Association between Household Exposure to Secondhand Smoke and Dental Caries among Japanese Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The long-term effects of secondhand smoke (SHS) on dental caries among Japanese young adults remain unclear. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate whether household exposure to SHS is associated with dental caries in permanent dentition among Japanese young adults. The study sample included 1905 first-year university students (age range: 18-19 years) who answered a questionnaire and participated in oral examinations. The degree of household exposure to SHS was categorized into four levels according to the SHS duration: no experience (-), past, current SHS < 10 years, and current SHS ≥ 10 years. Dental caries are expressed as the total number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score. The relationships between SHS and dental caries were determined by logistic regression analysis. DMFT scores (median (25th percentile, 75th percentile)) were significantly higher in the current SHS ≥ 10 years (median: 1.0 (0.0, 3.0)) than in the SHS-(median: 0.0 (0.0, 2.0)); p = 0.001). DMFT ≥ 1 was significantly associated with SHS ≥ 10 years (adjusted odds ratio: 1.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-1.87, p < 0.001). Long-term exposure to SHS (≥10 years) was associated with dental caries in permanent dentition among Japanese young adults.

Relationship between oral hygiene knowledge, source of oral hygiene knowledge and oral hygiene behavior in Japanese university students: A prospective cohort study.

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to examine whether oral hygiene knowledge, and the source of that knowledge, affect oral hygiene behavior in university students in Japan. An oral exam and questionnaire survey developed to evaluate oral hygiene knowledge, the source of that knowledge, and oral hygiene behavior, such as the frequency of tooth brushing and regular dental checkups and the use of dental floss, was conducted on university student volunteers. In total, 310 students with poor tooth brushing behavior (frequency of tooth brushing per day [≤ once]), 1,963 who did not use dental floss, and 1,882 who did not receive regular dental checkup during the past year were selected. Among these students, 50, 364, and 343 in each respective category were analyzed in over the 3-year study period (follow-up rates: 16.1%, 18.5%, and 18.2%, respectively). The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for oral hygiene behavior were calculated based on oral hygiene knowledge and the source of that knowledge using logistic regression models. The results showed that dental clinics were the most common (> 50%) source of oral hygiene knowledge, and that a more frequent use of dental floss was significantly associated with dental clinics being a source of oral hygiene knowledge (OR, 4.11; 95%CI, 1.871-9.029; p < 0.001). In addition, a significant association was seen between dental clinics being a source of oral hygiene knowledge and more frequent regular dental checkups (OR, 13.626; 95%CI, 5.971-31.095; p < 0.001). These findings suggest the existence of a relationship between dental clinics being the most common source of oral hygiene knowledge and improved oral hygiene behavior in Japanese university students.

Caries Increment and Salivary Microbiome during University Life: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The purpose of this 3-year prospective cohort study was to explore the relationship between an increase in dental caries and oral microbiome among Japanese university students. We analyzed 487 students who volunteered to receive oral examinations and answer baseline (2013) and follow-up (2016) questionnaires. Of these students, salivary samples were randomly collected from 55 students at follow-up and analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Students were divided into two groups: increased group (Δdecayed, missing, and filled teeth (ΔDMFT) score increased during the 3-year period) and non-increased group (ΔDMFT did not increase). Thirteen phyla, 21 classes, 32 orders, 48 families, 72 genera, and 156 species were identified. Microbial diversity in the increased group (n = 14) was similar to that in the non-increased group (n = 41). Relative abundances of the family Prevotellaceae (p = 0.007) and genera Alloprevotella (p = 0.007) and Dialister (p = 0.039) were enriched in the increased group compared with the non-increased group. Some bacterial taxonomic clades were differentially present between the two groups. These results may contribute to the development of new dental caries prevention strategies, including the development of detection kits and enlightenment activities for these bacteria.

Association between Sleep Quality and Duration and Periodontal Disease among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between sleep quality and duration, and periodontal disease among a group of young Japanese university students. First-year students (n = 1934) at Okayama University who voluntarily underwent oral health examinations were included in the analysis. Sleep quality and duration were assessed by the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Dentists examined Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), probing pocket depth (PPD), and percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP). Periodontal disease was defined as presence of PPD ≥ 4 mm and BOP ≥ 30%. Overall, 283 (14.6%) students had periodontal disease. Poor sleep quality was observed among 372 (19.2%) students. Mean (± standard deviation) sleep duration was 7.1 ± 1.1 (hours/night). In the logistic regression analysis, periodontal disease was significantly associated with OHI-S (odds ratio [OR]: 2.30, 95% confident interval [CI]: 1.83-2.90; p < 0.001), but not sleep quality (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.79-1.53; p = 0.577) or sleep duration (OR: 0.98, CI: 0.87-1.10; p = 0.717). In conclusion, sleep quality and duration were not associated with periodontal disease among this group of young Japanese university students.

Relationship of Salivary Microbiome with the Worsening of the Periodontal Health Status in Young Adults: A 3-Year Cohort Study.

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the influence of the salivary microbiome on the worsening of the periodontal health status among Japanese young adults. We assessed the data of systemically healthy and non-smoking young (18-22 years) university students (n = 457) from Okayama University at baseline (2013) and follow-up (2016). The worsening group was defined based on an increase in the percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP) or an increase in probing pocket depth (PPD) from <4 mm to ≥4 mm. Unstimulated saliva samples were randomly collected from 69 students for microbiome analysis at follow-up. The salivary microbiome was assessed through 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing. The type of community in the salivary microbiome clustered by statistical analysis and diversity was not significantly associated with the worsening of the periodontal health status in cases of increasing %BOP and PPD (p > 0.05). The prevalence of some species was significantly higher in the worsening group than in the non-worsening group (p < 0.05) in both cases. The worsening of the periodontal health status was associated with some species, but not the type of community and diversity in the salivary microbiome among Japanese young adults.

Associations between sleep bruxism, sleep quality, and exposure to secondhand smoke in Japanese young adults: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Sleep bruxism, a major sleep disorder that causes serious harm to oral health, is considered a multifactorial disease. Sleep bruxism can be induced by smoking, which also adversely affects sleep quality. The objective of present study was to clarify the associations between sleep bruxism, sleep quality, and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). METHODS: To assess the prevalence of sleep bruxism, sleep quality, and SHS exposure, we conducted oral examinations and self-report questionnaires on university students in Japan. Sleep bruxism and quality were screened using the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the third edition of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-3). The inclusion criteria were adults aged between 18 and 19 years, non-smokers and non-alcohol drinkers. The exclusion criteria was failing to complete the questionnaire in full. RESULTS: We analyzed a total of 1781 Japanese young adults. Young adult females who had been exposed to SHS had worse sleep quality (p = 0.019) than those who had not. Young adult female with worse sleep quality showed a higher prevalence of sleep bruxism (p = 0.034) than those with better sleep quality. Using structural equation modeling, direct associations were identified between SHS exposure and poor sleep quality (standardized coefficients, 0.153; p = 0.008) and between sleep bruxism and poor sleep quality (standardized coefficients, 0.187; p = 0.022) in young adult females. However, no association was found among young adult males. CONCLUSION: SHS exposure is indirectly associated with sleep bruxism through poor sleep quality in Japanese young adult females.

Association between maternal periodontal status and ultrasonographic measurement of fetal growth: A longitudinal study.

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the association between intrauterine fetal growth patterns and periodontal status in pregnant women. Fifty-three pregnant women were recruited. Periodontitis was diagnosed based on probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level. Maternal urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels and body mass index were recorded. Ultrasonographic measurements of the biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) were recorded, and estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated. In addition, approximation spline curves of BPD, AC, FL, and EFW were obtained throughout the gestation period. Recorded delivery outcomes were gestational age (GA), birth weight and length, sex, placental weight, and umbilical cord length. Forty-four participants (34.1 ± 4.9 years) were analyzed. Mean neonatal birth weight was 2906.0 ± 544.4 g. On multiple regression analysis, birth weight was related with periodontitis (standardized ß = -0.21, P = 0.001). For EFW and BPD, the curves of the periodontitis group were located lower than those of the non-periodontitis group, with significant differences after 32 weeks and 20 weeks of GA, respectively. In conclusion, periodontal treatment before conception may be recommended and a good periodontal condition in the early stage of pregnancy at the latest is desirable for infant growth.

Structural equation modeling to detect predictors of oral health-related quality of life among Japanese university students: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: This prospective cohort study of Japanese university students aimed to identify factors that might affect oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and longitudinal relationships over a period of 3 years. METHODS: Students (n = 487) provided complete data before entering and 3 years later (before university graduation) participated in the present study. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores, community periodontal index, ratios (%) of teeth with bleeding on probing, and malocclusion were determined during oral examinations. The questionnaire addressed age, sex, self-rated oral health, oral health behavior, subjective oral symptoms, and OHRQoL determined using the oral health impact profile (OHIP)-14. Associations were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS: The OHRQoL significantly worsened according to OHIP-14 total score (p = 0.001). The final model in the symptoms of SEM analysis showed that OHRQoL at follow-up positively correlated with OHRQoL at baseline. Self-rated oral health was directly associated with the OHRQoL at baseline (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that OHRQoL at baseline was a direct predictor, and that self-rated oral health were indirect predictors of OHRQoL at follow-up among Japanese university students.

The level of salivary lactate dehydrogenase as an indicator of the association between gingivitis and related factors in Japanese university students.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the presence of gingivitis estimated using the salivary level of lactate dehydrogenase (LD) and related factors in young Japanese adults. Data from 1,915 participants (21.4 ± 2.5 years) were analyzed. Unstimulated saliva was collected from each participant and the salivary LD level was evaluated using a commercially available test kit with an integer scale ranging from 1 to 10. Gingivitis was defined as the LD level of ≥8. The number of permanent teeth, the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), the presence of partially erupted molars and body mass index were recorded. Additionally, participants answered a questionnaire. The percentage of male participants, the number of permanent teeth, the OHI-S and the presence of partially erupted molars were higher, whereas the proportion receiving dental check-ups was lower in the gingivitis group (n = 88, 4.6%) than in the healthy group. Logistic regression analysis showed that gingivitis was significantly associated with OHI-S (OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.94-3.69) and receiving dental checkups (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10-0.99). The present findings indicated that the OHI-S and receiving dental checkups were significantly associated with gingivitis, as assessed by the salivary LD level, in this cohort.

Awareness of Clenching and Underweight are Risk Factors for Onset of Crowding in Young Adults: A Prospective 3-Year Cohort Study.

Bruxism is a parafunctional activity that can seriously affect quality of life. Although bruxism induces many problems in the oral and maxillofacial area, whether it contributes to the onset of malocclusion remains unclear. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the association between the onset of malocclusion and awareness of clenching during the daytime in young adults. Among 1,092 Okayama University students who underwent normal occlusion at baseline, we analysed 238 who had undergone a dental examination and had complete data after 3 years (2013⁻2016). We also performed subgroup analysis to focus on the association between awake bruxism and the onset of crowding (n = 216). Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analyses. The incidences of malocclusion and crowding were 53.8% and 44.5%, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression, awareness of clenching was a risk factor for crowding (OR: 3.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08⁻12.17). Moreover, underweight (body mass index < 18.5 kg/m²) was related to the onset of malocclusion (OR: 2.34; 95%CI: 1.11⁻4.92) and crowding (OR: 2.52, 95%CI: 1.25⁻5.76). These results suggest that awareness of clenching during the daytime and underweight are risk factors for the onset of crowding in young adults.

Does Instruction of Oral Health Behavior for Workers Improve Work Performance?-Quasi-Randomized Trial.

Oral disease can cause economic loss due to impaired work performance. Therefore, improvement of oral health status and prevention of oral disease is essential among workers. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether oral health-related behavioral modification intervention influences work performance or improves oral health behavior and oral health status among Japanese workers. We quasi-randomly separated participants into the intervention group or the control group at baseline. The intervention group received intensive oral health instruction at baseline and a self-assessment every three months. Both groups received oral examinations and answered the self-questionnaire at baseline and at one-year follow-up. At follow-up, the prevalence of subjects who use fluoride toothpastes and interdental brushes/dental floss were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Three variables (tooth brushing in workplace, using fluoride toothpaste, and experience of receiving tooth brushing instruction in a dental clinic) showed significant improvement only in the intervention group. On the other hand, work performance and oral status did not significantly change in either group. Our intensive oral health-related behavioral modification intervention improved oral health behavior, but neither work performance nor oral status, among Japanese workers.

Type D personality and periodontal disease in university students: A prospective cohort study.

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate whether Type D personality was related to periodontal disease in Japanese university students. Among students ( n = 600) who were interested in receiving oral health examinations, logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of developing periodontal disease during a 3-year period was associated with body mass index ⩾ 25 (odds ratio: 2.543; 95% confidence interval: 1.297-4.989; p = 0.007) and Type D personality (odds ratio: 1.473; 95% confidence interval: 1.027-2.111; p = 0.035). In this short-term prospective cohort study, a significant association between periodontal disease and Type D personality was observed in Japanese university students.

Associations between dental knowledge, source of dental knowledge and oral health behavior in Japanese university students: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between dental knowledge, the source of dental knowledge and oral health behavior in a group of students at a university in Japan. A total of 2,220 university students (1,276 males, 944 females) volunteered to undergo an oral examination and answer a questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed dental knowledge, the source of dental knowledge and oral health behavior (e.g., daily frequency of tooth brushing, use of dental floss and regular dental checkups). The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for oral health behavior based on dental knowledge and source of dental knowledge were calculated using logistic regression models. Of the participants, 1,266 (57.0%) students obtained dental knowledge from dental clinics, followed by school (39.2%) and television (29.1%). Logistic regression analyses indicated that use of dental floss was significantly associated with source of dental knowledge from dental clinics (P = 0.006). Receiving regular dental checkups was significantly associated with source of dental knowledge; the positive source was dental clinic (P < 0.001) and the negative sources were school (P = 0.004) and television (P = 0.018). Dental clinic was the most common source of dental knowledge and associated with better oral health behavior among the Japanese university students in this study.

Validity of a New Kit Measuring Salivary Lactate Dehydrogenase Level for Screening Gingivitis.

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of a new kit that can evaluate salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LD) level in real time for screening gingivitis. Materials and Methods. The study included 70 systemic healthy volunteers [29 males and 41 females; mean age ± SD: 24.1 ± 2.6 years]. Resting saliva was collected from each participant and LD level was evaluated in real time using the kit (a color-changing sheet with an integer scale ranging from 1 to 10). A dentist measured probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and the proportion of sites with bleeding on probing (% BOP) at six sites on all teeth. Gingivitis was diagnosed when the BOP value was ≥20%. Results. Salivary LD level was positively correlated with mean % BOP (odds ratio: 1.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.132-1.916, and P < 0.001) in a logistic regression model. The sensitivity and specificity of the kit were 0.89 and 0.98, respectively, at a cut-off value of 8.0 for LD level. Conclusions. The new kit for measurement of salivary LD level may be a useful tool to screen for gingivitis in young adults, which contributes to early detection of future periodontitis.

Associations among oral health-related quality of life, subjective symptoms, clinical status, and self-rated oral health in Japanese university students: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to elucidate the associations among self-rated oral health, clinical oral health status, oral health behaviors, subjective oral symptoms, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a group of Japanese university students. METHODS: Of 2051 participants, 2027 (98.83%) students received an optional oral examination and answered a questionnaire including items regarding age, sex, self-rated oral health, oral health behaviors, subjective oral symptoms, and OHRQoL [The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14]. On oral examination, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score, Community Periodontal Index (CPI), the percentage of teeth showing bleeding on probing (%BOP), and malocclusion were recorded. Structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was used to test associations. RESULTS: The mean score (± SD) of OHIP-14 was 1.92 ± 5.47. In the SEM analysis, the final model showed that self-rated oral health, oral pain, malocclusion, and the DMFT score were directly associated with the OHRQoL, and subjective symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis were both directly and indirectly associated (p < 0.05). CPI, %BOP, and oral health behaviors were excluded from the final model. CONCLUSIONS: OHRQoL was associated with self-related oral health, subjective symptoms of TMD, oral pain and stomatitis, DMFT, and malocclusion in this group of Japanese university students.

Association between Knowledge about Comprehensive Food Education and Increase in Dental Caries in Japanese University Students: A Prospective Cohort Study.

In Japan, comprehensive food education (shokuiku) programs are carried out with the aim of improving dietary practices and thereby reducing the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, including dental caries. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the association between knowledge about shokuiku and the increase in dental caries among Japanese university students who had attended a shokuiku program while in junior/senior high school. A total of 562 students volunteered to undergo oral examinations over a three-year follow-up period, during which the number of cases of dental caries were recorded. Additional information was collected using a questionnaire survey regarding knowledge about shokuiku, dietary habits, and oral health behaviors. In logistic regression analysis, males who lacked knowledge about shokuiku had significantly higher odds for dental caries than those who did not (odds ratio (OR), 2.00; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12-3.58; p = 0.019). On the other hand, among females, those who frequently consumed sugar-sweetened soft drinks had significantly higher odds for dental caries than those who did not (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.05-3.42; p = 0.035). These results suggest that having no knowledge about shokuiku is associated with a risk of increase in dental caries in Japanese male university students.