Prevalence Of Caries Research Articles

Prevalence of Obesity and Dental Caries in Kindergarten Children During the First Decade of Saudi Vision 2030: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Obesity and dental caries are significant health issues affecting children worldwide. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of obesity and dental caries among kindergarten children in Saudi Arabia during the early implementation years of the Vision 2030 initiative. Specifically, it examines the obesity rates between public and private kindergartens and assesses the correlation between obesity and caries risk. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving a stratified sample of 347 kindergarten children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from September 2022 to March 2023, as part of a larger project assessing the obesity and dental caries prevalence in school-aged children. Their body mass index (BMI) was computed after their weight and height were measured. Following an oral examination, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) scores were noted. The relationships between dmft and BMI, sex, and school type were studied using non-parametric tests, and its predictors were assessed as well. Results: Our findings indicate that 15.3% of the children were classified as obese based on the BMI measurements, while 9.8% were categorized as overweight. The prevalence of obesity did not show significant differences by school type when classified by BMI. The mean dmft score was 2.8 ± 3.6, with those children in public kindergartens demonstrating significantly higher dmft scores compared to their private counterparts (p < 0.001). Notably, there was no observed relationship between obesity and caries activity. Conclusions: Despite the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030, the high prevalence of obesity and dental caries among kindergarten children suggests that the current health initiatives may be insufficient. The lack of a relationship between obesity and caries activity highlights the complexity of these health issues and the need for targeted interventions. To improve the health outcomes, it is recommended to enhance the awareness campaigns regarding oral health and nutrition, increase access to preventive dental care, and integrate nutrition education into kindergarten curricula.

Epidemiology of Chronic Pulpitis, Dental Caries, and Periapical Disease and Their Possible Risk Factors in an Adult Chinese Population in the Northern Regions of China

Background: Dental diseases and disorders are reported to affect specific ages, genders, and races of patients. Therefore, epidemiological investigations are necessary for understanding dental diseases and disorders. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and periapical disease in adults seeking treatment at the Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin, a major referral center in the Northern region of China. Methods: A total of 3,245 males and females visited the Department of Adult Dentistry and the Department of Endodontics of the Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin, China, for oral health concerns from January 17, 2020, to November 18, 2023. Among these patients, 615 (19%) were receiving treatment for chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and/or periapical diseases at the institute. Demographic parameters and clinical examination results of 496 patients (119 patients were excluded due to missing information) who were being treated for chronic pulpitis (long-term inflammation of the dental pulp), dental caries (a biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial, dynamic disease), and/or periapical disease (inflammation around the tooth root) with varying severity (moderate or severe) were included in the study. Results: Of the 496 patients, 300 (60%) were females, 328 (66%) were aged 60 years or older, and 295 (59%) had issues with mandibular teeth. Among the patients, 250 (50%), 301 (61%), and 151 (30%) were diagnosed with dental caries, chronic pulpitis, and periapical disease(s), respectively. Female gender (P = 0.041), age ≥ 60 years (P = 0.045), and issues with mandibular teeth (P = 0.046) were found to be associated with chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and periapical diseases in the patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of dental diseases and disorders in Han Chinese adults is 19% in the Northern regions of China. Chronic pulpitis and dental caries are the most prevalent dental diseases, while periapical diseases occur less frequently among Han Chinese adults in the Northern regions of China. Females, individuals aged ≥ 60 years, and issues with mandibular teeth are independent risk factors for the development of chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and periapical disease in adult patients in Northern regions of China. Policymakers in China should consider the findings of this study to reduce dental diseases and disorders in Chinese adults, especially in the Northern regions of China.

Parental health belief model constructs associated with oral health behaviors, dental caries, and quality of life among preschool children in China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEarly childhood caries (ECC) is a prevalent health problem that negatively affects both overall health and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study investigated the association between health belief model (HBM) constructs and oral health behaviors, dental caries, and OHRQoL in preschool children in China.MethodsA total of 1562 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years were recruited from six public kindergartens in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, by using stratified cluster sampling. A questionnaire was administered to parents to collect information on demographics, HBM constructs, oral health behaviors, dental caries, and OHRQoL. Regression models were used to examine relationships between HBM constructs and the outcomes.ResultsParental perceived benefits [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.47 and 1.42], perceived barriers (AOR = 0.65 and 0.63), and oral health self-efficacy (AOR = 20.59 and 19.09) were associated with brushing teeth twice daily and brushing teeth with parental assistance. Perceived susceptibility (AOR = 6.62) and perceived severity (AOR = 0.49) were significantly associated with children’s ECC. Poorer oral health (β = 0.09), higher perceived susceptibility (β = 0.11), and greater perceived barriers (β = 0.30) were associated with lower OHRQoL. Brushing teeth twice daily (β = −0.19) and brushing teeth with parental assistance (β = −0.09) were associated with higher OHRQoL.ConclusionsParental HBM constructs were significantly associated with oral health behaviors, ECC, and OHRQoL in preschool children. These findings indicate the importance of incorporating parental HBM constructs into health education programs to promote positive oral health behaviors, reduce the prevalence of caries, and enhance OHRQoL in preschoolers.Trial registrationNot applicable.

ROLE OF TEACHERS IN PROVIDING ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION TO SCHOOL CHILDREN

Objectives: To determine the role of schoolteachers in providing oral health education to school children and to asses schoolteachers’ knowledge, practices, and the barriers in implementing oral health education among schoolchildren.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in different public and private schools of Peshawar. The sample size comprised of 311 schoolteachers who were recruited via simple convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from teachers. Frequency tables were generated for the categorical variables. Chi-square test was employed to assess the association between categorical variables and p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: Most participants (80.4%) worked in private schools, while the rest (19.6%) were in public schools. Around 21.2% of respondents reported integrating oral health into their teaching daily, while 22.5% did so weekly. Teachers exhibited strong knowledge regarding the causes and prevention of tooth decay (42.1%) and the impact of oral health on overall health (42.1%) while only 29.6% had excellent knowledge about signs and symptoms of gum diseases. Private school teachers were signifi cantly more likely to emphasize the importance of dental visits compared to public school teachers (p=0.004).Conclusion: The study revealed significant gaps in teachers' self-reported oral health knowledge, particularly in understanding fl uoride's importance and recognizing signs of gum disease, despite acknowledging oral health's importance.

Prevalence of Dental Caries Among 6–11-Year-Olds in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of dental caries among 6–11-year-old children in Nigeria and its distribution by sex, socioeconomic status, and geopolitical zones. Method: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) to identify relevant studies published between 2012 and 2022. Cohort, cross-sectional, and observational studies reporting dental caries prevalence data among 6–11-year-olds in Nigeria were included. Using the random effects model, prevalence was analysed based on sex, socioeconomic status, and the country’s six geopolitical zones. The primary outcome was the pooled prevalence of dental caries. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model, and study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023396948). Results: Data were pooled from 8 of 1237 screened articles. The pooled prevalence of dental caries was 1.5% (95% CI: −1.2–4.1). Prevalence was lower among males (1.5%, 95% CI: −1.4–4.3) compared to females (1.4%, 95% CI: −1.6–4.4); 0.1% (95% CI: −1.0–1.1) among those with high socioeconomic status, 0.2% (95% CI: −1.6 to 1.9) among those with middle socioeconomic status, and 0.6% (95% CI: −2.8 to 3.9) among those with low socioeconomic status. The prevalence also ranged from 1.1% (95% CI: −1.8 to 4.1) in southwest, 1.1% (95% CI: −5.4 to 7.6) south-south, 2.3% (95% CI: −7.1 to 11.6) in southeast, and 2.3% (95% CI: −7.1 to 11.7) in northwest. Conclusions: Nigeria. Caries intervention may need to be tailored to address the observed sex, socioeconomic status, and geopolitical zone disparities.

Beyond Fluoride: Exploring Silicon’s Potential for Dental Repair and Caries Prevention

This in vitro study evaluated the protective effect of an Si-containing toothpaste associated with different fluoride concentrations by reducing the depth of the demineralized lesions in dentin after cariogenic pH cycling. Methods: Sixty bovine dentin blocks (4 × 4 × 2 mm) were randomly assigned into five groups (n = twelve/group): RGS1 (Si toothpaste with 1450 ppm F), RGS2 (Si toothpaste with 1100 ppm F), RGS3 (fluoride-free Si toothpaste), negative control (NC) (fluoride-free toothpaste), and positive control (PC) (1450 ppm F toothpaste). The specimens underwent a three-day pH cycling model simulating the oral environment with twice-daily brushing. The mineral loss (ΔF) and lesion depth (ΔFmax) were assessed using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided a morphological analysis. Elemental analyses were performed with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). ANOVA and Tukey’s test were used for the data analysis (α = 5%). Results: EDS confirmed the Si in the toothpaste formulations. The groups treated with fluoride silicon toothpastes (RGS1, RGS2) had significantly reduced mineral loss and lesion depth compared to the PC group. The NC group exhibited the greatest mineral loss and lesion depth. SEM images revealed occluded superficial dentin tubules and a protective mineral layer in the groups treated with Si toothpaste, whereas no deposition (NC group) or limited mineral deposition (PC group) was observed in the control groups. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Si toothpastes favored protection against dentin demineralization, even at a lower concentration or free of fluoride, with dentin tubule occlusion, thus representing a promising oral care product over traditional fluoride toothpastes.

Guidelines for Reporting Oral Epidemiologic Studies to Inform Burden Estimation (GROESBE).

High-quality prevalence and incidence studies of oral conditions are essential for estimation of disease burden and comparison of estimates among countries and over time, as well as for priority setting, resource allocation, and planning public health action. Existing systematic reviews of the epidemiology of untreated dental caries, severe periodontitis, and edentulism, carried out for the Global Burden of Disease study, showed inadequate and incomplete reporting of the measurement of oral conditions as well as a lack of consistency and comparability with other health conditions. These issues are more accentuated in studies from low- and middle-income countries. Studies must meet the highest standards so that these efforts do not waste resources. This report extends the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines to improve and standardize the reporting of descriptive oral epidemiologic studies of common oral conditions. The aim of the Guidelines for Reporting Oral Epidemiologic Studies to Inform Burden Estimation (GROESBE) is to promote transparency, clarity, and comparability of scientific reporting, specifically for prevalence and incidence studies of untreated caries, severe periodontitis, and edentulism. The GROESBE guidelines and checklist were developed following a structured and formal consultation process with a geographically diverse group of 23 individuals involved in the conduct and analysis of oral epidemiologic studies. GROESBE focuses on elements that are not included in STROBE, adding 14 specific recommendations to existing guidelines. They will facilitate reliable comparison of emerging prevalence and incidence data on untreated caries, severe periodontitis, and edentulism across settings worldwide and the synthesis of robust evidence to inform estimation of disease burden in future iterations of the Global Burden of Disease study.

Phone-Based Parental Support Program for Caries Prevention in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Children referred for comprehensive dental care under general anesthesia, due to severe early childhood caries, have a high risk of continued caries progression in posttreatment years. To assess the effect of a phone-delivered, motivational interviewing-based parental support program on caries recurrence and oral health habits in preschool children treated under general anesthesia for severe early childhood caries. The prospective design of this 2-arm randomized clinical trial (allocation ratio 1:1; blinded outcome assessment) comprised 151 patients from pediatric dental departments in the Stockholm region of Sweden. Inclusion criteria were healthy children aged <6 y with early childhood caries who were scheduled for treatment under general anesthesia. Control group parents received standard advice on toothbrushing and sugar reduction. Intervention group parents received planned phone counseling with an oral health coach every other week for 1 y, based on motivational interviewing principles, offered in Arabic, English, Polish, Turkish, and Swedish. The primary outcome was caries progression 1 and 2 y postsurgery, assessed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Secondary outcomes were parent-reported daily toothbrushing and dietary habits. Sixty-five percent of the control group and 77% of the intervention group experienced caries relapse on at least 1 new surface after 1 y (nonsignificant). At the 2-y follow-up, relapse rates were 53% (control group) and 71% (intervention group; P < 0.05) compared with baseline. The intervention group was significantly less likely to engage in adverse oral health behaviors such as snacking on sweets (intervention group, 10%; control group 33%) and sweet drinks (intervention group 9%; control group, 29%) after 1 y. No group differences in daily fluoride toothpaste brushing occurred. The motivational interviewing-based parental support program improved dietary habits but showed no effect on caries recurrence in children treated under general anesthesia for early childhood caries.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02487043. The findings of this study can assist clinicians, public health leaders, and researchers in tailoring preventative behavior-focused programs for early childhood caries. These results may improve the understanding of how behavioral interventions that involve parents of young children affect caries prevention, highlighting approaches that are less likely to be effective and guiding future efforts toward more promising strategies for high-risk populations.

Disabilities and Disparities in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives: In Saudi Arabia, persons with disabilities (PWDs) face considerable oral health challenges, including a higher prevalence of dental caries and gingival inflammation, which adversely affects their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This population experiences distinct and substantial barriers in accessing adequate dental care. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to quantify disparities in OHRQoL between PWDs and individuals without disabilities in Saudi Arabia, focusing on caries and gingivitis prevalence, and to identify specific areas for intervention. Materials and Methods: A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar yielded 803 articles, of which seven met the inclusion criteria. These studies reported on OHRQoL and oral health outcomes in populations with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and hearing impairments. Data on caries rates, gingival health, and self- or caregiver-reported quality of life were extracted and analysed. Results: PWDs in Saudi Arabia exhibit significantly higher caries prevalence (ranging from 60% to over 80%) and moderate-to-severe gingival inflammation (up to 60%) compared to individuals without disabilities. The caregivers of children with disabilities reported heightened stress levels, and PWDs experienced reduced functional and social well-being. These disparities were compounded by limited preventive care access and high unmet treatment needs, particularly among those with severe disabilities and limited caregiver support. Conclusions: PWDs in Saudi Arabia face marked oral health disparities, with notably higher rates of dental caries and gingivitis, severely impacting their quality of life. The findings underscore the need for targeted oral health policies and community-based interventions to enhance care accessibility, promote preventive measures, and address the unique needs of this vulnerable population.

Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries Among Children Visiting the Outpatient Department of a Dental Hospital in Meerut City: An Institutional-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries Among Children Visiting the Outpatient Department of a Dental Hospital in Meerut City: An Institutional-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Oral Health among The Local Population of Lahore

Objective: To assess oral health-related awareness of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the local population in Lahore. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months with a sample of 345 individuals (139 males, 206 females) using a convenience sampling technique. Aself-administered questionnaire comprised 17 questions divided into five parameters: self-perception, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and eating habits. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. Results: The study revealed that most of the participants(46%) had satisfactory self-perception of oral health. The assessment of knowledge of oral health stated that 315 individuals(91.3%) were aware of the prevention of caries through teeth brushing. The practices of individuals showed that 238(69%) of them brushed their teeth twice a day. Atotal of 206(59.7%) participants used mouthwash as an additional oral cleaning aid. 189(54.8%) individuals consumed sweetened foods and drinks daily. Conclusion: The awareness related to oral health knowledge and attitude in the local population of Lahore was considered to be adequate. Individual practices however do not reflect this knowledge as unhealthy lifestyle still prevailed. Keywords: Attitude, Knowledge, Oral hygiene, Practice

Remineralising enamel caries with a novel peptide: An in vitro study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antibacterial and remineralising effects of GAPI peptide on artificial enamel caries. MethodsHuman enamel blocks were exposed to Streptococcus mutans biofilm to create artificial carious lesions. The blocks were randomly assigned to either the GAPI treatment group or the deionised water control group, treated twice daily for 21 days. The viability, growth kinetics, and morphology of S. mutans biofilms were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), colony-forming unit (CFU) counting, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Lesion depth, mineral loss, calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, Knoop hardness, enamel surface morphology, and crystal characteristics of enamel lesions were determined using micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT), SEM-energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), a microhardness tester, SEM, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). ResultsCLSM showed that the dead-to-live ratio of S. mutans was 0.8±0.1 in the GAPI group and 0.4±0.1 in the control group (p<0.001). The Log CFUs were 6.9±0.7 in the GAPI group and 8.1±0.5 in the control group (p=0.002). SEM revealed confluent growth of S. mutans in the control group but not in the GAPI group, which also exhibited cell damage. Micro-CT showed that the lesion depth (µm) was 142±11 in the GAPI group and 178±20 in the control group (p<0.001), with mineral loss (gcm⁻³) of 1.1±0.1 and 1.5±0.1, respectively (p<0.001). SEM-EDS indicated that the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio was 1.71±0.02 in the GAPI group and 1.67±0.03 in the control group (p=0.006). Additionally, Knoop hardness was 302±22 in the GAPI group and 242±17 in the control group (p<0.001). SEM revealed an orderly pattern of enamel rods in the GAPI group, and XRD showed better crystallisation of hydroxyapatite in the GAPI group compared to the control group. ConclusionGAPI exhibits antibacterial and remineralising properties against artificial enamel caries. Clinical SignificanceIf the anti-caries properties of GAPI are confirmed in clinical studies, it could be used for caries prevention.

Pattern and Clinical Reasons for Dental Extractions in Patients Visiting a Tertiary Health Care Centre in Southern District- Nuh of Haryana, India: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: The causes of tooth extraction exhibit significant geographical and cultural variations between regions within a country and across different countries. To date, no study has been conducted on the pattern of tooth loss in a comparatively socially and economically disadvantaged population in Nuh, Haryana, India. Aim: To analyse the pattern and clinical reasons for tooth extraction in relation to factors such as age and gender among patients visiting the Dental Department of a tertiary care centre in India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Dentistry, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati (SHKM) Government Medical College Nalhar, Nuh, Haryana, India, from January 2017 to December 2019. Data were collected from the available records of patients across different age groups during the period from January 2017 to December 2019. Data on age, gender, reasons for extraction, jaw type and tooth number were recorded. The total number of extracted teeth was used for statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel software. Results: During the study period, 2643 patients underwent tooth extraction, with 1304 (49.33%) being males and 1339 (50.66%) females. A total of 3358 teeth were extracted, with 1382 in males and 1976 in females. The number of teeth extracted was higher in females (58.84%, n=1976) compared to males (41.15%, n=1382). The majority of extractions occurred in the 21-30 years age group, 750 (21.73%) followed by the 31-40 years age group, 663 (19.71%). The most common reason for extraction was dental caries and its sequelae, 2462 (73.34%). The most frequently extracted tooth was the first molar in the fourth quadrant (9.26%) followed by the first molar in the third quadrant (8.72%). Conclusion: Given the paramount importance of first permanent molars, it is concerning to see many young patients losing this tooth in the present study. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among the general population about maintaining oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and treatment. The role of pit and fissure sealants in caries prevention for first permanent molars cannot be overstated.

Prevalence of caries disease in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a comparative study

Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of dental caries in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and compare it with controls. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between two departments of the Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat: the Conservative Dentistry Department at the Center for Consultation and Dental Treatment and the Rheumatology B Department at El Ayachi Hospital in Salé.We collected socio-demographic, disease, and oral health data for each patient, assessing caries prevalence using the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled teeth ) along with gingival and plaque indices (Löe and Silness) Results: We recruited 61 patients, including 31 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 30 control patients. The average age was 47.6 ± 13.1 years, mostly female, with 59.3% postmenopausal. RA patients had a higher number of missing teeth (8.3±7 [0; 19]), moderate to severe gingival inflammation in 64.6% of patients, and significant plaque buildup in 67.7% of cases. Only 38.7% of patients used proper brushing techniques, and 45.2% viewed their condition as a barrier to oral hygiene.The DMFT index in the RA group was 15.5, with an average of 2 [0; 4] filled teeth, compared to 0 [0; 2] in the control group (p=0.05). 67.7% of RA patients had visible plaque deposits, and 64.6% showed moderate to severe gingival inflammation Conclusion: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis exhibited poorer oral health compared to the control group, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care, including regular dental consultations and treatment

SCHOOL DENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM: TRAINING OF TRAINER KESEHATAN GIGI DAN MULUT PADA GURU DAN ORANG TUA SEBAGAI UPAYA MENUJU PROGRAM “ INDONESIA BEBAS KARIES 2030”

Oral and dental health among school-age children is often neglected, despite its importance in supporting their quality of life. A Training of Trainer (ToT) program on oral and dental health was conducted for teachers and parents at MI KH Ramly Surabaya to support the vision of Indonesia Free from Dental Caries 2030. This training included educational sessions and guidance on proper tooth-brushing habits using fluoride toothpaste. The results showed an improvement in participants' knowledge, with higher average post-test scores compared to pre-test scores. Additionally, there was a positive behavioral change among children in maintaining oral hygiene. Although statistical tests indicated insignificant results, the intervention had a practical impact on establishing healthy habits. Support from teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals is essential to reducing the prevalence of dental caries in the future. .

Evaluation of Oral Health Status among Children of Halba Tribe in Bastar Division of Chhattisgarh, India.

The Halba tribe owes its nomenclature term "Hal" which locally means plowing or farming. Bastariya Halba is Dravidian tribe from Warangal. They speak Indo-European language Halbi. There are no population-based studies till date evaluating the oral health status among Halba children in Chhattisgarh. To evaluate the oral health status of Halba tribe children in the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh by assessing the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the dental caries and periodontal status in Halba tribe children. Children aged between 6 and 12 years (N = 1,050) were randomly selected from Halba community of Chhattisgarh. Dental caries status was recorded by using the decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT/dmft) index and papillary marginal attached (PMA) index for periodontal status. The statistical software namely Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used for the analysis of the data. The study population was 1,050 children from the Halba tribal community. Among the subjects, 545 (51.9%) were boys and 505 (48.1%) were girls. The overall mean dmft/DMFT was found to be 2.25 ± 2.71. In this study, boys had significantly higher values for overall dmft/DMFT (2.55 ± 2.74) than girls. It was observed that mild, moderate, and severe gingivitis significantly increased with increasing age. The population examined was characterized by high prevalence of dental caries as well as unmet treatment needs. Factors like poverty, illiteracy, poor awareness, and lack of oral health services may be a reason for poor oral health in these children. Pathivada L, Prabhat SK, Garg N, et al. Evaluation of Oral Health Status among Children of Halba Tribe in Bastar Division of Chhattisgarh, India. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(10):1121-1123.

Evaluation of Fluoride and Silver Ion Concentrations in e-Silver Diamine Fluoride and Advantage Arrest: An Ion Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Study.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is characterized by sharp shooting pain due to exposed dentin, and the most common method for treating this pain is the occlusion of the dentinal tubules with the help of desensitizing agents. E-silver diamine fluoride (e-SDF) (Kids-e-Dental, Mumbai, India) is a commercially available 38% SDF solution in the Indian market. Despite the fact that its application for caries prevention has been proven, the fluoride (Fl) and silver (Ag) ion concentrations of e-SDF for use in treating DH have yet to be standardized. The aim of this study is to determine and compare the Fl and Ag ion concentrations released from two commercially available 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solutions. The two most common commercially available 38% SDF solution brands, namely Advantage Arrest and e-SDF were used. Two drops of each of these solutions were taken in three beakers and diluted with distilled water. The Fl ion concentration was evaluated using a calibrated ion-specific electrode. The free Ag ion concentration was assessed using an atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Release of Ag ions shows that on days 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7, concentration (mg/L) was higher in the Advantage Arrest group but is statistically nonsignificant. On days 3 and 4, it is higher in an e-SDF group with a t-value of 1.085 and 0.243 and is statistically nonsignificant. Release of Fl ion showed that in comparison to the baseline, it was more with Advantage Arrest on days 2, 4, and 7 with a t-value of -3.766, -0.999, and 0.347 and on day 2 was statistically significant. On days 3, 5, and 6 Fl ion release from baseline was more with e-SDF in comparison with Advantage Arrest but statistically insignificant. The AAS analysis as well as the ion chromatography showed that the Ag and Fl ion release respectively on days 1-7 from e-SDF was similar to the one seen in the case of Advantage Arrest. This helps dentists choose among different brands of the same commercially available 38% SDF solutions depending on the cost and availability of the product. Kamath P, Kamath P, P AN, et al. Evaluation of Fluoride and Silver Ion Concentrations in e-Silver Diamine Fluoride and Advantage Arrest: An Ion Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(10):1141-1145.

Caries Level in 3-Year-Olds in Germany: National Caries Trends and Gaps in Primary Dental Care

Background: Nationally representative long-term data on caries in the primary dentition are rare but essential for determining the need for prevention and treatment. This research assessed the prevalence and trends of dental caries in 3-year-old children across Germany, with national data analyzed and compared with the corresponding data for 6–7-year-olds. Methods: Data were extracted from the most recent German National Oral Health Survey in 2016. Children aged 3 years were examined by calibrated dentists in 10 German regions using the WHO criteria for d3–4mft, including assessment of initial carious lesions d1–2mft. In addition, the Significant Caries Index (SiC), the Care Index (CI) and the Specific Affected Caries Index (SaC) were considered to identify provision of care and risk groups. Results: In a total of 95,127 3-year-old preschool children, caries prevalence was 13.7% with a mean d3–4mft of 0.48. Including initial carious lesions, prevalence increased to 18.7% (mean 0.67 d1–4mft). Dependent on the German region, d3–4mft values varied noticeably from 0.38 (Schleswig-Holstein) to 0.58 (Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin). Comparing data from 3-year-olds to 6–7-year-olds, the d3–4mft value for 6–7-year-olds (1.73) was more than three times higher than that for 3-year-olds (0.48). The SiC value was 1.47 for 3-year-olds and 4.88 for 6–7-year-olds, while the SaC values were 3.57 and 3.97, respectively. The Care Index was low for both groups (26.1% and 57.5%, respectively). Conclusions: Germany exhibited a high level of dental caries in the primary dentition for 3 (13.7%) to 6–7-year-olds (44%) children. This large cross-sectional study revealed considerable room for improvement in the early caries prevention and treatment within the well-equipped German dental health infrastructure.

Spatial Heterogeneity and Risk Factors of Dental Caries in 12-Year-Old Children in Shanxi Province, China

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the spatial heterogeneity and risk factors for dental caries in 12-year-old children in Shanxi province, China. MethodsThe data encompassed 3,721 participants from the two most recent oral health surveys conducted across 16 districts in Shanxi Province in 2015 and 2018. Eighteen specific variables were analyzed to examine the interplay between socioeconomic factors, medical resources and environmental conditions. The Geo-detector model was employed to assess the impacts and interactions of these ecological factors. ResultsSocioeconomic factors (Q = 0.30, P < 0.05) exhibited a more substantial impact compared to environmental (Q = 0.19, P < 0.05) and medical resource factors (Q = 0.25, P < 0.05). Notably, the urban population percentage (UPP) demonstrated the most significant explanatory power for the spatial heterogeneity in caries prevalence, as denoted by its highest q-value (q = 0.51, P < 0.05). Additionally, the spatial distribution's heterogeneity of caries was significantly affected by SO2 concentration (q = 0.39, P < 0.05) and water fluoride levels (q = 0.27, P < 0.05) among environmental factors. ConclusionThe prevalence of caries exhibited spatial heterogeneity, escalating from North to South in Shanxi Province, China, influenced by socioeconomic factors, medical resources, and environmental conditions to varying extents.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG PATIENTS OF 6-15 YEARS AGE PRESENTING TO THE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF AYUB COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY, ABBOTTABAD

Background: Dental caries in the mixed dentition stage is a common problem leading to tooth decay and extractions. This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of caries among children of 6-15 years age presenting to Ayub College of Dentistry and its association with different factors such as age, dietary habits, snacking habits, and previous dental visits. Methods: It was cross-sectional research250 participants of 6-15 years presenting to Ayub College of Dentistry from November 2023 to April 2024. Dental caries was examined and DMFT index calculated with the help of questionnaires. DMFT was correlated with age, tooth brushing habits, gender, snacking habits, and previous dental visits. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Statistical correlation tests were applied to find the association between different variables such as age group, brushing habits, snacking habits and prevalence and severity of caries. Results: Dental caries was prevalent among 79.7 percent whereas the mean DMFT of sample was 5.82±4.48. There was a trend of higher DMFT scores among male population than females. A greater DMFT score of 4.2±1.8 was seen among children of 13-15 years followed by 10-12 years (3.8±1.7) and 6-9 years (2.7±1.5). Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of dental caries among children and adolescents and its association with brushing habits, snacking habits, age, gender, and previous dental visits. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene practices, and a healthy diet low in sugar are key factors in preventing dental caries in elementary school students.