scholarly journals Color/race inequalities in oral health among Brazilian adolescents

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.

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (12) ◽  
pp. 573-578
Author(s):  
O. P. Kharbanda ◽  
Harsh Priya ◽  
Deepika Mishra ◽  
Shalini Gupta ◽  
Anupama Ivaturi ◽  
...  

Oral diseases, including dental caries, periodontitis, and edentulism (toothlessness), affect about 3.5 billion people worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of government employees employed at an organization in New Delhi. Oral health information was recorded using the standard World Health Organization’s (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Tool. A total of 476 employees at various levels of administration were screened at their worksite. Dental caries and periodontal disease were present in more than half of the participants. Around 56% had decayed teeth, 20% had missing teeth, and 16% had filled teeth. Bleeding from gums was seen in 71% and periodontitis in 59% of participants. Preventive treatment and oral health promotion was required in at least 41% of the screened individuals. Annual workplace oral examinations may help in decreasing the oral disease burden and create awareness on the oral health among employees.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Thomas ◽  
R Chacko ◽  
G D Khanapur ◽  
D Kattula ◽  
A Rose

Abstract Background Children suffer a significant burden of oral diseases which impacts their quality of life, and general health. Many epidemiological studies have looked at oral health status and treatment needs among children in urban and rural areas across different age groups. There was limited literature assessing the oral health status among children in tribal areas, which presents unique challenges in terms of: topography, availability of health services, and complex socio-cultural health practices. Methods Cross-sectional study was conducted among 655 children across six schools between 12-15 years in Jawadhi Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. World Health Organization's, Oral Health Surveys were used for clinical and risk factor assessments. Clinical examination was conducted, and self-assessed questionnaire was administered to the children to assess the risk factors to poor oral health. Since dental fluorosis was common, drinking water samples were collected to assess fluoride levels in the community. Results Prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis (gum disease) was found to be 22.3% and 87.3% respectively. Dental Pain was reported by 57% of children as the most common reason to visit the dentist. Prevalence of dental fluorosis was found to be 53.6%. Multiple logistic regression showed: gender, dental fluorosis, diet, and maternal education significantly associated (p < 0.005) with dental caries. Fluoride levels in water was found to be higher than permissible limits (>1.5 ppm). Conclusions Children requiring treatment (∼ 200) were referred to the local hospital, and treatment was done free-of-cost. School authorities were informed about the current oral health status of children and advised to conduct regular health education & dental camps; the importance of girls' education was emphasized. Local authorities were alerted about the fluoride-rich water situation in the community and educated about defluoridation methods that the community can employ at household level. Key messages Evidence-based burden of oral diseases was presented to the local authorities for the first time, with a call for action. A referral system was established between the schools and the local hospital, to ensure continuity of oral health care for the children.


2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhinav Singh ◽  
MP Bharathi ◽  
Peter Sequeira ◽  
Shashidhar Acharya ◽  
Meghashyam Bhat

Objectives: To assess oral health status and practices of 5- and 12-year-old Tribal school children.Methods: A total of 418, 5-year-old children and 327, 12-year-old children were enrolled. Information on demographic characteristics of participants along with oral health behavior was collected. Clinical data were collected on dental fluorosis, periodontal status, dental caries and treatment needs. Dean's index criterion was used to assess dental fluorosis. Community Periodontal Index (CPI) for periodontal conditions and Dentition status and treatment needs for dental caries were recorded. Results: Between meal sugar consumption was high (100%). None of the children in both the age groups had visited trained health personnel for dental treatment. Dental fluorosis prevalence in 5- and 12-year olds was 11.9% and 22.9% respectively. Bleeding on probing and calculus was common between both the age groups. A low mean number of healthy sextants were found and this decreased with age. Mean dmft/DMFT values for 5- and 12-year olds were 4.13 ± 3.90 and 1.15 ± 1.62. Significant caries index (SIC) scores for 5- and 12-year olds were 7.17 ±4.30 and 3.78 ± 3.21 respectively. Conclusion: The present study reveals high sugar consumption, dental fluorosis, poor oral hygiene, and untreated dental disease of tribal children. Under these circumstances, the implementation of preventive programs including restriction of sweets in school premises for the tribal children is the key to good oral health.


2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 382-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ami M Maru ◽  
Sena Narendran

ABSTRACT Background Data on epidemiology of dental caries of adults in rural India appear to be sparse. Objective The purpose of the study was to assess the oral health status and dental treatment needs of a rural Indian population. Materials and methods The study population consisted of 189 volunteer subjects with a mean age of 34.9 ± 14.2 years and 54% males. Decayed, missing due to caries and filled teeth (DMFT) and tooth surfaces (DMFS) assessed the dental caries experience. Structured interviews collected data on perception of health including oral health, oral hygiene practices and snacking habits. Results While only 38.1% perceived themselves to be in good or very good dental health, nearly 85% felt the same about general health. The most common sugar exposure was sweetened tea; 75% consumed the beverage at least once a day. More than 80% of the subjects had untreated caries with mean DMFT and DMFS scores of 5.1 ± 3.9 and 13.8 ± 17.8, which lacked any gender differences. Dental treatment needs ranged from 16.9% two-surface fillings to 60.8% one-surface fillings; 23.8% crowns or bridges and 37.6% extractions. Those who perceived themselves to be in better oral health had significantly lower DMFT (4.0 ± 3.2 vs 5.9 ± 4.1) and DMFS (8.4 ± 11.7 vs 17.1 ± 20.0) scores (p < 0.05). A similar trend was observed between perception of general health and DMFT (4.8 ± 3.4 vs 7.0 ± 5.6) and DMFS (11.9 ± 13.7 vs 24.1 ± 30.7) scores. Conclusion Results indicate high levels of dental caries as well as dental treatment needs among the study participants. How to cite this article Maru AM, Narendran S. Epidemiology of Dental Caries among Adults in a Rural Area in India. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):382-388.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 15-19
Author(s):  
HK Halwai ◽  
PK Bhat ◽  
M Shekhar ◽  
B Yadav

INTRODUCTION : Good oral health is important and have major impact on peoples daily lives and activities. This study  was conducted to assess dental caries, periodontal health, and malocclusion of school children aged 12 and 15 years and to compare them in government and private schools. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 12- and 15-year-old children in government and private schools was conducted in Rupendehi (Bhairahawa) Nepal. A sample of 1011 school children (both males and females) was selected by a two-stage cluster sampling method. Clinical recordings of dental caries and malocclusion were done according to World Health Organization diagnostic criteria 1997. Periodontal health was assessed by Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs index. The data collected was analyzed by SPSS versons 13. The statistical tests used were t-test and Chi-square tests.RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was 32.6% and 42.2% at 12 and 15 years of age, respectively. At 12 years of age, the mean decayed, missing, filled teeth were 0.62 ± 1.42 and it was 1.06 ± 2.93 at 15 years of age. Females had higher level of caries than males at both the ages. At both ages, mean of decayed teeth was statistically higher in government schools as compared with private schools. Children in government schools had significantly less number of mean filled teeth at both ages as compared with private schools. The healthy component of gingiva was present in higher percentage of children in private schools as compared with government schools at both the age groups. The prevalence of malocclusion among the 12- year-old (58.1%) was more as compared with that among the 15-year-old (53.5%).CONCLUSION: The caries experience of 12 and 15 years old children was low but the prevalence of gingivitis and malocclusion was quite high. Effective oral health promotion strategies need to be implemented to improve the oral health of school children further in Rupendehi District , Bhairahawa, Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11822 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 15-19


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 452
Author(s):  
Szu-Yu Hsiao ◽  
Ping-Ho Chen ◽  
Shan-Shan Huang ◽  
Cheng-Wei Yen ◽  
Shun-Te Huang ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to assess dental treatment needs (TNs) and related risk factors of children with disabilities (CD). This cross-sectional study recruited 484 CD, 6 to 12 years of age, from 10 special education schools in Taiwan. Dental status and TNs were examined and evaluated by well-trained dentists and based on the criteria set by the World Health Organization (1997). The results indicated that 61.78% required restorative dental treatment due to their dental caries. On average, each participant had 2.72 teeth that required treatment, and 6.38 surfaces required restoration. One-quarter of the participants (24.79%) required 1- or 2-surface restoration, and one out of three (36.98%) had more complex TNs (including 3 or more surfaces to be filled, pulp care, extraction, and more specialized care). The significant risk factors associated with restorative TNs among CD were those whose parents had lower socioeconomic status, frequent sweets intake, insufficient tooth-brushing ability, and poor oral health. Most of the CD had extensive unmet TNs for their caries and required complex treatment to recover the function of their teeth. Encouraging parents/caregivers to take their children for dental treatment, promoting awareness of the importance of dental hygiene, giving assistance to brushing their teeth after eating, and controlling and/or modifying sweet diet habits are necessary to reduce CD’s dental caries, especially those with lower socioeconomic status parents/caregivers.


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).


2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
SA Al-Maweri ◽  
S Zimmer

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of children with disabilities attending special schools in Sana’a, Yemen. Study design: This cross-sectional study involved 401 children with different disabilities aged between 6 and 14 years. Dental caries was evaluated using DMFT/dmft indices in accordance with WHO criteria. The plaque index (PI) and the gingival index (GI) were used to assess oral hygiene and gingival health, respectively. Results : The mean dmft and DMFT scores of the total population were 4.27 and 1.90 respectively, with no significant differences across gender (p&gt;0.05). According to the type of disability, the physically disabled had the highest mean dmft of 4.68 (SD 3.30) and subjects with compound disabilities had the highest mean DMFT of 2.85 (SD 1.98). Among the disability groups, the blind had the highest PI and GI scores, and the deaf had the lowest. Majority of the children were on need for specific type of dental treatment. Conclusion: This study suggests that children with disabilities have a high prevalence of dental caries and poor oral hygiene.


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