scholarly journals Association of clinical, social and environmental variables with dental caries prevalence in adolescents from a Brazilian municipality supplied with fluoridated water

Author(s):  
Ana Paula Ferreira Marques ◽  
Aretuza Pires dos Santos Lattanzi ◽  
Flavia Maia Silveira ◽  
Maria Isabel Bastos Valente ◽  
Karine Laura Cortellazzi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Although a trend towards dental caries reduction has been observed, further investigations on its pattern and development are still needed. Objective To investigate the influence of clinical, social and environmental variables on dental caries prevalence in adolescents from a Brazilian municipality supplied with fluoridated water in 2018. Method This study was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 277 adolescents aged 12 years of public schools in Nova Friburgo, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Clinical examinations were carried out by calibrated examiners to assess caries, periodontal disease, and fluorosis according to criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO). Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to record socio-environmental information. Results Individuals living in regions supplied with fluoridated water below the minimum required levels (OR=3.60, p=0.0006), with low income (OR=1.90, p=0.0444), presence of gingivitis (OR=3.36; p=0.0016), and whose reason for visiting the dentist was dental treatment (OR=2.41; p=0.0203) were more likely to have dental caries. A significant reduction (p<0.0001) in dental caries indexes was observed between 2012 and 2018. Conclusion Fluoridation of public water supply at unsuitable levels, as well as other social and clinical variables can influence the caries pattern in adolescents.

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Gerreth ◽  
Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk ◽  
Maria Borysewicz-Lewicka

The problem of treatment of patients with special health needs resulting from the presence of deficits in intellectual, motor or sensory functions, also in dentistry, has not been comprehensively solved. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15% of the world population has some form of disability. Patients with disabilities are considered to have greater dental treatment needs in comparison to healthy individuals. High incidence and intensity of dental caries as well as frequent gum diseases are observed in this environment. Often the situation is related, among other, to the presence of systemic diseases and the treatment used, limitations in shaping proper dental health behaviors, insufficient knowledge of parents about oral health or barriers in access to dental care. The development of recommendations for parents/caregivers as well as medical staff is required to improve the health of these patients and quality of their life. The document contains information on the etiology and epidemiology of dental caries in patients with disabilities but also prophylactic recommendations for this population of patients and their parents/caregivers and dentists.


Medicina ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Jaunė Razmienė ◽  
Giedrius Vanagas ◽  
Eglė Bendoraitienė ◽  
Vilija Andriuškevičienė ◽  
Eglė Slabšinskienė

The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors associated with the prevalence and severity of dental caries as well oral hygiene habits among 4- to 6-year-old children in Kaunas (Lithuania) in 2000 and 2010. Material and Methods. A repeated cross-sectional study was carried out to reveal the changes in dental caries prevalence in 2000 and 2010. The study population comprised 4- to 6-year-old children living in Kaunas city and attending kindergartens. The study consisted of two parts: questionnaires on oral health behavior and clinical examination of children’s teeth by the World Health Organization methodology. Results. A total of 941 4–6-year-old children were examined in 2000 and 2010. The prevalence of dental caries increased from 85.4% in 2000 to 88.4% in 2010; however, the difference was not significant (P=0.28). A significant increase in the dmf-t index, describing the severity of dental caries, was observed (from 7.42 in 2000 to 12.03 in 2010, P<0.001). The percentage of 4- to 5-yearold girls and 5-year-old boys brushing their teeth regularly decreased in 2010. During the period of the study, a significant change in the accumulation of plaque on children’s tooth surfaces was documented (P=0.001). Conclusions. Comparing 2000 and 2010, no significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries among 4- to 6-year-old children in Kaunas was observed; however, the severity of dental caries differed significantly. A significant decrease in regular toothbrushing skills was documented for 4- and 5-year-old girls and 5-year-old boys. The Silness-Loe oral hygiene index was assessed as satisfactory.


Medicina ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Milčiuvienė ◽  
Eglė Bendoraitienė ◽  
Vilija Andruškevičienė ◽  
Julija Narbutaitė ◽  
Jurgina Sakalauskienė ◽  
...  

Objective. To analyze the dynamics of prevalence and severity of dental caries among 12- and 15-year-old schoolchildren in six regions of Lithuania. Material and methods. A total of 5910 schoolchildren aged 12 and 15 years were examined. Dental caries was diagnosed according to the criteria of World Health Organization. The prevalence of dental caries was calculated by dividing the number of children with caries by the number of all children examined and expressed as percentage. Severity of dental caries was described by DMF-T index. DMF-T indices of individual persons as well as each age group were determined. Oral hygiene was evaluated by a simplified oral hygiene index. Fluoride concentration in Kretinga was 1.6–2.2 ppm; in the other regions, it varied between 0.2 to 0.4 ppm. Results. The prevalence of dental caries among 12-year-olds was 88.4% in 1983 and 85.5% in 2005; among 15-year-olds, it was 95.5% and 92.9%, respectively. Mean DMF-T score decreased from 4.5 (in 1983) to 3.7 (in 2005) among 12-year-olds and from 6.4 (in 1983) to 5.6 (in 2005) among 15-year-olds. Oral hygiene index decreased from 1.69 in 1983 to 1.34 in 2005 among 12-year-olds and from 1.46 to 1.22 among 15-year-olds, respectively. Conclusions. A tendency towards decrease in the prevalence and severity of dental caries was observed, when caries prevention program was running. Correlation between oral hygiene and DMF-T was observed in both age groups. Decreased prevalence and intensity of dental caries among 12- and 15-year-olds were associated with improved oral hygiene, usage of fluoride toothpaste, and fluoride content in drinking water.


2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Augusto Amaral ◽  
Luiza Nakama ◽  
Carlos Alberto Conrado ◽  
Tiemi Matsuo

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and severity of dental caries as well as the needs for dental treatment in 18-year-old males from Maringá, PR, Brazil. The association of dental caries experience with socioeconomic variables was also tested. A cross sectional study was conducted in a random sample of 241 conscripts of the Brazilian Army. The adopted diagnosis criteria were those proposed by the World Health Organization. A socioeconomic questionnaire was utilized to determine family income and the criterion of the Brazil Economic Classification of the National Association of Research Enterprises. Associations among caries prevalence, DMF-T index, treatment needs and socioeconomic variables were evaluated by means of the Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Caries prevalence was 82.6% and the mean DMF-T index was 4.6. Only a mean of 0.8 tooth per individual presented treatment needs. Significant statistical differences were found in caries prevalence and severity (DMF-T). The worst results were observed in the groups of lower income and purchasing power, indicating a need for the implementation of social policies that address these populations aiming at diminishing the existing differences in the health-disease process indicators. On the other hand, treatment needs were only associated to the Brazil Economic Classification Criterion variable (p < 0.05).


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shrirang Sevekar ◽  
Poonam Shingare ◽  
Vivek Jogani ◽  
Sonal Patil ◽  
Mihir Jha

ABSTRACT Schools remain an important setting offering an efficient and effective way to reach over 1 billion children worldwide and, through them, families and community members. This study is planned to assess the prevalence of dental caries in primary and secondary school students in rural area of Uran, so as to provide baseline data for planning intervention programs that will assist in reducing the prevalence of dental diseases. The study is designed to include 472 school children, which will be examined by basic examination instruments and scored according to World Health Organization criteria. How to cite this article Shingare P, Jogani V, Sevekar S, Patil S, Jha M. Dental Caries Prevalence among 3- to 14-Year- Old School Children, Uran, Raigad District, Maharashtra. J Contemp Dent 2012;2(2):11-14.


2004 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amjad Hussain Wyne

Abstract The purpose of the study was to determine the bilateral occurrence of dental caries in 12-13 year old and 15-19 year old Saudi school children. There were 673 children (324 boys and 349 girls) in the 12-13 year old group and 734 children (399 boys and 335 girls) in the 15-19 year old group with mean ages of 13.1 (SD 0.7) years and 16.4 (SD 1.2) years, respectively. All children were examined for dental caries using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for the diagnosis of dental caries. There were no significant differences between the caries prevalence of right and left sides for most teeth at the significance level of 0.05. Among 12-13 year old children, maxillary first molars (86.5%), mandibular central incisors (86.2%), and mandibular first molars (86.0%) showed very high (p < .01) caries bilaterality. Among the 15-19 year old children, mandibular first molars (91.6%), maxillary first molars (87.9%), and mandibular second molars (79.9%) showed very high (p < .01) caries bilaterality. The conditional probability for bilateral occurrence of caries was highest in first molars followed by second molars and central incisors. The bilateral caries occurrence and conditional probability for bilateral caries occurrence were significantly higher (p < .05) in 15-19 year old children as compared to 12-13 year old children. It was concluded caries bilaterality and the conditional probability for bilateral caries occurrence was high in the study population. Citation Wyne AH. The Bilateral Occurrence of Dental Caries Among 12-13 and 15-19 Year Old School Children. J Contemp Dent Pract 2004 February;(5)1:042-052.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hosam Alraqiq ◽  
Ahmid Eddali ◽  
Reema Boufis

Abstract Background In many developing countries, the prevalence of dental caries has increased due to lifestyle changes, lack of preventive services, and inadequate access to dental care. In Arab countries, the increased prevalence of caries has correlated with economic growth over the past decades, resulting in greater access to unhealthy foods and higher consumption of sugar, particularly among children. However, few studies have assessed caries prevalence among pediatric populations in Arab countries. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries and factors associated with caries among children in Tripoli, Libya. Methods This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 1934 children in first grade (age 6–7 years, n = 1000) and seventh grade (age 11–12 years, n = 934). Four health centers in Tripoli were selected for screening based on location and participation in school-entry health examinations. Data were collected through self-administered parent surveys and visual dental screenings by trained examiners from September 24 to October 15, 2019. The survey comprised questions about socioeconomic characteristics and oral health behaviors, including toothbrushing, sugar consumption, and dental care history. During screenings, untreated decay, missing teeth, and filled teeth (DMFT or dmft) were recorded. Prevalence of tooth decay was calculated as the proportion of children with high DMFT/dmft scores. Binary logistic and negative binomial regression analyses (with significance at p ≤ 0.05) were used to assess factors associated with caries. Results Among 1000 first-grade children, 78.0% had decay in their primary teeth, with a mean dmft of 3.7. Among 934 seventh-grade children, 48.2% had caries in their permanent teeth, with a mean DMFT of 1.7. The most significant factors associated with caries prevalence were socioeconomic, such as screening site (first grade, p = 0.02; seventh grade, p < 0.001) and maternal employment (seventh grade, p = 0.02), and behavioral, such as toothbrushing duration (seventh grade, p = 0.01), past dental treatment (both grades, p < 0.001), and past emergency visit (both grades, p < 0.001). Conclusions Caries prevalence was associated with several behavioral and socioeconomic factors, including screening site, maternal employment, toothbrushing duration, past dental treatment, and past emergency visit. Efforts should be made to address these factors to minimize barriers and improve oral health behavior and care utilization. These findings can be used to evaluate current public health initiatives and inform future planning.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2324
Author(s):  
Sueny Andrade Batista ◽  
Elke Stedefeldt ◽  
Eduardo Yoshio Nakano ◽  
Mariana de Oliveira Cortes ◽  
Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho ◽  
...  

In the fight against foodborne diseases, expanding access to information for different groups is needed. In this aspect, it is crucial to evaluate the target audience’s particularities. This study constructed and validated an instrument containing three questionnaires to identify the level of knowledge, practices, and risk perception of food safety by low-income students between 11 and 14 years old. The following steps were used: systematic search of the databases; conducting and analyzing focus groups; questionnaires development; and questionnaires analysis. After two judges’ rounds, the final version was reached with 11 knowledge items, 11 practice items, and five risk perception items. The content validation index values were higher than 0.80. The adopted methodology considered the students’ understanding and perceptions, as well the appropriate language to be used. Besides, it allowed the development of questionnaires that directly and straightforwardly covers the rules set by the World Health Organization for foodborne disease control called Five Keys to Safer Food (keep clean; separate raw and cooked; cook thoroughly; keep food at safe temperatures; and use safe water and raw materials). Its use can result in a diagnosis for elaborating educational proposals and other actions against foodborne illness in the most vulnerable population.


Author(s):  
Eric D. McCollum ◽  
Melissa M. Higdon ◽  
Nicholas S. S. Fancourt ◽  
Jack Sternal ◽  
William Checkley ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Chest radiography is the standard for diagnosing pediatric lower respiratory infections in low-income and middle-income countries. A method for interpreting pediatric chest radiographs for research endpoints was recently updated by the World Health Organization (WHO) Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies project. Research in India required training local physicians to interpret chest radiographs following the WHO method. Objective To describe the methodology for training Indian physicians and evaluate the training’s effectiveness. Materials and methods Twenty-nine physicians (15 radiologists and 14 pediatricians) from India were trained by two WHO Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies members over 3 days in May 2019. Training materials were adapted from WHO Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies resources. Participants followed WHO methodology to interpret 60 unique chest radiographs before and after the training. Participants needed to correctly classify ≥80% of radiographs for primary endpoint pneumonia on the post-training test to be certified to interpret research images. We analyzed participant performance on both examinations. Results Twenty-six of 29 participants (89.7%) completed both examinations. The average score increased by 9.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.0–14.1%) between examinations (P<0.001). Participants correctly classifying ≥80% of images for primary endpoint pneumonia increased from 69.2% (18/26) on the pretraining to 92.3% (24/26) on the post-training examination (P=0.003). The mean scores of radiologists and pediatricians on the post-training examination were not statistically different (P=0.43). Conclusion Our results demonstrate this training approach using revised WHO definitions and tools was successful, and that non-radiologists can learn to apply these methods as effectively as radiologists. Such capacity strengthening is important for enabling research to support national policy decision-making in these settings. We recommend future research incorporating WHO chest radiograph methodology to consider modelling trainings after this approach.


2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Luiz Bastos ◽  
José Leopoldo Ferreira Antunes ◽  
Antonio Carlos Frias ◽  
Maria da Luz Rosário de Souza ◽  
Karen Glazer Peres ◽  
...  

This study assessed oral health outcomes (perceived dental treatment need, untreated dental caries, gingival bleeding, periodontal pockets, and pain in teeth and gums), in relation to color/race inequalities among adolescents in each Brazilian region. The database included dental examination and interview of 16,833 15-19-year-old adolescents, surveyed by the Brazilian health authority, from May 2002 to October 2003, in accordance with international diagnostic criteria standardized by the World Health Organization. Prevalence ratios estimated by Poisson regression, and controlled by socioeconomic status and access to fluoridated piped water, assessed oral health differentials among color/race groups and country's regions. Except for periodontal pockets, prevalence figures were higher in the North and Northeast: perceived dental treatment needs, untreated dental caries, gingival bleeding at probing and pain in teeth and gums varied between 80-83%, 75-76%, 38-43%, and 17-18%, respectively, in these regions. Adolescents living in the Southeast - the richest Brazilian region - presented a better general profile of oral health than their counterparts living in the remaining regions; they had a lower prevalence of untreated dental caries (54%) and unfavorable gingival status (29%). However, the Southeast presented color/race inequalities in all oral health outcomes, with a poorer profile systematically affecting browns or blacks, depending on the oral health condition under consideration. These results reinforce the need for expanding the amplitude of health initiatives aimed at adolescent oral health. Socially appropriate health programs should concurrently aim at the reduction of levels of oral disease and its inequalities.


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