Oral and periodontal assessment at the first trimester of pregnancy: The PERISCOPE longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) are chronic non-communicable inflammatory diseases. The risk of developing gingivitis and periodontitis increases during pregnancy. Also, periodontitis increases the risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and preeclampsia. Early diagnosis of adverse pregnancy outcomes is essential and periodontitis could be an early sign to take into consideration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal observational study (PERISCOPE study: CNIL, no. 1 967 084 v 0; CER, no. 01-0416) on 121 pregnant women in the first trimester to determine their oral and periodontal health status. We explored the relations between oral and periodontal health status and sociodemographic and behavior characteristics, as well as their course and outcome of pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 47.1% of the women had periodontitis, of which only 66.7% presented clinical manifestations associated with the disease such as gingival bleeding. These women had a poorer oral and periodontal health, and a higher body mass index, and more of them developed gestational diabetes during the course of pregnancy. The remaining 33.3% showed only discreet and isolated inflammatory signs and, unless thoroughly examined, would have gone undiagnosed for periodontitis. Interestingly these women were more often primiparous, still active professionally and had had a recent oral examination. CONCLUSIONS: The PERISCOPE study is one of the few studies that reports the oral and periodontal health status of pregnant women in the first trimester. Furthermore, the results highlight the need for early oral and periodontal assessment and treatment, even in the absence of exterior clinical signs, in order to prevent periodontal disease aggravation and also, by reducing low grade systemic inflammation, possibly adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Factors and Mechanisms Involved in Acquired Developmental Defects of Enamel: A Scoping Review.

Background: Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE) is a pathology of the teeth that can greatly alter the quality of life of patients (hypersensitivity, esthetic issues, loss of function, etc.). The acquired DDE may occur as a result of a wide range of acquired etiological factors and his prevalence of this pathology may reach up to 89.9%. The main objective of this research was to identify and analyze, in current literature, the factors related to acquired DDE, in order to propose a general theory about the mechanisms involved. Methods: The search of the primary literature was conducted until [December 31, 2021]. Our search strategy uses the Pubmed/MEDLINE database and was structured around 3 terms ["Development," "Defect," and "Enamel"]. To be included, references had to be primary studies, written in English. Exclusion criteria were reviews, in vitro, animal, genetic or archeology studies, and studies focused on clinical management of DDE. One hundred and twenty three articles were included in this scoping review: 4 Randomized clinical trials, 1 letter, 5 cases reports, 2 fundamentals studies, and 111 observational studies (33 Cross-sectional studies, 68 Cohort study and 10 Case-control study). The quality of evidence was assessed using the PEDro scale for clinical trials, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies, and a published tool to assess the quality of case reports and case series. Results: A scoping review of the literature identified 114 factors potentially involved in acquired DDE. The most frequently encountered pathologies are those causing a disorder of calcium homeostasis or a perturbation of the ARNT pathway in mother or child. The link between the ARNT pathway and metabolism deficiency in uncertain and needs to be defined. Also, the implication of this mechanism in tissue impairment is still unclear and needs to be explored. Conclusions: By identifying and grouping the risk factors cited in the literature, this taxonomy and the hypotheses related to the mechanism allow health practitioners to adopt behaviors that limit the risk of developing aDDE and to set up a prevention of dental pathology. In addition, by reviewing the current literature, this work provides guidance for basic research, clinical studies, and literature searches.

Changes in tooth brushing frequency and its associated factors from 2006 to 2014 among French adolescents: Results from three repeated cross sectional HBSC studies.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate in the changes in the percentage of adolescents who brush their teeth twice a day and the association with socio-economic status and health behaviors between 2006, 2010 and 2014 among adolescents from the French cross-sectional studies of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey. METHODS: Our sample included 18727 adolescents aged 11, 13 or 15 years old (y/o). The relationship between toothbrushing frequency (TBF) and eating habits, health and socio-economic status markers, family status, school perception, substance use, sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, together with their evolution over the 3 studies, were investigated using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The proportion of adolescents brushing twice a day increased from 68.8% in 2006 to 70.8% in 2010 and 78.8% in 2014 (p<0.0001). Notable associated factors (p<0.0001) were: being a girl (adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.5) and, even more, an older girl (aOR 1.5 for 15 y/o vs 11 y/o girls), having breakfast (aOR 1.4) and eating fruits daily (aOR 1.6), excellent perceived health (aOR 1.2), obesity or overweight (aOR 0.6), being bullied at school (aOR 0.8), and perceived family wealth (aOR 1.4 for High vs Low). No impact from any associated factor changed over the 3 studies. CONCLUSIONS: Among French adolescents, TBF improved from 2006 to 2014. TBF was significantly associated with other health behaviors. These associations stayed similar in 2006, 2010 and 2010. This increase in TBF may be linked with global prevention programs developed during this time period. These programs should be maintained and associated with more specific ones targeting and adapted to disadvantaged populations, in order to reduce inequalities in oral hygiene and oral health.

The effect of periodontal treatment on patients with rheumatoid arthritis: The ESPERA randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of periodontal treatment on clinical and biochemical parameters of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with moderately active RA who were diagnosed with periodontitis. METHODS: In this open-label randomised controlled trial, RA subjects (n = 22) were allocated to "immediate" or "delayed" periodontal treatment (full-mouth non-surgical scaling and root planing, systemic antibiotics, and oral hygiene instructions). The main outcome was the 3-month change on the Disease Activity Score 28 based on the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (DAS28-ESR). The Health Assessment Questionnaire and the General Oral Health Assessment Index were used to assess general and oral health QoL, respectively. RESULTS: Periodontal health significantly improved after periodontal treatment (P = 0.03). Periodontal treatment appeared to be safe but led to no significant effects on the DAS28-ESR (adjusted mean difference with 95% confidence interval (aMD) of -0.03 [-0.98; 0.92]). There was no evidence of improvement in the general QoL after periodontal treatment and no significant effect was found for the oral health QoL, despite a positive trend in the "psychological impacts" domain (aMD of 0.13 [-0.07; 0.33], P = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Although no clinical effect of periodontal treatment on RA was identified, this trial provides important data to support periodontal care in RA patients. Periodontal treatment is safe and reduces oral inflammation with a possible effect on oral health QoL. Since both periodontitis and RA are complex and multifactorial chronic diseases, it is likely that patient-centred approaches involving both oral health professionals and rheumatologists will contribute to optimal patient care. ISRCTN79186420.

The effects of periodontal treatment on diabetic patients: The DIAPERIO randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To assess whether periodontal treatment can lead to clinical, glycaemic control and quality of life improvements in metabolically unbalanced diabetic patients (type 1 or type 2) diagnosed with periodontitis. METHODS: In this open-labelled randomized controlled trial, diabetic subjects (n = 91) were given "immediate" or "delayed" periodontal treatment (full-mouth non-surgical scaling and root planing, systemic antibiotics, and oral health instructions). The main outcome was the effect on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C ) and fructosamine levels. The General Oral Health Assessment Index and the SF-36 index were used to assess quality of life (QoL). RESULTS: Periodontal health significantly improved after periodontal treatment (p < 0.001). Periodontal treatment seemed to be safe but had no significant effects on glycaemic control based on HbA1C (adjusted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (aMD) of 0.04 [-0.16;0.24]) and fructosamine levels (aMD 5.0 [-10.2;20.2]). There was no obvious evidence of improvement in general QoL after periodontal treatment. However, there was significant improvement in oral health-related QoL (aMD 7.0 [2.4;11.6], p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Although periodontal treatment showed no clinical effect on glycaemic control in this trial, important data were provided to support periodontal care among diabetic patients. Periodontal treatment is safe and improves oral health-related QoL in patients living with diabetes. ISRCTN15334496.

Socioeconomic and behavioral determinants of tooth brushing frequency: results from the representative French 2010 HBSC cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe tooth brushing frequency and its association with a wide range of socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics, using a nationally representative sample of school-aged children in France. METHODS: Our sample included 11,337 students aged from 10 to 16 years, who answered the HBSC questionnaire. Some variables were grouped into composite variables, thus generating scores for: eating habits, health and body, relationships with parents, socioeconomic status (SES) of family, and school life. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to study the relationship between these variables and tooth brushing frequency. RESULTS: Girls were more likely to brush twice a day than boys [adjusted Odds Ratio: aOR 2.47, 95 percent confidence interval CI95% (1.97; 3.11), aOR 1.89, CI95% (1.56; 2.29), aOR 1.45, CI95% (1.25; 1.68) for low, mid, and high school life score, respectively]. Students were more likely to brush twice a day when they had high (versus low) scores for healthy eating habits [aOR = 1.60; 95 percent CI: (1.40; 1.83)], well-being concerning health and body [aOR = 1.61; 95 percent CI: (1.40; 1.86)] and SES [aOR = 1.25; 95 percent CI: (1.09; 1.43)]. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that preventive health campaigns should target school and family environments more specifically to reach the most disadvantaged sections of the population and include promotion of whole health. The messages should be designed to efficiently reach adolescents, e.g., by appealing to their maturity, self-esteem, and emotional factors. Through the incorporation of qualitative research elements, identifying the reasons for not brushing twice a day would also help to develop new prevention programs.

Discrete Distribution Based on Compound Sum to Model Dental Caries Count Data.

Methods for analysing dental caries and associated risk indicators have evolved considerably in recent decades. The use of zero-inflated or hurdle models is increasing so as to take account of the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) distribution, which is positively skewed and has a high proportion of zero scores. However, there is a need to develop new statistical models that involve pragmatic biological considerations on dental caries in epidemiological surveys. In this paper, we show that the zero-inflated and the hurdle models can both be expressed as a compound sum. Using the same compound sum, we then present the generalized negative binomial (GNB) distribution for dental caries count data, and provide a numerical application using the data of the EPIPAP study. The GNB model generates the best score functions while handling the lifetime dental caries disease process better. In conclusion, the GNB model suits the nature of some count data, in particular when structural zeros are unlikely to occur and when several latent spells can lead to new countable events. For these reasons, the use of the GNB distribution appears to be relevant for the modelling of dental caries count data.

Early risk factors for posterior crossbite and anterior open bite in the primary dentition.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate risk factors specific to posterior crossbite and anterior open bite at the age of 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 422 children of the French EDEN mother-child cohort. The main outcomes were the presence of posterior crossbite and anterior open bite assessed by dentists at 3 years. Social characteristics (collected during pregnancy), neonatal characteristics (collected at birth), duration of breast-feeding (collected prospectively), sucking habits at 3 years, and open lips (as a proxy for mouth breathing) were studied and two logistic regressions conducted. RESULTS: Preterm birth appears to be a risk factor specific for posterior crossbite (OR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.13-8.68), whereas small for gestational age seems to be associated with a lower risk of posterior crossbite (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.12-0.87). Ongoing pacifier or thumb sucking at 3 years is a risk factor for both posterior crossbite and anterior open bite. CONCLUSIONS: Children born preterm seem to be more at risk for posterior crossbite than those born at term. Different mechanisms may be involved in posterior crossbite and anterior open bite.

Clinical research activity in periodontal medicine: a systematic mapping of trial registers.

AIM: The primary aim of the study was to systematically map registration records on periodontal medicine in clinical trial registers. The secondary aim was to assess the evolution of periodontal medicine in clinical periodontal research as a whole. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched all registration records related to periodontology in the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. For registration records classified in the field of periodontal medicine, we assigned the 2015 MeSH(®) term for the most precisely corresponding systemic condition. RESULTS: Fifty-seven systemic conditions have been hypothesized to be linked with periodontal diseases, covering nearly 2% of the diseases indexed in MeSH. In addition to diabetes, cardiovascular disease or preterm birth, other systemic conditions have been the subject of registration records, such as anaemia, liver diseases, dyspepsia or ankylosing spondylitis. A trend towards increasing diversification of systemic conditions has appeared over time. About a third of registration records in clinical periodontal research deals with periodontal medicine. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal medicine now constitutes an important part of clinical periodontal research. Research activity in periodontal medicine has grown continuously since the early 2000s, and exploration of registers gives a useful up-to-date snapshot of this constantly evolving field of research.

Concise review: mesenchymal stromal cells used for periodontal regeneration: a systematic review.

Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease of the soft and hard tissues supporting the teeth. Recent advances in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology have paved the way for periodontal tissue engineering. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) delivered in situ to periodontal defects may exert their effects at multiple levels, including neovascularization, immunomodulation, and tissue regeneration. This systematic review had two goals: (a) to objectively quantify key elements for efficacy and safety of MSCs used for periodontal regeneration and (b) to identify patterns in the existing literature to explain differences between studies and suggest recommendations for future research. This systematic review provided good evidence of the capacity of MSCs to regenerate periodontal tissues in animals; however, experimentally generated defects used in animal studies do not sufficiently mimic the pathophysiology of periodontitis in humans. Moreover, the safety of such interventions in humans still needs to be studied. There were marked differences between experimental and control groups that may be influenced by characteristics that are crucial to address before translation to human clinical trials. We suggest that the appropriate combination of cell source, carrier type, and biomolecules, as well as the inclusion of critical path issues for a given clinical case, should be further explored and refined before transitioning to clinical trials. Future studies should investigate periodontal regenerative procedures in animal models, including rodents, in which the defects generated are designed to more accurately reflect the inflammatory status of the host and the shift in their pathogenic microflora.

Oral health status in outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis: the OSARA study.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies and clinical trials are increasingly highlighting significant associations between periodontitis (chronic, infectious, inflammatory disease affecting tooth supporting tissues) and rheumatoid arthritis (chronic systemic autoimmune disease). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe the dental, periodontal and oral prosthetic status of outpatients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted from June 2010 to March 2011 in the Rheumatology Day Care Department of the University Teaching Hospital, Toulouse. Activity of the RA was defined according to disease activity score 28 (DAS28). 74 subjects with RA were included. Periodontal status was determined using measurements of pocket depth, bleeding on probing and attachment loss. Periodontal Epithelial Surface Area (PESA) and Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area (PISA) were calculated. RESULTS: The study population was 60.3 ± 11.9 years old with 75.7% women. 48.6% of the subjects had moderate RA (3.2 < DAS28 ≤ 5.1) and 22.2% high RA activity (DAS28 > 5.1); 93.2% were treated by biotherapy. The mean number of natural teeth was 18.9 ± 9.7. The mean number of teeth replaced by removable prostheses was 7.1 ± 10.5. The mean PISA was 291.9 mm(2) ± 348.7 and the PISA:PESA ratio was 33.2% ± 24.2. 94% of patients had periodontitis, which was moderate in 48% and severe in 46%. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for prevention and for adequate dental care to improve global and oral quality of life of subjects with rheumatoid arthritis. Given the frequency of periodontitis and some physiopathological hypotheses, clinical trials are needed to assess if periodontal treatment could improve RA biological and clinical parameters.

Efficacy of composite versus ceramic inlays and onlays: study protocol for the CECOIA randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a common disease and affects many adults worldwide. Inlay or onlay restoration is widely used to treat the resulting tooth substance loss. Two esthetic materials can be used to manufacture an inlay/onlay restoration of the tooth: ceramic or composite. Here, we present the protocol of a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the clinical efficacy of both materials for tooth restoration. Other objectives are analysis of overall quality, wear, restoration survival and prognosis. METHODS: The CEramic and COmposite Inlays Assessment (CECOIA) trial is an open-label, parallel-group, multicenter RCT involving two hospitals and five private practices. In all, 400 patients will be included. Inclusion criteria are adults who need an inlay/onlay restoration for one tooth (that can be isolated with use of a dental dam and has at least one intact cusp), can tolerate restorative procedures and do not have severe bruxism, periodontal or carious disease or poor oral hygiene. The decayed tissue will be evicted, the cavity will be prepared for receiving an inlay/onlay and the patient will be randomized by use of a centralized web-based interface to receive: 1) a ceramic or 2) composite inlay or onlay. Treatment allocation will be balanced (1:1). The inlay/onlay will be adhesively luted. Follow-up will be for 2 years and may be extended; two independent examiners will perform the evaluations. The primary outcome measure will be the score obtained with use of the consensus instrument of the Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI) World Dental Federation. Secondary outcomes include this instrument's items, inlay/onlay wear, overall quality and survival of the inlay/onlay. Data will be analyzed by a statistician blinded to treatments and an adjusted ordinal logistic regression model will be used to compare the efficacy of both materials. DISCUSSION: For clinicians, the CECOIA trial results may help with evidence-based recommendations concerning the choice of materials for inlay/onlay restoration. For patients, the results may lead to improvement in long-term restoration. For researchers, the results may provide ideas for further research concerning inlay/onlay materials and prognosis.This trial is funded by a grant from the French Ministry of Health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01724827.

[Perceived oral health and use of dental services during pregnancy: the MaterniDent study]. / Santé bucco-dentaire perçue et recours aux soins pendant la grossesse : étude MaterniDent.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of the MaterniDent study was to determine the nature and frequency of dental problems experienced by pregnant women and their associated factors. The secondary objective was to determine the frequency of dental visits during pregnancy and to identify associated factors. METHODS: The MaterniDent study was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted among 904 postpartum women in three French maternity wards. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Measured variables included socio-demographic, health and behavioral characteristics. RESULTS: 57% of women reported having experienced at least one dental problem during pregnancy, while 20% had experienced dental pain during pregnancy. Multiparity, vomiting, soda consumption and increased sugar consumption during pregnancy were significantly associated with dental pain (p<0.05). 56% of women did not visit a dentist during pregnancy, 26% consulted a dentist for a perceived problem, and 18% visited a dentist for a check-up. Younger pregnant women and those without supplemental insurance were less likely to see a dentist for a preventive dental visit (p <0.05). DISCUSSION: A significant proportion of women experienced a dental problem during pregnancy, although they did not necessarily consult a dentist to treat the problem. Given the impact of oral diseases for both mother and child, prevention and professional dental care during pregnancy should be promoted.

Effect of periodontal treatment on the clinical parameters of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: study protocol of the randomized, controlled ESPERA trial.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that leads to joint damage, deformity, and pain. It affects approximately 1% of adults in developed countries. Periodontitis is a chronic oral infection, caused by inflammatory reactions to gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, and affecting about 35 to 50% of adults. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. A significant association has been shown to exist between periodontitis and RA in observational studies. Some intervention studies have suggested that periodontal treatment can reduce serum inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. We hypothesize that periodontitis could be an aggravating factor in patients with RA, and that its treatment would improve RA outcomes. The aim of this clinical trial is to assess the effect of periodontal treatment on the biological and clinical parameters of patients with RA. METHODS/DESIGN: The ESPERA (Experimental Study of Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis) study is an open-label, randomized, controlled trial. Subjects with both RA and periodontitis will be recruited at two university hospitals in southwestern France. In total, 40 subjects will be randomized into two arms (intervention and control groups), and will be followed up for 3 months. Intervention will consist of full-mouth supra-gingival and sub-gingival non-surgical scaling and root planing, followed by systemic antibiotic therapy, local antiseptics, and oral hygiene instructions. After the 3-month follow-up period, the same intervention will be applied to the subjects randomized to the control group.The primary outcome will be change of in Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints (DAS28) at the end of the follow-up period. Secondary outcomes will be the percentages of subjects with 20%, 50%, and 70% improvement in disease according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Health-related quality of life assessments (the Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index) will also be compared between the two groups. DISCUSSION: Evidence-based management of potential aggravating factors in subjects with active RA could be of clinical importance, yet there are few randomized controlled trials on the effect of periodontal treatment on the clinical parameters of RA. The ESPERA trial is designed to determine if non-surgical periodontal treatment could improve clinical outcomes in patients with active RA, and the quality of life of these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The ESPERA Trial was registered in Current Controlled Trials [ISRCTN79186420] on 2012/03/20. The trial started recruiting on 2012/03/06.

Oral health-related quality of life among outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the Oral Status And Rheumatoid Arthritis (OSARA) cross-sectional study were to study the oral health-related quality of life and to assess the associated factors in a population of outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis in France. METHODS: The data were collected by five trained and standardised dentists who asked each subject the questions of a socio-demographic, behavioural and medical questionnaire, which was completed with the medical records, and performed the dental examination. Each subject filled out two self-assessment questionnaires: the Health Assessment Questionnaire and the General Oral Health Assessment Index. RESULTS: Seventy-three subjects were included. The mean age of the participants was 60.2 ± 11.9 years and 75.3% were women. For 58.3% of the subjects, their self-perceived oral health-related quality of life was described as poor. The logistic regression analysis found that a small number of teeth and marked difficulties in dressing and grooming were associated with bad oral health-related quality of life [ORa = 10.5 (1.96-56.19) and ORa = 4.3 (1.15-15.77), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: More care should be given to the prevention of dental diseases in order to improve the oral health-related quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their self-esteem, which will already be heavily affected.

Frequency and risk indicators of tooth decay among pregnant women in France: a cross-sectional analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known on the prevalence of tooth decay among pregnant women. Better knowledge of tooth decay risk indicators during pregnancy could help to develop follow-up protocols for women at risk, along with better prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of tooth decay and the number of decayed teeth per woman in a large sample of pregnant women in France, and to study associated risk indicators. METHODS: A secondary cross-sectional analysis of data from a French multicentre case-control study was performed. The sample was composed of 1094 at-term women of six maternity units. A dental examination was carried out within 2 to 4 days post-partum. Socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics were obtained through a standardised interview with the women. Medical characteristics were obtained from the women's medical records. Risk indicators associated with tooth decay were identified using a negative binomial hurdle model. RESULTS: 51.6% of the women had tooth decay. The mean number of decayed teeth among women having at least one was 3.1 (s.d. = 2.8). Having tooth decay was statistically associated with lower age (aOR = 1.58, 95%CI [1.03,2.45]), lower educational level (aOR = 1.53, 95%CI [1.06,2.23]) and dental plaque (aOR = 1.75, 95%CI [1.27,2.41]). The number of decayed teeth was associated with the same risk indicators and with non-French nationality and inadequate prenatal care. DISCUSSION: The frequency of tooth decay and the number of decayed teeth among pregnant women were high. Oral health promotion programmes must continue to inform women and care providers about the importance of dental care before, during and after pregnancy. Future research should also assess the effectiveness of public policies related to oral health in target populations of pregnant women facing challenging social or economic situations.

Neonatal factors associated with alteration of palatal morphology in very preterm children: the EPIPAGE cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Altered palatal morphology has been observed among some preterm children, with possible consequences on chewing, speaking and esthetics, but determinants remain unknown. AIM: To explore the role of neonatal characteristics and neuromotor dysfunction in alteration of palatal morphology at 5 years of age in very preterm children. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective population-based cohort study. SUBJECTS: 1711 children born between 22 and 32 weeks of gestation in 1997 or born between 22 and 26 weeks of gestation in 1998 were included in the study. They all had a medical examination at 5 years of age. OUTCOME MEASURES: Alteration of palatal morphology. RESULTS: The prevalence of altered palatal morphology was 3.7% in the overall sample, 5.1% among boys and 2.2% among girls (adj OR: 2.52; 95%CI: 1.44-4.42). The risk for altered palatal morphology was higher for lower gestational age (adj OR: 0.85; 95%CI: 0.74-0.97 per week), small-for-gestational age children (adj OR: 2.11; 95%CI: 1.20-3.72) or children intubated for more than 28 days (adj OR: 3.16; 95%CI: 1.11-8.98). Altered palatal morphology was more common in case of cerebral palsy or moderate neuromotor dysfunction assessed at 5 years. Results were basically the same when neuromotor dysfunction was taken into account, except for intubation. CONCLUSION: Male sex, low gestational age, small-for-gestational age and long intubation have been identified as probable neonatal risk factors for alteration of palatal morphology at 5 years of age in very preterm children. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Impact of periodontitis definition in epidemiological research. Results from the EPIPAP study in postpartum women.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the impact of using various definitions of periodontitis on the frequency of periodontitis and on the associations with some known risk factors for periodontitis in a population of postpartum women in France. A clinical examination was performed within 2-4 d postpartum in 932 at-term women at five maternity units. We studied six definitions of periodontitis; five were applicable if at least two teeth were found to have the following: (i) a proximal clinical attachment level (CAL) of ≥ 3 mm; (ii) a probing depth (PD) of ≥ 4 mm; (iii) a PD of ≥ 4 mm and a CAL of ≥ 3 mm at the same site; (iv) a proximal PD of ≥ 5 mm or a proximal CAL of ≥ 4 mm; or (v) a PD of ≥ 4 mm and a CAL ≥ 3 mm and bleeding on probing at the same site. The sixth definition required the involvement of four teeth with a PD of ≥ 4 mm and a CAL of ≥ 3 mm at the same site. Associations between case status according to each definition and maternal characteristics (age, educational level, smoking before pregnancy, and time since last dental visit) were analyzed using generalized estimating equation models. The definition of periodontitis had an impact on the frequency of periodontitis, which ranged from 12.1% to 37.7%, and produced different ORs for the associations with risk factors for periodontitis.