Attention-deficit Disorder, Family Factors, and Oral Health Literacy

Structural equation modeling of the association between oral health literacy and dental caries in children

The aim of this study was to explore the association between oral health literacy (OHL) and dental caries in children, evaluating the direct and indirect effects of brushing frequency, obesity, and socioeconomic factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 739 schoolchildren aged eight to ten years and their parents/caregivers who answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics and oral hygiene habits as well as the OHL - Adult Questionnaire. Cavitated dental caries in the schoolchildren was evaluated using International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria. Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by structural equation modeling into the theoretical model (95% CI). Goodness-of-fit indices were considered satisfactory (root mean square error of approximation < 0.06; comparative fit index > 0.90-0.95; standardized root mean square residual < 0.10 and Tucker-Lewis Index > 0.90-0.95). Mother's age (standardized coefficient [SC]: -0.08; p < 0.01), caregiver's schooling (SC: -0.22; p < 0.01), obesity (SC: 0.13; p < 0.01), and brushing frequency (SC: -0.09; p < 0.01) had a direct effect on dental caries, whereas OHL had an indirect influence on the outcome. Mother's age, caregiver's schooling, brushing frequency, and obesity directly affected the occurrence of cavitated carious lesions in children in the mixed dentition phase, whereas OHL had an indirect effect on this clinical outcome.

Individual and contextual determinants associated with traumatic dental injuries in children eight to ten years of age: a multilevel analysis

OBJECTIVE

Investigate individual and contextual determinants associated with traumatic dental injuries in schoolchildren.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with 739 pairs of parents and children. Parents answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale and a questionnaire on the child's use of electronic devices. Examinations of the children were conducted at the school by calibrated examiners using the diagnostic criteria proposed by Andreasen. Contextual variables of the school were also collected. Multilevel Poisson regression for complex samples was performed (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The individual factors associated with the outcome were children of single parents (PR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.79-2.66), practice of sports (PR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.70-3.22), the daily use of electronic devices (PR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.31-1.81), more than 2 h per day of screen time (PR = 3.84; 95% CI: 1.94-4.28) and chaotic family adaptability (PR = 4.22; 95% CI: 3.44-4.99). The contextual variables were studying at a public school (PR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.02-3.05) and the presence of rigid floor in the school courtyard (PR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.15-3.15).

CONCLUSION

Individual determinants, studying at a public school and the presence of rigid floor in the school courtyard were associated with traumatic dental.

Analysis of Oral Health among ADHD-Affected and Non-ADHD Children in Gran Canaria

A study in Gran Canaria assessed the oral health of 53 children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 106 without ADHD, aged 6 to 16 years. Clinical data on dental caries, conservative treatments, and periodontal health were recorded. The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental caries in children with ADHD and how their habits and behaviors contribute to their oral health status. The results showed that children with ADHD had a significant increase in dental caries, conservative treatments, and gingival bleeding. A connection with diet was found, though it did not have a negative impact. No increase in periodontal index was observed, and no significant relationship with diet, family factors, or breastfeeding was found. The evidence suggests that children with ADHD should undergo frequent dental check-ups to monitor oral health and receive education on the importance of the quality and frequency of tooth brushing. These findings highlight the need to address oral health in children with ADHD and the necessity for adequate dental care in this group.