Colombia's Armed Conflict and Dental Caries among Adults.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the association between residing in municipalities with armed conflict and dental caries among adults in Colombia. METHODS: Data from 9,194 individuals aged 18-79 years, who participated in the Fourth National Oral Health Survey in 2014, were linked with information on the presence and intensity of the armed conflict experienced in their municipality of residence between 2000 and 2012 (extracted from the Resource Centre for Conflicts Analysis). Dental caries was determined through clinical examinations and summarised using the numbers of decayed teeth (DT), decayed and filled teeth (DFT), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT). Two-level negative binomial regression models were fitted, with adults nested within municipalities, to test the association between armed conflict indicators and caries outcomes after adjustment for covariates. RESULTS: The mean DT, DFT, and DMFT scores were 1.75 (SD = 2.36), 6.03 (SD = 4.53), and 10.27 (SD = 7.11), respectively. Of the 197 municipalities included in the analysis, 12.2% experienced conflict permanently and 18.3% experienced high-intensity conflict. In crude analysis, adults living in municipalities with more presence and intensity of armed conflict had lower DT and DMFT, but not DFT scores. After adjustment for covariates, only the (high) intensity of conflict was associated with lower DT (rate ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.87), DFT (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71-0.95), and DMFT scores (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that Colombian adults residing in municipalities with high intensity of conflict had lower levels of untreated disease and caries experience.

Dental caries prevalence in relation to the cardiovascular diseases: cross-sectional findings from the Iranian kurdish population.

OBJECTIVE: Oral and dental health (ODH) is a significant public health concern globally, affecting billions of people. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the prevalence of dental caries using the DMFT index and investigate its relationship with cardiovascular diseases in the Iranian Kurdish population. METHODS: A total of 3,996 individuals aged 35-70 years were included from the Dehgolan prospective cohort study (DehPCS). Clinical examinations were performed to assess decayed (DT), missing (MT) and filled (FT) teeth (DMFT index). Data on demographics, socioeconomic status, medical history, oral hygiene practices were also collected. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) history was self-reported via questionnaires assessing heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between oral health indicators and self-reported CVD, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: The mean DMFT score was 18.18 ± 19, indicating a high oral disease burden. Specifically, 60.04% had DT, 37.82% had more than 16 MT, and 38.83% had FT. Only 13.21% reported flossing regularly and 43.17% brushed less than daily, showing suboptimal oral hygiene. The overall CVD prevalence was 9.21%. Individuals with high DMFT (≥ 14) scores had approximately two times higher CVD prevalence than those with low DMFT. DMFT decreased by 10.23% with increase in education level, and by 5.87% as economic status increased In adjusted analyses, high DMFT scores (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.2-1.9) and MT (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.1-2.1) were associated with 50-150% increased odds of CVD, though associations weakened after adjusting for age. Among men, DMFT remained a significant predictor for CVD after age adjustment, with an odds ratio of 2.37 (95% CI: 1.22-4.60). CONCLUSION: This population had substantial oral disease and poor oral hygiene. Higher DMFT scores and MT positively correlated with increased CVD prevalence. Promoting preventive oral care and health education could help reduce dental issues and potentially lower CVD risk. Further research is needed to clarify biological mechanisms linking oral and systemic health.

Association between DMFT and primary headaches: a study based on the Rafsanjan cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although primary headaches are common disorders, there is little research on the possible relationship between primary headaches and oral health (decayed, missing, and filled teeth: DMFT). The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the DMFT index and primary headaches. METHOD: This descriptive study was performed on 8682 cases from the Rafsanjani cohort population based on the Rafsanjani cohort study (RCS) and Oral Health Branch of the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (OHBRCS). Episodic primary headache (EPH) and chronic primary headache (CPH) of RCS patients who participated in OHBRCS were studied according to their DMFT score in comparison to nonprimary headache patients. Demographic characteristics and risk factors were compared in different groups. We used crude and multiple logistic regression analyses in this study. RESULTS: The missing teeth were significantly higher in the CPH group than in the no CPH group (P < 0.001), and filled teeth were significantly higher in the EPH group than in the no EPH group (P < 0.001). In the crude model, there was a direct significant association between the prevalence of EPH and filled teeth total and > 5 filled teeth, and after adjusting for confounders, this relationship remained significant. The odds ratios of CPH were not associated with DMFT or its components in the adjusted models. CONCLUSION: Our study found a correlation between filled teeth and EPH cases, but no correlation between CPH and DMFT or its components.

Dental Caries among the Elderly in Iran: A Meta-analysis.

Background: The prevalence of dental caries among the elderly is high worldwide, and dental caries cause the major burden of oral diseases. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the dental caries experience among the elderly in Iran. Methods: A systematic review of the published and grey literature on Iranians aged 65 years or older was performed. Six international and local databases provided the most comprehensive population-based studies. National oral health surveys and national disease and health surveys were considered other primary data sources. The quality of remained studies was assessed by a modified tool designed based on the STROBE statement checklist to evaluate the cross-sectional studies. R Version 3.6.0 was used for statistical analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and F statistics. Subgroup analysis was performed to detect the source of heterogeneity. Funnel plots and Egger's regression intercept test were used to assess publication bias and selective reporting. Results: Overall, 3099 sources were found. After excluding ineligible studies, 46 data points with 10411 people ≥65 years were included in the meta-analysis. The mean pooled decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) among older people was 26.84 (range, 26.41-27.28). The DMFT was 26.78 (range, 26.12-27.43) in women and 26.91 (range, 26.32-27.50) in men. The mean number of decayed teeth was 1.48 (range, 1.32-1.65). The mean pooled missing teeth was 24.83 (range, 24.20-25.46), and the mean pooled filled teeth was 0.14 (range, 0.12-0.17). The majority (92%) of the DMFT was related to missing teeth. Conclusion: Iranian elderly have almost 5 sound teeth in their mouth on average. The Iranian oral health policymakers should address this considerable burden of dental caries in designing and implementing better oral health policies for the population, especially older Iranian adults.

Association Between Oral Health and Airflow Limitation: Analysis Using a Nationwide Survey in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Although poor oral health is a common comorbidity in individuals with airflow limitation (AFL), few studies have comprehensively evaluated this association. Furthermore, the association between oral health and the severity of AFL has not been well elucidated. METHODS: Using a population-based nationwide survey, we classified individuals according to the presence or absence of AFL defined as pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity < 0.7. Using multivariable logistic regression analyses, we evaluated the association between AFL severity and the number of remaining teeth; the presence of periodontitis; the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index; and denture wearing. RESULTS: Among the 31,839 participants, 14% had AFL. Compared with the control group, the AFL group had a higher proportion of periodontitis (88.8% vs. 79.4%), complete denture (6.2% vs. 1.6%), and high DMFT index (37.3% vs. 27.8%) (P < 0.001 for all). In multivariable analyses, denture status: removable partial denture (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.04-1.20) and complete denture (aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.01-2.05), high DMFT index (aOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02-1.24), and fewer permanent teeth (0-19; aOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.12-1.52) were significantly associated with AFL. Furthermore, those with severe to very severe AFL had a significantly higher proportion of complete denture (aOR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.11-3.71) and fewer remaining teeth (0-19; aOR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.57-3.01). CONCLUSION: Denture wearing, high DMFT index, and fewer permanent teeth are significantly associated with AFL. Furthermore, a reduced number of permanent teeth (0-19) was significantly related to the severity of AFL. Therefore, physicians should pay attention to oral health in managing patients with AFL, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Oral Health Survey in Burundi; Evaluation of the Caries Experience in Schoolchildren Using the DMFT Index.

Background and objectives: There are no data on oral health in the population of Burundi. This study aimed to describe the oral health status of schoolchildren in Burundi using the dmft/DMFT index for the first time. Materials and methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional population-based epidemiological survey. The survey was designed according to the WHO methodology for oral health surveys. Oral examinations were conducted in school rooms using a dental mirror, probe, and headlight. The following characteristics of primary dentition status were recorded: decayed (d/D), missing (m/M), and filled (f/F) teeth, and the dmft/DMFT (d + m + f t/D + M + F T) index was calculated for each subject. Quantitative and qualitative variables were represented by measures of position and variability. One-way ANOVA was used to assess differences between parametric variables. Logistic regression was performed for total caries experience and gender, age groups, living area, and geographical provinces. Results: A total of 1902 children were examined, 1007 (52.94%) six-year-olds and 895 (47.06%) in the older group. The dmft/DMFT and subgroups were statistically significantly different in terms of age groups, living areas, and geographical regions (dmft/DMFT d-subgroup and D-subgroup p < 0.01), but only for DMFT for sex. The ORs estimated by logistic regression by total caries experience showed a protective effect for 12 year old subjects and those living in southern provinces, an OR of 0.52 (95%CI 0.43-0.64) and an OR of 0.26 (95%CI 0.21-0.32), respectively. Conclusions: Dental caries in African countries, including Burundi, remains a major problem affecting the general health and wellbeing of the population. Tackling untreated caries requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening oral health infrastructure, promoting oral health education, providing affordable dental services, and encouraging healthier eating habits.

Assessment of Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and DMFT Scores among Patients at King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa.

Background and Objectives: Oral health is one of the most significant issues in public health. The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index is a useful tool for assessing and measuring the state of oral health in a community. This study aimed to evaluate oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among participants who visited a dental clinic at King Faisal University and to evaluate their DMFT scores. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted at the King Faisal University dental complex, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire in English and Arabic. All statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS 20 software. A chi square and ANOVA test were used to assess the association. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were a total of 260 participants, of whom 193 (74.2%) were male and 67 (25.8%) were female. Most participants, 173 (66.5%), were between the ages of 18 and 28. The majority of the participants 191 (73.5%) believed that bad oral hygiene led to gum disease. Additionally, major issues while visiting dental clinics, the importance of routine dental clinic visits, the existence of a connection between oral and general health, brushing time and frequency of change of used brush were significantly influenced by gender (p < 0.05). In terms of the DMFT index, mean numbers of decaying teeth (D) were 4.82 ± 4.15, mean numbers of missing teeth (M) were 1.56 ± 2.94, mean numbers of filled teeth (F) were 5.17 ± 5.28 and mean DMFT score was 11.56 ± 6.32, with a statistically significant difference observed (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study concluded that, although some of the study participants neglected oral hygiene practices, the majority of participants had good knowledge and attitudes regarding the significance of oral hygiene. Owing to inadequate practices, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth scores increased with increasing age. Additionally, gender had no significant impact on the mean scores for decayed, missing, and filled teeth, although there were significant differences between age groups.

Oral health and smoking in Bandare-Kong cohort study: a cross-sectional population-based study (findings from PERSIAN cohort study).

Considering the harmful effects of smoking on oral and dental health, our aim was to investigate the oral and dental health status of people in the city of Bandare-Kong, Iran, and its relationship to smoking. This cross-sectional population-based study used baseline data from the Bandare-Kong Cohort Study. A total of 4063 participants aged 35-70 years were included in this study. Using Stata17 software, negative binomial regression was employed to identify factors related to the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The association between smoking status and DMFT was assessed by the adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR). Of the 4063 participants, 987 (24.29%) used cigarettes, hookahs, or both. The mean ± standard error (SE) DMFT index in all subjects was 11.08 ± 0.15; it was 14.17 ± 0.53 for cigarette smokers and 12.39 ± 0.37 for hookah users (p < 0.001). After adjusting for other variables, the rate of DMFT for cigarette smokers was 0.33 (IRR: 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22, 1.44), which was higher than for those who did not use cigarettes. The rate of DMFT for those who used cigarettes, hookahs, or both was 0.11 (IRR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.18), which was also higher than for those who did not smoke. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for oral health complaints. Although the rate of DMFT was increased in hookah smokers, it was not a predictor of dental problems. However, we suggest that hookah use be included in educational policies to control oral and dental diseases.

Relationship between DMFT index and number of pregnancies: a cross-sectional study on enrollment phase of the Tabari Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: People of all age and gender groups are at risk of dental diseases; however, some groups, such as pregnant women, are more vulnerable than others due to their specific physiological situations. The protection of maternal and fetal is critical. Therefore, the present study intended to investigate the relationship between the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the number of pregnancies. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was performed using the Tabari Cohort Study (T.C.S.) data. Data of 5,496 women enrolled in the T.C.S. were included in the study. After obtaining the approval of the Ethics Committee, the related data on the variables of age, age at the first pregnancy, number of pregnancies, total number of teeth at the time of examination, number of DMFT, employment status, socioeconomic status, educational level, residence location, body mass index, and the status of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases were extracted. Finally, data analysis was performed in the STATA software (version 14). RESULTS: The mean DMFT index in women with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and more than six pregnancies were obtained at 12.74 ± 7.11, 13.09 ± 7.06, 14.80 ± 7.81, 17.07 ± 8.11, 19.82 ± 9.02, 22.89 ± 8.98, and 26.17 ± 8.01, respectively (P < 0.001). Using the multivariate linear regression and adjusting the effect of potential confounding variables, it was found that the DMFT index increased by 34% for each unit increase in the number of pregnancies (ß = 0.34, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, there was a significant relationship between the DMFT index and the number of pregnancies. The DMFT index was increased with an increased number of pregnancies. Therefore, oral healthcare promotion should receive special attention in healthcare planning and related policies by raising awareness and providing easy access to dental services for women of childbearing age, especially pregnant women.

Oral health assessment in a sample of displaced people as a result of the war in Syria in Damascus city: results of non-profit initiative.

BACKGROUND: War on Syria extended for a long time and resulted in significant impacts on various aspects, one of these aspects was displaced people crisis, and thus its impact on complete neglecting of oral health despite of its importance and impacts on the general health. This study aims to assess the oral health of the displaced Syria sample as a result of the war on Syria. METHODS: The sample included 118 patients of displaced families from different regions and cities to shelters in Damascus city, and the study included 118 control samples from the Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University. The non-profit initiative team included 20 dentists of all dental specialties. Oral health was assessed using DMFT index. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.22 in comparison with the gender of the patients, age groups, and socioeconomic status. Finally, the number of the treatment provided by the non-profit initiative was collected and presented in the study. RESULTS: No significant differences found in the DMFT index between children and adults (P = 0.750), DMFT value ranged between (0 and 11) with a mean value (2.4). The total DMFT value for adults was (2.77), while for children (2.12). Also, no statistical difference was found between males and females (P = 0.688). While the control group had an average DMFT value of (2.37), the difference between the displaced and control samples was not significant. Over 200 dental treatments were provided by the team. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the DMFT value is high among the displaced people as one of the consequences of the war on Syria, however, no significant difference was found when the results of the displaced sample was compared to a control sample.

Influence of cognitive impairment and dementia on oral health and the utilization of dental services : Findings of the Oral Health, Bite force and Dementia Study (OrBiD).

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to show the influence of cognitive impairment and dementia on oral health and on the utilization of dental services. METHODS: A cross-sectional analyzation of data of the OrBiD (Oral Health, Bite Force and Dementia) pilot study was conducted. 137 subjects were stratified into five dementia groups on the basis of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) (1-no dementia (MMSE 28-30), 2-mild cognitive impairment (MMSE 25-27), 3-mild dementia (MMSE 18-24), 4-moderate dementia (MMSE 10-17), and 5-severe dementia (MMSE < 10)). Information on the utilization of dental services and oral health parameters (DMFT index, degree of restoration, Periodontal Screening Index, Bleeding on Probing, Oral Hygiene Index, Denture Hygiene Index) were collected. RESULTS: An increase in dementia resulted in significant reduction in utilization. Moreover, with increasing cognitive impairment/dementia there was a significant difference in the number of teeth that were decayed, but not in the number of filled or missing teeth or the DMF/T index itself. With increasing dementia, the degree of restoration decreased and oral/denture hygiene deteriorated significantly. Nevertheless, periodontal therapy was required for all subjects independent of their degree of dementia while bleeding on probing was increasing with increasing dementia. CONCLUSIONS: An influence of cognitive impairment and dementia on oral health and on the utilization of dental services was shown. However, no conclusions about the influence of the utilization behavior of people with dementia on oral health parameters can be drawn. Further longitudinal studies are needed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03775772. Registered 14th December 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03775772 .

[Oral health in persons with disability in Germany-an overview of the literature]. / Mundgesundheit bei Menschen mit Behinderung in Deutschland ­ eine Literaturübersicht.

The last systematic review regarding oral health of persons with disability in Germany was published in 2012. For that review, only three field studies on caries prevalence of children, adolescents, or adults with disability published between 2000 and 2012 were identified. The aim of the present overview is to present the results of new studies and the evolving consequences. In this regard, all studies and abstracts that had been published or accepted for publication between 1 January 2000 and 31 January 2021 were included.In this time interval, six regional studies and one supra-regional study were conducted in Germany in children and adolescents with disability. In addition, three regional studies and one supra-regional study were conducted in adults with disability. The studies had taken place in four of the 16 German federal states. Caries experience of the study participants was determined with the aid of a specific index. On average, children with disability and aged between 6 and 10 years had a higher caries experience than children without disability. In adolescents this difference is only true for those with intellectual disability. In adults with intellectual disability the higher caries experience yielded in a higher mean number of missing teeth compared to the general population.In conclusion, preventive and dental care for persons with disability still has to be intensified. This goal may be achieved by adding dental care for persons with disability to the national dental curriculum and by integrating this discipline in the education of dental students in all universities where dentistry is taught.

Caries Status and Salivary Alterations of Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The association between dental caries, salivary alterations, and type-1 diabetes mellitus (D1TM) remains inconclusive in children and adolescents. This systematic review evaluated the caries status and salivary alterations of children and adolescents suffering from D1TM. METHODS: Meta-analysis searched from 5 electronic databases was performed considering the decay-missing-filled teeth (DMFT), decay-missing-filled surfaces, and decay-missing-filled primary teeth (dmft) index for caries and the stimulated flow rate, unstimulated flow rate, and buffering capacity for salivary alterations. Quality assessments were performed using the Healthcare Research and Quality Agency. RESULTS: Eleven studies satisfied the eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that DMF(T) (0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-1.08, P = .01) and dmft (-0.43; 95% CI, -0.71 to -0.15, P = .002) were significantly higher in D1TM group than the non-D1TM group. Stimulated flow rate (-0.40; 95% CI, -0.57 to -0.23, P < .00001) was significantly lower in D1TM group than in the non-D1TM group. No significant differences in decay-missing-filled surfaces and the buffering capacity were observed between the D1TM and the non-D1TM groups. CONCLUSIONS: The level of DMF(T) and dmft was higher in children/adolescents with D1TM than that with non-D1TM, and the salivary flow could be considered decreased with D1TM. The strength of the evidence of the studies analyzed, however, was deemed to be moderate and low.

The impact of radiation caries in the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The objective of this multicentre study was to verify the relationship between the scores of quality of life (QoL) and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and radiation caries (RC) in patients treated with radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer, and through this to determine if RC is capable of causing a significant decrease in the QoL. METHODS: One hundred patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with at least 1 year of RT completion who developed RC (study group, n = 50); and patients with at least 1 year of RT completion who did not develop RC (control group, n = 50). All patients answered the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the University of Washington quality of life (UW-QoL) questionnaire, which was divided into physical and social-emotional functioning domains and evaluated the DMFT index score. RESULTS: The mean score of QoL was 927.2 in the control group and 878.1 in the study group (P = 0.24). The mean score of DMFT was 30.5 in the study group and 20.7 in the control group (P = 0.001). The items recreation and saliva, which belong to the physical function domain, showed a statistically significant difference between the study and control groups (P = 0.031 and P = 0.047, respectively). Saliva was the item with the higher number of patient complaints in both groups. CONCLUSION: RC had a negative impact on the QoL of HNC patients.

Oral disorders in patients with newly diagnosed haematological diseases.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine saliva flow rates and prevalence of dental and periodontal diseases of patients with newly diagnosed severe haematological diseases and compare these findings with age-matched controls of normal population. METHODS: A total of 149 patients diagnosed with haematological diseases aimed to be treated with haematological stem cell transplantation between 2008 and 2018 and 154 controls were included in the study. A dental examination was performed for patients within a maximum of 6 months after diagnosis. Differences were compared in terms of the stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR); decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index; number of teeth; caries prevalence; presence of periodontitis and acute infections. RESULTS: The mean SSFR of the patient group was significantly lower (1.1 ml/min ± 0.7 ml/min) than the mean SSFR of the controls (1.3 ml/min ± 0.5 ml/min; p = 0.004). The number of caries lesions was significantly higher in the patient group (mean ± SD, 1.1 ± 1.9) than in the control group (mean ± SD, 0.4 ± 1.2; p < 0.001). There were fewer teeth and a higher DMFT index in the patient group compared to the control group, but the differences were not significant. Acute symptomatic infections were observed in eight (5.4%) patients and in none of the controls (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oral examinations in patients with newly diagnosed severe haematological disease demonstrated a higher prevalence of caries, acute infections and lower mean SSFR compared with the controls. These findings support the recommendations for early dental examination at the time of diagnosis.

Oral health status of 6- and 12-year-old children of Roma origin from Eastern Slovakia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical effect of untreated dental caries in Roma children from eastern Slovakia using dmft/DMFT index and SiC index, association between dental caries development and oral hygiene, dietary habits and preventive dental care. METHODS: Dental caries were assessed by recording the dmft index (for primary dentition) and the DMFT index (for permanent dentition) that are used to assess the state of teeth, which expresses the current state of teeth or its development in an individual or the entire population. The SiC index was calculated as the mean dmft of one-third of the population with highest caries scores. The normality of data distribution was tested by Shapiro-Wilk test. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions (oral hygiene, dietary habits and preventive dental visit). Data were analysed using ordered logistic regression and t-test. The study includes questionnaire containing 5 questions about dietary habits, oral hygiene and preventive dental visit. RESULTS: The results of presented study confirmed higher average values of DMFT (3.24) in the population of 12-year-old Roma children and lower average values of dmft (2.5) in the second group (p < 0.05). The value of SiC index represented 6.10 in the group of six-year-old and 7.66 in twelve-year-old children. Logistic regression was performed to test the magnitude of the association between dental caries and related factors. There was statistically significant association between average value dmft/DMFT and dietary habits, oral hygiene, and preventive dental visit in both study groups. CONCLUSION: The study revealed insufficient oral hygiene of the Roma children population. Systematic implementation of preventive examinations for oral hygiene and health programmes are needed to promote oral health. The study represents a pilot study of the SiC index values in Roma minority population from eastern Slovakia.

Do chronotype differences and night eating syndrome affect dental health?

OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study was to examine the effect of chronotype differences and night eating syndrome on dental health parameters such as the decay-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index, the severity of the periodontal disease and the number of endodontically treated teeth in patients admitted to the dental clinic. METHODS: The participants, 210 patients, filled out a package of psychological tools, including the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Afterwards, the DMFT index scores, the severity of the periodontal disease and the number of endodontically treated teeth of patients were recorded simultaneously with a routine dental examination. RESULTS: Findings show that the ISI and NEQ scores were significantly higher in the evening-type individuals (E-types) than in the morning-type individuals, and there was no significant difference between the chronotypes in terms of the number of endodontically treated teeth and the DMFT scores. In ordinal regression analyses, not brushing teeth (OR 7.94, CI 6.40-9.85), increased number of decayed teeth (OR 1.16, CI 1.13-1.19) and decreased MEQ scores (OR 0.95, CI 0.94-0.95) were statistically significant predictors for periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: Although there was no correlation between chronotype differences and the DMFT index, and the number of endodontically treated teeth, E-types had a higher risk of periodontal disease severity.

Oral health and socio-economic status among children during Syrian crisis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The Syrian crisis has started eight years ago and has, directly and indirectly, affected all the aspects of the Syrians lives. A lot of new war-related factors contributed to change the socio-economic status, the demographical distribution and the ability to access the public health services. Moreover, the crisis created the biggest displacement crisis both inside and outside Syria. Therefore, it is important to study the prevalence of dental caries and oral health in these specific circumstances in order to build a database to assess and compare future results of preventive programs and to assess health and social needs of the communities affected by war or crisis. The aim of this research is to Study the level of oral health among children during the Syrian crisis, as well as the relation between oral health and socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: A cross-sectional study to assess the oral health of children in Damascus city by using DMFT index and other dental indices. The data were collected from ten randomly selected schools covering all the areas of Damascus city, and the final sample size was 811 children. RESULTS: DMFT index was used to assess the oral health of the children. The average number was (3.36) among all children; 14% of the sample size had a good oral health, while 86% had at least one decayed, missed, or filled tooth. There was also a strong association between SES of the child and the oral health represented as DMFT Index (P = 0.03), Pearson's correlation test displayed an inverse association between the SES and oral health (P = - 0.074). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the impact of the Syrian crisis on the SES of the Syrian children and their oral health. Bad oral health has been recorded and it has a significant relation with the SES of the children.

The impact of a school-based tooth-brushing program on dental caries: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Promotion of oral health in children is recognized as one of the components of health-promoting schools (HPSs). However, few studies have addressed supportive school environments for children's oral health. This study aimed to evaluate the status of dental caries in school children at HPSs, with the objective of examining the impact of a supportive school environment for oral health, considering the lifestyles of individual children and the socioeconomic characteristics of their communities. METHODS: Data of 2043 5th-grade students in 21 elementary schools in Ichikawa city between 2008 and 2013 were analyzed. Children's oral health status was evaluated using the decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index. A self-reported lifestyle questionnaire, a survey of the school environment promoting tooth-brushing, and community socioeconomic characteristics derived from the National Census data were included in the analyses. Bivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the children's DMFT status, and zero-inflated negative binominal (ZINB) regression was used to assess the relationships between DMFT and other variables. RESULTS: Prevalence of dental caries in the permanent teeth of 5th-grade children (aged 10-11 years) was 33.3%, with a mean DMFT score (± SD) of 0.83 ± 1.50. According to multilevel ZINB regression analysis, children from schools with after-lunch tooth-brushing time showed a higher odds ratio (OR) for excess zero DMFT (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.00-2.15, P = 0.049) as compared to those from schools without it. Neither bivariate analysis nor ZINB model analysis revealed any significant influence of children's gender or use of a toothpaste with fluoride. CONCLUSIONS: The school-based environment supportive of oral health was significantly associated with a zero DMFT status in children. School-based efforts considering the socioeconomic characteristics of the area warrant attention even with declining prevalence of dental caries.

Short-term and Long-lasting Effects of Hypo-Cariogenic Dietary Advice and Oral Care on Oral Flora: a Randomised Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the short- and long-term effects of different combinations of dietary instructions on cariogenic food intake and salivary cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans [SM] and Lactobacillus [LB]). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomised 2-arm parallel study, 75 6-year-old subjects were assigned to repeated (group A; 19M/19F) or isolated (group B; 17M/20F) verbal and/or written dietary advice (VWDA), with foods classified by cariogenic potential. Both groups underwent a baseline salivary test for SM/LB, kept a monthly food diary, and attended 4 weekly visits (T1-T4). At T1-T2; group A only received VDA. At T3, both groups received VWDA. At T4, participants handed in their food diaries and underwent another salivary test. After 1 year (T5), subjects were recalled for weekly food diary monitoring and salivary testing. Relative risk (RR) of high-to-low SM/LB density was calculated at T4 and T5. RESULTS: Comparing groups A and B, VDA determined an increase in the intake of weakly cariogenic food (p < 0.05) and a decrease in that of intermediately cariogenic food (p < 0.05). After VWDA, a statistically significant increase in intake of weakly cariogenic food and a statistically significant decrease in the RR of high-density SM/LB colonies occurred in both groups. At T5, group A showed less intake of highly cariogenic food than did group B (p = 0.05) and persistent, although non-significant, reduction in the RR of high-density SM/LB colonies. CONCLUSIONS: Reinforcement measures on behavioural changes towards a noncariogenic diet not only help maintain long-lasting, healthier eating habits, but also decrease the cariogenic bacterial load in the short term, which tends to persist over time.