Effect of untreated dental caries on school performance and social life

Oral diseases are highly prevalent across the different countries globally, indicating that these conditions represent a significant challenge to the healthcare authorities. Moreover, like untreated dental caries, chronic diseases were linked with poor school performance and deteriorated quality of life. This current literature review aims to discuss the effect of untreated dental caries on school performance and social life. Our findings indicate the strong association between having untreated dental caries and reduced performance at school. We also found that these children usually suffer from deteriorated aspects of social life, being more prone to verbal bullying than other children without dental caries. Different factors were reported to affect the correlation between untreated dental caries and performance at school. For instance, socioeconomic status has a significant role in this association. Evidence also indicates the vital role of gender, family income, and parental education. These findings indicate the urgent need to draw proper interventional plans to reduce the risk of dental caries. Besides, healthcare authorities should plan for screening programs to detect children with untreated dental caries and provide adequate management of these conditions to enhance the quality of life and educational aspects. However, the findings are not consistent among the different investigations in the literature. Therefore, future studies are needed to validate the current evidence and enhance the outcomes.

Factors associated with oral pain and oral health-related productivity loss in the USA, National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), 2015–2018

Background Our aim was to identify clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with oral pain and oral health-related productivity loss among US adults. Methods We included adults aged ≥30 years who completed the dental examination, had at least one natural tooth, and provided an answer about their oral pain experience or oral health-related productivity loss in the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition and Examination Survey (NHANES). We performed descriptive analyses and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses on weighted data. Results One out of four adults had oral pain and 4% reported oral health-related productivity loss occasionally or often within the last year of the survey. The odds of oral pain were higher among non-Hispanic black (OR = 1.35; 95%CI = 1.08–1.62) and non-Hispanic Asian individuals (OR = 1.38; 95%CI = 1.07–1.78) compared to non-Hispanic white individuals, and individuals with untreated dental caries (OR = 2.06; 95%CI = 1.72–2.47). The odds for oral health-related productivity loss were 13.85 times higher among individuals who reported oral pain (95%CI = 8.07–23.77), and 2.18 times higher among individuals with untreated dental caries (95%CI = 1.65–2.89). The odds of oral pain and reported oral health-related productivity loss decreased as family income increased. Conclusions Factors including non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity, lower socio-economic status, and untreated dental caries are associated with oral pain experience, which increases the odds of oral health-related productivity losses. Identifying factors associated with oral pain and productivity loss will enable clinicians, policymakers, and employers to proactively target and prioritize the higher-risk groups in early interventions and policies.

Can bulk-fill resin restorations be an alternative to resin-modified glass ionomer cement restorations in primary molars of toddlers? A randomized clinical trial protocol.

Background: The aim of this study was to elaborate a randomized clinical trial protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of class I restorations in resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and bulk-fill resin in primary molars with untreated early childhood caries in toddlers. Material and Methods: A total of 59 toddlers up to 36 months old with at least two primary molar teeth with untreated dental caries of single surface on different sides of the mouth will be selected at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinics of the Faculty of Dentistry at Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil. Teeth with untreated dental caries in the left and right sides of each patient’s mouth will be randomly distributed into 2 groups: Group 1 (Control): encapsulated RMGIC restoration with Riva light cure (SDI, Florida, USA) and Group 2 (Test): Filtek bulk-fill composite resin restoration (3M/ESPE, St. Paul, USA) with universal single bond adhesive system (3M/ESPE, St. Paul, USA). A single trained dentist will perform all restorative procedures. The restorations will be evaluated after 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months by two trained and calibrated examiners. Cost-efficacy analysis will be carried out. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Log-rank test, Cox regression, Poisson regression analysis, Mann-Whitney test or Kruskal-Wallis will be performed to analyze data. Conclusion: The protocol will make it possible to determine the most efficacy material for the restoration of cavities in cavities in primary molars of toddlers.

Does Dental Fear in Children Predict Untreated Dental Caries? An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Despite free health care services in Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of caries in children is substantially greater in comparison to other high-income countries. Dental fear in children may be an important issue that needs attention. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the role of dental fear in predicting untreated dental caries in schoolchildren. This analytical cross-sectional study included children aged 8–10 years residing in Saudi Arabia. Dental status via oral examinations was surveyed with the WHO standardized chart and the Children Fear Survey Schedule—Dental Subscale was used to score dental fear. Descriptive, binary, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to report the findings at 5% statistical significance. Overall, there were 798 schoolchildren with an average fear score of 36. Nearly 70.4% reported fear of someone examining their mouth. About 76.9% had at least one carious tooth in their oral cavity. Children with dental fear were 1.8 times (OR = 1.80; 95%CI = 1.26, 2.56) more likely to have at least one untreated carious tooth in their oral cavity than those who did not express fear during oral examinations and dental procedures. Thus, the current study concludes that fear of dentists and dental treatment procedures successfully predicts untreated carious teeth in schoolchildren.

Rothia dentocariosa causing intracranial mycotic aneurysm and ischaemic stroke

We describe a case of subacute bacterial endocarditis and mycotic brain aneurysm caused by Rothia dentocariosa due to untreated dental caries. R. dentocariosa is a rare cause of endocarditis that has a high incidence of aneurysmal and haemorrhagic complications. All patients with intracranial aneurysms who have signs of systemic infection should be considered to have mycotic aneurysms until proven otherwise. Dental habits should be included in regular medical assessment and dental care should be considered for patients presenting with infectious symptoms.

Is there a relation between sleeping habits and nocturnal bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, dental trauma and caries among children?

Objective: Sleep disorders are common among children and have a negative impact on growth and development. Recently reports demonstrate a possible association with oral findings as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between sleeping habits, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and dental caries in children. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at IAU Faculty of Dentistry with a representative sample of a hundred children aged between 6-13. Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was completed by their parents. Intra oral examination was carried out in a clinical setting and presence of nocturnal bruxism, history of TDI were recorded for each child. Results: Among sleeping habits, bed time resistance was found significantly related with children who had nocturnal bruxism and temporomandibular disorders. Untreated dental caries was also found significantly associated with sleep fragmentation. However, no relation was found with traumatic dental injuries. Conclusion: Children with symptoms of bruxism, TMD and untreated dental caries might experience negative impacts on their sleeping habits and characteristics. Pediatricians and pedodontists should work in collaboration to identify causes and clinical features of sleeping habits and disorders in order to avoid negative effects on stomatognathic system.