Impact of smoking on gingival inflammation in representative samples of three South American cities

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of smoking on gingival inflammation in a representative sample of 1,650 adults from Santiago (Chile), Porto Alegre (Brazil), and Tucumán (Argentina). A questionnaire was administered to participants to gather demographic and behavioral characteristics, including smoking habits. The participants were clinically examined to obtain gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), visible plaque index (VPI), and calculus presence values. Gingival inflammation was defined as a mean GI > 0.5. Heavy smokers presented significantly lower levels of gingival inflammation, as reflected by both GI and GBI, than both light and moderate smokers, despite their having increased amounts of plaque and calculus. Being 50 years old or older [odds ratio (OR), 1.93], a VPI ≥ 30% (OR, 28.1), and self-reported diabetes (OR, 2.79) were positively associated with detection of gingival inflammation. In conclusion, the occurrence of clinically detectable gingival inflammation was lower in heavy smokers than light and moderate smokers. Older age, diabetes, and visible plaque emerged as risk indicators of gingivitis. Plaque and gingival indices are significantly associated regardless of the smoking status.

Occurrence and predictors of gingivitis and supragingival calculus in a population of Brazilian adults

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of gingivitis and calculus and their predictors in a population of adults in Brazil. A representative sample of 758 adults from 35 to 59 years of age from Porto Alegre city was examined. A structured questionnaire was applied. The Gingival Bleeding Index and the presence of calculus were measured at 4 sites/tooth. Multivariable logistic models were fitted to determine the predictors for gingival bleeding at >20% of sites. Overall, 96.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]=95.1-98.0) of individuals had ≥ 1 bleeding site. The mean percentages of sites with gingivitis and calculus were 26.1% and 44.6%, respectively. The odds of gingivitis decreased by ∼45% for individuals ≥40 years old compared to younger adults. Individuals that never performed interproximal cleaning and non-whites had an approximately two times higher chance of gingivitis. Smokers had lower chances of gingivitis than never-smokers (odds ratio=0.40; 95% CI=0.24-0.68). Higher numbers of missing teeth were associated with higher chances of gingivitis. The percentage of calculus was significantly associated with skin color, education, proximal cleaning, smoking exposure, dental visits, and tooth loss. It can be concluded that the occurrence of gingivitis and calculus was high in this Brazilian population, and it was associated with age, skin color, education, self-reported proximal cleaning, smoking, dental care, and tooth loss.

Clinical and Individual Variables in Children's Dental Fear: A School-Based Investigation

Abstract This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of dental fear and associated factors in schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 years old, in Pelotas, southern Brazil. Schoolchildren enrolled in 20 public and private schools were selected using a multi-stage sample design. Sociodemographic characteristics, children's dental visit and oral hygiene habits were assessed by questionnaires. The Dental Anxiety Question was used to measure dental fear prevalence. Children's clinical examination evaluated presence of dental caries (DMFT/dmft index) and gingival bleeding. Data were analyzed using Poisson regression with robust variance (prevalence ratio; 95% confidence interval). One thousand two hundred and two children were included. Dental fear prevalence was 24.6%. After the adjustment, girls [PR=1.71 (CI 95%: 1.31-2.22)], children from poorer families [PR=1.96 (CI 95%: 1.36-2.83)], those who had decayed teeth (D/d index>0)[PR=1.32 (CI 95%: 1.01-1.72), and who had never been at the dentist [PR=1.85 (CI 95%: 1.42-2.41) remained significantly associated with dental fear. The prevalence of dental fear indicates that it is a common problem among schoolchildren. Early dental care and dental caries prevention are important factors to prevent dental fear.

Resumo Este estudo transversal avaliou a prevalência do medo odontológico e fatores associados em escolares de 8 a 12 anos de idade, na cidade de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Alunos matriculados em 20 escolas públicas e privadas foram selecionados através de um delineamento de conglomerado em duplo estágio. As características sociodemográficas, a experiência odontológica da criança e os hábitos de higiene bucal foram avaliados por meio de questionários. O medo odontológico da criança foi avaliado através da Dental Anxiety Question. Examinadores calibrados avaliaram a presença de cárie dentária (CPOD) e o índice de sangramento gengival. Os dados foram analisados por meio de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta (razão de prevalência; 95% intervalo de confiança). No total, 1202 crianças foram incluídas. A prevalência medo odontológico foi de 24,6%. Após o ajuste, as meninas [RP=1,71 (IC 95%: 1,31-2,22)], as crianças de famílias mais pobres [RP=1,96 (IC 95%: 1,36-2,83)], com lesões de cárie (D/d index>0) [RP=1,32 (IC 95%: 1,01-1,72) e as que nunca tinham ido ao dentista [RP=1,85 (IC 95%: 1,42-2,41) permaneceram significativamente associadas ao medo dental. A prevalência de medo odontológico encontrada indica que este é um problema comum em escolares. O atendimento odontológico precoce e a prevenção de cárie são fatores importantes para evitar o medo.