of caries teeth. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between oral health status and grip strength. Data on 6,437 older adults (men 2766; women 3671) were analyzed. The mean age was 72.9 ± 0.1years. In the crude model of logistic regression analysis, both men and women had an association between full denture use and low grip strength compared to high grip strength. After controlling for covariates, the remaining 0-9 teeth was associated with low grip strength compared to high grip strength in men [odds ratio (OR) = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-1.88]. The use of full dentures was also associated with low grip strength compared to high grip strength in men (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.09-1.98). No significant associations were found in women. Low handgrip strength was associated with using full dentures and remaining 0-9 teeth in older men. Low grip strength, one of the key characteristics of sarcopenia and frailty, may serve as an important indicator of poor oral health, especially among men in late life.

Indicators proposed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health for monitoring and evaluating oral health actions in the National Health System: documentary research, 2000-2017.

to present the indicators for monitoring and evaluation of oral health actions in the Brazilian National Health System (SUS), proposed in the period 2000-2017. documental research conducted on the Ministry of Health website regarding government guidelines on oral health monitoring and evaluation systems; the indicators were classified according to the following categories: access to care; resolutive capacity and continuity; and availability of oral health services. oral health indicators were identified in the following guidelines: 'Health Services Performance Evaluation Methodology Project', 'SUS Qualification Evaluation Program', 'National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality', and 'SUS Performance Index'; most of them refer to access to services and resolutive capacity and continuity of care. oral health indicators in the four government guidelines identified provide important input for health management, but new indicators are needed for effective monitoring and evaluation of oral health actions.

Oral Health and Oral Health Service Utilization in Native and Immigrant Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the PELFI Cohort in Spain.

This study analyzes associated factors to self-perceived oral health and use of oral health services in native and immigrant adults from the PELFI cohort in Spain. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted (401 adults ≥ 18years, from Spain, Ecuador, Colombia and Morocco). Frequencies for sociodemographic, self-perceived general and oral health variables were calculated. The association between oral health/oral health services use and origin country was estimated by logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio-aOR-; 95% confidence intervals -95%CI-). Ecuadorian men were more likely to report dental caries (aPR 2.75; 95%CI 1.30-5.80) and Moroccan women were more likely to report gingival bleeding (aPR 3.61; 95%CI 1.83-7.15) and the use of oral health services ≥ 1year/never (aPR 1.69; 95%CI 1.06-2.69). Colombian women were less likely to report missing teeth (aPR 0.73; 95%CI 0.56-0.95). Poor self-perceived oral health indicators were observed in immigrants and were modified for sociodemographic and general health variables.

Oral health of the prehistoric Rima Rau cave burials, Atiu, Cook Islands

ABSTRACTThe human skeletal remains buried in the cave of Rima Rau on the island of Atiu, have long been a subject of speculation as to their origins. Oral histories of a massacre, battle, famine and cannibal feast surround the sacred site. The local Atiuan community invited a group of bioarchaeologists from the University of Otago to help shed light on the people buried in the cave. We examined nearly 600 skeletal elements and 400 teeth, which represent at least 38 adults and 8 infants and children. This research is the assessment of their oral health, a first for a prehistoric Cook Island population. Oral health was within the range of other tropical Pacific skeletal assemblages, for dental caries, antemortem tooth loss, and supragingival calculus, with low rates of periodontal disease and periapical cavities. Degeneration of the temporomandibular joint was high and this was associated with enamel chipping, possibly linked to diet. Enamel defect prevalence indicates sex-specific health differences, but the population was robust with a good proportion who survived to adulthood despite periods of early childhood stress. Through the consideration of a skeletal census and oral health indicators, we begin to describe the burials in the cave.

Psychosocial aspects and the impact of oral health on quality of life of Brazilian adults.

This research aimed to investigate the association between psychosocial aspects and the impact of oral health on quality of life among adults. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,100 adults aged 20 years or older from a medium-sized city in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. The outcome was Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) in three categories: better (OHIP=0: 50% of lower scores), moderate (OHIP 1-12.6: 25% of intermediate scores), and worse (OHIP≥12.7: 25% of higher scores). The exposures included measurements of social support, resilience, sense of coherence, spirituality, quality of life, and stress. We calculated crude and adjusted odds ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals using ordinal logistic regression. After adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables, individuals with low social support, low sense of coherence, low quality of life, and high level of stress were, respectively, 2.16, 2.90, 2.94, and 1.50 times more likely to report a worse impact of oral health on quality of life than those with favorable characteristics. The findings suggest that psychosocial aspects can influence the perceived impact of oral health on quality of life. Health policies, programs, and services must recognize the mutual relationship between oral health indicators and psychosocial aspects among adults.

Association of the nutrient profile system underlying the Nutri-Score front-of-package label with oral health: preliminary evidence from a population-based sample

AbstractThe 2017 implementation in France of the front-of-package nutrition label known as Nutri-Score is a major public health strategy to help individuals make healthier food choices at the point of purchase and thus help reduce chronic disease risk on the population level. The algorithm behind the Nutri-Score is intended to reflect the overall nutritional quality of food and is based on the one developed by the British Food Standards Agency Nutrient Profiling System, following a slight modification (FSAm-NPS) in accordance with French dietary guidelines. Prior research has focused on its association with various physical health outcomes (weight gain, metabolic syndrome, cancer incidence, etc.), yet no studies have explored the link with oral health indicators. We analyzed the cross-sectional association of the FSAm-NPS with oral health in a population-based sample of 33,231 men and women enrolled in the NutriNet-Santé cohort. Oral health (main dependent variable) was assessed in 2016 with the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). It consists of 12 items scored on a 5-point Likert scale (maximum score = 60) with lower scores corresponding to poorer oral health with a detrimental impact on quality of life. FSAm-NPS (main independent variable) was calculated on the basis of 3 non-consecutive 24-h dietary records, following established methodology (score range: -15 to + 40, with lower scores corresponding to higher nutritional quality). Age-specific associations (cutoff = 60 y) were explored via multivariable linear regression models. Mean GOHAI score in the sample was 53.8 ± 5.5 (range: 19 to 60) and mean FSAm-NPS was 6.0 ± 2.2 (range: -6.7 to + 15.5). The unadjusted and the age- and sex-adjusted models were significant only in the younger age group (18–59 y). The fully-adjusted model showed modest yet significant associations between overall nutritional quality and oral health in younger and older participants, with the strength of the model being more pronounced in the former compared with the latter age group (F value: 28.5 vs. 6.3, both p &lt; 0.0001). Overall, consuming food with a higher FSAm-NPS score (corresponding to lower nutritional quality) was associated with higher risk of oral health problems. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the observed associations. On the public health policy level, the findings support implementation of the Nutri-Score on pre-packaged food in order to steer consumer choice toward nutritional profiles that are favorable not only for chronic disease prevention but also for oral health.

Oral health and cardiovascular disease risk factors and mortality of cerebral haemorrhage, cerebral infarction and unspecified stroke in elderly men: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Stroke mortality comprises different specific diagnoses as cerebral infarction, different haemorrhagic conditions and unspecified stroke. This study seeks to explore the prediction of oral health indicators versus known cardiovascular disease risk factors for stroke mortality. Methods: Altogether, 12,764 men aged 58 to 77 years were invited to the health screening Oslo II in the year 2000. It included general medical measurements and questionnaire information. Mortality data were supplied by Statistics Norway for the 6530 attending men. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to establish prediction models for mortality. Results: Oral health by number of tooth extractions >10 was found to be an independent predictor for cerebral infarction hazard ratio = 2.92, 95% confidence interval (1.24-6.89). This was independent of HDL-Cholesterol (inversely) hazard ratio = 0.21, 95% confidence interval (0.06-0.76), frequent alcohol consumption (drinking 4-7 times per week) hazard ratio = 3.58, 95% confidence interval (1.40-9.13) and diabetes hazard ratio = 4.28, 95% confidence interval (1.68-10.89). Predictors for cerebral haemorrhage were age, hs-C-reactive protein and body mass index (inversely). Age and total cholesterol (inversely) were predictors for unspecified stroke. Conclusions: Oral health measured by number of tooth extractions >10 was an independent predictor for cerebral infarction in addition to age, HDL-C, hs-C-reactive protein and diabetes. The pattern of risk factors varied between the specific stroke diagnoses.

Cachexia and Cognitive Function in the Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Mediation Effects of Oral Health.

Cognitive impairment and poor oral health are common problems in older adults and are associated with malnutrition. However, it is unclear how they are related to cachexia in community-dwelling older adults. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among cachexia, cognitive function, and oral health in community-dwelling older adults. This study is a secondary analysis of a data-set. Data were collected in the community setting on older adults who applied for government-funded long-term care services in Hong Kong in 2017. Subjects were community-dwelling and aged ≥60 years. The outcome variable was cachexia. The predictors were cognitive function and oral health. The covariates included demographics and comorbidities associated with cachexia or malnutrition. Path analysis was employed to examine the associations among cachexia, cognitive function, and oral health using the software SAS/STAT and Mplus. This analysis included 12,940 subjects. The prevalence of cachexia was 1.3%. Cognitive function was also found to have a direct effect on the oral health indicators of chewing problems (OR=1.073, p<0.001), brushing teeth problems (OR=1.349, p<0.001), and swallowing problems (coeff.=0.177, p<0.001). Oral health indicators with a direct effect on cachexia included dry mouth (OR=1.250, p<0.001), brushing teeth problems (OR = 1.185, p<0.01), and swallowing problems (OR=1.231, p<0.001). Cognitive function had no significant direct effect, but had a significant indirect effect on cachexia (OR=1.100, p<0.001) which is mediated by brushing teeth problems (OR=1.052, p<0.001) and swallowing problems (OR=1.038, p<0.001). Cognitive impairment causes cachexia indirectly through poor oral health. This study recommends adding cognitive function when screening community-dwelling older adults for cachexia. Health policymakers should stress regular oral health screening and interventions, and encourage increased utilization of oral health services by community-dwelling older adults with cognitive problems.

Oral Health in Portugal: Small Steps in the Right Direction

Oral diseases remain a major public health problem, due to its high prevalence and consequences, however, in Portugal, oral health indicators have been improving over the last few years. This is associated with the implementation of various strategies in health promotion, prevention and early treatment of oral diseases, with an important reinforcement of public sector intervention. It is important to revisit what measures have been implemented, how effective they are and how to improve them.

Children with autism spectrum disorder: Pilot studies examining the salivary microbiome and implications for gut metabolism and social behavior

IntroductionAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders defined by core deficits, including impaired communication, reciprocal social interaction, and stereotyped and repetitive patterns of behaviors. The salivary microbiota may serve as important indicators of oral and systemic health. In this pilot study, we identify components of the salivary microbiome in children with ASD. MethodsSaliva specimens were collected from 11 children with ASD (mean age: 10.68 years) and from 10 typically-developing individuals. Microbial DNA was extracted and utilized as templates for PCR amplification with V3-V4 16S rDNA-specific primers and high-throughput MiSeq sequencing. Taxonomic operational unit analyses and salivary microbiota profiles were conducted by LC Sciences (Houston TX); individual microbial species were further compared between children with ASD and typically-developing individuals. ResultsRothia species were found to be statistically more prevalent in children with ASD in comparison to typically-developing children (12.2-fold change; FDR p-value = 0.031). Alternately, Megasphaera, Moraxella, Neisseria, and Gemella species were all found at significantly higher levels in typically-developing children than children with ASD, displaying 39.2-, 31.9-, 18.8- and 14.0-fold differences, respectively (all with FDR p-values < 0.011). In boys with ASD, Moraxella and Neisseria species were found at significantly-higher levels compared to typically-developing counterparts, exhibiting 42.36- and 28.62-fold differences, respectively (FDR p-values of 0.011 and 0.0004). ConclusionUnderstanding the salivary microbiome in children with autism can lead to improved management of oral health and precision treatment planning. In addition, practitioners may be able to modify the oral microbiome as therapeutic regimens for ASD and other oral diseases.

Oral health status of disabled children attending special schools of Dhaka city

Background: Children with disabilities and special needs present unique challenges for oral health professionals in the planning and carrying out of dental treatment. oral health care workers need to take cognizance of when preparing treatment plans for children with special needs. Children with disabilities are considered to be a high risk group for dental diseases specially dental caries and periodontal disease. High rates of dental caries, missing teeth, periodontal disease and malocclusion are all indicators of poor oral health of children with disabilities.&#x0D; Objectives:The aim of the study was to assess the oral health status of disabled children in special schools of Dhaka city.&#x0D; Study design: This was a cross sectional study.&#x0D; Study settings and period: The study was conducted in two elementary schools at mirpur area of Dhaka city in the period between of between february 2014 to January 2015.&#x0D; Subjects: 200 disabled children with the age range from 6 to 14 belonging to six different disability groups were examined. Participants were grouped according to their type of disability autistic children, Down syndrome, Cerebralpulsy, mute and deaf, blind and physical disability.&#x0D; Methods: Data was collected by using semi structured quationnaire and checklist.Datawere analyzed by statistical package of social science(SPSS- 20).&#x0D; Results: According to disability the participants autistic 44%, cerebral pulsy 37%, down syndrome 35%, blind 28%, deaf and mute 30% and physical disability 30%.The average number of decayed tooth was found 6.89%. Mean DMFT value was 4.75. Average number of missing tooth was 1.89%.Prevalence of dental caries highest 71% in autistic children then other cetagory of disabilty .Oral hygiene practice of the respondent found very poor.76% children brush teeth in the morning and once in a day.49% respondent use toothpick to clean food from in between teeth.37% of the respondent never visited to dentist. 34.5% respondents had normal gingiva, 49% had mild gingivitis and 16.5% had marked gingivitis. Highest numbers of trauma cases were recorded in visually impaired group. 98.7% children required some form of dental treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion: Oral health status of children with disabilities was poor and it is important to concentrate on a preventive approach and provide proper dental education to parents of disabled childrens. More attention should be paid to the oral hygiene practice of disabled children&#x0D; Update Dent. Coll. j: 2019; 9 (2): 32-35

Association of oral health status with the CD4+ cell count in children living with HIV in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The association between oral and overall health, and particularly between dental and immune health, in children living with HIV remains unclear. This study examined the association between the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score and CD4+ cell counts in 142 children living with HIV aged 8–15 years (male, 51%) from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Other indicators of oral health (e.g., debris index, salivary flow, salivary pH and oral health-related quality of life) and overall health (e.g., nutritional status and quality of life) were also evaluated. DMFT scores were negatively associated with the CD4+ cell count in male children (β: −0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.25, −0.02). In all children, positive associations were observed between salivary pH and CD4+ count (β: −0.645, 95% CI: 0.02, 1.25) and between salivary flow and height-for-age Z-score (β: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.50, 1.95). The debris index was negatively associated with the height-for-age Z-score (β: −2.04, 95% CI: −3.38, −0.71). In summary, oral health was associated with immune and nutritional status. Oral health policies for children living with HIV should be emphasised, and further studies should evaluate the mechanism underlying the relationship between oral and overall health.