Oral Health In Relation Research Articles

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Dental Diagnosis

This paper discusses the potential role of artificial intelligence in enhancing dental diagnosis and care delivery. It describes how AI shows promise in automatic detection of abnormalities in dental images, personalised disease risk assessment through predictive modelling, and generation of comprehensive examination reports. The ability of AI to analyse patterns across medical imaging, genetics, lifestyle factors and health records enables more holistic understanding of oral health in relation to systemic conditions. Clinical decision support through differential diagnoses and evidence-based treatment recommendations aims to augment dentists' decision making. Seamless integration of AI into clinical workflows through interfaces is emphasised as important for adoption. Challenges around data and model validation are also addressed. Continued development of AI aims to realise benefits like earlier disease identification and more proactive, personalised care approaches

Simplifying Oral health evaluation: a novel approach through single-item surveys

BackgroundThis study adopts a novel approach of using single-item surveys to simplify the assessment of oral health status and behaviors among Japanese private sector employees. We aimed to establish the validity of self-reported oral health in relation to clinical dental examinations, and to elucidate the relationship between oral diseases, health behaviors, and self-assessments. A secondary aim was to explore the association of self-rated oral health with oral health behaviors.Materials and methodsSelf-administered questionnaires and dental examinations were obtained from 2262 Japanese private sector employees. Workers self-rated their overall oral health status according to five choices: “very good,” “good,” “fair,” “poor,” or “bad.” Self-reports were then compared with the results of clinical dental examinations, which included measuring the oral hygiene index (DI-S), the number of decayed teeth, periodontal status (Community Periodontal Index) and number of missing teeth. Convergent validity was also tested by examining the correlations of self-reported oral health status with oral health behaviors.ResultsOverall, 30.8% of workers reported their oral health as “poor” or “bad.” “Poor” or “bad” oral health status was significantly correlated with missing teeth, periodontitis, and decayed teeth. However, lower correlations were found for gingivitis and the oral hygiene index. Most self-reported oral health behaviors were correlated with self-rated oral health; exceptions were “tooth brushing instructions received in a dental clinic,” “having a primary-care dentist,” and “habitual snacking between meals.”ConclusionsSelf-rated oral health provides reasonably valid data, and correlated well with clinically assessed oral health status, including dental caries, periodontal status, and tooth loss. Convergent validity was also found for oral health behaviors.Trial registrationClinical trial registration number: UMIN000023011 (UMIN-CTR).Date of clinical trial registration: 06/07/2016.

Oral Health Education in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

Diabetes is known as a "silent epidemic" and is a public health problem that accounts for 9% of all deaths worldwide. The prevention of diabetes is a significant challenge, as its prevalence and incidence are both increasing rapidly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), education is the cornerstone of diabetes treatment. Since the severity of oral diseases is significantly higher in diabetic patients, this systematic review aims to highlight the oral care of diabetic patients as a priority for glycemic control and the importance of education for diabetic patients' oral health. We evaluated 20 clinical studies and 15 meta-analyses from PubMed and Google Scholar over the last five years. Their main themes are the direct relationship between diabetes and oral health, especially periodontitis, and the necessity of education and behaviors that can lead to a better quality of life. Our analysis indicated that good oral health is a critical factor of glycemic control in diabetic patients and can be enhanced by targeted educational programs, backed by long-term medical and dental follow-up. Healthcare personnel should be encouraged to develop their knowledge of oral health in relation to the disease so that behaviors can be adopted to improve patients' quality of life. Telemedicine could also contribute to patient education and self-management of the disease.

The relation between oral health and body mass index among women with hyperthyroidism

Background: Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition in which excessive synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones into the blood. According to multiple research, hyperthyroidism is linked to weight loss and increased metabolism.
 Objective: To assess how hyperthyroidism affects oral health in relation to body mass index.
 Patients and Methods: The sample was composed of 90 female patients aged 25-45 years include hyperthyroid group and healthy group, the hyperthyroid patients were diagnosed by specialist and under treatment with carbimazole.Clinical evaluation of caries was done according to World Health Organization(2013). The body mass index was measured from the patient’s weight and height, according to the formula World Health Organization(2000). Plaque Index of Silness and Löe was used to evaluate dental plaque (1964),Using the gingival index of Loe and Silness the gingival inflammation was evaluated (1963).
 Results: Found the Body mass index in the hyperthyroid group was higher than the healthy group with significant difference. The most correlations between caries and body mass index in the hyperthyroid group were weak negative not significant while in the healthy group most correlations were weak positive not significant, the correlations of Gingival index and body mass index were weak positive not significant in both groups.The plaque index had weak negative in hyperthyroid while in control positive correlation and all correlation were not significant.
 Conclusion: In the present study,the Body mass index higher among women with hyperthyroidism under treatment with carbimazole and the correlation between caries experience and body mass index was negative and not significant.

Oral Health in Relation to Nutrition a Literature Review

Purpose: This review deals with complex relationship among diet, nutrition and their implications on oral health and this review also reveals the oral diseases are associated with considerable pain, anxiety and impaired social functioning. Search method: An electronic search was done in the google website, PubMed, and google scholar. Articles from 1993 to 2017 were included in the review. Summery and Conclusions: Mouth being a reflecting mirror of general health often helps in early diagnosis of many diseases and disturbances. Like any other system of our body, In this way nutrition and oral health are mutually dependent and hence an extensive understanding of this inter relationship is essential for healthy life the customary allowance of food and drink taken by any person per day varies from nutrition, which involves the metabolic processes and utilization of nutrients in the food. Malnutrition affects the oral health and a poor oral health in turn, may lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition may alter the homeostasis, which can lead to disease progression of the oral cavity, reduce the resistance to the microbial biofilm and reduce the capacity of tissue healing. A poor diet was significantly associated with increased odds of oral disease. Dietary advice for the prevention of oral diseases has to be a part of routine patient education practices. Inconsistencies in dietary advice may be linked to inadequate training of professionals. Literature suggests that the nutrition training of dentists and oral health training of dietitians and nutritionists is limited. Keywords: Dietary, dental caries, Malnutrition, Oral manifestations and nutrient deficiency

Primary school teachers’ contributions to oral health promotion in urban and rural areas of the Gulu District, Northern Uganda: a qualitative study

BackgroundDental caries remains the most prevalent non-communicable disease globally affecting 60–90% of children. The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) health-promoting school program offers a framework for dental intervention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study explored teacher contributions to children’s oral health in relation to the WHO health-promoting school framework in rural Uganda.MethodsSemi structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 18 teachers. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.ResultsMany teachers reported preparing children to practise proper oral hygiene care through skills training and demonstrations around proper teeth brushing. Teachers’ roles included raising health awareness by providing information on oral health topics using different educational methods. Many teachers mentioned performing oral health examinations on children at the school, first aid, referral for dental treatments and engaging parents, students and health workers in oral health promotion.ConclusionsTeachers play an essential role in oral health promotion in countries like Uganda. Teachers are implementing key principles of the WHO’s health-promoting school framework on the ground and need to be considered as a key public health resource. If improvements in oral health are to be attained in Sub-Saharan Africa and other LMICs, government interventions need to harness teachers’ contributions in delivering oral health promotion.

Twelve years with a capitation payment system in Swedish dental care: longitudinal development of oral health

BackgroundSince 2007, patients receiving oral health care within the Public Dental Service in Sweden have had the possibility to choose between the traditional fee-for-service (FFS) payment system or the new capitation payment system, ‘Dental Care for Health’ (DCH). Payment models are believed to involve different incentive structures for patients and caregivers. In theory, different incentives may lead to differences in health-related outcomes, and the research has been inconclusive. This 12-year longitudinal prospective cohort study of patients in regular dental care analyzes oral health development and self-reported oral health in relation to the patients’ level of education in the two payment systems, and compares with the results from an earlier 6-year follow-up.MethodsInformation was obtained through a questionnaire and from a register from n = 5877 individuals who kept their original choice of payment model for 12 years, 1650 patients in DCH and 4227 in FFS, in the Public Dental Service in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. The data comprised manifest caries prevalence, levels of self-reported oral health and education, and choice of dental care payment model. Analyses were performed with chi square and multivariable regression analysis.ResultsThe findings from the 6-year follow-up were essentially maintained at the 12-year examination, showing that the pre-baseline caries prevalence is the most influential factor for less favorable oral health development in terms of the resulting caries prevalence. Educational level (≥ university) showed an increased influence on the risk of higher caries prevalence after 12 years and differed between payment models with regard to the relation to self-rated oral health.ConclusionsDifferences in health and health-influencing properties between payment models were sustained from 6 to 12 years. Strategies for making use of potential compensatory mechanisms within the capitation payment system to increase oral health equality should be considered.

Effect of Alcohol Consumption Severity on Oral Health Status in Relation to Salivary Parameters, Smoking and Tooth Wear in Baghdad, Iraq

Background: Alcohol consumption not only affects the general health yet in addition the dental and gingivalhealth of a person. Heavy drinkers are at high danger of creating dental caries, gingival health alterationand tooth disintegration. This condition brings about change in the salivary gland function. Alcohol abusewith smoking have diverse effects on oral health. This study presented to evaluate the effect of alcoholconsumption severity on oral health in relation to salivary parameters, smoking and tooth wear in Baghdad,Iraq.Materials and Method: One hundred and twenty 35-40 years old men with alcohol consumption selectedrandomly. Alcohol consumption individuals classified into three groups according to frequency of alcoholconsumption: regular drinker (GA), frequent drinker (GB) and occasion drinker (GC). Each group consistsof 40 individuals. Gingival (GI), calculus (CI) and dental caries (DMFT) indices were utilized to assessdental and gingival health for all individuals. Parameters of saliva including flow rate and pH assessedimmediately. Tooth wear (TW) was estimated according to the presence or absence of dentine. Smokingwas recorded directly from individual. The results of present study was dissected utilizing SPSS version 23.Results: The median is higher in GA than GB and GC with highly significant difference between groups.For PII, median is higher in GC than other groups, but the mean rank is higher in GA than other groups(no significant difference). For both GI and CI, median and mean rank are higher in GA than others withsignificant difference between them. Salivary flow rate and pH means are higher in GC than other groups withhighly significant differences regarding pH. The high percentage of drinker with tooth wear was recorded inGA compared to other groups with significant difference. The median and mean rank are higher in smokingdrinker than non-smoking drinkers with highly significant difference.Conclusion: Dental caries, periodontal diseases, tooth wear and lower salivary pH were more presented inindividuals with more frequent alcohol consumption. Alcohol drinking with smoking increase the occurrenceof dental caries.

Maternal Common Mental Disorders symptoms influence associated with early childhood dental caries: A cross-sectional study in a southern Brazilian city.

Maternal mental problems can interfere with the overall health and care of the child; some oral health studies have been trying to elucidate whether there is a relationship between maternal common mental disorders (CMD) and children's oral health status. The aim was to investigate the influence of mothers that present CMD symptoms on their child's dental caries status. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Pelotas with 530 mother/child (aged 2-5years old) dyads recruited from an epidemiological survey in August 2015 during the national vaccination campaign. A questionnaire was used to determine mother's CMD symptoms using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and socioeconomic/demographic variables which were used for adjustment. Dental caries examination was performed. The outcome was obtained using the dmfs (decayed, missing, filled surfaces) index, based on OMS guidelines. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate the risk ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI). Maternal CMD was positively associated with dental caries prevalence in children; the adjusted relative risk for every 1 SRQ-20 score increase was 1.06 (95% CI 1.00-1.12). Our findings suggest that maternal mental health can impair children's oral health in relation to dental caries.

Oral health in relation to nutritional status among 10 years old primary school children in Al-Hillah city/ Iraq

Background: Oral health and nutrition are in interdependent relationship that good nutritional health enhancing good oral health. Nutrition can affect the development and integrity of oral cavity and the progression of oral disease. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of the gingival health condition in relation to the nutritional status, among 10 years old primary school children in urban and rural area in Al-Hillah city. Material and method: Eight hundred ninety one (891) students, aged10 years old, selected randomly from different primary schools, in urban and rural area in Al-Hillah city, were included in this study. Oral examination including of plaque index assessment, which was done according to the criteria by Silness and Loe, in 1964, gingival health conditions was determined according to Loe and Silness, 1963. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI), following the criteria of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth chart (CDC). Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test and ANOVA, p-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: This study showed that the majority of the sample was found to be with normal gingival health condition. No significant difference was observed between the gingival index in relation to gender, or residence also, no significant result was found, between plaque and gingival index in relation to the nutritional status. Conclusion: The majority of the sample with normal gingiva however the nutritional status had no significant effect on gingival health condition while the urbanization had an effect on oral hygiene

Dental-related function and oral health in relation to eating performance in assisted living residents with and without cognitive impairment.

Despite the physiologic relationship, there is a lack of evidence on how dental-related function and oral health impact eating performance. This study aims to examine the association of eating performance with dental-related function and oral health among assisted living residents. This study was a secondary analysis of observational data collected from an instrument development study. Participants included 90 residents with normal to severely impaired cognition from three assisted livings. Multilevel mixed-effects ordered logistic models were used. The dependent variable was eating performance measured by the single "eating" item (scored from 0 to 4 on level of dependence). Independent variables were resident age, gender, dental-related function, and oral health. The resident and facility clustering effects accounted for 88% of variance in eating performance, among which 84% was explained by dental-related function and oral health. Eating performance was associated with dental-related function (coefficient = -0.10, 95% CI=-0.19, -0.01, P=.025), and was not associated with other characteristics. Eating performance is influenced by the complex relationship with dental-related function and oral health. Novel interventions using interdisciplinary partnerships are needed to maintain dental-related function and oral health to optimize eating performance.

Oral Health in Relation to Pancreatic Cancer Risk in African American Women.

Incidence of pancreatic cancer is higher in African Americans than in U.S. whites. We hypothesized that poor oral health, disproportionately common in African Americans and associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer in several studies of predominantly white populations, may play a role in this disparity. We examined the relation of self-reported measures of oral health (periodontal disease and adult tooth loss) in relation to pancreatic cancer incidence in the prospective Black Women's Health Study (BWHS). Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to calculate HRs of pancreatic cancer for women with periodontal disease, tooth loss, or both, relative to women who reported neither. Multivariable models adjusted for age, cigarette smoking, body mass index (BMI), type 2 diabetes, and alcohol consumption. Participants aged 33 to 81 were followed for an average of 9.85 years from 2007 through 2016, with occurrence of 78 incidence cases of pancreatic cancer. Multivariable HRs for pancreatic cancer incidence were 1.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57-5.49] for periodontal disease with no tooth loss, 2.05 (95% CI, 1.08-3.88) for tooth loss without report of periodontal disease, and 1.58 (95% CI, 0.70-3.57) for both tooth loss and periodontal disease. The HR for loss of at least five teeth, regardless of whether periodontal disease was reported, was 2.20 (95% CI, 1.11-4.33). The poor oral health experienced by many African Americans may contribute to their higher incidence of pancreatic cancer. Future research will assess associations between the oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer risk in this population.

Dental fluorosis and oral health in the African Esophageal Cancer Corridor: Findings from the Kenya ESCCAPE case-control study and a pan-African perspective.

There are no studies of oral health in relation to esophageal cancer in Africa, or of Eastern Africa's endemic dental fluorosis, an irreversible enamel hypo‐mineralization due to early‐life excessive fluoride intake. During 2014–18, we conducted a case–control study of squamous cell esophageal cancer in Eldoret, western Kenya. Odds ratios (AORs (95% confidence intervals)) were adjusted for design factors, tobacco, alcohol, ethnicity, education, oral hygiene and missing/decayed teeth. Esophageal cancer cases (N = 430) had poorer oral health and hygiene than controls (N = 440). Compared to no dental fluorosis, moderate/severe fluorosis, which affected 44% of cases, had a crude OR of 20.8 (11.6, 37.4) and on full adjustment was associated with 9.4‐fold (4.6, 19.1) increased risk, whilst mild fluorosis (43% of cases) had an AOR of 2.3 (1.3, 4.0). The prevalence of oral leukoplakia and tooth loss/decay increased with fluorosis severity, and increased cancer risks associated with moderate/severe fluorosis were particularly strong in individuals with more tooth loss/decay. Using a mswaki stick (AOR = 1.7 (1.0, 2.9)) rather than a commercial tooth brush and infrequent tooth brushing also independently increased risk. Geographic variations showed that areas of high esophageal cancer incidence and those of high groundwater fluoride levels have remarkably similar locations across Eastern Africa. In conclusion, poor oral health in combination with, or as a result of, high‐altitude susceptibility to hydro‐geologically influenced dental fluorosis may underlie the striking co‐location of Africa's esophageal cancer corridor with the Rift Valley. The findings call for heightened research into primary prevention opportunities of this highly fatal but common cancer.

Oral health in relation to all-cause mortality: the IPC cohort study

We evaluated the association between oral health and mortality. The study population comprised 76,188 subjects aged 16–89 years at recruitment. The mean follow-up time was 3.4 ± 2.4 years. Subjects with a personal medical history of cancer or cardiovascular disease and death by casualty were excluded from the analysis. A full-mouth clinical examination was performed in order to assess dental plaque, dental calculus and gingival inflammation. The number of teeth and functional masticatory units <5 were recorded. Causes of death were ascertained from death certificates. Mortality risk was evaluated using Cox regression model with propensity score calibrated for each oral exposure. All-cause mortality risk were raised with dental plaque, gingival inflammation, >10 missing teeth and functional masticatory units <5. All-cancer mortality was positively associated with dental plaque and gingival inflammation. Non-cardiovascular and non-cancer mortality were also positively associated with high dental plaque (HR = 3.30, [95% CI: 1.76–6.17]), high gingival inflammation (HR = 2.86, [95% CI: 1.71–4.79]), >10 missing teeth (HR = 2.31, [95% CI: 1.40–3.82]) and functional masticatory units <5 (HR = 2.40 [95% CI 1.55–3.73]). Moreover, when ≥3 oral diseases were cumulated in the model, the risk increased for all-cause mortality (HR = 3.39, [95% CI: 2.51–5.42]), all-cancer mortality (HR = 3.59, [95% CI: 1.23–10.05]) and non-cardiovascular and non-cancer mortality (HR = 4.71, [95% CI: 1.74–12.7]). The present study indicates a postive linear association between oral health and mortality.

Impact of oral health on the quality of life of pregnant woman

To identify the factors that determine quality of life related to oral health (OHIP-14) in a population of pregnant women. This study included ninety pregnant women, 45 immigrants and 45 from Spain. Participants completed the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14) -Spanish version- and the DMFT index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) was explored during the second trimester of pregnancy. A bivariate and multivariate analytical study was performed. The average age of immigrant participants was 30.2, and of Spanish women 34.4. The mean OHIP-14 score was 5.83±6.57 (8.15 in the immigrant group and 3.51 in the Spanish group), showing a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). The highest OHIP-14 scores were related to pain (110), followed by psychological distress (81). Considering the median value in the OHIP-14 score as a cut-off (≥3), the odds ratio for oral health that interferes with quality of life was 3.294, and this risk was increased by caries (4.323) but not by age. Since the DMFT could be one of the determining factors for worst quality of life in pregnant patients, more studies to corroborate this information are necessary in order to expand preventive expectations in the practice of oral health in relation to policies.

Status of Oral Health in Relation to the Acknowledgement of Oral Health Trouble and Oral Health Habits in Recipients of Dental Screening in Hospital

Status of Oral Health in Relation to the Acknowledgement of Oral Health Trouble and Oral Health Habits in Recipients of Dental Screening in Hospital

Assessment of Knowledge, Perception, Attitude, and Practices of Expectant and Lactating Mothers regarding their own as well as their Infants’ Oral Health in Qassim Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Objectives Assessing knowledge, perception, attitude, and practices of pregnant/lactating mothers concerning their own and their infants’ oral health in relation to their oral health status and educational level. Materials and Methods Anonymous self-administered questionnaire, 317 completed it, response rate = 90.57%. It constituted sections for demography, evaluating oral health knowledge during pregnancy/postpartum, saliva-sharing behavior of mother with baby, infant-feeding practices, and perception of oral health knowledge and attitudes. Oral health condition was measured using decayed, missing, and filling, papillary, marginal, and attached gingiva, and simplified oral hygiene indices. Four scores were constructed from participants’ responses to interpret results. Results Fair oral hygiene, moderate gingivitis, and caries index was the oral health status, with negative correlation with educational level. About 66.88% had poor perception and practices toward their oral health during pregnancy, with significant difference and negative correlation with oral health status. Significant difference (P&lt;0.001) &amp; positive correlation was detected regarding knowledge about causes of oral/ dental problems and oral health attitude in relation to level of education with 58.68% poor knowledge and negative attitude. Above three quarters had poor knowledge and practices and negative attitude for their infants’ oral health, with significant result and positive correlation with educational level. Poor perception (54.26%) was recorded regarding causes of oral/ dental diseases, methods of tooth cleaning, and types and benefits of using toothpaste in relation to oral health status with a significant difference and negative correlation. Conclusion Data revealed that expectant and lactating mothers had poor knowledge, perception and practices, and negative attitude toward their oral health during pregnancy and postpartum as well as their children's oral health. How to cite this article Sedky NA. Assessment of Knowledge, Perception, Attitude, and Practices of Expectant and Lactating Mothers regarding their own as well as their Infants’ Oral Health in Qassim Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. J Contemp Dent 2016;6(1):24-37.

Factors Affecting Tooth Retention among Adult Population of Dharwad District, India.

Oral health in relation to general health is influen-ced by the retention of teeth. Understanding factors affecting tooth retention will help health and social policy-makers to translate the knowledge on tooth retention into action programs for improving oral health of the people and hence enhance tooth retention. The aim of the present study was to determine the factors affecting tooth retention among adult population of Dharwad district, India. A cross-sectional survey of 1100 subjects (616 urban and 484 rural) residing in Dharwad district, Karnataka, India, was conducted. Self-designed questionnaire was prepared and data were collected on socio-demographic factors, oral hygiene practices, diet practices, adverse oral habits and frequency of dental visits by the interview method and clinical examination. Statistical analysis was carried out by applying one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), unpaired t-test and backward stepwise multiple regression. Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test the correlation between the two quantitative variables. A total of 66.72% subjects retained all 28 teeth and mean number of teeth retained by the study subjects were 25.33 (90.46%). There was gradual reduction in tooth retention with increase in age. Males (95.8%) compared to females (94.07%), unmarried (98.8%) than married subjects (93.3%) and subjects with intermediate or post high school diploma (97.5%) than those who were illiterate (89.5%) and other low educational level study subjects retained more teeth. Further mean values of tooth retention for other socio demographic factors i.e., occupation, income and family size were not statistically significant (p≤0.05). In addition, subjects using tooth brush (96.6%) and tooth paste (96.6%) for cleaning the teeth, subjects practicing mixed diet (96.6%) and subjects who never visited the dentist (96.5%) in their lifetime showed statistically significant greater tooth retention than study subjects who visited the dentist infrequently (92.7%) (p≤0.05) (p=significance level). Males compared to females, lower age, profess-ionals compared to illiterates, unmarried and mixed diet population, tooth brush and tooth paste users and population who never visited dentist showed more tooth retention.

Parental perception of psychophysical health, nutritional status and oral health in relation to sociodemographic characteristics in children in Bariloche, Argentina: an epidemiological study.

There is evidence of an association between social determinants and child health. To identify sociodemographic characteristics related to child health inequalities and to analize the cumulative effect on health of risk factors based on these characteristics. We evaluated 4-13 year-old children in Bariloche between June 2008 and May 2009. The following sociodemographic characteristics were taken into account: socioeconomic level, maternal education, adolescent pregnancy, medical coverage, unsafeness, and family habits. We assessed parental perception of physical, and social and emotional health, nutritional status and oral health in relation to these characteristics and the accumulation of risk factors. We used survey, anthropometry and oral examination. One hundred and eighty students participated. The level of maternal education was associated with the child's physical, social and emotional, and oral health. The percentage of children with missing teeth or cavities reached 77% among those whose mothers had, at most, completed primary school, compared to 13% among those whose mothers had completed tertiary school or university. The possibility of perceiving a non-optimal physical, and social and emotional health increased 1.8 and 1.4 times with each risk factor, respectively, and the possibility of having missing teeth or cavities was twice as much with each additional risk factor. Overweight and obesity was observed in 27.3% and 8.7% of students, respectively, and no relationship was found with sociodemographic characteristics. A low family socioeconomic level and a low maternal education level were associated with a higher prevalence of unfavorable health outcomes. Multiple risk factors have an cumulative effect on parental perception of physical, social and emotional, and oral health.

Percepción parental de la salud psicofísica, estado nutricional y salud bucal, en relación con características sociodemográficas en niños de Bariloche, Argentina: estudio epidemiológico

There is evidence of an association between social determinants and child health. To identify sociodemographic characteristics related to child health inequalities and to analize the cumulative effect on health of risk factors based on these characteristics. We evaluated 4-13 year-old children in Bariloche between June 2008 and May 2009. The following sociodemographic characteristics were taken into account: socioeconomic level, maternal education, adolescent pregnancy, medical coverage, unsafeness, and family habits. We assessed parental perception of physical, and social and emotional health, nutritional status and oral health in relation to these characteristics and the accumulation of risk factors. We used survey, anthropometry and oral examination. One hundred and eighty students participated. The level of maternal education was associated with the child's physical, social and emotional, and oral health. The percentage of children with missing teeth or cavities reached 77% among those whose mothers had, at most, completed primary school, compared to 13% among those whose mothers had completed tertiary school or university. The possibility of perceiving a non-optimal physical, and social and emotional health increased 1.8 and 1.4 times with each risk factor, respectively, and the possibility of having missing teeth or cavities was twice as much with each additional risk factor. Overweight and obesity was observed in 27.3% and 8.7% of students, respectively, and no relationship was found with sociodemographic characteristics. A low family socioeconomic level and a low maternal education level were associated with a higher prevalence of unfavorable health outcomes. Multiple risk factors have an cumulative effect on parental perception of physical, social and emotional, and oral health.