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Dental caries is a multifactorial disease known to be associated with the individual's lifestyle and attitude to health. Prevalence of dental caries in military personnel is higher due to their rugged profession, where soldiers endure the toughest of hostilities. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries in Indian Armed Forces and its association with oral health related behaviours, i.e., tooth brushing, flossing, smoking, use of fluoride toothpaste, and pattern of dental attendance. Total of 22690 individuals with a mean age of of 35 ± 8 were examined. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on oral hygiene habits, following which oral inspection of the individuals was done. Once the data was compiled, the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index was used to determine caries experience and to compare with oral health behaviours. Armed Forces of India has a pan India presence, and as a result, study pertaining to soldiers becomes cumbersome. The study was conducted to assess the changing patterns of oral diseases, create oral awareness, and to initiate oral health bank data of soldiers. The prevalence of dental caries 58.4% and DMFT rate 4.67+/-1.94 of Indian soldiers remains lower than those of the rest of the Armed Forces of the world. Prevalence of caries in Indian soldiers is lower than that of the rest of the Armies. The study depicts caries experience was lesser in soldiers practising positive oral health behaviours and a strong association between the rate of caries experience and oral health–related behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Initial caries lesion (ICLs) adjacent to orthodontic brackets are the most common side effect of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. The reported prevalence is uncertain and varies considerably across studies, from 27% to 97%. Objectives This paper was designed to evaluate and synthesize the available evidence on the prevalence and incidence rates of ICLs in relation to orthodontic treatment. Selection criteria: The review (Prospero protocol CRD42023412952) included randomized and non-randomized clinical trials of interventions, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies, published after 1990 on the prevalence or incidence of ICLs during or after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Search methods: Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched from 1990 until 01 May 2023. The risk of bias assessment was performed with RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Data collection and analysis: The proportion of individuals with ICLs, reported as the number/percentage of individuals/teeth with ICLs or mean number of ICLs per subject, were used to synthesize results. Results The search yielded a total of 468 papers; 21 studies were included in the systematic review, 2 of which were not included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence rate [95%CI] of ICLs was 0.57% [0.48; 0.65] in 1448 patients, 0.22% [0.14; 0.33] in 11583 teeth, with a mean number of lesions equal to 2.24 [1.79; 2.70] in 484 patients evaluated. The incidence rate of new carious lesions developed during orthodontic treatment was 0.48% [0.33; 0.63] in 533 patients, 0.15% [0.08; 0.26] in 1890 teeth with a mean number of ICLs equal to 2.29 [1.12; 3.46] in 208 patients evaluated. Limitations Although the high number of included studies and the overall good quality, there was a significant heterogeneity in the collected data. Conclusion The prevalence and incidence rates of ICLs in subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment are quite high and raise some concerns in terms of risk assessment of orthodontic treatment. ICLs represent an alarming challenge for both patients and professionals. Effective caries prevention strategies during treatment need to be considered and implemented where appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries is considered the third most important scourge in the world. In North America, Inuit populations are the population the most severely affected by dental caries. It is often assumed that this situation can be explained by a combination of factors classical for Indigenous populations: remoteness (geographical distance), low economic status and low health literacy (cultural distance). Using a bibliographic approach, we tested this hypothesis of the "distance effect" by exploring the caries prevalence in other Indigenous populations living in high-income countries. Next, we tested whether the high prevalence of caries is due to population-specific characteristics by tracking caries prevalence over the past few centuries. In result, we showed that while other Indigenous populations are more impacted by caries than the general populations, the Inuit populations present the highest prevalence. Paradoxically, we showed also that past Inuit populations were almost immune to caries before 1950. These two elements suggest that the prevalence of caries observed presently is a recent maladaptation and that beyond the effect of cultural and geographical distance, specific biocultural factors have to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe prevalence of dental caries (DC) among students in developing countries has increased at an alarming rate, and nutritional status has been shown to be associated with DC in children and adolescents with inconsistent conclusions. We aimed to understand the trends of DC prevalence in students aged 7, 9, 12, and 14 years and to explore the relationship between DC prevalence and nutritional status.MethodsWe recruited 16,199 students aged 7, 9, 12, and 14 years in China by multi-stage, stratified, random sampling methods from 2010 to 2019. Permanent caries were measured using the Decay, Loss, and Filling (DMF) index and prevalence rate. Deciduous caries were measured using the decay, loss, and filling (dmf) index and prevalence rate. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin levels. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between nutritional status and the DC prevalence in children and adolescents, incorporating information concerning family-related factors.ResultsThe results indicated that DC prevalence increased from 39.75% in 2010 to 53.21% in 2019 in Henan province, with deciduous teeth and permanent teeth being 45.96 and 27.18%, respectively, in 2019. The total caries rate decreased with age (p

Abstract Background Regular screenings at children population level are necessary in order to assess communities’ need for education, prevention, as well as early detection and intervention programs The study aims to assess dental caries experience and oral health-related behaviors among Romania children from the South and Central region. Methods The cross-sectional study conducted in 2019–2020 is part of the national survey “Romanian Oral Health Survey”, under the endorsement of the World Health Organization (WHO). The stratified, randomized and representative sample included 98 children of 12 years of age. The assessment included a clinical examination, using International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and the Oral Health Questionnaire for Children recommended by the World Health Organization. Results Results revealed that the frequency of caries-free children among 12 year-olds was 36.7% and the mean DMFT was 2.89. Regarding the oral health-related habits, 38.8% of children brushed twice daily; the consumption of sugary foods multiple times per day has been frequently met and 11.2% at the age of 12 never visited the dental office. Conclusions The findings revealed that caries prevalence was high and behaviors negatively influence oral health. The presented data are of utmost importance for Romanian policy makers to promote oral health education among children, to support consistent preventive oral health campaigns and to stimulate dental attendance, irrespective of children’ living areas or gender.

ABSTRACTDental caries is considered the third most important scourge in the world. In North America, Inuit populations are the population the most severely affected by dental caries. It is often assumed that this situation can be explained by a combination of factors classical for Indigenous populations: remoteness (geographical distance), low economic status and low health literacy (cultural distance). Using a bibliographic approach, we tested this hypothesis of the “distance effect” by exploring the caries prevalence in other Indigenous populations living in high-income countries. Next, we tested whether the high prevalence of caries is due to population-specific characteristics by tracking caries prevalence over the past few centuries. In result, we showed that while other Indigenous populations are more impacted by caries than the general populations, the Inuit populations present the highest prevalence. Paradoxically, we showed also that past Inuit populations were almost immune to caries before 1950. These two elements suggest that the prevalence of caries observed presently is a recent maladaptation and that beyond the effect of cultural and geographical distance, specific biocultural factors have to be investigated.

Background: Previous systematic reviews indicate that there is an increased prevalence of caries in cleft patients in comparison to their healthy control group. To date, the prevalence of caries between unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) has not been quantitatively evaluated. This review aims to include published studies that examined caries prevalence in patients with UCLP and BCLP to find out whether a quantitative difference exists in caries experience among them. Materials and Methods: Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost databases were searched from inception to November 2021. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO registration no. CRD2021292425. Prevalence-based studies that evaluated caries experience using the decayed--missing--filled teeth (DMFT) index in the permanent dentition or dmft in case of primary dentition in patients with UCLP or BCLP were included in the analysis with the outcome given in mean and standard deviation. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model through a forest plot. An adapted version of the Newcastle--Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies was modified to assess the quality of included studies. Results: Three studies were included in the review. The difference in caries prevalence was statistically significant in the permanent and primary dentition which were evaluated using DMFT and dmft scores with P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively. Forest plot values were obtained for permanent dentition (DMFT) and primary dentition (dmft), 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03--0.11) and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.69--0.03), respectively. The result of the meta-analysis indicates that patients with BCLP have higher caries prevalence. Conclusion: The outcome of the study indicates a higher occurrence of caries in patients with BCLP than UCLP in both permanent and primary dentition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, there are very few epidemiologic studies on caries disease in 6–7 year old children living in Sicily (Southern Italy). The first permanent molar (FPM) is the most commonly affected tooth in this target population, and a one-unit increase in the number of decayed FPMs is predictive of caries in other teeth and in adulthood. The primary aim of this research is to estimate the prevalence of caries in 6–7 year old schoolchildren living in Palermo and, as a secondary aim, to estimate the prevalence of affected FPMs. It was designed as a cluster cross-sectional survey on 995 children from 16 schools, selected based on their geographical location, in one of the eight city districts. Caries data were recorded using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System for each tooth surface. The relation between socio-economic status, behavioural determinants, and clinical information and the number of teeth with initial caries (IC), moderate caries (MC), or extensive caries (SC) was analysed through the ordinal logistic regression. Among the 995 schoolchildren, 662 (66.5%) had at least one lesion and 742 (74.6%) had FPMs. Of the latter, 238 (32.0%) were affected by IC, 86 (11.6%) were affected by MC, and only 3 (0.4%) were affected by SC. During multivariable analysis, there was evidence of an increased risk of MC and SC related to the deprivation of the district in which the children lived and went to school, as well as to the protective role of parental education and employment. The same significant determinants were found for IC and MC FPMs. The study showed the important role of socio-economic determinants, unhealthy behaviours, and social deprivation related to the increased risk of moderate and extensive caries in 6–7 year old schoolchildren. Investigating this target population is very important, as early development of caries in FPMs may have serious consequences in the prognostics of oral health in an adult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Limited data is available regarding the prevalence of dental caries as a chronic disease among adolescents using different caries assessment indices. The aim of this study was to compare and describe the prevalence of dental caries among group of Egyptian students using two caries assessment indices; DMFS and ICDAS II. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological study included 2760 public secondary school students with age range from 15 to 18 years with permanent dentition and good general health. Presence of; retained teeth, congenital or developmental anomalies in the permanent dentition, orthodontic treatments, systematic conditions, smoking and general health problems were considered the exclusion criteria in this study. Participants were selected randomly from 8 public secondary schools in the Great Cairo, Egypt. The examination was achieved by 6 trained and previously calibrated examiners using sets of diagnostic mirrors, compressed air, a WHO probe and cotton rolls. DMFS index and ICDAS II system were used as caries detection methods. In DMFS index; the number of decayed (D), missing (M) and filled (F) surfaces was recorded, while in the ICDAS II index, the assessment of both cavitated and non-cavitated carious, missed and filled teeth with restorations /sealants was recorded. The examiners performed the oral examination using both scoring systems in an alternating manner. The collected data were explored for normality using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests. Chi square test was used to analyze the frequencies. Results There was a statistical significant difference between the DMFS and ICDAS II methods results regarding the recorded number of caries affected teeth and cavitated teeth surfaces. The prevalence of dental caries among the investigated secondary school students was (69.56%) and (78.29%) for DMFS and ICDAS II, respectively. Conclusions The prevalence of dental caries among Egyptian adolescent is high. ICDAS scoring system revealed higher caries prevalence values than DMFS method. ICDAS method is the best choice for the preventive goals, while DMFS is sufficient for clinical purposes.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to assess associations of PART1 rs27565 and DEFB1 rs11362 polymorphisms with the prevalence of dental caries in twelve-year-old children in Nandan County, Guangxi, China. Methods: A total of 1,061 children were included in this cross-sectional study and divided into two groups based on the Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth (DMFT) index: caries-free children (DMFT score = 0) and children with caries (DMFT score ≥ 1). Demographic characteristics, oral hygiene behaviour and dietary habits were collected through household records and questionnaires. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal cells, and PART1 rs27565 and DEFB1 rs11362 polymorphisms were genotyped using a custom-designed 48-Plex single nucleotide polymorphism-scan kit. Results: Carriers of the PART1 rs27565 C allele (odds ratio [OR] = 1.338, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.015–1.764, P value = 0.039) and carriers of the DEFB1 rs11362 T allele (OR = 1.364, 95% CI = 1.056–1.762, P value = 0.017) had a higher risk of caries. Carriers of the PART1 rs27565 TC or CC genotype who ate sugary food more than once a week had a 1.6-fold higher risk of caries than TT carriers who ate sugary food at most once a week (OR = 1.579, 95% CI = 1.032–2.414, P value = 0.035). Carriers of the DEFB1 rs11362 CT or TT genotype who ate sugary food more than once a week had a 2.1-fold higher risk of caries than CC carriers who ate sugary food at most once a week (OR = 2.057, 95% CI = 1.438–2.940, P value

Abstract Background In contrast with the last century, caries epidemiology has begun integrating enamel caries into determinations of caries prevalence and experience. The objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the caries status including estimations of enamel caries, of European adolescents. Method Four databases (Medline Ovid, Embase, CINAHL, and SweMed+) were systematically searched from 1 January 2000 through 20 September 2021 for peer-reviewed publications on caries prevalence and caries experience in 12–19-year-olds; that also included evaluations of enamel lesions. Summary estimates were calculated using random effect model. Results Overall, 30 publications were selected for the systematic review covering 25 observational studies. Not all studies could be used in the meta-analyses. Caries prevalence was 77% (n = 22 studies). Highest prevalence was reported in the age groups 16–19 years, and in studies where caries examinations were done before 2010. The overall mean DMFS score was 5.93 (n = 14 studies) and it was significantly lower among Scandinavian adolescents than among other European adolescents (4.43 vs. 8.89). The proportion of enamel caries (n = 7 studies) was 50%, and highest in the lowest age group (12–15 years). Results from the present systematic review reflected the caries distribution to be skewed at individual-, tooth- and surface levels; at tooth and surface level, also changed according to age. Conclusions Although studies in which the caries examinations had been done in 2010 or later documented a reduction in caries prevalence, caries during adolescence still constitutes a burden. Thus, the potential for preventing development of more severe caries lesions, as seen in the substantial volume of enamel caries during early adolescence, should be fully exploited. For this to happen, enamel caries should be a part of epidemiological reporting in national registers.

Abstract Background Dental caries (DC) is highly prevalent condition affecting mostly young children. There has been no systematic review done on the prevalence of DC amongst 12-year -olds in Africa. Although some African countries have reported a decrease in DC prevalence, others have shown an increase and it is essential to measure current trends in order to identify strategies and programmes that could assist in reducing DC in Africa. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of DC (condition) amongst the permanent dentition of 12-year-old children (population) in Africa (context). Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Peer reviewed cross-sectional articles from January 2000 until December 2021 was searched and this included the following databases: Pubmed (Medline); SCOPUS; CINAHL (via EBSCOhost); Academic Search Complete (via EBSCOhost); Dentistry and Oral Sciences Sources (via EBSCOhost); and Science Direct. The search was last updated on the 10th January 2022. Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to assess risk of bias. Prevalence figures were stratified by Urban/Rural status, country and time using a random-effects model. All studies performed on children 12-year-olds on the African continent were included. The prevalence of DC and the DMFT scores were the primary and secondary outcome measures, respectively. Only articles consisting of 12-year-old children who reside in Africa were included in this study. The systematic review was registered with Prospero CRD42021293666. Results 18,080 participants were included in this review. A total of thirty studies were included in the review. The pooled effect size of dental caries severity was 1.09 (CI 0.91–1.27) and the overall prevalence was 36% (CI 29.4–41.7%). Eritrea (78%) had the highest prevalence of DC while Zambia had the lowest (11%); Eritrea also had the highest DMFT score (2.5) with Sudan having the lowest score (0.49). Urban cities had the highest DMFT score (1.32, CI 0.97–1.68), compared to rural cities (1.13, CI 0.86–1.4) and there was an increasing trend in DC prevalence over time from 28% (CI 23–34%) in 2000 to 2005 to 57% (CI 43–72%) in studies conducted after 2015. The risk of bias was very low where majority of the studies scored more than 50% in the JBI critical appraisal tool. Conclusions There was a wide discrepancy in the DC prevalence and scores across the different countries, settings (rural versus urban) and there was an increase in the prevalence over time. This review was self-funded.

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Background: Limited data is available regarding the prevalence of dental caries as a chronic disease among adolescents using different caries assessment indices. The aim of this study was to compare and describe the prevalence of dental caries among group of Egyptian students using two caries assessment indices; DMFS and ICDAS II. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological study included 2760 public secondary school students with age range from 15 to 18 years with permanent dentition and good general health. Presence of; retained teeth, congenital or developmental anomalies in the permanent dentition, orthodontic treatments, systematic conditions, smoking and general health problems were considered the exclusion criteria in this study. Participants were selected randomly from 8 public secondary schools in the Great Cairo, Egypt. The examination was achieved by 6 trained and previously calibrated examiners using sets of diagnostic mirrors, compressed air, a WHO probe and cotton rolls. DMFS index and ICDAS II system were used as caries detection methods. In DMFS index; the number of decayed (D), missing (M) and filled (F) surfaces was recorded, while in the ICDAS II index, the assessment of both cavitated and non-cavitated carious, missed and filled teeth with restorations /sealants was recorded. The examiners performed the oral examination using both scoring systems in an alternating manner. The collected data were explored for normality using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests. Chi square test was used to analyze the frequencies. Results: There was a statistical significant difference between the DMFS and ICDAS II methods results regarding the recorded number of caries affected teeth and cavitated teeth surfaces. The prevalence of dental caries among the investigated secondary school students was (69.56%) and (78.29%) for DMFS and ICDAS II, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries among Egyptian adolescent is high. ICDAS scoring system revealed higher caries prevalence values than DMFS method. ICDAS method is the best choice for the preventive goals, while DMFS is sufficient for clinical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess associations of PART1 rs27565 and DEFB1 rs11362 polymorphisms with the prevalence of dental caries in twelve-year-old children in Nandan County, Guangxi, China. Methods: A total of 1,061 children were included in this cross-sectional study and divided into two groups based on the Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth (DMFT) index: caries-free children (DMFT score = 0) and children with caries (DMFT score ≥ 1). Demographic characteristics, oral hygiene behaviour and dietary habits were collected through household records and questionnaires. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal cells, and PART1 rs27565 and DEFB1 rs11362 polymorphisms were genotyped using a custom-designed 48-Plex single nucleotide polymorphism-scan kit. Results: Carriers of the PART1 rs27565 C allele (odds ratio [OR] = 1.338, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.015–1.764, P value = 0.039) and carriers of the DEFB1 rs11362 T allele (OR = 1.364, 95% CI = 1.056–1.762, P value = 0.017) had a higher risk of caries. Carriers of the PART1 rs27565 TC or CC genotype who ate sugary food more than once a week had a 1.6-fold higher risk of caries than TT carriers who ate sugary food at most once a week (OR = 1.579, 95% CI = 1.032–2.414, P value = 0.035). Carriers of the DEFB1 rs11362 CT or TT genotype who ate sugary food more than once a week had a 2.1-fold higher risk of caries than CC carriers who ate sugary food at most once a week (OR = 2.057, 95% CI = 1.438–2.940, P value < 0.001). Conclusion: PART1 rs27565 and DEFB1 rs11362 polymorphisms were associated with caries in 12-year-old children in Nandan County, Guangxi, China. Carriers of the PART1 rs27565 TC or CC genotype and the DEFB1 rs11362 CT or TT genotype who ate sugary food more than once a week had a high probability of having caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In contrast with the last century, caries epidemiology has begun integrating enamel caries into determinations of caries prevalence and experience. The objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the caries status including estimations of enamel caries, of European adolescents. Method: Four databases (Medline Ovid, Embase, CINAHL, and SweMed+) were systematically searched from 1 January 2000 through 20 September 2021 for peer-reviewed publications on caries prevalence and caries experience in 12–19-year-olds; that also included evaluations of enamel lesions. Summary estimates were calculated using random effect model. Results: Overall, 30 publications were selected for the systematic review covering 25 observational studies. Not all studies could be used in the meta-analyses. Caries prevalence was 77% (n = 22 studies). Highest prevalence was reported in the age groups 16–19 years, and in studies where caries examinations were done before 2010. The overall mean DMFT score was 5.93 (n = 14 studies) and it was significantly lower among Scandinavian adolescents than among other European adolescents (4.43 vs. 8.89). The proportion of enamel caries (n = 7 studies) was 50%, and highest in the lowest age group (12–15 years). Results from the present systematic review reflected the caries distribution to be skewed at individual-, tooth- and surface levels; at tooth and surface level, also changed according to age. Conclusions: Although studies in which the caries examinations had been done in 2010 or later documented a reduction in caries prevalence, caries during adolescence still constitutes a burden. Thus, the potential for preventing development of more severe caries lesions, as seen in the substantial volume of enamel caries during early adolescence, should be fully exploited. For this to happen, enamel caries should be a part of epidemiological reporting in national registers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This cross-sectional study aims to assess parents' knowledge, attitude, and practices toward the oral health of their children with primary dentition. Patients and methods The study was performed in the Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University. Data were obtained through 301 questionnaires translated from English to Arabic, for the assessment of the parents' knowledge, attitude, and practices scores and via clinical examination of the children for the assessment of caries prevalence by calculation of their dmf scores. Results The majority of parents (90%) had adequate knowledge scores with a significantly strong negative correlation to dmf scores of their children. For attitude score, 100% of parents reported adequate attitude score, with insignificant weak negative correlation to dmf scores of their children. Finally, the practice score was adequate in only 44.52% of parents, with a significantly strong negative correlation to dmf scores of the children. Conclusions The majority of parents had adequate knowledge and attitude, although having inadequate practice. The mean dmf score of the children was significantly affected by parents' knowledge, but weakly affected by their beliefs and attitudes. The poor practice of parents revealed in the present study had a strong negative influence on their children's caries prevalence.

Background: Dental caries and periodontal problems are mainly caused due to poor oral hygiene practices. Aim: This study aims to determine the relationship between oral hygiene status and dental caries in 13–14 years old school-going children of rural and urban locality in Kamrup Metropolitan District, Assam. Materials and Methods: A total of 1501 school children in the age group of 13–14 years were included in the study and dental caries was recorded from decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) index as described by World Health Organization (1997) and Oral hygiene status was assessed using Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) given by Greene and Vermilion 1964. The unpaired t-test, Chi-square test, and Pearson correlation test were used to assess the relation between oral hygiene status and dental caries among different age groups, and location of the school-going children using SPSS version 21 and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The results showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) between mean OHI-S score and decayed component of DMFT score among rural school children whereas in urban children a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) was found between mean OHI-S score and mean score of Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth component of DMFT. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of dental caries among school children of Kamrup (Metropolitan) District was 33.6%. The present study showed a significant positive correlation of mean OHI-S score with a mean of decayed teeth and DMFT score.

Background: Dental caries (DC) is highly prevalent condition affecting mostly young children. There has been no systematic review done on the prevalence of DC amongst 12-year -olds in Africa. Although some African countries have reported a decrease in DC prevalence, others have shown an increase and it is essential to measure current trends in order to identify strategies and programmes that could assist in reducing DC in Africa. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of DC (condition) amongst the permanent dentition of 12-year-old children (population) in Africa (context). Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Peer reviewed cross-sectional articles from January 2000 until December 2021 was searched and this included the following databases: Pubmed (Medline); SCOPUS; CINAHL (via EBSCOhost); Academic Search Complete (via EBSCOhost); Dentistry and Oral Sciences Sources (via EBSCOhost); and Science Direct. The search was last updated on the 10th January 2022. Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to assess risk of bias. Prevalence figures were stratified by Urban/Rural status, country and time using a random-effects model. All studies performed on children 12-year-olds on the African continent were included. The prevalence of DC and the DMFT scores were the primary and secondary outcome measures, respectively. Only articles consisting of 12-year-old children who reside in Africa were included in this study. The systematic review was registered with Prospero CRD42021293666. Results: 18,080 participants were included in this review. A total of thirty studies were included in the review. The pooled effect size of dental caries severity was 1.09 (CI 0.91–1.27) and the overall prevalence was 36% (CI 29.4–41.7%). Eritrea (78%) had the highest prevalence of DC while Zambia had the lowest (11%); Eritrea also had the highest DMFT score (2.5) with Sudan having the lowest score (0.49). Urban cities had the highest DMFT score (1.32, CI 0.97–1.68), compared to rural cities (1.13, CI 0.86–1.4) and there was an increasing trend in DC prevalence over time from 28% (CI 23–34%) in 2000 to 2005 to 57% (CI 43–72%) in studies conducted after 2015. The risk of bias was very low where majority of the studies scored more than 50% in the JBI critical appraisal tool. Conclusions: There was a wide discrepancy in the DC prevalence and scores across the different countries, settings (rural versus urban) and there was an increase in the prevalence over time. This review was self-funded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ecuador, national epidemiological surveys have not been updated; however, some regional studies in the northern areas of the country still report a high prevalence of dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine the experience, severity, and need for treatment of dental caries in school children aged 6 to 12 years in urban and rural settings in three provinces of southern Ecuador. This cross-sectional, relational study examined 1938 schoolchildren in the provinces of Azuay, Cañar, and Morona Santiago. The survey instruments were based mainly on the WHO manual Methods of Oral Health Surveys (dmft) for primary and permanent dentition (DMFT), as well as the prevalence, severity, and Significant Caries Index (SCI). The parametric Student's t-test was used to compare two groups, and the Spearman's Rho and Tau-c Kendall correlation coefficients were used to associate the categorical variables. Results: The prevalence of caries in the primary dentition was 78% and 89.2% in the permanent dentition. The dmft (M = 4.12, SD = 2.86) and DMFT (M = 3.62: SD = 3.07) placed the general group in a moderate caries index. The need for treatment was 90.68% in the primary dentition, while it was 87.99% in the permanent dentition. Caries severity in both dentitions was high (M = 7.74; SD = 3.42). Conclusions. Alarming indicators of caries experience and the need for treatment were observed in the population studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over several decades, the dental caries burden in the deciduous dentition has decreased in Germany. However, a dependency of the caries burden on social parameters, such as socio-economic status (SES) or migration background, is generally described. Therefore, the aim of the evaluation was to analyse to what extent children with a low social class affiliation or a migration background have participated in the caries decline. For the city of Hamburg, Germany, data from a series of five caries epidemiological surveys in day-care centres are available since 1977. Using the same methodology, the dmft values were determined, according to WHO criteria, and in addition including initial caries (IC). For the present evaluation, the data and the changes of caries load (caries prevalence and caries experience; dmft) over time were compared with reference to SES and a migration background. A decrease in the caries prevalence from 58.4% to 22.7% and in the dmft value from 2.6 to 0.8 was determined from 1977 to 2016 (WHO criteria). Including IC, the caries prevalence has decreased from 91.0% to 44.4%, and the caries experience shows a decline from 6.4 to 1.8. The caries reduction can be observed in children of all social classes and regardless of a migration background, although significant differences in caries prevalence and caries experience remain recognisable for each survey through 2016. In conclusion, preschool children from families with low SES or with a migration background have not been left behind in the improvement of dental health, but have also benefited from caries prevention measures in roughly the same order of magnitude as other children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nationwide study from 2004 showed that the children's oral health in Bosnia and Herzegovina is poor with an average dmft index in six-year-olds being 6.2 (4.0), and DMFT 4.8 (3.9) in twelve-yearolds. After the aforementioned nationwide study, only a few regional epidemiological studies have been conducted on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. All studies have shown that the state of oral health in children is poor. Although the WHO has clearly emphasized the importance of regularly conducting epidemiological research regarding children's oral health, there is a lack of recent data on the prevalence of caries in children in other areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of caries in children aged 2-18 years from the Mostar city area. In this observational, descriptive study, 500 respondents aged 2-18 years participated. For subjects up to 6 years of age, the dmft index was recorded as an indicator of oral health, for subjects with mixed dentition the DMFT index of first permanent molars was used and for subjects aged 12-18 years, the DMFT index was used. Data were analysed for 495 respondents, aged 2-18 years, of both sexes (253 female respondents and 242 male respondents). The prevalence of dental caries in respondents aged up to 6 years is 53%. The prevalence of caries of the first permanent molars in subjects aged 6-12 years is 28.3%, while the prevalence of caries in subjects older than 12 years is 44.9%. The average dmft index of five-year-olds is 3.88 (SD 3.83), while the DMFT index of twelve-year-olds is 2.51 (SD 2.17). The prevalence of caries and previous caries experience of children of all ages from the area of Mostar was lower compared to previous years, both for respondents from the same geographical area and compared to other areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina. New epidemiological studies are needed in order to determine the general oral health trends in Bosnia and Herzegovina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of MI Varnish™ (5% NaF/CPP-ACP) on caries increment in 6- and 12-year-old children in Riga, Latvia within 36 months. Methods: Forty-eight 6-year-old children (Group 1) and forty-seven 12-year-old children (Group 3) received quarterly varnish application, while forty-eight 6-year-old children (Group 2) and thirty-seven 12-year-old children (Group 4) did not have varnish applied. All children/parents received the same preventive advice. All children were visually examined using ICDAS-II criteria. Questionnaires on dietary habits were completed by the children/parents at baseline and after 36 months. DMFS and dfs were calculated from ICDAS data. The statistical analysis was performed (α = 0.05) using a Chi-squared test, paired t-test (Welch test) and the Pearson correlation coefficient. The trial registration number is ISRCTN10584414. Results: In Group 1 versus Group 2, the DMFS(SD) (Baseline/36 months) values were 5.02(5.85)/13.21(6.67) (p < 0.001) versus 2.65(4.54)/10.81(6.14) (p < 0.001), respectively; the dfs(SD) (Baseline/36 months) values were 36.75(12.96)/24.04(12.9) (p < 0.001) versus 33.67(12.74)/23.88(11.91) (p < 0.001), respectively. In Group 3 versus Group 4, the DMFS(SD) (Baseline/36 months) values were 48.62(23.18)/70.96(23.28) (p < 0.001) versus 34.73(17.99)/54.95(16.09) (p < 0.001), respectively; the dfs(SD) (Baseline/36 months) values were 1.7(4.4)/0 (p < 0.05) versus 2(6.39)/0 (p = 0.06), respectively. The prevalence of caries (dfs + DMFS) decreased by 4.52 (p < 0.001) and 1.63 (p < 0.001) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, but increased by 20.64 (p < 0.001) and 18.22 (p < 0.001) in Groups 3 and 4, respectively. An analysis of the questionnaires indicated the habitual, frequent consumption of a sugary diet by all the children. A significant correlation (r = 0.321; p < 0.05) was observed between caries increment and the frequency of daily intake of sugary snacks, soft drinks and tea with sugar at baseline only in Group 1. Conclusions: A quarterly application of MI varnish (CPP-ACP/fluoride) reduced caries increment in 6- and 12-year-old children in Riga, Latvia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study caries prevalence/severity in 12-year-old children in Latvia and potential risk indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional oral-health national survey of 12-year-old children was conducted in 2016. A nationally representative stratified-cluster probabilistic sample of 2,138 pupils in 92 schools was selected. Children were examined by seven calibrated examiners (kappa inter-examiner, intra-examiner scores of 0.71–0.77, 0.81–0.97, respectively) at school. Enamel-non-cavitated decay (D1), enamel cavitation (D3), dentine cavitation (D5), missing (M) or filled (F) status at the tooth (T)/surface (S) levels were evaluated, and decayed, missing, and filled (DMF) index scores for severity, along with the Significant Caries Index (SiC), were calculated. An associated caries factor questionnaire was completed by participants. Results: The prevalence of caries was 98.5% for D1MFT, 79.7% for D3MFT, and 71.9% for D5MFT. The means (standard deviations) for severity were 9.2 (5.3) for D1MFT, 3.3 (3.0) for D3MFT, and 2.4 (2.4) for D5MFT, and 5.6 (2.1) for the SiC. Indicators associated with a lower risk of caries (D5MFT) were irregular dental visits (prevalence odds ratio POR = 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.36, 0.56) and irregular use of mouthwashes (POR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.89). Conclusions: We found a high caries prevalence and severity in 12 year-old children in Latvia. Although the WHO target for 2010 (D5MFT ≤ 3) is met, the values for caries prevalence (D5MFT > 0 = 71.9%) and severity (D5MFT = 2.5) in 12-year-old Latvian children are higher than the European averages (D5MFT > 0 = 52%, D5MFT = 1.1).

Purpose: To determine the caries prevalence and experience in Thuringian infants and to assess their caries risk. Material and Methods: The subjects were participants in a regional preventive programme, a birth cohort study with the aim of preventing caries. In the first year of life, children were invited to a dental examination at the Jena University Hospital. Dental caries was scored using WHO diagnostic criteria at the d1-level without radiography. Children were categorised as being of low, moderate or high risk for caries according to the caries-risk assessment tool of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Results: 512 children (mean age 6.7 ± 2.2 months) were examined. 58.2% (n = 298) of all children had teeth (2.21 ± 2.76). Caries prevalence of cavitated carious lesions was 1.7%, and prevalence of non-cavitated carious lesions was 7.7% in children who had teeth. Caries experience was 0.3 ± 1.0 d1-4mfs/0.2 ± 1.5 d3-4mfs (range of 0 to 16). Children with caries were on average 10.8 ± 3.2 months old, while children without caries were 6.6 ± 2.1 months. One hundred sixty-nine children (33.1%) were categorised at high risk for caries, and 98 already had teeth. Conclusion: Although caries prevalence and experience was relatively low in infants, one third of all children were categorised as being at high caries risk. Early dental visits are necessary to detect the first signs of caries, to assess the caries risk and to establish a dental home with a risk-related recall system. The caries-risk assessment tool (CAT) of the AAPD can assist the clinician in the decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This cross-sectional study aims to assess parents' knowledge, attitude, and practices toward the oral health of their children with primary dentition. Patients and methods: The study was performed in the Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University. Data were obtained through 301 questionnaires translated from English to Arabic, for the assessment of the parents' knowledge, attitude, and practices scores and via clinical examination of the children for the assessment of caries prevalence by calculation of their dmf scores. Results: The majority of parents (90%) had adequate knowledge scores with a significantly strong negative correlation to dmf scores of their children. For attitude score, 100% of parents reported adequate attitude score, with insignificant weak negative correlation to dmf scores of their children. Finally, the practice score was adequate in only 44.52% of parents, with a significantly strong negative correlation to dmf scores of the children. Conclusions: The majority of parents had adequate knowledge and attitude, although having inadequate practice. The mean dmf score of the children was significantly affected by parents' knowledge, but weakly affected by their beliefs and attitudes. The poor practice of parents revealed in the present study had a strong negative influence on their children's caries prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective To assess the effect of caries management based on risk assessment in children and to provide the basis for the government to develop strategies to prevent and treat oral diseases. Methods From March 2018 to March 2019, 512 3-year-old children and 502 6-year-old children were selected by cluster sampling from kindergartens and primary schools, respectively, in the Minhang district of Shanghai, and oral examinations and questionnaires were carried out to assess baseline status. Then, the children were divided into 3 groups, including low-, middle- and high-risk groups, according to caries risk assessment. In each caries risk group, the children were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental groups were managed by risk assessment, and the control groups were provided basic oral public health services by the Shanghai government. The effect of caries prevention was evaluated 12 months later. Results Among the children with a high risk of caries, the incidence of caries was 51.22% in the 3-year-old control group, 34.17% in the experimental group, 51.27% in the 6-year-old control group and 33.15% in the experimental group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Among the children with a middle risk of caries, the incidence of caries was 38.71% in the 3-year-old control group and 7.32% in the experimental group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in caries incidence between the control group and the experimental group for the children with low risk in the 3-year-old or 6-year-old groups and middle risk caries risk in the 6-year-old group. Both 3-year-old and 6-year-old children in the experimental group had a lower risk of caries than those in the observation group in 2019. Conclusion The caries prevention effect is remarkable in high-risk children, and caries management by risk assessment is probably recommended for children with high caries risk.

As one of the most common chronic diseases of the oral cavity, caries gradually accumulate over the lifetime and affect approximately 80% of the world population. The epidemiological characteristics of the disease are specific in terms of regional distribution, temporal distribution and population distribution. Caries prevalence and mean decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth (mean DMFT) scores are the most commonly used indexes in oral epidemiology. Caries prevalence is used to describe the frequency of caries over a certain period of time. In addition, DMFT scores reflect the severity of caries in the population. The caries prevalence and the severity of caries are assessed as part of a dynamic process. In developing countries, caries prevalence is higher among urban populations than among rural populations. Currently, the epidemic characteristics of caries in urban and rural areas are changing, and the caries prevalence of urban residents is lower than that of rural residents. This article is a chronological review of the Oral Health Epidemiological Surveys of China from 1983 to 2015, the Preventive Dentistry study and other related studies. It is concluded that the epidemic characteristics of caries in urban and rural areas in China have changed from a higher caries prevalence in urban areas compared to that in rural areas to a lower caries prevalence in urban areas compared to that in rural areas. Several factors, such as the dynamic development of differences in dietary habits, economic levels and access to oral medical resources of urban and rural residents might have led to changes in caries prevalence in urban and rural areas. The caries prevalence of rural residents has increased greatly, which indicates that the caries prevention efforts of the relevant departments should be focused more on rural areas in the future.

Introduction: Dental caries is among the most important social diseases. The changes in caries prevalence occurring in different regions provide important information about the influence of etiological factors – primary and secondary, and about understanding the connections between the factors themselves. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental caries in 12-year-old children from Plovdiv, Bulgaria and the effect of etiological factors – single-factor and multifactorial influence. Materials and methods: The study included 228 children divided into 2 groups: group 1 - children living in the city of Plovdiv, city proper (125 children), and group 2 - children living in the surrounding villages (103 children). A questionnaire with an attached written consent form for clinical examination was completed by the parents of each child with results recorded in the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form for Children. Statistical analysis of the recorded data was used to determine DMFT index for the two groups, percentage of caries-free children and the influence of etiological factors through regression analysis. Results: Statistical analysis showed the DMFT scores as follows - 1.568 for city proper, 2.917 for surrounding villages. The caries-free children were 38.4% and 17.5% for group 1 and group 2, respectively. OHI is the highest predicting factor in a multifactorial regression analysis with over 19% predictive function. Conclusion: There was statistically significant difference in caries prevalence and percentage of caries-free children between the city proper and the surrounding villages. Etiological factors have specific influence in the investigated age group.

Introduction: Primary teeth are prone to caries. Consequences of caries may hamper eruption and function of the succedaneous teeth. The aim of the study is to find the prevalence and patterns of dental caries in maxillary and mandibular primary anterior teeth of preschool children. The study design adopted was an analytical observational study. Methodology: Caries examination was done using the WHO caries detection criteria. Anterior carious tooth surfaces were examined under optimal light source by a single qualified examiner to minimize visual error. The age of children was measured in years. Obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 16 software. A test for significance was done with the help of the Chi-square test. Results: Right maxillary and mandibular canines had more caries prevalence and patterns as compared to their left counterpart of the same arch. Maxillary canines had more prevalence of caries as compared to mandibular canines. Mandibular lateral incisors had about eight times less chance to develop caries as compared to maxillary lateral incisors. Maxillary and mandibular right central incisors had equal caries prevalence and patterns of their counterparts of the same arch, but maxillary central incisors had four times more caries prevalence as compared to mandibular central incisors. Conclusions: Right maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth had more prevalence of caries as compared to their left counterparts. Maxillary anterior teeth had more prevalence of caries as compared to mandibular anterior teeth.

Background: Previous systematic reviews indicate that there is an increased prevalence of caries in cleft patients in comparison to their healthy control group. To date, the prevalence of caries between unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) has not been quantitatively evaluated. This review aims to include published studies that examined caries prevalence in patients with UCLP and BCLP to find out whether a quantitative difference exists in caries experience among them. Materials and Methods: Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost databases were searched from inception to November 2021. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO registration no. CRD2021292425. Prevalence-based studies that evaluated caries experience using the decayed–missing–filled teeth (DMFT) index in the permanent dentition or dmft in case of primary dentition in patients with UCLP or BCLP were included in the analysis with the outcome given in mean and standard deviation. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model through a forest plot. An adapted version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies was modified to assess the quality of included studies. Results: Three studies were included in the review. The difference in caries prevalence was statistically significant in the permanent and primary dentition which were evaluated using DMFT and dmft scores with P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively. Forest plot values were obtained for permanent dentition (DMFT) and primary dentition (dmft), 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–0.11) and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.69–0.03), respectively. The result of the meta-analysis indicates that patients with BCLP have higher caries prevalence. Conclusion: The outcome of the study indicates a higher occurrence of caries in patients with BCLP than UCLP in both permanent and primary dentition.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to: 1) determine the oral health status of Campanian (Italy) 5- and 12-year-old schoolchildren; 2) establish an oral health baseline prior to introducing promotion and prevention strategies and appropriate healthcare for specific groups; 3) provide the starting point for monitoring changes over time according to the World Health Organization 2020 global goals for oral health.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed on schoolchildren from public schools. 828 children were clinically evaluated, recording DMFT, dmft and SiC (Significant Caries Index). A questionnaire investigating demographic and oral health behaviour was completed by parents.Results: 56.6% of the 5-year-old children were caries free (deciduous dentition) and the mean dmft value was 1.44 ± 2.13. In 12-year-old children, caries prevalence was 35.8%. The mean DMFT value was 1.17 ± 1.96, while the SiC was 3.42 ± 1.97. There were significant relationships between dmft/DMFT (caries experience) and family income level (p < 0.001), mother's educational level (p < 0.001) and history of recent dental visits (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Information drawn from this study can be helpful to describe future and specific dental prevention programmes in order to reduce caries incidence and promote better oral health in the Campania region of Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to estimate the mean, prevalence, and severity of dental caries, and to identify the factors associated with these characteristics in a population of school-aged children from four regions in Kazakhstan. A total of 2,149 school children aged 11-15 years from four regions of Kazakhstan were examined; the overall response rate was 68%. Results from dental examinations and standardized questionnaires were used to gather sociodemographic and oral health behavior information. The overall prevalence of dental caries was 74%, and obviously decayed teeth were found in 44% of the participants; only 6% had missing teeth and 24% had their teeth treated. Age, region, ethnicity, dietary habits, and dental attendance pattern were found to be significantly associated with the predicted degree of caries experience among those with caries experience. The high prevalence of dental caries might be related to rapid westernization in Kazakhstan and associated nutritional transition. Moreover, an increased burden of untreated caries in less advantaged populations was observed. Parental education and material deprivation may be very important determinants of oral health among adolescents in Kazakhstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ecuador, national epidemiological surveys have not been updated; however, some regional studies in the northern areas of the country still report a high prevalence of dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine the experience, severity, and need for treatment of dental caries in school children aged 6 to 12 years in urban and rural settings in three provinces of southern Ecuador. This cross-sectional, relational study examined 1938 schoolchildren in the provinces of Azuay, Cañar, and Morona Santiago. The survey instruments were based mainly on the WHO manual Methods of Oral Health Surveys (dmft) for primary and permanent dentition (DMFT), as well as the prevalence, severity, and Significant Caries Index (SCI). The parametric Student’s t-test was used to compare two groups, and the Spearman’s Rho and Tau-c Kendall correlation coefficients were used to associate the categorical variables. Results: The prevalence of caries in the primary dentition was 78% and 89.2% in the permanent dentition. The dmft (M = 4.12, SD = 2.86) and DMFT (M = 3.62: SD = 3.07) placed the general group in a moderate caries index. The need for treatment was 90.68% in the primary dentition, while it was 87.99% in the permanent dentition. Caries severity in both dentitions was high (M = 7.74; SD = 3.42). Conclusions. Alarming indicators of caries experience and the need for treatment were observed in the population studied.

Purpose: To study the caries status of 5, 12 and 15-year-old Greek children, assess how disease parameters are related to socio-demographic indicators and identify relevant trends at the national level. Methods: A stratified cluster sample of 3702 children in total was randomly selected and examined clinically for caries (ICDAS II criteria). Caries experience was outlined by adapting ICDAS0–6 criteria to the d/D component of the WHO dmf/DMF index configuration. Percentages (%) of caries experience-free children, of children with initial caries (ICDAS1–2), and the mean d1–2t/D1–2T, d3–6mft/D3–6MFT and d3–6mfs/D3–6MFS indices were calculated. The probability of presenting with d1–2t/D1–2T ≥ 1 was assessed by binary logistic regression analysis, whereas negative binomial regression models examined the effect of socio-demographic parameters on d3–6mfs/D3–6MFS indices (level of significance: p ≤ 0.05). Results: 60.1%, 48.1%, and 34.7% of the 5, 12, and 15-year-old children, respectively, had no caries experience at the defect level (d3–6mft/D3–6MFT = 0). Initial lesions (ICDAS1–2) were detected in 17.7%, 19.3% and 17.4% of the 5, 12 and 15-year-olds, accordingly. Mean d1–2t/D1–2T was 0.93, 1.70, and 2.51, whereas mean d3–6mft/D3–6MFT was 1.48, 1.61, and 2.46 for the 5, 12, and 15-year-olds, respectively. Children with higher educated parents and 15-year-old urban residents exhibited significantly less caries experience at the defect level. Initial caries lesions presented a significantly higher probability of being detected in urban-residing 5- and 15-year-olds, while no consistent trend could be identified for parental education level. Caries prevalence and experience levels declined for all age groups in ten years. Conclusion: Although the dental health of Greek children has improved disparities remain, calling for organised primary and secondary preventive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the prevalence and related risk factors of early childhood caries (ECC) in preschool children of district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A total sample of 2859 children aged between 2 and 6 years were selected from various parts of district Mandi. The status of dental caries and decayed missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score was recorded. Results: ECC increased significantly with age. Boys had significantly higher caries prevalence and mean DMFT score as compared to girls. Children who belonged to low socioeconomic group showed higher caries prevalence and mean DMFT score. Children aged 3–6 years who brushed their teeth twice daily had the least prevalence of dental caries as well as DMFT score when compared to children with one time and no brushing. Conclusion: The early identification of poor oral hygiene and improper feeding habits should be considered in preventive health promotion in low socioeconomic communities of district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.

Aims: This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of MI Varnish™ (5% NaF/CPP-ACP) on caries increment in 6- and 12-year-old children in Riga, Latvia within 36 months. Methods: Forty-eight 6-year-old children (Group 1) and forty-seven 12-year-old children (Group 3) received quarterly varnish application, while forty-eight 6-year-old children (Group 2) and thirty-seven 12-year-old children (Group 4) did not have varnish applied. All children/parents received the same preventive advice. All children were visually examined using ICDAS-II criteria. Questionnaires on dietary habits were completed by the children/parents at baseline and after 36 months. DMFS and dfs were calculated from ICDAS data. The statistical analysis was performed (α = 0.05) using a Chi-squared test, paired t-test (Welch test) and the Pearson correlation coefficient. The trial registration number is ISRCTN10584414. Results: In Group 1 versus Group 2, the DMFS(SD) (Baseline/36 months) values were 5.02(5.85)/13.21(6.67) (p < 0.001) versus 2.65(4.54)/10.81(6.14) (p < 0.001), respectively; the dfs(SD) (Baseline/36 months) values were 36.75(12.96)/24.04(12.9) (p < 0.001) versus 33.67(12.74)/23.88(11.91) (p < 0.001), respectively. In Group 3 versus Group 4, the DMFS(SD) (Baseline/36 months) values were 48.62(23.18)/70.96(23.28) (p < 0.001) versus 34.73(17.99)/54.95(16.09) (p < 0.001), respectively; the dfs(SD) (Baseline/36 months) values were 1.7(4.4)/0 (p < 0.05) versus 2(6.39)/0 (p = 0.06), respectively. The prevalence of caries (dfs + DMFS) decreased by 4.52 (p < 0.001) and 1.63 (p < 0.001) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, but increased by 20.64 (p < 0.001) and 18.22 (p < 0.001) in Groups 3 and 4, respectively. An analysis of the questionnaires indicated the habitual, frequent consumption of a sugary diet by all the children. A significant correlation (r = 0.321; p < 0.05) was observed between caries increment and the frequency of daily intake of sugary snacks, soft drinks and tea with sugar at baseline only in Group 1. Conclusions: A quarterly application of MI varnish (CPP-ACP/fluoride) reduced caries increment in 6- and 12-year-old children in Riga, Latvia.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of caries in deciduous teeth and the effect of diet and lifestyle habits on dental caries among 3- to 5-year-old preschool children in Jiangxi Province, China. Methods In total, 2880 cases involving preschool children were selected by stratified cluster sampling. The dental examination methods and criteria followed the WHO guidelines. SPSS 19.0 was used for the statistical analysis. Chi square tests were used to compare the caries prevalence among children with different social characteristics. Non-parametric tests were used to compare the decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) index values. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to study the effect of diet and lifestyle habits on dental caries. Results The caries prevalence among the 2880 cases of 3- to 5-year-old preschool children in Jiangxi Province, China was 49.13%. There was no gender difference in this rate (P > 0.05). The caries prevalence increased with age (P

Introduction: The prevalence of dental caries (DC) among students in developing countries has increased at an alarming rate, and nutritional status has been shown to be associated with DC in children and adolescents with inconsistent conclusions. We aimed to understand the trends of DC prevalence in students aged 7, 9, 12, and 14 years and to explore the relationship between DC prevalence and nutritional status., Methods: We recruited 16,199 students aged 7, 9, 12, and 14 years in China by multi-stage, stratified, random sampling methods from 2010 to 2019. Permanent caries were measured using the Decay, Loss, and Filling (DMF) index and prevalence rate. Deciduous caries were measured using the decay, loss, and filling (dmf) index and prevalence rate. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin levels. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between nutritional status and the DC prevalence in children and adolescents, incorporating information concerning family-related factors., Results: The results indicated that DC prevalence increased from 39.75% in 2010 to 53.21% in 2019 in Henan province, with deciduous teeth and permanent teeth being 45.96 and 27.18%, respectively, in 2019. The total caries rate decreased with age ( p  < 0.05), and the caries rate of girls was higher than that of boys in 2019 (55.75% vs. 50.67%) ( p  < 0.001). The prevalence of dental caries among primary and secondary school students in areas with medium economic aggregate was the highest, followed by cities with the best economic development level, and cities with low economic levels have a lower prevalence of dental caries. The dental caries prevalence was negatively correlated with body mass index. In the fully adjusted model, underweight children had a higher caries prevalence ( OR  = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.86-1.41). Children with anemia had a higher prevalence of dental caries ( OR  = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.98-1.42)., Conclusion: The DC prevalence of students in Henan Province was high, with a tendency to increase. Females, young individuals, and those with a higher economic level showed a positive correlation with the prevalence of caries. In the process of economic development, particular attention should be paid to early childhood caries prevention. Nutritional status should be taken seriously among children and adolescents, and the oral health system should be improved to keep pace with economic development., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Hao, Hao, Lou, Wang, Liu, Zhou, Ban, Wu, Wang and Wang.)

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significantly higher prevalence and caries severity compared to the average population. Knowledge about the oral health indices of children with this mental disorder is key to designing efficient plans of intervention. This paper reports the results of a study on the oral health status of children with ASD in central Italy. This is the first study of this type in Italy. The sample consists of 229 autistic children aged between 5 and 14 years, attending the Unit of Special Needs Policlinico Umberto I in Rome. Each patient received an intraoral examination to investigate decayed, missing, and filled teeth as well as periodontal status. Information on demographic attributes, dietary habits, medical history, and child's cooperativeness at the first visit was also recorded. Of the participants, 79.26% presented signs of gingivitis and about 90% of them had plaque. Caries prevalence was 66.38%. The average of the total number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth in the permanent and primary dentition was 2.91. Among the factors considered, only dietary habits and the periodontal indices showed statistically significant association with caries prevalence and caries severity. Despite the selection bias, that prevents us to interpret the results presented as epidemiological evidence, our study suggests that children with ASD in central Italy represent a population at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe the distribution of enamel-, dentin-, root- and secondary caries within an elderly population in Northern-Norway.Material and methods: A study population (n = 1 173) was divided into age groups: 65-69 (seniors), 70-74 (young elderly), 75-79 (elderly) and 80-94 (old elderly). Seven examiners registered presence, location and severity of caries lesions on x-rays and intra-oral photos. Severity of approximal, occlusal, secondary and root caries was graded (D1-2: into enamel; D3-5: into dentin, root caries), and decayed missing filled surfaces/teeth (DMFS/DMFT) were calculated. T-test, ANOVA and a Bonferroni correction were used.Results: The seniors had more primary caries (DS1-5) compared to the oldest age groups, while the old elderly had significantly more secondary caries than the other groups (p < .05). Of those ≥65 years 13.8% were affected with root caries, 21% among the oldest. About 48% of the old elderly had one or more surfaces with untreated caries lesions into dentin, while for the other groups the number was 35% (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Individuals seem to maintain good oral health up to at least 80 years of age. Those older than 80 years have more root caries needing more intensified caries-controlling measures and a higher prevalence of untreated dentin lesions often in need of operative treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective was to assess caries status and treatment needs at children with special healthcare needs being residents of the School for children and adults with special healthcare needs "Mjedenica" and to evaluate planned treatment efficiency after eight months period. Subject and Methods: The research was conducted at the dental office established in the School specialized for children with special health care needs "Mjedenica", Sarajevo. The sample consisted of 124 respondents. Clinical examination was performed to assess caries status and treatment needs and to evaluate planned treatment after eight months period. Results: The total number of residents in "Mjedenica" was 185, number of examined respondents was 124 and percentage of untreated caries was 85.48%, the percentage of teeth extraction needs was 39.51% and the percentage of filling teeth needs was 83.06%. The number of absolute noncooperative respondents was 49. After 8 months of intensive and dedicated dental treatment in the dental office "Mjedenica", the caries prevalence was reduced up to 22.95%. Conclusion: Adequate treatment supported with efforts in preventive oral health care, continuous monitoring of oral health habits is fundamental for oral health improvement of individuals with disabilities and special healthcare needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Primary teeth are prone to caries. Consequences of caries may hamper eruption and function of the succedaneous teeth. The aim of the study is to find the prevalence and patterns of dental caries in maxillary and mandibular primary anterior teeth of preschool children. The study design adopted was an analytical observational study.Methodology: Caries examination was done using the WHO caries detection criteria. Anterior carious tooth surfaces were examined under optimal light source by a single qualified examiner to minimize visual error. The age of children was measured in years. Obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 16 software. A test for significance was done with the help of the Chi-square test.Results: Right maxillary and mandibular canines had more caries prevalence and patterns as compared to their left counterpart of the same arch. Maxillary canines had more prevalence of caries as compared to mandibular canines. Mandibular lateral incisors had about eight times less chance to develop caries as compared to maxillary lateral incisors. Maxillary and mandibular right central incisors had equal caries prevalence and patterns of their counterparts of the same arch, but maxillary central incisors had four times more caries prevalence as compared to mandibular central incisors.Conclusions: Right maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth had more prevalence of caries as compared to their left counterparts. Maxillary anterior teeth had more prevalence of caries as compared to mandibular anterior teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]