Role of dietary habits and diet in caries occurrence and severity among urban adolescent school children

Fast food consumption and its relationship with oral health among US adults: A cross-sectional NHANES-based study

This study aimed to assess the link between fast-food consumption and oral health outcomes as measured by the mean number of decayed, missing due to dental disease, or filled permanent teeth (DMFT) and teeth with untreated dental caries. This study utilized data obtained from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). The data used was collected from 11,288 participants aged 20 and above from 2015 to 2018. The frequency of fast-food consumption was divided into two groups: "less than two meals over the past seven days" and "two meals or more over the past seven days." The mean number of DMFT and teeth with untreated dental caries were used to assess the participants' oral health. The link between fast-food consumption and these mean values was explored using Poisson regression analysis, in which confounding variables such as income, race, age, and sex were adjusted for. After adjusting for these variables, the results revealed that individuals who reported consuming two or more fast-food meals during the preceding seven days had higher mean numbers of DMFT and teeth with untreated dental caries compared to those who consumed less than two fast-food meals during the same period (adjusted mean ratio = 1.05; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.10 and mean ratio = 1.22; 95 % CI 1.01-1.47, respectively). Conclusion: This study revealed a link between poor oral health outcomes and fast-food consumption. Consequently, public health officials must focus on fast-food settings and availability of high-sugar-content items. Interventions that target fast-food outlets and what they offer may have a positive impact on oral health.

Enhancing children's participation in dental research: A commentary

The concept of childhood has evolved over the years, inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, shifting from developmental models to a conception of childhood that recognizes children as moral agents. This evolution highlights the importance of respecting children's agency and their right to be heard in matters that are related to them. In conventional health research, however, children's voices are often inadequately accessed. In this commentary, we discuss the imperative to recognize children's agency in dental research and a shift from research on children to research with and by children. Moreover, we underscore the importance of actively seeking and listening to children's voices and recognizing their agency in shaping research and healthcare practices in the field of dentistry. Further, we explore the application of participatory research approaches in dental research and provide examples of studies that have involved children in various capacities. We conclude this commentary by emphasizing the potential benefits of participatory research in both qualitative and quantitative dental studies to promote deeper understanding, clearer communication, and stronger advocacy regarding children's interests. Primarily, we call for greater recognition of children's agency in dental research and advocate for more inclusive and child-centred research methodologies.

Polymerase chain reaction-based identification of various serotypes of Streptococcus mutans in adults with and without dental caries

Background

Dental caries is a multistep process which initiates the development of plaque' defined as a structured biofilm containing microbial communities. Teeth provide unique surfaces for bacterial colonization. Serotypes of Streptococcus mutans implicate the development of dental caries.

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and association of serotypes of S. mutans in groups with and without dental caries.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and fifty adults aged between 18 and 35 years were included in the study. Supragingival plaque samples were collected, followed by deoxyribonucleic acid extraction. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify S. mutans and its serotypes. Proportions of S. mutans and its serotypes were correlated with caries-active (CA) and caries-free (CF) groups.

Results

CA group showed 66.7% positivity for S. mutans and CF group showed only 42.7% of positivity. Serotype C showed a higher proportion followed by E' F, and K in the CA group, whereas in the CF group, higher proportion was observed with K followed by C' E, and F. 70.8% cases showed single serotype in the CA group and 83.3% in CF group. Multiple serotypes were seen in 29.2% in the CA group and 16.7% in the CF group.

Conclusions

The study clearly established variation in proportions of S. mutans and its serotypes between CA and CF groups. Positive correlation was observed in the CA group for S. mutans and its serotypes.

Sleep disorders, anxiety and obesity associated with untreated dental caries in children eight to ten years of age

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the presence of sleep disorders, obesity and anxiety associated with cavitated carious lesions in children aged 8 to 10 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Northeast of Brazil. The sample was comprised of 793 schoolchildren randomly selected from public and private schools. Calibrated examiners (Kappa >0.80) performed the clinical examination of dental caries using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System and applied the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children questionnaires. The anthropometric variables evaluated were weight and height. Negative binomial regressions (α ≤ 0.05) were performed. A Directed Acyclic Graph was prepared using DAGitty software (version 3.0), to select the co-variables for the statistical fits.

RESULTS

The prevalence of tooth decay was 52.8%. The mean number of tooth surfaces with cavitated caries was 2.2(2.8), 58.9% of the schoolchildren had some type of sleep disorder, while 20.2% were anxious and 29.1% were obese. Sleep disturbance (RR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.05-1.83), general anxiety (RR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.32-2.21), obesity (RR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.17-1.86) were associated with dental caries in the final model.

CONCLUSION

The presence of carious lesions was higher in children with sleep disorders, anxiety, obesity, and those who experienced dry mouth.

Common risk factors for dental caries and impaired glucose regulation in Guangxi, China

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of caries and impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and try to investigate their common risk factors among adult residents in Guangxi province.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 2993 adults from five different areas of Guangxi province. The sociodemographic data, history of personal habits such as diet and physical activities, physical measurements, oral examination results and biochemical laboratory test data were collected to establish a database and prepare a sound research model. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to analyse the risk factors for dental caries and IGR.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate for caries was 85.9%, and the mean DMFT score was 7.35. In multiple logistic regression, after adjustment, education level, occupation, daily consumption of vegetables, weekly consumption of carbonated beverages and weekly exercise were associated with caries (odds ratio [OR]: 2.10, OR: 1.80, OR: 1.40, OR: 2.45, OR: 2.38). The prevalence of IGR was 33.5%, and after adjustment, results showed that occupation, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein-C levels and low-density lipoprotein-C levels were significantly associated with IGR (OR: 0.80, OR: 1.70, OR: 1.56, OR: 1.88, OR: 1.60, OR: 1.43, OR: 1.48). The strength of association between caries/IGR and risk factors was a weak association or moderate association.

CONCLUSIONS

We have not found common risk factors between dental caries and IGR. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore these common risk factors to prevent caries and IGR.

The Evolving Microbiome of Dental Caries

Dental caries is a significant oral and public health problem worldwide, especially in low-income populations. The risk of dental caries increases with frequent intake of dietary carbohydrates, including sugars, leading to increased acidity and disruption of the symbiotic diverse and complex microbial community of health. Excess acid production leads to a dysbiotic shift in the bacterial biofilm composition, demineralization of tooth structure, and cavities. Highly acidic and acid-tolerant species associated with caries include Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, Actinomyces, Bifidobacterium, and Scardovia species. The differences in microbiotas depend on tooth site, extent of carious lesions, and rate of disease progression. Metagenomics and metatranscriptomics not only reveal the structure and genetic potential of the caries-associated microbiome, but, more importantly, capture the genetic makeup of the metabolically active microbiome in lesion sites. Due to its multifactorial nature, caries has been difficult to prevent. The use of topical fluoride has had a significant impact on reducing caries in clinical settings, but the approach is costly; the results are less sustainable for high-caries-risk individuals, especially children. Developing treatment regimens that specifically target S. mutans and other acidogenic bacteria, such as using nanoparticles, show promise in altering the cariogenic microbiome, thereby combatting the disease.

Knowledge, practices and influencing factors defining unhealthy food behavior among adolescents in India: a scoping review

Unhealthy food behaviors are the major contributing factors to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents in India. Knowledge and practices related to unhealthy eating are significant factors influencing adolescents' food behavior. In this scoping review, we aim to map evidence and identify gaps on knowledge, practices, and the influencing factors associated with unhealthy food behavior among Indian adolescents by examining the existing literature. Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' manual were used for this review. After the screening, 33 articles were identified according to the inclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed according to the study objectives, followed by narrative summarization. The studies included a total of 20,566 adolescents. Most studies reported insufficient knowledge about healthy food choices among adolescents. Diet intake patterns among the adolescents showed a lower amount of fruits and vegetables and an increase in fried items, sugar-sweetened beverages, packaged food, and fast food in both sexes, with a broader association with peer influence (21.2%), parental unhealthy food behavior (15.1%), place of residence (6.06%), emotional status (6.06%), and mass media exposure (18.1%). The scoping review highlights the need for targeted interventions aimed at improving the knowledge and practices of Indian adolescents by promoting healthy food choices and sensitizing them about the risk of non-communicable diseases. The analysis of evidence around adolescent dietary behavior in India shows a monotonous, limited, and narrow range in scope, indicating the extended need for research.

Meal patterns and the quality of breakfast and snacks in relation to adolescents' dental health in southeast of Iran

Aim: The objective was to determine the frequency pattern and nutritional quality of breakfast and snacks in Iranian adolescents and to investigate these dietary habits in relation to tooth decay and tooth erosion. Methods: A multistage cluster random sampling method was adopted to recruit 600 adolescents with equal sex distribution in the city of Kerman/southeast of Iran. Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Tooth Wear Index (TWI) were recorded for each subject. Snacking and breakfast quality, frequency of snacking and regular/irregular use of main meals were also recorded. Poisson regression and Firth's bias-reduced penalized-likelihood logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: DMFT score of adolescents who consumed low-quality snacks were 1.13 times more than those who consumed high-quality snacks. Regular use of all three main meals was associated with a lower DMFT score. DMFT score of adolescents who did not have regular use of breakfast was 1.19 times more than those who consumed breakfast on a regular basis. Also, regarding adolescents who had an irregular use of lunch, the DMFT score was 1.3 times more than those who had a regular lunch schedule. In addition, participants with irregular dinner consumption had 1.24 times more DMFT scores compared to those with a regular dinner schedule. Conclusions: Regular breakfast consumption, decreased snacking occasions, use of higher nutritional quality snacks, and increased nutritional education are important in order to prevent a higher chance of dental caries and promote dental health status.

Factors Affecting Dental Caries Experience in 12-Year-Olds, Based on Data from Two Polish Provinces

(1) Background: Dental caries is a chronic disease that affects a child’s dentition from the first stages of life. Several factors contribute to the development of the disease, including an improper diet. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify risk factors of dental caries in 12-year-old adolescents from Greater Poland and Lubusz Provinces (Poland). (2) Material and methods: The research was conducted in adolescents from five primary schools. A questionnaire consisted of close-ended questions on socioeconomic characteristics on family, diet, and oral hygiene habits. An assessment of the dentition was carried out in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. In addition to cavitated carious lesions, incipient caries lesions were noted according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System, adapted for epidemiological studies (ICDASepiDMFt). (3) Results: The mean number of teeth with untreated caries; removed due to caries; and restored because of caries (DMFt) was 1.52 ± 1.90, while the ICDASepiDMFt index amounted to 2.64 ± 2.55, respectively. Children who did not brush every day had significantly higher odds of having ICDASepiDMFt > 0 than children brushing at least once daily (OR = 10.32, 95% CI = 1.36−78.32, p = 0.0240). Adolescents who drank sweet carbonated drinks every day had significantly higher ICDASepiDMTt than children who drank sweet carbonated drinks less frequently (p = 0.0477). (4) Conclusions: The research revealed that dental caries indices of 12-year-old adolescents from Greater Poland and Lubusz Provinces depend mainly on oral hygiene behaviors. The only significant nutritional factor that differentiated the caries intensity was the daily consumption of sweet carbonated drinks.

Dietary Determinants of Dental Caries Prevalence and Experience in Saudi Schoolchildren: Frequency versus Quantity

Background

Sugar-added diet has been associated with increased risk of developing dental caries.

Objective

To investigate the dietary determinants of caries prevalence and experience based on the frequency versus the quantity of consumption among Saudi schoolchildren.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study that invited 12- to 15-year-old intermediate school students (N = 3000) in four cities in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Data collection comprised a pretested questionnaire and clinical examination. Caries was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and was recorded as a decayed, missing, filled tooth (DMFT). The questionnaire included questions regarding the consumption of different quantities and frequencies of multiple sugar-containing food items. Multiple logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the influence of sugar-containing food on the dental caries experience (DMFT) and prevalence of decayed teeth. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data at 5% significance level.

Results

Of 3000 invited students, 2262 participated with a participation rate of 75.4%. Our study found that the frequency of soft drink consumption was significantly associated with increased caries prevalence (adjusted OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.07–1.65) and experience (adjusted B = 0.46, 95% CI 0.16–0.76). The frequency of consumption of fruit juice was statistically significantly associated with increased caries experience (adjusted B = 0.48, 95% CI 0.16–0.79). The interaction terms between the frequency and the quantity of consumption of energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened milk were statistically significantly related to caries experience and prevalence.

Conclusion

Although the frequency of consumption of sugar-containing drinks was more associated with caries experience and prevalence, the interaction between frequency and quantity was highly related to the prevalence and experience of dental caries.

Prevalence of Dental Caries in the Indian Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives:

To evaluate the pooled prevalence of dental caries among Indian population through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods:

A keyword search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Scopus databases using relevant key words to extract the data pertaining to dental caries in Indian population. The search criteria included manuscripts published in English language from March 2009 to March 2019 and employed standard Boolean operators. The studies which met the inclusion criteria were independently reviewed by two researchers and their quality was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The overall prevalence was deduced using the random effects model with prime focus given to the site of anatomical origin. R software version 3.5.2. was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Post screening, out of the 253 articles identified, 70 met the inclusion criteria and were used to generate the meta-analysis. Among them, only few studies investigated the prevalence of root caries (n = 1). Overall prevalence of dental caries was 54.16% (CI: 0.4966–0.5866), whereas age-specific prevalence was 62% in patients above 18 years and 52% among 3–18 years of age (P < 0.0001). Maximum overall prevalence was noted in mixed dentition (58%). Region wise prevalence was more in western India (72%). Use of decayed, missed, and filled teeth as diagnostic criteria for early childhood caries was only 29%.

Conclusions:

Besides an overall prevalence of 54.16%, there exists a remarkable variation in dental caries prevalence rates as per age, diagnostic criteria, dentition, and geographical region. Furthermore, research should be focused on the prevalence of anatomical site specific caries as well.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Associated Factors in East Africa, 2000-2020: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Dental caries affects mastication, growth and development, and school attendance and has a long-term psychological effect on affected individuals. In developing countries, the prevalence of dental caries is increasing due to the growing consumption of sugary foods, poor tooth brushing habits, and a low level of awareness about dental caries. Even if there was a high prevalence of dental caries in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of dental caries in East Africa. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries and associated factors in East Africa. Methods: A systematic search of articles was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar using all the synonyms of dental caries in published literature (until December 2020) in East Africa. Important data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form prepared in Excel. Stata software (version 14.0) was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of dental caries. Besides, subgroup analysis was done based on country and dentition type. Moreover, associated factors of dental caries were assessed and the overall effect was presented in the form of odds ratios. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute reviewers' manual. Results: The overall pooled prevalence of dental caries was found to be 45.7% (95% CI = 38.0-53.4). The pooled prevalence was high in Eritrea (65.2%, 95% CI = 49.2-81.1), followed by Sudan (57.8%, 95% CI = 36.0-79.7), and a low prevalence was found in Tanzania (30.7%, 95% CI = 21.5-39.9). Moreover, the subgroup analysis revealed a prevalence of 50% (95% CI = 38.4-62.1) in permanent dentition and 41.3% (95% CI = 33.5-49.2) in mixed dentition. The overall mean decayed, missed, and filled permanent (DMFT) and primary (dmft) teeth were 1.941 (95% CI = 1.561-2.322) and 2.237 (95% CI = 1.293-3.181), respectively. High DMFT scores were reported in Sudan (3.146, 95% CI = 1.050-5.242) and Uganda (2.876, 95% CI = 2.186-3.565). Being female (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.24-1.46) and having poor tooth brushing habit (OR = 1.967, 95% CI = 1.67-2.33) were independent risk factors of dental caries. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of dental caries was comparatively high. Being female and poor oral health practice were independent risk factors of dental caries. The Ministry of Health of the member countries, along with dental associations of each country, ought to offer due attention to strengthen the oral health program in schools and primary health care centers and the implementation of school water fluoridation.

The Influence of Age on the Development of Dental Caries in Children. A Radiographic Study

Dental caries is a chronic disease that can be influenced by a multitude of factors. Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating habits are the most incriminating factors in the onset of dental caries, but age has been proven to impact the disease. The aim of this study was to find correlations between age and the evolution of dental caries in the first permanent molars in children. The retrospective study was conducted based on 400 panoramic radiographs, belonging to Romanian children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. All first permanent molars were investigated, and the carious lesions were classified according to their depth. The chronological age was calculated by subtracting the patient's date of birth from the date when the radiograph was performed, while for the assessment of dental age, the Demirjian method was used. The gender of the patients did not significantly influence the number of superficial, medium, and deep carious lesions. Most of the identified carious lesions were superficial. Regarding correlations between age and dental caries, there was an association between the decrease in the chronological age and the increase in the number of superficial carious lesions on the first permanent molars and also an association between the increase in the chronological age or dental age and the increase in the number of medium and deep carious lesions on the first permanent molars. Age can impact the development of dental caries in first permanent molars.

Dental caries and associated factors in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Globally, dental caries may be a major public health issue which may be preventable. Many studies have been conducted on dental caries in Ethiopia which present inconsistent results.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis was expected to consolidate the findings conducted in various regions of the country and generate country representative information on the burden and its associated factors of dental caries in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Our systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to estimate the pooled prevalence of dental caries and its associated factors in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Medical specialty databases like ScienceDirect, HINARI, Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were consistently and exhaustively searched. To determine the aggregate prevalence, studies delineating the prevalence of dental caries and associated factors were included. Important data were extracted employing a standardized data extraction tool ready in Microsoft Excel and imported to the STATA version-13 statistical software package for analyses. To assess non-uniformity, the Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test were performed respectively. A random effects model meta-analysis was accustomed to estimate the pooled burden of dental caries.

RESULTS

The result of thirteen studies disclosed that the overall prevalence of dental caries in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was found to be 40.98 (31.62, 50.34). Within the subgroup analysis, the uppermost prevalence was determined in Tigray region (46.59% (24.64, 68.54)) whereas the bottom prevalence was determined in Addis Ababa (34.20% (8.42, 59.97)). Dental caries prevalence was considerably high among study subjects who consumed sweet food (OR= 2.4 (95% CI (1.91, 3.01))). But the presence of dental plaque (OR = 5.14 (95% CI (0.67, 39.39))) and habit of tooth- cleaning (OR = 0.71 (95% CI (0.17, 2.96))) were not statistically significant with the outcome of interest.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis found that the prevalence of dental caries was comparatively high, and sweet food consumption was the most risk issue for dental caries in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health ought to offer a lot of attention to strengthen the oral health care system and also the implementation of community-level interference programs.

Prevalence of Dental Caries in Adult South Indian Population in Association with Dietary Pattern: A Comparative Study

Background:

Dental caries is considered to be one of the most prevalent dental diseases among humans. It involves cycles of demineralization and remineralization. The etiology and pathogenesis of dental caries are multifactorial. The role of diet plays an important aspect in occurrence and progression of dental caries. Indians have differing dietary habits due to various religious and personal reasons. A substantial number of Indians are vegetarian by choice.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vegetarian and mixed diet over the prevalence of dental caries.

Materials and Methods:

This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 individuals. Healthy subjects who were 20–40 years of age, with no systemic disease, and not on any medications were included in this study. A thorough dental examination was performed by a single investigator with the help of mouth mirror and probe. The examination of patients involved the sequential assessment of teeth starting from 1 to 32. All the exposed and accessible surfaces of the teeth were examined for dental caries, and the data were recorded.

Statistical Analysis:

The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 11.0, and the results were tabulated. Univariate analysis was performed to find an association between caries and diet.

Results:

Distribution of the respondents according to dietary practices revealed 51% of the population consuming mixed diet and 49% consuming vegetarian diet. Oral hygiene was measured in terms of frequency of brushing tooth. Among the enrolled subjects, 57% brushed their teeth once a day and 42% brushed twice a day. No significant association was found between vegetarian and mixed dietary habits and dental caries. Two-sample independent t test was carried out to find the mean age. The mean age of caries group was 30.93 ± 12.27 and in without caries group, 27.83 ± 11.58, which is statistically not significant (P = 0.218).

Conclusion:

The study did not show any significant association between dietary habits and prevalence of dental caries.

Nitrite Production from Nitrate and Its Link with Lactate Metabolism in Oral Veillonella spp

Veillonella species are among the major anaerobes in the oral cavity and are frequently detected in both caries lesions and healthy oral microbiomes. They possess the ability to utilize lactate and convert nitrate (NO₃ ^-) into nitrite (NO₂ ^-). Recently, interest in NO₂ ^- has increased rapidly because of its beneficial effects on oral and general health; i.e., it inhibits the growth and metabolism of oral pathogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, and lowers systemic blood pressure. However, there is only limited information about the biochemical characteristics of NO₂ ^- production by Veillonella species. We found that NO₃ ^- did not inhibit the growth of Veillonella atypica or Veillonella parvula, and it inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans only at a high concentration (100 mM). However, NO₂ ^- inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans at a low concentration (0.5 mM), while a higher concentration of NO₂ ^- (20 mM) was needed to inhibit the growth of Veillonella species. NO₂ ^- production by Veillonella species was increased by environmental factors (lactate, acidic pH, and anaerobic conditions) and growth conditions (the presence of NO₃ ^- or NO₂ ^-) and was linked to anaerobic lactate metabolism. A stoichiometric evaluation revealed that NO₃ ^- is reduced to NO₂ ^- by accepting reducing power derived from the oxidization of lactate. These findings suggest that the biochemical characteristics of NO₂ ^- production from NO₃ ^- and its linkage with lactate metabolism in oral Veillonella species may play a key role in maintaining good oral and general health.IMPORTANCE The prevalence of dental caries is still high around the world. Dental caries is initiated when the teeth are exposed to acid, such as lactic acid, produced via carbohydrate metabolism by acidogenic microorganisms. Veillonella species, which are among the major oral microorganisms, are considered to be beneficial bacteria due to their ability to convert lactic acid to weaker acids and to produce NO₂ ^- from NO₃ ^-, which is thought to be good for both oral and general health. Therefore, it is clear that there is a need to elucidate the biochemical characteristics of NO₂ ^- production in Veillonella species. The significance of our research is that we have found that lactate metabolism is linked to NO₂ ^- production by Veillonella species in the environment found in the oral cavity. This study suggests that Veillonella species are potential candidates for maintaining oral and general health.

Eating Habits and Their Relationship to Oral Health

The objective of this research was to compare the healthy behaviors and caries index of young people in school to obtain an overview of their lifestyles, which would enable the development of educational programs for the promotion of oral health. The study design was carried out using a descriptive, cross-sectional, and observational methodology with a mixed approach. 380 twelve-year-old students participated in this research conducted in the city of Riobamba-Ecuador. The techniques used were observational and surveys with their respective instruments, the Dental Clinical History, and the Health Behavior in School-aged Children 2014-Spain questionnaire. The community index of the Decayed, Missing due to caries, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) reflected a high level (6.47) in the study subjects. A variety of foods such as fruits, chips, vegetables, candy, sugar-containing drinks, meat, fish, dairy, and cereals were consumed at least once a week by most students. Two statistically significant associations were demonstrated in this investigation. The first one was between fruit consumption and the DMFT index, the second one was between vegetable consumption and the DMFT index. Both associations showed significant values (p) of 0.049 and 0.028, respectively; these were not determining indicators since caries is a multifactorial pathology, which can develop not only as a product of poor eating habits.

Magnitude of Dental Caries and Its Associated Factors Among Governmental Primary School Children in Debre Berhan Town, North-East Ethiopia

Background

In Ethiopia, oral health prevention and treatment have gotten low attention in the government, and the existing dental services are privately owned and thus expensive. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental caries and its associated factors among governmental primary school children in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 30 to February 14/2019. A total of 417 primary school children were selected using computer-generated simple random sampling and interviewed using structured and pretested questionnaires. Data were coded, entered, and cleaned using Epi-data version 3.1 and export to SPSS version 22 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to test the association between dependent and independent variables. P-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant association. Finally, the result of this study was present by text, tables, and graphs.

Results

Out of the 396 study participants, 135 (34.1%) had dental caries. Of these, more than half, 95 (59.37%) had the pre-molar decayed. Two hundred eighty-five (72.0%) of them were cleaned their teeth. The Independent predictors of dental caries were drinking sugared tea [AOR= 2.034, 95% CI: (1.223–3.385)] and food particle on their teeth [AOR= 6.709, 95% CI: (3.475–12.954)], which had shown a significant association with dental caries.

Conclusion

The over magnitude of dental caries was relatively high and found to be a public health problem. Drinking sugar tea, presence of food particles, or dental plaque were significantly associated with dental caries. In contrast, merchant occupation reduced the chance of dental caries. Giving health education to minimize drinking sugar tea and cleaning their teeth after consumption of sugar tea should be given attention.

Prevalence of dental caries among 6 - 12 year old schoolchildren in social marginated zones of Valencia, Spain

Background

To estimate the prevalence of caries and to study oral health habits (oral hygiene, toothbrushing frequency, cariogenic or no cariogenic diet, visits to dentist) in children aged 6 to 12 with social exclusion risk.

Material and Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted in a sample of 160 children aged form 6 to 12 years belonging to Colegio Madre Petra in Torrent and Colegio Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados in Nazaret (Valencia). Among other variables DMFT and Greene and Vermilion simplified plaque index were analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of caries observed was 81.87% and the global DMFT was 4.481. The mean plaque index observed was 1.12. No statistically significant differences were found between global DMFT and sex, global DMFT and age, global DMFT and diet, global DMFT and visits to the dentist and global DMFT and plaque index. A significant association was seen between global DMFT and ethnicity and global DMFT and brushing frequency. Statistically significant association was found also between plaque index and visits to the dentist and plaque index and diet.

Conclusions

It was observed that children at risk of social exclusion had a very high global DMFT and a regular plaque index. So, it can be concluded that social exclusion constitute an underlying factor that increase caries prevalence and global DMFT and a marker of poor oral hygiene habits.

Key words:Dental caries, caries prevalence, oral hygiene habits, plaque index, toothbrushing frequency, social exclusion.

Streptococcus mutans, sugar consumption, and oral hygiene: Which one has more effect on decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score in Iranian adults?

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus mutans as an acid-generator of biofilm, sugar as a caries-conducive environment, and oral hygiene have been implicated as major etiological agents in dental caries. This study was designed to assess the association and impact of S. mutans, sugar consumption, and tooth brushing on decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score in Iranian 20-30-year-old individuals and compare the effect of the three mentioned factors to find the most effective one.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 459 adults completed a Sugar Frequency Questionnaire and were examined for dental caries using DMFT index, sugar consumption level, and tooth brushing frequency per day. Saliva and plaque samples were collected, and the target population without Streptococcus sobrinus in their microbial oral community was selected using polymerase chain reaction technique. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Nearly 77.1% of the study population were harboring S. mutans. Mean DMFT of the population was 6.62. Mean comparison analysis showed that there is a strong relationship between S. mutans existence in mouth flora and DMFT scores (P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression test showed higher percentage of S. mutans contribution (28.2%) in DMFT score changes than sugar consumption (3.6%) and tooth brushing (0.7%).

CONCLUSION

This study provides a recent report from S. mutans frequency and DMFT score in Iranian adult population. It is also the first study that shows significantly higher impact of S. mutans in microbial population of mouth microflora on caries development than sugar consumption and oral hygiene. Accordingly, S. mutans screening program should be more highlighted in preventive strategies.

Physical activity, BMI and oral health behaviour among adolescents: Finnish School Health Promotion Study

BACKGROUND

To assess associations between oral health behaviour and physical activity and related factors among adolescents.

METHODS

The study population (n = 76 529) consisted of a representative sample of 16- to 18-year-old Finnish adolescents (boys: 37 211, girls: 39 318). An anonymous, confidential and voluntary classroom-administered questionnaire included questions about tooth brushing frequency, physical activity, BMI and eating habits. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was used to assess the adolescents' physical activity. The chi-square test and multiple binary logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for MVPA, BMI, breakfast, smoking and socioeconomic factors as parents' education and school type.

RESULTS

The prevalence of twice daily tooth brushing was highest among adolescents reporting 4 hours or more of MVPA (51-77%). Obese and smoking adolescents exercised less often than normal weighted and non-smokers. Girls brushed their teeth twice daily significantly more often than boys (P < 0.001), and high-school students brushed their teeth significantly more often than vocational school students (P < 0.001). Logistic regression models showed that obesity (OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.92-2.37) and irregular breakfast eating (OR = 2.35, 95% CI 2.19-2.52) among boys, and obesity (OR = 2.81, 95% CI 2.48-3.17), physical inactivity (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.78-2.00) and irregular breakfast eating (OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.79-2.04) among girls were strong predictors for poor tooth brushing.

CONCLUSIONS

Physically active adolescents had better oral health behaviour than less active adolescents. Obesity and smoking were associated with infrequent tooth brushing.

Dietary Intake, Attitudes toward Healthy Food, and Dental Pain in Low-Income Youth

Few studies have examined the relation between food consumption and related attitudes and dental pain among children. The objective of this study is to examine the associations of healthy and unhealthy food items, attitudes toward healthy food, and self-efficacy of eating healthy with dental pain among children. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using child survey data from the Texas Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (TX CORD) project. Fifth-grade students ( n = 1,020) attending 33 elementary schools in Austin and Houston, Texas, completed the TX CORD Child Survey, a reliable and valid survey instrument focused on nutrition and physical activity behaviors. All nutrition questions ask about the number of times food and beverage items were consumed on the previous day. Dental pain was reported as mouth or tooth pain in the past 2 wk that made their mouth hurt so much that they could not sleep at night. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to test the association between 10 unhealthy food items, 9 healthy food items, 2 health attitudes, and self-efficacy with dental pain. All models controlled for sociodemographic variables. In total, 99 (9.7%) students reported dental pain. Dental pain was associated with intake of the following unhealthy items: soda, fruit juice, diet soda, frozen desserts, sweet rolls, candy, white rice/pasta, starchy vegetables, French fries/chips, and cereal (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.27-1.81, P < 0.01). The intake of other vegetables (AOR, 1.56; P < 0.01), a healthy item, and the attitude that healthy food tastes good (AOR, 1.59; P = 0.04) were also positively associated with dental pain. The attitude of eating healthier leads to fewer health problems (AOR, 0.50) and self-efficacy for healthy eating (AOR, 0.44) were negatively associated with dental pain ( P < 0.01). Interventions should focus on improving oral health by reducing intake of unhealthy foods and educating children and families on the importance of diet as a means of reducing dental caries. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study can be used to inform researchers on potential food items and psychosocial measures to examine in low-income, minority populations for longitudinal research. These results would also be useful to educators who could incorporate oral health care and nutrition education into school curriculums.

Prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among primary school children: a population-based cross-sectional study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background

Dental caries is a preventable childhood disease, but public health efforts are hampered due to limited information on associated factors in vulnerable populations. Our study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of dental caries and identifying key associated factors in four major risk domains, including socioeconomic factors, child oral health behavior and practices, child feeding practices, and dietary habits among primary school children in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used to recruit 578 male Saudi primary school children, aged 6–8 years, from 12 primary schools in five different regions of Riyadh. Children were clinically screened to detect carious lesions in primary teeth according to World Health Organization’s criteria. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on social and individual factors from the parents. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of associated factors for dental caries were computed using logistic regression models; key factors were identified by systematic selection process that accounted for multicollinearity and bias correction.

Results

Dental caries was prevalent among children (83%, 95% confidence interval 79.7–86.0%). Individual factors, including irregular brushing, late adoption of brushing habit, consulting dentist for symptomatic treatment, lack of breast feeding, sleeping with a bottle in mouth, habit of snacking between meals, low consumption of fruits, and frequent consumption of soft drinks and flavored milk, were predominantly associated with dental caries in children, instead of socioeconomic factors (p < 0.05, adjusted R-square 80%).

Conclusion

Dental caries were prevalent in school children, and individual factors were predominantly associated with the disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12199-018-0750-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Associations between Diet, Dietary and Oral Hygiene Habits with Caries Occurrence and Severity in Children with Autism at Dammam City, Saudi Arabia

AIM:

The purpose of the study is to achieve the baseline information of the autistic child’s oral health status about the diet, dietary and hygiene habits. The association of these factors with dental caries were assessed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

The survey was composed of self-administered questionnaires to parents about their children’s’ demographic data followed by questions related to diet, dietary and hygiene habits. This is later followed by oral examination for estimating the decayed, missing and filled [dmft] scores as per WHO norms. The variables are analysed using t-tests and ANOVA. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated for each of the independent variables to examine for autocorrelation.

RESULTS:

The mean age for the present study is 5.8 years with more predilections of caries in females. The autistic children prefer soft diet and pouch it in oral cavity resulting in increased caries though not significant. Other foods like nuts and pulses confectioneries and soft drinks resulted in increased caries, and our study shows significant relation. Consumption of sugars between meals and increased quantity of sugar per day also increased dental caries with highly significant results in our study. Hygiene habits also made a difference in the occurrence of caries though, in our study, it’s not significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study suggests that the oral health education programs should be conducted for the parents, caregivers and the teachers about the diet, dietary and the hygiene habits and the role they play in maintaining the oral hygiene.

Relationship between Risk Behavior for Eating Disorders and Dental Caries and Dental Erosion

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between risk behavior for eating disorders (EDs) and dental erosion and caries. A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted in Brazil, involving 850 randomly selected female adolescents. After evaluating risk behavior for eating disorders through the Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh, 12 adolescents were identified with severe risk behavior for EDs and matched to 48 adolescents without such risk. Dental examinations, anthropometric measurements, and eating habits and oral hygiene were performed. Adolescents with high severity eating disorder condition were not more likely to show dental caries (p = 0.329; OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 0.35–13.72) or dental erosion (p = 0.590; OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 0.56–9.70). Adolescents with high body mass index (BMI) were five times more likely to have high severity eating disorder condition (p = 0.031; OR = 5.1; 95% CI: 1.61–23.07). Therefore, high severity risk behavior for EDs was not significantly associated with dental caries and dental erosion. However, high BMI was a risk factor for developing eating disorders and should be an alert for individuals with this condition.