Teeth Score Research Articles

Assessing the relationship between diabetes mellitus and dental caries among US adults: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2020.

To assess the relationship between diabetes prevalence and dental caries experience among a representative sample of US adults. Cross-sectional study. We used data on participants 25 years and older with complete data from the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles in 2013-2020. We defined diabetes prevalence using glycohemoglobin and self-reported diabetes. Dental caries was operationalized using the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) score from a standardized dental examination. We used Poisson models to examine adjusted associations with dental caries experience or the DMFT score. We found a dose-response association between diabetes prevalence and DMFT score (RR=1.017, 95% CI: 0.994-1.041 for prediabetes and RR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.017-1.074 for diabetes) after adjusting for age, sex, race, education, family income to poverty ratio, smoking status, body weight and last dental visit. Diabetes prevalence was associated with higher dental caries experience. Future studies should examine the mechanism and interventions to ameliorate this association.

Oral Health Status of Elderly People Living in Different Old Homes of Karachi

ABSTRACTObjective: To assess the oral health status of elderly people living in Karachi based old home. Methodology: Study setting: Different old homes in Karachi. Study Type: descriptive cross sectional, Duration: 2-3 months. Older adults aged 65 and above who are mentally stable and have given consent were included. Ninety-six old subjects were included via purposive sampling. Data was collected via a self-constructed Proforma with WHO Oral examination form. Data was entered and analyzed via SPSS 23.0. Expected outcomes include higher Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores, as well as a higher rate of periodontal disease resulting in higher rate of tooth loss.Results: A total of Fifty-nine males and 37 females were included in the study.70.8% had Bleeding on probing (BOP). Sixty two percent had pocketing of 4-5 mm. 66.6% had a greater decayed component, and eighty five percent had missing teeth. T test results showed that the Decayed component was significantly associated with gender (p 0.01) and age (p 0.01). The Missing component was significantly associated with age only (p 0.00). The Decayed Missing Filled Teeth DMFT index was significantly associated with gender (p 0.00), systemic disease (p 0.04) and age (p 0.02). The Community Probing Index CPI was found significant with gender (0.01) and age (p 0.05). ANOVA test showed that Decayed, Missing component and DMFT were significantly associated with marital status only (p 0.001, p 0.09 and 0.00 respectively).Conclusion: Oral health status worsens with age as shown by the current study. Old home people are more vulnerable to debilitating condition and hence need more care.

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.

Salivary Statherin as a Dental Caries Biomarker among a Sample of Adolescents in Baghdad City

Background: Dental caries represents a multifaceted disease impacting teenagers across the globe. A combination of factors, including fermentable carbohydrates, acid-producing bacteria, saliva, and host-related characteristics, influences its development. Salivary statherin controls microorganisms by aggregating them and preventing them from adhering to hard tissue and epithelium. Salivary statherin may maintain tooth integrity. Objective: This research investigated the potential of salivary statherin as a biomarker for dental caries, examining its connection to the nutritional status of adolescents. Subjects and Methods: This comparative (observational) research included 90 15-year-old adolescents of both sexes. Participants were divided into two distinct groups: 30 individuals without caries, serving as the control group, and 60 individuals with caries, referred to as the study group. Following the World Health Organization guidelines, adolescents with varying caries experiences were further categorized. Thirty of them exhibited a moderate level of caries, with 1 to 3 affected teeth, while the remaining thirty were classified as having severe caries, with a Decay-Missing-Filled Teeth (DMFT) score greater than 10. The DMFT Index measured caries experience. Salivary statherin analysis from unstimulated saliva. Height, weight, and body mass index measured nutrition, classifying adolescents as normal weight, overweight, or obese. Results: Statherin levels decreased with the severity of caries increasing. There was a significant result in the overweight, healthy, and total sample among caries severity groups (P value <= 0.05). There was a significant difference in the severe caries group, while statherin levels increased with nutritional status (P value ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Caries severity reduces salivary statherin. In severe caries patients, nutritional status increased salivary statherin. Dietary status and dental caries severity affected statherin levels. No association was found between statherin levels and salivary pH or flow rate across different nutritional statuses or caries severity groups. However, salivary statherin may play a role in maintaining tooth integrity

Caries trajectories from childhood to adolescence: Analysis of data from a nationwide school dental service.

The aim of the study was to assess patterns of longitudinal changes in caries status among school-going children in Singapore. Dental records for a single cohort of students who received dental examinations in six standard examination years between 2009 and 2017 were analysed (n = 24 699). Group-based trajectory modelling with a zero-inflated Poisson distribution was carried out to determine dental caries trajectories in the permanent dentition. Associations between sociodemographic factors and trajectory group membership were assessed using multinomial logistic regression. The predicted population distribution across the four caries trajectory groups identified was 65.0% ('none'), 16.8% ('low'), 14.8% ('medium') and 3.4% ('high'). The 'none' trajectory group had a decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score of 0 throughout the 8 years. Higher baseline DMFT counts and nonlinear increases in DMFT scores were noted for the 'low', 'medium' and 'high' trajectory groups. The correlation coefficient between DMFT counts in years 6 and 8 was 0.91, as compared to 0.77 between baseline and year 1. Factors associated with the 'high' caries trajectory include lower socio-economic status, female gender, Chinese race (compared to the Indian race), enrolment in primary schools in the Eastern and Western regions of Singapore, and enrolment in public secondary schools. Under a nationwide school dental service, four trajectory patterns of caries counts in the permanent dentition were identified over 8 years. Among students in the 'low', 'medium' and 'high' trajectory groups, greater caries increment was noted during the transition from primary to secondary school. The correlation between DMFT counts in successive examinations was stronger in older than younger ages.

Assessment of oral disease burden among head and neck cancer patients in the Merseyside region.

Introduction Head and neck cancer (HANC) significantly impacts the oral cavity and dental health issues may complicate cancer treatment and post-treatment quality of life. Pre-treatment dental evaluation is critical for identifying and managing existing oral health problems. However, limited literature exists on the dental health status of patients at the time of HANC diagnosis. This study aims to address this gap and emphasise the importance of dental care in the management of HANC.Methods A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted on patients scheduled for radiotherapy for HANC. Data on demographic characteristics, tumour characteristics and dental exam findings were extracted from the patient record.Results Of the 191 included patients, the average age was 62.9 years (SD: 10.09), with 80% being men. The prevalence of dental disease revealed 59% of cases presenting with unstable periodontal disease and an average decayed, missing, and filled teeth score of 19.9. Two-thirds of patients exhibited one or more carious lesions.Conclusion This retrospective study sheds light on the dental health status of patients with HANC at their pre-treatment evaluation. The high prevalence rates of dental caries and unstable periodontal disease highlight the importance of dental evaluation and intervention as part of the overall management of HANC patients.

Association between Obesity and Dental Caries in Adults: An Analysis of WHR, and DMFT Score

Introduction: The relationship between obesity and dental caries in adults presents inconsistent findings in current literature, which necessitates further research to clarify this relationship. This study aimed to examine the association between obesity and dental caries in adults using a nationally representative sample. Methods: This study employed data of US adults aged >20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) pre-pandemic cycle. Obesity was defined using the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Dental caries were assessed using the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores. Results: Most participants were categorized as individuals with obesity based on the WHR (74.5%) or BMI (72.7%). A significant difference in the DMFT scores and missing teeth was observed between individuals with normal weight and individuals with obesity. After adjusting for the sociodemographic variables, individuals with obesity had a 0.11 higher DMFT score (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.01 to 0.23). A significant association was observed between the WHR and DMFT scores when age was excluded from the model, demonstrating a higher coefficient of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.05–0.30). Conclusions: A positive association was observed between obesity and dental caries in the US adult population. However, age was found to be a confounding factor in this relationship. This study highlights the relationship between oral and general health, advocating healthcare providers for an integrated health promotion strategy, through comprehensive campaigns addressing obesity, diet, lifestyle, and dental health, aiming for raising awareness and a more effective public health strategy.

Association Between the Risk of Dental Caries and DLX3 Gene Polymorphisms in Chinese Children.

To explore the association between the risk of dental caries and distal-less homeobox 3 (DLX3) gene in Chinese children. Based on the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) score, the children were divided into a control group (dmft = 0) and a case group (dmft ≥ 1). DLX3 gene (rs11656951 and rs2278163) polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing methods. Possible association of DLX3 gene (rs11656951 and rs2278163) polymorphisms with dental caries risk was assessed using the chi-squared test. Subgroup analysis of association was assessed by logistic regression analysis for the potential risk factors. The age at which toothbrushing was started, the brushing frequency, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and regular dental visits were statistically significantly different between case and control groups (p 0.05). The frequencies of rs11656951 TT genotype and T allele were statistically significantly higher in the control group than in the case group. The chi-squared test showed that CT genotype (p = 0.026, OR = 0.613, 95%CI = 0.398-0.944) and TT genotype (p = 0.001, OR = 0.378, 95%CI = 0.212-0.673) were negatively correlated with caries susceptibility. The T allele of rs11656951 was more frequently discovered in the control group, and was statistically significantly associated with decreased caries susceptibility (p = 0.001, OR = 0.636, 95%CI = 0.486-0.831). The G allele of rs2278163 was obviously correlated with elevated caries susceptibility (p = 0.049, OR = 1.314, 95%CI = 1.000-1.725). DLX3 gene rs11656951 TT genotype was a protective factor for caries susceptibility in the subgroups gender, sweets intake, eating before sleep, brushing frequency, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and dental visits. The GG genotype of rs2278163 was a risk factor for caries in subgroups eating before sleep, brushing without fluoride toothpaste, and regular dental. The TT genotype of rs11656951 was dramatically correlated with reduced caries risk in low (p = 0.004, OR = 0.387, 95%CI = 0.202-0.742) and moderate/high (p = 0.016, OR = 0.360, 95%CI = 0.154-0.840) groups. DLX3 gene rs11656951 TT genotype is a protective factor and rs2278163 GG genotype is a risk factor for caries susceptibility, especially in low and moderate/high subgroups.

Effectiveness of school dental screening programme and different referral mechanisms on caries experience among 6-11-year-old children.

School-based dental screening and referral mechanism is a potential intervention that impacts utilization of dental services. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of school dental screening programme with referral to specific dental hospital on caries experience among 6-11-year-old children. A cluster randomized control trial was conducted with 694 children assigned to test group (n = 351) and control group (n = 343). Children in test group were referred to specific dental hospital, while those of control group to nonspecific dental hospital for treatments. Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for intragroup and intergroup comparison of decayed, missing, filled teeth/decayed, extraction needed, filled teeth scores. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) in decayed (dt + DT) and filled (ft + FT) teeth scores was observed on intergroup comparison at 12 months. There was a significant increase in filled teeth (FT) scores in children of both the groups. However, the decayed teeth (dt + DT) scores were significantly decreased in children of test group (P < 0.001), while increased in control group (P = 0.004). School dental screening programs with referral to specific dental hospital had a highly significant impact in reducing decayed teeth and increasing the number of FT 27 in children.

Eruption and caries status of first permanent molars in children aged 6–7 years in Shijingshan District, Beijing, China

BackgroundDental caries is still a major disease that affect the oral health of people in China. First permanent molars (FPMs) are the most caries-susceptible teeth among school-aged children. The aim of this study was to investigate the eruption and caries status of first permanent molars in children aged 6–7 years in Shijingshan District, Beijing, China, to provide information for oral health promotion.Methods The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 6-7-year-old first grade children from public elementary schools in Shijingshan District, Beijing. Participants were invited to receive a clinical oral examination. The eruption status and caries experience of FPMs were recorded. Questionnaires assessing children’s sociodemographic information and oral health-related behaviors were completed by the children’s parents or guardians.ResultsA total of 3,176 children, including 1,644 boys (51.8%) and 1,532 girls (48.2%) were included in the oral examination and questionnaire. Eruption status of FPMs was as follows: 37.5% fully erupted, 28.3% partially erupted, 34.2% not erupted. Girls had more erupted FPMs than boys (70.1% VS 61.8%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of dental caries in FPMs was 5.5% (174/3,176) in studied children. The mean decayed missing filled teeth score of FPMs was 0.11 and the mean decayed missing filled surface score of FPMs was 0.19. Binary Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that girls had more tooth decay than boys and father’s educational background also associated with the caries experience of the studied children (P < 0.05).ConclusionsAround two-thirds of FPMs were fully erupted or partially erupted among children aged 6–7 years old in Shijingshan District, Beijing. Approximately 5% of the newly erupted FPM established dental caries. Effective intervention should be applied in this age group for oral health promotion.

Psychometric Properties of Telugu Version of Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old Children.

Only a finite number of standard oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) measures are available for young children. However, instead of using parents as proxies to report a child's oral health status, children's self-reported oral health measures would be more accurate in providing their own perceptions of oral impacts. The study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Telugu version of the scale of oral health outcomes (SOHO-5T) for 5-year-old children in Telangana. The forward-backward translated SOHO-5T was pilot-tested among thirty children. The tested questionnaire was administered to 419 children, followed by a clinical oral examination using dentition status to evaluate dental caries (DC). Children (n = 30) were readministered the same questionnaire after a 2-week interval to test reliability. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were determined by Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation. Correlation with global ratings of oral health questions was done to assess construct validity. Discriminant validity was evaluated based on the presence or absence of DC. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean SOHO-5T score was 4.70, and the mean decayed teeth score was 2.48, with 49.16% of children having DC. Cronbach's α scores and the intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient for overall SOHO-5T were 0.90 and 0.91, respectively. SOHO-5T also demonstrated good construct validity with a significant positive correlation with global ratings of oral health. SOHO-5T showed good discrimination between the presence (9.43 ± 3.10), or absence (0.14 ± 1.01) of DC. This study shows good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. It also exhibited good construct and discriminant validity. Meghana D, Sukhabogi JR, Doshi D, et al. Psychometric Properties of Telugu Version of Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(8):933-937.

A visual guide for the Brabant index to score dental macrowear quantity and direction

AbstractThis study aimed to reduce subjectivity bias in scoring dental macrowear quantity and direction using the Brabant index, which previously relied solely on written descriptions. To achieve this, we present a new, optimized visual guide incorporating buccal and lingual scores. The optimization process involved conceptualizing and illustrating a visual guide using Holocene southern African hunter‐gatherer and herder teeth, featuring both buccal and lingual scores for multicuspid teeth. The guide was hand‐drawn using a stippling technique and digitized to depict surface details for each wear stage and tooth type. We conducted intra‐ and inter‐observer assessments to evaluate the optimized method using both the original and optimized Brabant indices. Statistical analysis was performed in R using Cohen's kappa for direction and Cohen's weighted kappa for quantity. Intra‐observer results for the original method yielded kappa values of 0.84 for direction and 0.94 for quantity, while the optimized version both resulted in improved values of 0.99. Inter‐observer results revealed some differences between an inexperienced and an experienced observer. The inexperienced observer achieved kappa scores of 0.20 for direction and 0.86 for quantity with the original method, and 0.17 and 0.80, respectively, with the optimized version. The experienced observer's results using the original index were 0.66 for direction and 0.89 for quantity, and 0.75 and 0.96, respectively, with the optimized version. These findings demonstrate that the optimized method enhances data reliability for experienced observers, highlighting the value of a published visual guide and multicuspid scoring adjustments. However, reduced or unappreciable changes in accuracies for the inexperienced observer illustrate the need for dental expertise when scoring for dental wear, even with a modified method.

Dental caries and adolescent cardiometabolic health from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Background and aimsTo assess the association between dental caries and cardiometabolic risk in adolescents. Methods and resultsThe analysis included adolescents aged 13–17 years enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018 who completed an Oral Health Examination. Untreated caries was defined as having one or more decayed teeth. Caries experience was assessed by Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) score. Primary cardiometabolic outcomes included elevated BP (defined as BP 120–129/<80 mmHg) and hypertensive BP (defined as BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg). Secondary cardiometabolic outcomes included obesity, dyslipidemia (defined as any abnormal lipid level), glucose intolerance (measured by HOMA-IR), and microalbuminuria (defined as urine albumin: creatinine ≥30 mg/mg). Adjusted linear and logistic models examined associations using complex survey design procedures.In the sample of 2861 adolescents, 25.6 % (1.3 %) had untreated caries. 55.4 % (1.3 %) had DMFT ≥1. In adjusted regression analyses, untreated caries status was not significantly associated with primary outcomes of elevated BP (OR = 1.04, 95 % CI 0.71, 1.52 p > 0.05), hypertensive BP (OR = 1.72, 95 % CI 0.71, 3.89 p > 0.05), nor secondary cardiometabolic outcomes. No statistically significant associations were found between DMFT score and primary outcomes of elevated BP (OR = 0.01, 95 % CI 0.34, 1.07 p > 0.05), hypertensive BP (OR = 0.91, 95 % CI 0.81, 1.08 p > 0.05), or secondary cardiometabolic outcomes. ConclusionAlthough studies in other countries and in adults show associations between caries and cardiometabolic outcomes, this study did not find an association between caries and cardiometabolic markers.

Assessment of Chronic Malnutrition and Its Correlation With Oral Health Status in Children Aged Three to Six Years in Jabalpur District, India: An Epidemiological Study.

This study aims to examine the correlation of chronic malnutrition with the oral health status of children aged three to six years. A total of 400 children were selected and divided into four groups based on z-scores. For evaluation of oral health status, teeth were examined for dental caries using the decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) scores. Salivary samples were collected to measure salivary flow rate (SFR), pH, and salivary buffering capacity (SBC). Teeth were also visualized to detect the presence or absence of enamel hypoplasia. The data obtained was statistically analyzed (p<0.05). A total of 400 children participated and were also categorized into mild, moderate, and severe obesity according to the z-scores. The mean DMFT scores among adequately nourished children were 2.4086; with severely malnourished and severely obese children, the mean values were found to be 1.0652 and 1.4286, respectively. The mean SFR among children with adequate nutrition was 1.0366, and the mean flow rate among children with severe malnutrition and obesity was 0.5348 and 0.4036, respectively. The mean salivary pH among children with adequate nutrition was 7.1295, and the mean values for participants with severe malnutrition and severe obesity were found to be 6.4772 and 7.6521, respectively. The mean SBC among children with adequate nutrition was found to be 4.4861; for severely malnourished children and those with severe obesity, the values were 3.2472 and 2.8332, respectively. There was an absence of enamel hypoplasia in children with adequate nutrition, whereas a total of five participants with severe malnutrition and three children with severe obesity were found to have hypoplastic lesions, respectively. Malnutrition exerts a negative impact on the overall oral health of children. It is critical to diagnose the effects of malnutrition on children's oral environments in order to provide appropriate treatment and enhance their quality of life.

Effect of 3D printed teeth and virtual simulation system on the pre-clinical access cavity preparation training of senior dental undergraduates

BackgroundThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 3D printed teeth and virtual simulation system on the pre-clinical access cavity preparation training of senior dental undergraduates.MethodsThe 3D printed teeth were manufactured based on the micro-CT data of an extracted lower first molar. Ninety-eight senior dental undergraduate students were required to finish the access cavity preparation of lower first molar within 20 min on plastic and 3D printed teeth on the manikin system as well as on a virtual simulation machine respectively with randomly selected sequences. Expert dentists scored the operated teeth. The scores from the virtual simulation system were also recorded. All the scores were analyzed and compared. Following the procedure, two questionnaires were sent to students to further evaluate the feelings and optimal training sequence.ResultsNo significant differences were found between plastic and 3D printed teeth scores, while virtual simulation achieved a valid/invalid area removal ratio of 96.86% ± 5.08% and 3.97% ± 1.85%, respectively. Most students found plastic teeth training the easiest and favored the three-training combination (36.36%). 71.42% of the students thought the virtual simulation training should be put at the first place of the three trainings. Over 80% of students agreed with incorporating 3D printed teeth and virtual simulation into their routine training courses. In addition, the general advantages and disadvantages of the virtual simulation system and 3D printed teeth training received almost equal recognition by students.ConclusionsVirtual simulation system training + plastic teeth training + 3D printed teeth training might be the optimal training sequence. Virtual simulation system training could not completely replace the traditional training methods on the manikin system at the moment. With further modifications, 3D printed teeth could be expected to replace the plastic teeth for the pre-clinical access cavity preparation training.

Evidence of an effect of statins on lesions originating from dental infection. A retrospective clinical investigation

BackgroundApical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory dental disease caused by bacterial infections of the endodontic system. The correlation between AP and cardiovascular diseases. (CVD) has been consistently investigated. Statins are a class of drugs that are used to treat hypercholesterolemia and prevent atherosclerotic vascular diseases. They have other beneficial pleiotropic effects such as anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antioxidant activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status and prevalence of AP in patients treated with statins (Group S) in comparison with untreated patients (Group C) to understand whether the anti-inflammatory action of these drugs can influence the prevalence of AP. MethodsThe records of seventy-nine patients (43 men and 36 women, mean age 68 ± 11 years, 1716 teeth) treated with statins and referred to the University clinic for dental evaluation were reviewed. Seventy patients free from systemic diseases and without therapy (39 men and 31 women, mean age 62 ± 9 years, 1720 teeth) constituted the control group. All subjects underwent complete oral, dental, and radiographic examinations to determine the presence and severity of AP. Periapical index (PAI) and decayed, missed, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores were obtained. ResultsAP was significantly less common in Group S (22,8%) than in Group C (50%) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean value of the qualitative rank of the severity of AP (PAI score) was higher in Group C than in Group S (P ≤ 0.05). ConclusionsOur results suggest that statins can attenuate the prevalence of AP, which is associated to CVD.

The influence factors on pit and fissure sealing behavior of 12-year-old children: a cross-sectional study in Zhejiang, China

BackgroundIn the 21st century, dental caries remains a global burden, particularly severely affecting the growth and quality of life of 12-year-old children. Fortunately, pit and fissure sealing (PFS) procedures can effectively prevent molars from caries. Hence, this study focused on the relationship between PFS and oral epidemiological factors in 12-year-old children.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 12-year-old children from 11 cities in Zhejiang Province. Their dental conditions were collected through questionnaires, as well as basic information such as relevant family information, oral health knowledge and behavior. Then, logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors associated with PFS.ResultsA total of 1204 children were included, with 252 in the PFS group and 952 in the non-PFS group. There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score, first permanent molar DMFT score, residential area, educational level of parents, tooth-brushing frequency, use of dental floss, oral examination in a medical institution, having taken courses on oral health care, as well as having knowledge that tooth brushing could effectively prevent gingival inflammation, PFS could protect teeth, and oral disease may affect general health. According to further logistic regression analysis, the independent factors influencing PFS included use of dental floss [odds ratios (OR) = 1.672, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.235–2.263, P = 0.001], having taken courses on oral health care (OR = 0.713, 95% CI = 0.515–0.988, P = 0.042), having knowledge that tooth brushing is effective in preventing gingival inflammation (OR = 0.627, 95% CI = 0.389–0.987, P = 0.044) and having knowledge that PFS can protect teeth (OR = 0.589, 95% CI = 0.438–0.791, P < 0.001).ConclusionPFS can reduce the mean DMFT score of 12-year-old children. Independent influencing factors of PFS consist of use of dental floss, having taken courses on oral health care, oral health behavior and knowledge level.

Association between objective measures of oral health and salivary gland irradiation with patient-reported outcomes following head and neck radiation therapy.

To determine whether objective measures of oral health and salivary gland irradiation correlates with subjective measures of eating, drinking, and salivation in patients following head and neck radiation therapy (HNRT). This cross-sectional study included 112 patients following HNRT with a completed patient-reported outcome (PRO) scale. Objective measures at post-HNRT visit included decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) scores, periodontal disease condition, oral hygiene status, dental prosthesis use, and prescribed radiation dose to salivary glands. Data were collected and statistical analysis was performed. There was no significant association between PRO scales and dental prosthesis use, periodontal disease, and oral hygiene. Although some significant findings were seen with DMFT and prescribed radiation dose to salivary glands, this explained only very small amounts of the variation in eating, drinking, and salivation measures in these patients. PRO measures should be integrated in the routine care of patients with head and neck cancer.

Comparing the reliability of inter- and intra-grader using digital scanning vs. traditional visual method for evaluating preclinical class II composite preparation

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-grader reliability of four evaluators using three different digital intraoral scanners and visual methods for typodontic Class II composite preparations. Materials and methodsNinety-five typodont teeth of Class II composite preparations were evaluated using traditional visual grading methods (VGM) and digital grading methods (DGM) using the same rubric. Three intraoral scanners were used to scan the Class II cavity preparation for the composite: i700 (Medit, Korea), Trios 4 (3Shape, Denmark), and Shinning 3D (Shinning 3D, China). The same rubric was used to score the visual and digital evaluations by calibrated examiners. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare method- and evaluator-based scores, accounting for the scanner type used. ResultsThe scores of the prepped typodont teeth were subjected to an interaction between the examiner and the evaluation technique. In addition, the mean total prepped teeth scores differed between examiners using VGM. A statistically significant interaction emerged between examiners and the evaluation technique employed to assess the total score of the prepped teeth:F(9, 1504) = 3.893,P = 0.001, partial η2 = 0.023. The total prepped tooth score differed between the VGM and DGM groups. Lower (P < 0.05) intra-grader consistency was observed for the final scores when Class II preparations were evaluated using the VGM; however, this consistency improved when using the DGM. ConclusionExaminers and evaluation methods affect student performance in Class II cavity preparations. The DGM may be more reliable and consistent within and between evaluators than the VGM is.

Assessment of Oral Health Conditions Among Physically Disabled Patients in Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesThis study was undertaken to assess the oral health status among physically disabled Saudi patients. MethodsRecruitment took place in the Armed Forces Centre for Health Rehabilitation in Taif, Saudi Arabia. 124 patients living with a physical disability were enrolled and divided into three groups: hemiplegia, paraplegia and quadriplegia. Data was collected on demographics and different oral indices, including the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, the Mean Decayed Teeth score, the Community Periodontal Index (CPI), the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). ResultsHigh DMFT was observed among the hemiplegia group (mean = 22.61; P-value = .008) with no difference in the Mean Decayed Teeth. All groups showed signs of gingivitis in the form of gingival bleeding. The most compromised periodontal health in the form of pockets 6 mm or deeper was found in the hemiplegia group (53.7%; P-value = .001). This was also reflected in the CPITN (39.0%; P-value = .001), indicating the need for complex treatments in the same group. Regarding oral hygiene, all groups showed a “fair” oral hygiene condition (OHI-S < 3.0), with significantly poorer hygiene (mean = 2.49; P-value = .042) and greater debris accumulation (mean = 1.52; P-value = .024) among the quadriplegia group. In the regression analysis, both age and gender had significant effects on some indices, while disability type showed borderline effects. ConclusionThe findings indicate poor oral health in these individuals, mainly due to physical limitations, hindering effective self-care practices. Clinical significanceOral health is a critical aspect in people with physical disabilities, as it is intrinsically linked to overall health and well-being. Recognizing the clinical importance of oral health among physically disabled patients is essential to improve access and affordability of dental care for this vulnerable group of the population.