Association between toothbrushing frequency and dental caries and tooth loss in adolescents: a cohort study

Abstract This cohort study assessed the association between toothbrushing frequency and the increment of dental caries and tooth loss in a population-based sample of southern Brazilian adolescents, to investigate whether there is any additional benefit in performing a third daily brushing. At baseline, 1,528 12-year-old schoolchildren attending 42 schools were examined for gingivitis and dental caries, and answered a questionnaire. After a mean period of 2.5 years, 801 schoolchildren were re-examined. Dental caries and tooth loss increment were outcomes of the study. The main predictor variable was toothbrushing frequency (≥3 times/day vs. twice/day or ≤1 time/day). Poisson regression models were used to estimate the risk for caries and tooth loss increment. Incidence risk ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. The final model adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical variables showed that brushing twice/day afforded 40% greater risk (IRR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.02-1.92) for caries increment than ≥3 times/day. Regarding the tooth loss increment, adolescents who brushed their teeth twice/day had a fourfold greater risk (IRR = 3.92; 95%CI: 1.23-12.49) than those who brushed ≥ 3 times/day. Sex, school type, and gingivitis were found to act as effect modifiers, inasmuch as a third daily brushing presented advantages against tooth loss only for girls, public school attendees, and those with ≥ 50% of bleeding sites. This study suggests that adolescents benefit from a third daily toothbrushing. Increasing brushing frequency to 3 times/day may be a suitable strategy to control dental caries and tooth loss among high-risk adolescents.

Obesity and dental caries among South Brazilian schoolchildren: a 2. 5-year longitudinal study

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the association between weight status and ΔDMFS among 12-year-old schoolchildren from South Brazil. A total of 801 12-year-old schoolchildren were followed-up for 2.5 ± 0.3 years. Data collection included questionnaire, recording of anthropometric measures (height and weight), and caries examination. The outcome was the difference between DMFS (number of decayed, missing or filled surfaces) at follow-up and baseline (ΔDMFS). Weight status, based on body mass index-for-age Z-scores, was considered the main predictor variable. Negative binomial regression models were used to model the association, and rate ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated. A multivariable fractional polynomial model was used to further explore the relationship between obesity and dental caries. DMFS increased by 0.86 (95%CI = 0.65-1.07), 0.91 (95%CI = 0.59-1.23), and 0.42 (95%CI = 0.03-0.80) for normal weight, overweight, and obese schoolchildren, respectively. Obese adolescents had significantly lower ΔDMFS than normal weight ones (p < 0.05). No significant association between categories of weight status and ΔDMFS was found (overweight, IRR=0.92, 95%CI = 0.69-1.21, p = 0.54; obese IRR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.51-1.12, p = 0.16). However, the multivariable fractional polynomial model showed an inverted U shaped relationship with a decreasing ΔDMFS with increasing BMI (p < 0.05). This population-based longitudinal study showed an inverse association between obesity and ΔDMFS over a 2.5-year period among South Brazilian adolescents.

Erosão dentária em adolescentes de Porto Alegre, RS / Dental erosion in adolescents of Porto Alegre, RS

Objetivo: O objetivo dessa dissertação foi estudar a prevalência, a incidência, a progressão e os fatores associados à erosão dentária na dentição permanente de adolescentes de Porto Alegre, RS – Brasil. Metodologia: Entre setembro de 2009 e dezembro de 2010, um estudo observacional transversal analítico foi desenvolvido em uma amostra representativa da população de escolares de 12 anos de Porto Alegre. Participaram do estudo 1.528 alunos, aleatoriamente selecionados em 42 escolas, sendo 9 particulares e 33 públicas (taxa de participação de 83,17%). O exame clínico foi realizado nas escolas, após limpeza e secagem dos dentes, por uma única examinadora calibrada. Os incisivos e primeiros molares permanentes foram examinados de acordo com o índice BEWE (Basic Erosive Wear Examination). Medidas antropométricas (peso e altura) foram registradas. Dois questionários foram utilizados: um destinado aos pais/responsáveis legais dos escolares (questões socioeconômicas, acesso a serviços odontológicos, hábitos de higiene oral, saúde geral, etc.) e outro respondido pelos próprios escolares (hábitos alimentares). Entre agosto de 2012 e maio de 2013, após um período de tempo médio de 2,5 anos (±0,35), 801 indivíduos foram reexaminados, representando 52,42% da amostra inicialmente examinada. O exame clínico foi realizado por outra examinadora calibrada e seguiu a mesma sistemática do exame anterior. Questões sobre hábitos de higiene oral, saúde geral e hábitos alimentares foram reaplicadas aos próprios escolares. Taxas de prevalência, incidência, progressão e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança foram estimados. A associação entre erosão dentária e seus possíveis indicadores/fatores de risco foi avaliada através de modelos de regressão de Poisson.(continua)...

Aim: The objective of this dissertation was to study the prevalence, incidence, progression and the factors associated with dental erosion in the permanent dentition of adolescents in Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil. Methods: Between September 2009 and December 2010, an analytical cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a representative sample of schoolchildren aged 12 years in Porto Alegre. 1,528 students were randomly selected in 42 schools, 9 private and 33 public (participation rate of 83.17 %). The clinical examination was carried out in schools, after cleaning and drying the teeth, by a single calibrated examiner. The first permanent molars and incisors were examined according to the BEWE (Basic Erosive Wear Examination) index. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were recorded. Two questionnaires were used: one for parents/guardians of students (socioeconomic issues, access to dental services, oral hygiene habits, general health, etc.) and another answered by the scholars (eating habits). Between August 2012 and May 2013, after an average period of 2.5 years (± 0.35), 801 subjects were reviewed, representing 52.42 % of the sample initially tested. Clinical examination was performed by another calibrated examiner and followed the same systematic examination. Questions regarding brushing frequency, general health and data on dietary habits were reapplied to the schoolchildren. Prevalence, incidence, progression, and their respective confidence intervals were estimated. The association between dental erosion and possible indicators/risk factors was assessed using Poisson regression models. Results: At baseline, 229 students had erosion, resulting in a prevalence rate of 15 % (95%CI=13.6-16.5).(continue)...