Garre's sclerosing osteomyelitis.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Sep;25 Suppl:S30-3

Authors: Suma R, Vinay C, Shashikanth MC, Subba Reddy VV

Garre's sclerosing osteomyelitis is a specific type of chronic osteomyelitis that mainly affects children and young adults. This disease entity is well-described in dental literature and is commonly associated with an odontogenic infection resulting from dental caries. This paper describes a case of Garre's osteomyelitis in a 10-year-old boy, in whom the condition arose following pulpoperiapical infection in relation to permanent mandibular right first molar. Clinically the patient presented with bony hard, non-tender swelling and the occlusal radiograph revealed pathognomic feature of "onion skin" appearance. The elimination of periapical infection was achieved by endodontic therapy and the complete bone remodeling was seen radiographically after three months follow-up.

PMID: 17921638 [PubMed - in process]

Effect of fluoride varnish on Streptococcus mutans counts in plaque of caries-free children using dentocult SM strip mutans test: A randomized controlled triple blind study.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Oct-Dec;25(4):157-63

Authors: Jeevarathan J, Deepti A, Muthu MS, Rathna Prabhu V, Chamundeeswari GS

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases and although of multifactorial origin, Streptococcus mutans is considered the chief pathogen in its development. Fluoride is one of the most effective agents used for the reduction of dental caries apart from oral hygiene maintenance. Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate the counts of Streptococcus mutans and to evaluate the effect of Fluor Protector fluoride varnish on these counts in the plaque of caries-free children using Dentocult SM Strip Mutans. Materials and Methods: Thirty caries-free subjects were selected for the study based on the information obtained from a questionnaire and were randomly assigned to the control group consisting of ten subjects and the study group consisting of twenty subjects. Plaque samples were collected on the strips from the Dentocult SM kit and after incubation, the presence of Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using the manufacturer's chart. The study group was subjected to a Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application following which the samples were collected again after 24 hours. Results: The average Streptococcus mutan s counts in the primary dentition of caries-free children before and after the application of Fluor Protector fluoride varnish were 10 4 -10 5 colony forming units (CFU)/ml and 4 CFU/ml respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that the study group had a statistically significant reduction in the plaque Streptococcus mutans counts than the control group.

PMID: 18007100 [PubMed - in process]

Comparison of antibacterial properties of two fluoride-releasing and a nonfluoride-releasing pit and fissure sealants.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Jul-Sep;25(3):133-6

Authors: Menon Preetha V, Shashikiran ND, Reddy VV

Occlusal pits and fissures are the most susceptible sites for the development of dental caries and prevention is difficult in the areas of occurrence. Although only 12.5% of all the tooth surfaces are occlusal, these surfaces develop more than two-thirds of total caries experienced by children. The fate of the bacteria is of significance when they are inadvertently sealed by a dental sealant. This study aimed in examining the antibacterial properties of three commercially available sealants, viz., Teethmate-F, Helioseal-F and Helioseal. Antibacterial testing was done by disc diffusion method. Selective agars were used to grow Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Statistical analysis was carried out using student's t test. The study proved that Helioseal-F and Helioseal did not possess antibacterial properties and Teethmate-F was the only sealant that showed antibacterial properties.

PMID: 17951930 [PubMed - in process]

Prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs in the school-going children of rural areas in Udaipur district.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Jul-Sep;25(3):119-21

Authors: Dhar V, Jain A, Van Dyke TE, Kohli A

Dental caries is among the most common dental problems affecting humans. This condition is a major health problem with high prevalence, globally involving the people of all regions and society. This study was conducted on 1587 government school children of Udaipur district in the age group of 5-14 years for recording the prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs. Dental caries was found in 46.75% children, and 76.87% children required some kind of dental treatment.

PMID: 17951926 [PubMed - in process]

Epidemiology of dental caries in Chandigarh school children and trends over the last 25 years.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Jul-Sep;25(3):115-8

Authors: Goyal A, Gauba K, Chawla HS, Kaur M, Kapur A

The prevalence of dental caries in 6, 9, 12 and 15-year-old school children of Chandigarh, selected on a randomized basis was evaluated using Moller's criteria (1966) and correlated with the various risk factors. The mean deft was found to be 4.0 +/- 3.6 in 6 year old and 4.61 +/- 3.14 in 9 year old, whereas the mean DMFT in 12 and 15 year old was found to be 3.03 +/- 2.52 and 3.82 +/- 2.85 respectively. The high prevalence of dental caries in these children was attributed to the lack of use of fluoride toothpaste (80% children), lack of knowledge about etiology of dental caries (98%) and frequency of sugar exposures up to more than five times per day (30%).

PMID: 17951925 [PubMed - in process]

Retention of three fissure sealants and a dentin bonding system used as fissure sealant in caries prevention: 12-month follow-up results.

Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2007 Oct;12(6):E459-63

Authors: Baca P, Bravo M, Baca AP, Jiménez A, González-Rodríguez MP

BACKGROUND: Bonding agents could be used as fissure sealants. This study compares the retention three fissure sealants (Delton, Delton Plus and Concise) and a filled dentin bonding system (Optibond Solo). METHODS. Fifty-six children aged 7-8 years received fissure sealants either in the four permanent first molars, in the four deciduous second molars, or in all eight of these teeth. Every child received a different sealing material in each quadrant on a random basis. Clinical evaluation at 12 months was performed by a single blind examiner, and the retention was classified as either a success (total retention) or a failure (partial retention or not present). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the four materials in permanent maxillary molars or deciduous molars. In permanent mandibular molars, Optibond Solo showed a lower percentage of retention (40.9%), significantly different (p=0.002) to that of Delton (89.5%), Delton Plus (87.5%) and Concise (76.5%). CONCLUSION: One bottle dentin bonding system used as a sealant does not improve the retention of conventional fissure sealants. CLINICAL IMPLICATION: Because of the scarcity of studies on the use of dental adhesives as sealants, further studies are warranted for the final support of that conclusion.

PMID: 17909514 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Sugar intake and public health]

Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2007 Sep 6;127(17):2259-62

Authors: Henriksen HB, Kolset SO

BACKGROUND: Sugar is present in simple forms such as sucrose, lactose and fructose, and in the more complex forms starch and fibre. Complex carbohydrates in foods like vegetables and less refined grain products provide energy and important additions of vitamins, minerals and fibre. We have reviewed the effects of sugars on overweight, diabetes Type 2 and caries, and the intake of carbohydrates in simple and complex forms in the Norwegian population. METHOD: Literature was found in the databases PubMed and Bibsys, and in public statistics. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Sugars in beverages and candy only contribute with energy that can lead to an increased amount of fat in the body. High sugar intakes contribute to development of overweight, diabetes type 2 and caries. Glucose from sucrose and starch increase blood glucose levels and stimulate insulin secretion. Lack of insulin response after fructose intake can result in adverse effects on lipid metabolism and satiety regulation. Norway is one of the countries in the world with the highest intake of sweetened beverages. Preventive health measures aimed at decreasing sugar intake in pre-school and school children must include increased availability of fruits and vegetables, water and better canteens. The increased sugar intake among adolescents requires measures from politicians and authorities.

PMID: 17828323 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[A socioeconomic classification and the discussion related to prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis]

Cien Saude Colet. 2007 Mar-Apr;12(2):523-9

Authors: Meneghim Mde C, Kozlowski FC, Pereira AC, Ambrosano GM, Meneghim ZM

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between a socioeconomic classification model and prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis in Piracicaba, S&#xE2;o Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: For this classification five indicators were used (family monthly income, number of residents in the same household, parents' formal educational level, type of housing and occupation of person responsible for the family). A scoring system was used in order to arrange in a hierarchy, 812 12 year old school children distributed between six different social classes. Volunteers were examined in the school's back patio under natural light with a dental mirror, by two examiners calibrated for DMFT index (dental caries) and T-F (dental fluorosis). The qui-square test (p<0.01) was used in the statistical analysis for the association of DMFT and the dental fluorosis and between the socioeconomic variable and the proposed social classes. RESULTS: The DMFT average was 1.7, while 31.4%, of the children had dental fluorosis (T-Fe"1). CONCLUSION: With respect to socioeconomic class a statistically significant association was only verified with dental caries.

PMID: 17680106 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Influence of immigration on the bucco-dental health of a school population in Reus]

Aten Primaria. 2007 Jul;39(7):381-2

Authors: Manso Mora J, Collado Cuco A, Palau Galindo A, S&#xE1;nchez Sánchez L, San Miguel San Martín J

PMID: 17669327 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Do autistic children have higher levels of caries? A cross-sectional study in Turkish children.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Apr-Jun;25(2):97-102

Authors: Namal N, Vehit HE, Koksal S

The aim of this study is to assess whether the dental caries experience is higher in children with an autistic disorder (AD) than in normal children. Three schools for autistic children and three standard elementary schools in Istanbul, Turkey, were included in a cross-sectional study. Subjects were orally examined. Socio-demographic information and data about their oral care habits were obtained from their parents from records. Sixty-two children with AD and 301 children without AD were examined. Their ages varied between 6 and 12 years. Children with AD compared to those without AD had lower experience of caries. Logistic regression analysis of DMFT showed that the dental status was positively affected in younger children (OR = 15.57; 95% CI 7.62, 31.80), children from families with high income (OR = 5.42; 95% CI 2.31, 12.75), children brushing teeth regularly (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.10, 3.68), children consuming less sugar (OR = 5.01; 95% CI 2.57, 9.76) and in those with AD (OR=3.99; 95% CI 1.56, 10.19). Children with AD had better caries status than children without AD at younger ages.

PMID: 17660646 [PubMed - in process]

Effect of antiasthmatic medication on dental disease: Dental caries and periodontal disease.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Apr-Jun;25(2):65-8

Authors: Shashikiran ND, Reddy VV, Raju PK

The prevalence of asthma has been increasing since the 1980s. Asthma and tooth decay are the two major causes of school absenteeism. There are few studies present in the literature. The objectives of the present study were to know the severity of dental caries and periodontal problems in children before and after taking antiasthmatic medication. The present study was conducted on 105, six- to fourteen-year-old asthmatic children to determine the condition of their dental caries and their periodontal status before and after taking antiasthmatic medication, for a period of 1 year and these were matched with their controls. The results showed that salbutamol inhaler shows increased caries rate with high significance over other groups, which was followed by salbutamol tablets and beclamethasone inhaler respectively. It has been concluded that antiasthmatic medication has its effects on dental caries and periodontal disease and asthmatic patients are recommended to adopt more precautionary oral hygiene practices and keep their caries activity and periodontal health under constant check.

PMID: 17660639 [PubMed - in process]

Early Childhood Caries among a Bedouin community residing in the eastern outskirts of Jerusalem.

BMC Public Health. 2007;7:167

Authors: Livny A, Assali R, Sgan-Cohen HD

BACKGROUND: ECC is commonly prevalent among underprivileged populations. The Jahalin Bedouin are a severely deprived, previously nomadic tribe, dwelling on the eastern outskirts of Jerusalem. The aim of this study was to assess ECC prevalence and potentially associated variables. METHODS: 102 children aged 12-36 months were visually examined for caries, mothers' anterior dentition was visually subjectively appraised, demographic and health behavior data were collected by interview. RESULTS: Among children, 17.6% demonstrated ECC, among mothers, 37.3% revealed "fairly bad" anterior teeth. Among children drinking bottles there was about twice the level of ECC (20.3%) than those breast-fed (13.2%). ECC was found only among children aged more than one year (p < 0.001); more prevalent ECC (55.6%) was found among large (10-13 children) families than among smaller families (1-5 children: 13.5%, 6-9 children: 15.6%) (p = 0.009); ECC was more prevalent among children of less educated mothers (p = 0.037); ECC was more prevalent among mothers with "fairly poor" anterior dentition (p = 0.04). Oral hygiene practices were poor. CONCLUSION: ECC levels in this community were not very high but neither low. This changing population might be on the verge of a wider dental disease "epidemic". Public health efforts clearly need to be invested towards the oral health and general welfare of this community.

PMID: 17650296 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Isolation and characterization of the mutans streptococci from the dental plaques in Koreans.

J Microbiol. 2007 Jun;45(3):246-55

Authors: Yoo SY, Park SJ, Jeong DK, Kim KW, Lim SH, Lee SH, Choe SJ, Chang YH, Park I, Kook JK

Mutans streptococci have been implicated as cariogenic bacteria in dental caries because they can produce high levels of dental caries-causing lactic acid and extracellular polysaccharide. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the mutans streptococci from the dental plaque obtained from Koreans. The dental plaque samples were collected from the anterior and molar teeth of both jaws in 155 subjects (aged 2 to 33.2 years, average age 13.7+/-4.7 years). The samples were diluted by 100-fold in 1x PBS and plated on mitis-salivarius bacitracin (MSB) agar plates. The mutans streptococci grown on MSB plates were screened by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) targeting dextranase gene (dex). The mutans streptococci were identified at the species level using a 16S rDNA sequencing comparison method. The biochemical tests were carried out to biotype the mutans streptococci. Ninety-five strains of the mutans streptococci out of 358 colonies, which were derived from 141 subjects, were isolated. Of them, 77 strains and 18 strains were Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, respectively. The biotyping data showed that 62, 1, 20, 10, and 2 strains were biotypes I, II, IV, V and variant, respectively. Of the two strains of variant biotype, one strains was similar to biotype IV except that it was positive to the arginine hydrolysis test. We considered this one strain a new biotype, and classified it as biotype VII. In conclusion, S. mutans and its biotype I was most frequently isolated in Korean dental plaque. The mutans streptococci strains isolated in this study might be useful for the study of the pathogenesis and the prevention of dental caries.

PMID: 17618231 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Streptococcus mutans clonal variation revealed by multilocus sequence typing.

J Clin Microbiol. 2007 Aug;45(8):2616-25

Authors: Nakano K, Lapirattanakul J, Nomura R, Nemoto H, Alaluusua S, Gr&#xF6;nroos L, Vaara M, Hamada S, Ooshima T, Nakagawa I

Streptococcus mutans is the major pathogen of dental caries, a biofilm-dependent infectious disease, and occasionally causes infective endocarditis. S. mutans strains have been classified into four serotypes (c, e, f, and k). However, little is known about the S. mutans population, including the clonal relationships among strains of S. mutans, in relation to the particular clones that cause systemic diseases. To address this issue, we have developed a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for S. mutans. Eight housekeeping gene fragments were sequenced from each of 102 S. mutans isolates collected from the four serotypes in Japan and Finland. Between 14 and 23 alleles per locus were identified, allowing us theoretically to distinguish more than 1.2 x 10(10) sequence types. We identified 92 sequence types in these 102 isolates, indicating that S. mutans contains a diverse population. Whereas serotype c strains were widely distributed in the dendrogram, serotype e, f, and k strains were differentiated into clonal complexes. Therefore, we conclude that the ancestral strain of S. mutans was serotype c. No geographic specificity was identified. However, the distribution of the collagen-binding protein gene (cnm) and direct evidence of mother-to-child transmission were clearly evident. In conclusion, the superior discriminatory capacity of this MLST scheme for S. mutans may have important practical implications.

PMID: 17567784 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Enamel defects, caries in primary dentition and fluoride sources: relationship with caries in permanent teeth]

Gac Sanit. 2007 May-Jun;21(3):227-34

Authors: Vallejos-Sánchez AA, Medina-Solís CE, Casanova-Rosado JF, Maupomé G, Casanova-Rosado AJ, Minaya-Sánchez M

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the presence of enamel defects, dental caries in primary teeth, and exposure to various fluoride technologies and the presence of dental caries in permanent teeth in children with mixed dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 713 children aged 6-9 years old in 4 elementary schools in Campeche, Mexico through the use of a questionnaire for the mothers and an oral examination in the children. The dependent variable was the prevalence of caries in permanent dentition. RESULTS: The mean number of decay, missing or filling teeth in primary dentition (dmft) and in permanent dentition (DMFT) was 2.48 (2.82) (deft > 0 = 58.9%) and 0.40 (0.98) (DMFT > 0 = 18.2%), respectively. The significant caries index (SiC), which is calculated in deciduous dentition, was 5.85 for 6 year-olds. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for variables related to fluoride exposure revealed that older age (OR = 2.99), a deft of > 0 (OR = 5.46), and lower maternal educational level (OR = 1.57) were significantly associated with a higher number of dental caries in permanent teeth. An interaction between sex and enamel defects was also found. CONCLUSIONS: The number of dental caries in both primary and permanent dentitions was relatively smaller than that found in prior studies performed in Mexican populations. The results confirm that the presence of caries in primary dentition is strongly associated with caries in permanent dentition. No significant relationship was found between fluoride exposure and dental caries in permanent dentition.

PMID: 17565898 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Innate immunity glycoprotein gp-340 variants may modulate human susceptibility to dental caries.

BMC Infect Dis. 2007;7:57

Authors: Jonasson A, Eriksson C, Jenkinson HF, Källestål C, Johansson I, Strömberg N

BACKGROUND: Bacterial adhesion is an important determinant of colonization and infection, including dental caries. The salivary scavenger receptor cysteine-rich glycoprotein gp-340, which mediates adhesion of Streptococcus mutans (implicated in caries), harbours three major size variants, designated gp-340 I to III, each specific to an individual saliva. Here we have examined the association of the gp-340 I to III polymorphisms with caries experience and adhesion of S. mutans. METHODS: A case-referent study was performed in 12-year-old Swedish children with high (n = 19) or low (n = 19) caries experiences. We measured the gp-340 I to III saliva phenotypes and correlated those with multiple outcome measures for caries experience and saliva adhesion of S. mutans using the partial least squares (PLS) multivariate projection technique. In addition, we used traditional statistics and 2-year caries increment to verify the established PLS associations, and bacterial adhesion to purified gp-340 I to III proteins to support possible mechanisms. RESULTS: All except one subject were typed as gp-340 I to III (10, 23 and 4, respectively). The gp-340 I phenotype correlated positively with caries experience (VIP = 1.37) and saliva adhesion of S. mutans Ingbritt (VIP = 1.47). The gp-340 II and III phenotypes tended to behave in the opposite way. Moreover, the gp-340 I phenotype tended to show an increased 2-year caries increment compared to phenotypes II/III. Purified gp-340 I protein mediated markedly higher adhesion of S. mutans strains Ingbritt and NG8 and Lactococcus lactis expressing AgI/II adhesins (SpaP or PAc) compared to gp-340 II and III proteins. In addition, the gp-340 I protein appeared over represented in subjects positive for Db, an allelic acidic PRP variant associated with caries, and subjects positive for both gp-340 I and Db tended to experience more caries than those negative for both proteins. CONCLUSION: Gp-340 I behaves as a caries susceptibility protein.

PMID: 17562017 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[An epidemiological investigation of deciduous dental caries among 5375 preschool children aged between 3 to 6 years in Shenyang City]

Shanghai Kou Qiang Yi Xue. 2006 Dec;15(6):596-600

Authors: Cheng RB, Zhang XF, Zhang Y, Pan L, Tao W

PURPOSE: To investigate the status of dental caries of deciduous teeth among preschool children in Shenyang city. METHODS: According to the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization and The Second National Oral Health Investigation, the deciduous caries of 5375 preschool children aged from 3 to 6 years were clinically examined. The mean dmft and the prevalence of dental caries for each age group were calculated. The results were analyzed using SPSS11.0 software package for t test (to compare the difference between the two sample groups), one way ANOVA (to compare the differences among three and more sample groups) and chi2 test (to compare the rate of each group). RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was 71.29%. The mean dmft score was 3.88. The prevalence of dental caries and mean dmft increased gradually as the children were growing up (P < 0.05).Dental caries of the upper teeth was significantly more common than that of the lower teeth (P < 0.01). Most caries were minor in degree of severity, and mostly lie in the occlusal and proximal surface. The filling rate was 10.82%.As the age increase, the filling rate increased, too. CONCLUSION: Deciduous dental caries of preschool children was an important problem in Shenyang city, and the filling rate was very low. Necessary methods for early prevention of dental caries must be taken into consideration. Supported by Scientific Research Fund for College and University from Liaoning Provincial Education Bureau (Grant No. 20201316).

PMID: 17533710 [PubMed - in process]

Characteristics of breast-fed children with nursing caries.

Bull Tokyo Dent Coll. 2006 Nov;47(4):161-5

Authors: Yonezu T, Yotsuya K, Yakushiji M

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and risk factors of prolonged breast-feeding in children. A total of 105 children aged 18 months were screened for ongoing breast-feeding at a public health center. Of these, 105 children were selected for a more comprehensive examination, involving investigation of dietary, tooth-brushing habits and oral hygiene. The children were examined again, and initial and manifest caries were recorded at 24 months of age. As a result, 20 (19.0%) of the 105 children had caries at 24 months of age. Logistic regression analysis revealed an association between caries and bedtime breast-feeding (p=0.003). Oral hygiene at 18 months of age was also correlated with caries (p=0.015). It was concluded that reducing the frequency of feeding, early establishment of good oral hygiene habits and also regular visits to the dentist are essential in preventing nursing caries in prolonged breast-fed children.

PMID: 17510546 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Longitudinal study of prolonged breast- or bottle-feeding on dental caries in Japanese children.

Bull Tokyo Dent Coll. 2006 Nov;47(4):157-60

Authors: Yonezu T, Ushida N, Yakushiji M

The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of prolonged breast- or bottle-feeding on dental caries in Japanese infants. This longitudinal study was conducted by means of a questionnaire and clinical examination of 592 children at 18 months, 2 years and 3 years of age. The children were divided into three groups: 1) children still being breast-fed at 18 months of age (n=42); 2) children still being bottle-fed at 18 months of age (n=45); and 3) children weaned off of breast- or bottle-feeding and with no nonnutritive-sucking habits at 18 months of age (n=205). Results showed that breast-feeding at 18 months of age produced many significant differences to the control children, including a higher prevalence of caries and higher number of dft. However, no significant differences were observed between bottle-fed and control children. In conclusion, our results suggest that prolonged breast-feeding at an early age before primary dentition has fully erupted is a risk factor for dental caries. Therefore, breast-fed children need to be monitored more closely, and aggressive methods of preventive care need to be instituted. It is also important to identify factors related to dental caries among breastfed children as soon as possible, and develop effective preventive programs.

PMID: 17510545 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Oral health comparisons between children attending an Aboriginal health service and a Government school dental service in a regional location.

Rural Remote Health. 2007 Apr-Jun;7(2):625

Authors: Parker EJ, Jamieson LM

INTRODUCTION: Indigenous children in Australia have higher dental caries levels than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Indigenous communities in South Australia's mid-north region have identified dental health as one of their top health priorities. In response to this, an oral health program based at the Pika Wiya Health Service in Port Augusta was established, with a dentist providing care for adults, and a dental therapist providing care for children, 2 days per week each. The purpose of this article is to compare the socio-demographic and oral health characteristics of children attending for care at the Pika Wiya Health Service Dental Clinic with those of their counterparts attending the general Port Augusta School Dental Service (SDS). Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children were included. METHODS: Data were obtained from the South Australian Dental Service (SADS), which routinely collects socio-demographic and dental information from patients seen through their system. Examinations were conducted by SADS-employed dental professionals. A full enumeration of children attending for care at Pika Wiya and the Port Augusta SDS from March 2001 to March 2006 was included. Surface level tooth data was captured using the EXACT treatment charting and management information system. The Socio-Economic Indices For Areas (SEIFA) were used to determine socio-economic status, and the dmft (sum of decayed, missing and filled teeth in the deciduous dentition) and DMFT (sum of decayed, missing and filled teeth in the permanent dentition) indices were used to assess oral health outcomes. Both measures were used for children aged 6-10 years because in such age groups children have a mixed dentition (both primary and permanent teeth are present). Caries prevalence (dmft/DMFT>0) and severity (mean dmft/DMFT) were calculated, as well as the Significant Caries Index (SiC) and Significant Caries Index 10 (SiC 10). The SiC is the mean dmft/DMFT of the one-third of the sample with the highest caries score; while the SiC 10 is the mean dmft/DMFT of the one-tenth of the sample with the highest caries score. RESULTS: In the 5 year observation period, 760 children were seen at the Pika Wiya Dental Service while over 6800 were seen at the Port Augusta SDS. A higher proportion of pre-school children attended for care at Pika Wiya, while proportionally more children aged > or = 11 years attended for care at the Port Augusta SDS. More females attended for care at Pika Wiya. Almost all children (99%) attending for care at Pika Wiya lived in the most disadvantaged areas according to the SEIFA scale. Children attending for care at Pika Wiya had three-times the mean number of decayed deciduous and permanent teeth than their counterparts attending the Port Augusta SDS. Over 75% of children attending for care at Pika Wiya aged 10 years or less had dental caries experience in the primary dentition compared with just over 50% of children attending for care at the Port Augusta SDS. Children attending for dental care at Pika Wiya aged 10 years or less had 1.8 times the mean dmft, 1.4 times the SiC and 1.4 times the Sic 10 of their counterparts attending for care at Port Augusta SDS. Over half the children aged > or = 6 years who attended Pika Wiya for dental care had caries experience in the permanent dentition compared with 38% of their Port Augusta SDS-attending counterparts. Children aged > or = 6 years who attended Pika Wiya for dental care had 1.9 times the mean DMFT, 1.8 times the SiC and 1.6 times the SiC 10 of their similarly-aged Port Augusta SDS-attending counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Children attending for care at the Pika Wiya Dental Service were more likely to be pre-school-aged, female, Indigenous and living in a socially disadvantaged area, in comparison with children attending the Port Augusta SDS. Pika Wiya-attending children had 1.5-3 times the dental caries prevalence and severity in both the primary and permanent dentition of children attending for care at the Port Augusta SDS. The higher levels of dental caries experience, untreated disease and social disadvantage of children attending Pika Wiya provides further evidence for the need to address the health inequalities for Aboriginal children living in South Australia's mid-north region. While the Pika Wiya Oral Health Program is attempting to address some of these needs, a much broader focus to address the social and health inequalities will be required to improve the oral health characteristics of this population. It is hoped that through the Pika Wiya Dental Service's dedication to increasing Aboriginal child dental service participation rates, the proportion of untreated decay will diminish.

PMID: 17474830 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Comparison of salivary fluoride levels following use of dentifrices containing different concentrations of fluoride.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Mar;25(1):20-2

Authors: Nagpal DI, Damle SG

Many industrialized countries have reported a decline in caries prevalence over the past few decades. These reductions have been related to the regular use of fluoride dentifrices. Fluoride dentifrices are the most cost-effective and efficient means of caries prevention. However, there have been concerns regarding the risk of fluorosis in children due to the ingestion of dentifrices. This has led to the use of dentifrices with low concentration of fluoride. Salivary fluoride levels after tooth-brushing have been shown to be related to the anticaries efficacy of fluoride dentifrices. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of the concentration of fluoride in the dentifrice, on the salivary fluoride level in children. Twenty children in the age group of five to six years were randomly selected and divided into two groups using, either 500ppm or 1000ppm fluoride dentifrice (sodium monofluorophosphate). Salivary fluoride levels at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, minutes after brushing were estimated. The data collected was statistically evaluated using the unpaired t-test. The results showed that salivary fluoride levels following use of 500ppm fluoride dentifrice were significantly lower than 1000ppm fluoride dentifrice. The low salivary fluoride levels may thereby reduce the anticaries efficacy. Hence, the pros and cons of recommending a low fluoride concentration dentifrice must be judiciously considered.

PMID: 17456962 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The dental and oral status of children with chronic renal failure.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Mar;25(1):7-9

Authors: Nakhjavani YB, Bayramy A

The main purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the oral and dental status of chronic renal failure (CRF) patients undergoing hemodialysis at children's Hospitals in Tehran. Fifty-three children with CRF aged 5-18 years recruited from the renal unit of children's medical center, Tehran Hospitals for children, were studied. The decayed, missing, filled dmf, DMF and MGI scores were recorded. The CRF children had low prevalence of dental caries, although none of the clinical diagnoses displayed the absence of gingival inflammation. Duration of dialysis and Anemia had a significant influence on the gingival condition. Especially anemia leads to severe gingivitis. The CRF children need careful monitoring and all such patient should be given oral hygiene education as topmost priority.

PMID: 17456959 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Filipino child health in the United States: do health and health care disparities exist?

Prev Chronic Dis. 2007 Apr;4(2):A36

Authors: Javier JR, Huffman LC, Mendoza FS

INTRODUCTION: Filipinos are the second largest Asian subgroup in the United States, but few studies have examined health and health care disparities in Filipino children. The objectives of this review are 1) to appraise current knowledge of Filipino children's health and health care and 2) to present the implications of these findings for research, clinical care, and policy. METHODS: We identified articles for review primarily via a Medline search emphasizing the terms Filipino and United States crossed with specific topics in child and adolescent health that fall under one of Healthy People 2010's 28 focus areas. RESULTS: Filipino children are underrepresented in medical research. Studies that compare Filipino children and adolescents with white children or children of other Asian Pacific Islander subgroups suggest disparities with regard to gestational diabetes, rates of neonatal mortality and low birth weight, malnutrition in young children, overweight, physical inactivity and fitness, tuberculosis, dental caries, and substance abuse. Studies that compare Filipino adults with white adults describe adult Filipino health problems similar to those of Filipino children, including higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Health care disparities remain to be determined. CONCLUSION: Health and health care disparities appear to exist for Filipino children, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. Practitioners serving this population need to consider social and cultural factors that can increase or diminish risk for health problems. There are priorities in research and policy that, if pursued, may improve the health care and health outcomes of Filipino children.

PMID: 17362627 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Dental caries activity in primary dentition, Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, 2004]

Cad Saude Publica. 2007 Mar;23(3):593-600

Authors: Rihs LB, Sousa Mda L, Cypriano S, Abdalla NM, Guidini DD, Amgarten C

This study aimed to verify caries activity and analyze caries experience, treatment needs, and enamel defects in 5-year-old preschool children in Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil. 624 children were selected by systematic random sampling in 2004. WHO criteria were used to measure caries experience and treatment needs. Nyvad et al. diagnostic criteria were used to analyze caries activity. Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests were used to analyze the results, with 5% significance. 40.5% of schoolchildren displayed caries activity. The dfmt was 1.62 (95%CI: 1.35-1.89). Among children with dfmt > 0, the index was 3.81 (95%CI: 3.36-4.26), and 91.4% of these children presented caries activity. Care Index was 12.3%. These results suggest that treatment measures and health promotion should continue to be prioritized, since the control measures and caries interruption during the initial stages are well known. Dental care should especially target schoolchildren with more significant caries experience.

PMID: 17334574 [PubMed - in process]

Changing trend of caries from 1989 to 2004 among 12-year old Sardinian children.

BMC Public Health. 2007;7:28

Authors: Campus G, Sacco G, Cagetti M, Abati S

BACKGROUND: During the past decades, the prevalence of caries disease in the population of Western industrialized countries has decreased markedly. In children also, a reduction of dental caries experience has been reported by many authors. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the trend of dental caries prevalence in 12-year-old children living in the city of Sassari, (Italy), by five cross-sectional studies conducted in 1989, 1992, 1995, 1998 and 2004. METHODS: In all cohorts, dental caries (DMFT and SiC Index according to WHO indications), was measured. For each variable measured (DMFT and sub-indices, SiC Index), differences in proportions among the five cohorts during the fifteen years were tested using chi2-square test. RESULTS: The mean DMFT index decreased from 4.3 +/- 3.1 in 1989 to 0.8 +/- 1.5 in 2004. The prevalence of untreated caries (DT) had a notable decrease between 1992 and 1995, increased slightly between 1995 and 1998 and had the greatest decrease in 2004. The number of filled teeth remains low. The percentage of caries-free children increased from 10% to 64%, whereas the percentage of untreated caries changed from 44% in 1989 to 62% in 2004. SiC Index decreased from 7.8 in 1989 to 3.9 in 2004. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the results of DMFT and SiC Index, caries experience has been reduced. The vigilance and the promotion of a higher standard of personal oral hygiene and dental check-ups are necessary to obtain an improvement of oral status in the future adult population and to reach the new WHO global goals.

PMID: 17331258 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Infectious disease among enslaved African Americans at Eaton's Estate, Warren County, North Carolina, ca. 1830-1850.

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2006 Dec 5;101 Suppl 2:107-17

Authors: Lambert PM

The skeletal remains of 17 people buried in the Eaton Ferry Cemetery in northern North Carolina provide a means of examining health and infectious disease experience in the XIX century South. The cemetery appears to contain the remains of African Americans enslaved on the Eaton family estate from approximately 1830-1850, and thus offers a window into the biological impacts of North American slavery in the years preceding the Civil War. The sample includes the remains of six infants, one child, and one young and nine mature adults (five men, four women, and one unknown). Skeletal indices used to characterize health and disease in the Eaton Ferry sample include dental caries, antemortem tooth loss, enamel hypoplasia, porotic hyperostosis, periosteal lesions, lytic lesions, and stature. These indicators reveal a cumulative picture of compromised health, including high rates of dental disease, childhood growth disruption, and infectious disease. Specific diseases identified in the sample include tuberculosis and congenital syphilis. Findings support previous research on the health impacts of slavery, which has shown that infants and children were the most negatively impacted segment of the enslaved African American population.

PMID: 17308817 [PubMed - in process]

[Dental caries amongst mentally retarded people and those suffering from Down's syndrome]

Rev Salud Publica (Bogota). 2006 Sep-Dec;8(3):207-13

Authors: D&#xE1;vila ME, Gil M, Daza D, Bullones X, Ugel E

OBJECTIVE: A descriptive investigation was conducted for determining the prevalence of dental caries amongst mentally retarded (MR) people and those suffering from Down's syndrome (DS). METHODS: A special school located in Morán county in the State of Lara was visited. The inclusion criteria involved dental examination of 60 students and their parents/or the person responsible for them being interviewed. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 14.5 +/- 8.17; 48.3% were from a blue collar level. Regarding oral health, 53.0% had dental caries, 51.7% being in the molars. Moderately MR people had the highest proportion of dental caries (75%). About 53% of the females and 46.2% of males, 644% and 31.9% of RM and DS participants had caries. 28.3% needed non-urgent dental treatment and 45% were using public dental health services. CONCLUSIONS: People suffering from MR and DS have precarious oral health; it is thus recommended that health programmes be created which are specifically directed towards these people.

PMID: 17269220 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Association between clinical parameters and the presence of active caries lesions in first permanent molars.

Braz Oral Res. 2006 Oct-Dec;20(4):358-63

Authors: Quaglio JM, Sousa MB, Ardenghi TM, Mendes FM, Imparato JC, Pinheiro SL

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between clinical parameters and the presence of active caries lesions on the occlusal surface of first permanent molars. Forty eight children (5.8-13.8 years-old) with at least one first permanent molar present were selected. The clinical parameters evaluated were gender, age, DMF-T and dmf-t, presence of active white spots in other teeth, general plaque index, tooth's dental arch (upper or lower), tooth's side (right or left), presence of visible plaque and eruption degree of the first permanent molars. The first permanent molars were evaluated through visual inspection by two examiners in order to assess the presence of active or inactive caries lesions on the occlusal surface. Univariate and multivariate analyses for determination of the association between clinical parameters and the presence of active caries lesions in these teeth were performed. The presence of active white spots in other teeth was associated with the presence of active caries lesions in the first permanent molars, in both univariate and multivariate analyses (Odds ratio = 8.8 and 1.9, respectively). The presence of abundant visible plaque on the occlusal surface of the first permanent molars (Odds ratio = 3.5 in the univariate analysis, and 3.9 in the multivariate one) also presented a significant association. In conclusion, the presence of active white spots in other teeth and the presence of considerable visible plaque were associated with the presence of active caries lesions on the occlusal surfaces of first permanent molars.

PMID: 17242799 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Prevalence of dental caries in children born prematurely or at full term.

Braz Oral Res. 2006 Oct-Dec;20(4):353-7

Authors: Gravina DB, Cruvinel VR, Azevedo TD, de Toledo OA, Bezerra AC

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries in 192 children, 96 born prematurely and 96 at full term, in a regional hospital in Brazil. Mean age at clinical examination was 40.72 months in the full-term group (G1) and 30.44 months in the premature group (G2). The children were divided in two age subgroups: 0 to 3 and 4 to 6 years. Statistical results (Student's t and Kruskal-Wallis tests) showed that dmft was 0.43 for G1 and 0.01 for G2 in the 0-3 age subgroup, and 1.7 for G1 and 1.1 for G2 in the 4-6 age subgroup. Differences were significant between G1 and G2 only in the 0-3 age subgroup (p = 0.047). Caries evaluation showed that, of the 96 children in G1, 75 were caries free, while in G2, 84 did not have the disease. These differences were not significant (p = 0.088). The lower mean dmft found in the 0-3 age subgroup in G2 may be attributed to routines established by the hospital's neonatology staff, such as frequent dental visits and preventive instructions about oral habits, oral hygiene and diet. After this age, with the completion of the primary dentition, values increased and became similar between the G1 and G2 groups. Results also suggested a highly skewed distribution since most caries were found in only a small number of children.

PMID: 17242798 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Prevalence of enamel defects and the relationship to dental caries in deciduous and permanent dentition in Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brazil]

Cad Saude Publica. 2007 Feb;23(2):435-44

Authors: Hoffmann RH, de Sousa Mda L, Cypriano S

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypoplasia, demarcated opacity and dental fluorosis among schoolchildren with deciduous and permanent dentition. The association between enamel defects and dental caries was also verified. The sample consisted of 624 schoolchildren aged 5 and 309 aged 12. The dmft and DMFT indexes were used to assess dental caries prevalence, DDE to assess enamel defects, and Dean to assess fluorosis. Chi-squared test was used to test significance (p < 0.05) and odds ratio to analyze prevalence of dental caries and enamel defects. A positive association between dental caries and enamel defects (hypoplasia, demarcated opacity and dental fluorosis) was observed for schoolchildren aged 5. However, only hypoplasia and demarcated opacity were associated with caries experience in permanent dentition. The results of this study indicated that children had increased odds of dental caries when enamel defect was present, both in deciduous and permanent dentition; further studies are needed to give evidence to this association.

PMID: 17221093 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Correlation of cariogenic bacteria and dental caries in adults.

J Oral Sci. 2006 Dec;48(4):245-51

Authors: Nishikawara F, Katsumura S, Ando A, Tamaki Y, Nakamura Y, Sato K, Nomura Y, Hanada N

Many studies suggest that mutans streptococci (MS), Lactobacillus (LB), and salivary buffering capacity are important risk factors for dental caries. However, target populations for most studies were children. In adult patients, the same risk factors affect the number of fillings or prostheses or secondary caries. It is therefore important to investigate these risk factors as predictors of caries in adults. In the present study, we evaluated the oral conditions of adult subjects at private dental offices using bite-wing radiographs. Detection of salivary LB level using Dentocult LB had a statistically significant correlation with the number of flat surface caries and approximal caries (P < 0.001). Detection of salivary MS level using Dentocult MS and salivary buffering capacity did not predict dental caries. Thus, detection of salivary LB level using Dentocult LB may be a useful tool for detecting approximal and secondary caries.

PMID: 17220624 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Employing dmft score as a risk predictor for caries development in the permanent teeth in Japanese primary school girls.

J Oral Sci. 2006 Dec;48(4):233-7

Authors: Motohashi M, Yamada H, Genkai F, Kato H, Imai T, Sato S, Sugaya A, Maeno M

The aim of this study was to examine the significance of evaluating dmft for predicting the incidence of permanent teeth caries in Japanese girls. The subjects were two birth cohorts in a Primary girls' school: cohort I composed of 45 girls born in 1981 and 1982 and cohort II composed of 53 girls born in 1989 and 1990. In both cohorts, there was a significant correlation between the dmft score in the first grade and the DMFT score in the sixth grade. The validity of employing dmft score was examined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and risk ratios. The shape of the curve and areas under the curve were similar in the two cohorts. In cohort II, sensitivity and specificity for the optimal cut-off level (dmft >or= 5) were 0.519 and 0.923, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values for that level were 0.875 and 0.649, respectively. In cohort I, sensitivity and specificity were 0.741 and 0.722 for that level and positive and negative predictive values were 0.800 and 0.650, respectively. In both cohorts, the risk ratio for permanent teeth caries was significant for many cut-off levels of dmft. The results indicated that the dmft score is a useful predictor of the permanent teeth caries in Japanese primary school girls.

PMID: 17220622 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Physical growth patterns and dental caries in thalassemia.

Indian Pediatr. 2006 Dec;43(12):1064-9

Authors: Gomber S, Dewan P

This study was conducted to assess the effect of age, ferritin level, hemoglobin level and chelating agents on the physical growth in thalassemic children and to determine the prevalence of dental caries in thalassemic children. Weight, standing height, sitting height and subischial leg length were measured in 65 children attending the Thalassemia day care center at a tertiary hospital in Delhi. Their mean pre transfusion hemoglobin and ferritin levels over the previous two years were calculated. Dental caries indices, DMFT and DMFS were measured and compared with age matched controls. Weight, standing height, sitting height and subischial leg length expressed as percentage for age in children >or=10 y were significantly lower than those of children < 6 y, and those 6 to 10 y. Mean hemoglobin and ferritin did not affect growth significantly. Sitting height for age in children receiving Desferrioxamine alone or Desferrioxamine with Deferiprone was significantly lower than that of children receiving Deferiprone alone or no chelating agent. Dental caries were significantly higher in thalassemics.

PMID: 17202603 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Early childhood caries and dental plaque among 1-3-year-olds in Tehran, Iran.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Dec;24(4):177-81

Authors: Mohebbi SZ, Virtanen JI, Vahid-Golpayegani M, Vehkalahti MM

The association between plaque and caries in older children and adults has been poor, however, some studies show that there may be a relationship in younger children. The aim was to study the relationships between dental caries and dental plaque among 12-36-month-olds in Tehran, Iran. A cross-sectional study among a stratified random sample of 504 children aged one to three years from 18 public health centres in Tehran. Mothers were interviewed about their child's date and order of birth, gender, primary caregiver, the mother's age and the educational level of both parents. Dental examination was carried out according to the WHO criteria. Early childhood caries (ECC) was defined as the presence of any dmf teeth. Dental plaque was visually inspected on the labial surfaces of upper central incisors. Data analysis included Chi-square test, t -test, anova and logistic regression modelling. The prevalence of ECC ranged from 3 to 33% depending on age group, with a mean dt of 1.1 for 26- to 36-month-olds. No gender-differences existed in ECC prevalence and mean dt. Dental plaque was visible on at least one index tooth for 65-75% of the children. Presence of ECC was related to the presence of dental plaque (OR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.0-2.3) when controlling for background factors by means of logistic regression. The high occurrence of visible plaque and rather high ECC prevalence call for improvement in oral health promotion programs of the children.

PMID: 17183180 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Knowledge and attitude on infant oral health among graduating medical students in Kerala.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Dec;24(4):173-6

Authors: Kumari NR, Sheela S, Sarada PN

Providing dental and oral health care to all children in Kerala remains a thorny challenge. Lack of community water fluoridation, dental workforce shortages and geographical barriers all aggravate oral health and access problems. Children from low-income and minority families and children with special needs are at particular risk. Family centered disease prevention strategies are needed to reduce oral health disparities in children. Oral health promotion can take place in a primary care practitioner's office, but medical providers often lack relevant training. Present study was conducted to evaluate knowledge and attitude of graduating medical students towards infant oral health qualitative methods were used to evaluate the program.

PMID: 17183179 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Caries risk assessment in an educational environment.

J Dent Educ. 2006 Dec;70(12):1346-54

Authors: Dom&#xE9;jean-Orliaguet S, Gansky SA, Featherstone JD

This study was designed to assess, retrospectively using dental records, the impact on the management of dental caries of new caries risk assessment (CRA) forms and procedures introduced into a predoctoral dental school clinic. Of 3,659 patients with a new patient visit (NPV) and baseline exam (BE) in the two-year period of July 2003 through June 2005, 69 percent (n= 2,516) had a baseline CRA. "Visible cavitation or caries into dentin by radiograph" was significantly correlated to most items included in the CRA form, for example, "frequent between meal snack of sugars/cooked starch" (p<0.001), "inadequate saliva flow" (p=0.03), and "deep pits and fissures or developmental defects" (p<0.001). Fluoride toothpaste use (odds ratio, OR=0.7) was negatively related to cavitation risk while "readily visible heavy plaque on teeth" (OR=2.0), "frequent between meal snack of sugars/cooked starch" (OR=1.6), "interproximal enamel lesions or radiolucencies" (OR=11.8), and "white spots or occlusal discoloration" (OR=1.50) were positively related. CRA use at follow-up, the use of bacterial tests, antibacterial therapy, and specific patient recommendations were all very low. While the content and usefulness of the CRA procedures were validated, the study highlighted the difficulties of implementing such programs in educational establishments even with an extensive student didactic program and faculty training.

PMID: 17170326 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Dental caries in 12-year-old suburban Nigerian school children.

Afr Health Sci. 2006 Sep;6(3):145-50

Authors: Adekoya-Sofowora C, Nasir W, Oginni A, Taiwo M

Background: Dental caries is one of the commonest oral diseases in children. Despite this fact, not much attention has been given to studies on this issue among suburban Nigerian children. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of dental caries, dental attendance and oral health behaviours among the 12- year-old suburban Nigerian children. Subjects and Methods: Four hundred and two schoolchildren (349 boys, 153 girls) from both private and public schools age 12-year-old participated in the study in 2003. One examiner was calibrated and performed the screening procedures using standard method of WHO diagnostic criteria. Results: The prevalence of caries was 13.9 % and mean DMFT was 0.14. The decayed component accounted for 77.2 % of the DMFT while filling and missing teeth accounted for 15.8% and 7% respectively. Over 85 % of the children examined were caries free. Seventy seven per cent of the teeth affected by caries were untreated. The probability of having caries experience DMFT> 0 was significantly associated with the type of school and regular sweet consumption p < 0.05. The children who had not visited the dentist had higher caries prevalence than other children. This was statistically significant p < 0.05. Dental attendance was generally poor in both public (90.6%) and private (83.1%) school children. Conclusion: The findings in this study for the caries prevalence in 12 year - old suburban Nigerian schoolchildren was as low as in developed countries of central Europe and lower than the global standard according to WHO references for the year 2000.

PMID: 17140335 [PubMed - in process]

Chemomechanical caries removal in children: efficacy and efficiency.

J Am Dent Assoc. 2006 Dec;137(12):1658-66; quiz 1729-30

Authors: Peters MC, Flamenbaum MH, Eboda NN, Feigal RJ, Inglehart MR

BACKGROUND: The authors investigated the effectiveness of chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) compared with the traditional method (TM) of caries removal using a round bur when treating dentinal-depth occlusal lesions with minimal enamel access in primary molars. The authors also compare CMCR with TM to determine if it had a higher efficacy and could be used more frequently without the subject's having to undergo local anesthesia. METHODS: The authors collected data from 50 children during operative appointments at which caries was removed using one of the two methods. RESULTS: Complete caries removal within 15 minutes was achieved in only 57.7 percent of the CMCR-treated teeth. In 42.3 percent of these teeth, residual caries was removed using TM. CMCR was almost eight times more time-consuming than was TM when used to excavate dentinal-depth occlusal lesions with minimal cavitation. There was no significant difference between CMCR and TM in the number of subjects who needed to undergo local anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The authors found no direct clinical advantage in using CMCR over using TM for treating occlusal dentinal lesions with minimal cavitation in pediatric patients.

PMID: 17138710 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A clinical evaluation of resin-based composite and glass ionomer cement restorations placed in primary teeth using the ART approach: results at 24 months.

J Am Dent Assoc. 2006 Nov;137(11):1529-36

Authors: Ersin NK, Candan U, Aykut A, On&#xE7;ağ O, Eronat C, Kose T

BACKGROUND: The authors evaluated the 24-month performance of a packable resin-based composite/dentin bonding system and a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) in restorations placed in primary molars with the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) approach. METHODS: Three dentists placed 419 restorations in 219 children aged 6 through 10 years who had bilateral matched pairs of carious posterior Class I and II primary teeth. They used a split-mouth design to place the two materials, which were assigned randomly to contralateral sides. The authors evaluated the restorations according to U.S. Public Health Service Ryge criteria. RESULTS: After 24 months, 96.7 percent of the Class I GIC restorations and 91 percent of the resin-based composite restorations survived, while the success rates for the Class II restorations were 76.1 percent and 82 percent for the GIC and resin-based composite restorations, respectively. The survival rate of the Class II resin-based composite restorations was 5.9 percent higher than that of the GIC restorations at the 24-month evaluation, but this difference was not statistically significant. However, the study results showed a statistically significant difference in survival rates between Class I and II restorations for both materials. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The two-year clinical performance of both materials was satisfactory for the restoration of Class I and II primary molars using the ART approach.

PMID: 17082278 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Genetic profiling of the oral microbiota associated with severe early-childhood caries.

J Clin Microbiol. 2007 Jan;45(1):81-7

Authors: Li Y, Ge Y, Saxena D, Caufield PW

The determination of the composition of the microbial community in the oral cavity is usually based on cultivation methods; however, nearly half of the bacteria in the saliva and the dental plaque are not cultivable. In this study, we evaluated the difference in oral microbial diversity between children with severe early-childhood caries (S-ECC) and caries-free (CF) controls by means of a cultivation-independent approach called denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Pooled dental plaque samples were collected from 20 children aged 2 to 8 years. Total microbial genomic DNA was isolated from those subjects, and a portion of the 16S rRNA gene locus was PCR amplified by using universal primers. We observed that the mean species richness of the bacterial population was greater in the CF children (n = 12) (42 +/- 3.7) than in the S-ECC children (n = 8) (35 +/- 4.3); the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.005). The overall diversity of plaque samples as measured by the Shannon index was 3.5 for the S-ECC group and 3.7 for the CF group (P = 0.004). Differences in DGGE profiles were distinguished on the basis of a cluster analysis. Sequence analysis of excised DGGE bands consisted of 2.7 phylotypes, on average. After adjusting for the number of observed bands, we estimated that the S-ECC group exhibited 94.5 total phylotypes and that the CF group exhibited 113.4. These results suggest that the microbial diversity and complexity of the microbial biota in dental plaque are significantly less in S-ECC children than in CF children.

PMID: 17079495 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Oral cleanliness of 12-13-year-old and 15-year-old school children of Sunsari District, Nepal.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Sep;24(3):146-51

Authors: Yee R, David J, Khadka R

The aim of the study was to evaluate the oral cleanliness of school children in the District of Sunsari, Nepal. A multi-stage random sampling oral epidemiological survey was conducted in private and government, urban, rural town and rural village schools in 15 illakas of Sunsari District, Eastern Nepal. A total of 600, 12-13-year-old and 600 15-year-old school children were examined by trained examiners using the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). The average age-group, debris and calculus index scores were combined to obtain the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). The mean OHI-S scores were compared and evaluated using the parametric t-test for two independent samples. The mean OHI-S for urban 12-13-year-old school children was 0.98 compared to 1.34 for school children of rural towns and 1.44 for school children of rural villages and these differences in mean OHI-S were statistically significant (P < 0.005). In the 15-year-old age group, urban school children had a mean OHI-S score of 1.00 compared to 1.37 for rural towns and 1.43 for rural villages. The variance in the mean OHI-S scores were statistically significant (P < 0.005). The overall level of cleanliness in the school children surveyed was good. Children of urban schools had the lowest scores followed by school children from rural towns and then rural villages. When the mean OHI-S scores were compared with the DMFT scores, there was an inverse relationship between oral cleanliness and dental caries. Frequency of sugar consumption and the availability and affordability of fluoridated toothpaste may be important factors in the development of dental caries than oral cleanliness.

PMID: 17065783 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Prevalence of dental caries: comparison between immigrant and autochthonous children]

An Pediatr (Barc). 2006 Oct;65(4):337-41

Authors: Paredes Gallardo V, Paredes Cencillo C, Mir Plana B

INTRODUCTION: Immigration to Spain has been high in recent years, especially in some autonomous communities. In both deciduous and permanent teeth, immigrant children have a higher number of dental caries and a lower number of restored teeth than autochthonous schoolchildren. Few studies have compared the prevalence of dental caries between immigrant and autochthonous children. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of dental caries in two groups of children: an immigrant group and an autochthonous group. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study sample consisted of 600 children (235 immigrant children and 365 autochthonous children) aged between 6 and 10 years old who were living in the autonomous community of Valencia. The children were examined by two specialists, an odontologist and a pediatrician. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was higher in immigrant children than in autochthonous children. In deciduous dentition, the prevalence of caries was 47.23 % and 32.05 % in immigrants and autochthonous children, respectively. In permanent dentition, the prevalence was 53.19 % and 35.34 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental caries was higher in immigrant children than in autochthonous children. Pediatricians and/or odontologists should aim to improve knowledge of good dental health care and habits among immigrant children and their parents.

PMID: 17020729 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

ART and conventional root restorations in elders after 12 months.

J Dent Res. 2006 Oct;85(10):929-32

Authors: Lo EC, Luo Y, Tan HP, Dyson JE, Corbet EF

Successful use of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in children has been reported, but little information is available regarding its use in older adults. The hypothesis of this study was that survival rates of root restorations placed by both ART and the conventional technique were similar. Root-surface caries lesions in 103 institutionalized elders in Hong Kong were treated randomly by either: (1) the conventional approach-caries removed by dental burs, and the cavity filled with light-cured resin-modified glass ionomer; or (2) the ART approach-caries removed by hand instruments, and the cavity filled with chemically cured high-strength glass ionomer. In total, 84 conventional and 78 ART restorations were placed. After 12 months, 63 conventional and 59 ART restorations were reviewed, and the respective 12-month survival rates were 91.7% and 87.0% (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the survival rates of both types of root restorations were high and similar.

PMID: 16998134 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The effectiveness of school dental screening: a cluster-randomized control trial.

J Dent Res. 2006 Oct;85(10):924-8

Authors: Milsom K, Blinkhorn A, Worthington H, Threlfall A, Buchanan K, Kearney-Mitchell P, Tickle M

Dental screening of children in schools is undertaken in many countries. There is no evidence that this activity is effective. The objective of our study was to determine if school dental screening of children reduces untreated disease or improves attendance at the population level. A four-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial was undertaken in the northwest of England. In total, 16,864 children aged 6-9 years in 168 schools were randomly allocated to 3 test groups, which received screening according to different models, and a control, which received no intervention. There were no significant differences in caries increment in the primary and secondary dentitions or in the proportions of children attending a dentist after screening between the control group and the 3 intervention arms. School dental screening delivered according to 3 different models was not effective at reducing levels of active caries and increasing attendance in the population under study.

PMID: 16998133 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Assessment of genes associated with Streptococcus mutans biofilm morphology.

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2006 Sep;72(9):6277-87

Authors: Motegi M, Takagi Y, Yonezawa H, Hanada N, Terajima J, Watanabe H, Senpuku H

Streptococcus mutans, the major pathogen responsible for dental caries in humans, is a biofilm-forming bacterium. In the present study, 17 different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns of genomic DNA were identified in S. mutans organisms isolated clinically from whole saliva. The S. mutans isolates showed different abilities to form biofilms on polystyrene surfaces in semidefined minimal medium cultures. Following cultivation in a flow cell system in tryptic soy broth with 0.25% sucrose and staining using a BacLight LIVE/DEAD system, two strains, designated FSC-3 and FSC-4, showed the greatest and least, respectively, levels of biofilm formation when examined with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Further, image analyses of spatial distribution and architecture were performed to quantify the merged green (live cells) and red (dead cells) light. The light intensity of the FSC-3 biofilm was greater than that of the FSC-4 biofilm in the bottom area but not in the top area. S. mutans whole-genome array results showed that approximately 3.8% of the genes were differentially expressed in the two strains, of which approximately 2.2%, including bacitracin transport ATP-binding protein gene glrA and a BLpL-like putative immunity protein gene, were activated in FSC-3. In addition, about 1.6% of the genes, including those associated with phosphotransferase system genes, were repressed. Analyses of the glrA-deficient strains and reverse transcription-PCR confirmed the role of the gene in biofilm formation. Differential assessment of biofilm-associated genes in clinical strains may provide useful information for understanding the morphological development of streptococcal biofilm, as well as for colonization of S. mutans.

PMID: 16957255 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Reasons for permanent tooth extractions in Japan.

J Epidemiol. 2006 Sep;16(5):214-9

Authors: Aida J, Ando Y, Akhter R, Aoyama H, Masui M, Morita M

BACKGROUND: There has been no nationwide study in Japan on reasons for extraction of permanent teeth. This survey was aimed to determine the reasons for extraction of permanent teeth in Japan. METHODS: Five thousand, one hudred and thirty-one dentists were selected by systematic selection from the 2004 membership directory of the Japan Dental Association. The dentists selected were asked to record the reason for each extraction of permanent teeth during a period of one week from February 1 through 7, 2005. Reasons for tooth extraction were assigned to five groups: caries, fracture of teeth weakened by caries or endodontics, periodontal diseases, orthodontics, and other reasons. RESULTS: A total of 2,001 dentists (response rate of 39.1%) returned the questionnaires, and information on 9,115 extracted teeth from 7,499 patients was obtained. The results showed that caries and its sequela (totally 43.3%, 32.7% and 10.6%, respectively) and periodontal disease (41.8%) were the main reasons for teeth extraction. Extraction due to caries or fracture was commonly observed in all age groups over 15 years of age, whereas periodontal disease was predominant in the groups over 45 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the permanent teeth were extracted due to caries and its sequela and periodontal disease. Prevention and care for dental caries for all age groups and periodontal disease for over middle age groups are required.

PMID: 16951541 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Delivery challenges for fluoride, chlorhexidine and xylitol.

BMC Oral Health. 2006;6 Suppl 1:S8

Authors: Featherstone JD

The progression or reversal of dental caries is determined by the balance between pathological and protective factors. It is well established that a) fluoride inhibits demineralization and enhances remineralization, b) chlorhexidine reduces the cariogenic bacterial challenge, and c) xylitol is non-cariogenic and has antibacterial properties. The challenge that we face is how best to deliver these anti-caries entities at true therapeutic levels, over time, to favorably tip the caries balance. High caries risk people, including children with Early Childhood Caries (ECC), are a special challenge, since high cariogenic bacterial activity can override fluoride therapy. Current fluoride and chlorhexidine varnishes deliver all their activity within about 24 hours. Early studies with experimental slow release fluoride devices retained elevated levels of fluoride for months in a therapeutic range but have not been pursued. Preventive dentistry has largely ignored the benefits of reducing the bacterial challenge, partially due to primitive and inadequate delivery systems. For example, Chlorhexidine applied as a rinse partially reduces some bacteria but not others that are hiding within the biofilm. Better antibacterials and better delivery systems are needed. Xylitol delivered by gum or lozenge appears to be effective clinically in reducing cariogenic bacteria and caries levels, but novel systems that deliver therapeutic amounts when needed would be a major advance, especially for young children. Reducing the cariogenic bacterial challenge and enhancing the effect of fluoride by the use of new sustained-delivery systems would have a major effect on dealing with caries as a disease.

PMID: 16934125 [PubMed]

Disparities in early childhood caries.

BMC Oral Health. 2006;6 Suppl 1:S3

Authors: Vargas CM, Ronzio CR

Despite remarkable reduction in the prevalence of dental caries in the United States, dental caries is still a highly prevalent disease among children who are socially disadvantaged (racial/ethnic minority, poor, rural, immigrants). Consequently, caries sequelae such as dental pain, need for dental treatment under general anesthesia, and future orthodontic treatment, are also concentrated among the most socially disadvantaged children. To make the situation more appalling, those children who need treatment the most are the ones least likely to visit the dentist. Low income children are less likely to visit the dentist in part because of family's competing needs for limited resources, shortage of pediatric dentists, and dentists not taking uninsured or publicly insured patients. In the same vein, if these children do not have access to dental care, they are deprived from effective caries preventive measures that are dentist-dependent such as sealants and professionally applied fluoride. Dentistry has done well at devising caries preventive and treatment strategies; but these strategies have missed the most needed segment of society: disadvantaged children. The challenge now is to develop innovative strategies to reach these children.

PMID: 16934120 [PubMed]

The human sweet tooth.

BMC Oral Health. 2006;6 Suppl 1:S17

Authors: Reed DR, McDaniel AH

Humans love the taste of sugar and the word "sweet" is used to describe not only this basic taste quality but also something that is desirable or pleasurable, e.g., la dolce vita. Although sugar or sweetened foods are generally among the most preferred choices, not everyone likes sugar, especially at high concentrations. The focus of my group's research is to understand why some people have a sweet tooth and others do not. We have used genetic and molecular techniques in humans, rats, mice, cats and primates to understand the origins of sweet taste perception. Our studies demonstrate that there are two sweet receptor genes (TAS1R2 and TAS1R3), and alleles of one of the two genes predict the avidity with which some mammals drink sweet solutions. We also find a relationship between sweet and bitter perception. Children who are genetically more sensitive to bitter compounds report that very sweet solutions are more pleasant and they prefer sweet carbonated beverages more than milk, relative to less bitter-sensitive peers. Overall, people differ in their ability to perceive the basic tastes, and particular constellations of genes and experience may drive some people, but not others, toward a caries-inducing sweet diet. Future studies will be designed to understand how a genetic preference for sweet food and drink might contribute to the development of dental caries.

PMID: 16934118 [PubMed]

Biotech and biomaterials research to reduce the caries epidemic.

BMC Oral Health. 2006;6 Suppl 1:S1

Authors: Slayton RL, Bryers JD, Milgrom P

The goal of this workshop is to develop a consensus within the biomaterials/bioengineering community for a research agenda focused on creating technologies that will address the current dental caries pandemic. The workshop will bring together expertise from academia, industry, and the NIH institutes in the areas of oral biofilm microbiology and innovative biomaterials. The rationale for the workshop is that science and technology have not produced sufficient practical tools for public health practitioners and the private delivery system to address the pandemic in dental caries that exists for children and adults from families with low incomes and for numerous ethnic minority and racial groups. Moreover, it is unclear whether the barriers are remediable bioengineering and technical problems or fundamental science questions. Nevertheless, the obligation to address the gap between scientific research and practical application is especially relevant today. The U.S. and state governments bear the majority of the cost of trying to control this pandemic through Medicaid, the Public Health Service, Indian Health Service and other similar programs. These costs continue to escalate as continued applications of existing technology are unlikely to markedly reduce disparities. The mainstays of caries prevention, topical and systemic fluorides and pit and fissure sealants, are technologies developed in the 1950s and 1960s.

PMID: 16934110 [PubMed]