Association of Early Childhood Caries and Multiple Variable Factors in 3-6-year-old Children

Polymorphisms in SOD2 and SOD3 Genes are Associated with Dental Caries in Primary Dentition of Brazilian Children

To investigate the association of polymorphisms in the SOD2 (rs5746136, rs10370, and rs4880) and SOD3 (rs2855262, and rs13306703) genes and dental caries in primary dentition. This cross-sectional study included 753 children aged from 2 to 6 years in primary dentition from 33 public preschools in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Covariates such as gender and body mass index were collected. Dental caries experience was evaluated using WHO (2013) criteria. Phenotypes were classified as absence (dmft = 0), presence (dmft ≥ 1) or high caries experience (dmft ≥ 5). Genotyping of the selected polymorphisms was carried out by TaqMan real-time PCR using genomic DNA extracted from buccal cells. Allele and genotype frequencies in recessive, co-dominant and dominant models were compared between phenotype groups. Covariates did not influence on caries experience in any phenotype analyzed. The allele C in rs2855262 (SOD3) presented association with high dental caries experience (dmft ≥ 5) (p = 0.04). The polymorphisms rs5746136 (SOD2) and rs2855262 (SOD3) presented association with caries experience (respectively, dmft ≥ 1 and dmft ≥ 5) in recessive models (p = 0.02). The findings suggest that polymorphisms in SOD2 (rs5746136) and SOD3 (rs2855262) genes are associated with dental caries experience in children with primary dentition. The cross-sectional study design presents known limitations, such as the inability to establish causal relationships. Therefore, the findings of this study should be interpreted with caution, and further is needed to confirm the results and investigate the function of these genes function and their involvement in dental caries and other oral conditions. Altered salivary oxidative stress biomarkers, influenced by genetic variations, play a significant role in the development of dental caries. It emphasizes the importance of genetic screening in oral health assessments. Understanding the SOD2 and SOD3 polymorphisms, could pave the way for personalized preventive strategies and targeted therapeutic interventions in pediatric dentistry.

Knowledge and attitudes on oral health of women during pregnancy and their children: an online survey

BACKGROUND

Life-long healthy behaviors are established during pregnancy and the first years of life. In this cross-sectional survey, new mothers with a high level of schooling living in Northern Italy (Lombardy Region) were interviewed to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards their and child oral health.

METHODS

A questionnaire (27 items) was developed to assess socio-demographic factors, knowledge, and attitudes towards maternal and child oral health. The questionnaire was disseminated in perinatal courses, private gynecological clinics, and via social media. Mothers aged ≥18 years, with at least a child aged 0-36 months, with a high school diploma or higher, were included in the survey.

RESULTS

A total of 1340 women completed the questionnaire, 1297 of whom had a child aged 0-36 months, 792 lived in Lombardy, and 600 had a high level of education and were finally included. About half of the sample (44.67%) was aged between 31 and 35 years, 76.50% were employed, and the majority had only one child (81.50%). During pregnancy, 28.33% of the sample reported problems with teeth and gums, while only 36.00% visited a dentist. More than 40% of the sample said they were not aware of a possible link between oral health and pregnancy, and 73.17% had not received any advice about their oral health or the future health of their baby's mouth. Less than 20% of women were aware of the increased caries risk associated with prolonged or night-time breastfeeding. Better knowledge/attitude was associated with the age of the child (p < 0.05), the number of children (p < 0.05) and whether the mother had received advice during pregnancy (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this survey show a lack of dental care during pregnancy, a lack of information about oral health from health professionals during and after pregnancy, and consequently gaps in the knowledge needed to care for the oral health of the woman and her child. There is a need for training in oral health for pregnant women and new mothers, but also a need for behavioural change among health professionals who care for pregnant women.