Can the sustainable development goal 9 support an untreated early childhood caries elimination agenda?

BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a global public health challenge that requires innovation, infrastructure, and health system influences to bolster initiatives for its management and control. The aim of this scoping review was to investigate the published evidence on the association between ECC and the targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG9) concerned with industry, innovation, and infrastructure development. METHODS: The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus between July and August 2023 using a search strategy related to the promotion of resilient infrastructure, sustainable industries, scientific research and innovation, access to the internet and ECC. Only English language publications were included. Studies that solely examined ECC without reference to the SDG9 targets were excluded. RESULTS: The search yielded 933 studies for review. After screening for the eligibility and removing duplicates, 916 unique articles remained for further screening. However, none of the identified studies provided data on the association between resilient infrastructure, sustainable industries, scientific research and innovation, access to the internet and ECC. CONCLUSION: There were no primary studies that assessed the association between ECC and SDG9, even though the plausibility of a potential relationship exists. Future studies are needed to generate evidence on the link between ECC and SDG9 as this link may contribute to the reduction in the proportion of children with untreated ECC.

A scoping review on the association between early childhood caries and life on land: The Sustainable Development Goal 15.

BACKGROUND: The Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG15) deals with protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, halting and reversing land degradation, combating desertification and halting biodiversity loss. The purpose of this scoping review was to map the current evidence on the association between SDG 15 and Early Childhood Caries (ECC). METHODS: This scoping review was reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Formal literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus in March 2023 using key search terms. Studies with the criteria (in English, with full text available, addressing component of life on land, focusing on dental caries in humans, with results that can be extrapolated to control ECC in children less than 6 years of age) were included. Retrieved papers were summarised and a conceptual framework developed regarding the postulated link between SDG15 and ECC. RESULTS: Two publications met the inclusion criteria. Both publications were ecological studies relating environmental findings to aggregated health data at the area level. One study concluded that the eco-hydrogeological environment was associated with human health, including caries. The other reported that excessive calcium was associated with the presence of compounds increasing groundwater acidity that had an impact on human health, including caries. The two ecological studies were linked to SDG 15.1. It is also plausible that SDG 15.2 and SDG 15.3 may reduce the risk for food insecurity, unemployment, gender inequality, zoonotic infections, conflict and migration; while SDG 15.4 may improve access to medicinal plants such as anticariogenic chewing sticks and reduction in the consumption of cariogenic diets. CONCLUSIONS: There are currently no studies to support an association between ECC and SDG15 although there are multiple plausible pathways for such an association that can be explored. There is also the possibility of synergistic actions between the elements of soil, water and air in ways that differentially affect the risk of ECC. Studies on the direct link between the SDG15 and ECC are needed. These studies will require the use of innovative research approaches.

A scoping review of the links between early childhood caries and clean water and sanitation: the Sustainable Development Goal 6.

INTRODUCTION: The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 calls for universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), which are crucial elements of health and well-being and fundamental for a life in dignity. Early childhood caries (ECC) is a preventable disease affecting health and quality of life of millions of young children worldwide. This scoping review aims to explore the connection between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation. METHODS: This scoping review, registered on the Open Science Framework and following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, conducted a thorough search in databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, SciELO) and websites (via Google) in November 2023. The search, without date limitations, targeted studies in English and Spanish linking ECC to SDG6. Exclusions were made for studies solely focusing on ECC without a direct connection to clean water and sanitation. Descriptive statistics summarized the retrieved papers. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 303 articles. After removing duplicates, 264 articles remained for title and abstract screening after which 244 were excluded and one report was added through citation searching. The 21 remaining articles underwent full text review. There were no studies on a direct association between access to clean water and sanitation and the prevalence of ECC. There were nine studies that showed indirect associations between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation through the links of: water and sanitation access as a marker for poverty (n = 1), water consumption as a feeding practice (n = 4), and the effectiveness of water fluoridation (n = 4). These were used to develop a conceptual model. CONCLUSIONS: While it is conceivable that a direct link exists between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation, the available body of research only offers evidence of indirect associations. The exploration of potential pathways connecting water access to ECC warrants further investigation in future research.

A scoping review on the associations between early childhood caries and sustainable cities and communities using the sustainable development goal 11 framework.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a multifactorial disease in which environmental factors could play a role. The purpose of this scoping review was to map the published literature that assessed the association between the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which tried to make cities and human settlements safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, and ECC. METHODS: This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. In July 2023, a search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using tailored search terms related to housing, urbanization, waste management practices, and ECC. Studies that solely examined ECC prevalence without reference to SDG11 goals were excluded. Of those that met the inclusion criteria, a summary highlighting the countries and regions where the studies were conducted, the study designs employed, and the findings were done. In addition, the studies were also linked to relevant SDG11 targets. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria with none from the African Region. Six studies assessed the association between housing and ECC, with findings suggesting that children whose parents owned a house had lower ECC prevalence and severity. Other house related parameters explored were size, number of rooms, cost and building materials used. The only study on the relationship between the prevalence of ECC and waste management modalities at the household showed no statistically significant association. Five studies identified a relationship between urbanization and ECC (urbanization, size, and remoteness of the residential) with results suggesting that there was no significant link between ECC and urbanization in high-income countries contrary to observations in low and middle-income countries. No study assessed the relationship between living in slums, natural disasters and ECC. We identified links between ECC and SDG11.1 and SDG 11.3. The analysis of the findings suggests a plausible link between ECC and SDG11C (Supporting least developed countries to build resilient buildings). CONCLUSION: There are few studies identifying links between ECC and SDG11, with the findings suggesting the possible differences in the impact of urbanization on ECC by country income-level and home ownership as a protective factor from ECC. Further research is needed to explore measures of sustainable cities and their links with ECC within the context of the SDG11.

Caries Incidence and Its Associated Factors in Hong Kong Kindergarten Children.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate caries incidence and its associate factors among kindergarten children in Hong Kong. METHOD: This 30-month prospective study recruited 3- to 4-year-old children when they started their kindergarten study. A self-administered parental questionnaire survey was used to collect the children's social demographic information and their oral health-related habits. Child's caries experience was recorded using the decayed, missing, and filled tooth (dmft) index and the visible plaque index (VPI) was used to measure their oral hygiene status. A final examination was performed after 30 months when they were in the final year of kindergarten. Data were analysed using the zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression model. RESULTS: This study examined 660 children at baseline and 501 children at the final examination (dropout 24%). At baseline, the caries prevalence among 501 children was 23%, with mean (SD) dmft scores of 0.7 (1.8). At the final examination, caries prevalence increased to 41%, with mean (SD) dmft scores of 1.6 (2.8). The 30-month incidence rate was 34%, and the mean (SD) number of new carious teeth developed was 0.9 (1.7). Lower first molars exhibited the highest caries increment rate (11%), followed by upper second molars (9%) and upper central incisors (9%). ZINB regression analysis revealed associations among caries incidence and family income, baseline dmft, and baseline VPI (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: One third of Hong Kong kindergarten children developed new caries. Low family income, prior caries experience and poor oral hygiene were the significant factors associated with their caries incidence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Many children developed new caries during their kindergarten years, with their caries experience more than doubling. Preventive measures, including oral health education and reinforcing oral hygiene practice in kindergarten, are essential to reduce their caries incidence, particularly for children with low family income, caries experience and poor oral hygiene.

Sugar substitutes on caries prevention in permanent teeth among children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematically review the effect of sugar substitute consumption on caries prevention in permanent teeth among children and adolescents. DATA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing the clinical effect of sugar substitutes (both high- and low-intensity sweeteners) in preventing caries in permanent teeth among children and adolescents aged 6-19 were included. SOURCES: A systematic search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Embase) without any restrictions on publication year. STUDY SELECTION: The initial search found 1,859 items, and finally, 15 studies (11 RCTs and 4 CCTs) with a total of 6325 participants (age: 6-18 years) were included. The Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tools were used for quality assessment. Most (80%, 12/15) were graded as having a 'moderate' or 'high' risk of bias. All trials investigated sugar alcohol, which is a low-intensity sweetener. Xylitol was the most commonly investigated (73.3%, 11/15), followed by sorbitol (46.7%, 7/15), and erythritol (13.3%, 2/15). Results of the meta-analysis showed that both xylitol (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.85 to -0.16, P = 0.005) and sorbitol (SMD: -0.10, 95% CI: -0.19 to -0.01, P = 0.03) had a significant effect in preventing dental caries compared to no treatment/placebo. No clinical trials on high-intensity sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin were found. CONCLUSION: The consumption of xylitol or sorbitol is potentially effective in preventing caries in permanent teeth among children and adolescents. No clinical evidence is available regarding the role of high-intensity sweeteners in caries prevention. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of xylitol or sorbitol as sugar substitutes has a beneficial effect in preventing dental caries among children and adolescents.

Association between early childhood caries and parental education and the link to the sustainable development goal 4: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The aim of this scoping review was to map the current evidence on the association between the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and parental education; and to identify possible pathways by which parental education may protect against ECC. METHODS: The two questions that guided this review were: what is the existing evidence on the association between maternal and paternal education and ECC; and what are the pathways by which parental education protects against ECC? The initial search was conducted in January 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Articles published in English between January 2000 and October 2022 that reported on the association between parental education and ECC were screened, and the extracted data were compiled, summarized, and synthesized. Review papers and non-primary quantitative research papers were excluded from the full-text review. Open coding was applied to develop a conceptual framework. RESULTS: In total, 49 studies were included: 42 cross-sectional, 3 case-control and 4 cohort studies. The majority (91.8%) reported on the associations between ECC and maternal (n = 33), paternal (n = 3), and parental (n = 9) level of education, and 13 (26.7%) reported on the association between parental education and the severity of ECC. Mothers with more than primary school education (n = 3), post-secondary/college/tertiary education (n = 23), and more than 4-12 years of education (n = 12) had children with lower risk for ECC. Two studies reporting on parental education found an association between maternal but not paternal education and ECC. The review suggests that achieving the SDG 4.1 may reduce the risk of ECC. Possible pathways by which maternal education protects from ECC were feeding practices, oral hygiene practices, and the use of dental services. CONCLUSION: The study findings suggests that higher maternal educational level may reduce the risk for the consumption of cariogenic diet, poor oral hygiene practices and poor use of dental services for caries prevention. However, the association between paternal education and ECC was not consistently observed, with significant associations less frequently reported compared to maternal education. Future studies are needed to define the magnitude and modifiers of the impact of maternal education on the risk for ECC.

Early childhood caries, climate change and the sustainable development goal 13: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Sustainable development goal 13 centres on calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The aim of this scoping review was to map the published literature for existing evidence on the association between the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 and early childhood caries (ECC). METHODS: The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. In August 2023, a search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using search terms related to SDG13 and ECC. Only English language publications were extracted. There was no restriction on the type of publications included in the study. A summary of studies that met the inclusion criteria was conducted highlighting the countries where the studies were conducted, the study designs employed, the journals (dental/non-dental) in which the studies were published, and the findings. In addition, the SDG13 indicators to which the study findings were linked was reported. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 113 potential publications. After removing 57 duplicated papers, 56 publications underwent title and abstract screening, and two studies went through full paper review. Four additional papers were identified from websites and searching the references of the included studies. Two of the six retrieved articles were from India, and one was China, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom respectively. One paper was based on an intervention simulation study, two reported findings from archeologic populations and three papers that were commentaries/opinions. In addition, four studies were linked to SDG 13.1 and they suggested an increased risk for caries with climate change. Two studies were linked to SDG 13.2 and they suggested that the practice of pediatric dentistry contributes negatively to environmental degradation. One study provided evidence on caries prevention management strategies in children that can reduce environmental degradation. CONCLUSION: The evidence on the links between SDG13 and ECC suggests that climate change may increase the risk for caries, and the management of ECC may increase environmental degradation. However, there are caries prevention strategies that can reduce the negative impact of ECC management on the environment. Context specific and inter-disciplinary research is needed to generate evidence for mitigating the negative bidirectional relationships between SDG13 and ECC.

Postoperative instructions for silver diamine fluoride therapy: A scoping review of current evidence and practice.

OBJECTIVES: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has gained popularity in dentistry as an anti-hypersensitive and anti-caries agent. This study aims to review the postoperative instructions for SDF therapy and examine the evidence supporting these instructions in treating dentine hypersensitivity and caries control. DATA AND SOURCES: Two independent reviewers searched three electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science) to identify clinical studies that used SDF to treat dentine hypersensitivity and dental caries. Additionally, they searched Google Chrome for information from manufacturers, the department of health, national dental organisations, authoritative dental organisations, and universities regarding SDF therapy for these conditions. Data on postoperative instructions were extracted, and their impact on the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity and caries control was investigated. STUDY SELECTION: This review included 74 clinical studies, 11 sets of instructions from SDF manufacturers, and six recommendations from national dental organisations, departments of health and universities. Amongst the included records, 50 clinical studies, two manufacturers, and one department of health mentioned postoperative instructions for SDF therapy. The recommendations varied, from suggesting no specific instructions, immediate rinsing, refraining from eating or drinking for 30 to 60 min, and even avoiding brushing until the next day after SDF therapy. Notably, no clinical studies reported the effects of these postoperative instructions on the SDF treatment of dentine hypersensitivity or dental caries. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review highlights the presence of inconsistent postoperative instructions for SDF therapy in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity and caries control. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of these instructions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: No evidence supports the postoperative instructions for SDF therapy for managing dentine hypersensitivity and dental caries. Studies are necessary to provide guidance for clinicians using SDF in their clinical practice.

Clinical Effects of Sugar Substitutes on Cariogenic Bacteria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of sugar substitutes in food products has recently increased. Limited information regarding the role of various sugar substitutes in caries prevention was found. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of sugar substitute consumption on reducing cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque and saliva. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science (inception to July 2023) for prospective controlled trials published in English and investigated the effects of sugar substitute consumption on cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque and saliva. The primary outcome was the changes in cariogenic bacteria. Two independent reviewers screened the papers. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. RESULTS: From 977 studies identified, 32 trials were included. Almost half (14/32, 44%) of the included studies had a high risk of bias. Almost all (31/32, 96.88%) were investigations of xylitol and other sugar alcohols (low-intensity sweeteners), such as sorbitol, erythritol, and maltitol. Only one trial investigated stevia, a high-intensity sweetener, whereas no studies on other high-intensity sweeteners, such as sucralose, saccharin, or aspartame, were found. Almost all studies (30/32, 93.75%) showed the consumption of low-intensity sweeteners led to a significant reduction of different types of cariogenic bacteria. The results of the meta-analysis showed that consumption of low-intensity sweeteners led to a significant reduction of cariogenic bacteria in both dental plaque and saliva compared to no treatment. CONCLUSION: The consumption of low-intensity sweeteners helps reduce cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque and saliva. There is limited clinical evidence regarding the role of high-intensity sweeteners in reducing cariogenic bacteria.

Oral Health Status and Oral Health-Related Behaviours of Hong Kong Students with Vision Impairment.

This cross-sectional epidemiological study aimed to describe dental caries and oral hygiene conditions among visually impaired students in Hong Kong. Students aged 6-21 years from two specialised schools for those with vision impairment were invited. Information on sociodemographic background and oral health-related behaviours was collected through an online parent-reported questionnaire. Dental caries and oral hygiene were assessed using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Visible Plaque Index (VPI), respectively. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were conducted to analyse the association between students' background and oral health status. A total of 73 participants were recruited, of whom 57.5% were male. Their mean (SD) age was 12.9 (4.7) years. Their mean DMFT score (SD) was 1.0 (1.8), and 43.8% had caries experience. The mean VPI (SD) was 0.76 (0.30). Their caries experience was significantly associated with their snacking habits (p = 0.013). Male participants had poorer oral hygiene than females (p = 0.048). In summary, dental caries is prevalent among visually impaired students in Hong Kong and their oral hygiene condition is unsatisfactory. Caries experience is significantly associated with snacking frequency, whereas oral hygiene is associated with gender. More specially designed preventive oral health measures should be provided for visually impaired students and their caretakers.

Early childhood caries and its associated factors among 5-years-old Myanmar children.

Introduction: Children's oral health plays a crucial role in their overall well-being and there is a significant gap in our understanding of early childhood caries (ECC) in Myanmar. This study aims to bridge this knowledge deficit by investigating the prevalence, causes, and potential interventions for ECC in the Myanmar population, providing crucial insights for future dental health policies and practices. Methods: Generally healthy 5-year-old kindergarten children from 7 districts in city were recruited. ECC was assessed through clinical examinations using decayed, missed, filled teeth (dmft). Additionally, demographic data of the children and their caregivers, along with information about the children's oral health-related behaviors, were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Results: Out of the 496 children, the overall prevalence of dental caries was 87.1% (mean dmft score: 5.57, SD: 4.6). Caries experience was categorized as severe (45.8%) and non-severe (41.3%). Decayed teeth constituted the major component of the dmft index (97.8%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed two significant factors associated with ECC prevalence: late toothbrushing initiation (OR: 2.54, p = 0.001) and dental visit experience (OR: 2.46, p = 0.010). Discussion: The study highlights the alarming ECC prevalence in 5-year-old children in Mandalay, Myanmar, with mostly untreated decayed teeth. The findings emphasize early preventive oral health measures for young children to reduce ECC burden in Myanmar.

Global prevalence of early childhood dental fear and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to determine the global prevalence of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in early childhood and identify its related factors. METHODS: The systematic review utilized three common English-language databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science). Two independent researchers performed a systematic search to include observational studies on young children published from 2000 to 2023. They extracted information on prevalence of DFA, assessment tools used, study sites, respondents, and children's dental visit experiences. RESULTS: A total of 2,895 studies were identified, and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The pooled prevalence of DFA among 2- to 6- year-old children was estimated to be 30 % (95 % CI=25, 36). Children without dental visit experience (OR=1.37, 95 % CI=1.18, 1.59) and children with caries experiences (OR=1.18, 95 % CI=1.09, 1.27) had higher odds of experiencing DFA compared to those with dental visit experience or caries-free status. The most commonly used assessment tools in the included studies were the Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (32 %, 8/25), Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (20 %, 5/25), and Dental Anxiety Question (20 %, 5/25). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review reveals that approximately one-third of young children globally experience DFA. Children who lack dental visit experience or have caries experiences are at increased risk of DFA. Clinicians can use this information to make informed decisions regarding dental care provision for young children. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides comprehensive information on the global prevalence of dental fear and anxiety and its associated factors in early childhood. The findings can assist clinicians in understanding and addressing DFA in their dental care approach for young children. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42023446464).

Scoping review on the link between economic growth, decent work, and early childhood caries.

BACKGROUND: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a prevalent chronic non-communicable disease that affects millions of young children globally, with profound implications for their well-being and oral health. This paper explores the associations between ECC and the targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8). METHODS: The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. In July 2023, a search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using tailored search terms related to economic growth, decent work sustained economic growth, higher levels of productivity and technological innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation, and efforts to eradicate forced labor, slavery, and human trafficking and ECC all of which are the targets of the SDG8. Only English language publications, and publications that were analytical in design were included. Studies that solely examined ECC prevalence without reference to SDG8 goals were excluded. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 761 articles. After removing duplicates and ineligible manuscripts, 84 were screened. However, none of the identified studies provided data on the association between decent work, economic growth-related factors, and ECC. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review found no English publication on the associations between SDG8 and ECC despite the plausibility for this link. This data gap can hinder policymaking and resource allocation for oral health programs. Further research should explore the complex relationship between economic growth, decent work and ECC to provide additional evidence for better policy formulation and ECC control globally.

Scoping review on the association between early childhood caries and responsible resource consumption and production: exploring Sustainable Development Goal 12.

BACKGROUND: The Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG12) promotes patterns that minimize waste and maximize resource utilization. It is therefore plausible that preventing Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and promoting oral health can contribute to sustainable consumption. In addition, sustainable consumption and production can contribute to the control of ECC. This scoping review aimed to explore the possible evidence on the link between ECC and the SDG12 targets. METHODS: This scoping review identified articles on the link between resource consumption and production and caries according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were systematically searched in August 2023, using specific search terms. Studies written in English, with full text available, addressing dental caries and linked with waste minimization and resource utilization maximisation, with results that could be extrapolated to ECC in children less than 6 years of age) were included. Descriptive statistics were planned to summarize the categories of retrieved papers. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 904 articles, with 863 screened for eligibility after the removal of duplicates. No studies were identified that reported data on an association between responsible consumption and production of resources factors and ECC. CONCLUSION: This scoping review did not identify any articles published in English on evidence of the direct associations between ECC and SDG12 targets. However, there is a plausibility of such a link using minimum intervention dentistry for ECC management as a waste prevention and resource utilisation maximization strategy.

Association between dental restorations and artefacts on head magnetic resonance images in paediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important diagnostic tool for paediatric patients. The association between dental restorations and MRI artefacts/distortions, however, is unclear. AIM: To investigate the association between dental restorations and artefacts in head MRI in children. DESIGN: This retrospective analysis included patients who underwent head MRI and dental examination at Ramathibodi Hospital from January 2015 to March 2021. From dental records and dental radiographs, a dentist reviewed the amount and type of restorative materials used. Two radiologists examined the MRI scans in five sequences for the presence of distortions and quantified the magnitude and grading of any artefacts. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients aged 3-15 years were included. Twenty-four patients who received preformed metal crowns (PMCs) had MRI distortions. Subjects with no restorations or with tooth-coloured material or amalgam restorations or both did not exhibit distortions. The number of PMCs was related to the size of an artefact. Almost all distortions were confined to the oral cavity and maxillary sinus and did not affect the diagnostic brain area. CONCLUSION: Among the commonly used dental restorative materials for children, only PMCs were associated with artefacts on head MRI scans.

Self-reported oral health-related quality of life and caries experiences of 5-year-old children in Mandalay, Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the impact of dental caries and other potential socio-demographic factors on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children from Myanmar. This was done using the Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old children (SOHO-5) as reported by both the children and their parents. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was conducted to collect demographic information about the children and their caregivers, as well as socioeconomic data. The OHRQoL was assessed by interviewing the children and their parents using the Myanmar versions of SOHO-5c and SOHO-5p, respectively. Caries experience was assessed by two calibrated examiners and recorded using the dmft index. The Poisson regression model was adopted to investigate the association between OHRQoL and dental caries including socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: A total of 454 pairs participated in the study. Among them, 64% of children and 70% of parents reported a negative impact on OHRQoL (with SOHO-5c and SOHO-5p scores exceeding 0). The mean score (SD) of the child self-report and parental version of the SOHO-5 was 1.86 (2.27) and 2.65 (3.13), respectively. Difficulties in eating and sleeping were the most commonly reported by both children and parents. The overall prevalence of dental caries was 87% (mean dmft score:5.59, SD:4.65). The final multivariate-adjusted model revealed that children with higher caries experiences were more likely to have lower OHRQoL for both child self-report (RR 4.38, 95% CI 3.16-6.14, p < 0.001) and parental report (RR 6.07, 95% CI 4.38-8.41, p < 0.001), respectively. A lower family income had a negative impact on the children's OHRQoL in child self-report (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.26-2.04, p < 0.001) and parental report (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.19-1.78, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of the study children and their parents perceived the negative impact on children's OHRQoL. Higher caries experience and lower family income were associated with poorer OHRQoL of 5-year-old Myanmar children.

Erosive tooth wear among non-institutionalised older adults in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Non-institutionalised older adults is the majority of older adults in Hong Kong. The study aimed to examine erosive tooth wear (ETW) and its association with dental conditions and oral hygiene habits among non-institutionalised older adults in Hong Kong. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited dentate adults aged 60 or above from nine elderly daycare centres in the five main districts of Hong Kong. The study consists of a questionnaire survey and a clinical examination. A researcher used a questionnaire to collected the participants' demographic information, oral hygiene habits such as toothbrushing habits and dental visit behaviour. A calibrated examiner performed an oral examination in the daycare elderly centre to assess the ETW using basic erosive wear (BEWE) criteria. Oral hygiene was recorded using visible plaque index. Prosthetic status was recorded using the World Health Organization criteria. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlation between ETW and the dental conditions and oral hygiene habits. RESULTS: This study recruited 433 dentate adults and 333 adults were female (77%). Their age ranged from 60 to 99 years and their mean age was 74 years (SD = 7). They all had ETW (BEWE > 0). Over half of them (57%) had BEWE score of 3, indicating severe ETW. Analysis showed increasing age (OR = 1.030, p = 0.029) and older adults with untreated dental caries had higher odds (OR = 1.822, p = 0.002) of presenting severe ETW. No other associations were found between the ETW and the factors studied. CONCLUSION: Hong Kong non-institutionalised older adults aged 60 or above had ETW and more than half of them had severe ETW. Increasing age and having untreated dental caries were associated with severe ETW.

Tools Evaluating Child Oral Health-Related Quality of Life.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systemically review the tools developed for evaluating oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in preschool children. METHODS: Two reviewers systematically searched English-language publications within PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. They screened the titles and abstracts and retrieved the full texts of the selected publications. Studies which developed, validated, or culturally adapted an OHRQoL tool used in preschool children were included. They recorded information regarding tool characteristics, item configuration, discriminative validation, the aim of assessment, and the target group. RESULTS: The study included 59 publications and identified 12 tools for assessing OHRQoL in preschool children. Seven tools were tailored for preschool ages. Most of the scales were generic oral health measures. Dental caries was the most commonly used oral condition for assessing a tool's discriminative validity. Eight tools required parental proxy reports. Three tools were both child-administrated and parent-administrated. One tool was designed to be answered solely by children. Ten tools assessed the oral health-related impact on children, including oral condition-related, functioning, environmental, and emotional/social domains. Four tools included items regarding the impact on both children and family. CONCLUSIONS: This review identified 12 tools developed for evaluating OHRQoL in preschool children, 7 of which were tailored for preschool age. The 12 tools were validated but incomprehensive due to the subjective and multidimensional nature of the OHRQoL concept. Researchers can choose a suitable tool for their studies by understanding the basic characteristics and item setting of the tools. Researchers can have an overview of the tools developed for evaluating OHRQoL in preschool children. They can use the findings from this review to choose a suitable tool for their studies regarding the OHRQoL in preschool children.