Pattern Of Caries Research Articles

P2-183 Patterns of anterior and posterior caries by socioeconomic status in 3-year-old children

The aim was to examine if anterior/posterior patterns of decayed missing and filled teeth in 3-year-old children in Greater Glasgow and Clyde differ by socioeconomic status and by calendar time....

Prevalence of sealants in relation to dental caries on the permanent molars of 12 and 15-year-old Greek adolescents. A national pathfinder survey

BackgroundThe use of sealants as an effective measure for the prevention of pit and fissure caries in children has been well documented by several studies; either they are used on an individual or on a public health basis. In order to plan and establish a national preventive program with sealants in a community, it is mandatory to know the epidemiological pattern of caries along with other variables influencing their use and effectiveness. Aims: To assess the utilization and distribution pattern of pit and fissure sealants on the first and second permanent molars of Greek adolescents and to evaluate whether the existing usage of sealants and some socio-demographic factors are correlated to caries prevalence on the population examinedMethodsA stratified cluster sample of 2481 Greek adolescents was selected according to WHO guidelines (1224 twelve and 1,257 fifteen-year-old), living in urban and rural areas in 11 districts within the country. Five calibrated examiners carried out clinical examinations, recording caries experience at the dentine threshold (BASCD criteria) and presence or absence of sealants along with Socio-demographic indicators associated with oral health. Mann Whitney and Pearson's chi-square non parametric tests were utilized for assessing the data. The level of significance was p < 0.05.ResultsSealants utilization varied considerably within the different districts, with 8,3% of the 12 and 8,0% of the 15-year-old adolescents having at least one sealed molar. Sealants reduced DMFS scores by 11% in the 12-year-olds and by 24% in the 15-year-olds, while 15-year-old adolescents from rural areas had a statistically significant (p = 0.002) less chance of having sealants (71%) compared to children from urban areas. Girls had higher chance to receive sealants in both age groups (26% for the 12 and 19% for the 15-year-old) as well as patients that visited the dentist for prevention compared to those visiting the dentist because they thought they needed a restoration or because they were in pain.ConclusionsThe finding that sealants reduced DMFS scores despite their very low utilization, along with the high prevalence of dental caries found on the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth of Greek adolescents, is calling for a national preventive program with sealants which could eliminate caries to a larger extent.

Pattern and surface prevalence of dental caries on posterior teeth of children in a Nigerian teaching hospital

Objective: Knowledge of the pattern of dental caries in children is important in the designing of preventive clinical procedures, community-based programmes and formulation of appropriate treatment strategies for these children. This study therefore described the pattern and surface prevalence of dental caries on the posterior teeth of children attending Paedodontic clinic of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Method: All children aged 5 – 12 years attending the clinic for the first time within a period of 24 months (2005 – 2007) were examined clinically and radiographically (using bitewing radiographs) for dental caries. Tooth types and tooth surfaces affected were recorded and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11. Result: The results showed that the most frequently affected tooth surface in primary teeth was approximal surface (58.6%) followed by occlusal surface (39.9%) while in permanent teeth, the reverse was the case (occlusal = 77.0%, approximal = 15.0%). The second primary molars were found to be more affected than first molars in primary dentition while first permanent molars were the most affected in permanent teeth. The distribution of dental caries was higher in the lower jaw than the upper jaw. There was a slight difference in sex predilection with females having higher mean dmft/DMFT than males, though this was not statistically significant. The aged group mostly affected was 5 – 8 years with mean dmft and DMFT of 2.68±1.84 and 0.21±0.54 respectively. Conclusion: The high occurrence of approximal caries in primary teeth observed revealed the need for the use of bitewing radiographs for early detection of such lesions while the high occurrence of occlusal caries in permanent dentition showed the need to design preventive clinical procedures such as the placement of fissure sealants on first molars so as to prevent occurrence of occlusal caries in high risk children. Key words: Dental caries, surface prevalence, posterior teeth, children

Bayesian latent variable models for spatially correlated tooth-level binary data in caries research

Analysis of dental caries is traditionally based on aggregated scores, which are summaries of caries experience for each individual. A well-known example of such scores is the decayed, missing and filled teeth or tooth surfaces index introduced in the 1930s. Although these scores have improved our understanding of the pattern of dental caries, there are still some fundamental questions that remain unanswered. As an example, it is well believed among dentists that there are spatial symmetries in the mouth with respect to caries, but this has never been evaluated in a statistical sense. An answer to this question requires the analysis to be performed at subunits within the mouth, which necessitates the use of methods for correlated data. We propose a Bayesian generalized latent variable model coupled with an undirected graphical model to investigate the unique spatial distribution of tooth-level caries outcomes in the mouth. Data from the Signal Tandmobiel(®) study in Flanders, a dental longitudinal survey, are used to illustrate the methodology.

Prevalence and pattern of early childhood caries among 3-5 year olds in Kiambaa, Kenya

To determine the prevalence and pattern of early childhood caries among three to five year olds. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. A total of 336 children aged 3-5 years. Pre-schools in Kiambaa division, Kiambu District, Kenya. Slightly over a half, 201 (59.5%) had dental caries. The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) was 2.46 +/- 2:3.2 with the greatest component (95%) being decayed teeth. The mandibular deciduous molars and the maxillary incisors were the most frequently carious teeth. The prevalence of early childhood tumours in Kiambaa was 59.5%. The mandibular deciduous molars and maxillary incisors had the highest caries frequency.

Using Universal Patterns of Caries for Planning and Evaluating Dental Care

There are universal patterns of caries, in terms of prevalence, incidence, frequency distribution and rates of progression, in permanent teeth that can be considered working rules that can be applied when planning dental care. The universal patterns are: (1) caries levels follow trend lines; therefore, knowing the caries level at one age can be used to predict the levels at later ages in that cohort by looking at the trend line for that cohort; (2) the distribution of dental caries of a population exhibits the following characteristics: as the mean DMFT increases, the percentage of caries-free individuals falls and the caries distribution widens; this changing relationship between the mean DMFT and prevalence is not limited to a subgroup of the population who already have had some caries experience; (3) there is a specific mathematical relationship between the mean DMFT and mean DMFS; (4) there is a hierarchy of caries susceptibility by tooth type and sites on teeth; for a given DMFT or DMFS, there is a specific intra-oral pattern of caries by tooth type; (5) changes in mean DMFT scores for individuals and groups are not linear, but ‘stepped’; there are groupings of teeth and tooth sites that may have similar ‘resistance’ to caries; (6) as the mean DMFT declines, the posteruptive time for initiation of caries increases and the progression rate of caries through enamel decreases. This is true regardless of the presence of fluoride. Any improvement in dental health will cause this effect.

Dental caries analysis in 3–5 years old children: A spatial modelling

Objectives The main objective of this study was modelling experienced caries of deciduous teeth in 3–5 years old children treated in Children's Department of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, using the spatial autologistic regression. The other objective was identifying a risk pattern of decayed dents of these children. Materials and methods The study group consisted of 400 children (3–5 years old). Two groups of postgraduate and under graduate dentistry students under consideration and approval of the professors of dentistry from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences diagnosed and categorised the caries statuses of deciduous dents of the children. The caries statuses were considered as spatially correlated binary data. The appropriate model was autologistic regression. Results The fitted autologistic model showed that caries in the three nearest neighbours of a tooth, which includes the two adjacent and the one vertically opponent teeth, had significant effect on its caries. The computed risks based on the fitted model revealed a definite-spatial pattern of caries events. Conclusions Every decayed deciduous tooth in the mouth of a preschool child threatens the three nearest teeth. The risk pattern of caries in each quarter of the teeth lattice of children from incisors to molars has an ascending rate. The dents in maxilla and posterior locations have higher risks of caries than in mandible and anterior locations. These findings are valuable in preventive health care and therapeutic approaches in dentistry of children.

The Influence of the Maxillary Frenum on the Development and Pattern of Dental Caries on Anterior Teeth in Breastfeeding Infants: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

In breastfeeding infants, an abnormal attachment of maxillary frenum has the potential to become a significant factor in contributing to facial caries formation on the maxillary anterior teeth. This is in part due to the inability of infants to remove residual milk from the area between the lip and facial surfaces of the maxillary central and lateral incisors at the completion of nursing. Early diagnosis and treatment of an abnormal frenum attachment with the simple and quick revision technique using the Erbium: YAG or Diode laser can prevent these from occurring and does not present any significant risks to the infant.

TaqMan Real-Time Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus in Severe Early Childhood Caries

Early childhood caries (ECC) has several risk factors and it is important stressful/painful events of childhood and immunosuppression may occur during this unique rampant caries pattern. The changes in the host immune competence by compromised cellular immune system functions can activate Epstein Barr virus (EBV). The objective of this study was to determine whether the supragingival plaque samples of severe-ECC (S-ECC) patients harbor more EBV load than the non-carious healthy children by quantitative TaqMan Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sixty subjects, including 30 S-ECC patients as well as age and gender matched 30 caries-free patients were studied. The supragingival plaque samples were collected from patients by brushing their teeth for 1 minute and the toothbrush was washed in 1 ml of sterile deionized water. After viral DNA extraction, TaqMan real-time PCR assay was used to quantify EBV DNA. Dental treatments were completed for all S-ECC patients and they were called for routine controls. Only 10 treated S-ECC patients were come to the 3(rd) months' control and post-treatment viral sampling was made in the same manner. EBV DNA was detected 16 of 30 S-ECC patients and 6 of the healthy controls (P<.001). There was no relationship between baseline and post-treatment samples of 10 treated S-ECC patients. The results of the study suggest that oro-dental hygiene motives of S-ECC patients might be important contributory factor for S-ECC and EBV would not be involved in the etiopathogenesis of ECC.

Caries Patterns in the Primary Dentition: Cluster Analysis of a Sample of 5,169 Arizona Children 5–59 Months of Age

AimCluster analysis was conducted on data from 5,169 United States (U.S.) Arizona children, age's 5-59-months with the goal of delineating patterns of caries in the primary dentition of pre-school children without a priori pattern definitions.MethodologyCluster analyses were conducted using all data for children ages 0–4 years in aggregate: 1) for all subjects, and 2) for subjects without crowned restored teeth. Each of these two sets of analyses consisted of 8 differently specified cluster analyses as a validation procedure.ResultsThe caries patterns identified from the clustering analysis are: 1) smooth surfaces (other than the maxillary incisor), 2) maxillary incisor, 3) occlusal surfaces of first molars, and 4) pit and fissure surfaces of second molars.ConclusionThe cluster analysis findings were consistent with results produced by multidimensional scaling. These cross-validated patterns may represent resulting disease conditions from different risks or the timing of various risk factor exposures. As such, the patterns may be useful case definitions for caries risk factor investigations in children under 60 months of age.

Caries frequency and distribution in an early medieval Avar population from Austria

The aim of this study was to determine frequency and distribution of dental caries in an early medieval Avar population from Central Europe, namely Vienna. The evaluation of caries was carried out in an anthropological sample consisting of the remains of 136 individuals and included 2215 permanent teeth. Age and sex estimations were based on dental development and on skeletal ageing methods. The presence of dental caries was determined according to clinical aspects using a dental probe. The frequency of ante mortem tooth loss in the sample was 23.8%; the total caries frequency was calculated as 14.9%. The highest caries rate was recorded in the second mandibular molar (34.6%). The most affected tooth surface was found to be the root with 12.7%, followed by the approximal surface with 8.6%, but only 7.7% of the occlusal surfaces were affected by caries. This study revealed that Avars suffered from higher caries rates than most other medieval European populations, but experienced a similar dental caries distribution. Attrition of the occlusal surface resulting from a diet containing abrasive particles with accompanying posteruptive tooth movement is considered the major factor causing this premodern caries pattern.

Root caries patterns and risk factors of middle‐aged and elderly people in China

The objectives of this study were to describe root caries patterns of Chinese adults and to analyze the effect of selected demographic and socioeconomic factors on these patterns. A total sample of 1080 residents aged 35-44-years-old and 1080 residents aged 65-74-years-old from three urban and three rural survey sites in Hubei Province participated in both an oral health interview and a clinical oral health examination. Root surface caries prevalence rates were 13.1% in the middle-aged group and 43.9% in the elderly group. The mean number of teeth affected by caries in the middle-aged group was reported at 0.21 and 1.0 in the elderly group. Mean Root Caries Index (RCI) scores of the middle-aged were reported at 6.29 and elderly subjects were reported at 11.95. Elderly people living in rural areas reported a higher RCI score (13.24) than those living in urban areas (10.70). A significantly higher frequency of root surface caries was observed in elderly participants (P < 0.001, OR = 3.80) and ethnic minorities (P < 0.001, OR = 1.93). In addition, smokers, nontea drinkers, and those with an annual household income of 10,000 yuan or less tended to have higher caries prevalence. RCI figures for the different tooth types ranged from 1% to 16%, indicating a wide variation in attack rates. In conclusion, our study suggests that root surface caries occurrence is high among the Chinese adult population, especially older adults. With an increasing number of retained teeth in both middle-aged and elderly people, root caries is a growing disease in the People's Republic of China which deserves more attention in future research.

Prevalence and extent of dental caries, dental fluorosis, and developmental enamel defects in Lithuanian teenage populations with different fluoride exposures

The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of dental caries, dental fluorosis, and developmental defects of non-fluoride origin in Lithuanian children born and raised in regions with 1.1 ppm (1.1 mg/l F) and 0.3 ppm (0.3 mg/l F) water fluoride levels, respectively. All permanent surfaces/teeth of 300 teenagers were examined for dental caries, dental fluorosis, and non-fluoride developmental defects. The caries prevalence of the study population was 100%. The mean number of decayed surfaces (DS) differed only slightly and statistically insignificantly between the '1.1 ppm fluoride' and '0.3 ppm fluoride' groups (19.6 and 18.1, respectively). However, a greater number of inactive lesions and fewer fillings were found in the '1.1 ppm fluoride' group than in the '0.3 ppm fluoride' group (mean difference 1.18 and -2.80, respectively). The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 45% and 21%, respectively; the prevalence of non-fluoride opacities was 8% and 19%, respectively; and the prevalence of hypoplasia was 12% and 16%, respectively, in the '1.1 ppm fluoride' and '0.3 ppm fluoride' groups. Higher caries levels were noted in children with no fluorosis compared to those with fluorosis recorded (mean DS difference, 3.43). The results lend support to the hypothesis that the presence of fluoride in the oral environment promotes lesion arrest rather than inhibiting the initiation of new lesions.

Sucrose and dental caries: a review of the evidence

The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the literature to assess the relationship between quantity and pattern of sucrose use and dental caries. Using hand and electronic methods (MEDLINE, EMBASE) the literature was searched for epidemiological papers concerning any relationship of sugars and dental caries published since 1856. Superficial hand searching was carried out between 1856 and 1940, detailed hand searching 1940-1966 and electronic 1966-2007. Selection criteria were set based on, but not confined to, Cochran style standards. Investigations were categorized as A, fulfilling all criteria; B1, relevant fulfilling 19 of 23 criteria; B2, relevant but fulfilling only between 12 and 18 of the selection criteria; and C, all other papers. There were 95 papers meeting most (more than 12) or all of the selected criteria. Only 1 paper was graded A; 31 as B1. There were in addition some 65 as B2 and all the rest as C, which were discarded. There were a wide variety of study designs and those graded A or B1 comprised 23 ecological cross-sectional, 7 cohort and 2 case control studies. Summary results showed that 6 papers found a positive, significant relationship of sugar quantity to dental caries, 19 of 31 studies reported a significant relationship of sugar frequency of use to dental caries. The balance of studies does not demonstrate a relationship between sugar quantity, but a moderately significant relationship of sugar frequency to dental caries.

Changing dental caries and periodontal disease patterns among a cohort of Ethiopian immigrants to Israel: 1999–2005

BackgroundDental epidemiology has indicated that immigrants and minority ethnic groups should be regarded as high risk populations on the verge of oral health deterioration. The objectives of this study were to measure the changing pattern of dental caries, periodontal health status and tooth cleaning behaviour among a cohort of Ethiopian immigrants to Israel between the years 1999–2005.MethodsIncrement of dental caries and periodontal health status was recorded among a cohort of 672 Ethiopian immigrants, utilizing the DMFT and CPI indices. Data were gathered during 1999–2000 and five years later, during 2004–2005. Participants were asked about their oral hygiene habits in Ethiopia and in Israel five years since their immigration.ResultsRegarding dental caries, at baseline 70.1% of the examinees were caries-free, as compared to 57.3% after five years. DMFT had increased from 1.48 to 2.31. For periodontal health status, at baseline, 94.7% demonstrated no periodontal pockets (CPI scores 0–2) and 5.3% revealed periodontal pockets (CPI scores 3&4), compared to 75.6% and 24.4%, respectively after five years. At baseline, 74% reported cleaning their teeth exclusively utilizing chewing and cleaning sticks common in Ethiopia. After five years, 97% reported cleaning their teeth exclusively utilizing toothbrushes.ConclusionThe deterioration in the oral health status, especially the alarming and significant worsening of periodontal health status, among this immigrant group, emphasizes the need for health promotion and maintenance among immigrants and minority groups in changing societies. An "acclimatizing and integrating" model of oral health promotion among minority and immigrant groups is suggested.

Cárie dentária em população ribeirinha do Estado de Rondônia, Região Amazônica, Brasil, 2005/2006

This study aimed to analyze dental caries patterns among riverine people from Rondônia State, Brazil (Machado and Preto rivers) in 2005 and 2006. A total of 469 subjects were examined, using the World Health Organization form, under natural light, using a wooden tongue depressor and CPI probe in cases of doubts about the presence of dental caries. The results were: 4-5-year age bracket, dmtf = 4.30 and 19.64% caries-free; 6-10 years, DMTF = 1.04, dmtf = 3.52 and 17.05% caries-free; 12 years, DMTF = 2.65 and 30.76% caries-free; 18 years, DMTF = 5.41 and 19.51% caries-free; 35-44 years, DMTF = 17.74 and 2.98% caries-free; 65-74 years, DMTF = 21.56 and 4.34% caries-free. When each component was analyzed separately in the dmtf and DMTF indices, decay was most prevalent in the 0-3, 4-5, 6-10, 12, and 18-year brackets. However, in young and older adults, the most prevalent component was missing teeth. In conclusion, the study population showed a high dental caries index, thus highlighting the need for educational, preventive, and curative measures.

Dental caries pattern of first and second permanent molars and treatment needs among adolescents in Lagos

Objective: The study was carried out to assess the dental caries pattern of first and second permanent molars and treatment needs among adolescent Nigerians in Lagos. Method: Examinations for dental caries and treatment needs in accordance with the criteria of the World Health Organization Basic Methods for oral health surveys were carried out among six hundred 11-16 year-old urban Nigerians (307 boys and 293 girls) from six schools in Lagos. Results: A low caries prevalence rate and severity was found in this study. Only 421(2.5%) teeth were carious in 143(23.8%) subjects. First permanent molars had the highest caries prevalence rate (9.3%), followed by second permanent molars (7.8%), while premolars (0.13%), incisors (0.08%) and canines (0%) had the lowest rates. Pit and fissure caries on occlusal surfaces was the most prevalent lesion as evidenced by the fact that one-surface filling was the commonest restoration need among the subjects. Caries prevalence rate was higher in the lower jaw than upper jaw but similar on left and right sides of each jaw. Conclusion: There was a higher caries prevalence rate in the first permanent molars compared to the second permanent molars in this study contrary to previous Nigerian studies. This suggests a change in lifestyle and diet towards consumption of sugars at an earlier age when these teeth are still very susceptible to caries. Keywords: Caries pattern, permanent molars, urban adolescentsNigerian Dental Journal Vol. 15 (2) 2007: pp. 78-82

Case definition, Aetiology and Risk assessment of Early Childhood Caries (ECC): A revisited review

To provide a review of the existing literature on early childhood caries (ECC) with particular reference on the nomenclature, case definition, epidemiology, etiology and risk assessment. An electronic search was used to identify and critically review papers that have been published and are pertinent to the above issues, evaluate and compile the reported evidence. The term ECC has been adopted to more accurately describe dental caries that affects primary dentitions, replacing previously used terminology that associated the disease with the nursing habit. Suggested ECC case definition uses caries patterns as defining criteria, however, further refinement to include different clinical expressions of a varying severity is necessary. Significant percentages of preschool child populations are affected by ECC today, with the disease concentrating disproportionately in deprived families. Early colonization by mutans streptococci (MS) is associated with increased ECC development, with bacteria being transmitted in both vertical and horizontal ways. Dietary factors related to sugar consumption predispose to early MS colonization and establishment and increase the risk for ECC development, being part of the causal chain. Inappropriate bottle and breast-feeding behaviors also increase the risk, without showing a direct causal relationship. High risk children belong to ethnic minority groups and to low income families with poor parental behaviors and attitudes. Further high-quality studies are needed to explore the role bacteria other than MS may play in caries initiation and progression, elucidate the interaction of the saliva immune defence system with a potentially defective tooth, and investigate the effect distant behavioral factors have on the causal chain that leads to ECC development.

The Prevalent Bacterial Isolates Of Dental Caries In School Age Children Attending The Dental Clinic Of Oauthc, Ile-Ife

The study was conducted at the dental clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife. A total of 100 carious samples were collected from children of varying age and sexes. The bacteria isolated were S. mutans: 45.6%, Lactobacillus spp: 41.2% and S. aureus: 13.2%. Out of the 100 samples, 88(5) had mixed growth of bacteria and the common bacteria combinations were S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp.(43.2%) , S. mutans and.S. aureus (38.6%) and Lactocillus spp and S. aureus (18.2%)The distribution pattern of dental caries in relation to gender showed a higher frequency in females than males with the initiator S. mutans having 565.8% in female and 44.2% in males. The organisms appear to be more prevalent in children of 6-10 years considering the initiator S. mutans being 73.1% while ages 1-5 years were least affected with 5.8%. prevalence. Pefloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Ceftriaxone and Ciprofloxacin are most effective against the caries-inducing organisms with an average susceptibility range of 76.1% to 92.2%. African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 9 (2) 2008 pp. 103-108

Hubungan Pola Menyikat Gigi dengan Karies Gigi

A cross-sectional investigation aimed to establish the relation between the pattern of tooth brushing and dental caries for a non-random (accidental) sample of 140 people, more than 12 years old, in PugerKulon village. The used instruments and materials were explorer, mouth mirror, deppen glass, neirbeken, 70% alcohol and a questionnaire sheet. The resulting data were analyzed by chi-square test (α=0.05). The results show a significant association of the pattern of tooth brushing with caries, so that an applied pattern of tooth brushing significantly decreased dental caries. Conversely, absent tooth brushing was significantly associated with higher incidence of caries.