Oral issues and childhood stress in eight-to-ten-year-old schoolchildren: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether oral problems, harmful oral habits, and sociodemographic factors are associated with the occurrence of stress in schoolchildren. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study nested within a cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 375 schoolchildren eight to ten years of age in the city of Diamantina, Brazil. The case group (with childhood stress) and control group (without childhood stress) were matched for age and sex at a 1:4 ratio (75 cases to 300 controls). Data collection involved the self-administration of a questionnaire by parents/caregivers addressing sociodemographic characteristics and the child's history of harmful oral habits. The children answered the Child Stress Scale (CSS) and underwent a clinical oral examination to determine the presence/absence of dental caries, malocclusion, and traumatic dental injuries. Data analysis involved the calculation of frequencies, the chi-square test, and conditional logistic regression (95% CI; p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The final adjusted conditional logistic regression model showed that dental caries (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.01 - 3.14, p = 0.044) and biting objects (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.02 - 3.22, p = 0.041) remained associated with stress in the schoolchildren analysed. CONCLUSION: The present results showed that children with dental caries and the habit of biting objects were more likely to have childhood stress. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study allows paediatric dentists to expand their knowledge with regards to the influence of oral problems and harmful habits on the occurrence of childhood stress and serves as a guide for decision-making related to oral problems in schoolchildren.

The Impact of Socio-Environmental, Individual, and Biological Factors on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Preschool Children: A Cohort Study with 3-Year Follow-Up.

This study assessed impact of socio-environmental, individual, and biological factors on the worsening and severe worsening of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among preschoolers and their families. A cohort study was conducted in Diamantina, Brazil, with 151 children between 1 and 3 years of age and their mothers, who were evaluated at baseline (2014) and re-evaluated after 3 years (2017). The children were clinically examined to assess the presence of dental caries, malocclusion, dental trauma, and enamel defects. The mothers answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) and a questionnaire addressing individual characteristics of the child and socio-environmental factors. Extensive caries found in the follow-up (relative risk [RR] = 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26-2.91) and failure to undergo the dental treatment recommended at baseline (RR = 2.49; 95% CI = 1.62-3.81) were associated with worsening of OHRQoL over 3 years. An increase in the number of children in the household (RR = 2.95; 95% CI = 1.06-8.25), occurrence of extensive caries in the follow-up (RR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.05-4.07), and failure to undergo the dental treatment recommended at baseline (RR = 3.68; 95% CI = 1.96-6.89) were associated with a severe worsening of OHRQoL. In conclusion, the risk of worsening and severe worsening of OHRQoL was higher in preschoolers with extensive caries at follow-up and among those who did not undergo dental treatment. Furthermore, severe worsening of OHRQoL was also impacted by an increase in the number of children in the household.

Association between asthma and oral conditions in children and adolescents: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between asthma and oral conditions in children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational studies that evaluated the association between asthma and oral conditions in children and/or adolescents were retrieved from five databases, grey literature and reference lists up to April 7th, 2022. Meta-analyses were performed, and I2 statistics were calculated. The mean difference was used as a measure of effect for continuous variables. Event frequencies were evaluated to determine odds ratios for dichotomous variables. Publication bias was investigated using Egger's test. The methodological quality (JBI) and certainty of the evidence (GRADE) were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-two studies were eligible, and sixteen were included in the meta-analysis. Mean dmft (MD: 1.11, 95%CI: 0.48-1.73), DMFT (MD: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.45-1.56), dmfs (MD: 3.62, 95%CI: 2.60-4.63) and DMFS (MD: 4.47, 95%CI: 0.98-7.96) indices were significantly higher in asthmatic children and adolescents compared to those without asthma. In the analysis of biofilm, asthmatic children and adolescents had a higher Plaque Index compared to those without asthma (MD: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.03-0.33). CONCLUSION: Asthmatic children and adolescents may be more likely to develop tooth decay and build up biofilm compared to those without asthma. It is suggested that there are no differences between asthmatic and non-asthmatic children and adolescents regarding gingivitis, developmental defects of enamel or erosive tooth wear. The certainty of the evidence was classified as 'very low'. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the risks that asthma and asthma medications for oral health can assist in counselling families of children and adolescents with this condition in terms of control and prevention measures for oral problems.

Family income modifies the association between frequent sugar intake and dental caries.

AIM: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether family income modifies associations between dental caries and sex, age, mother's education, type of preschool, sugar intake, and toothbrushing. BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a multifactorial dyanamic disease primarily mediated by biofilm and sugar. DESIGN: A randomly selected sample of 308 Brazilian preschool children aged 1-3 years underwent a clinical oral examination for the assessment of moderate/extensive dental caries using codes 3-6 of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Mothers were asked to fill out a form addressing the child's demographic and socioeconomic characteristics as well as the frequency of sugar intake. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, the chi-squared test, and Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate/extensive dental caries was 42.5%. The adjusted model revealed that within low-income families (<2 times the monthly minimum wage), the prevalence of dental caries was higher among children with a high frequency of sugar intake (≥ twice per day) than in those with a low frequency of sugar intake (< twice a day) (RR = 1.79; CI: 1.38-2.33). In families with higher income (≥2 times the monthly wage), no significant association between sugar intake and dental caries was, however, found. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, monthly family income can modify the association between the high frequency of sugar intake and dental caries.

Association between child's behaviour during first dental appointment and effectiveness of dental plaque removal by caregivers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the behaviour of children aged 1 to 4 years during their dental appointment and the effectiveness of dental plaque removal by caregivers. METHODS: This longitudinal study with intervention had the participation of 146 children (mean age = 34.89 months), 75 of whom (51.4%) showed positive behaviour (+ and ++) and 71 (48.6%), negative behaviour (- and - -). The children were evaluated at the first dental appointment, according to the Frankl scale. They were subjected to an assessment of oral conditions, and their plaque level was recorded (Quigley-Hein Index modified by Turesky) using the Evince® device. Caregivers received oral hygiene guidance. The dental plaque assessment was performed before giving the oral hygiene guidance and 14 days later. The statistical analysis included a descriptive assessment and the Wilcoxon test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Mean dental plaque levels dropped significantly from the first to the second assessment (p < 0.001). The sample was divided according to the child's behaviour, observing that only the group of children with positive behaviour showed significantly less dental plaque in the second assessment (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The positive behaviour of children aged 1 to 4 years during the first dental appointments is associated with more effective dental plaque removal by caregivers.

Association of the prevalence and severity of untreated traumatic dental injuries with body mass index among Brazilian preschool children.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Children with excess weight may be more predisposed to traumatic dental injuries (TDI). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between overweight/obesity and TDI presence and severity in Brazilian preschool children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 347 children aged three to five years. The main exposure was evaluated based on the body mass index (BMI). Socioeconomic-demographic characteristics and harmful oral habits were investigated using a questionnaire sent to the parents/guardians. Oral clinical examinations were performed to determine overjet (criteria proposed by Foster and Hamilton), and the presence and severity of TDI (criteria proposed by Andreassen). Descriptive statistics were performed. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses were conducted for each outcome. RESULTS: The prevalence of TDI in the sample was 41.5% and 16% of the children had enamel and dentin fractures. In the multivariate analysis, BMI and overjet were associated with the presence and severity of TDI (PR: 2.04 and 1.78, respectively) of TDI (PR: 2.27 and 2.24, respectively) (p < .001 for all associations). CONCLUSION: Overweight/obesity was associated with both the presence and severity of TDI in early childhood.

Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal events associated with hypomineralized second primary molar: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The etiology of hypomineralized second primary molar (HSPM) appears to be multifactorial but remains uncertain. Thus, the objective was to systematically review studies that investigated adverse health conditions in the prenatal, perinatal and postnatal periods associated with HSPM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The search was carried out in five databases and in gray literature. The risk of bias of observational studies was analyzed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: A total of 1878 studies were identified. Fourteen were eligible, and seven were included in the meta-analysis. Maternal smoking (OR = 2.88; 95%CI: 1.62-5.15) and presence of maternal hypertension (OR = 2.91; 95%CI: 1.35-6.28) were significantly associated with higher odds of HSPM. In the perinatal period, factors associated with HSPM were low birth weight (OR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.15-1.96), prematurity (OR = 1.93; 95%CI: 1.37-2.71), delivery complications (OR = 2.42; 95%CI: 1.52-3.83) and need for an incubator (OR = 1.65; 95%CI: 1.01-2.70). Not breastfeeding (OR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.01-1.58), use of antibiotics by the child (OR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.04-1.48), fever (OR = 1.37; 95%CI: 1.10-1.72) and asthma (OR = 1.91; 95%CI: 1.16-3.13) were the postnatal factors associated with HSPM. CONCLUSION: Maternal smoking, maternal hypertension, low birth weight, prematurity, delivery complications, need for incubation, not breastfeeding, antibiotic use, fever and childhood asthma were associated with HSPM. Well-designed prospective cohort studies are needed. Clinical relevance Understanding the etiological factors can be guiding aspects for individual clinical approaches, as well as guiding the design of preventive interventions for HSPM.

Untreated dental caries and visible plaque of mothers are not determinant for the incidence of caries in dentin among children: evidence from a 3-year prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether characteristics related to mother's oral health, trajectory of family income, and maternal education are associated with the incidence of caries in dentin in preschool children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-eight mothers and their children were evaluated at baseline and re-evaluated after 3 years. Sociodemographic variables, dental caries, and biofilm of the mothers and children and daily sugar intake of the children were evaluated. Poisson regression was used to evaluate what factor represents risk for the incidence of caries in dentin at four to 6 years of age. RESULTS: The risk of the incidence of caries in dentin was 54% higher in children whose mothers had a low level of education at both baseline and follow-up. Children from families with an income lower at baseline and follow-up (RR 2.49; 95% CI 1.62-3.83) and those whose families experienced a reduction in income in this period (RR 2.05; 95% CI 1.29-3.26) had a greater risk of the incidence of caries in dentin. Moreover, children who increased their daily sugar intake (RR 1.67; 95% CI 1.09-2.52), those that maintained high sugar intake (RR 1.81; 95% CI 1.14-2.87), and those with cavitated caries at baseline (RR 1.53; 95% CI 1.19-1.97) had a greater risk of the incidence of caries in dentin. CONCLUSIONS: Low mother's education, a lower family income, a reduction in family income, a high frequency of daily sugar intake, and a history of cavitated caries were risk factors for the incidence of caries in dentin. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results could help in the targeting of improved prevention and control strategies for dental caries.

The prevalence of malocclusion is higher in schoolchildren with signs of hyperactivity.

INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is a behavioral disorder characterized by a lack of focus, impulsive behavior, and or excessive activity. This research aimed to evaluate the association between signs of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and malocclusion in schoolchildren. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 633 children aged 7-12 years. The children were clinically examined for malocclusion using the Dental Aesthetic Index. The predominant breathing pattern was also determined. Parents answered a questionnaire addressing socioeconomic characteristics and the presence of nonnutritive sucking habits. The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Scale-IV was filled out by both parents and teachers to compare behavioral patterns. The children were submitted to a neuropsychological evaluation using the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrix Test. Data analysis involved the chi-square test and Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of malocclusion was 42% higher among children with signs of hyperactivity reported by both parents and teachers (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.81; P = 0.004). In the final Poisson regression model, the prevalence of malocclusion was lower among schoolchildren aged 11 and 12 years (PR, 0.62; 95% CI. 0.52-0.73; P <0.001) and higher among those who used a pacifier for at least 4 years (PR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02-1.54; P = 0.029) as well as those classified as mouth breathers (PR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.09-1.51; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of malocclusion was higher among children with signs of hyperactivity independently of age, pacifier use, and mouth breathing.

Do family functioning and mothers' and children's stress increase the odds of probable sleep bruxism among schoolchildren? A case control study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between probable sleep bruxism (PSB) and associated factors in schoolchildren. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with a representative sample of 320 schoolchildren aged 8 to 10 years. The case group (160 children with PSB) and the control group (160 children without PSB) were matched for sex and age at a proportion of 1:1. Information on audible characteristics of PSB, harmful oral habits, and socio-demographic characteristics as collected through questionnaires answered by the parents/caregivers. The family functioning of children was measured through The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES III). Mothers self-administered the Lipp Stress Symptoms Inventory (LSSI) for adults to measure mothers' stress and the children filled out the Child Stress Scale (CSS) to measure the children stress. Data analysis used descriptive and logistic regression analyses (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Among the children with stress, 67.3% had PSB. Children with stress (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.18-4.19), those with a history of nail biting (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.39-3.55), and biting objects (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.09-2.87) were more likely to have PSB. CONCLUSION: Childhood stress and a history of nail biting or biting objects are important signs to be considered in schoolchildren with PBS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results alert that the PBS might be a sign of stress and other psychological problems such as tension and anxiety related to the presence of harmful oral habits. Furthermore, the results could help in the targeting of anamnesis, improved prevention and treatment strategies for sleep bruxism which should involve an interdisciplinary approach.

Developmental enamel defects are associated with early childhood caries: Case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge on the association between developmental enamel defects (DED) and early childhood caries (ECC) has importance for the drafting of prevention measures and oral healthcare planning. AIM: To compare the frequency of ECC in children with and without DED and verify their association with sociodemographic factors. DESIGN: This case-control study was carried out with Brazilian children aged one to five years. The case group made up of 98 children with ECC and the control group was made up of 98 children without ECC. DED were classified in diffuse opacity, demarcated opacity and enamel hypoplasia (Developmental Defects of Enamel Index). Sociodemographic data were collected by a questionnaire answered by parents. Statistical analysis used McNemar's test and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: In the bivariate analysis, ECC was more frequent among children from families with poorer socioeconomic conditions (lower monthly household income [P ≤ .001] and lower maternal schooling [P = .001]) and among those with DED (P ≤ .001). The final logistical model showed that children with DED (OR: 1.94) and a monthly household income less than two Brazilian minimum salaries (OR: 2.24) were more likely to have ECC. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of DED and lower household income were pre-disposing factors for the occurrence of ECC.

Do Patients with Extrinsic Black Tooth Stains Have a Lower Dental Caries Experience? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Studies have suggested that individuals affected by extrinsic black tooth stains have less dental caries experience in comparison to those without this condition. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether there is scientific evidence demonstrating that extrinsic black stains are a protective factor for the occurrence of dental caries. This systematic review was developed in accordance with the PRISMA statement and the research question was determined using the PECO strategy. Electronic searches were conducted in the PubMed, Science Direct, Virtual Health Library, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for relevant articles published up to September 2018. All articles included were submitted to an appraisal of methodological quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the data were extracted for meta-analysis. The search strategy resulted in the retrieval of 9,108 publications. After the application of the eligibility criteria, 18 articles were selected for analysis, 13 of which were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that individuals with extrinsic black stains involving primary (median, MD: -0.78 [-1.09; -0.48]; I2 = 44%) and permanent (MD: -0.50 [-0.93; -0.08]; I2 = 86%) teeth have a lower dental caries experience in comparison to those without this condition. Patients with extrinsic black tooth stains have a lower dental caries experience in cross-sectional studies.

Risk of Dental Caries in Primary Teeth with Developmental Defects of Enamel: A Longitudinal Study with a Multilevel Approach.

The risk of dental caries seems to be greater in the presence of developmental defects of enamel (DDE). The aim was to determine whether the presence of DDE in the primary teeth of preschool children increases the risk of dental caries in the primary dentition after a period of approximately 2 years. This study was conducted in two stages: baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1). At T0, examinations were conducted for the diagnosis of enamel defects using the DDE index (FDI, 1992), dental caries, and oral hygiene. The participants were allocated to two groups according to the presence (affected) or absence (unaffected) of DDE. At the second evaluation (T1), examinations were performed for the diagnosis of dental caries. Poisson regression analysis with a multilevel approach was used to determine the association between DDE and dental caries. The two levels of the analysis were tooth and child. Among the 339 children (113 affected and 226 unaffected) examined at baseline (T0), 325 were re-examined at follow-up (T1). According to the multilevel analysis, teeth with enamel hypoplasia had a greater risk of having dental caries (RR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.19-3.33). The risk of caries was greater on posterior teeth (RR: 2.59; 95% CI: 2.18-3.07) and maxillary teeth (RR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.26-1.75) that had DDE at T0. On the child level, dental caries at T1 was associated with having dental caries at T0 (RR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.32-1.46). In conclusion, enamel hypoplasia and previous dental caries are risk factors for carious lesions in the primary dentition.

Association between occlusal characteristics and the occurrence of dental trauma in preschool children: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Occlusal features may increase the risk of dental trauma. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between occlusal characteristics and the occurrence of dental trauma in preschool children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based case-control study was conducted with a representative sample of 200 children 3-5 years of age enrolled at private and public preschools in the city of Diamantina, Brazil. The case and control groups were matched for gender, age and type of preschool (public or private) at a ratio of 1:1 (100 cases and 100 controls). Independent variables of interest to the study (occlusal characteristics) and potential confounders (sociodemographic characteristics, sucking habits and lip coverage) were investigated. Intra-examiner and inter-examiner kappa values were higher than 0.80 for all oral conditions evaluated. The SPSS 22.0 program was used to analyse the data. Descriptive and univariate analyses as well as simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The occlusal feature most strongly associated with trauma was anterior open bite (OR = 3.80; 95% CI: 1.42-10.16). Maxillary anterior crowding (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.00-4.63) and overjet (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.58-2.17) were associated with the occurrence of trauma independently of the confounding variables (sociodemographic characteristics, sucking habits and lip coverage), but these variables lost their significance when adjusted for other types of malocclusion. Anterior open bite remained strongly associated with dental trauma, regardless of confounding variables and other types of malocclusion. CONCLUSION: Anterior open bite was the main variable associated with dental trauma in the preschool children analysed independently of the confounding variables and the presence of other malocclusions.

Do Signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Increase the Odds of Dental Caries? A Case-Control Study.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder that can affect one's performance in activities of daily living and can exert a negative impact on the oral health of children. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to determine the association between ADHD (signs and executive functions) and dental caries in children aged 7-12 years. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 532 children in the city of Diamantina, Brazil. The case group was composed of children with caries and the control group was composed of children without caries. The children were submitted to a clinical oral examination for the determination of caries and neuropsychological evaluations of intellectual function and executive function. Other signs of attention deficit and hyperactivity were investigated using the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham scale administered to parents/guardians and teachers. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were also evaluated. Statistical analysis involved the McNemar χ2 test and conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: The multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that monthly household income and parental reports of signs of attention deficit were significantly associated with the occurrence of dental caries. CONCLUSION: Children considered by their parents/guardians to have attention deficit have a greater chance of exhibiting dental caries, independently of household income.

Prevalence of probable sleep bruxism and associated factors in Brazilian schoolchildren.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of probable sleep bruxism (PSB) and associated factors among schoolchildren. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of 440 schoolchildren. The children were submitted to a clinical oral examination for the evaluation of tooth wear and/or muscle discomfort. Parents/caregivers filled out a questionnaire with information related to characteristic sounds of sleep bruxism, sociodemographic factors, and the presence of harmful oral habits of children. The stress of the mothers was measured through the Lipp's Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults (LSSI) instrument. The child's stress was measured through the Child Stress Scale (CSS). Data analysis included descriptive analysis and hierarchical Poisson regression (95% CI, P < 0.05). RESULTS: The prevalence of PSB was 40.0% (n = 176). The final Poisson regression model showed that PSB was significantly more prevalent in children with a history of nail biting (PR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.19-1.90; P = 0.001) and biting objects (PR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.03-1.63; P = 0.025) and less prevalent among girls (PR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.63-0.98; P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PSB in schoolchildren was high. Schoolchildren with a history of nail biting and biting objects had a higher prevalence of PSB.

Respiratory disorders and the prevalence of sleep bruxism among schoolchildren aged 8 to 11 years.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between respiratory disorders and sleep bruxism, with an evaluation of demographic/socioeconomic factors and childhood stress as confounding variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in the city of Diamantina, Brazil, with 448 randomly selected schoolchildren aged 8 to 11 years. The schoolchildren underwent an oral examination for the evaluation of bruxism. Parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire for the assessment of sleep bruxism; socioeconomic-demographic factors; and respiratory disorders, such as rhinitis, sinusitis, and bronchitis. The schoolchildren filled out the Children's Stress Scale. Poisson regression models were constructed separately for each respiratory disorder to determine prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Sleep bruxism was more prevalent among children with rhinitis (PR = 1.45; 95%CI 1.08-1.93; p = 0.012) and sinusitis (PR = 1.58; 95%CI 1.06-2.36; p = 0.023). No significant association was found between sleep bruxism and bronchitis. A greater frequency of sleep bruxism was found among children whose mothers had a higher level of schooling and those who reported stress in the resistance/exhaustion phase. CONCLUSION: Rhinitis and sinusitis were associated with sleep bruxism. Moreover, sleep bruxism was more prevalent among children whose mothers had a higher level of schooling and those with higher degrees of stress.

Untreated Dental Caries Is Associated with Reports of Verbal Bullying in Children 8-10 Years Old.

The objective of this research was to verify the association between verbal bullying and untreated dental caries. The present cross-sectional study had a representative sample of 1,589 children, aged 8-10 years, from public schools. Information on verbal bullying related to the oral condition was obtained through a questionnaire directed to the students. Clinical data were collected by 4 calibrated examiners (kappa > 0.70) using the DMFT/dmft and PUFA/pufa indexes for caries. Socioeconomic issues were answered by those responsible. The prevalence of verbal bullying related to the oral condition was 27%. The results of the Poisson regression, in an adjusted multiple model, showed a significant association between bullying and untreated caries lesions (prevalence ratio, PR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.07-1.52), PUFA/pufa index (PR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.11-1.61), pulp involvement (PR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.09-1.67), and abscess (PR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.18-2.56). It was concluded that children with untreated dental caries had a higher prevalence of verbal bullying when compared to caries-free or disease-treated children.

Factors associated with masticatory performance among preschool children.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the body mass index (BMI), food consistency, and oral problems on masticatory performance among preschool children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample composed of 279 children between 3 and 5 years of age allocated to three groups (underweight, ideal weight, and overweight) based on the BMI. Moreover, eating habits, malocclusion, breathing type, masticatory units, and untreated dental caries were investigated. For the evaluation of masticatory performance, the masticatory function test (Optocal) and Rosin-Rammler equation were used for the determination of median size (X50) of shredded food particles for each child. Data analysis involved the description of the frequency of the variables as well as both simple and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A larger median participle size was associated with a greater number of cavitated teeth (p < 0.001), greater frequency of the daily ingestion of liquid foods (p = 0.001), and a higher BMI (p < 0001). A greater number of masticatory units (p < 0.001), older age (p = 0.007), and greater frequency of the daily intake of solid foods (p = 0.019) were factors that contributed to a smaller median food particle size. CONCLUSION: BMI, number of cavitated teeth, number of masticatory units, child's age, and food consistency exerted an influence on masticatory performance among preschool children. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mastication is important for craniofacial growth and development. Thus, dentists should know the factors that affect the masticatory performance among children with primary teeth.

Effects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder signs and socio-economic status on sleep bruxism and tooth wear among schoolchildren: structural equation modelling approach.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of both bruxism and attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) has increased in recent years. AIM: This study evaluated the direct and indirect effects of signs of ADHD, reported by parents/caregivers and teachers, with sleep bruxism. In addition, this study explores the effects of socio-economic status (SES) on sleep bruxism. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was performed in Diamantina, Brazil, with 851 randomly selected schoolchildren aged 6-12 years. The schoolchildren were underwent an oral examination for the evaluation of bruxism. Moreover, parents/caregivers fill out a form for the assessment of sleep bruxism and sociodemographic factors. Parents/caregivers and teachers responded to the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham scale - version IV (SNAP-IV) for the assessment of ADHD signs. The structural equation modelling approach was used, and standardized coefficients to direct, indirect and total effects were calculated. RESULTS: ADHD signs had a significant moderate (SC = -0.19, P < 0.01) effect on sleep bruxism. SES had a significant indirect effect on bruxism via sucking habits. Moreover, SES had a significant direct (SC = -0.16, P = 0.01) and total effect on tooth wear (SC = -0.17, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that signs of ADHD and SES have a complex direct and indirect effects on sleep bruxism among schoolchildren.