Significant Caries Index Research Articles

Characteristics and Risk Factors of High Caries Risk Group in 12-year-old Children Using Data from the 2015 Children’s Oral Health Survey

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of the high caries risk group of 12-year-old children in Korea.Oral health status and interview data were collected from 23,089 children aged 12 years who participated in the 2015 Korean Children’s Oral Health Survey. Subjects were classified into high-risk and low-risk groups according to the Significant caries (SiC) index, and the influence of each variable was analyzed.As a result of the study, the SiC index of the high-risk group was 5.08, which was about 9.6 times higher than the lowrisk group. The risk factors associated with the high-risk group were in the order of the number of sealant teeth, dental treatment demand for the past year, perceived oral health status, gender, region, frequency of snack intake per day, and use of oral hygiene aids.In order to improve the oral health of children, appropriate preventive treatment and oral health education should be carried out with reference to the items indicated as risk factors in the high-risk group of dental caries.

Dental caries experience and related risk indicators of 12-year-old students in Jilin, China.

An effective prevention policy for dental caries is absent in Jilin, China because of outdated and insufficient data. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate dental caries status and related risk indicators among 12-year-old students in Jilin Province.We conducted a cross-sectional investigation among 2324 children aged 12 years from 9 regions of Jilin in 2017. Caries was evaluated with the decayed-missing-filled teeth index and the significant caries index. The rate of pit and fissure closure, education level of patients, brushing habits, and sugar consumption were evaluated in a structured questionnaire. The associated risk indicators of caries were also assessed through logistic regression analysis.The prevalence of dental caries is 56.11%, and the value of decayed-missing-filled teeth was 1.53. More dental caries was found in students living in high-fluorine areas (P < .01). The results of logistic regression analysis show that females, poor self-assessment of oral health, toothache experience, dental visits, and education levels of parents are risk indicators for caries (P < .01).Regarding the current status of DC among 12-year-old students in Jilin Province, (1) The high-fluorine areas have lower DC prevalence than the non-high fluorine areas, (2) Female students have higher DC prevalence than male students, (3) Poor self-assessment of dental health, toothache experience, dental visits, and low education levels of parents can increase the risk of dental caries.

Dental and Maxillofacial Findings in Cerebral Palsy Children from Sulaimani City: Assessment for Unmet Dental Needs

Objective: This study was carried out, aiming to analyze the frequency and factors related to dental and maxillofacial findings, caries experience, and oral hygiene status among Kurdish Children with Cerebral Palsy in Sulaimani governorate. &#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 cerebral palsy children. They were subjected to extra and intraoral examination for dental and maxillofacial changes after obtaining medical and dental histories. The mean DMF/dmf index, significant caries index, met need index (MNI), restorative index (RI), and simplified oral hygiene index, were recorded. Independent t-test, Chi-square tests, and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data, and P-value &lt; 0.05 considered significant.&#x0D; Results: Nearly half of our cerebral palsy children were delivered by Cesarean section, diagnosed after birth with jaundice and had mental retardation. The premature delivery associated with cerebral palsy types (P=.006). Extra-oral features were normal in 41% of children. Hypertelorism was the predominant facial finding (48%), and 55% showed malocclusion (class II &amp; III). Dental caries was observed in 55% of the patients, mostly in the primary dentition (mean dmft index =3.18) and the significant caries index =8.69. The MNI (=0.455) and RI (=0.412) were higher in the permanent dentition. The majority of children had good oral hygiene. No correlation was found between cerebral palsy and the studied parameters.&#x0D; Conclusions: Children with cerebral palsy showed a high incidence of dental caries in primary dentition, malocclusion, and surprisingly good oral hygiene, but none of which was correlated to any type of cerebral palsy.

Prevalence of dental caries in deciduous teeth and oral health related quality of life among preschool children aged 4\u20136\u2009years in Kisarawe, Tanzania

BackgroundPreschool years are a critical period in the development of a healthy child. The consequences of poor oral health in preschool children reach beyond dental problems, with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) being associated with overall systematic health as well as one’s quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries and its impacts on the OHRQoL in a sample of preschool children in Kisarawe.MethodsA cross-sectional based study was conducted in 2017. A total of 1106 preschool children completed a face-to-face interview, using a translated Kiswahili version of the Michigan Oral Health-related Quality of Life Scale (MOHRQoL) –Child Version (2003), and underwent clinical oral examination using WHO (1997) criteria.ResultsThe decayed component was the most prevalent (dft = 2.08) and the Significant Caries Index (SiC) was 5.54 double of the (dft), showing polarization of dental caries in the studied population. After adjusting for appropriate covariates, preschool children of age 5 and 6 years old were more likely to have decayed tooth [Adjusted OR = 3.02, (95% CI =2.01–4.54)] and [Adjusted OR = 2.23, (95% CI = 1.55–3.20)] respectively. Preschool children without visible plaque on the buccal surface of upper anterior teeth were less likely to have decayed teeth [Adjusted OR = 0.21, (95% CI = 0.09–0.45)]. Regarding measurements of oral health-related quality of life using the MOHRQoL, only preschool children who reported on ‘do your teeth hurt you now?’ and ‘do kids make fun of your teeth?’ were more likely to have a decayed tooth [Adjusted OR = 1.74, (95% CI = 1.12–2.71)] and [Adjusted OR = 1.87, (95% CI = 1.11–3.15)], respectively.ConclusionFindings from this study suggest that dental caries affects a significant portion of preschool children and, was associated with poor oral hygiene. The overall impacts of dental caries prevalence to OHRQoL were low in this sample of preschool children. Children having caries (independent variable) were shown to report more frequently that ‘do your teeth hurt you now?’ and ‘do kids make fun of your teeth?’ were more likely to have a decayed tooth among preschool children in Kisarawe, Tanzania.

Assessing dental caries and related factors in 12-year-old Nigerian school children: Report from a Southeastern State

Abstract Background/Aim: Dental caries is one of the most common diseases in the world and a common health problem among children. The aim of this study was to assess dental caries and related factors using the Decayed Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT), Significant Caries Index (SiC), Restorative and Met Need indices in 12-year-old schoolchildren in a Southeastern State of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 360 twelve year old students selected by multistage sampling method from four schools in Enugu. Sociodemographic and behavioral data on dietary and oral health-care practices were collected using questionnaires, followed by an intraoral examination of each participant in accordance with the WHO criteria to determine their individual DMFT. Total and mean DMFT were obtained. SiC, Restorative Index (RI), and Met Need Index (MNI) were calculated. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS version 20. P ≤ 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of caries was 54.4%. Mean SiC/DMFT ratios of private and public school participants were 2.29/0.78 and 2.83/1.59, respectively. A zero RI and 0.02 MNI values were observed for all participants. Twelve (6.9%) public schoolchildren did not brush every day, although nearly 100% of them consumed cariogenic diet regularly. Conclusion: Despite low DMFT, number of teeth with untreated caries mirrored by zero RI and MNI values was high. Unhealthy dietary habits, suboptimal oral hygiene practices, and possibly lack of perception of gravity of caries were key influential factors. Efforts should be geared toward bridging these gaps through effective prevention program in schools.

Distribution of Dental Caries in 12-Year Old Children of Chandigarh using DMFT and SiC Index- A Cross-Sectional Study

Aims: To evaluate the distribution of dental caries using the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) and Significant Caries Index (SiC) in 12-year old children of Chandigarh. To comparatively analyze the risk factors between the two groups - ‘SiC index group' and ‘least DMFT group' and to determine if the WHO Health goals have been achieved for the population. Methods: The examination for dental caries was done as per the WHO recommendations on 495 children. DMFT, SiC values and the oral health behaviours were recorded and the risk predictors for caries identified on logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 74.1%. The mean DMFT was 2.93 ± 2.57 (0-12) and the mean SiC was 5.76 ± 1.89 (4-12). The odds of being in the SiC group were lesser with ≥ once a day tooth cleaning (OR:0.644, CI:0.109 - 3.822, p-value 0.628) and higher with ≤ once a day sugar intake (OR:1.286; CI:0.782-2.115, p-value 0.322), ≤ once a day fruit intake (OR: 1.485; CI:0.820 - 2.691, p-value 0.192), in boys (OR:1.175;CI:0.748 - 1.847, p - value 0.484) and in the lower strata (OR:2.578; CI:1.187 - 5.598, p-value 0.017). Conclusion: The study confirmed an unequal distribution of dental caries and aims to focus on the more susceptible lower strata and reduction of the D component of DMFT. The WHO Health Goals for 2000 were achieved for the population, but the Goals for 2015 were yet to be met. The study also highlights the need to strive to attain the WHO Health Goals for 2020.

The relation between performance and oral health in male athletes

Objectives: Oral health is as important to an athlete’s sporting successas regular exercise and adequate nutrition. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between oral health and sporting performance. Methods: This prospective study was carried out with male athletes. Athletes' demographic characteristics, dental care habits, number of decayed, missing or filled teeth, and sporting performance data were recorded. The Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, Significant Caries index (SCI) and Plaque index (PI) were used to assess oral health. The T-Drill, Zig-Zag, Lateral Change of Direction (LCD) and 505 tests to assess agility, and 10-, 20- and 30-m short sprint tests were used to assess speed. The results were analyzed on SPSS software, and p values &amp;lt; 0.05 were regarded as significant. Results: Ninety-six athletes were included in the study. Active caries was determined in 70.8%. The mean DMFT index value was 3.9 ± 3.7, mean SCI 10.2, and mean PI 0.9 ± 0.4. DMFT was ≥ 4 in 45.8% of athletes and &amp;lt; 4 in 57.2%. No difference was determined between subjects with DMFT &amp;lt; 4 and DMFT ≥ 4 in terms of age, height, body weight, or years engaged in sports. Agility and speed tests results were superior in subjects with DMFT&amp;lt;4 than in those with DMFT ≥ 4, and times to completion of performance tests were shorter (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that DMFT was positively correlated with agility tests [T-Drill test (r = 0.428), Zig-Zag test (r = 0.428), LCD test (r = 0.286) and 505 test (r = 0.529)], and speed tests [short sprint, 10-m (r = 0.309), 20-m (r = 0.336), 30-m (r = 0.449)] (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Impairment of oral health has an adverse effect on sporting performance, and this can lead to poorer results in performance tests such as agility and speed.

Caries prevalence among schoolchildren in urban and rural Croatia.

The aim of the study was to evaluate caries prevalence in a sample of schoolchildren aged 6 to 16 years from rural and urban areas in Croatia. Using standardized World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria, the oral health status of 1,589 children (265 from rural and 1,324 from urban areas) was assessed by recording the following indices: DMFT (decayed, missing, filled permanent teeth), deft (decayed, extracted, filled primary teeth), DMFS (decayed, missing, filled surfaces - permanent teeth), defs (decayed, extracted, filled surfaces - primary teeth) and SiC (Significant Caries Index). Rural areas were Štitar and Babina Greda municipalities in Slavonia and urban areas were the cities of Županja (Slavonia), Zagreb and Dubrovnik. Half of the examined children (50.0%) had caries (D component in DMFT), with 46.0% of these being from urban and 70.2% from rural areas. The median DMFT among children was 2, 4 (rural) and 2 (urban) (p &lt; 0.001). Among 12-year-olds, the median DMFT was 4 (rural) and 3 (urban), and mean DMFT was 3.4. The median DMFS for rural area was 5 and for urban area 3 (p &lt; 0.001). The median deft was 1.00 for rural and 1.00 for urban, while the highest value was found among 6-year-olds at 9 in rural and 7 in urban areas. The median SiC was 4, 4 (urban) and 5 (rural). Schoolchildren from urban and rural areas in Croatia differ significantly in caries prevalence. They fall into the medium DMFT classification group according to the WHO, which indicates the need for a comprehensive oral health preservation programme.

Dental Caries Prevalence and Untreated Caries among Children in a School-Based Dental Health Program Using dft/Dft and Significant Caries Index (SCI)

Dental Caries Prevalence and Untreated Caries among Children in a School-Based Dental Health Program Using dft/Dft and Significant Caries Index (SCI)

Significant Caries Index: A Better Indicator for Dental Caries

International Journal of Medicine and Public Health,2019,9,2,59.DOI:10.5530/ijmedph.2019.2.15Published:June 2019Type:Letter to the EditorSignificant Caries Index: A Better Indicator for Dental CariesRupsa Banerjee, and Bratati Banerjee Rupsa Banerjee1, Bratati Banerjee2* 1Department of Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, INDIA. 2Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, INDIA Abstract:Sir, Dental caries is one of the oro-dental diseases which is highly prevalent in India.1,2 DMFT index has been widely used to assess the caries status among individuals by computing the mean number of Decayed (D), Missing (M) and Filled (F) teeth in a population. This index however does not reflect the true picture since there are both individuals with considerably higher DMFT values as well as caries-free individuals in the same population. Significant Caries index (SiC) is a better indicator in this case because it records the individuals with the highest DMFT values. The Global Goals for Oral Health in the year 2000 proposed to reduce the SiC index among the 12-year-olds to less than 3 DMFT by the year 2015, globally. The present study was done as a part of the School Health Programme in selected government schools in south Bangalore where students of classes 1 to 10 were examined as part of annual health check-up which included dental examination and questions on oral hygiene habits. DMFT score for permanent teeth and dmft score for temporary teeth were calculated for each child. SiC index was calculated, according to the WHO formula,3 for the 12-year-old population by calculating the average DMFT score of one third of the 12-year old children having the highest DMFT values, to assess whether this was in line with the proposed global goals for oral health. Read More... Keywords:NillView:PDF (64.65 KB)

Caries Trends in the Primary Dentition of 6- to 7-Year-old Schoolchildren in Germany from 1994 to 2016: Results from the German National Oral Health Surveys in Children

Long-term nationally representative caries data in the primary dentition are rare, but nonetheless central to assess needs in caries prevention and treatment. This study evaluated the prevalence and trends of caries levels in the primary dentition of 6- to 7-year-olds in Germany as a whole and its federal states individually. In 2016, employing a randomized cluster selection, 6- to 7-year-old first graders were included in the National German Oral Health Survey performed regularly since 1994/95. Children were examined by 482 calibrated dentists in all 17 German regions using the WHO criteria for the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) including the assessment of initial carious lesions (it). In total, 151,555 6- to 7-year-olds were examined. Caries prevalence in the primary dentition dropped from 65% in 1994 to 44% in 2016, while the mean caries experience dropped from 2.89 to 1.73 dmft (dt = 0.74, mt = 0.19, ft = 0.80). When initial lesions were included, the mean caries experience increased to idmft = 2.12 (it = 0.38). In 2016, 49.7% of the examined 6- to 7-year-olds were caries-free including initial lesions. The Care Index at the tooth level was 57.5%, and the Significant Caries Index was 4.84 dmft. Depending on the German region, the mean dmft varied considerably, ranging from 1.37 to 2.31. In conclusion, despite the overall caries decline in 6- to 7-year-olds in Germany, only minor caries reductions were observed over the last decade, with a still existing high proportion of untreated dental decay. This calls for more effective preventive and restorative efforts with focus on the primary dentition in Germany.

Introducing a Specific Term to Present Caries Experience in Populations with Low Caries Prevalence: Specific Affected Caries Index (SaC)

Up to now, indices like the mean dmft/DMFT and the SiC (Significant Caries Index) have been used to depict caries experience in populations with high prevalence. With the caries decline, particularly for populations with low caries levels, these indices reach their statistical limits. This paper aims to introduce a specific term, the Specific affected Caries Index (SaC) for the risk groups in populations with low caries prevalence and to illustrate its use based on the consecutive German National Oral Health Survey (GNOHS) in children. In groups with a caries prevalence less than one-third of the population, many caries-free children (DMFT = 0) are included in the SiC (risk group), which calls for a new way of illustration. Mean caries experience (DMFT), caries prevalence, the SiC and SaC were portrayed for 12-year-olds in the GNOHS from 1994/95 to 2016. The SaC describes the mean caries experience (DMFT) in the group presenting caries experience (DMFT > 0). In 12-year-old 6th graders in Germany, the mean caries experience decreased from 2.4 (1994/95) to 0.4 DMFT (2016), with a recent prevalence of 21.2% (DMFT > 0, 2016). In 2016, the mean number of affected teeth in children with DMFT > 0 (SaC) was 2.1, while the SiC including 12% DMFT-free children in the risk group was 1.3. The SiC fails to reflect the caries severity in children in a population with low caries prevalence. Therefore, the newly introduced term Specific affected Caries Index (SaC) may be used to describe accurately caries experience in caries risk children in populations presenting low caries prevalence.

The assessment of primary teeth condition in 6 year-old children in Podgorica municipality

Summary Introduction The most frequent oral disease in children is tooth decay. The aim of this study was to determine the health status of primary teeth in 6 year-old children. Material and method The study included 203 children of both genders living in the territory of Podgorica municipality. Only children whose parents gave consent were included. The parameters used for assessing oral health condition were: number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth due to caries (dmft) and Significant Caries Index (SiC). One dentist clinically examined all respondents in accordance with methodology and criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO). Results The average value of dmft in 6-year-olds in Podgorica was 4.9. On average, 80.3% of examined children had dental decay. The SiC Index was 8.3. Among examined children, 12.3% had at least one tooth with fissure sealant. In dmft structure dominated untreated decay (92.6%). Conclusion Results showed high prevalence of primary teeth decay in 6 years old children, indicating the absence of preventive measures and programs in Montenegro.

Oral Health Status and Dental Treatment Needs of Preschool Children in 6th October City, Egypt

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the oral health status, significant caries index and utilization of dental care among preschool children. Subjects and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 581 children aged 2-5 years attending preschools and living in 6th October city, Egypt. The clinical examination of oral health status followed the World Health Organization’s guidelines for oral health surveys, 1997. Dental caries was determined using the decayed, missed and filled teeth (dmft) index. Significant caries index (SiC) and care index (CI) were also calculated. Tooth brushing habits at school and lunchbox contents of those children were also analyzed using a questionnaire distributed to pre- school teachers. Results: The overall prevalence of dental caries was 50.6% and the prevalence of early childhood caries was found to be 11.5%. The total mean dmft score of the examined children was 2.1±2.722 where the decayed component was dominant. The mean population SiC was 5.19±2.410 and the care index was found to be low with a mean of 6.2%. Visible plaque was found on tooth surfaces of 20.7% of the children and sugary snacks consumption was common among all children. Conclusion The prevalence of dental caries in this population was high and most of the decayed teeth were not treated. Implementation of oral health preventive and treatment campaigns is required to achieve optimal oral health in preschool children in this community.

Caries Experience in Preschool Children over a 10-year Period.

To analyse the caries experience in preschool children at two moments 10 years apart. Two cross-sectional epidemiological studies, the first in 2006 (n = 275) and the second in 2016 (n = 258), were carried out with samples composed of children from 3 to 6 years of age. All children were enrolled in the municipal schools of basic education of a municipality in northwest São Paulo state, and they attended an annual and continuous oral health education programme. Caries experience was calculated for deciduous and permanent teeth using the dmft and DMFT indices, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Statistical analysis was performed using Epi info 7.1 and Bioestat 5.0 software. In 2006, the mean dmft index was 1.88, with 7.59% of teeth having caries experience. In 2016, the mean dmft index was 0.99, with 5.15% of teeth showing caries experience. In contrast, in 2006, the mean DMFT index was 0.08 (n = 509), with 4.1% of teeth with caries experience; in 2016, the mean DMFT index was 0.06 (n = 381) and 3.6% of teeth showed caries experience. The proportions of teeth with caries experience differed statistically significantly (p = 0.435). In the last study, 78.2% of the children were caries free, below the WHO target for 2020. The Significant Caries Index (SiC Index) was 0.2. A decline of caries experience in the deciduous dentition was found in the study population.

Prevalence of dental caries among children of SOS children's village in Croatia

Background/Aim. Oral health is an integral part of general health and an important factor in the overall quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental caries among the children from the SOS Children?s Village in Croatia. Methods. The dental examinations based on the World Health Organization criteria were performed on 88 children from SOS Children?s Village in Croatia. The teeth were clinically examined with standard dental instruments using the visual-tactile method under standard light. The clinical indexes of decayed, missed, and filled (dmft and DMFT, for primary and permantnt teeth, respectively) and decayed, missed, and filled surfaces (DMFS), as well as the significant caries index (SiC) were recorded. Results. Among the children from the SOS Children?s Village caries incidence were 57.94%. The mean dmft, DMFT and DMFS of all children was 1.82, 1.90 and 2.82, respectively. The highest mean dmft and DMFT score of 4.24 and 2.56 was found among 7?10 and 11?14 years old children, respectively. The highest mean DMFS score of 3.85 and 3.90 was found among 11?14 years old children and among the children from the SOS Children?s Village Lekenik, respectively. Among all children, the SiC index was 4.69. There was a significant difference between age groups and children?s place of residence in DMFT, DMFS and SiC. Conclusion. Prevalence of dental caries is low among the children from the SOS Children?s Village in Croatia compared to the children who lived with biological families.

Dental Caries Status and Caries Risk Factors in Students Ages 12-14 Years in Zhejiang, China.

BackgroundAn accurate and valid caries prevention policy is absent in Zhejiang because of insufficient data. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate oral health status and related risk factors in 12- to 14-year-old students in Zhejiang, China.Material/MethodsUsing multi-stage, stratified, random sampling, we recruited a total of 4860 students aged 12 to 14 years old from 6 regions in Zhejiang in this cross-sectional study. Dental caries was measured using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Significant Caries Index (SiC). Information concerning family background and relevant behaviors was collected in a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to study risk factors related to dental caries.ResultsThe overall prevalence of dental caries was 44% and the mean DMFT and SiC scores were 1.14 and 3.11, respectively. Female students had a higher level of dental caries than male students (P<0.01). The annual increase in caries prevalence was 3% with increasing age, and the DMFT score was 0.15. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that female sex, older age, snacks consumption once or more per day, fair or poor self-assessment of dental health, toothache experience, and dental visits were the most significant risk factors for dental caries, with odds ratios ranging from 1.24 to 2.25 (P<0.01).ConclusionsThe prevalence of dental caries in 12- to 14-year-old students in Zhejiang was low, with a tendency to increase compared with previous oral surveys. Female sex, older age, increased sugar intake, poor oral health self-assessment, and bad dental experience were the most important factors increasing dental caries risks.

Trends in dental caries rates over 45 years (1971–2016) among schoolchildren in Florianópolis, southern Brazil

The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and severity of dental caries in schoolchildren from Florianópolis, southern Brazil, in 2016, as well as to compare these findings with data obtained from six previous studies carried out in the same school since 1971. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 133 schoolchildren, 12 and 13 years of age. Clinical data were collected by three previously calibrated examiners, according to the 2013 World Health Organization diagnostic criteria, in order to estimate the mean count of decayed, missing and filled teeth/surfaces (DMFT/DMFS indexes) and the Significant Caries Index (SiC). The study response rate was 87.2% (n = 116), and the prevalence of dental caries decreased from 98.0% (95% CI: 96.0-100.0) in 1971 to 39.6% (95% CI 30.7-49.2) in 2016. The mean DMFT index fell from 9.2 in 1971 to 0.9 in 2016, while the DMFS index ranged from 2.0 (95% CI: 1.2-2.8) in 2009 to 1.5 (95% CI: 1.0-1.9) in 2016. The SiC index, which was 3.4 (95% CI: 3.0-3.8) in 2002, reached 2.5 (95% CI: 2.0-2.9) in 2016. Over the 45 years of monitoring, a significant decline in rates of dental caries has been observed. However, the SiC index suggests that dental caries lesions are unequally distributed in the study sample, with one-third of the schoolchildren showing a significantly higher mean DMFT score compared with the entire sample.

Trends in dental caries in Indian children for the past 25 years.

The economic liberalization which was started 25 years back in India has led to a rising gross domestic product and per capita income and a decline in poverty. There has been an improvement in various health status indicators in the Indian population. As oral health is an integral part of general health, a retrospective study was designed to assess the effect of economic liberalization on dental caries experience in Indian children. A systematic literature search was conducted to find studies done on dental caries prevalence in children in India from the year 1992-2016. Mesh and free text terms "child," "dental caries," and "India" were searched in databases - PubMed and PubMed Central. A total of 1468 titles were screened, out of which 191 articles were shortlisted for further inspection. Finally, 69 studies were found suitable for final analysis. The pooled caries prevalence was between 50.84% and 62.41% at 5-year interval. There was a decline in caries prevalence in 2-5 and 11-15 years of age group. The overall weighed mean of 2.4, 2.7, and 1.9 was observed in three different age groups. Significant caries index (SiC) of more than 3 was observed in all the age groups. The present review suggests that more than half of Indian children have been affected by dental caries. High SIC index score suggests a skewed distribution of caries among Indian children. This data may aid in planning further exploratory research and oral health care services for children by the stakeholders.

Do Children of Working Mothers Experience More Dental Caries?

Background:Pain and discomfort due to untreated dental caries lead to eating and sleep disruptions, behavioral changes, and poor quality of life. Among adolescents, severe dental caries may lead to activity restriction, school absenteeism, and poor academic performance. Dietary factors, parent's socioeconomic status, and family income have been associated with dental caries experience. The employment status of the mother is a measure of socioeconomic status of the family.Aims:This study aims to estimate the prevalence of dental caries and to find out its sociodemographic, oral health behavioral, and clinical determinants among older adolescent (15–18 years) students in Kerala.Settings and Design:This was a cross-sectional study conducted at higher secondary schools.Methods:Oral examination and sociodemographic and oral health behavioral data collection were done among 1065 older adolescent students in the age group 15–18 across five districts of Kerala by a multistage cluster sampling design. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and Significant Caries (SiC) index were taken.Statistical Analysis Used:SPSS version 16 software was employed. Multiple regression analysis was done to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) of predictors of dental caries experience.Results:The overall dental caries experience for the group was 59.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56.9–62.7). About 40% of students had no caries experience, 43% had DMFT score 1–3, and only 16.8% had DMFT score 4 and more. Mean DMFT was 1.67 (95% CI: 1.56–1.79). Diet preference, timing of sugar intake, and sugar form were not significantly associated with caries. Mean SiC index was 3.90 (95% CI, 3.75–4.05). In the unadjusted analysis, age, gender, place of residence, mother's employment status, school type, frequency of sugar intake, oral hygiene status, and timing of last dental visit were significant. In the adjusted analysis, however, age, male gender, government schools, timing of last dental visit, and employed mothers were significant predictors for higher dental caries experience.Conclusions:Mother's employment was the strongest predictor (OR 2.82, 95% CI: 2.15–3.69) for dental caries experience among adolescents when adjusted to other variables in the final multivariate model.