Is there an association between dental caries and genetics? Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies with twins.

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to assess the agreement of dental caries experience between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins. DATA RESOURCES: This systematic review was performed by reviewers in the databases Embase, MEDLINE-PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and manual searches and gray literature Google Scholar® and Opengray. Observational studies that evaluated dental caries in twins were included. The risk of bias was analyzed using the Joanna Briggs checklist. Meta-analyses were performed to assess the pooled Odds Ratio to estimate the agreement values of dental caries experience and DMF index between pairs of twins (p < 0.05). To assess the certainty of evidence, the GRADE scale was used. STUDY SELECTION: 2533 studies were identified, of which 19 were included in the qualitative analysis, six in the quantitative synthesis, with two meta-analyses being carried out. Association between genetics and the development of the disease was observed in most studies. In the risk of bias analysis, 47.4% had moderate risk. Higher agreement of dental caries experience was observed in MZ twins than DZ in both dentitions (OR: 5.94; 95% CI: 2.00-17.57). However, there was no difference between the MZ and DZ twin groups in the analysis comparing DMF index agreement (OR: 2.86; 95%CI: 0.25-32.79). The certainty of evidence was considered low and very low for all studies included in meta-analyses. CONCLUSION: With very low certainty of the evidence, the genetic factor seems to influence the agreement of the caries experience. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the genetic influence on the disease has the potential to contribute to the development of studies that may use biotechnologies for prevention and treatment as well as guide future research involving gene therapies aiming to prevent the occurrence of dental caries.

Impact of Pulp Necrosis on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Children with Early Childhood Caries.

Purpose: To assess the impact of pulp necrosis on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children with early childhood caries and their caregivers.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with a consecutive sample of children who were divided into three groups: (1) caries-free children; (2) with untreated carious lesions and without pulp necrosis; and (3) with untreated carious lesions and at least one tooth with pulp necrosis. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and a dental clinical examination using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System index. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Mann-Whitney tests and Poisson regression were performed (P <0.05).
Results: A total of 532 children and their legal guardians participated in the study. Children with pulp necrosis had a greater negative impact on the OHRQoL versus those with untreated carious lesions without pulp necrosis (ratio of unadjusted and adjusted rates [RR] = 1.59; 95 percent confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.36 to 1.86; P <0.001), as measured by the total ECOHIS score. in Group 3, four- and five-year-old children had a greater negative impact on the OHRQoL than two- and three-year-old peers (RR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.72; P <0,001).
Conclusion: The presence of pulp necrosis increased the negative impact on OHRQoL of children with untreated carious lesions and their guardians.

Impact of hypomineralised second primary molar on preschoolers' oral health-related quality of life-A hierarchical approach.

BACKGROUND: Hypomineralised second primary molar (HSPM) is a developmental enamel defect associated with dental caries. AIM: To evaluate the impact of HSPM on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in preschoolers through hierarchical analysis. DESIGN: This population-based cross-sectional study assessed 834 5-year-old preschoolers, in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, using sociodemographic questionnaires and Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Dental examination was performed by two calibrated examiners (κ ≥ 0.80) for the diagnosis of HSPM (EAPD), dental caries (dmft and pufa indices), and malocclusion (Foster and Hamilton criteria). Analysis of the determinants of OHRQoL was stratified at three levels (P < .05). RESULTS: Severe HSPM was associated with OHRQoL in bivariate analysis (P < .05). In adjusted final multivariate analysis (model 1), the presence of dental caries with or without clinical consequences was associated with worse OHRQoL (P < .05). In model 2, after the removal of dental caries, preschoolers with severe HSPM had greater probability of having a negative impact on OHRQoL in the child impact section (RR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.26-3.65), family impact section (RR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.16-3.42), and total score (RR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.25-3.49) of the ECOHIS. CONCLUSION: Severe HSPM had a negative impact on the OHRQoL of preschoolers and their families, but the presence of dental caries neutralised this impact.

Does outpatient dental treatment have impact on the quality of life of children with early childhood caries?

AIM: To assess the impact of outpatient dental treatment on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and their families. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted with children with untreated dental caries, recruited from a public university/the pediatric dentistry clinic of a public university in the northeastern Brazil. Sociodemographic data were collected, a clinical examination was carried out before and after dental treatment, and the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) questionnaire was applied to those responsible for the children, before and after dental treatment. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used, and the Wilcoxon and Student's t tests were applied (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The study included 64 children, of both sexes, aged between 3 and 5 years old. The majority had a dmft index higher than or equal to 6 (60.9%), with a mean value of 7.11 (± 4.11). Sociodemographic conditions such as sex, age, and socioeconomic status had no impact on their OHRQoL (p > 0.05). The mean total ECOHIS questionnaire scores and those of its domains decreased after completion of the treatments (p < 0.05), except for scores in the self-image and distress domains of the parents (p > 0.05). This study reinforces the relevance of adopting oral health policies aimed at the prevention and treatment of ECC. CONCLUSION: Outpatient dental treatment had a positive impact on the OHRQoL of children and their families. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The possibility of evaluating the services provided by the pediatric dentistry clinic.

Fluoridated water impact on tooth decay and fluorosis in 17-20-year-olds exposed to fluoride toothpaste.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of water fluoridation on the prevalence and severity of dental caries and fluorosis in individuals aged 17-20 years exposed to fluoride toothpaste. METHODS: The study population consisted of 660 students from public schools, residents of areas supplied with fluoridated water (exposed group) or not (not exposed group). Students from both groups had access to fluoride toothpaste throughout life. A questionnaire about socioeconomic demographic aspects, conditions related to access and exposure to fluoridated water, and habits related to oral health was applied. Dental caries was measured by the DMFT index and dental fluorosis by the TF index. The chi-square test, t test, and subsequently logistic regression were applied for data analysis. RESULTS: Caries experience (DMFT≠0) was significantly higher in students from areas not exposed to fluoridated water, after adjustments to clinical conditions, demographic socioeconomic profile, and hygiene habits. The DMFT mean (±SD) was significantly higher in students from areas not exposed to fluoridated water than exposed (3.83 [±3.28] and 2.48 [±2.71] respectively). The prevalence of very mild/mild and moderate fluorosis was 41.1% and 21% for students either exposed to fluoridated water or not, respectively. CONCLUSION: Exposure to fluoridated water was associated with a lower prevalence and severity of tooth decay, in spite of the use of fluoridated toothpaste. The prevalence of dental fluorosis at all levels was higher in fluoridated areas, however, in both groups, there were few cases with esthetic implications.

Hypomineralized Teeth Have a Higher Frequency of Dental Hypersensitivity.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to: (1) compare dental hypersensitivity (DH) between hypomineralized permanent first molars and unaffected controls molars in patients with molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH); and (2) assess the influence of opacity, color, and subject age on DH. Methods: This cross-sectional study identified 40 children/adolescents, who were attending a children's dental clinic and had one to three first permanent molars hypomineralized (demarcated opacities). The severity and color of the hypomineralized lesions were also evaluated. The assessment of DH was made using evaporative stimulus using a jet of compressed air applied by a dental syringe for one second, perpendicular to the occlusal surface employing the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Schiff cold air sensitivity scale (SCASS). To verify the association between the presence or absence of DH and MIH, Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact test (P<0.05) were performed. Results: The frequency of DH was 28.0 percent in hypomineralized teeth and 9.4 percent in normal controls (by VAS; P=0.002). A higher frequency of opacities was observed (P<0.001). Older individuals had DH more frequently (P<0.05). Conclusions: Hypomineralized molars presented a higher frequency of dental hypersensitivity than control teeth, and dental hypersensitivity was associated with darker opacities of the lesion and older-aged subjects.

Breathing problems, being an only child and having parents with possible sleep bruxism are associated with probable sleep bruxism in preschoolers: a population-based study.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of probable sleep bruxism (SB) in preschoolers and associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out with 862 dyads of parents/preschoolers aged 5 from Teresina, Brazil. Data collection was performed through a questionnaire answered by parents/guardians about socioeconomic, demographic, and health condition data. Each child was examined for diagnosis of probable SB based on the presence of dental wear associated or not with the report of teeth grinding by parents/guardians. The analysis of independent variables was stratified into four levels of determinants: demographic characteristics of the child (distal), characteristics of the family, environmental factors (intermediate), and health conditions (proximal). Descriptive analysis and bivariate and multivariate Poisson's regression were performed using a hierarchical approach (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The prevalence of probable SB was 36%. In the final adjusted multivariate hierarchical model, a preschooler who was the only child (PR = 1.25; 95%CI = 1.02-1.51), with breathing problems (PR = 1.43; 95%CI = 1.19-1.73), and having parents/guardians with possible sleep bruxism (PR = 1.65; 95%CI = 1.32-2.07) had a higher prevalence of probable SB. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of probable SB in preschoolers was high and associated with the condition of being an only child, the presence of breathing problems, and having parents/guardians with possible sleep bruxism.

Oromandibular Limb Hypogenesis Syndrome: Overlap of Moebius and Ankyloglossia Superior With Severe Limb Defects.

The oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndromes (OLHS) represent a group of rare conditions characterized by congenital malformations involving the tongue, mandible, and limbs. In this report, we describe a newborn girl with paralysis of abducens and facial nerves, transverse agenesis of the distal segments of the limbs, micrognathia, cleft lip and palate, and ankyloglossia superior. This observation confirms an overlap between Moebius syndrome and ankyloglossia superior syndrome with severe limb defects. The etiology of the OLHS is not clearly understood. The intriguing link between facial and limb anomalies can result from their simultaneous development from the fourth to eighth week of gestation, making both areas susceptible to the same teratogenic stimuli. There is an overlap between OLHS conditions, supporting a clustering, rather than a divided nosology and requiring an appropriate classification of these conditions. Patients with OLHS can be successfully managed using a multidisciplinary approach.

Enamel of Premolars whose Predecessors Presented Rupture of the Follicle Bone Crypt from Periapical Infections.

OBJECTIVE: To observe if dental alterations in premolars are associated with the rupture of the follicle bone crypt caused by a periapical lesion in the predecessor molars. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. Data collection consisted of the analysis of medical records, a socioeconomic questionnaire, and dental clinical examination. Records from patients with a history of a radiographically visible periapical lesion in lower primary molars submitted to pulp therapy or extraction from a university dental clinic were selected. Successor premolars were clinically evaluated for the presence of enamel development defects, shape alterations, and eruption deviations. The descriptive analysis of data was performed, and Fisher's exact tests, linear trend chi-square, and the Student's t-test were applied. RESULTS: Forty-eight permanent teeth were from 36 patients were evaluated in this study, and 20 (41.7%) of the 48 examined premolars showed a radiographic image suggestive of the rupture of the bone crypt. Rupture of the follicle bone crypt was not associated with the occurrence of enamel alterations in premolars (p = 0.418). An association between dental alterations and age over six years at the time of intervention was observed (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: The presence of enamel alterations of premolars was not associated with the rupture of the follicle bone crypt caused by a periapical lesion in predecessor molars.

Pre-term birth and asthma is associated with hypomineralized second primary molars in pre-schoolers: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Hypomineralized second primary molar (HSPM) is a developmental enamel defect that represents a caries-risk factor. There are few studies about HSPM epidemiology in representative populations. AIM: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with HSPM in pre-schoolers. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional population-based study of 5-year-old pre-schoolers from Teresina, Brazil. The sample was randomly selected and stratified by geographic region of the city, type of school (public and private), and sex of the pre-schoolers (n = 811). Sociodemographic status and pre-, peri-, and post-natal conditions were collected by structured questionnaires. Two calibrated examiners diagnosed HSPM using the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry for molar-incisor hypomineralization. Severity, colour, location, and extent of lesions were also evaluated. Descriptive analysis of the data and a Poisson regression analysis were performed (P < .05). RESULTS: The prevalence of HSPM was 14.9. Demarcated opacities (75.6%) and white/cream colour were the most prevalent (71.4%). Pre-term pre-schoolers had 66% (PR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.07-2.58), and those who reported asthma in the first year of life had 69% (PR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.01-2.85) higher prevalence of HSPM. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-term birth and reported asthma in the first year of life were associated with HSPM. The prevalence of HSPM in pre-schoolers aged 5 years old in Teresina was high.

Dental enamel development defects in children and adolescents with HIV infection: case-control study.

To determine the frequency of Enamel Development Defects (DDE) and associated factors in children and adolescents infected with HIV. A case-control study was conducted in HIV-infected patients (n = 52), aged 3 to 15, and a control group formed by preschool and schoolchildren (n = 104) matched according to gender, age and household income. Data on medical history, neonatal and maternal conditions were obtained. For diagnosis of enamel defects was used modified DDE Index. DDE frequency was 61.5% in the case group and 58.7% in the control group (p = 0.569). Infection of the genitourinary tract and maternal hemorrhage were factors associated with DDE in the case and control groups, respectively. An association was observed between the use of antiretroviral regimens with protease inhibitors or efavirenz and DDE in the permanent dentition. Children and adolescents HIV-infected showed a DDE frequency similar to healthy patients, but factors associated with this condition were different between the groups.

Molar incisor hypomineralization in HIV-infected children and adolescents.

The objective was to determine the prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) among individuals between 7 and 15 years old infected or noninfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The study was conducted with 33 HIV-infected individuals (study group; SG) and 66 non-HIV-infected schoolchildren (control group; CG), paired by gender and age. Data collection was based on medical records (SG), a questionnaire for caregivers and oral examination for diagnosis of MIH (European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry criteria) and caries (DMFT index and ICDAS). Data were analyzed with Mann-Whitney, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression. In SG, MIH (45.5%) and caries (87.9%) had higher prevalence. MIH was associated with use of protease inhibitors in SG (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.21 to 3.77) and incubator need in CG (OR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.71 to 9.10). HIV-infected patients had a higher prevalence of MIH and dental caries in the permanent dentition.

Caries, Toothbrushing Habits, and Fluoride Intake From Toothpaste by Brazilian Children According to Socioeconomic Status.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries, toothbrushing habits, fluoride intake, and factors associated with the use of toothpaste in Brazilian children according to socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 148 three- to four-year-olds of both low and high socioeconomic status. Data collection consisted of administering a questionnaire to guardians, brushing to determine fluoride intake, and examining the children's teeth to evaluate dental caries. RESULTS: In this study, 42 percent of children from high SES and 2.7 percent of children from low SES used toothpaste without fluoride or with a concentration below 1,000 ppm F. Fluoride intake was associated with SES, frequency of brushing, the amount of toothpaste used, and the concentration of fluoride present in toothpastes (P<0.05). Low SES children had a higher fluoride intake during brushing (0.045 mg F/kg body weight/day), compared to high SES children (0.023 mg F/kg body weight/day). Unlike low SES children (68.9 percent), all high SES children were caries free. CONCLUSIONS: A lower socioeconomic status was associated with a higher prevalence of dental caries and a higher intake of fluoride from toothpaste.

Endodontic Treatment of Primary Molars with Antibiotic Paste: A Report of 38 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: This study presents 38 cases of primary molars with necrotic pulps treated with antibiotics-based paste. CASE REPORT: The technique consisted of necrotic tissue removal of the pulp chamber, using spoons excavators and low speed drills. Pulp cavity was washed with saline solution and dried with sterile cotton balls. Then an antibiotic paste composed of chloramphenicol, tetracycline, zinc oxide and eugenol - CTZ paste - was inserted at the entrance of root canals. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at different times. The criteria that defined clinical success were the lack of periapical abscess and mobility compatible with chronological age. Radiographic assessments consisted in absence of radiolucency in the region of root bifurcation and pathological bone resorption. CONCLUSION: There were 100% and 93% of clinical and radiographic success, respectively. The results suggest that the CTZ paste is an optional therapy for pulp of primary molars.

[Epidemiological surveillance of dental fluorosis in a city with a tropical climate with a fluoridated public drinking water supply]. / Vigilância epidemiológica da fluorose dentária em município de clima tropical com água de abastecimento público fluoretada.

The scope of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among 11 to 14-year-old schoolchildren in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, which is a tropical city with a fluoridated public drinking water supply. It involved a cross-sectional observational study on a sample of 571 students in public and private schools. Informed Consent forms were approved for the data collection and the exams were conducted at the schools. Data were recorded on a questionnaire answered by the parents, regarding the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and oral hygiene habits of the sample. The dental exam was performed qualified dental sugeons. The Thylstrup-Fejerskov (TF) index was used. The prevalence of fluorosis was 77.9%, and only 12.5% of the affected children had TF ≥ grade 3 (with aesthetic damage). The premolars were the teeth most affected by fluorosis. Among the students with the highest severity of fluorosis, 98.6% belonged to the lowest social bracket (> B2), 91.5% were born and had always lived in Teresina, 94.4% consumed water from the fluoridated public supply, 76% used toothpaste for children and 64% of mothers reported that they swallowed toothpaste. The prevalence of fluorosis was high, though the severity was low in individuals exposed to fluoridation since birth.

Crown-root fracture with pulp exposure: a case report with 16-year follow-up.

A 12-year-old boy presented for dental care 35 days after he fell from his bicycle. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed a longitudinal crown-root fracture with pulp exposure in the maxillary left central incisor. The radiograph also suggested necrosis of the maxillary right central incisor. Urgent treatment of the left central incisor involved gingivectomy followed by autogenous bonding of the tooth fragment with self-curing composite resin. Immediately after bonding, coronal access was prepared, chemical and mechanical preparation was completed, and a calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing was placed. One week after the initial appointment, endodontic treatment was initiated in the right central incisor. The root canal of the maxillary left central incisor was maintained with calcium hydroxide paste (replaced at 45-day intervals) for 1 year and then definitively obturated. At the 16-year follow-up, satisfactory periodontal, esthetic, and clinical conditions were observed, and a radiograph revealed no resorption or periapical changes.

Restorative management of severely ankylosed primary molars.

Severe dentoalveolar ankylosis is an etiological factor for malocclusion. When infraocclusion occurs early, it progresses with time, leading to severe consequences in young children because of compensatory supra-eruption of the antagonist tooth and mesialization of adjacent teeth. Early diagnosis allows for interception of the problem and may prevent orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this manuscript is to report two cases of infraocclusion of primary mandibular second molars that were diagnosed early and were treated with composite resin crowns. The use of indirect composite restorations for ankylosed teeth is a good option for primary teeth with a moderate/ severe degree of ankylosis.

Salivary fluoride levels after use of high-fluoride dentifrice.

The aim of the study was to evaluate salivary fluoride (F) availability after toothbrushing with a high-F dentifrice. Twelve adult volunteers took part in this crossover and blind study. F concentration in saliva was determined after brushing with a high-F dentifrice (5000 µg F/g) or with a conventional F concentration dentifrice (1100 µg F/g) followed by a 15 mL distilled water rinse. Samples of nonstimulated saliva were collected on the following times: before (baseline), and immediately after spit (time = 0) and after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. F analysis was performed with a fluoride-sensitive electrode and the area under curve of F salivary concentration × time (µg F/mL × min(-1)) was calculated. At baseline, no significant difference was found among dentifrices (P > 0.05). After brushing, both dentifrices caused an elevated fluoride level in saliva; however salivary F concentration was significantly higher at all times, when high-F dentifrice was used (P < 0.01). Even after 120 min, salivary F concentration was still higher than the baseline values for both dentifrices (P < 0.001). High-F dentifrice enhanced the bioavailability of salivary F, being an option for caries management in patients with high caries risk.

Epidemiologic Study of Molar-incisor Hypomineralization in Schoolchildren in North-eastern Brazil.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in children and possible factors associated with this disorder. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study of 594 11- to 14-year-olds from Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. The diagnosis of MIH was made based on criteria set by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. To investigate possible associated factors, mothers completed a questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of the data, chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Fisher tests and Poisson regression (PR) were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of MIH was 18.4 percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI] equals 15.20 to 21.50). The maxillary molars were the teeth most affected by MIH (36.1 percent). MIH patients showed a higher number of mean DMF-T (PR equals 2.18; 95 percent CI equals 1.46 to 2.85) than those not affected by the condition. There was an association between MIH and preterm birth (PR equals 1.76; 95 percent CI equals 1.22 to 2.12) and between MIH and respiratory distress at birth (PR equals 1.83; 95 percent CI equals 1.25 to 2.18). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MIH in schoolchildren was 18.4 percent. Those with MIH had a greater mean DMF-T than those without MIH. Preterm birth and respiratory distress were associated with MIH.