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Background The hTAS2R38 taste receptor genotype is related to bitter taste perception and thus may affect food preferences. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the hTAS2R38 genotype and the food consumption and nutrient intakes of Finnish children aged 2-6 years. Methods Dietary intake was assessed with 7-day food records, and DNA samples were collected by cheek swabs for genotyping. Food intake data between the three most common genotypes were compared ( n = 345). Results The proportion of the AVI/ AVI genotype was 36.7%; PAV/ AVI was 42.4%; and PAV/ PAV was 14.9%. Boys with the PAV/ PAV genotype consumed a mean (SD) weight of sugar and candy of 27 (13) g day−1, which was significantly more compared to the other two genotypes [ AVI/ AVI 19 (12) g day−1 and PAV/ AVI 18 (12) g day−1; both P < 0.01]. These boys also consumed significantly more meat (g day−1) compared to AVI/ AVI boys ( P < 0.05). PAV/ PAV girls tended to consume more grains (g MJ−1) compared to AVI/ AVI girls ( P = 0.07). Vegetable and fruit consumption and nutrient intake did not differ significantly between genotypes. Based on principal component analysis carried out with total food consumption data, PAV/ PAV boys were different from both AVI/ AVI and PAV/ AVI boys. Conclusions The hTAS2R38 genotype may have distinct associations with food consumption in boys and girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether an association exists between daily smoking and infrequent toothbrushing habits among adolescents. Materials and Methods: Nationally representative samples of 14-, 16- and 18-year-old Finns (N = 5643) took part in the survey. A 12-page structured questionnaire was posted to the adolescents, asking them to complete it and return it in an enclosed prepaid envelope. The χ²-test and a logistic regression model were used for analyses. Results: At the age of 14 years, 8.5% reported smoking daily, at 16 years 25.0% and at 18 years 33.2%. Only 28.3-54.7% of the adolescents reported brushing their teeth more than once a day. Among 14-year-olds, 6.5% of the adolescents reported both smoking daily and brushing less than twice a day. The respective figures were 17.7% for the 16-year-olds and 21.6% for the 18-year-olds. Among the 14-year-olds, the strongest association with smoking daily and brushing less than twice a day was found with low school performance (OR = 8.2), and among 16- and 18-year-olds school career (studying at a vocational school, OR = 3.4). Conclusion: Daily smoking and infrequent toothbrushing are strongly associated in adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pohjola V, Mattila AK, Joukamaa M, Lahti S. Anxiety and depressive disorders and dental fear among adults in Finland. Eur J Oral Sci 2011; 119: 55-60. © 2011 Eur J Oral Sci We studied the association between dental fear and anxiety or depressive disorders, as well as the comorbidity of dental fear with anxiety and depressive disorders, controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, dental attendance, and dental health. Nationally representative data on Finnish adults, ≥ 30 yr of age ( n = 5,953), were gathered through interviews and clinical examination. Dental fear was measured using the question: 'How afraid are you of visiting a dentist?' Anxiety and/or depressive disorders were assessed using a standardized structured psychiatric interview according to criteria presented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition) (DSM-IV).Those with depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorder or social phobia more commonly reported high dental fear than did those without these disorders. When age, gender, education, dental attendance, and the number of decayed, missing, and restored teeth were considered, those with generalized anxiety disorder were more likely to have high dental fear than were participants with neither anxiety nor depressive disorders. The comorbidity of depressive and anxiety disorders also remained statistically significantly associated with dental fear; those with both depressive and anxiety disorders were more likely to have high dental fear than were those without these disorders. Our findings support the suggestion that some individuals may have a personality that is vulnerable to dental fear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the relationship between sense of coherence (SOC) and oral health, and the role of oral health-related behaviours in this relationship. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 5401 dentate adults who participated in the nationally representative Health 2000 Survey in Finland. The survey gathered information on SOC, demographic characteristics, education, income, preexisting diabetes, daily smoking, dental attendance, toothbrushing frequency and sugar intake frequency. Oral health was assessed through clinical outcomes, such as number of teeth, number of decayed teeth and extent of periodontal pockets and perceived oral health. Results: A strong SOC was related to having more teeth, fewer decayed teeth, lower extent of periodontal pockets and good perceived oral health after adjustment for confounders, such as demographic and socioeconomic factors (all p⩽0.003). These associations were attenuated but remained significant after further adjustment for potential mediators (oral health-related behaviours), except for the association of SOC with the extent of periodontal pockets, which was fully accounted for by pre-existing diabetes, oral health-related behaviours and dental plaque (p = 0.549). Conclusion: SOC is positively associated with various aspects of adult oral health, in part because of the better oral health-related behaviours among people with a strong SOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]