Caries en niños. ¿Maltrato infantil o ignorancia parental? / Caries in children. Child abuse or parental ignorance?

El maltrato infantil es un tema polémico en la actualidad, y se caracteriza por realizar acciones u omisiones intencionales destinadas a menoscabar o afectar la integridad física y/o psicológica de un menor. Frecuentemente se considera a la caries en niños como un indicador objetivo de maltrato infantil. La caries es una enfermedad extremadamente común en la población infantil en México y en el mundo, por lo que su relación con el maltrato infantil carece de un sustento real. El desarrollo de caries en niños no es un evento premeditado ni intencional, es más bien la consecuencia de malos hábitos higiénicos y dietéticos que el odontólogo tiene la obligación de corregir y erradicar para asistir a los pacientes pediátricos a recuperar su salud bucodental. El objetivo del presente artículo es debatir la relación entre la caries temprana de la infancia y el maltrato infantil (AU)

Child abuse is currently a controversial issue and is characterized by intentional actions or omissions intended to undermine the physical and/or psychological integrity of a minor. Caries in children is often considered an objective indicator of child abuse. Caries is an extremely common disease in the child population in Mexico and in the world, so its relationship with child abuse lacks any real support. The development of cavities in children is not a premeditated or intentional event, it is rather the consequence of poor hygienic and dietary habits that the dentist has the obligation to correct and eradicate in order to assist pediatric patients to regain their oral health. The aim of this article is to discuss the relationship between early childhood caries and child abuse (AU)

Health professionals' knowledge, views and advice on diet and dental health: a survey of UK and Ireland dietitians and dentists.

BACKGROUND: Oral health is affected by dietary practices and may impact quality of life. Collaboration between dietetics and dental professionals for oral health promotion and disease prevention is recommended. The present study aimed to determine the knowledge and practice of dentists and dietitians on diet and dental health. METHODS: The study comprised a cross-sectional online questionnaire, which was disseminated electronically to dentists and dietitians in the UK and Ireland, via national networks. Questions assessed participants' knowledge of the cariogenicity of different foods, snacking behaviours, familiarity with UK dietary guidelines, dietary advice and their recommendations for cross-professional consistency. RESULTS: In total, 418 responses were received (60% dentists, 40% dietitians). Inter-profession knowledge differences were observed for the cariogenicity of sports drinks (p < 0.001), chocolate/confectionary (p < 0.001), yoghurt (p < 0.001) and sugar-coated breakfast cereals plus milk (p < 0.0001). Dentists showed greater concern over the timings and frequency of food consumption than dietitians. A greater proportion of dentists felt nutrition and oral health counselling is a key component of regular patient care (58.4% versus 8.2%, p < 0.001). Only 18% of dietitians, compared to 56% of dentists, considered that they had received sufficient training about diet and dental health. Both professions indicated the need for multi-disciplinary training. CONCLUSIONS: Dietitians and dentists differ with respect to their knowledge about the effects of snacks and snacking behaviours on dental health, as well as how they prioritise this in their clinical practice. Both professions show a willingness to work collaboratively to ensure accurate and consistent advice-giving and expertise-sharing.

The influence of television on the food habits of schoolchildren and its association with dental caries.

OBJECTIVES: The consumption of food with a high-sugar content is encouraged by the food industry through television (TV) aimed at children and may be associated with dental caries. This study aims to evaluate the influence of TV on the food habits of schoolchildren aged years and its association with dental caries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an observational, epidemiological, and cross-sectional study. Five neighborhoods of Belem District were selected, and then two schools from each neighborhood were drawn (one private and one public). All sixth and seventh grade students were selected. Data were extracted from questionnaires completed by schoolchildren and their parents and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT/dmft) indices of the schoolchildren. The indices were carried out by three examiners previously calibrated (κ > .80). Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association of variables of study with consumption of cariogenic foods and occurrence of dental caries. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Schoolchildren who watched TV for >90 min were more likely to consume cariogenic foods (OR = 2.38; 95% CI [1.57, 3.60]) and have a DMFT + dmft >1 (OR = 2.10; 95% CI [1.37, 3.26]). Those who consumed cariogenic foods while watching TV were more likely to have DMFT + dmft >1 (OR = 14.75; 95% CI [8.24, 6.40]). Parents who bought foods they saw on TV contributed to a higher consumption of cariogenic foods (OR = 3.29; 95% CI [2.07, 5.24]) and DMFT + dmft >1 (OR = 3.93; 95% CI [2.09, 7.37]) among their children. CONCLUSIONS: TV can influence the eating habits of schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 and the food purchases of their parents, stimulating the consumption of cariogenic foods and contributing to the development of dental caries.

The scientific basis for healthful carbohydrate profile.

Dietary guidelines indicate that complex carbohydrates should provide around half of the calories in a balanced diet, while sugars (i.e., simple carbohydrates) should be limited to no more than 5-10% of total energy intake. To achieve this public health goal a collective effort from different entities including governments, food & beverage industries and consumers is required. Some food companies have committed to continually reduce sugars in their products. Different solutions can be used to replace sugars in food products but it is important to ensure that these solutions are more healthful than the sugars they replace. The objectives of this paper are, (1) to identify carbohydrates and carbohydrates sources to promote and those to limit for dietary intake and food product development, based on current knowledge about the impact of carbohydrates on the development of dental caries, obesity and cardio-metabolic disorders (2) to evaluate the impact of food processing on the quality of carbohydrates and (3) to highlight the challenges of developing healthier products due to the limitations and gaps in food regulations, science & technology and consumer education.

Diet and lifestyle habits associated with caries in deciduous teeth among 3- to 5-year-old preschool children in Jiangxi province, China.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of caries in deciduous teeth and the effect of diet and lifestyle habits on dental caries among 3- to 5-year-old preschool children in Jiangxi Province, China. METHODS: In total, 2880 cases involving preschool children were selected by stratified cluster sampling. The dental examination methods and criteria followed the WHO guidelines. SPSS 19.0 was used for the statistical analysis. Chi square tests were used to compare the caries prevalence among children with different social characteristics. Non-parametric tests were used to compare the decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) index values. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to study the effect of diet and lifestyle habits on dental caries. RESULTS: The caries prevalence among the 2880 cases of 3- to 5-year-old preschool children in Jiangxi Province, China was 49.13%. There was no gender difference in this rate (P > 0.05). The caries prevalence increased with age (P < 0.05). The prevalence of caries in the rural areas was higher than that in the urban areas (P < 0.05). The deciduous central incisors and deciduous molars had a higher caries prevalence than the other deciduous teeth. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the caries risk increased with living in a rural area, exclusive breastfeeding, greater frequency of daily snacking, high frequency of snacking before sleep and beginning to brush teeth at a late age; the caries risk decreased when parents helped their children brush their teeth. CONCLUSION: The caries prevalence among 3- to 5-year-old preschool children in Jiangxi was lower than the level throughout the country and lower than the rate in other developing countries. The children's diet and lifestyle habits were closely related to dental caries. Parents and children should be more aware of oral health, and parents should help their children develop healthy lifestyle behaviours.

The role of human milk and sucrose on cariogenicity of microcosm biofilms.

This study investigated the effect of human milk, alone and associated with sucrose, in the cariogenicity of biofilms in a microcosm biofilm model and compared with the cariogenicity of sucrose and bovine milk. Microcosm biofilms were grown in enamel discs in 24-well plates. Six growth conditions were studied: DMM (chemically defined artificial saliva - negative control), DMM with 1% of sucrose (DMM+s) (positive control), human milk with DMM, human milk with DMM+s, bovine milk with DMM, and bovine milk with DMM+s. After 5 days, the outcome variables surface hardness change (%SHC), microbiological composition of biofilms, and pH of supernatant were analyzed. All groups had significantly lower hardness loss compared to the DMM group with 1% of sucrose. Human and bovine milk associated with sucrose showed higher hardness loss. The supernatant pH values after 6 hours of different treatments were similar for the groups sucrose and human milk associated with sucrose (p>0.05). After 18 hours at rest in pure DMM, an increase in the pH of the supernatant was observed. Higher values of total microorganisms count were found for sucrose and bovine milk groups compared to the group supplemented only by DMM. Bovine milk group showed greater amount of total aciduric microorganisms in comparison to human milk group. Within the limits of this study, it can be infered that both human and cow milks have some cariogenic potential, although differing from sucrose in terms of mineral loss.

Synthetic antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) against S. mutans and S. sobrinus inhibit caries formation.

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the main causative agents of human dental caries. Current strategies for treating caries are costly and do not completely eradicate them completely. Passive immunization using nonhuman antibodies against Streptococcal surface antigens has shown success in human trials, however they often invoke immune reactions. We used phage display to generate human antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) against S. mutans and S. sobrinus. These Fabs were readily expressed in E. coli and bound to the surface S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Fabs inhibited sucrose-induced S. mutans and S. sobrinus biofilm formation in vitro and a combination of S. mutans and S. sobrinus Fabs prevented dental caries formation in a rat caries model. These results demonstrated that S. mutans and S. sobrinus Fabs could be used in passive immunization strategies to prevent dental caries. In the future, this strategy may be applied towards a caries therapy, whereby Fabs are topically applied to the tooth surface.

Deciduous dental caries status and associated risk factors among preschool children in Xuhui District of Shanghai, China.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to understand the deciduous dental caries status of preschool children in Xuhui District of Shanghai, China and to analyze the associated risk factors. METHODS: In January of 2016, a cross-sectional investigation was conducted to examine the oral health of all the kindergarten children in Xuihui District of Shanghai, China. Meanwhile, a field questionnaire survey was conducted with the children's guardians to ascertain the potential risk factors associated with deciduous dental caries. RESULTS: Among 11,153 children, the prevalence of deciduous dental caries was 47.02%, and the mean dmft score was 2.21. The first three predilection sites were maxillary central primary incisors, mandible second primary molars, and mandible first primary molars. There were statistically significant differences in caries prevalence and dmft among different age groups and different household registration (Hukou) types (P < 0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression suggested that the possible risk factors for deciduous caries included: older age, drinking sweetened beverages frequently, often or usually eating sweets before sleep compared to rarely/never eat them at this time, exclusive or predominant breastfeeding compared to exclusive or predominant artificial feeding and latter introduction of toothbrushing. On the other hand, Shanghai Hukou families, high educational level of guardians (high school or college education), regular parental support for children's toothbrushing, guardians' oral health knowledge, and a good perception about children's oral health conditions were shown as potential protective factors for deciduous dental caries. CONCLUSIONS: The deciduous dental caries status of preschool children in Xuhui District of Shanghai was still serious. The caries prevalence in Xuhui, China, is associated with children's age, household registration type, oral health habits, feeding habits, guardians' education level, parental perception about children's oral health and knowledge about oral health.

Bacterial factors of cariogenicity (literature review).

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: According to the 2003 WHO report, dental caries affects from 60% to 90% of school-age children and adults that makes it one of the most common diseases worldwide. The aim was to systematize data about the modern conception of plaque formation and role of microorganisms in its development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Biblosemantic, 50 medical literature sources were systematically reviewed as the material for the research. RESULTS: Review: According to Miller's theory, oral microorganisms can decompose dietary carbohydrates into acids, which in turn dissolve the calcium phosphates found in the enamel, causing it demineralisation Along with Streptococcus mutans, nowadays some other bacteria as Streptococcus sorbinus, Lactobacillus spp. and Actinomyces spp. have been well studied as caries contributors. However, the disease is related to plaque-mediated, because a much larger number of normal oral microflora representatives are involved in creating favourable preconditions for its development. There are a lot of original research papers about a role of bacteria in caries decay but compositions and characters of oral microflora are changing nowadays. Therefore, authors show the main cariogenic bacteria and their factors of pathogenicity which create special conditions for caries lesions. Modern concepts of dental plaque formation and pathogenesis of plaque-assosiative diseases are presented according to the new actual dental research. A lot of attention is paid to the biochemical properties of cariogenic bacteria and chemical process in biofilm. Role of acid and alkali production by oral bacteria in caries decay are shown in this article. Moreover, mechanisms of bacterial acid-fast and acid-tolerance are presented. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Analysis of literature demonstrates a lot of bacterial pathogenicity factors which play key role in caries development.

Enfermedades bucales y factores de riesgo en la población geriátrica perteneciente a un consultorio médico / Oral diseases and risk factors in the geriatric population of a family doctor's office

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, desde noviembre de 2016 hasta abril de 2017, de los 166 adultos mayores pertenecientes al consultorio médico No 20 del Policlínico Carlos Juan Finlay del municipio de Santiago de Cuba, para evaluar la presencia de enfermedades bucodentales y los factores de riesgo. Para la recolección de la información se utilizó la encuesta de salud bucal de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y la historia de salud bucal familiar. Los hábitos nocivos como la deficiente higiene bucal y la dieta cariogénica, además de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, fueron los factores de riesgo más comunes en esta población, en quienes la disfunción masticatoria y la caries dental constituyeron los problemas principales

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 166 elderly belonging to the family doctor office No 20 of Carlos J Finlay Polyclinic in the municipality of Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from November, 2016 to April, 2017, to evaluate the presence of oral-dental diseases and risk factors. The survey of oral health from the World Health Organization and the medical record of family oral health were used for gathering the information. Harmful habits as poor oral hygiene and a cariogenic diet, besides non communicable chronic diseases, were the most common risk factors in this population, for whom masticatory dysfuntion and dental decay constituted the main problems

The role of human milk and sucrose on cariogenicity of microcosm biofilms

Abstract This study investigated the effect of human milk, alone and associated with sucrose, in the cariogenicity of biofilms in a microcosm biofilm model and compared with the cariogenicity of sucrose and bovine milk. Microcosm biofilms were grown in enamel discs in 24-well plates. Six growth conditions were studied: DMM (chemically defined artificial saliva - negative control), DMM with 1% of sucrose (DMM+s) (positive control), human milk with DMM, human milk with DMM+s, bovine milk with DMM, and bovine milk with DMM+s. After 5 days, the outcome variables surface hardness change (%SHC), microbiological composition of biofilms, and pH of supernatant were analyzed. All groups had significantly lower hardness loss compared to the DMM group with 1% of sucrose. Human and bovine milk associated with sucrose showed higher hardness loss. The supernatant pH values after 6 hours of different treatments were similar for the groups sucrose and human milk associated with sucrose (p>0.05). After 18 hours at rest in pure DMM, an increase in the pH of the supernatant was observed. Higher values of total microorganisms count were found for sucrose and bovine milk groups compared to the group supplemented only by DMM. Bovine milk group showed greater amount of total aciduric microorganisms in comparison to human milk group. Within the limits of this study, it can be infered that both human and cow milks have some cariogenic potential, although differing from sucrose in terms of mineral loss.

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de caries dental en pacientes del municipio Urbano Noris / Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dental Caries in Patients of Urbano Noris Municipality

Introducción: la caries dental es una enfermedad multifactorial de alta prevalencia en el municipio Urbano Noris.Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de caries dental e identificar sus principales factores de riesgo.Métodos: estudio transversal en el área de salud No. 2 de la Policlínica Manuel Fajardo Rivero del municipio Urbano Noris, desde julio 2011 a enero 2013. Se seleccionó una muestra aleatoria simple de 352 pacientes entre 15 y 69 años. Para la recolección de la información se realizó una consulta de estomatología donde se efectuó el examen bucal y control de placa dentobacteriana con sustancia reveladora. Los datos se recogieron en las historias clínicas. Se calcularon los Odds Ratio (OR) y los intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%) de los factores de riesgo en el programa EPIDAT 3,1 (Junta de Galicia, OPS, 2006).Resultados: la prevalencia de caries dental fue de 56,9% con predominio en el grupo de 25-29 años. El riesgo de caries dental fue mayor en pacientes con higiene bucal deficiente (OR=5,98; IC95%=3,24-11,01), dieta cariogénica (OR=4,87; IC95%=3,06-7,75), apiñamiento dentario (OR=6,11; IC95%=3,95-10,06) y uso de prótesis parciales removibles (OR=3,10; IC95%=1,78-5,41).Conclusiones: la prevalencia de la caries dental es elevada, con tendencia a incrementarse con el proceso de envejecimiento y sin diferencias entre sexos. Los factores de riesgo de caries dental fueron la higiene bucal deficiente, la dieta cariogénica, el apiñamiento dentario y el uso de prótesis parciales removibles.(AU)

Introduction: the dental caries is a multifactorial disease of high prevalence in Urbano Noris municipalityObjective: to determine the prevalence of dental caries and to identify the main risk factors.Method: a cross- sectional study in the health area No. 2 of Manuel Fajardo Rivero Polyclinic of Urbano Noris municipality, from July 2011 to January 2013. A simple random sample of 352 patients between 15 and 69 years was selected. To collect information Stomatology consultation was done where the oral examination and control of plaque with developing substance was made. Data were collected in medical records. The Odds Ratio (OR) and confidence intervals of 95% (95% CI) of risk factors in the EPIDAT 3.1 program were calculated.Results: the prevalence of dental caries was 56.9% in the group of 25-29 years. The risk of dental caries was higher in patients with poor oral hygiene (OR = 5.98; 95% CI = 3.24 to 11.01), cariogenic diet (OR = 4.87; 95% CI = 3.06 to 7, 75), dental crowding (OR = 6.11; 95% CI = 3.95 to 10.06) and use of removable partial dentures (OR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.78 to 5.41).Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries is high, with a tendency to increase with the aging process and no differences between sexes. Risk factors for dental caries were poor oral hygiene, cariogenic diet, dental crowding and the use of removable partial dentures.

Sugar before bed: a simple dietary risk factor for caries experience.

Clinical care pathways have placed renewed emphasis on caries risk assessment and the ability to predict and prevent further disease. With diet considered a key factor in the development of caries, the level of caries risk posed by dietary habits, such as the frequency of intake and timing of free sugars is questioned. OBJECTIVE: To identify reliable and simple dietary risk factors for caries experience. RESEARCH DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study of a convenience sample with data gained from clinical examinations, questionnaire and a 24 hour dietary-recall interview. PARTICIPANTS: 128 subjects aged 11-12 from comprehensive schools in Greater Manchester and Newcastle upon-Tyne, UK. OUTCOME MEASURES: free sugars consumed between meals, before bed and total % of total free sugars consumed were assessed from dietary assessments led by a dietitian. D4-6MFT was generated with a caries threshold of ICDAS stage 4 from clinical examinations. RESULTS: Analysis revealed no significant differences in caries experience when looking specifically at caries into dentine, referred to as the cavity group (split at D4-6MFT), between high and low deprivation, consumption of free sugars between meals and free sugars (%). The consumption of free sugars within the hour before bed revealed a statistically significant difference between the cavity/no cavity groups (p=0.002). Logistic regression analysis on the cavity/no cavity groups revealed an odds ratio of 2.4 (95%CI 1.3,4.4) for free sugars consumption before bedtime. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that the consumption of free sugars before bedtime may be an important risk factor for adolescent caries into dentine experience.

Predictors of dental visits among primary school children in the rural Australian community of Lithgow.

BACKGROUND: Regular dental attendance is significant in maintaining and improving children's oral health and well-being. This study aims to determine the factors that predict and influence dental visits in primary school children residing in the rural community of Lithgow, New South Wales (NSW), Australia. METHODS: All six primary schools of Lithgow were approached to participate in a cross-sectional survey prior to implementing water fluoridation in 2014. Children aged 6-13 years (n = 667) were clinically examined for their oral health status and parents were requested to complete a questionnaire on fluoride history, diet, last dental visit, and socio-demographic characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the independent predictors of a 6-monthly and a yearly dental visit. RESULTS: Overall, 53% of children visited a dentist within six months and 77% within twelve months. In multiple logistic regression analyses, age of the child and private health insurance coverage were significantly associated with both 6-monthly and twelve-month dental visits. In addition, each serve of chocolate consumption was significantly associated with a 27% higher odds (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.05-1.54) of a 6-monthly dental visit. CONCLUSION: It is imperative that the socio-demographic and dietary factors that influence child oral health must be effectively addressed when developing the oral health promotion policies to ensure better oral health outcomes.

Intervención educativa sobre caries dental en escolares de sexto grado / Educational intervention on dental caries in sixth grade school children

Introducción: la caries dental es el problema de salud pública que más aqueja a la sociedad, desde los grandes faraones egipcios hasta los actuales presidentes, casi todos, en algún momento de su vida, han padecido esta enfermedad.Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de una intervención educativa referente a la caries dental en escolares de sexto grado. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de intervención educativa, en escolares de sexto grado de la escuela primaria Dalquis Sánchez, de Holguín, en el período septiembre de 2015-abril de 2016. El universo de la investigación fue de 138 escolares, la muestra conformada por 58 pacientes diagnosticados con caries dental. Se estudiaron variables, como sexo y nivel de conocimiento sobre la enfermedad.Resultados: de los escolares afectados con caries dental 31 (53,4 por ciento) pertenecían al sexo masculino, con predominio sobre el femenino. Antes de aplicar el programa educativo, 43 escolares (74,1 por ciento) presentaban conocimientos inadecuados sobre generalidades de caries y algunos factores de riesgo; luego el 52 (89,7 por ciento) de los escolares tuvieron un conocimiento adecuado. Previo a la labor educativa, el 84,5 por ciento de los participantes poseían conocimiento inadecuado en lo que respecta al correcto cepillado y su frecuencia; al realizarla, el 91,4 por ciento logró un conocimiento adecuado. Al analizar lo referente a la dieta cariogénica y dieta protectora, observamos que al inicio de la intervención sólo 11 estudiantes presentaban un conocimiento adecuado del tema en cuestión, al aplicar el programa 48 escolares (82,8 por ciento) tuvieron una apreciación correcta del tema.Conclusiones: el nivel de conocimiento referente a caries dental era inadecuado antes de aplicar el programa educativo, luego de aplicado, la intervención educativa demostró ser un método certero, lo cual comprobó la efectividad del programa implementado.(AU)

Introduction: tooth decay is the public health problem that afflicts most of society, from the great Egyptian pharaohs to the current presidents, almost everyone at some point in their lives, have suffered from this disease.Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention regarding dental caries in sixth grade school students.Methods: an educational intervention study was carried out in 6th grade students of the Dalquis Sánchez primary school in Holguín, in the period September 2015-April 2016. The universe of the research was 138 patients, in a sample consisting of 58 patients diagnosed with dental caries. Variables were studied, such as sex and level of knowledge about the disease.Results: of the students affected with dental caries 31 (53.4 percent) belonged to the male sex, with predominance over the female. Before applying the educational program, 43 schoolchildren (74.1 percent) had inadequate knowledge about dental caries and some risk factors; then 52 (89.7 percent) of the students had adequate knowledge. Prior to the educational work, 84.5 percent of the participants had inadequate knowledge regarding the correct brushing and its frequency; 91.4 percent achieved adequate knowledge. When analyzing the reference to the cariogenic diet and protective diet, it was found that at the beginning of the intervention only 11 students had an adequate knowledge of the subject in question, when applying the program 48 students (82.8 percent) had a correct appreciation of the topic.Conclusions: the level of knowledge regarding dental caries was inadequate before applying the educational program, after applied the educational intervention proved to be an accurate method, which proved the effectiveness of the implemented program.(AU)

Does a social/behavioural gradient in dental health exist among adults? A cross-sectional study.

Objective To explore the potential presence of a social/behavioural gradient in dental health among Italian adults using a cross-sectional study. Methods Caries indices were recorded among 480 subjects (52.9% men, 47.1% women) who also completed a structured self-administered social and behavioural questionnaire. A social/behavioural gradient was generated as the sum of the worst circumstances recorded on the questionnaire (cariogenic diet, smoking, lowest occupational profile, brushing teeth < twice daily, lowest educational level, uneven dental examination attendance). Results Caries figures (DMFT) and the number of filled sound teeth (FS-T) were statistically significantly linked to the social/behavioural gradient (DMFT: χ2(9) = 20.17 p = 0.02, Z = 0.02 p = 0.99; FS-T: χ2(9) = 25.68 p < 0.01, Z = -4.31 p < 0.01). DMFT was statistically significantly associated with gender and with social and behavioural variables. FS-T was higher in women (p = 0.03) and was linked to smoking ( p < 0.01). Conclusions The proposed social/behavioural gradient demonstrated how subjects reporting the worst circumstances on the questionnaire exhibited the worst dental health. The use of the gradient demonstrates that health promotion and prevention cannot be compartmentalized.

Association between Type, Amount, and Pattern of Carbohydrate Consumption with Dental Caries in 12-Year-Olds in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the types, food sources, and pattern of carbohydrates that significantly contribute to dental caries in Puerto Rican children. METHODS: As part of an island-wide cross-sectional oral health study in 1,587 twelve-year-olds, diet intake was assessed in a representative subset (n = 801) with a 24-hour dietary recall. Carbohydrate intake was quantified using a computer-based diet analysis program. Caries was assessed using the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research diagnostic criteria. Odds ratios were used to associate carbohydrate intake quartiles with caries, after controlling for important confounders. RESULTS: A total of 723 subjects had complete data. Most were females (54%) and attended public schools (77%). The caries prevalence was 33%. The highest quartile intake for the following sugars significantly increased the odds of caries compared to the lowest quartile: total carbohydrates (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.08-3.46), total sugars (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.01-351), sucrose (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.13-3.70), fructose (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.05-3.62), and inositol (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.38-4.63). The main food sources of these sugars were juices, including natural juices with no added sugars, and sweetened beverages. The odds of caries also increased significantly in children whose 10% of total energy intake was from total sugars (OR = 3.76, 95% CI = 1.03-13.7). CONCLUSION: After adjusting for important caries risk factors, total carbohydrates, total sugars, ≥10% kilocaloric energy from total sugars, and sucrose, fructose, and inositol intake significantly increased caries risk. Our findings can help raise awareness about the potential caries risk from the main sources of these sugars, natural fruit juices and sweetened beverages, which are consumed in great quantities in many societies.

Sugar consumption and dental caries experience in Kenya.

INTRODUCTION: There have been claims that dental caries experience and prevalence in Kenya has been increasing as a result of increased sugar consumption. A review of the literature in 1986 failed to link dental caries experience with an increase in gross national sugar consumption. Subsequently, a number of studies were conducted, necessitating further review to examine trends in dental caries experience and to relate this to changes in per capita sugar consumption. METHODS: Studies conducted since 1980 for children 3-15 years of age were examined. Dental caries prevalence and experience for 3-5 years' (deciduous teeth) and 12 years' (permanent teeth) age groups were analysed. Calculation of per capita sugar consumption was performed using gross national annual sugar consumption for 1969-2009 national population census years. RESULTS: There was a gradual increase in per capita sugar consumption, from 35.5 g/day in 1969 to 60.8 g/day in 2009. Dental caries experience in deciduous teeth for children 3-5 years of age increased from a decayed, missing and filled teeth/decayed and filled teeth (dmft/dft) index of 1.5 in the 1980s to 2.95 in the 2000s. At 12 years of age, caries experience for permanent teeth increased from a DMFT of 0.2 to a DMFT of 0.92 over the same period. Dental caries prevalence for both deciduous and permanent teeth also increased with time. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that dental caries prevalence and experience increased with time, in parallel to an increase in per capita sugar consumption. However, a clearer understanding can be derived from longitudinal studies, based on actual household age-specific sugar consumption and dental caries incidence.

Avaliação de diários alimentares de crianças atendidas na clínica infantil de uma universidade privada de São Paulo / Daily food records evaluation of children treated in children's dental clinic of a private universidade de São Paulo

Como o início da ingestão da sacarose tem sido cada vez mais precoce, a avaliação da dieta infantil tem sido fundamental para enquadrar o paciente em um programa preventivo odontológico de qualidade e eficiência, para promoção de saúde bucal. Para a pesquisa, foram utilizados 60 diários alimentares, obtidos de prontuários de crianças atendidas na Clínica Odontológica Infantil de uma universidade privada de São Paulo, após aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CAAE 49117815.0.000.5512). O objetivo foi estabelecer o risco cariogênico da dieta. Esses diários foram analisados em relação à frequência de ingestão de sacarose e à pegajosidade dos alimentos ingeridos, para determinação do risco cariogênico da dieta. A pegajosidade dos alimentos ingeridos nas refeições principais e nas entre refeições apresentou uma diferença estatisticamente significante (p=0,0003). O número de entre refeições, apresentou um valor maior que o preconizado para um risco cariogênico baixo da dieta, que seria dois, porém não mostrou resultado estatisticamente significante. Os resultados permitiram concluir que o risco cariogênico da dieta foi alto e que para a elaboração de um protocolo preventivo é necessária a avaliação dos alimentos que apresentam consistência pegajosa, que implicam em um maior risco cariogênico da dieta, assim como a frequência de ingestão de alimentos, principalmente os que contem sacarose. Palavras-chave: cárie dental; dieta cariogênica; fatores de risco(AU)

Since the ingestion of sucrose has been increasingly premature, the assessment of a child's diet has been essential to integrate the patient in a quality and efficiency preventive dental program in order to promote the oral health. For the research, it was used 60 daily food records from the children treated at Children's Dental Clinic of the Universidade Paulista (FOUNIP) - Campus Indianópolis, São Paulo, after sanction by the Research Ethics Committee (CAAE 49117815.0.000.5512). The diaries were analyzed by the frequency of ingestion of sucrose and the stickiness of the food ingested, to determine the cariogenic risk's in a diet. The stickiness of the food eaten at main meals and between the meals showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0003). The number between meals, presented an higher recommended value for a low risk cariogenic diet, although it would be two, however it presented no significant results. Moreover, the results presented that for the preparation of a preventive protocol is necessary to estimate foods that have sticky consistency, which results in an higher cariogenic risk in a diet, furthermore as the frequency of ingested food, especially those that contain sucrose.(AU)