scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Educational Mobile Messages for Assisting in the Prevention of Early Childhood Caries: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Estefania Ayala Aguirre ◽  
Matheus Lotto ◽  
Anna Paola Strieder ◽  
Agnes Fátima Pereira Cruvinel ◽  
Thiago Cruvinel
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
And Control ◽  
Childhood Caries

BACKGROUND In 2017, approximately 3.7 billion downloads of health apps were made on mobile phones and tablets. In this sense, a massive number of people could benefit by electronic mobile–based health interventions, making information available even with the lack of material and human resources. Hence, the use of electronic apps for dental education might be extremely useful for the prevention of early childhood caries (ECC). OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of messages sent via mobile phones as an adjuvant method for the prevention of ECC. METHODS A single-blinded, randomized, and parallel-group clinical trial will be conducted with dyads of parents or caregivers and children aged between 36 and 60 months, recruited from kindergartens and schools of Bauru, São Paulo. The determination of sample size resulted in a total of 104 dyads of parents and children, considering a power of 80%, a significance level of 5%, and an attrition of 30%. This sample will be randomly assigned to test and control groups, being divided in 52 dyads per group according to the health literacy levels of parents and the age, gender, and oral health status of children. Every 2 weeks, only participants in the test group will receive messages via WhatsApp containing preventive and education-related ECC information. The dyads will visit the dentist every 3 months during a year for the assessment of primary outcomes (sugar consumption and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System, visible plaque, and community periodontal indices) and to receive dental care measures. Secondary outcomes (electronic health literacy and general perceived self-efficacy) will be determined only at baseline and after 12-month follow-up. The quality of randomization will be evaluated throughout the study, comparing the test and control groups systematically by Student t tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Listwise deletion method will be applied in cases of dropouts, if the missing values satisfy the criteria of missing completely at random; otherwise, multiple imputation data strategy will be conducted. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Levene tests will be used to determine the normality and homogeneity of data, respectively, which will indicate further statistical analyses for elucidating significant differences between groups (P<.05). A Student t test or Mann-Whitney U test will be employed for parametric or nonparametric analyses, respectively. RESULTS The project was funded in 2018, and enrollment was completed in August 2019. Allocation is currently under way and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2020. CONCLUSIONS The results will contribute to understanding the importance of educational mobile messages toward the adoption of healthy behaviors for the prevention of ECC in a given population. CLINICALTRIAL Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials Universal Trial Number U1111-1216-1393; http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2b6r7q INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/13656

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Educational Mobile Messages for Assisting in the Prevention of Early Childhood Caries: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/13656 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e13656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Estefania Ayala Aguirre ◽  
Matheus Lotto ◽  
Anna Paola Strieder ◽  
Agnes Fátima Pereira Cruvinel ◽  
Thiago Cruvinel
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
And Control ◽  
Childhood Caries

Background In 2017, approximately 3.7 billion downloads of health apps were made on mobile phones and tablets. In this sense, a massive number of people could benefit by electronic mobile–based health interventions, making information available even with the lack of material and human resources. Hence, the use of electronic apps for dental education might be extremely useful for the prevention of early childhood caries (ECC). Objective This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of messages sent via mobile phones as an adjuvant method for the prevention of ECC. Methods A single-blinded, randomized, and parallel-group clinical trial will be conducted with dyads of parents or caregivers and children aged between 36 and 60 months, recruited from kindergartens and schools of Bauru, São Paulo. The determination of sample size resulted in a total of 104 dyads of parents and children, considering a power of 80%, a significance level of 5%, and an attrition of 30%. This sample will be randomly assigned to test and control groups, being divided in 52 dyads per group according to the health literacy levels of parents and the age, gender, and oral health status of children. Every 2 weeks, only participants in the test group will receive messages via WhatsApp containing preventive and education-related ECC information. The dyads will visit the dentist every 3 months during a year for the assessment of primary outcomes (sugar consumption and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System, visible plaque, and community periodontal indices) and to receive dental care measures. Secondary outcomes (electronic health literacy and general perceived self-efficacy) will be determined only at baseline and after 12-month follow-up. The quality of randomization will be evaluated throughout the study, comparing the test and control groups systematically by Student t tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Listwise deletion method will be applied in cases of dropouts, if the missing values satisfy the criteria of missing completely at random; otherwise, multiple imputation data strategy will be conducted. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Levene tests will be used to determine the normality and homogeneity of data, respectively, which will indicate further statistical analyses for elucidating significant differences between groups (P<.05). A Student t test or Mann-Whitney U test will be employed for parametric or nonparametric analyses, respectively. Results The project was funded in 2018, and enrollment was completed in August 2019. Allocation is currently under way and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2020. Conclusions The results will contribute to understanding the importance of educational mobile messages toward the adoption of healthy behaviors for the prevention of ECC in a given population. Trial Registration Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials Universal Trial Number U1111-1216-1393; http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2b6r7q/ International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/13656

A Survey regarding Maternal Awareness about Oral Hygiene and Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in 3- to 6-year-old Children in Davangere, Karnataka, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-8
Author(s):  
IE Neena ◽  
Yanina Singh ◽  
Abraham Ashwin Bahanan ◽  
SB Meghana
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
The Social ◽  
Hygiene Measures ◽  
Childhood Caries

ABSTRACT Aim To create awareness among the parents (mothers) about early childhood caries (ECC), to provide information, and to check knowledge about oral hygiene measures. Materials and methods A total of 382 children aged 3 to 6 years were examined from play homes and schools in Davangere, Karnataka, India, by the modified International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria. A questionnaire was given to all the mothers of the examined children to fill in the details to create awareness among mother’s oral hygiene measures. The collected data were then analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 17.0 software) to assess the prevalence of ECC and knowledge regarding ECC among mothers. Results About 64.7% of mothers clean their child’s mouth after feeding, 40.1% started practicing oral hygiene at the age of 12 months and practiced oral hygiene twice a day. Conclusion Results show that mothers were quite aware of oral hygiene measures. They know about the proper way of toothbrushing and also about the frequency of brushing. How to cite this article Neena IE, Poornima P, Singh Y, Bahanan AA, Meghana SB. A Survey regarding Maternal Awareness about Oral Hygiene and Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in 3- to 6-year-old Children in Davangere, Karnataka, India. CODS J Dent 2016;8(1):6-8.

scholarly journals Early Childhood Caries and sugar: relationships and suggestions for prevention

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie LUZ ◽  
Graziela BOTTON ◽  
Rachel de Oliveira ROCHA ◽  
Marta Dutra Machado OLIVEIRA ◽  
Fernanda Ruffo ORTIZ
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Patient Identification ◽  
Sugar Intake ◽  
Individual Variables ◽  
Childhood Caries

ABSTRACT Objective: To show the relation between sugar intake in the infant diet and the presence of early childhood caries in a group of preschoolers. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients aged 0 to 6 years attended at the Clinic of Babies from 2010 to 2016, at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. The data analyzed were: patient identification, gender, age, sugar introduction (age and frequency), exclusive breastfeeding, use of a bottle containing sugar, brushing (with or without fluoride) and diagnosis of dental caries through the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Descriptive analysis showed the characteristics of the sample and comparison analyzes were performed using Fisher and T-Student tests, to verify the relation between individual variables and sugary intake. Results: The average age of the children was 29 months. Of the 86 medical records analyzed, 80.0% of the children ingested sugary foods, and its were part of the eating routine. Only 36 medical records contained information about early childhood caries, in which 86.2% of prevalence was found. There was no statistical difference between sugary diet and other variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest an intense relationship between sugar and early childhood caries. The high frequency of sugar intake is a risk factor for the onset of caries in early childhood, and its insertion in infant feeding may be delayed. Food and hygiene orientation is fundamental in the treatment process as well as family awareness.

Effect of Sustained Interventions from Infancy to Toddlerhood in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate for Preventing Early Childhood Caries

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Sivasubramanian Abirami ◽  
Noopur Panchanadikar ◽  
Murugan Satta Muthu ◽  
Suganya Balasubramanian ◽  
Jyotsna Murthy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Cleft Lip And Palate ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Primary Caregivers ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Incidence Density ◽  
Tooth Surfaces ◽  
Childhood Caries

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sustained interventions in children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) for preventing early childhood caries (ECC). This prospective, nonrandomized interventional cohort study was conducted in infants aged 0–12 months with congenital CLP. Interventions were given to parents/primary caregivers in the form of combined oral health-care measures (sterile wet gauze piece, finger brush, toothbrush, and toothpaste) by a motivational interviewing approach. Education of primary caregivers on oral hygiene was provided by audiovisual aids and demonstration. Reinforcement of the prescribed regimen was done through daily short message services in caregivers’ preferred language and bimonthly telephone calls. Participants were followed up for 9–32 months from the time of recruitment, with a mean period of 18.3 ± 5.1 months. Rates of dental caries were represented as prevalence rates, incidence density, and transitional probability. The distribution of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) scores on different tooth surfaces affected in the intervention group was compared descriptively with that of the age- and sex-matched historical control groups. On analysis of surface-wise distribution of the ICDAS scores in the intervention group (<i>n</i> = 1,919), 1.2% (<i>n</i> = 24) had noncavitated lesions (ICDAS codes 1 and 2), 0.88% (<i>n</i> = 17) had cavitated lesions (ICDAS codes 3–6), and 0.26% (<i>n</i> = 5) had both cavitated and noncavitated lesions (ICDAS codes 1–6). The incidence density of caries-affected children observed at the first and last follow-ups was 1.2 persons/100 person-months and 1.3 persons/100 person-months of observation, respectively. The incidence density of new caries-affected tooth surfaces at the first and last follow-ups was 0.163 surfaces/100 surface-months and 0.062 surfaces/100 surface-months, respectively. Maxillary first molars had the maximum transition from sound to the cavitated lesion (11.5%), followed by maxillary incisors from sound to noncavitated (7.5%) at the last follow-up. Based on the newly developed assessment criteria in our study, sustained interventions proved to be significantly effective in preventing ECC in children with CLP.

scholarly journals Epidemiological profile of early childhood caries in a sub-urban population in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan ◽  
Ayodeji Babatunde Oginni ◽  
Maha El Tantawi ◽  
Tracy L. Finlayson ◽  
Abiola Adeniyi
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Risk Indicators ◽  
Risk Indicator ◽  
Age Group ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cavitated Lesions ◽  
Childhood Caries

Abstract Background The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and severity of early childhood caries (ECC) in children 6–71-months; identify the teeth most at risk for ECC; and identify risk indicators associated with significant caries index (SiC) score in different age groups. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that collected data (using a household survey) on the ECC risk indicators (frequency of tooth brushing, consumption of refined carbohydrate in-between-meals, daily use of fluoridated toothpaste, and dental service utilization in the 12 months) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. We computed the prevalence of ECC using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDASI (d1–6)) index; caries severity using the ICDAS-2(d1–2) and ICDAS-3(d3–6) for non-cavitated and cavitated lesions respectively, decayed missing, filled teeth (dmft), and surfaces (dmfs) and SiC indices; and caries complications using the pulp (p), ulceration (u), fistula (f) and abscesses (a) (pufa) index, for children 6–11-months-old, 12–23-months-old, 23–35-months-old, 35–47-months-old; 48–59-months-old and 60–71-months-old. The differences in the mean dmft, dmfs, pufa scores, and ICDAS 1, 2, and 3 scores, and proportion of children with each ECC risk indicator were computed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk indicators for the ECC SiC index score for each age group. Results The prevalence of ECC was 4.7%: 2.9% had non-cavitated lesions and 2.8% had cavitated lesions. The mean (SD) dmft, dmfs and pufa scores were 0.13 (0.92), 0.24 (1.91) and 0.04 (0.46) respectively. The dmft and dmfs scores were highest among the 24–35-months-olds while the SiC score was highest among the 12–23-months-olds. There were no significant differences in dmft, dmfs, and pufa scores between the different age groups. Toothbrushing more than once a day was the only factor associated with the SiC score: it decreases the odds for the SiC score in children 48–59-months-old. The teeth worst affected by ECC were #85 and #61. Conclusion The prevalence, severity and risk indicator for ECC seems to differ for each age group. The granular details on the risk profile of children with ECC in this population with a low ECC prevalence and burden can allow for the planning of age-targeted interventions.

scholarly journals Metabolomics Insights in Early Childhood Caries

2021 ◽  
pp. 002203452098296
Author(s):  
L.H. Heimisdottir ◽  
B.M. Lin ◽  
H. Cho ◽  
A. Orlenko ◽  
A.A. Ribeiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Multiple Testing ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Multiple Testing Correction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Childhood Caries

Dental caries is characterized by a dysbiotic shift at the biofilm–tooth surface interface, yet comprehensive biochemical characterizations of the biofilm are scant. We used metabolomics to identify biochemical features of the supragingival biofilm associated with early childhood caries (ECC) prevalence and severity. The study’s analytical sample comprised 289 children ages 3 to 5 (51% with ECC) who attended public preschools in North Carolina and were enrolled in a community-based cross-sectional study of early childhood oral health. Clinical examinations were conducted by calibrated examiners in community locations using International Caries Detection and Classification System (ICDAS) criteria. Supragingival plaque collected from the facial/buccal surfaces of all primary teeth in the upper-left quadrant was analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Associations between individual metabolites and 18 clinical traits (based on different ECC definitions and sets of tooth surfaces) were quantified using Brownian distance correlations (dCor) and linear regression modeling of log2-transformed values, applying a false discovery rate multiple testing correction. A tree-based pipeline optimization tool (TPOT)–machine learning process was used to identify the best-fitting ECC classification metabolite model. There were 503 named metabolites identified, including microbial, host, and exogenous biochemicals. Most significant ECC-metabolite associations were positive (i.e., upregulations/enrichments). The localized ECC case definition (ICDAS ≥1 caries experience within the surfaces from which plaque was collected) had the strongest correlation with the metabolome (dCor P = 8 × 10−3). Sixteen metabolites were significantly associated with ECC after multiple testing correction, including fucose ( P = 3.0 × 10−6) and N-acetylneuraminate (p = 6.8 × 10−6) with higher ECC prevalence, as well as catechin ( P = 4.7 × 10−6) and epicatechin ( P = 2.9 × 10−6) with lower. Catechin, epicatechin, imidazole propionate, fucose, 9,10-DiHOME, and N-acetylneuraminate were among the top 15 metabolites in terms of ECC classification importance in the automated TPOT model. These supragingival biofilm metabolite findings provide novel insights in ECC biology and can serve as the basis for the development of measures of disease activity or risk assessment.

scholarly journals Early Childhood Caries and Primary Caregiver Oral Health Literacy in Western Australia: a Systematic Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley ANDREW ◽  
Ruth WALLACE ◽  
Nicole WICKENS ◽  
Jilen PATEL
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Primary Caregivers ◽  
Oral Health Literacy ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Childhood Caries

Abstract Background Early childhood caries disproportionately affects vulnerable groups and remains a leading cause of preventable hospital admissions for Western Australian children. The Western Australia State Oral Health Plan seeks to improve child oral health through universal and targeted health promotion initiatives with primary caregivers. These initiatives require evidence of primary caregiver health literacy and baseline data on Early childhood caries. The objective of this systematic scoping review is to understand current oral health literacy of primary caregivers of children aged 0 to 4 years, identify influential socioecological determinants, and identify data on Early childhood caries in the Western Australian context. Methods A systematic scoping review framework identified articles published between 1980 and 2021, using Scopus, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, selected article reference lists, and oral health websites. Articles were screened via author consensus, with eight selected. Results Data on early childhood caries in Western Australia is limited; the suggested prevalence of 2.9% based on data over 15 years old, however national data suggests an Early childhood caries prevalence of 3.4–8% of children aged 18 months rising sharply by 36 months of age. Fewer than half the primary caregivers reported following evidence-based oral health recommendations for their young children. Engagement with dentists tended to be reactive. Knowledge of dietary and oral hygiene practices were inconsistent and awareness of the Child Dental Benefit Schedule low. Young children’s oral health status was clearly associated with socioecological factors including socioeconomic status. Conclusions Early childhood caries data and primary care-givers’ oral health literacy evidence are unavailable in Western Australia. To realise the Western Australia State Oral Health Plan, research is required to address this knowledge gap.

Evaluation of Levels of Nitric Oxide in Saliva of Children with Rampant Caries and Early Childhood Caries : A Comparative Study

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amitha Hegde ◽  
Varun Neekhra ◽  
Suchetha Shetty
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Salivary Flow ◽  
Oral Health Status ◽  
And Control ◽  
Rampant Caries ◽  
Childhood Caries

It is considered that caries incidence might be low in subjects with high salivary Nitric Oxide (NO) levels. Thus the objective of the present study was to determine the levels of nitric oxide in saliva of children with Rampant Caries (RC) and Early Childhood Caries (ECC). A total of 120 children were divided into 4 groups of 30 each belonging to two age groups of 6-12 yrs and 71 months or less respectively. Children between the age of 6-12 yrs were either with RC or their control and children between the age of 71months or less were either with ECC or their control respectively. The study and control subjects were divided equally. Oral health status was recorded followed by unstimulated salivary flow rate estimation. Estimation of salivary nitric oxide was measured by the concentration of its stable metabolite nitrite using Classical Griess Reaction. The mean nitrite levels of both the control groups were much higher when compared with the study groups, which was statistically very highly significant.

scholarly journals Long-term effectiveness of the Midwifery Initiated Oral Health-Dental Service Program on maternal oral health knowledge, preventative dental behaviours and the oral health status of children in Australia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajesh George ◽  
Ariana Kong ◽  
Mariana Sousa ◽  
Amy Villarosa ◽  
Shilpi Ajwani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Oral Health Status ◽  
Dental Service ◽  
Oral Health Knowledge ◽  
And Control ◽  
Childhood Caries

Abstract Background Early childhood caries remains a public health challenge and many interventions to manage this disease have focused on prevention during early infancy. Promoting oral health during pregnancy may also improve the oral health of children, however, there is limited evidence in Australia. The Midwifery Initiated Oral Health-Dental Service (MIOH-DS) was developed to train midwives to promote maternal oral health and a large trial showed the program substantially improved the oral health status, knowledge and behaviours of pregnant women. This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of the program (post trial) on maternal oral health knowledge, preventative dental behaviours, and early childhood caries in offspring. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in three large metropolitan health services in Sydney, Australia. The study followed 204 women and their children three to four years after participating in the original MIOH-DS trial (intervention and control groups). The outcome measures included child dental decay (cariogenic bacteria), and a maternal oral health knowledge and behaviours questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the main outcomes and a regression model was constructed to explore predictors of dental decay among children. Results There were no significant differences across the outcome measures between the MIOH-DS participants (mother/child) and control groups except for a small difference in maternal oral health knowledge. Most mothers across both groups demonstrated high oral health knowledge and positive oral health practices, and the regression model found that these outcomes provided a protective effect (low levels of bacteria and dental caries) among children. Some aspects of oral health remained poorly understood by mothers across both groups―the oral health impact of sugary foods and drinks, at-risk feeding practices, and the recommended age for first dental visits. Conclusions The long-term impact of the program demonstrates the effectiveness of improving maternal oral health knowledge and preventative behaviours to reduce the risk of early childhood caries, although the specific effect of the MIOH-DS program was not found. Although oral health knowledge was high across participants the findings suggest the need for reinforced education around feeding, diet and dental visiting through postnatal early childhood services to show sustained improvements.

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