Oral Health Examination Research Articles

Periodontitis, dental plaque, and atrial fibrillation in the Hamburg City Health Study.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major health problem and causes heart failure and stroke. Pathophysiological mechanisms indicate a link with oral health including periodontitis (PD), but supporting data are scarce. The aim was to investigate the link between features of oral health and the prevalence of AF. This cross-sectional analysis of the Hamburg City Health Study included 5,634 participants with complete data on their PD and AF status. AF was assessed via self-reported questionnaire or medically diagnosed by standard 12-lead resting ECG. The oral health examination included full-mouth measurements of the dental plaque index (PI), the clinical attachment loss (CAL) at 6 sites per tooth, the bleeding on probing (BOP) and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Descriptive analyses for all variables stratified by the status of PD were performed. To test for an association between prevalent PD and prevalent AF, multivariable logistic regression models were used. Mediation analysis was used to test if interleukin-6 (IL-6) and/or C-reactive protein (CRP) mediated the association between PD and AF. Atrial fibrillation (prevalence: 5.6%) and the severity of PD (prevalence: moderate: 57.7%, severe: 18.9%) increased with age in men and women. Prevalent severe PD, CAL ≥3 mm, PI, and BOP were all associated with prevalent AF in unadjusted regression analysis. However, no association except for PI (odds ratio (OR): 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-1.35, p<0.001) could be observed after adjusting for age, sex, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), body mass index, diabetes, smoking, and educational level. Participants brushing their teeth at least twice daily had a lower AF prevalence compared with those brushing only once daily. Hs-CRP, IL-6, and the odds of AF increased as a function of PD severity grades in unadjusted analysis. However, neither the DMFT index nor IL-6 or CRP was associated with AF after adjusting for age and sex. Mediation analyses could not provide support for the hypothesis that IL-6 or CRP acted as mediator of the association between prevalent PD and prevalent AF. The study shows an association between prevalent AF and increased dental plaque levels indicated by a higher PI. In contrast, an association of prevalent PD with prevalent AF after adjustments for several confounders could not be demonstrated. Further studies are necessary to investigate the mechanisms underlying poor oral hygiene and AF as well as the influence of improved oral hygiene on AF onset.

Greater inequalities in dental caries treatment than in caries experience: a concentration index decomposition approach

BackgroundThe aim of the current study was to (a) measure the socioeconomic inequalities in oral health and examine whether the inequalities are greater in disease experience or in its treatment and to (b) decompose the factors that influence oral health inequalities among the adults of Guangdong Province.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 35- to 44-year-old and 65- to 74-year-old adults in Guangdong Province. All participants underwent oral health examinations and answered questionnaires about their oral health. We measured the concentration indices of the DMFT and its separate components, namely, decayed teeth (DT), missing teeth (MT), and filled teeth (FT), to explore the inequalities in oral health status; then, we analysed its decomposition to interpret the factors that influence the inequalities.ResultsThe results showed that significant inequality was concentrated on FT (CI = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.14/0.33, SE = 0.05). The concentration indices for the DMFT (CI = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.02/0.06, SE = 0.02) and MT (CI = 0.02, 95% CI 0.03/0.08, SE = 0.03) were small and close to zero, while the concentration for DT (CI = − 0.04, 95% CI = − 0.01/0.02, SE = 0.03) was not statistically significant. The results from the decomposition analysis suggested that a substantial proportion of the inequality was explained by household income, high education level, regular oral examination and type of insurance (5.1%, 12.4%, 43.2%, − 39.6% (Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance System) and 34.5% (New-Type Rural Medical Collaboration System), respectively).ConclusionsThe results indicated greater inequalities in dental caries than in caries experience. Among the included factors, household income, high education level, and regular oral health examinations had the greatest impact on the inequalities in the number of FT. In addition, the current medical insurance systems, including the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance System, Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance System, and the New-Type Rural Medical Collaboration System, have not been effectively used in oral treatment. Policy-making and the implementation of interventions for tackling socioeconomic oral health inequalities should focus on reducing the burden of treatment and providing greater access to dental care for low-income groups. Welfare policies are skewed towards rural areas and low-income people.

Association between oral health and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension: a nationwide cohort study.

Studies on the association of oral hygiene indicators with cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients have been lacking. Oral hygiene is directly or indirectly associated with systemic inflammation, one of the essential mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we hypothesized that oral hygiene would be related to the risk of cardiovascular diseases in hypertensive patients. We included 52 677 hypertensive participants who completed oral health checkups from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort between 2003 and 2004. We collected data on periodontitis diagnosis and treatment history, number of teeth loss, number of dental caries, and frequency of tooth brushing from medical records of health claims and oral health examination. The primary outcome was defined as composite outcomes of stroke and myocardial infarction. Follow-up was done until the date of primary outcome, or 31 December 2015. During the 11.26 ± 2.39 years (mean ± standard deviation) of the study follow-up, 3292 participants developed primary outcomes [stroke (n = 2430), myocardial infarction (n = 862)]. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, participants with dental caries (≥ 5) were independently associated with occurrence of a primary outcome [adjusted hazard ratio: 1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.10-1.72; P = 0.006]. Frequent tooth brushing (≥ 2 times/day) was significantly related to lower risk of primary outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.81-0.96; P = 0.002). Our study demonstrated that multiple dental caries were related to the risk of cardiovascular diseases in hypertensive patients. Better oral hygiene may attenuate the risk of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients.

Oral Health Assessment in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract: Objective: To assess oral health status in relation to diabetes-related variables in a cohort of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Study design: Eighty-eight children and adolescents with T1DM (median age: 12 years; range: 6-17 years) had received a comprehensive oral health examination performed by a single dentist and included, simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), gingival-index (GI), dental caries indices (DMFT and dft) and stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR; ml/min). Results: Significantly higher frequency of patients had fair oral hygiene and moderate gingivitis (P<0.001). Significantly lower stimulated salivary flow rate was detected in patients within late childhood group (P=0.038). Increased prevalence of permanent dental caries was observed in late adolescent period (P=0.001). There was significant increase in primary dental caries in children diagnosed with diabetes before six years (P=0.004). Patient´s age was positively correlated with SSFR, gingival-index and DMFT-index. DMFT-index was positively correlated with T1DM duration and HbA1c level. There was significant positive correlation between OHI-S and GI. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with T1DM displayed unfavorable oral health profiles that have been strongly linked to patient´s age, age at onset and duration of T1DM and level of metabolic control. Regular recall dental visits must be considered.

The State of Oral Health and Dental Condition in Sindh's Rural Areas

Aims: To ascertain the prevalence of dental caries using DMFT scores, to characterize the oral health status and associated factors of patients attending the Nasirabad Rural Health Center Dental Clinic, and to develop tools and strategies for collecting data for rural oral hygiene statistics. The district collects baseline data to aid in the improvement of dental health initiatives in rural Sindh. Design: From August 2018 to May 2019, convenience sample research was undertaken. Patients aged 15 or older met the requirements. Adult Oral Health Assessment Form (WHO) was used to gather data on oral health examinations. The Nasirabad Rural Health Centre's Dental Unit used a basic mouth mirror and an explorer to interview and clinically examine all subjects. The tools are sterile. On proformas collected biographic and DMFT data. Microsoft Excel 2016 was used to enter and analyses data. The sample comprised both genders and ages. In this study, dentists calculated the mean DMFT score. Items from an adult oral health questionnaire were modified and categorized as Demographics and Clinical evaluation. Demographic data included the patient's age and gender. The dentition was examined for healthy, decaying, missing, and filled teeth (Ft). Results: Microsoft Excel was used to organize and analyses the data. Males made up 41% of the population, while females made up 59%. Caries prevalence was 96 percent overall, with 204(22%) having a low caries status, 250(26%) having a moderate caries status, and 451(48%) having a high caries status. The mean DMFT score was 11.1424017, the standard deviation was 8.0937, and the Significant Caries Index (SiC) was 20.99363057 based on the DMFT value and the number of participants. Conclusion: The research population had poor oral hygiene and dentition. The mean DMFT Score was 11.1424017 and the frequency of dental caries was 96%, with a female bias. Pakistan is a poor nation with little dental health resources and awareness. Providing public oral health education and motivation, water fluoridation, and adopting newer research-based treatments of remineralization of dental caries must be prioritized. It is a major job for the health profession and the government. This issue is critical for dental health and requires immediate care. Keywords: Dental Caries, DMFT Index, Oral Health, Prevalence, Rural Areas

A Sampling Survey of the Oral Health Status and Awareness among Primary School Students in Lhasa

Objective To investigate the oral health status and awareness of urban children in Lhasa,aiming to provide a data basis for the prevention and treatment of children's caries and the promotion of oral health education. Methods A total of 504 Tibetan students were selected by cluster sampling from 2 primary schools in Chengguan District of Lhasa.All the participants were required to take oral health examination and complete a questionnaire about oral health awareness and behavior. Results The caries prevalence rate and mean decayed-missing-filled tooth(DMFT)of permanent teeth were 75.00% and 2.18±1.91,respectively.The rates of pit and fissure sealant and filling of permanent teeth were 3.77% and 6.81%,respectively.The caries prevalence rate of first permanent molars was 47.62%.The mean DMFT of permanent teeth and caries prevalence rate of first permanent molar were significantly higher in female group(P=0.001 and P=0.007,respectively).The prevalence rate of dental fluorosis was 61.51%,and the detection rate of dental calculus was 71.83%.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that prevalence of caries was influenced by many independent factors including gender,oral health awareness,intention of dental intervention,and dental experience. Conclusion High caries prevalence rate,low filling rate,and poor oral hygiene and health awareness were found among the primary school students in Lhasa,which require continuous dentistry investment and oral health education for the local students and their parents.

Association Between Cognitive Decline and Oral Health Status in the Aging Population

Abstract. Background: To date, no longitudinal prospective study has investigated the association between oral health status and cognitive decline in the geriatric Indian population, possibly because past studies differed in their target groups and methodologies. We investigated the association between tooth loss, as evaluated through clinical oral examinations, and the development of cognitive decline in older adults while considering baseline cognitive function. Objectives: This study served to find an association between oral health status and the subsequent development of cognitive decline in older adults of Maharashtra state while considering baseline cognitive function. Material and Methods: This 5-year prospective cohort study followed 140 participants without cognitive impairment aged ≥ 65 years (mean age: 70.9 ± 4.3 years) living in the Dhule region of Maharashtra, India. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in baseline and follow-up surveys, while oral health examination was carried out using Oral Hygiene Index. To investigate the association between oral health status and cognitive decline, we applied a multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular/cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, depressive symptoms, body mass index, smoking status, drinking status, duration of education, and baseline MMSE score. Results: In the 5 years after the baseline survey, we obtained an overall incidence of 20.71% in the population that developed cognitive decline (i.e., MMSE scores of ≤ 24). A multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that participants with compromised oral health were more likely to develop cognitive decline than those with mild to moderate oral health were (odds ratio: 3.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.07–10.2). Age, male sex, and baseline MMSE scores were also significantly associated with cognitive decline. Conclusion: Among the geriatric population of India, poor oral health status was independently associated with the development of cognitive decline within 5 years. This finding corroborates the hypothesis that oral health may be a predictor or risk factor for cognitive decline.

Perbedaan Keparahan Karies Gigi Molar Pertama Pada Anak Usia 6-9 Tahun Dengan 10-12 Tahun : Kajian Pada Radiograf Panoramik Di Rsgm-P Fkg Universitas Trisakti Periode 2017-2019 (Laporan Penelitian)

Background: First permanent molars play very important roles in the oral cavity. Therefore, tooth loss of these teeth due to caries has major impacts on oral health in the future. Panoramic radiographs have been used routinely in the oral health examinations and have accuracy comparable to intraoral radiographs in detecting carious lesions of posterior teeth. There have been no studies regarding the difference in the severity of caries in first permanent molars using panoramic radiographs before in Indonesia. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the difference in the severity of first permanent molars caries in children aged 6-9 years and 10-12 years based on panoramic radiographs at the RSGM-P FKG Trisakti University for the period 2017-2019. Methods: The sample of this study were 680 panoramic radiographs of children aged 6-9 years and 10-12 RSGM-P FKG Trisakti University for the period 2017-2019. In this study, an ICCMS index was used to determine the severity of caries in first permanent molars. Result: The Mann Whitney U test used to determine the difference in the severity of caries showed that there was a difference in the caries severity of first permanent molars in children aged 6-9 years and 10-12 years (p &lt;0.05). Conclusion: There was a difference in the caries severity of first permanent molars in children aged 6-9 years and 10-12 years based on panoramic radiographs at RSGM-P FKG Trisakti University for the period 2017-2019.

Periodontal Disease and Oral Health–Related Quality of Life in the Older Population in Indonesia

Introduction:Despite being acknowledged as the second global burden of oral disease, periodontal disease has few epidemiologic studies in the literature, particularly for developing countries. Many previous studies have assessed the relationship between periodontal disease and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL), with patients attending dental clinic or hospitals rather than a general population. This study attempted to fill the knowledge gap in limited information about periodontal disease and OHRQoL, with reference to a general population in a developing country.Objectives:To investigate the relationship between OHRQoL and periodontal diseases in an older population in Indonesia.Methods:We invited 582 older people from community health centers. The 369 (63.4%) older people who agreed to participate consented to an oral health examination and a questionnaire capturing demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and Oral Health Impact Profile–14 (OHIP-14) data.Results:Almost 75% of the older people had generalized periodontitis; 3% had healthy periodontal status; and around 22% had localized periodontitis. There was a lack of statistical evidence for an association between periodontal disease status and OHRQoL. This result was based on the appraisal of the prevalence of the impact (Odds ratio [OR], 0.95 [95% CI, 0.54 to 1.59]; P = 0.77), difference in mean severities (0.07 [95% CI, –1.66 to 1.80]; P = 0.94), and extent of the impact (P = 0.996). However, we found evidence for a relationship between tooth mobility and OHRQoL for all of the OHIP assessments, including prevalence of the impact (OR, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.16 to 3.01]; P = 0.009), difference in mean severities (–2.98 [95% CI, –4.50 to –1.45]; P < 0.001), and extent of the impact (P = 0.001).Conclusion:There was a lack of statistical evidence for a relationship between periodontal disease status and OHRQoL in this society. However, we found evidence that tooth mobility, as a sign of periodontal disease progression, is related to OHRQoL.Knowledge Transfer Statement:The present study can be used by dentists, community health workers, and policy makers in Indonesia to understand the prevalence, severity, and extent of the negative impacts of periodontal disease on older people’s quality of life. In addition, this study provides information about factors that might considerably affect the oral health–related quality of life in this society, such as brushing habits, dental visit, family income, DMF-T status, and subjective appraisal toward dental health.

Inhibiteurs de la résorption osseuse et risque d’ostéonécrose des mâchoires (ONM)

Prescription of bone resorption inhibitors implies a thorough evaluation of associated risks weighed against expected benefits. Although quite infrequent but highly debilitating, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is the most highly feared complication of such treatments, both by patients and some healthcare professionals. A concerted multiprofessional approach, primary prevention via systematic oral health examination as whenever possible, but also regular follow-up with an oral health professional, could all help limit the risk of MRONJ, increase patient adherence to treatment and improve the overall quality of care.

Association between vaping and untreated caries: A cross-sectional study of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018 data

BackgroundWith the rise in the prevalence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) and vaping products and the emergence of evidence indicating their cariogenic potential, it is essential to examine the association between vaping and untreated caries at a population level. MethodsThe authors obtained data from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and investigated the outcome variable—untreated caries—using oral health examination data. The authors applied multiple logistic regression analyses to assess the association between untreated caries and smoking (cigarette smoking, vaping, and both) while controlling for education, race or ethnicity, income, age, sex, and time since previous dental visit. ResultsA total of 4,618 participants were included in the analyses for this cross-sectional study. Participants who currently smoked e-cigarettes were more likely to have untreated caries (odds ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.24 to 2.29) than those who had never smoked, when adjusted for demographic variables. Similarly, dual smokers (e-cigarette and conventional smokers) were more likely to have untreated caries compared with nondual smokers (odds ratio, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.36 to 4.36). ConclusionBoth vaping and dual smoking are associated with an increased occurrence of untreated caries. Practical ImplicationsVaping status should be included as a part of health history questionnaires for patients. Dental professionals should be informed of the potential oral health implications of vaping and, in turn, impart this knowledge to patients.

Oral health status and behavior in elderly Koreans with periodontal disease.

The purpose of this study was to investigate oral health status and oral health behaviors in elderly Koreans with periodontal disease. The data of the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018) were used. This cross-sectional study included 2981 individuals who were at least 65 years of age. Periodontal disease was assessed in oral health exams. Subjective oral health status (e.g., toothache) and oral health behaviors (e.g., tooth brushing and oral health examination) were assessed in health interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The overall prevalence of periodontal disease in the study population was 47.5%. Individuals with periodontal disease were more likely to have a toothache than those without periodontal disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.20-1.77). Individuals with periodontal disease were also more likely to have chewing discomfort (aOR=1.21, 95% CI=1.01-1.44) and less likely to use oral hygiene products (aOR=0.74, 95% CI=0.60-0.91) than those without periodontal disease. About half of elderly had the periodontal disease. Elderly Koreans with periodontal disease were more likely to have poor oral health and behavior than those without periodontal disease. The results of this study provide an insight into social and behavioral factors associated with periodontal diseases in older Koreans. It is necessary to confirm these results through prospective studies.

Dietitians' Change in Practice

Dietetics has recently begun implementing the nutrition-focused physical examination, based on a physical examination of oral health. This qualitative study, interviewing 18 dietitians, examined how dietitians experience and cope with this change. Inductive thematic analysis revealed that dietitians experienced the change as either a threat or a challenge, as well as stemming from within or outside the profession. Dietitians' preferred coping strategies that derive from their personal experiences. Managers are recommended to develop coaching programs for dietitians to help them perceive the change as a challenge, focus on the opportunity for mastery, and gain skills to lead the interdisciplinary team.

Anthropometric Status, Diet, and Dental Caries among Schoolchildren.

Childhood dental caries and obesity are prevalent health problems. Results from previous studies of the caries–obesity relationship are conflicting. This study aimed to assess the association between anthropometric status and dental caries among schoolchildren, taking into account dietary habits, oral hygiene, and sociodemographic factors. This cross-sectional study recruited 569 children aged 6–12 years from five elementary schools in central Taiwan. Each child underwent an oral health examination and anthropometric measurements. The DMFT (decayed, missing due to caries, and filled permanent teeth) and deft (decayed, extracted, and filled primary teeth) indexes were calculated to record caries experience. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on food intake frequency and other related factors. The World Health Organization’s reference data was applied to define weight status: obese, overweight, and normal/underweight. The results showed that the mean (±standard deviation) deft and DMFT scores were 2.3 ± 2.6 and 0.7 ± 1.2, respectively, among participating children. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 18.1% and 18.5%, respectively. After comprehensive evaluation of potential confounders, weight status was not an independent predictor of DMFT or deft scores in the negative binomial regression models. In conclusion, weight status was not associated with caries scores in primary or permanent teeth among 6–12 year-old schoolchildren.

Knowledge of Five Different Types of Indonesian Health Workers Regarding Oral Health Services for Pregnant Women

Background: Oral health care for pregnant women is often not provided by five health professionals in Indonesia: dentist, general practitioner, gynaecologist, promotion health officer, and midwives. While pregnant women also neither seek nor receive oral health treatment, even with apparent oral disease signs. This condition might occur due to a lack of understanding regarding the importance of oral health care for a healthy pregnancy. Objective: This study aimed to determine the knowledge of five different types of Indonesian health workers regarding oral health services for pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a population of five types of health workers in Indonesia. The sampling technique used was non-probability sampling with consecutive sampling technique from August until September 2019. The sample size was 191 health workers; calculation of sample size was conducted using the survey population to estimate the population proportion formula. The research data was collected using Google® Form questionnaire, which consisted of questions regarding regulations and socialisation about the oral health of pregnant women, the minimum number of visits of pregnant women to health service facility during pregnancy, the necessity for oral health examination during pregnancy, oral health treatment package for pregnant women, advisory for pregnant women to have an oral health examination, maternal and child health manual book. The questionnaire was distributed online to the five types of health workers in Indonesia. Data were analysed using Microsoft® Excel and presented in tabular form. Results: Nine out of thirteen knowledge criteria were in the 'less' category, which means 69% of health workers lacked knowledge regarding oral health services for pregnant women. Likewise, the number of respondents who knew the correct knowledge was found in 9 of the 13 criteria, indicated that only a small proportion of health workers had adequate knowledge regarding oral health services for pregnant women. Conclusion: Five different types of Indonesian health workers are not knowledgeable enough regarding the importance of oral health services for pregnant women. Only a small portion of Indonesia's health workers have adequate knowledge regarding appropriate oral health services for pregnant women.

Association between the point-rating system used for oral health and the prevalence of Gram-negative bacilli in hematological inpatients: A retrospective cohort study.

Gram-negative bacteremia is a major cause of death among hematology inpatients who require heavy-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Gram-negative bacillus (GNB) is more likely to be detected when the oral health is poor. However, there is a dearth of studies on the relationship between oral assessment and prevalence of GNB in hematology inpatients.This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the original point-rating system for oral health examinations (point-oral exam) and the prevalence of GNB in hematology inpatients at the hematology ward of the Yamanashi University Hospital. GNB was detected by cultivating samples from the sputum and blood of each patient.A total of 129 subjects underwent a medical checkup and point-oral exam. The sputum and blood culture results of 55 patients were included in this study. The total points of patients positive for GNB (n = 25, 45.5%) were significantly higher than those who were negative for GNB (total score: median, 25th, 75th, percentile; 6 [4, 7] vs 2 [1, 4]; P = .00016). Based on the receiver operating characteristic analysis, a cutoff score of 5 proved to be most useful to detect GNB.An oral evaluation with a cutoff value of 5 or higher in the point-oral exam might indicate the need for a more thorough oral management to prevent the development of systemic infections from GNB.

Sex Differences in Oral Health and the Consumption of Sugary Diets in a Saudi Arabian Population.

Background and PurposeAdolescence is a crucial period for developing healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. The growing consumption of high-sugar foods and beverages constitutes a serious public health concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate sex differences in the consumption of a sugary diet and oral health among Saudi adolescents.Subjects and MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between January and February 2019. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit 2265 middle-school children aged 12–16 years. Data were collected via the Food Frequency Questionnaire and via an oral health examination, using the WHO criteria. The chi-squared test, Student’s t-test, and Mann–Whitney U-test were used to investigate the associations between the study variables.ResultsThe most consumed foods and beverages reported were water, juices, and biscuits (90%), while the least consumed were energy drinks and jams. A significant difference was found between males and females in the frequency of consumed sugary foods (P=0.01) and the quantity of consumed sugary beverages (P=0.000); males over all consumption were greater than their counterpart. However, no differences were found between sexes in the frequency of sugary drink consumption (P=0.2). The decayed–missing–filled index score was significantly higher in females (4.29 ± 3.44) than in males (3.61 ± 3.14; P=0.001). The mean plaque index among males and females was 1.72 (±0.79) and 1.20 (±0.78), respectively, while the mean gingival index was 1.31 (±0.77) in males and 0.69 (±0.73) in females—a statistically significant difference (P=0.001).ConclusionSex differences were found in sugary diet consumption and oral health status. Thus, policy makers are encouraged to consider sex-based differences when planning preventative programs and initiatives. Nevertheless, further research is needed on the dietary intake patterns of young adults.

ANALYSIS OF DENTAL CARIES IN THE PERMANENT FIRST MOLARS AND RELATED FACTORS WITH CHILDREN AGED 10–12 YEARS IN SOUTHERN CHINA

In order to investigate and analyze the caries status of permanent first molars (PFMs) in children aged 10 to 12 years in Southern China and to analyze the related factors, from January to August 2019, a multi-stage, stratified, cluster, and random sampling method had been used to select 6208 children from 22 schools in Guangzhou city for oral health examinations and questionnaires. The total caries rate of the PFMs was 39.40%, total DMFT score was [Formula: see text], the filling rate of caries was 3.38%, and the rate of fissure sealant was 5.89%. The percentage of PFM caries was statistically significant between female and boys, urban and rural areas, only-children and non-only children, and between ethnic minorities and Han ethnic groups ([Formula: see text]). The difference between urban and rural areas was statistically significant ([Formula: see text]). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the number of daily toothbrushes, the number of desserts eaten, milk drinking before bedtime, being the only-child, and the parents’ level of education were the independents influencing the factors of for developing dental caries. The incidence of dental caries in the PFMs of children aged 10–12 years in Southern China is high, and the rate of fissure sealant and the rate of dental fillings are low. There are a lot of differences between urban and rural areas, where children’s oral health knowledge is poor, and poor oral hygiene behaviors and dietary habits exist.

An aMMP-8 Point-of-Care and Questionnaire Based Real-Time Diagnostic Toolkit for Medical Practitioners.

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to propose an efficient strategy based on biomarkers adjunct with an interview/questionnaire covering risk factors for periodontitis for the identification of undiagnosed periodontitis by medical professionals. Active matrix metalloproteinase (aMMP)-8 levels in mouthrinse were analyzed by a point-of-care (PoC)/chairside lateral-flow immunotest, and salivary total MMP-8, total MMP-9 and calprotectin levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and active MMP-9 by gelatin zymography for 149 Greek patients. Patients underwent a full-mouth oral health examination for diagnosis according to the 2018 classification system of periodontal diseases. In addition, patient characteristics (risk factors: age, gender, education level, smoking and body mass index) were recorded. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis indicated better diagnostic precision to identify undiagnosed periodontitis for oral fluid biomarkers in adjunct with an interview/questionnaire compared with a plain questionnaire (i.e., risk factors): aMMP-8 AUC (95% confidence interval) = 0.834 (0.761−0.906), total MMP-8 = 0.800 (0.722–0.878), active MMP-9 = 0.787 (0.704–0.870), total MMP-9 = 0.773 (0.687−0.858) and calprotectin = 0.773 (0.687–0.858) vs. questionnaire = 0.764 (0.676–0.851). The findings of this study suggest that oral fluid biomarker analysis, such as a rapid aMMP-8 PoC immunotest, could be used as an adjunct to an interview/questionnaire to improve the precision of timely identification of asymptomatic, undiagnosed periodontitis patients by medical professionals. This strategy appears to be viable for referring patients to a dentist for diagnosis and treatment need assessment.

Cardiovascular risks of periodontitis and oral hygiene indicators in patients with diabetes mellitus

AimPeriodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease prevalent in diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate periodontitis and poor oral hygiene as independent risk factors for either cerebral or myocardial infarction in the diabetes population. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 17,009 patients with diabetes who had participated in a nationwide health-screening programme, including oral health examination, during 2002–2003 in South Korea. Presence of periodontitis, tooth loss and carious teeth were assessed by professional dentists, and the number of tooth brushings per day was evaluated through self-reported questionnaires. The primary study outcome was the development of cerebral or myocardial infarction, based on International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes, up to 31 December 2015. ResultsThe study enrolled 17,009 patients with diabetes. Over the mean 11.64 years of follow-up, 1341 patients presented with either cerebral or myocardial infarction. On multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, presence of periodontitis was an independent risk factor for either cerebral or myocardial infarction [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.34; P = 0.030]. An increased number of carious teeth (≥5) was also associated with risk of cerebral or myocardial infarction (adjusted HR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.20–2.32; P = 0.002), whereas frequent tooth brushing (≥2 times/day) was negatively associated with risk of cerebral or myocardial infarction (adjusted HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70–0.90; P < 0.001) compared with tooth brushing ≤1 time/day. ConclusionEarly identification and intervention of periodontal disease may be effective in reducing cardiovascular complications in the diabetes population, and improved oral hygiene would probably be associated with lower cardiovascular risk in diabetes.