A scoping review on the links between sustainable development goal 14 and early childhood caries.

BACKGROUND: The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 addresses life below the waters, an important source of protein and contributor to global food security and economic development. Our aim was to explore possible evidence on the links between life below water and early childhood caries (ECC). METHODS: This scoping review identified articles on the link between life below water and caries according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were systematically searched in January 2023, using specific search terms. Studies written in English, with full text available, addressing life under water, focusing on dental caries in humans, with results that can be extrapolated to control ECC in children less than 6 years of age were included in the review. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the retrieved papers and graphical presentation was used for visualization. RESULTS: There were 224 publications retrieved of which 13 studies, published between 1960 and 2022, were included in the analysis. The papers originated from Asia (7/13), North America (3/13), Europe (1/13), and 2/13 had multi-country authorship. Also, four laboratory studies extracted agents from marine products to determine their efficacy in preventing caries formation and preventing/slowing plaque formation; four letters discussed the caries prevention potential of sea salt as a source of fluoride; and two review articles about the positive effects of extracted marine products for caries prevention. Most (11/13) studies addressed target 14.1 concerned with enriching the marine environment with nutrients and minerals; two addressed target 14.4 focused on ensuring fish stocks are within biologically sustainable levels; two addressed target 14.7 aimed at increasing the economic benefits through sustainable use of marine resources such as fisheries; and one focused on target 14.5 aimed at conserving marine areas by increasing protected areas. In addition, one ecological study assessed the association between the ecosystem and ECC. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, there is little known about the impact of protection of marine and coastal ecosystem from pollution and ocean acidification on the risk of ECC. Further evidence on possible associations between life below water and ECC management is needed.

Relationship Between Socio-Demographic Profile, Parity and Dental Caries Among a Group of Nursing Mothers in South East, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk indicators of caries among nursing mothers in a tertiary hospital. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 408 nursing mothers aged 15 to 52 years who brought their children for immunization in a tertiary hospital in Enugu, Nigeria. Data on socio-demographic profile, parity, dental visits were collected. The presence of dental caries was recorded using the World Health Organization criteria. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 11.0%, and the mean DMFT was 0.18. There was a statistically significant association between level of education (p<0.001), past dental visit (p<0.001) and the occurrence of dental caries. Caries was more prevalent in the mandibular teeth than the maxillary teeth. The left mandibular first and second permanent molars had the highest occurrence of dental caries. Missing (M) component of the DMFT index was highest and the care index was low. The significant predictors of caries among nursing mothers were fair oral hygiene and having below tertiary education. Conclusion: The prevalence of caries and the care index were both low in this study population. The significant predictors of dental caries were a tertiary level of education and poor oral hygiene. Incorporating oral health education during postnatal care can help reduce dental caries' occurrence and complications among nursing mothers in the study population.

Governance, maternal well-being and early childhood caries in 3-5-year-old children.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the direct, indirect and total effect of distal - political - risk indicators (affecting populations), and proximal risk indicators (affecting women) on the global prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) in 3-5 year old children. METHODS: Data on global ECC prevalence were obtained from a prior study. Data for distal risk indicators (voice and accountability; political stability/absence of terrorism; control of corruption) were obtained from the World Bank Governance indicators, 2016. Data for proximal risk indicators (women's opportunity for leadership; percentage of female legislators, top officials and managers; basic employability status of women; ability of women to afford time off work to care for newborns; gross national income (GNI) per capita for females) were derived from the Human Development Index, 2016. Associations between variables were assessed with path analysis. RESULTS: Voice and accountability (ß = - 0.60) and GNI per capita for females (ß = - 0.33) were directly associated with a lower ECC prevalence. Political stability/absence of terrorism (ß =0.40) and higher percentage of female legislators, senior officials and managers (ß = 0.18) were directly associated with a higher ECC prevalence. Control of corruption (ß = - 0.23) was indirectly associated with a lower ECC prevalence. Voice and accountability (ß = 0.12) was indirectly associated with a higher ECC prevalence. Overall, voice and accountability (ß = - 0.49), political stability/absence of terrorism (ß = 0.34) and higher female GNI (ß = - 0.33) had the greatest effects on ECC prevalence. CONCLUSION: Distal risk indicators may have a stronger impact on ECC prevalence than do proximal risk indicators.. Approaches to control ECC may need to include political reforms.

Disparities in Caries Experience and Socio-Behavioural Risk Indicators Among Private School Children in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence and socio-behavioural risk factors for dental caries among children at selected LGAs in Lagos State. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive study of 592 school children in four Local Government Areas of Lagos, Nigeria. The presence of caries was recorded using the World Health Organization criteria. Descriptive statistics were reported for analysis of comparative DMFT and SiC scores in relation to age, gender, and other socio-demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the differential impact of the variables on the probability of being in the high caries prevalence group. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 16.0% with mean dmft for age 6 being 1.3 ± 1.57 while the mean DMFT for age 12 was 0.15 ± 0.67. The mean Sic for age 6 was 1.5 ± 0.53 while the mean SiC for age 12 was 1.09 ± 0.29. The mean SiC values was significantly higher in the primary and permanent dentition among those who had never visited the dentist, female students, those who don't use fluoridated toothpaste and those who eat sweets and candy several times a day. After logistic regression analysis, those with no previous dental visit (OR=3.05; CI: 1.72-4.67) and females (OR=1.55; CI: 1.16-1.62) still had significantly higher SiC Values. Conclusion: The prevalence of caries was low in the study population. Being female, non-use of fluoride-containing toothpaste and not visiting the dentist were significant predictors of dental caries among children attending private schools.

Age and reasons for first dental visit among children in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: An early first dental clinic appointment offers the prospect of prompt preventative care and parental education regarding the oral health of the child. The evidence-based recommendation by dental professionals all over the world is that a child should visit a dentist before or by 1 year of age. AIM: This study aimed to determine the chronological age at and the purpose for a first dental clinic visit amongst children aged 16 years and below attending the Paediatric Dental Clinic at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted amongst children who attended the Paediatric Dental Clinic at the LUTH between January 2017 and December 2018. Data on age at first dental visit, reasons for attending and other information relevant to the study were collected. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis were conducted, and the level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 1157 children were studied, comprising 580 (50.5%) males and 577 (49.9%) females. Their mean age on their first dental visit was 7.9 ± 3.7 years. Most of the children (31.4%) had their first dental visits at 7 and 9 years, and 0.8% of the children had their first dental visit below the age of 1 year. The most common reason for visiting the dental clinic was dental pain (33.1%). A higher proportion of the children (911 [79.0%]) had their first dental visit for therapeutic purposes, whereas 246 (21.0%) children visited the dental clinic for preventive care. Sex and age at first dental visit were statistically significantly associated with the reason for attendance (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Most children had their first dental visit between the ages of 7 and 9 years, mainly because of pain. It is necessary to create more awareness among parents/caregivers and to establish the concept of dental home.

Social predictors of oral hygiene status in school children from suburban Nigeria.

Oral hygiene, which is measured by the status of plaque-free tooth surfaces, is essential for the promotion of oral health. This study aimed to determine the social predictors of good oral hygiene for children in a suburban population in Nigeria. This was a secondary analysis of data. The study participants were 8- to 16-year-old children who were residents in Ile-Ife, which is a suburban population in Nigeria. Information on the age, gender, socioeconomic status, family structure, number of siblings and birth rank of each study participant was retrieved from the an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Oral hygiene status was determined through a simplified-oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and categorized as good, fair and poor. The association between oral hygiene status and sociodemographic variables was determined. The predictors of good oral hygiene were determined using a binomial regression analysis. Data on 2,107 individuals were retrieved, of which 44.8% had good oral hygiene and 17.1% had poor oral hygiene. The odds of having good oral hygiene were reduced for children who were 13 to 16 years old (p = 0.02) or male (P=0.002) and children with low socioeconomic status (p ≤ 0.001). The odds of having good oral hygiene increased for children who were last-born compared with those who were first-born (p = 0.02). Age, gender, socioeconomic status and birth-rank were significant social predictive factors of oral hygiene status among the study population. Based on these findings, targeted interventions can be conducted to improve the oral hygiene status of children and adolescents with these social profiles.

Social predictors of oral hygiene status in school children from suburban Nigeria

Abstract Oral hygiene, which is measured by the status of plaque-free tooth surfaces, is essential for the promotion of oral health. This study aimed to determine the social predictors of good oral hygiene for children in a suburban population in Nigeria. This was a secondary analysis of data. The study participants were 8- to 16-year-old children who were residents in Ile-Ife, which is a suburban population in Nigeria. Information on the age, gender, socioeconomic status, family structure, number of siblings and birth rank of each study participant was retrieved from the an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Oral hygiene status was determined through a simplified-oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and categorized as good, fair and poor. The association between oral hygiene status and sociodemographic variables was determined. The predictors of good oral hygiene were determined using a binomial regression analysis. Data on 2,107 individuals were retrieved, of which 44.8% had good oral hygiene and 17.1% had poor oral hygiene. The odds of having good oral hygiene were reduced for children who were 13 to 16 years old (p = 0.02) or male (P=0.002) and children with low socioeconomic status (p ≤ 0.001). The odds of having good oral hygiene increased for children who were last-born compared with those who were first-born (p = 0.02). Age, gender, socioeconomic status and birth-rank were significant social predictive factors of oral hygiene status among the study population. Based on these findings, targeted interventions can be conducted to improve the oral hygiene status of children and adolescents with these social profiles.

Habit-breaking methods employed by mothers of children with nonnutritive sucking habits resident in suburban Nigeria.

CONTEXT: Parents are often concerned about their children's nonnutritive sucking (NNS) habits and may institute mechanisms to try to break them. AIM: The study identified various methods instituted by mothers resident in a suburban Nigeria to break NNS habits of children, reasons for wanting to break the habit, and the association between instituted methods and sociodemographic profile of the mothers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 129 mothers of children aged 4 years to 12 years who had NNS habits at the time of conducting a household survey were analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Tests of associations were conducted to determine the association between maternal age and level of education and methods employed to break child's NNS habits. RESULTS: Eighty-four mothers (65.1%) made efforts to break the habit. Habit persisting to older age was the main concern. The most common method employed for breaking habits was punishing the child (54.8%).Only 7 (20.0%) mothers who were concerned about NNS habit(s) sought professional advice. A greater though insignificant percentage of mothers in the 25-34 years age group (57.2%; P = 0.48) and those with secondary school level of education (56.0%; P = 0.12) made efforts to break their children's NNS habits. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of mothers were concerned about their children's NNS habits. However, very few concerned mothers sought professional advice. Efforts need to be made to improve the public awareness about the availability of professional services for managing NNS habits and potential impact of employing nonprofessional methods to break habits.

Developmental defects of the enamel and its impact on the oral health quality of life of children resident in Southwest Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Developmental defects of the enamel (DDE) increase the risk for diseases that impact negatively on the quality of life. The objective of this study was to compare the oral health quality of life of children with molar-incisor-hypomineralisation (MIH) and enamel hypoplasia; and assess if caries worsened the impact of these lesions on the quality of life. METHODS: This study recruited 853 6 to 16-years-old school children. They filled the Child-OIDP questionnaire. The MIH, enamel hypoplasia, caries and oral hygiene status was assessed. Poisson regression was used to determine the impact of MIH and enamel hypoplasia on the oral health quality of life, after adjusting for the effect of sex, age, socioeconomic class, oral hygiene and caries status. RESULTS: The prevalence of MIH and enamel hypoplasia was 2.9% and 7.6% respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean child-OIDP scores of children with or without MIH (p = 0.57), children with or without enamel hypoplasia (p = 0.48), and children with enamel hypoplasia with and without caries (p = 0.30). Children with enamel hypoplasia and caries had worse outcomes for speaking (p = 0.01). Children with middle (AOR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.60-4.67; P < 0.01) and low (AOR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.04-2.95; p = 0.03) socioeconomic status, and those with caries (AOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.26-3.22; p = 0.03) had their oral health quality of life negatively impacted. CONCLUSION: MIH and enamel hypoplasia had no significant impact on the overall oral health quality of life of children resident in southwestern Nigeria. However, children with caries and those from middle and low socioeconomic classes had poorer oral health quality of life.

Pattern of patients' attendance to the dental clinic of federal college of dental technology and therapy, Enugu, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Oral health is part of general health and should not be considered in isolation, as it contributes to the individual's health related quality of life. The study aimed at assessing the pattern of attendance to the dental clinic using dental records of patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 6008 retrieved case notes from the dental clinic of Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu, from June, 2016 to May, 2017. Data on age, sex and occupation were retrieved from the dental records of the institution. Association between age, sex, occupation and patient flow to dental clinic was determined. RESULTS: More females (55.7%) than males (44.3%) attended the dental clinic within the study period. Also, those aged 16 to 30 years (39.5%) and school pupils/students (40.8%) attended dental clinic the most when compared to other attendees. Patient flow was greatest in the first quarter of the year (27.1%), followed by the third quarter (26.1%). However, patient flow was least in the last quarter (20.9%). There was significant association between age (P < 0.001), occupation (P = 0.03) and patient flow to dental clinic in yearly quarters. CONCLUSION: Being an adolescent or young adult and being a student were significantly associated with patient flow to the dental clinic in yearly quarters in the study area. Patient flow was greatest in the first quarter and least in the last quarter of the year. There is need to increase dental awareness, especially for preventive visit among older age group and non-students in the populace.

Appointment Failure among Dental Patients Attending a Government Dental Centre in Enugu, Nigeria

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and socio demographic factors associated with failed dental appointments among dental patients in a government dental clinic. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 419 participants who were non-first clinic attendees at a government dental clinic in Enugu, Nigeria. Data was collected on socio-demographic profile, mode of transportation and reasons for failed appointment, using a pretested structured questionnaire. Bi-variate analysis was conducted to test the association between study participants' age, sex, occupation, mode of transportation and failed dental appointment using Chi-square test and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The age of the study participants ranged from 5 years to 90 years. More females (57.8%) than males (42.2%) participated in the study. The prevalence of failed appointment was 27.7%. The major reasons for failed appointments were "being busy with other activities" (12.4%) and "far distance" (6.9%). Only 0.7% of the study participants received telephone calls as reminder. There was no statistically significant association between age (p=0.40), sex (p=0.12), level of education (p=0.40), occupation (p=0.52), mode of transportation (p=0.71) and failed dental appointment. Conclusion: The prevalence of failed dental appointment was high in this population. Being busy and far distance were the commonest reasons for failed appointments. Very few study participants were reminded of their appointment.

Effect of referral for dental service on dental-service utilization by primary school children aged 8 to 11 years in Enugu, Nigeria

Aim: To determine how one dental education session and referral of study participants aged 8-11 years would affect utilization of oral-health care services. Methods: This descriptive prospective study recruited 1,406 pupils aged 8-11 years from randomly selected primary schools in Enugu metropolis. All pupils received one oral-health education and referral letters for treatment. Data were collected on the pupils' socio-demographic profile, family structure, and history of oral-health care utilization in the 12 months preceding the study and within 12 months of receipt of referral letter. The effect of these factors as predictors of past and recent dental service utilization was determined using logistic regression. Results: Only 4.3% of the study participants had ever used oral-health services in the 12 months prior to the study. Within 12 months of issuing the referral letters, 9.0% of pupils used the oral-health services. Children from middle (AOR: 0.46; CI: 0.29-0.73; p=0.001) and low socioeconomic strata (AOR: 0.21; CI: 0.11-0.39; p<0.001) and those living with relatives/guardians (AOR: 0.08, CI: 0.01-0.56; p=0.01) were still less likely to have utilized oral-health services. Conclusions: Referral of children for oral-health care increased the number of children who utilized oral health care services (Au)

Barriers and facilitators of dental service utilization by children aged 8 to 11 years in Enugu State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Multiple factors influence a child's ability to access oral health care. The aim of this study was to identify factors that facilitated and served as barriers to children's utilization of oral health care services in Enugu, Nigeria. METHODS: The study recruited 1406 primary school pupils aged 8 to 11 years. All the children received oral health education, with the aid of an oral health education curriculum appropriate for their age. After this, referral letters were given to the children. Twelve months later, the study participants were revisited in their schools to obtain information on their reasons for utilizing, or not utilizing an oral health care service in the last 12 months. The association between socio-economic status; form of parenthood; number of siblings, birth rank and reasons for utilization and non-utilization of dental services were assessed. Influence on the child's predisposition to oral health service utilization on dental visit was also assessed. RESULTS: Only 116 (14.7 %) of the 791 children accessible during the 12 months follow-up visit had visited the dental clinic and the main reason for utilization was the desire to fulfill the dentist's request for dental visit (41.9 %) while parents' inability to make out time for a dental visit (43.3 %) was the main reason for non-utilization. The odds of utilizing oral health care services for study participants from the middle (AOR: 0.50; CI: 0.31-0.79; P = 0.003) and low (AOR: 0.24; CI: 0.13-0.45; p = <0.001) socioeconomic strata, and those living with guardians/relatives (AOR: 0.08; CI: 0.01-0.60; p = 0.01) were decreased when compared to those living with both parents, respectively. Respondents with positive perception about dental service utilization had increased odds of utilizing oral health care (AOR: 2.96; CI: 1.48-5.90; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Dentists can be strong motivators for children to utilize oral health care. Time is a significant barrier for the utilization of dental services. The programs designed to address barriers to oral health care utilization for children should be geared towards overcoming the possible threats that socio-economic status and type of parents they have may pose, to reduce inequity in dental service utilization.

Digit Sucking Habit and Association with Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene Status of Children Aged 6 Months to 12 Years Resident in Semi-Urban Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is a common behavior in childhood. The association between digit sucking, dental caries and oral health has been studied with inconclusive results. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of, and the association between digit sucking, caries and oral hygiene status of children age six months to 12 years, resident in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State. Data were collected through a household survey using a multi-stage sampling procedure from children between six months and 12 years. Details of each child's socio-demographic characteristics, digit sucking habits, caries status and oral health status were collected. The association between digit sucking, caries status and oral hygiene status was determined using Chi square and Logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age of the 992 study participants was 5.8 ± (3.2) years. The prevalence of digit sucking, caries and poor oral hygiene were 7.2%, 10.5% and 2.4% respectively. The mean dmft score was 0.22 ± (0.80), mean DMFT score was 0.04 ± (0.30) while mean Oral Hygiene Index score was 1.27 ± (0.73). Digit sucking increased the odds of having caries (OR: 1.28; CI: 0.58-2.81) but decreased the odds of having poor oral hygiene (OR: 0.58; CI: 0.34-1.01) insignificantly. CONCLUSIONS: Digit sucking was not a significant predictor of caries and oral hygiene status, although the odds of having caries increased while the odds of having poor oral hygiene decreased with digit sucking.

Risk Factors of Early Childhood Caries among Children in Enugu, Nigeria

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of early childhood caries (ECC). Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 429 preschool children aged five years and below in Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu, Nigeria. Data on socio-demographic profile, dental visits, brushing frequency, oral hygiene status and snacking habit of the children were obtained. The presence of dental caries was recorded by using the World Health Organization criteria. Results: The prevalence of early childhood caries was 9.8% and the mean dmft score was 0.37. Bivariate analysis showed significant association between age (p<0.001), socio-economic status of the child's family (p=0.04), oral hygiene status (p<0.001), dental visits (p=0.01) snacking (p=0.01) and early childhood caries. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age (OR= 4.3, CI=1.17-15.6; p=0.03), high socioeconomic status (OR= 3.7, CI= 1.46-9.47; p=0.01) and fair oral hygiene (OR= 0.10, CI=0.26-0.39, p=0.001) were significant predictors of early childhood caries in this population. Conclusion: The prevalence of ECC was high in this population. Age, high socioeconomic status and fair oral hygiene were risk predictors of ECC. Early and prompt access to oral health education and preventive dental care for children by mothers and caregivers can reduce the occurrence of ECC.