Number Of Sextants Research Articles

Alterations in salivary biomarkers in relation to periodontal health and obesity among Hong Kong adolescents

ObjectivesTo explore the association among salivary biomarkers, periodontal inflammation, and adiposity status in adolescents. MethodsThis study included 180 Hong Kong adolescents aged 12–15 years. Anthropometric measurements including central obesity surrogate, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and dental examinations were conducted. The participants were classified into four groups as follows: with normal WHtR and less extensive periodontal inflammation (NW+LP); with high WHtR and less extensive periodontal inflammation (HW+LP); with normal WHtR and more extensive periodontal inflammation (NW+P); and with high WHtR and more extensive periodontal inflammation (HW+P). Saliva were collected to measure salivary physicochemical parameters, total bacterial load, and levels of protein biomarkers including secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA (sPLA2-IIA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Data were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation coefficient. ResultsSalivary IL-6 levels and sPLA2-IIA and IL-6 output differed significantly between groups (P = 0.041, 0.027, and 0.043, respectively). The NW+P group had significantly higher salivary IL-6 output than the NW+LP group (P = 0.034) and significantly lower salivary sPLA2-IIA output than the HW+LP group (P = 0.038). Salivary IL-6 levels were negatively correlated with the number of sextants with healthy gingivae and positively correlated with salivary sPLA2-IIA levels in participants with normal WHtR. Salivary sPLA2-IIA levels were negatively correlated with total salivary bacterial load in participants with high WHtR. ConclusionsSalivary IL-6 levels were associated with the extent of periodontal inflammation in participants with normal WHtR but not in those with high WHtR. Adolescents with different adiposity status may have different mechanisms of periodontal inflammation. Clinical significanceInvestigating salivary biomarkers of periodontal health holds potential benefits in identifying individuals at risk and customizing oral health promotion strategies for individuals with varying levels of adiposity, even as early as adolescence.

Periodontitis and the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A longitudinal study of an adult Japanese cohort.

To examine the relationship between periodontitis as an independent effect of smoking and the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Japanese people based on longitudinal data. We targeted 4745 people who underwent pulmonary function tests and dental check-ups at baseline and 8 years later. The Community Periodontal Index was used to assess periodontal status. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the relationship between the incidence of COPD and periodontitis and smoking. To clarify the interaction between smoking and periodontitis, interaction analysis was performed. In a multivariable analysis, both periodontitis and heavy smoking had significant effects on COPD development. When periodontitis was analysed as a continuous value (number of sextants with periodontitis) and as a category (presence or absence of periodontitis) in the multivariable analyses after adjusting for smoking, pulmonary function and other variables, periodontitis had significantly higher hazard ratios (HRs) for the incidence of COPD; the HRs were 1.09 (1.01-1.17) and 1.48 (1.09-2.02), respectively. Interaction analysis showed no significant interaction between heavy smoking and periodontitis on COPD. These results suggest that periodontitis has no interaction with smoking but has an independent effect on developing COPD.

Associations between dietary factors and periodontal status among 12-year-old children in Arkhangelsk region

Nutrition is an important determinant of human health particularly in childhood since dietary habits and metabolic patterns are formed during this period of life. Certain nutritional factors may increase the risk for periodontal diseases (PD). Considering the associations between periodontal health and cardiovascular diseases, studies on the associations between nutritional factors and periodontal diseases are of particular importance. The aim of the research was to study the patterns of consumption of certain foods associated with oral health according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and to assess the associations between these factors and PD among 12-year-old children in Arkhangelsk region of Russian Federation. Material and methods. In total, 1162 12-year-old children from 7 urban and 5 rural settings of Arkhangelsk region participated in a cross-sectional study. Dental status was assessed as recommended by the WHO (2013). To assess the periodontal status of a child, a communal periodontal index was used, which included 2 indicators: the presence of bleeding during probing and calculus. A WHOdeveloped questionnaire was used to study nutritional patterns related to oral health. Associations between socio-demographic factors and patterns of consumption of selected food items were assessed using Person's chi-squared tests. Associations between periodontal disease, bleeding, calculus, and nutritional factors were studied by multivariable logistic regression. Relationships between the number of affected sextans and frequency of consumption of selected foods was assessed using multivariable Poisson regression models. Results. More frequent consumption of sweet carbonated drinks was associated with male sex, rural living, and low educational levels of both parents. Higher levels of education for both mother and father were associated with more frequent consumption of fresh fruit (p=0.011 and p=0.002). The prevalence of dental calculus and the number of affected sextants with calculus were inversely related to the frequency of fresh fruit consumption (p=0.012 and p<0.001, respectively). The number of sextants with calculus and PD in general were inversely associated with the frequency of consumption of homemade jam and honey (p=0.036 and p=0.043, respectively). Conclusion. The frequency of consumption of the foods affecting oral health was significantly associated with socio-demographic factors in Arkhangelsk region. Daily consumption of fresh fruits was associated with lower prevalence of calculus. The lowest number of affected sextants with bleeding, calculus, and PD was revealed when homemade jams or honey was consumed at least once a week, but less than every day.

Periodontal condition and ultrasound-based measures of arterial stiffness: results of the Health 2000 Survey

BackgroundPeriodontitis has been associated with inflammatory processes in arterial walls such as impairment in endothelial function and thickening of intima media. As inflammation plays a role also in arterial stiffening, an association between periodontal inflammation and arterial stiffness can be expected. So far, conflicting results of the association between periodontal disease and arterial stiffness have been reported. Many of the earlier studies were conducted in specific populations and heterogeneous measures of both arterial stiffness and periodontal status were used. In this population-based study we aimed to investigate whether periodontal pocketing and gingival bleeding are associated with ultrasound-based measures of arterial stiffness.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, two sets of data based on the national Health 2000 Survey in Finland were formed. Data set I comprised never-smoking 45–64-year-old dentate (≥ 10 natural teeth), non-diabetic, non-rheumatic, non-obese (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2), non-hypertensive subjects with no coronary artery disease or ongoing lipid-lowering medications (n = 157). Data set II was formed of an unrestricted 45–74-year-old dentate population (n = 536). Four arterial stiffness measures (carotid artery compliance, Peterson’s elastic modulus, Young’s elastic modulus and beta stiffness index) based on an ultrasound examination of the common carotid artery were used. Periodontal parameters included the number of teeth with ≥ 4 mm deep periodontal pockets and the number of sextants with gingival bleeding. β-estimates, confidence intervals, and p-values were obtained from linear regression models.ResultsIn Data set I, the adjusted β-estimates for the association between the number of teeth with ≥ 4 mm deep periodontal pockets and Peterson’s elastic modulus and Young’s elastic modulus were 15.80 (p = 0.12) and 61.02 (p = 0.22), respectively. The respective β-estimates were 31.06 (p = 0.17) and 121.16 (p = 0.28) for the association between the number of bleeding sextants and these two stiffness measures. The results in Data set II were in line with the results in Data set I, with the exception that the adjusted β-estimates for the associations between Peterson’s elastic modulus and Young’s elastic modulus and periodontal parameters were closer to null.ConclusionsThis population-based study did not provide evidence of an association between periodontal condition and arterial stiffness.

What characterizes effective tooth brushing of daily users of powered versus manual toothbrushes?

BackgroundRecent data show comparable deficits in oral cleanliness after tooth brushing in habitual users of powered toothbrushes (PT) and manual toothbrushes (MT). The present analysis explores the origin of these deficits by relating aspects of the observed tooth brushing behaviour to plaque after tooth brushing.MethodsUsers of rotating-oscillating PT (N = 48) and of MT (N = 52) brushed their teeth the best they could while being filmed. Video analyses assessed brushing time, number of sextants brushed sufficiently long (7.5 s per surface; NSBSL), brushing of outer surfaces with closed jaws, and brushing movements. Correlation analyses examined the relationship between these parameters and plaque after brushing (Marginal Plaque Index (MPI); Turesky modification of Quigley Hein Index (TQHI)) and gingivitis (Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI)).ResultsIn PT users, correlations between behaviour and MPI-scores were significant for the NSBSL (outer surfaces: rho = − 0.249; inner surfaces: rho = − 0.510) and brushing duration (outer surfaces: rho = − 0.399; inner surfaces: rho = − 0.509). In MT users, vertical movements on the outer surfaces were positively related to MPI (rho = 0.299). In contrast, circular movements correlated negatively with MPI in those who brushed all outer sextants sufficiently long (n = 47: rho = − 0.294). In both groups, PBI-scores on the inner surfaces were negatively correlated to NSBSL and brushing duration (rho = − 0.327 − rho = − 0.246).ConclusionNSBSL and brushing duration appear to play an important role for brushing effectiveness and gingival health in PT and MT users. Whether PT users apply brushing movements or not apparently does not affect the result. In MT users, circular movements seem to be more efficient than vertical movements on the outer surfaces.

Prevalence of periodontitis in obese patients in Bahrain: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdult obesity has been associated with various systemic diseases and is an increasing problem in Bahrain. Recent evidence indicates a correlation between adult obesity and periodontitis. Hence the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of periodontitis in overweight/obese adults in Bahrain and to determine the factors associated with periodontitis in these obese adults.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted in overweight subjects attending Ministry of Health (MOH) Nutrition Clinics at primary health centers in Bahrain. After obtaining the institutional ethics approval, the demographic and anthropometric data, including Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) using World Health Organization (WHO) thresholds for severity of obesity, were recorded. Periodontal status was measured using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and the extent and severity of periodontal disease were categorized according to the number of sextants with CPI codes 3 and 4.ResultsA total of 372 participated with a mean age 44.0 (± 10.5) years for males, and 42.5 (± 11.2) years for females. Periodontitis was present in 361 (97%) of participants. Hypertension and diabetes were the most prevalent co-morbidities at 23.4% and 16% respectively. Mean WC was significantly greater in males at 114 cm (± 15.6) compared to females 109.5 cm (± 12.5) (p < 0.001). BMI was not associated with severity or extent of periodontitis but WC was weakly correlated in males but not in females (Spearman rho = + 0.2, p < 0.05). In the logistic regression model using overall WC to predict the severity of periodontitis, the adjusted OR was 1.02 (95% CI 1.00–1.04) and for age it was 1.05 (95% CI 1.00–1.07).ConclusionThe prevalence of periodontitis was high in this sample of overweight Bahrainis. BMI was not correlated with periodontitis but WC had a weak positive correlation. Implementation of periodontal health screening as a routine part of a nutrition clinic program is recommended.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CATARRHAL GINGIVITIS IN CHILDREN WITH DIABETES MELLITUS IN LONG-TERM OBSERVATIONS

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CATARRHAL GINGIVITIS IN CHILDREN WITH DIABETES MELLITUS IN LONG-TERM OBSERVATIONS

Oral clinical status and oral health-related quality of life: is socioeconomic position a mediator or a moderator?

To evaluate whether socioeconomic position exerts a mediating and/or moderating effect on the association between oral clinical measures and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adolescents. The study analysed data on 5,445 adolescents aged 15-19years from the Brazilian Oral Health Survey (SBBrasil Project). The numbers of decayed and missing teeth, number of sextants with gingivitis and malocclusion were assessed through oral clinical examinations. Participant's age, sex, OHRQoL and socioeconomic position were also collected. Monthly family income was used to indicate the participant's socioeconomic position, and OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance. Moderation was tested using Poisson regression models. Structural equationmodelling and Sobel's test assessed the mediation effects. Oral clinical measures, OHRQoL and socioeconomic position were significantly correlated (P<0.001). The moderator effect of socioeconomic position on the association between all oral clinical measures and OHRQoL was observed. The impact of all oral clinical conditions on adolescents' OHRQoL was lower in the low-family-income groups compared with those with a better income. Socioeconomic position partially mediated the relationship between the four oral clinical measures and OHRQoL. Sobel's test confirmed these findings (P<0.001). The findings suggest the importance of socioeconomic position as a moderator and mediator factor between oral clinical measures and OHRQoL. Disadvantaged adolescents are likely to experience poor OHRQoL due to oral conditions. The reduction of the impact of oral conditions on quality of life in adolescents may be enhanced by addressing social inequalities related to oral health.

Periodontal condition in relation to the adherence to nutrient recommendations in daily smokers.

To examine whether a healthy diet based on nutrient recommendations is associated with periodontal condition in smokers. Daily smokers from the cross-sectional Health 2000 Survey (BRIF 8901) in Finland were analysed in two age groups (30-49 and 50-79years, n=704 and 267) and according to the level of oral hygiene. Periodontal condition was measured as the number of sextants with gingival bleeding and teeth with ≥4mm deepened periodontal pockets. Information on nutrition was collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire and measured using the Baltic Sea Diet Score (BSDS) and the Recommended Finnish Diet Score (RFDS). In the total study population, no association between the scores and periodontal condition was observed. Among 30- to 49-year-old participants with good oral hygiene, diet scores associated inversely with the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets (p=.078 (BSDS) and p=.027 (RFDS)). In a representative sample of Finnish adults who smoke, a healthy diet was not associated with periodontal condition. Among a younger age group with good oral hygiene, a healthy diet associated with better periodontal condition. Age and oral hygiene appeared to modify the association between diet and periodontal condition.

Periodontal pocketing and gingival bleeding in relation to Nordic diet - results from a population-based survey.

To examine whether a Nordic diet measured by the Baltic Sea Diet Score (BSDS) and the Recommended Finnish Diet Score (RFDS) is associated with periodontal condition. The study population consisted of non-smoking, non-diabetic and non-rheumatoid individuals in the Health 2000 Survey in Finland. Analyses were made in two age groups (30-49years (n=1210) and 50-79years (n=977)) and subsequently in two oral hygiene groups (good oral hygiene and poor oral hygiene). The number of sextants with gingival bleeding and the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets were used as outcome variables. Dietary data were collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Both the BSDS and the RFDS were weakly, although statistically significantly associated with less gingival bleeding in the younger age group (p=0.019, p<0.001). In the older age group, the RFDS or the BSDS associated inversely, although inconsistently, with gingival bleeding. RFDS and BSDS associated with both gingival bleeding and deepened periodontal pockets among those with poor oral hygiene. The results suggest that the Nordic diet in some cases has a favourable effect on periodontal health. These findings warrant further studies on the role of diet in periodontal diseases.

Sense of Coherence and Oral Health Status among 16 to 17-year-old Preuniversity Students of Virajpet Taluk: A Cross-sectional Study.

Sense of coherence (SOC) is an important psychological factor that enables people to cope with stressors and successfully maintain and improve health. Oral health affects general health and impacts quality of life. The aim of the present study is to assess the association between SOC and oral health status among 16 to 17-year-old preuniversity students in Virajpet, Karnataka, India. A total of 361 subjects were included in the study by stratified cluster random sampling method. Sense of coherence was measured using the Kannada-translated 13-item scale proposed by Antonovsky. Oral health status was measured using oral hygiene index - simplified (OHI-S), Silness and Loe Plaque index, Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Loss of Attachment (LA) as well as decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index. Chi-square test and analysis of variance were used to evaluate the association between SOC and oral health. There was no statistically significant association of plaque index and caries experience with SOC, whereas the SOC scores were found to be significantly associated with loss of attachment and OHI-S among the subjects. The distribution of the mean number of sextants with loss of attachment was more among males. Sense of coherence has a role to play in the maintenance of oral health. There is a need to closely examine the psychodynamic factors that affect oral health. There is good evidence that SOC is a resource capable of promoting health, strengthening resilience, and developing a subjectively positive state of health.

Periodontal status among type II diabetic and nondiabetic individuals in Chennai, India: A comparative study

Introduction: Periodontitis is referred to as the sixth complication of diabetes mellitus. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, thereby compromising a patient's ability to maintain a proper diet and affecting the quality of life. Aim: To assess the periodontal status among type II diabetic and nondiabetic individuals in Chennai city. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among diabetics and nondiabetic population attending a government hospital in Chennai city. The WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (1997) was used to assess the periodontal status. The final sample size of the study was 1000 which included 500 diabetics and 500 nondiabetics. Results: This study showed a significant association between the diabetic status and periodontal disease. The severity of periodontal disease was high among diabetics when compared to nondiabetics. The mean number of sextants with shallow pockets was 0.76 ± 1.20 among diabetics and 0.49 ± 0.86 among nondiabetics (P < 0.0001). The mean number of sextants with Loss of Attachment score of 1 (4–5 mm) was 0.67 ± 1.05 among diabetics and 0.32 ± 0.70 among nondiabetics. Conclusion: Periodontal disease was more frequent and severe in diabetic patients as compared to nondiabetics although there are a number of questions need to be answered in future research.

Association between periodontal condition and hypertension in a non-smoking population aged 30-49years: results of the Health 2000 Survey in Finland.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether periodontal condition is associated with hypertension and systolic blood pressure. The study population consisted of dentate, non-diabetic, non-smoking individuals aged 30-49years (n=1296) in the national Health 2000 Survey in Finland. The number of teeth with deepened (≥4mm) and deep (≥6mm) periodontal pockets and the number of sextants with gingival bleeding were used as explanatory variables. Hypertension and systolic blood pressure were used as outcome variables. There was no consistent association between the number of teeth with deepened (≥4mm) (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95-1.01) or deep (≥6mm) (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.90-1.12) periodontal pockets and hypertension after adjusting for confounding factors. Nor was there any essential association between the number of bleeding sextants and hypertension. Periodontal pocketing and gingival bleeding did not appear to be related to hypertension in non-diabetic, non-smoking individuals aged 30-49years. Further studies using experimental study designs would be required to determine the role of infectious periodontal diseases in the development or progression of hypertension.

Risk indicators of oral health status among young adults aged 18 years analyzed by negative binomial regression

BackgroundLimited information on oral health status for young adults aged 18 year-olds is known, and no available data exists in Hong Kong. The aims of this study were to investigate the oral health status and its risk indicators among young adults in Hong Kong using negative binomial regression.MethodsA survey was conducted in a representative sample of Hong Kong young adults aged 18 years. Clinical examinations were taken to assess oral health status using DMFT index and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) according to WHO criteria. Negative binomial regressions for DMFT score and the number of sextants with healthy gums were performed to identify the risk indicators of oral health status.ResultsA total of 324 young adults were examined. Prevalence of dental caries experience among the subjects was 59% and the overall mean DMFT score was 1.4. Most subjects (95%) had a score of 2 as their highest CPI score. Negative binomial regression analyses revealed that subjects who had a dental visit within 3 years had significantly higher DMFT scores (IRR = 1.68, p < 0.001). Subjects who brushed their teeth more frequently (IRR = 1.93, p < 0.001) and those with better dental knowledge (IRR = 1.09, p = 0.002) had significantly more sextants with healthy gums.ConclusionsDental caries experience of the young adults aged 18 years in Hong Kong was not high but their periodontal condition was unsatisfactory. Their oral health status was related to their dental visit behavior, oral hygiene habit, and oral health knowledge.

Smoking induced heavy metals and periodontitis: findings from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2008–2010

Exposure to hazardous heavy metals such as cadmium and lead may contribute to increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the periodontal tissue. We aimed to evaluate the association between serum cadmium and lead levels and periodontitis. Pooled cross-sectional data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2008-2010 were used. Periodontitis was defined as WHO community periodontal index. Active smokers were defined as self-reported current smokers or those with measured urine cotinine ≥164ng/ml measurements. Serum cadmium and lead levels were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for periodontitis. The mean cadmium and lead levels were significantly higher in the periodontitis group compared with control population. A progressive increase in serum heavy metals were found as the number of sextants with periodontitis. The ORs for periodontitis were significantly associated with serum cadmium (OR=1.37; 95% CI 1.00-1.87) and lead levels (OR=1.60; 95% CI 1.15-2.21). The association between periodontitis and smoking was attenuated after adjusting for serum cadmium concentration. We demonstrated a significant association between periodontitis and serum cadmium and lead concentrations. Cadmium appeared to partially mediate the association between smoking and periodontitis.

Tooth extractions in general and due to periodontal reasons in three dental practices: a case-control study.

Assessment of the risk for tooth extraction in general and due to periodontal reasons in relation to patient factors. All patients' charts of three German practices were screened for extractions until 300 patients with extractions (cases) had been collected. All patients without extractions that were screened served as controls. Cases and controls were compared regarding parameters at the patient level. Stepwise logistic regression analyses identified factors influencing the risk for extraction. 2,174 patients were analyzed (300 cases/1,874 controls): aged 52.4/45.7 years (P < .001), women 52%/57%, calcium channel blocker medication 15%/8% (P < .001), mean Periodontal Screening Index (PSI) 2.5/1.8 (P < .001). In the case group, 459 teeth were extracted. The risk for tooth extraction in general and due to periodontal reasons was associated with calcium channel blocker medication (OR 1.49/1.66), active smoking (1.35/1.59), age (10 years) (1.13/1.36), practice 1 (1.48/2.19), and number of sextants with PSI code 4 (1.33/1.78). A continuous dentition with >= 20 teeth left was protective against extractions in general. Calcium channel blocker medication, active smoking, age, individual dentists, and number of sextants with PSI code 4 are risk indicators for tooth extraction.

Assessment of Oral Health Status of 35–44 and 65–74 Year Old Adults in Bairawa, Saptari, Nepal

Aim: To determine the oral health status of 35-44 and 65-74 year old adult population of Bairawa, Saptari Nepal using the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form 1997. Materials and method: The study was conducted among 642 subjects aged 35-44 and 65-74 years. Demographic information was collected by interview. Clinical examination was done to assess the periodontal condition and dental caries status of the population. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 83%. The mean DMFT was 2.60 among 35-44 year olds and 25.45 among 65-74 year olds. The mean number of sextants with bleeding and higher score was more among 35-44 year age group compared to 65-74 year age group. Females were found to have a higher mean number of healthy sextants compared to males. All six sextants were excluded in 97 (15.11%) subjects and healthy periodontium was seen in 36 (6.6%) subjects. Conclusion: The oral health status of the population was poor with a high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease. This study provides a baseline data which can be used by the authorities for planning strategies for oral health promotion, prevention and treatment especially in case of Nepal where the available data are very scanty.

Periodontitis could be related factors on metabolic syndrome among Koreans: a case–control study

Several studies have suggested that metabolic disorders are related to periodontitis. The objective of this study is to assess whether periodontitis is associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Koreans. This case-control study was performed among 167 cases with MetS and 166 healthy controls from Shiwha-Banwol Environmental Health Cohort (N=1853). The community periodontal index (CPI) was used to assess periodontitis (CPI 3-4). MetS was an outcome variable and periodontitis was a main explanatory variable. Age-gender-matched conditional logistic regression models were applied. Monthly household income, smoking, drinking, physical activity and diabetes mellitus were factored as confounders. We also performed stratified analyses according to confounders. Those with periodontitis are more likely to be patients with MetS than those without periodontitis. The adjusted odds ratio of periodontitis for MetS was 1.76. There was no significant dose-effect response on the relationship between the number of sextants with periodontitis and MetS. Links became higher in adults aged 45-60years and adults without diabetes mellitus. These results suggest that periodontitis could be an independently related factor on MetS. Hence, dentists and physicians should be aware of the importance of periodontitis as a potential source of inflammatory burden.

Visceral fat area‐defined obesity and periodontitis among Koreans

Although the association of periodontitis with body mass index (BMI)-defined obesity has been studied, it remains controversial. Hence, this study aims to determine whether the obesity is associated with periodontitis among Koreans and to determine the most significant indicator of the obesity on the link. From the Sihwa-Banwol Environmental Health Cohort, 1046 subjects 15 years of age or older were cross-sectionally surveyed. All participants underwent periodontal and medical health examinations. Age, gender, monthly family income, smoking, drinking, frequency of daily teeth brushing and physical activity were evaluated through interviews. The community periodontal index (CPI) was used to assess periodontitis. BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist hip ratio and visceral fat area (VFA) were used to assess obesity. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were applied. BMI, WC and VFA had a dose-effect relationship with the number of sextants with periodontitis. Although subgroup analysis revealed several significant associations between obesity and periodontitis (CPI 3-4), the greatest association between VFA and periodontitis was found in males, age 45-54 (odds ratio=3.30; 95% confidence interval: 1.53-7.09). Obesity was associated with periodontitis. VFA was the most suitable indicator of obesity in relation to periodontitis. Obesity may be a substantial risk factor for periodontitis.

Disparities in oral health of children in Tehran, Iran

This was to investigate the association between parents' educational level and oral health of Iranian primary school children. Data came from the voluntary clinical examination in 2005 of a random sample of 459 third-year primary school children in the 16 schools in Tehran, together with a self-administered questionnaire regarding information on the educational level of the parents. The study used the dmft/DMFT values for dental status, and the CPI, and PI to assess periodontal condition. One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used. The mean dmft value was 4.2 (SD+2.9) in boys and 3.4 (SD+2.6) in girls for the whole study group. The children of the low education parents had more dental caries than those of high education parents in both primary (p<0.01) and in permanent teeth (p<0.05). A strong association was found between high parental education and restorations in primary teeth (p<0.001), but only a trend for restorations in permanent teeth. Mean number of sextants with a CPI score 0 was significantly associated with parents' educational level (p<0.01). The disparities in the oral health of children need to be considered when developing oral health promotion programmes.