TLR2 and TLR4 Polymorphisms Are Not Associated with Dental Caries in Polish Children.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the association of the TLR2 (Toll-like receptor 2 gene) 2258G>A (rs5743708), TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4 gene) 896A>G (rs4986790), and TLR4 1196C>T (rs4986791) polymorphisms with dental caries in Polish children. The participants, 261 15-year-old children, were divided into two groups: 82 cases (i.e., children with DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index >5, having either moderate or high caries experience, assigned as the "higher" caries experience group) and 179 controls (i.e., children with DMFT ≤ 5, having either low or very low caries experience, assigned as the "lower" caries experience group). Genomic DNA was isolated from buccal swabs, and genotyping was determined by means of real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). There were no significant differences in the genotype or allele distributions in all tested SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) between children with "higher" caries experience and those with "lower" caries experience. TLR4 haplotype frequencies did not differ significantly between cases and controls. In an additional analysis with another case definition applied (subjects with DMFT ≥ 1 were assigned as "cases", whereas children with DMFT = 0 were assigned as "controls"), no significant differences in the TLR2 and TLR4 genotype, allele frequencies, and TLR4 haplotype frequencies were found between the case and the control groups. The results of the present study broaden our knowledge on the potential genetic factors that might affect caries risk and suggest that TLR2 rs5743708 and TLR4 rs4986790 and rs4986791 SNPs are not associated with dental caries susceptibility in Polish children.

Dental caries status and related factors among 5-year-old children in Shanghai.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries in young children is a difficult global oral health problem. In the last decade, China has put a great deal of effort into reducing the prevalence of dental caries. This study, which is part of the China Population Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance 2021, aimed to investigate the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 5 in Shanghai, China, and its associated factors. METHODS: A total of 1281 children aged 5 years from 6 districts in Shanghai were selected by a stratified sampling method. The survey consisted of an oral health questionnaire and an oral health examination. The questionnaire included questions on oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. The oral health examination used WHO standards. After screening, the data were input and analysed. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to study the relevant factors affecting dental caries. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries among 1281 children was 51.0%, the dmft index score was 2.46, the Significant Caries Index (SiC) score was 6.39, and the SiC10 score was 10.35. Dental caries experience was related to the frequency of sweet drink consumption, the age of starting tooth brushing, eating habits after brushing, whether the children had received an oral examination provided by the government (p < 0.05), and the mother's education level but was not related to sex, the use of fluoride toothpaste, the frequency of brushing, whether the parents assisted brushing, or the frequency of flossing (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the region of residence, eating after brushing and the age of starting brushing were associated with dental caries. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries remained prevalent among 5-year-old children in Shanghai, China. Prevention strategies that target the associated factors including region of residence, eating after brushing, and the age of starting brushing should be considered.

FCN1 polymorphisms are not the markers of dental caries susceptibility in Polish children: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of four FCN1 SNPs: -542G>A (rs10120023), -144C>A (rs10117466), +6658C>T (rs148649884), and +7895A>G (rs150625869) with dental caries in Polish children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 261 15-year-old Polish teenagers: 82 children with "higher" caries experience (having Decayed Missing Filled Teeth, DMFT >5) and 179 children with "lower" caries experience (having DMFT ≤5). Moreover, in additional comparison, a group of 229 children with caries experience (DMFT ≥1) was compared to a caries-free (DMFT =0) group of 32 children. Extraction of genomic DNA was performed from buccal swabs, and genotyping was performed by Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: FCN1 SNPs +6658C>T and +7895A>G appeared to be monomorphic in our sample. The genotype, allele, or haplotype distributions in FCN1 SNPs -542G>A and -144C>A in children with "higher" caries experience did not differ significantly from those in "lower" caries experience group. Similar results with no significant differences were demonstrated for subjects with DMFT ≥1 compared to subjects with DMFT =0. CONCLUSION: FCN1 SNPs are not the markers of dental caries susceptibility in Polish children.

Association between population-based fluoride varnish application services and dental caries experience among schoolchildren in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Taiwan government has provided population-based fluoride varnish application services for all preschool children since July 2004. This study investigated the association providing such services on dental caries experiences among schoolchildren. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on schoolchildren aged 8-9 years. A questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic background, parents' oral health status, children's oral health-related behavior, and dietary habits. Dental caries was recorded through standardized oral examinations. The number of services was retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Univariate, multivariable linear, and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The study involved 1246 children. The mean dental caries indices were 3.97 for decayed, extracted, and filled teeth (deft) and 0.94 for decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT). After adjustments for confounding factors, it was revealed that children receiving services were not associated with significantly lower deft and DMFT indices (P > 0.05). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for untreated primary teeth of children receiving 3 or more services was 0.64 (95% CI = 0.44-0.95) compared with those who received no services (P = 0.025). However, subgroup analyses demonstrated that children in the low-risk group were mainly affected (adjusted OR = 0.36-0.89, P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that children receiving 3 or more services were associated with a 36% decreased risk of having untreated caries in primary dentition, but these children were mainly in the low-risk group. These results illustrate real data that provides dentists and policymakers with valuable information.

Dental caries experience and associated factors in adults: a cross-sectional community survey within Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia is a developing sub-Saharan African country with increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including oral conditions. Oral health and dental care have been given little consideration, and there is limited information relating to population oral health and use of dental services in the country. The aim of this study was to examine the burden and associated factors of dental caries experience and investigate access to dental care amongst adults within Ethiopia. METHODS: This community-based oral health survey is a baseline study for the ASSET - Health System Strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa project undertaken in the Butajira area, south-central Ethiopia. A stratified random sample of households and individuals participated in the study. The survey instruments were mainly based on the WHO Oral Health Survey Methods manual (5th ed.). Face-to-face interviews and clinical dental examinations were conducted. The data were analysed for descriptive statistics; and Poisson regression models were built to assess the association of dental caries and predictor variables in adults (≥18 years). RESULTS: Most of the study population (n = 626) were female (63.9%), married (71.4%) and Muslim (76.0%). Just over half (53.2%) lived in rural areas and many (44.4%) had no formal education. A majority (74.0%) reported never utilising dental care services, and the main reason was never experiencing any dental problem (71.3%). Sixty percent (n = 377) of the adults had experienced dental caries, 88.0% (n = 332) of whom had untreated carious teeth. Pain or discomfort was reported by 16.5, and 7.2% had one or more PUFA component. Most (59.9%) adults with dental caries experience reported tooth pain or discomfort during the last year. In the fully adjusted Poisson regression model, increasing age, dental care utilisation and Khat chewing had positive significant associations with dental caries experience, whilst education status was negatively associated (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a high burden of dental caries and considerable consequences resulting from untreated disease in this population of adults. There was evidence of social inequity, limited utilisation of dental care and oral health awareness. This highlights the need for oral health system strengthening focusing on health promotion and expanding overall access to care.

General and erosive tooth wear of 16-year-old adolescents in Kuantan, Malaysia: prevalence and association with dental caries.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of general tooth wear (GTW), i.e. tooth wear irrespective of etiology and erosive tooth wear (ETW), i.e. tooth wear predominantly due to erosion; and also to investigate the relationship between ETW and dental caries experience in 16-year-old adolescents in Kuantan, Malaysia. METHODS: A multi-staged cluster sampling method was employed. A total of 598 16-year-old adolescents participated in this study. Participants' demographic profile was assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. Clinical examinations were carried out under standardized conditions by a single examiner. The level of GTW was recorded using the modified Smith and Knight's Tooth Wear Index (TWI) whilst ETW were recorded using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. This index was developed to record clinical findings and assist in the decision-making process for the management of erosive tooth wear. Dental caries was recorded using the D3MFT index whereby D3 denotes obvious dental decay into dentine detected visually. RESULTS: The prevalence of GTW, ETW and dental caries, i.e. percentage of individuals found to have at least one lesion, was 99.8%, 45.0% and 27.8% respectively. Two thirds of affected teeth with GTW were observed to have a TWI score of 1 whereas almost all of the affected teeth with ETW had a BEWE score of 2. The mean D3MFT was 0.62 (95% CI 0.50, 0.73) with Decayed (D) teeth being the largest component, mean D3T was 0.36 (95% CI 0.30, 0.43). There was no significant association between socio-demographic factors and prevalence of ETW. Logistic regression analysis also showed no significant relationship between the prevalence of ETW and D3MFT (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Almost all adolescents examined had GTW but they were mainly early lesions. However, nearly half were found to have ETW of moderate severity (BEWE score 2). No significant relationship between the occurrence of erosive tooth wear and caries was observed in this population.

Exploring socioeconomic inequality in caries experience in an adult Norwegian population; the HUNT4 Oral Health Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate socioeconomic inequality in caries experience in an adult Norwegian population. METHODS: This population-based study included 4549 dentate participants aged 25-94 years from the cross-sectional HUNT4 Oral Health Study conducted in Central Norway in 2017-2019. Participants were randomly sampled from the larger HUNT4 Survey and answered questionnaires and underwent clinical and radiographic examinations. Caries experience was measured as numbers of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT index) and socioeconomic position was denoted by education and household income. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate associations between caries experience and socioeconomic position. RESULTS: Lower levels of both education and income were associated with higher caries experience, particularly pronounced for missing teeth. Socioeconomic gradients were observed for all outcomes DMFT, DT, MT and FT (p-value linear trends <.001). Gradients were similar for both income and education and were apparent for all age groups but were most evident in middle-aged and older individuals. High level of education was associated with a 50% lower mean number of missing teeth compared with basic level education, whereas high income was associated with a 24% lower mean number of decayed teeth and a 15% higher mean number of filled teeth than low income. CONCLUSIONS: There was a socioeconomic gradient for caries experience in the study population that was present from early adulthood and increased with age. The gradient was particularly pronounced for missing teeth. Findings indicate that inequality was more associated with treatment given than with untreated disease.

Social Inequities in Access to Dental Care in Australian Adults over Time.

INTRODUCTION: Social inequities in dental caries are reflected by both inequities in the social structures that contribute to disease severity and inequities in the provision of dental care. This study aimed to describe social differentials in the dental caries experience among Australian adults across a 13-y period and to examine if the highest magnitude of oral health inequities persisted across dental caries prevalence (decayed teeth [DT]) or its management (missing teeth [MT], filled teeth [FT]). METHODS: Data were from 2 population-based cross-sectional surveys of Australian adult oral health conducted in 2004-2006 (National Survey of Adult Oral Health-1 [NSAOH-1], n = 5,505) and 2017-2018 (NSAOH-2, n = 5,022). In each survey, representative samples of adults were obtained through a 3-stage, stratified sample design within metropolitan and regional areas in each state/territory. Clinical outcomes included the prevalence and mean of DT, MT, FT, and DMFT. Equivalized household income was grouped into approximately quartiles from low to high. RESULTS: Across all income quartiles, the mean DT and % DT >0 was higher in NSAOH-2 than in NSAOH-1. The increase in prevalence was highest in the third highest income group (prevalence difference [PD] = 8.4, from 24.1 to 32.5). Similarly, % MT >0 was lower in NSAOH-2 than in NSAOH-1 across all income groups, with the decrease most marked for the lowest income group (PD = -6.5, from 74.1 to 67.8). Across all income quartiles, % FT >0 was lower in NSAOH-2 than in NSAOH-1. The decrease was the most marked for the lowest income group (PD = -8.9, from 81.1 to 72.2). CONCLUSION: The findings confirm that although oral health inequities decreased for the most extreme management outcome of dental caries (MT), inequities increased for experience of that disease (DT) and the more conservative management of dental caries (FT). For all D, M, and F components (DMFT), inequities between the lowest and highest household income groups increased from 2004-2006 to 2017-2018. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: This study found that social inequities in oral health (experience of untreated dental caries and missing teeth) increased between the most socially advantaged and disadvantaged groups between 2004-2006 and 2017-2018. This suggests that models of dental service provision in Australia are increasingly benefitting those who can afford and access the care and who arguably need the services less than their less socially advantaged counterparts do.

Obesity and Dental Caries in School Children.

(1) Background: Childhood obesity and dental caries are common chronic conditions with multiple contributing factors, linked to negative health consequences and significant expenses in healthcare. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between obesity and dental caries in school-aged children; (2) Methods: Data from 3323 6-12-year-old children from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2016 were analyzed. The NHANES was conducted at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. The CDC standard was used to define obesity. Dental caries was measured during clinical examinations and summarized using DMFT scores for caries experience and prevalence (dt > 0) for untreated caries. The study examined the correlation between obesity and dental caries using regression models that considered demographic variables, family socioeconomic status, and the child's intake of added sugars as controlling factors; (3) Results: The association between obesity and dental caries was not significant in either unadjusted or adjusted models; and (4) Conclusion: The data indicate that untreated caries and caries experiences are not directly correlated with childhood obesity. There are, however, common causes of poor dental health and childhood obesity: culture, poverty level, lifestyle, and family traditions and habits. Dentists must be aware of factors influencing the development of childhood caries so that they can intervene as early as possible.

Decline in dental caries experience among schoolchildren in Taiwan, 2012-2020.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the association between the decline of the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and several family-level and individual-level factors among 6- to 18-year-old Taiwanese children from 2012 to 2020. METHODS: This study used data from the 2012 and 2020 Taiwan National Oral Health Survey of Children and Adolescents. Both surveys used similar methods and were performed in the same study age group. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on parents' sociodemographic background; the number of children in the family; oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours; and children's dietary habits. Dental caries was recorded through standardized oral examinations. Multivariable multilevel zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used to determine the association between family-level and individual-level factors and the DMFT index from 2012 to 2020. RESULTS: A total of 10 217 and 10 436 schoolchildren completed the oral examinations and questionnaires in the 2012 and 2020 surveys, respectively. The adjusted mean DMFT index of 12-year-old Taiwanese schoolchildren in 2020 was 2.01, denoting a significant decline from 2.50 in 2012 (adjusted mean ratio = 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17, 0.23, p < .0001). Furthermore, children who often consumed sugar-rich drinks had a significantly higher risk (mean ratio = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.10) of having DMFT than those who seldom consumed such drinks (p = .017). CONCLUSIONS: In the period of 2012-2020, the DMFT index among Taiwanese children significantly declined. Children who often consumed sugar-rich drinks had a higher DMFT index than those who seldom consumed such drinks. Our findings are valuable to paediatricians, dentists, nutritionists, and public health policymakers.

Relationship of sociodemographic factors on dental caries experience among 11-14-year-old schoolchildren in India.

BACKGROUND: As dynamics of caries is changing, there is a need to understand the impact of sociodemographic factors on dental caries to broaden the horizon of dental caries etiology. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of sociodemographic factors on dental caries experience among 11-14-year-old schoolchildren in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 11-14-year-old schoolchildren in 2015 at Rohtak, India, after approval from the Institution's Ethics Committee. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed for selecting a school randomly from every cluster. Every odd-numbered child from selected class was included in the study through systematic random sampling. Demographic factors were recorded such as education, occupation, income, and socioeconomic status (SES) were assessed using modified Kuppuswamy classification (Oberoi SS 2015). Dental caries was recorded using Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment index. Data were analyzed using SPPS 18, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-square tests were used with P value fixed at 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was 28.6% with mean decayed, missing, or filled teeth of 0.60 ± 1.13. Age, gender, position of child, number of siblings, type of family, father's and mother's education, and father's occupation had no significant relationship with dental caries (P > 0.05), whereas mother's occupation, family income, and SES were significantly related to dental caries (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High socioeconomic status of parents had a significant role on increased dental caries experience among children.

Asociación entre caries dental de madres y de sus hijos menores de 72 meses en el centro de crecimiento y desarrollo - lactancia materna Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú / Association between dental caries in mothers and their children under 72 months old from the Center of Growth and Development- Breastfeeding Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre caries dental de madres y de sus hijos menores de 72 meses del Centro de Crecimiento y desarrollo- Lactancia materna del Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia en la ciudad de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio fue analítico, observacional, y transversal. Y se realizó sobre una muestra de 102 pares madre-hijo, los niños fueron menores de 72 meses de edad. Se realizaron exámenes bucales a ambos y se buscó asociación entre prevalencia de caries dental y experiencia de caries dental con otras variables como edad, sexo y grado de instrucción. Se empleó la prueba estadística de Chi-cuadrado corregida por Yates y Fisher. El estudio contó con un nivel de confianza de 95% y un p<0,05. Resultados: La prevalencia de caries dental en madres fue de 59.8% y en los niños de 9,8%. En cuanto a la experiencia de caries dental, las madres tuvieron un CPOD promedio de 6,8 y un CPOS de 16,7. Los niños tuvieron un ceod promedio de 0,3, y el mismo valor para el ceos. Conclusión: No existió asociación entre caries dental de la madre y sus hijos menores de 72 meses del Centro de Desarrollo y Crecimiento - Lactancia materna en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima- Perú.

SUMMARY Objective: Analyze the association between dental caries in mothers y and their children under 72 months old from the Center of Growth and Development- Breastfeeding in the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. Materials and methods: This study was analytical, observational and cross- sectional. The analysis was made with a sample of 204 subjects, 102 pairs of mothers-children, the children were under 72 months old. Oral examinations were performed to the mothers and their children, we tried to associate the prevalence of dental caries and dental caries experience with other variables such as age, sex and level of education. Chi- Square corrected by Yates and Fisher was used as a statistical test. The study had a 95% of confidence level and p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of dental caries in mothers was 59.8% and in their children 9.8%. The mothers had an average of 6.8 DMFT and DMFS of 16.7 in dental caries. The children had an average of 0.3 ceod with the same value for the ceos. Conclusions: There was no association between dental caries in mothers and their children under 72 months of the Growth and Development Center - Breastfeeding in the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima- Peru.

Dental caries experience and salivary Streptococcus mutans, lactobacilli scores, salivary flow rate, and salivary buffering capacity among 6-year-old Indian school children.

CONTEXT: Dental caries is a disease of multifactorial etiology. A variety of potential predictors have been examined for the association with caries increments in longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the possible relationship among salivary cariogenic microflora, buffer capacity, secretion rate, and caries experience among 6-year-old school-going children in Davangere city, India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 196 6-year-old school children were selected by a two-stage random sampling method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parents were interrogated regarding sociodemographic details. Clinical examination of children was conducted to assess dental caries experience, and stimulated saliva was collected to assess S. mutans levels, lactobacilli, salivary flow, and buffering capacity of saliva. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The difference in proportions was tested using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Mann-Whitney U-test for intragroup comparison, and the difference in mean was tested using ANOVA and independent sample t-test as necessary. Caries experience was correlated with salivary factors using Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Out of 196 children, 96 were boys and 100 were girls. Overall, 97 (49.49%) children were caries free (dmft, DMFT = 0) and 99 (50.51%) children presented with caries (dmft, DMFT>0). The mean dmft and dmfs score for the overall group was 3.20 and 5.43, respectively. The mean DMFT and DMFS score was 0.23 and 0.25, respectively. A highly significant correlation was seen between mean the caries score and salivary variables. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of salivary microbiological counts in correlation with the caries data stress the importance of these factors and urge the necessity of elective preventive programs in this region.

Experiencia promedio de caries en dentición primaria y secundaria y su asociación con la higiene oral en un grupo de escolares del municipio de Yautepec, estado de Morelos, México, 2009 / Caries prevalence and association with oral hygiene in a group of school-age children, Yautepec, Morelos, Mexico, 2009

Introducción. La caries es una enfermedad multifactorial considerada un problema de salud pública -ya que, a escala mundial, 95% de los niños la padecen- que está íntimamente asociada a la calidad de la higiene oral. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la experiencia promedio de caries dental en un grupo de escolares del municipio de Yautepec, Morelos, y su relación con la higiene oral. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio epidemiológico de carácter descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo en 771 escolares con dentición mixta del municipio de Yautepec, estado de Morelos. Para medir la experiencia promedio de caries dental y la calidad de la higiene oral se llevó a cabo el registro de los índices CPOD, ceod e IHOS de acuerdo con los criterios establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (Cr =0.03, Ca =0.89, k =0.942). Resultados. La experiencia promedio de caries dental tuvo una tendencia de aproximadamente dos dientes primarios con alguna experiencia de caries, y en dentición secundaria el promedio fue de casi cero. En ambos casos, las diferencias resultaron estadísticamente significativas ( p <0.0001). Asimismo, se observó que la enfermedad no tuvo relación con el sexo ( p >0.05), pero sí con la calidad de la higiene oral ( p =0.0001). Conclusiones. La experiencia promedio de caries dental en ambas denticiones fue baja. La condición más frecuentemente observada en cuanto a la calidad de la higiene oral fue buena. La experiencia promedio de caries mostró estar asociada con la edad y con la calidad de la higiene oral.

Background. Caries is a multifactorial disease and is considered a public health problem because 95% of children worldwide suffer from it. It is intimately associated with oral hygiene quality. The objective of this work was to determine the relationship between the experience of dental caries and oral hygiene in school-age children living in Yautepec, Morelos, Mexico. Methods. A cross-sectional study of 771 school-age children with mixed dentition in Yautepec, Morelos, Mexico was undertaken. An oral exam was used to collect data on oral hygiene and dental caries in primary and permanent teeth. This evaluation was developed by two dentists using standardized DMFT/dmft index to determine dental caries according to the criteria established by the WHO (Cr =0.03, Ca =0.89, k =0.942). Results. The average experience of dental caries was a trend of approximately two primary teeth with some experience of caries and in secondary dentition the average was almost zero. In both cases these differences were found to be statistically significant ( p <0.0001). It was also noted that the disease had no relationship with gender ( p >0.05) but was related with the quality of oral hygiene ( p =0.0001). Conclusions. The average experience of dental caries in both dentitions was low. The condition most frequently observed in terms of quality of oral hygiene was good. The average experience of dental caries was shown to be associated with age and quality of oral hygiene.