Associations between maternal mental health, child dental anxiety, and oral health of 6- to 12-year-olds in Nigeria.

Maternal mental health affects their children's oral health. This study assessed the associations between maternal mental health and dental anxiety level, dental caries experience, oral hygiene, and gingival status among 6- to 12-year-old children in Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study that recruited mother-child dyad participants through a household survey conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Data collected included the independent (maternal mental health risk, depressive symptoms, and child's dental anxiety), and dependent (caries experience, oral hygiene status, and gingival health status) variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the associations between dependent and independent variables after adjusting for confounders (mothers' age, child's age, sex, and socioeconomic status). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Of the 1411 mothers recruited, 1248 (88.4%) had low mental health risk, and 896 (63.5%) had mild depressive symptoms. As for the children, 53 (3.8%) had caries, 745 (52.8%) had moderate to high dental anxiety, 953 (63.0%) had gingivitis and 36 (2.6%) had poor oral hygiene. The maternal mental health risk was not significantly associated with the child's caries experience (AOR: 1.012; 95%CI: 0.860-1.190; p = 0.886), poor oral hygiene (AOR:1.037; 95%CI: 0.975-1.104; p=0.250), and moderate/severe gingivitis (AOR:0.887; 95%CI: 0.764-1.030; p = 0.115). Maternal depression status was not significantly associated with the child's caries experience (AOR: 0.910; 95%CI: 0.802-1.033; p = 0.145), poor oral hygiene (AOR: 1.016; 95%CI: 0.976-1.057; p = 0.439), and moderate/severe gingivitis (AOR: 0.963; 95%CI: 0.861-1.077; p = 0.509). Maternal mental health risk and depression do not seem to be risk factors for schoolchildren's oral health in Nigeria. Further studies are needed to understand these findings.

Associations between maternal mental health, child dental anxiety, and oral health of 6- to 12-year-olds in Nigeria

Abstract Maternal mental health affects their children's oral health. This study assessed the associations between maternal mental health and dental anxiety level, dental caries experience, oral hygiene, and gingival status among 6- to 12-year-old children in Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study that recruited mother-child dyad participants through a household survey conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Data collected included the independent (maternal mental health risk, depressive symptoms, and child's dental anxiety), and dependent (caries experience, oral hygiene status, and gingival health status) variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the associations between dependent and independent variables after adjusting for confounders (mothers' age, child's age, sex, and socioeconomic status). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Of the 1411 mothers recruited, 1248 (88.4%) had low mental health risk, and 896 (63.5%) had mild depressive symptoms. As for the children, 53 (3.8%) had caries, 745 (52.8%) had moderate to high dental anxiety, 953 (63.0%) had gingivitis and 36 (2.6%) had poor oral hygiene. The maternal mental health risk was not significantly associated with the child's caries experience (AOR: 1.012; 95%CI: 0.860-1.190; p = 0.886), poor oral hygiene (AOR:1.037; 95%CI: 0.975-1.104; p=0.250), and moderate/severe gingivitis (AOR:0.887; 95%CI: 0.764-1.030; p = 0.115). Maternal depression status was not significantly associated with the child's caries experience (AOR: 0.910; 95%CI: 0.802-1.033; p = 0.145), poor oral hygiene (AOR: 1.016; 95%CI: 0.976-1.057; p = 0.439), and moderate/severe gingivitis (AOR: 0.963; 95%CI: 0.861-1.077; p = 0.509). Maternal mental health risk and depression do not seem to be risk factors for schoolchildren's oral health in Nigeria. Further studies are needed to understand these findings.

Habit-breaking methods employed by mothers of children with nonnutritive sucking habits resident in suburban Nigeria.

CONTEXT: Parents are often concerned about their children's nonnutritive sucking (NNS) habits and may institute mechanisms to try to break them. AIM: The study identified various methods instituted by mothers resident in a suburban Nigeria to break NNS habits of children, reasons for wanting to break the habit, and the association between instituted methods and sociodemographic profile of the mothers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 129 mothers of children aged 4 years to 12 years who had NNS habits at the time of conducting a household survey were analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Tests of associations were conducted to determine the association between maternal age and level of education and methods employed to break child's NNS habits. RESULTS: Eighty-four mothers (65.1%) made efforts to break the habit. Habit persisting to older age was the main concern. The most common method employed for breaking habits was punishing the child (54.8%).Only 7 (20.0%) mothers who were concerned about NNS habit(s) sought professional advice. A greater though insignificant percentage of mothers in the 25-34 years age group (57.2%; P = 0.48) and those with secondary school level of education (56.0%; P = 0.12) made efforts to break their children's NNS habits. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of mothers were concerned about their children's NNS habits. However, very few concerned mothers sought professional advice. Efforts need to be made to improve the public awareness about the availability of professional services for managing NNS habits and potential impact of employing nonprofessional methods to break habits.

Digit Sucking Habit and Association with Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene Status of Children Aged 6 Months to 12 Years Resident in Semi-Urban Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is a common behavior in childhood. The association between digit sucking, dental caries and oral health has been studied with inconclusive results. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of, and the association between digit sucking, caries and oral hygiene status of children age six months to 12 years, resident in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State. Data were collected through a household survey using a multi-stage sampling procedure from children between six months and 12 years. Details of each child's socio-demographic characteristics, digit sucking habits, caries status and oral health status were collected. The association between digit sucking, caries status and oral hygiene status was determined using Chi square and Logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age of the 992 study participants was 5.8 ± (3.2) years. The prevalence of digit sucking, caries and poor oral hygiene were 7.2%, 10.5% and 2.4% respectively. The mean dmft score was 0.22 ± (0.80), mean DMFT score was 0.04 ± (0.30) while mean Oral Hygiene Index score was 1.27 ± (0.73). Digit sucking increased the odds of having caries (OR: 1.28; CI: 0.58-2.81) but decreased the odds of having poor oral hygiene (OR: 0.58; CI: 0.34-1.01) insignificantly. CONCLUSIONS: Digit sucking was not a significant predictor of caries and oral hygiene status, although the odds of having caries increased while the odds of having poor oral hygiene decreased with digit sucking.

Erosive potential: Laboratory evaluation of tooth dissolution in cough syrups

AIM: To evaluate the associated weight loss of extracted teeth after immersed in cough syrups for a period of time so as to predict the erosive potential of the liquid medicines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: pHs of the medicines were measured at the start of the study. 25 extracted test teeth were weighed to 0.01 mg and assigned at random to each syrup under evaluation. The test medicines were placed in 10 mL screw-cap plastic containers and the test teeth were weighed after 7 days. RESULTS: 88 % of the medicines caused reduction in weights of the test teeth after seven days of immersion. Weight loss of the test teeth also noticed with basic syrups. Also lowest pH syrup did not produce the greatest weight loss. CONCLUSION: Majority of the cough syrups caused loss of weight of the test teeth. Thus, they possess the potential to cause dental erosion.

Barriers to restorative care as perceived by dentists in Nigeria.

PURPOSE: To identify the barriers to restorative care as perceived by dentists working in urban and semi-urban dental hospitals in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was cross sectional and the sample consisted of 189 of 280 dentists who consented to, filled out and returned the questionnaire mailed to them. The questionnaire consisted of fifteen itemed statements and the respondents were asked to what extent they agreed or disagreed with each item on a four-point Likert scale; 'not at all', 'slight extent', 'some extent' and 'great extent'. Five barrier factors were extracted from the questionnaire. These were 'beliefs of patients', 'knowledge of patients', 'equipment/materials', 'attitude' and 'motivation of practitioner'. Two questions were not grouped with the barrier factors: 'dentistry is being looked down on by administration' and 'patients prefer extraction to filling'. RESULTS: The barrier factor 'attitude of patients' had the highest score (mean = 3.73), followed by the 'knowledge of patients' (mean = 3.27). The barrier factor 'belief of patients' had the lowest score (mean = 2.43). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, the barrier factor 'attitude of patients' was the most important barrier to restorative care as perceived by dentists working in urban and semi-urban regions of Nigeria.

A survey of teething beliefs and related practices among child healthcare workers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

PURPOSE: To determine the perceptions/beliefs and related practices of child healthcare workers regarding teething problems in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study consisted of 103 out of 140 child healthcare workers at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex who responded to a structured self-administered questionnaire. The child healthcare workers comprised dentists, paediatricians, community health physicians, pharmacists and community health nurses. The data were analysed using STATA (Intercooled release 9) for Windows. RESULTS: A total of 77 (74.8%) child healthcare workers believed in systemic signs and symptoms of teething in children. A majority of the dentists (79.3%) and pharmacists (96.2%) believed in teething problems. None of them based their belief on evidence-based scientific principles, but instead on personal experience (36.4%), books (26%), local myths (20.8%) and school/workshop (16.8%). Fever (18.2%) and diarrhoea (15.6%) were the most prevalent symptoms and signs believed to be associated with teething. Fifty-seven of the child healthcare workers routinely prescribed various drugs for teething problems. The most prescribed drugs were paracetamol (70.2%), antibiotics (14.0%) and teething mixture (7.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Most child healthcare workers in the study believed in teething problems and the beliefs were not based on evidence. They also prescribed various drugs for teething problems.

The relationship between malocclusion, lip competence and gingival health in a group of schoolchildrenp / Relação entre má-oclusão, incompetência labial e saúde gengival num grupo de crianças em idade escolar

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between malocclusion, lip competenceand gingival health among a sample of school children. Material and method: A multi stagesampling technique was used to randomly select 239 school children. Malocclusion was evaluated andgraded from the children’s dental casts using the Dental Aesthetics Index (DAI) and Littles’ IrregularityIndex (LII). The lips were examined for competence according to Jackson’s classifi cation. Gingival healthwas assessed using the Plaque Index and Index of gingival infl ammation. Results: A mean DAI scoreof 26.37 ± 6.67 was obtained while the mean score of the LII was 1.88 ± 1.68 mm. Majority of thechildren (97.1%) had competent lips. Results of correlation tests between DAI scores and the periodontalindices were low and not statistically signifi cant, while that of the LII score and periodontal indiceswere also low but statistically signifi cant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A cause and effect relationship couldnot be established between malocclusion and gingivitis. A weak correlation exists between malocclusionassessed by the DAI and LII and periodontal indices used. This supports the opinion that prescribingorthodontic treatment solely for the purpose of maintaining periodontal health is not justified.

Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a relação entre má-oclusão, incompetência labial e saúde gengivalnuma amostra de crianças em idade escolar. Material e método: A técnica de amostragem em estágios múltiplos foiutilizada para selecionar aleatoriamente 239 crianças escolares. A má-oclusão foi avaliada e graduada por modelosdentários das crianças utilizando o índice dentário estético (DAI) e o índice de irregularidades de Little (LII). Oslábios foram examinados e classifi cados – quanto à competência – pela classifi cação de Jackson. A saúde gengival foideterminada pelo índice de placas e índice de infl amação gengival. Resultados: O escore médio DAI de 26,37 ± 6,67foi obtido, enquanto o escore médio LII foi 1,88 ± 1,68 mm. A maioria das crianças (97,1%) tinha lábios competentes.Os resultados dos testes de correção entre escores DAI e índices periodontais foram baixos e não estatisticamentesignifi cantes, enquanto o escore LII e os índices periodontais foram também baixos, mas estatisticamente signifi cantes(p < 0,05). Conclusão: Não foi possível estabelecer uma relação de causa e efeito entre má-oclusão e gengivite.Uma correlação fraca existe entre má-oclusão determinada por DAI e LII e os índices periodontais utilizados. Issosuporta a opinião de que prescrever tratamento ortodôntico apenas com a fi nalidade de manter a saúde periodontalnão se justifica.

Relationship between socio-demographic and anthropometric variables and number of erupted primary teeth in suburban Nigerian children.

The socio-demographic and anthropometric variables could influence the number of teeth present in the child's mouth. To determine the effect of anthropometric and socio-demographic variables on the number of erupted primary teeth, a cross-sectional study was performed involving 1013 children aged between 4 and 36 months who attended the immunization clinics in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA. The analyses included frequencies, cross-tabulations, chi squared test and t-test. The number of erupted teeth was modelled as the dependent variable in a multiple regression (Binomial) model, and the socio-demographic (age, gender and socio-economic status) and anthropometric variables, such as weight and height at presentation, as predictor variables. Statistical significance was inferred at P < 0.05. The age and height at presentation had significant association with the number of erupted teeth in this study population (P < 0.001). Also children from high socio-economic class in relation to low socio-economic class had significant larger number of erupted teeth in this study population (P < 0.001). The age and height of the child at presentation were significantly related to the number of erupted teeth. Also children from high socio-economic class had significant lager number of erupted teeth compared with children from low socio-economic class.

Evaluation of shade matching practices among nigerian dentists / Avaliação dos procedimentos de determinação de cor de restaurações entre dentistas niegerianos

OBJECTIVES: To assess tooth shade matching practices among Nigerian Dentists. MATERIALSAND METHODS: The data was collected by paper questionnaire mailed at random to dentists insome Nigerian Teaching Hospitals and General Hospitals. The questionnaires comprised of two aspectsthat inquired about their biographical data and basic methods of shade selection. About 95% of thequestionnaires were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: 160 (83, males; 77 females) dentists participatedin the study. 71% performed tooth shade matching often, with restorative dentists (100%) mostlyinvolved than other specialists. 67% agreed that shade matching should be done in consultation withothers. However, only 40.6% actually consults others during shade selection. Also, 85% of the dentistsresponded correctly that shade matching should be done under natural lights. However in their clinicalpractice, majority (97%) selected their teeth under dental lights. CONCLUSION: The study revealedthat majority of the dentists practicing in the Nigerian Teaching and State Dental Hospitals are involvedin shade matching practices. Majority of the dentists performed tooth matching procedure withoutconcurrence from others and under dental light source. However few dentists reported complaintsfrom their patients. Emphasizing color science in dental curriculum and teaching new shade matchingsystems could be essential for improved restorative outcomes.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar os procedimentos de determinação de cor entre dentistas nigerianos.MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionários em papel,enviados aleatoriamente a dentistas em alguns hospitais de ensino e hospitais gerais. Osquestionários compreenderam dois aspectos de questões sobre dados biográficos e métodos básicosde seleção de cores. Em torno de 95 % dos questionários foram recuperados e analisados.RESULTADOS: 160 dentistas (83 homens, 77 mulheres) participaram do estudo. 71% executamescolha de cores, sendo que 100% dos dentistas restauradores o fazem, em número bem maior doque as demais especialidades. 67% concordam que escolha da cor deve ser feita em conjunto comoutras pessoas. Entretanto, somente 46,6 % realmente consultam uma segunda opinião durantea seleção de cores. Também 85% dos dentistas responderam que a escolha da cor deve ser feitasob luz natural. Entretanto, em sua prática clínica a maioria seleciona a cor sob luz de refletores.CONCLUSÃO: O estudo revelou que a maioria dos dentistas atuantes nos centros pesquisadospraticam a seleção de cores dentárias. A maioria procede sem consultar segunda opinião e sobluzes de refletores. Entretanto, poucos dentistas relataram queixas de pacientes. A ênfase daciência da cor no currículo dental e ensino de novos sistemas de escolha de cores poderia seressencial para a melhora dos resultados restauradores.

Eruption chronology of primary teeth in Nigerian children.

UNLABELLED: The eruption chronology of the primary dentition has been studied in some populations, however; only few studies from Nigeria and other African countries have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To determine the appropriate reference standard for eruption of primary teeth in Nigerian children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study consisting of 1,013 clinically healthy babies, infants and preschool children between the ages of 4 to 36 months from the community health centers immunization clinics in Ife Central and Ife East Local Government Areas. RESULTS: Boys erupted primary teeth earlier than girls in both arches except the first molars. However girls had a shorter duration of eruption (from the first tooth to erupt to the last tooth to erupt) when compared to boys. In addition, boys had a systematic tendency for earlier eruption on the left side. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, a baseline data for eruption of primary teeth among Nigerian children has been established. Nigerian children experienced an earlier eruption of primary teeth when compared to their Arabian and American counterparts and a later eruption when compared to children from Iceland.

Dental erosion in a road-side battery technician: case report and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Tooth wear has been generally described as being caused by erosion, abrasion and attrition. Erosion is currently believed to be the major factor involved in tooth wear, and its contribution in the development of tooth wear may be increasing. Among the numerous causes of erosion, extrinsic factors are the most common. Damage of tooth tissue has been described in battery factory workers due to acidic aerosol, but this has not been reported among roadside 'battery technicians' who dispense acidic solutions with a pipette, and often taste it to determine its 'specific gravity'. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 24-year-old man was referred to the authors' clinic for management of his grossly damaged teeth after presenting for oral diagnosis. History and investigation pointed to extensive erosive lesion as a result of abnormal and prolonged use of lead-acid rechargeable battery solution in his workplace. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These groups of workers are prone to severe dental erosion, thereby compromising their oral function and health. They are also prone to a range of illnesses, especially kidney disease, because the acid solution is significantly rich in dissolved lead. Therefore, medical referral for complete assessment is required when any of this group present with an unexplained associated illness.