scholarly journals Inequalities In Caries Among Pre-School Italian Children With Different Background

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guglielmo Campus ◽  
Fabio Cocco ◽  
Laura Strohmenger ◽  
Thomas Gerhard Wolf ◽  
Araxi Balian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Social Gradient ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Caries Prevalence ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Immigrant Background

Abstract Background: The study was aimed to describe caries prevalence and severity and health inequalities among Italian preschool children with European and non-European background and to explore the potential presence of a social gradient. Methods: The ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) was recorded at school on 6,825 children (52.76% females). Caries frequency and severity was expressed as a proportion, recording the most severe ICDAS score observed. Socioeconomic status (SES) and behavioral habits of children/parents/caregivers were estimated by mean a standardized self-submitted questionnaire filled-in by parents. The Slope Index of Inequality (SII) based on regression of the mid-point value of caries experiences score for each SES group was calculated and a social gradient was generated as the weighted sum of the worst circumstances deriving from social explanatory variables. Children were stratified into four social gradient levels based on the number of worst options. Multivariate regression models (Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial logistic regression in children with European background and a logistic regression in children with non-European background) were used to elucidate the associations between all explanatory variables and health outcome (namely the caries prevalence). Mantel Haenszel trend of odds adjusted by immigrant background and area of living were calculated to study the existence, dimensions and direction of a social gradient in oral health. Results: Overall, 54.37% (95%CI 46.71–58.28%) of the children were caries-free; caries prevalence was statistically significant higher in children with non-European background compared to European children (72.59% vs 41.62% p<0.01). A statistically significant trend was observed for ICDAS 5/6 score and the worst social/behavioral level (Z=5.24, p<0.01). Conclusions: Data show how caries in preschool children is an unsolved public health problem especially in those with a non-European background. The proposed gradient was clearly able to identify children with the worst dental conditions.

Effectiveness of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Preventing Occlusal Caries in Primary Teeth of Preschool Children: a Study Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duangporn Duangthip ◽  
SHUYANG HE ◽  
Sherry Shiqian Gao ◽  
Chun Hung Chu ◽  
Edward Chin Man Lo
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Primary Teeth ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Occlusal Caries ◽  
Silver Diamine Fluoride ◽  
Occlusal Surfaces

BACKGROUND Tooth decay is a significant public health problem globally. The caries-arrest effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been well documented. However, information on the caries preventive effect of SDF on primary teeth is insufficient. OBJECTIVE The aim of this trial is to investigate the effectiveness of semi-annual application of 38% SDF and that of 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish when compared to placebo control in preventing occlusal caries in primary molars of preschool children over 30 months. METHODS This three-arm, parallel design, double-blind, randomised controlled trial involves 791 preschool children. Children are randomly allocated to receive one of the three interventions as follows; Group 1) 38% SDF, Group 2) 5% NaF varnish, and Group 3) placebo control with tonic water. The intervention and dental examination will be carried out every 6 months. A parent-administered questionnaire including the children’s demographic background and oral health-related behaviours has been collected at baseline. Follow-up examinations to detect new caries development will be conducted every 6 months by a masked examiner. Caries development will be diagnosed at the cavitation level. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses will be adopted. A two-level logistic regression analysis will be performed to investigate the effects of the study interventions and other potential confounding factors on the development of occlusal caries. RESULTS Result: To date, a total of 791 children are participating in the study. CONCLUSIONS If SDF application is more effective than NaF varnish in preventing caries on occlusal surfaces of primary teeth, it can be a preferred choice for caries prevention in a kindergarten-based program. Results of this trial will provide valuable clinical evidence for the development of oral health strategies and policy on promotion of child oral health CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05084001

scholarly journals Caries severity and socioeconomic inequalities in a nationwide setting: data from the Italian National pathfinder in 12-years children

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guglielmo Campus ◽  
Fabio Cocco ◽  
Laura Strohmenger ◽  
Maria Grazia Cagetti
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Unemployment Rate ◽  
Gini Index ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Smoking Habit ◽  
Socioeconomic Inequalities ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Cavitated Lesions

Abstract This study presents the result of the second National pathfinder conducted in Italy on children’s oral health, reporting the prevalence and severity of caries in 12-year old children and describing the caries figure related to the socioeconomic inequalities, both at individual level and macroeconomic level. The two-digit codes related to ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) for each tooth and the gingival bleeding score were recorded at school on 7,064 children (48.97% males and 51.03% females). The Gross National Product (GNP) per capita, the Gini Index and Unemployment rate in each Italian section, parents’ educational levels, working status, smoking habit and their ethnic background were recorded. Zero-inflated-negative-binomial (ZINB) models were run, using caries-free teeth, teeth with enamel lesions, cavitated lesions and restorations as functions of socioeconomic explanatory variables, to evaluate the effects of justifiable economic factors of geographical distribution. The mean number of enamel lesions, cavitated lesions and filled per teeth were statistically significant (p < 0.01) dissimilar among the Italian section. GNP per capita, Gini Index and Unemployment rate were significantly correlated to ICDAS scores and filled teeth. Important differences in ICDAS score values remain among children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Efforts should be made to improve awareness and knowledge regarding oral health practice and to implement preventive programs and access to dental services in Southern Italy where the disease is still unresolved.

scholarly journals Caries Prevalence Evolution and Risk Factors among Schoolchildren and Adolescents from Valencia (Spain): Trends 1998–2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6561
Author(s):  
Teresa Almerich-Torres ◽  
José María Montiel-Company ◽  
Carlos Bellot-Arcís ◽  
José Enrique Iranzo-Cortés ◽  
José Carmelo Ortolá-Siscar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Permanent Dentition ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Caries Prevalence ◽  
Deciduous Dentition ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Icdas Ii

The aim of this study was to determine the caries status and risk factors in the schoolchildren of Spain’s Valencia region in 2018 and to compare them to the 20-year evolution of caries indicators in the region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1722 children and adolescents aged between 6 and 15 using cluster sampling. Caries status, using International Caries Detection and Assessment System II (ICDAS II) criteria, and sociodemographic variables were recorded. To ensure the comparison with previous studies using WHO caries criteria, the cut-off point was established at ICDAS II code 4. Caries prevalence was found to be 37.4% and the decayed and filled teeth index (dft) was 1.23 at 6 years for deciduous dentition (DD). In permanent dentition (PD) at 12 years, caries prevalence was 30.1% with a 0.66 decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMFT), and at 15 years, prevalence was 44.6% and DMFT was 1.21. Socioeconomic status poses a major risk factor for caries prevalence in deciduous dentition; it is 1.8 times higher in the lowest socioeconomic group. Deciduous dentition status has worsened in the most recent eight-year period, whereas in permanent dentition the 12- and 15-year values are similar to those of the 2010 survey. Evolution analysis suggests that community dental care programs be enhanced, involving preventive activities staring at the first year and targeting disadvantaged groups.

scholarly journals Glass Ionomer Sealant versus Fluoride Varnish Application to Prevent Occlusal Caries in Primary Second Molars among Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Phoebe Pui Ying Lam ◽  
Divesh Sardana ◽  
Weijia Luo ◽  
Manikandan Ekambaram ◽  
Gillian Hiu Man Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Fluoride Varnish ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Primary Molars ◽  
Glass Ionomer ◽  
Occlusal Caries ◽  
Occlusal Surfaces ◽  
Significant Difference

Fissure sealant is a recommended preventive measure on permanent molars, but its efficacy on primary molars in preschool children is still in doubt. Sodium fluoride varnish (NaFV) enhances remineralization and is effective in preventing caries in smooth surfaces, but limited information is available regarding its use on occlusal surfaces of primary molars. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of glass ionomer sealant (GIS) versus topical application of 5% NaFV in preventing and arresting occlusal caries in primary second molars among preschool children. One calibrated examiner examined children aged 3–4 years for visible plaque index (VPI), decayed-missing-filled primary surface (dmfs) index, and extent of carious lesions by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Subjects with 1 or more primary second molars that were sound or with incipient lesions (ICDAS 0–1), with distinct visual enamel changes (ICDAS 2), or with localized enamel breakdown (ICDAS 3) were recruited. The children were randomly assigned to either NaFV group – application of 5% NaFV at 3-monthly intervals or GIS group – 1 single placement of GIS. A parental questionnaire was used to collect information on the children’s sociodemographic background and oral health-related habits. Two blinded examiners conducted clinical examinations after 6 and 12 months to evaluate the development of occlusal caries and the retention of GIS. Negative binomial regression using generalized estimating equations was employed to adjust for the clustering effect and evaluate the influence of selected variables on the development of occlusal caries into dentin at 12 months. A total of 323 children with 1,159 primary second molars received the respective preventive measures at baseline. At 12 months, 280 children with 989 molars were evaluated. Caries had developed or progressed into dentin in 7.8% and 8.0% of the molars in the NaFV and GIS groups, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (<i>p</i> = 0.913). The overall retention rates of GIS were 24.6% and 13.5% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Regression analyses showed only baseline caries experience, and an ICDAS code had a significant association with occlusal caries progression. Quarterly NaFV application and single GIS placement showed similar effectiveness in the prevention of occlusal caries development among preschool children.

scholarly journals Validity Of Mothers’ Caries Screening Of Their Preschool Children And Its Relationship To Sociodemographic Backgrounds

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Syarifah Haizan Sayed Kamar ◽  
Nasruddin Jaafar
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Caries Prevalence ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Screening Sensitivity ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
At Home

Introduction: Mothers can be trained to screen caries in their children. The aim of this study is to assess the validity of mothers’ caries screening of their preschool children. Materials and Methods: 81 volunteer mothers of four- and five-year-old preschool children, from four kindergartens in Pahang were included this study. All mothers were trained by a dentist to detect caries in preschoolers based on a simplified caries detection guideline by WHO (1997) in a three-hour course. Subsequently, all mothers screened their own children caries status at the workshop and 24 hour later, at home. The validity of the results was determined by comparing mothers’ to dentist’s findings; and calculating their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values at child and tooth levels. Results: Caries prevalence among the children was 88.9%, with mean dmft of 7.10 (sd 5.07). At the workshop, mothers’ screening sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values at child level were 93.1%, 66.7%, 95.7%, 54.5%; and at tooth level were 76.6%, 94.0%, 90.4% and 87.8%, respectively. 24 hours post-workshop screening’s sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values at tooth level were 76.1%, 93.7%, 90.7% and 87.9% respectively. The reliability of 24 hours post- workshop screening at tooth level was almost perfect (kappa=0.84). No significant relationship was reported between validity of screening and mothers' age, educational status, household income and area of residence. Conclusion(s): The validity of mothers’ screening in this sample was adequate in identifying caries in their preschool children, regardless of their sociodemographic backgrounds.

Tooth Surface Level Caries Progression in the Primary Dentition among Preschool Children

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amid I. Ismail ◽  
Sungwoo Lim ◽  
Marisol Tellez
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Surface Level ◽  
Initial Caries ◽  
Tooth Surfaces ◽  
Caries Progression ◽  
Soda Consumption

The objective of this paper is to describe primary tooth surface level caries progression, over 2 years, based on the severity of the caries lesions. Data were collected from 790 low-income African-American preschool children in Detroit, Mich., USA. The caregivers of the children (aged 0-5 years) completed interviews and the dyad of child-caregiver completed dental examinations in 2002-2004 (baseline) and in 2004-2005 (follow-up). Caries were measured using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). The caries status of tooth surfaces was classified into initial (ICDAS 1-2), moderate (ICDAS 3-4) and extensive (ICDAS 5-6) stages. Counts of tooth surfaces with progression, by baseline caries severity level, were used to compute rate ratios (RRs) relative to sound stages. RRs were also computed for type of tooth surfaces and frequency of intake of soda consumption at baseline. After adjusting for confounders, caries progression was more likely to occur in tooth surfaces with any baseline caries relative to sound surfaces. For surfaces with initial caries, the rate of progression to moderate caries was 9.6 times higher than that of sound surfaces. Surfaces with initial and moderate caries progressed to extensive caries 6.1 and 20.6 times, respectively, relative to sound surfaces. Baseline soda consumption was not associated with the RR of caries progression. In conclusion, the staging of caries identifies different progression risks and significant emphasis should be placed on secondary prevention of initial lesions as well as on primary prevention.

scholarly journals Differences in Sweet Taste Perception and Its Association with the Streptococcus mutans Cariogenic Profile in Preschool Children with Caries

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2592
Author(s):  
Anna Jurczak ◽  
Małgorzata Jamka-Kasprzyk ◽  
Zuzanna Bębenek ◽  
Małgorzata Staszczyk ◽  
Paweł Jagielski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Sweet Taste ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
Taste Preferences ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Icdas Ii ◽  
Chi Square Test

The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis about differences in sweet taste perception in the group of preschool children with and without caries, and to determine its relationship with cariogenic microbiota and the frequency of sweets consumption in children. The study group included of 63 children aged 2–6 years: 32 with caries and 31 without caries. The study consisted of collecting questionnaire data and assessment of dental status using the decayed, missing, filled in primary teeth index (dmft) and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II). The evaluation of sweet taste perception was carried out using a specific method that simultaneously assessed the level of taste preferences and the sensitivity threshold for a given taste. The microbiological analysis consisted of the assessment of the quantitative and qualitative compositions of the oral microbiota of the examined children. The sweet taste perception of children with caries was characterized by a lower susceptibility to sucrose (the preferred sucrose solution concentration was >4 g/L) compared to children without caries (in the range ≤ 4 g/L, p = 0.0015, chi-square test). A similar relationship was also observed for frequent snacking between meals (p = 0.0038, chi-square test). The analysis of studied variables showed the existence of a strong positive correlation between the perception of sweet taste and the occurrence and intensity of the cariogenic process (p = 0.007 for dmft; and p = 0.012 for ICDAS II), as well as the frequency of consuming sweets (p ≤ 0.001 for frequent and repeated consumption of sweets during the day, Spearman test) in children with caries. Additionally, children with an elevated sucrose taste threshold were more than 10-times more likely to develop S. mutans presence (OR = 10.21; 95% CI 3.11–33.44). The results of this study suggest the future use of taste preferences in children as a diagnostic tool for the early detection of increased susceptibility to caries through microbial dysbiosis towards specific species of microorganisms.

scholarly journals Dental caries among Finnish teenagers participating in physical activity and diet intervention: association with anthropometrics and behavioural factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirja Methuen ◽  
Sofia Kauppinen ◽  
Anna Liisa Suominen ◽  
Aino-Maija Eloranta ◽  
Juuso Väistö ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Carbohydrate Intake ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Food Record ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Teenage Girls ◽  
Behavioural Factors

Abstract Background An association between childhood anthropometric measurements and dental caries is conflicting. The prevalence and severity of dental caries and its association with anthropometric and behavioural factors, were investigated among Finnish teenagers. Methods The study sample comprised 202 15–17-year-old participants in the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study. Dental caries findings were recorded using International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) criteria, including activity estimation; numbers of decayed teeth (DT) and decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) were recorded. Body weight, height and waist circumference were measured and respective body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Body fat percentage was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Health-related behaviours and consumption of food and drinks were assessed using questionnaires, and intake of nutrients using a 4-day food record. Results Mean DMFT for all the participants was 2.4 (SD = 2.9), DT 0.6 (SD = 1.3), and 36% had DMFT = 0. No difference between genders was observed. In bivariate analyses, use of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) three times or less per week and not having used snuff associated significantly, whereas higher carbohydrate intake (E%), toothbrushing less often than twice a day and higher caries experience at baseline almost significantly with DT > 0. In adjusted regression analyses, frequent use of SSB and higher carbohydrate intake increased the odds for DT > 0. Additionally, higher carbohydrate intake (E%) and infrequent tooth brushing significantly associated with a higher number of DT. Conclusion Caries prevalence is still low and similar in Finnish teenage girls and boys. Behavioural factors are, but anthropometric factors are not associated with dental caries.

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