Caries Levels Research Articles

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

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

Factors of Dental Caries, Tooth Mobility, and Periodontal Pockets on the Occupation of Tooth Loss in the Elderly. (A Study in Karikil Village, Mangkubumi District, Tasikmalaya City)

BACKGROUND: Loss of teeth can disrupt daily activities such as chewing disorders, causing emotional problems, and loss of self-confidence. Tooth loss in the elderly is usually caused by dental caries and periodontal disease which are influenced by several other factors. AIM: This study aims to obtain a mathematical equation for predicting tooth loss in the elderly based on dental caries, tooth mobility, and periodontal pockets which have been shown to have an effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research is a survey research with a cross-sectional design. The research subjects were 210 elderly people from Karikil Village, Mangkubumi District, Tasikmalaya City, sampling using the purposive sampling technique affected tooth loss, while the effects were dental caries, tooth mobility, and periodontal pockets. Tooth loss, dental caries, mobility of teeth, and periodontal pockets were measured using the fill-in format from the World Health Organization. Data analysis used the Chi-square correlation test and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The results of the Chi-square test analysis showed that the variables of dental caries and tooth mobility had a very significant effect on tooth mobility (p = 0.000 and 0.007). The pocket periodontal variable did not show a significant relationship to tooth mobility (p = 0.947). The results of the multiple logistic regression analysis of dental caries and tooth mobility together contributed 12.2% (R2 = 0.122) to tooth mobility in the elderly. Dental caries gave the greatest contribution to tooth loss, namely, 87.6%. CONCLUSION: Dental caries gives the greatest contribution compared to tooth mobility and periodontal pockets to the occurrence of tooth loss in the elderly. In the elderly, the higher the level of dental caries and tooth mobility, the higher the risk of tooth loss.

Exploring the Relationship between Salivary Levels of TNF-α, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Obesity, and Caries in Early Childhood.

This research aimed to explore the relationship between tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), Lactobacillus gasseri (L. gasseri), obesity, and early childhood caries. After caries and obesity diagnosis based on the WHO criteria, 94 preschoolers were assessed. Unstimulated saliva was collected for analysis of TNF-α by the Milliplex system and for L. acidophilus and L. gasseri using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In obese children, each unit increase in the body mass index (BMI), and the TNF-α levels was associated with a one-time increase in the number of decayed surfaces (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, in eutrophic preschoolers, the presence of L. gasseri and L. acidophilus was linked, respectively, to an increase of 3.04 and 1.59 times in the number of decayed surfaces (p < 0.05); in obese children, the presence of L. acidophilus was not significant (p > 0.05) and L. gasseri was shown as a possible protective indicator (RR:0.49–p < 0.05). In conclusion, TNF-α and BMI were connected to carious lesions only in obese preschoolers, suggesting that inflammation could be underscored when both pathologies are concomitant. The presence of both species of lactobacilli investigated was connected with early childhood caries in eutrophic children, whereas in obese children only L. gasseri was significant, and in an opposite way, reinforcing that obesity can modulate oral bacteria.

Dental Caries and Oral Health Status of Psychoactive Substance Abusers.

Substance-abuse disorders are universally associated with comorbid illness. Tobacco is a widely abused substance across the globe and presents a critical public health problem. The precise correlation between tobacco use and dental caries remains unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between tobacco use and dental caries. Methodology: Based on selection criteria, a total of 270 (age 20–50 years) participants were included in the study, and were categorized as group A (n = 135), consisting of tobacco users, and group B (n = 135), comprising healthy controls (non-users). The Decayed, Missing, and Filled index (DMFT) was used to measure caries status. The Simplified Oral Hygiene index was used to evaluate oral health. Results: The tobacco group reported the use of cigarettes; smokeless tobacco in indigenous forms, such as gutka (areca nut, tobacco, and slaked lime), betel nut chewing; and a combination. Individuals with tobacco habits had a higher prevalence of dental caries (Mean DMFT 4.73 ± 4.32) compared to the non-habit group (Mean DMFT 3.17 ± 3.11 (p = 0.001). The Oral Hygiene index was significantly higher (indicating bad/poor oral hygiene) in tobacco abusers than those of non-users (p = 0.0001). Duration and frequency of tobacco use were correlated with the levels of moderate and severe caries (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Psychoactive substance abuse, such as smoking/smokeless tobacco consumption, is associated with higher prevalence of dental caries.

Guardian Factors Affecting High Prevalence of Dental Caries in Preschool Children.

This study analysed the relationship between caregiver-related factors (dental knowledge, attitude, behaviour, and health status) and early childhood caries. ?It aimed to explore better intervention methods for reducing caries prevalence in preschool children. This cross-sectional investigation was carried out in Zhejiang, China. A total of 1344 guardians (parents and grandparents) paired with their children aged 3-5 years old were enrolled. The guardians completed structured questionnaires, which included their attitude, knowledge level and oral health status. The children received dental examinations. All of the data ?were analysed with R software. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyse different variables. Multinomial logistic regression with stepwise procedures and curve fitting was used to explore the relationship between guardians' risk factors and the level of early childhood caries. Guardians have a great influence on the incidence of early childhood dental caries. ?When guardians pay attention to oral health and have a good command of relevant knowledge, then the risk of early dental caries in children is low (p = 0.027). The guardians' dental problems?, e.g. dental caries (p = 0.0002), gingival bleeding problems (p = 0.049) and chewing discomfort experience (p = 0.049), demonstrated ?statistically significant correlations with early childhood caries levels?. Guardians' attitudes, knowledge, and oral health status ?had a statistically significant relationship with the level of early childhood caries? in their children/grandchildren. Instead of instructing schoolchildren about oral health, multiple-level dental knowledge instruction of guardians is needed to prevent early childhood caries.

Oral manifestations of Type I diabetes mellitus in pediatric patients

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

Impact of education and monthly income on caries index of community living in the rural area of Multan - a cross-sectional survey

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; Dental decays and periodontal diseases are among the most common ailments of the oral cavity. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index defines the number of the decayed teeth, no of the treated teeth, and the number of teeth missing in oral cavity owing to decay. People&amp;rsquo;s monthly income and level of education influence their behavior toward oral health. The objective of this survey was to assess the impact of education and monthly income on the caries index of the community of Jahangirabad Multan, Pakistan.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This 3 months survey-based study was conducted among 380 participants from the community of Jahangirabad Multan city. The oral health status of all participants was assessed by using the DMFT index. All individuals with permanent dentition were included in this study.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; There were 209 (55%) males and 171 (45) females. Age range of the participants was from 15 to 40 years. The mean and standard deviation of the DMFT index were 1.5 &amp;plusmn; 0.156, the range of DMFT score was from 0 to 8. The significant association between the mean DMFT score and level of education was observed (p-value = 0.036).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; The population of the rural area of Jahangirabad has an average of 1.5 teeth affected with dental caries. The level of dental caries is found to be inversely proportional to the level of education implying that improving education level of the communities may be one of the factors that can contribute to the reduction in the burden of caries in the rural communities of the country.&lt;/p&gt;

How to Cariogenic Food Habits in Children aged 9-10 Years? -Caries Severity Index (CSI)

Caries in children is higher than caries in adults. The factor that causes the high caries rate in children is the dietary factor. Cariogenic foods are foods that contain lots of carbohydrates, are sticky and break easily in the mouth. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between food of cariogenic to caries severity index (CSI) child of age 9-10 years. Methods: Type of Research is descriptive with device of cross sectional, date which is concerning free variables and the variable trussed will be collected during which at the same time. Subject of Research as much 65 children, have age 9-10 years old. instrument using Food of cariogenic measured by Dietary is Recall Method and for measurement hard; level of caries after conducted by inspection tooth and mouth measured to use caries severity index (CSI). The Result of statistical analyzes with Chi square to know relationship between food of cariogenic to caries severity index (CSI). Results: The results of obtained by statistical test value of p-value p=0,000 according to statistics very have a meaning at storey; level of belief 95% by 0.05. Because p-value &lt; 0.05 inferential hence there is relation between child consuming food of cariogenic hardly caries that happened at child of age 9-10 year. Result of obtained by statistical Analysis of value OR = 29,714 by 95% confidence of international 6,816- 129.540 of its meaning that child. Conclusion: there is a significant relationship between cariogenic food habits and caries severity index (CSI) children of age 9-10 years

Relationship Between Dental Caries and YKL-40 Levels in Saliva.

YKL-40, a new biomarker of localized inflammation, is secreted by macrophages and regulates inflammation and immune responses. The aim of this study was to investigate YKL-40 levels in saliva and compare the level of this mediator in healthy and unhealthy oral cavity. 80 children (42-girl, 38-boy), aged 6-15 (mean±SD: 9.35±2.08) were included in this cross-sectional study. The children were divided into four groups: Group-I (control, n=20, dmft/DMFT=0), Group-II (n=20, exist of dental caries), Group-III (n=20, exist of advanced dental caries without pulp exposure), and Group-IV (n=20, exist of advanced dental caries with pulp exposure). The dmft/DMFT, dmfs/DMFS, and the number of advanced dental caries according to the ICDAS and pufa/PUFA index were recorded. Saliva was collected and YKL-40 concentrations were measured. The highest level of YKL-40 was obtained in Group IV, followed by Groups III, II, and I, respectively (p<0.01). There was a positive correlation between YKL-40 and the number of caries There were no statistically significant difference in YKL-40 levels in terms of age and gender (p>0.05). The advanced dental caries with pulp exposure may play an important role in the increasing levels of YKL-40 in saliva.

CariesNet: a deep learning approach for segmentation of multi-stage caries lesion from oral panoramic X-ray image.

Dental caries has been a common health issue throughout the world, which can even lead to dental pulp and root apical inflammation eventually. Timely and effective treatment of dental caries is vital for patients to reduce pain. Traditional caries disease diagnosis methods like naked-eye detection and panoramic radiograph examinations rely on experienced doctors, which may cause misdiagnosis and high time-consuming. To this end, we propose a novel deep learning architecture called CariesNet to delineate different caries degrees from panoramic radiographs. We firstly collect a high-quality panoramic radiograph dataset with 3127 well-delineated caries lesions, including shallow caries, moderate caries, and deep caries. Then we construct CariesNet as a U-shape network with the additional full-scale axial attention module to segment these three caries types from the oral panoramic images. Moreover, we test the segmentation performance between CariesNet and other baseline methods. Experiments show that our method can achieve a mean 93.64% Dice coefficient and 93.61% accuracy in the segmentation of three different levels of caries.

The Relation Between Eating Habits, Oral Hygiene, Serum Calcium Level and Level of Dental Caries Among Young Adolescents

The Relation Between Eating Habits, Oral Hygiene, Serum Calcium Level and Level of Dental Caries Among Young Adolescents

Dental Caries Prevalence and Experience (ICDAS II Criteria) of 5-, 12- and 15-Year-Old Children and Adolescents with an Immigrant Background in Greece, Compared with the Host Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Evidence regarding disparities in oral health among native and immigrant child and adolescent populations in Europe is scarce. The present study aimed to determine the caries status of 5-, 12-, and 15-year-olds with an immigrant background in Greece in relation to their sociodemographic characteristics and compare their caries levels with those of their native Greek peers. A sample of 707 immigrants underwent clinical examination for caries (ICDAS II criteria), followed by a calculation of caries prevalence and experience estimates (2013–2014). Multivariable regression models assessed the effect of ethnic background on the caries experience (d3–6mfs/D3–6MFS) of the total (707 immigrants and 3702 Greeks) population, and the association between parental education level and the immigrants’ d3–6mfs/D3–6MFS. Among the 5- and 12-year-olds, those with an immigrant background demonstrated higher caries rates and had unfulfilled treatment needs at higher proportions. Among 15-year-old adolescents, no considerable differences in caries status were observed according to ethnic background (native Greek or immigrant). The strength of the association between immigrant background and caries experience levels attenuated gradually with increasing age (IRR = 1.61, 1.27 and 1.10, and p = 0.001, p = 0.006 and p = 0.331 for 5-, 12- and 15-year-olds, respectively). Among the immigrants, adolescents with less educated mothers exhibited elevated caries levels. Public health strategies should prioritize immigrant children and early adolescents in order to reduce the existing ethnic disparities in oral health.

Impact of early childhood caries severity on oral health-related quality of life among preschool children in Mexico: A cross-sectional study.

Information is scarce on Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in Mexican preschool children and its impact on quality of life. To evaluate the ECC prevalence and its impact on OHRQoL in 3-5years-old Mexican children according to disease severity. Caries was determined at two thresholds: (1) children with at least one caries lesion (ICDAS-1-6) and (2) children with at least one lesion in dentin (ICDAS-3-6). OHRQoL was assessed through the Mexican Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (M-ECOHIS). Associations among caries severity, M-ECOHIS, and other variables were assessed by ordinal logistic regression. A total of 409 children participated (53.8% girls, 46.2% boys). Caries prevalence was 82.2% considering all lesions, and 45.0% for dentinal lesions. Significant linear trends (p<.05) among caries levels and categories of exposure were found for socioeconomic variables, dietary habits, and toothbrushing habits. Attending rural private schools (OR=1.39, 95%CI=1.11-1.72; p<.01), two main meals/day (OR=2.75, 95%CI=1.26-6.03; p=.01) and unsupervised toothbrushing (OR=3.20, 95%CI=1.96-5.24; p<.01) increased the risk to have high caries severity levels. M-ECOHIS scores were statistically significant associated with caries levels (χ2 (4) =175.85, p<.01; trend across groups z= 12.63 Prob > |z| < 0.01). M-ECOHIS was significantly associated with caries severity. Type of school, age groups, parents' educational level, family income, and living conditions were correlated with caries, showing how distinctive risk indicators were associated with different caries stages.

Study protocol for a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect of the use of Xylitol gum in the prevention of caries lesions in children living in Ladakh\u2014the Caries Prevention Xylitol in Children (CaPreXCh) trial

BackgroundXylitol use is reported to be able to reduce dental plaque amount and cariogenic bacteria and, as a consequence, the caries increment. Only few data on the oral health of Ladakh’s population are available. The aim of the present protocol will be to record the caries prevalence of primary and permanent molars of schoolchildren living in Ladakh and to implement a school-based Xylitol programme, named the Caries Prevention Xylitol in Children (CaPreXCh) trial, using chewing gums.MethodsThe protocol is designed as a triple-blind randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial in children aged 5–14 years. The study should have been carried out from August 2021 to August 2024 in Zanskar Valley (Ladakh), but the COVID-19 pandemic does not allow today to make predictions on the exact start. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: subjects who will receive a chewing gum with Xylitol (70% w/v) as only sweetener, and those who will receive a sugared chewing gum containing Maltitol (23% w/v). The subjects will be instructed to chew a total of 6 pellets for 5 min divided into 3 intakes a day (2 in the morning, 2 after the midday meal and 2 in the afternoon) for one school year. Clinical examination will comprise an oral examination in which caries index (ICDAS scores), bleeding on probing and plaque pH evaluation after sucrose challenge will be recorded at baseline (t0); the clinical examination will be repeated after 12 months since the beginning of the chewing gum administration period (t1), after another 12-month period (t2) and finally after further 12 months (t3) (24 months from the end of the chewing gum use). The primary outcome will be the caries increment measured both at enamel and dentinal levels on primary and permanent molars. Data analysis will be conducted through Kaplan-Meyer graphs to evaluate caries increment. A comparison of the methods will be carried out with Cox regression with shared frailty. The net caries increment for initial, moderate and severe caries levels, using ICDAS (Δ-initial, Δ-moderate and Δ-severe), will be calculated.DiscussionThis trial will be the first trial conducted in India assessing the efficacy of a school-based caries preventive programme through the use of chewing gum containing only Xylitol as a sweetener. The findings could help strengthen the evidence for the efficacy of Xylitol use in community-based caries prevention programmes in children.Trial registrationClinical trials.govNCT04420780. Registered on June 9, 2020

Detecting of Proximal Caries in Primary Molars using Pen-type QLF Device

The purpose of this &lt;i&gt;in vivo&lt;/i&gt; study was to assess the clinical screening performance of a quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) device in detecting proximal caries in primary molars. Fluorescence loss, red autofluorescence and a simplified QLF score for proximal caries (QS-proximal) were evaluated for their validity in detecting proximal caries in primary molars compared to bitewing radiography. Three hundred and forty-four primary molar surfaces were included in the study. Carious lesions were scored according to lesion severity assessed by visual-tactile and radiographic examinations. The QLF images were analyzed for two quantitative parameters, fluorescence loss and red autofluorescence, as well as for QS-proximal. For both quantitative parameters and QS-proximal, the sensitivity, specificity and area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) were calculated as a function of the radiographic scoring index at enamel and dentin caries levels. Both quantitative parameters showed fair AUROC values for detecting dentine level caries (△F = 0.794, △R = 0.750). QS-proximal showed higher AUROC values (0.757 - 0.769) than that of visual-tactile scores (0.653) in detecting dentine level caries. The QLF device showed fair screening performance in detecting proximal caries in primary molars compared to bitewing radiography.

Streptococcus dentisani is a common inhabitant of the oral microbiota worldwide and is found at higher levels in caries-free individuals.

Streptococcus dentisani has been proposed as a promising probiotic against tooth decay, due to its ability to buffer acidic pH and to inhibit the growth of oral pathogens. However, it is unknown if this bacterial species has a global distribution. The current study aimed to establish the presence of S. dentisani in oral samples from different geographic locations by identifying the sequence of its 16S rRNA gene in available datasets from across the globe. In addition, an analytical and cross-sectional study was carried out to determine if the levels of this probiotic strain are higher in caries-free individuals compared to those with dental caries. Samples from various geographical sources demonstrated that S. dentisani is present in saliva and dental plaque from individuals of different continents. Typical S. dentisani levels in saliva ranged from 104 to 105 cells/ml and a total of 106-107 cells in dental plaque. Using real-time qPCR, S. dentisani was quantified from supragingival dental plaque of 25 caries-free and 29 caries-active individuals from a Mexican children population, where significantly higher proportions of S. dentisani were found in the caries-free group (p = 0.002). Finally, a negative correlation was found between caries levels (as measured by the dmft caries index) and the percentage of S. dentisani (p < 0.001). Thus, the current manuscript indicates that this species has a global distribution, can be found in saliva and dental plaque, and appears to be present in higher numbers in plaque samples from caries-free children.

The Dental Aesthetic Index and Its Association with Dental Caries, Dental Plaque and Socio-Demographic Variables in Schoolchildren Aged 12 and 15 Years.

The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was determined in 12- and 15-year-old schoolchildren to ascertain the prevalence of malocclusion and to assess its association with dental caries experience, dental plaque accumulation, and socio-demographic variables. We performed a cross-sectional study with a stratified two-stage sampling design. An oral health survey and oral examination were conducted, and socio-demographic data were recorded. The sample comprised 1453 schoolchildren aged 12 (868) and 15 (585). These two samples were analyzed separately because statistically significant differences were found: the 12-year-old age group displayed a higher frequency of schoolchildren who attended state-run public schools (p = 0.004) and belonged to a lower social class (p = 0.001); the 15-year-old age group registered higher levels of caries (p = 0.001) and lower levels of dental plaque (p < 0.001). The malocclusion was 9.5% higher (p = 0.001), and the global mean DAI score was likewise higher among the 12-year-olds (p < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis not only showed that caries and dental plaque were the variables that were the most strongly associated with malocclusion, but that caries (OR = 1.5) and dental plaque (OR > 2) were also risk factors for malocclusion in both groups. In conclusion, this study revealed a higher prevalence of malocclusion and dental plaque at age 12. A higher risk of caries and dental plaque was found to be related to the presence of malocclusion in both age groups.

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

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

Oral health in Lebanon: a pilot pathfinder survey

A pilot pathfinder survey for oral health was conducted in order to identify the level of caries and periodontal diseases in Lebanon and to produce baseline data, to be followed by a national oral health survey. The study involved 320 students, of whom 158 were 12 years old and 162 were 15 years old. The decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) scores for 12 and 15-year-olds were 5.0 and 7.7, respectively. Ninety-two per cent (92%) of the children aged 12 years and 96% of the children aged 15 years were affected by dental caries. The prevalence of periodontal disease among 15-year-olds was shown to be one of the highest (94.5%) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

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

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