Quantifying variations associated with dental caries reveals disparity in effect allele frequencies across diverse populations.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries (DC) is a multifaceted oral condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Recent advancements in genotyping and sequencing technologies, such as Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have helped researchers to identify numerous genetic variants associated with DC, but their prevalence and significance across diverse global populations remain poorly understood as most of the studies were conducted in European populations, and very few were conducted in Asians specifically in Indians. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the genetic affinity of effect alleles associated with DC to understand the genetic relationship between global populations with respect to the Indian context. METHODOLOGY: This present study used an empirical approach in which variants associated with DC susceptibility were selected. These variants were identified and annotated using the GWAS summary. The genetic affinity was evaluated using Fst. RESULTS: The effect of allele frequencies among different populations was examined, revealing variations in allele distribution. African populations exhibited higher frequencies of specific risk alleles, whereas East Asian and European populations displayed distinct profiles. South Asian populations showed a unique genetic cluster. CONCLUSION: Our study emphasises the complex genetic landscape of DC and highlights the need for population-specific research as well as validation of GWAS-identified markers in Indians before defining them as established candidate genes.

Depression and dental caries in US adults, NHANES 2015-2018.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the link between depression and untreated dental caries among adults in the United States. METHODS: Data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (2015-2018); respondents aged 20 years or older who completed a patient health questionnaire and underwent a comprehensive oral examination were included. Participants were categorized into three groups according to depressive symptoms as follows: those with no, mild, or moderate to severe depression. Data were weighted, and multiple potential covariates were included in the analysis to provide national estimates and account for the complex sample design. A multivariable weighted logistic regression model was performed to test the hypothesis that varying degrees of depression in American adults are associated with untreated dental caries. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age and gender after adjusting for potential covariates. A P value of <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Among 8740 participants, the prevalence of untreated coronal and root caries was 20.50% and 12.92%, respectively. Moderate to severe depression was a significant risk factor (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.66) for untreated root caries. The risk of untreated root caries increased by 87% in young adults (aged 20-44 years) and by 46% in women with moderate to severe depression. The suest analysis revealed that the impact of moderate to severe depressive disorder on untreated root caries was non-significantly different between the age subgroup (p=0.09) and sex subgroup (p=0.51). However, depression was non-significantly associated with untreated coronal caries (mild depression: OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.85-1.34; moderate to severe depression 1.06; 95% CI, 0.83-1.36; respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested a significant association between moderate and severe depression and untreated root caries; however, the association with untreated coronal caries was non-significant. In the United States, moderate and severe depression in adults is associated with root caries.

Association between early childhood caries and parental education and the link to the sustainable development goal 4: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The aim of this scoping review was to map the current evidence on the association between the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and parental education; and to identify possible pathways by which parental education may protect against ECC. METHODS: The two questions that guided this review were: what is the existing evidence on the association between maternal and paternal education and ECC; and what are the pathways by which parental education protects against ECC? The initial search was conducted in January 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Articles published in English between January 2000 and October 2022 that reported on the association between parental education and ECC were screened, and the extracted data were compiled, summarized, and synthesized. Review papers and non-primary quantitative research papers were excluded from the full-text review. Open coding was applied to develop a conceptual framework. RESULTS: In total, 49 studies were included: 42 cross-sectional, 3 case-control and 4 cohort studies. The majority (91.8%) reported on the associations between ECC and maternal (n = 33), paternal (n = 3), and parental (n = 9) level of education, and 13 (26.7%) reported on the association between parental education and the severity of ECC. Mothers with more than primary school education (n = 3), post-secondary/college/tertiary education (n = 23), and more than 4-12 years of education (n = 12) had children with lower risk for ECC. Two studies reporting on parental education found an association between maternal but not paternal education and ECC. The review suggests that achieving the SDG 4.1 may reduce the risk of ECC. Possible pathways by which maternal education protects from ECC were feeding practices, oral hygiene practices, and the use of dental services. CONCLUSION: The study findings suggests that higher maternal educational level may reduce the risk for the consumption of cariogenic diet, poor oral hygiene practices and poor use of dental services for caries prevention. However, the association between paternal education and ECC was not consistently observed, with significant associations less frequently reported compared to maternal education. Future studies are needed to define the magnitude and modifiers of the impact of maternal education on the risk for ECC.

A longitudinal study on the impact of breastfeeding with or without formula milk on dental caries.

Concerns exist about prolonged breastfeeding increasing dental caries risk, but evidence is mixed. This 2-year cohort study followed 486 toddlers, to examine the association between breastfeeding duration and caries at age 3. Caregivers reported feeding practices and potential confounders every 6 months. "Full breastfeeding" was defined as feeding breastmilk without formula milk regardless of other foods/liquids, whereas "any breastfeeding" was feeding breastmilk with/without formula milk. A calibrated dentist performed dental examinations. We used multivariable log-binomial and negative binomial regressions to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for caries prevalence and severity, adjusted for confounders. At 3-year-old, 60.3% of children exhibited caries (mean decayed-and-filled-teeth, dft: 3.3). Notably, full breastfeeding for 6-17 months reduced caries prevalence (RR = 0.84, 95%CI 0.73-0.98 for 6-11 months; RR = 0.78, 95%CI 0.63-0.96 for 12-17 months). Conversely, any breastfeeding ≥ 18 months significantly increased caries risk (RR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.31-1.60). Full breastfeeding ≥ 6 months or any breastfeeding 6-17 months was associated with lower dft scores in children. Our findings suggest a complex relationship between breastfeeding duration and caries. Full breastfeeding for moderate durations (6-17 months) offers protective benefits, while any breastfeeding ≥ 18 months increases risk in this population.

Dental caries, oral hygiene status and deleterious habits among migrant construction workers of Belagavi, India.

Background: Occupation significantly influences oral health, with factors like the work environment, stress levels, access to dental care, and job-related habits playing crucial roles. The oral health of construction workers, especially migrant workers, is a noteworthy concern. Understanding the oral health of this population is crucial for enhancing their quality of life through various means. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dental caries, oral hygiene status, and deleterious habits in this occupational group of Belagavi district, Karnataka. Materials and methods: Study design was cross-sectional in nature. Before commencement of the study a pilot study was conducted. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed, and 610 participants were recruited for the study. Trained and calibrated examiners recorded WHO dentition status and treatment needs (2013) and Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S). Collected data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi-square, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of dental caries among construction workers was significantly high (81%), and poor oral hygiene was observed among 36.9% of them. The prevalence of smoking, the tobacco chewing habit, and alcohol consumption among the construction workers was found to be 21.6%, 59.9%, and 37.3%, respectively. The dependence of OHI-S and DMFT on predictors (age, gender and deleterious habits) was found to be 21.5% and 39.6%, respectively. Conclusions: Migrant construction workers in Belagavi had a high caries prevalence, poor oral hygiene status, and a high prevalence of deleterious habits such as tobacco use. These results emphasize the necessity of awareness and dental health education programs to improve the oral health of construction workers.

Self-reported dental pain in Mexican schoolchildren: a national ecological study.

The objective of this study was to quantify the prevalence of and identify the factors associated with dental pain among elementary- and middle-school students in Mexico. An ecological study was carried out with data from the 2008 National School-based Student-Health Survey. Information on dental pain from schoolchildren (aged 5 to 16 years) was collected from public schools across the 32 states of Mexico. In the original study, a questionnaire was used to explore various factors that affect the oral and dental health status of schoolchildren. The outcome variable was the prevalence rate (for dental pain) reported at state level. Various contextual socioeconomic variables were included, in addition to dental caries. Analyses were performed using Stata software. 52.9% of interviewees were girls; 26.9% of male and female schoolchildren in Mexico experienced gum or dental pain during the period analyzed (95% Confidence Interval = 26.02, 27.77%); according to the Spearman correlation results, self-reported dental pain was unrelated (p > 0.05) to the socioeconomic and sociodemographic variables that make up the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Human Development (HDI), as well as the marginalization and the Gini indices. However, the estimated percentages of self-reported dental pain and caries were positively correlated in the elementary- (r = 0.8958, p < 0.0001), middle-school (r = 0.8958, p < 0.0001) and total populations (r = 0.8542, p < 0.0001). Prevalence of self-reported dental pain was 28%, or about one in three, of the Mexican children and adolescents in the study sample. The state-level sociodemographic and socioeconomic risk indicators were not associated with the prevalence of dental pain. Self-reported caries was positively correlated with self-reported dental pain.

Findings from the 2019 nationally representative oral health survey for adults in Singapore.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to present key findings from the 2019 national adult oral health survey in Singapore (NAOHS). METHODS: A multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to recruit participants for a representative national adult oral health survey. A total of 12 212 households were randomly selected from the National Database on Dwellings in Singapore. Within each household eligible persons aged ≥65 years were automatically invited to participate while a Kish selection method was used to invite those between 21 and 64 years old. The survey comprised a face-to-face interview questionnaire and a clinical examination which recorded details of tooth loss, DMFT, DMFS and prevalence of periodontal disease according to the CPITN and the US CDC-AAP classifications. Weighted analysis was performed to adjust for oversampling, non-response and post-stratification. Multivariate regression with backward stepwise selection was carried out to identify predictors of chronic periodontal disease and untreated dental caries. RESULTS: Six hundred and sixty-three participants completed both the questionnaires and the clinical examination. The prevalence of edentulousness was 2.7%. Of participants, 34.8% presented with untreated dental caries with a higher proportion found in those who were aged ≥60 years, of Malay ethnicity, living in 1-2-room public housing and who only visited the dentist when there was a problem. Mean DMFS and DMFT indices were 24.7 and 7.9 respectively. Based on the CDC-AAP classification, the prevalence of moderate-severe chronic periodontitis was 56.9% and increased with age, with a higher proportion in males. Participants with untreated dental caries were more likely to have moderate or severe periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Survey findings showed high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease, at 34.8% and 77.6% respectively. A clear socio-economic gradient in the distribution of tooth loss, untreated dental caries and moderate-to-severe periodontitis was observed.

Unique dietary and oral hygiene behaviors in a cohort with clinically severe obesity: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: An association between increased risk of dental caries with increased levels of clinically severe obesity has been reported. Data linking body mass index (BMI) and dietary behaviors, including at-risk dietary factors and oral hygiene habits, are lacking in a cohort with clinically severe obesity. This study aimed to explore the dietary and oral hygiene behaviors in individuals with clinically severe obesity attending a hospital-based obesity service. METHODS: Adult patients attending a hospital-based obesity service in Greater Western Sydney with clinically severe obesity were invited to participate in a self-administered survey, which collected data on their nutritional and oral hygiene behaviors. Demographic data (age, gender) and BMI were extracted from the participants' medical records. The primary outcome was the relationship between BMI and frequency of toothbrushing. RESULTS: Of the 82 individuals who consented to participate, 81 (98.8%) completed the study questionnaire. The median BMI of the cohort was 49.1 kg/m2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 43.2-57.3 kg/m2) and median age 51 (IQR: 39-63) years. BMI was not significantly correlated with individual oral health behaviors (p > .05). Many participants reported dietary risk behaviors, which have the potential to influence their oral health. CONCLUSIONS: While oral health behaviors were not associated with increasing BMI, patients with clinically severe obesity in this study reported unique dietary behaviors and mixed oral hygiene habits that may complicate nutritional and dental management. Awareness of these behaviors among clinicians including dental professionals is required in this cohort.

Protocol for CARES-HAPIN: an ambidirectional cohort study on exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and risk of early childhood caries.

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal and postnatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has been linked with early childhood caries (ECC), but the specific molecular mechanisms and pathways remain largely unknown. The Caries Risk from exposure to Environmental tobacco Smoke (CARES) within the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) study aims to establish the association between ETS and ECC by employing epidemiological and novel biomarker-based approaches. Here, we outline the overall design and rationale of the project. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will leverage the infrastructure and data from the HAPIN trial (India) to mount the CARES study. In this ambidirectional cohort study, children (n=735, aged: 3-5 years) will undergo ECC examination by a trained dentist using standard criteria and calibrated methods. Structured questionnaires will be used to gather information on sociodemographic variables, dietary habits, oral hygiene, oral health-related quality of life and current exposure to ETS. We will collect non-invasive or minimally invasive biospecimens (i.e., saliva, buccal cells, dried blood spots and urine) from a subset of HAPIN children (n=120) to assess a battery of biomarkers indicative of exposure to ETS, early biological effect and epigenetic modifications. Both self-reported and objective measures of ETS exposure collected longitudinally during in utero and early postnatal periods will be accessed from the HAPIN database. We will apply current science data techniques to assess the association and interrelationships between ETS, ECC, and multiple biomarkers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Information gathered in this research will be published in peer-reviewed journals and summaries will be shared with the key stakeholders as well as patients and their parents/guardians involved in this study. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research Ethics Board has approved the study protocol (IEC-NI22/JUL/83/82). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02944682.

Management of orthodontically induced white spot lesions: A survey of the orthodontic practitioners of Pakistan.

Objective: To assess the level of awareness among orthodontic practitioners about the diagnosis and management of orthodontically induced white spot lesions. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from August 28, 2022, to March 3, 2023, at Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College, Multan, and comprised orthodontic specialists and postgraduate residents. Data was collected using a 14-item questionnaire regarding diagnosis and management of orthodontically induced white spot lesions. The questionnaire was disseminated online, and the responses were compared between the groups. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. RESULTS: Of the 278 subjects, 205(73.7%) were residents; 156(75%) females and 49(24%) males with mean professional experience of 4.24±4.08 years. There were 73(26.3%) specialists; 44(60.3%) females and 29(39.7%) males with mean professional experience 9.07±4.85 years. There were 48(66%) specialists and 131(64%) residents who thought the most commonly affected teeth with WSL were maxillary central incisors, while 30(41%) specialists and 38(33%) residents said the least commonly affected tooth was maxillary canine. Among the specialists, 29(38%) considered halting treatment and regular follow-up as the best approach for managing white spot lesions detected during orthodontic treatment, while 76(37%) residents preferred to use fluorides and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate. There were significant differences between the specialists and residents for the items related to the incidence of white spot lesions, timing for additional precautions and measures for detection, management during active treatment and modalities of prevention (p<0.05). Conclusion: Despite being fairly common in orthodontic patients, the awareness regarding white spot lesions and related management protocols was found to be dubious in orthodontic practitioners, depicting lack of a standardised protocol.

Effect of fluoridated water on invasive NHS dental treatments for adults: the LOTUS retrospective cohort study and economic evaluation.

Background: Most water fluoridation studies were conducted on children before the widespread introduction of fluoride toothpastes. There is a lack of evidence that can be applied to contemporary populations, particularly adolescents and adults. Objective: To pragmatically assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of water fluoridation for preventing dental treatment and improving oral health in a contemporary population of adults, using a natural experiment design. Design: Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected National Health Service dental claims (FP17) data. Setting: National Health Service primary dental care: general dental practices, prisons, community dental services, domiciliary settings, urgent/out-of-hours and specialised referral-only services. Participants: Dental patients aged 12 years and over living in England (n = 6,370,280). Intervention and comparison: Individuals exposed to drinking water with a fluoride concentration ≥ 0.7 mg F/l between 2010 and 2020 were matched to non-exposed individuals on key characteristics using propensity scores. Outcome measures: Primary: number of National Health Service invasive dental treatments (restorations/'fillings' and extractions) received per person between 2010 and 2020. Secondary: decayed, missing and filled teeth, missing teeth, inequalities, cost effectiveness and return on investment. Data sources: National Health Service Business Services Authority dental claims data. Water quality monitoring data. Primary outcome: Predicted mean number of invasive dental treatments was 3% lower in the optimally fluoridated group than in the sub/non-optimally fluoridated group (incidence rate ratio 0.969, 95% CI 0.967 to 0.971), a difference of -0.173 invasive dental treatments (95% CI -0.185 to -0.161). This magnitude of effect is smaller than what most stakeholders we engaged with (n = 50/54) considered meaningful. Secondary outcomes: Mean decayed, missing and filled teeth were 2% lower in the optimally fluoridated group, with a difference of -0.212 decayed, missing and filled teeth (95% CI -0.229 to -0.194). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of missing teeth per person (0.006, 95% CI -0.008 to 0.021). There was no compelling evidence that water fluoridation reduced social inequalities in treatments received or missing teeth; however, decayed, missing and filled teeth data did not demonstrate a typical inequalities gradient. Optimal water fluoridation in England in 2010-20 was estimated to cost £10.30 per person (excluding original setup costs). Mean National Health Service treatment costs for fluoridated patients 2010-20 were 5.5% lower per person, by £22.26 (95% CI -£23.09 to -£21.43), and patients paid £7.64 less in National Health Service dental charges per person (2020 prices). Limitations: Pragmatic, observational study with potential for non-differential errors of misclassification in fluoridation assignment and outcome measurement and residual and/or unmeasured confounding. Decayed, missing and filled teeth data have not been validated. Water fluoridation cost estimates are based on existing programmes between 2010 and 2020, and therefore do not include the potentially significant capital investment required for new programmes. Conclusions: Receipt of optimal water fluoridation between 2010 and 2020 resulted in very small health effects, which may not be meaningful for individuals, and we could find no evidence of a reduction in social inequalities. Existing water fluoridation programmes in England produced a positive return on investment between 2010 and 2020 due to slightly lower National Health Service treatment costs. These relatively small savings should be evaluated against the projected costs and lifespan of any proposed capital investment in water fluoridation, including new programmes. Future work: National Health Service dental data are a valuable resource for research. Further validation and measures to improve quality and completeness are warranted. Trial registrations: This trial is registered as ISRCTN96479279, CAG: 20/CAG/0072, IRAS: 20/NE/0144. Funding: This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR128533) and is published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 12, No. 5. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents tooth decay. It is added to some drinking water and toothpastes to improve dental health. Water with fluoride added is known as 'optimally fluoridated'. Most research on water fluoridation was carried out before fluoride was added to toothpastes in the 1970s and only included children. We wanted to know if water fluoridation still produced large reductions in tooth decay, now that decay levels are much lower because of fluoride in toothpaste. We also wanted to look at its effect on adults and teenagers. Dental patients we spoke to told us they worried about needing treatment with the 'drill', or 'injection', losing their teeth and paying for their dental care. To see if water fluoridation helped with these concerns, we compared the National Health Service dental records of 6.4 million adults and teenagers who received optimally fluoridated or non-optimally fluoridated water in England between 2010 and 2020. We found water fluoridation made a very small difference to each person. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of NHS fillings and extractions was 3% lower per person for those who received optimally fluoridated water. We found no difference in the number of teeth lost per person and no strong sign that fluoridation reduced differences in dental health between rich and poor areas. Between 2010 and 2020, the cost of optimal water fluoridation was £10.30 per person (not including setup costs). National Health Service dental patients who received optimally fluoridated water cost the National Health Service £22.26 (5.5%) less and paid £7.64 (2%) less per person in National Health Service dental charges over the 10 years. The benefits we found are much smaller than in the past, when toothpastes did not contain fluoride. The cost to set up a new water fluoridation programme can be high. Communities may need to consider if these smaller benefits would still outweigh the costs.

Dental caries prevalence in children during temporary protective care according to type of abuse.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the correlation between the prevalence of dental caries and the presence and type of abuse. METHODS: Participants were 534 children admitted for care at two child guidance centers (CGCs) in Niigata, Japan. Data pertaining to abuse, including the reason for temporary protective care and the type of abuse, and the oral examination results of the children, were collected. These results were then compared with those of a national survey and analyzed in relation to the presence and type of abuse. RESULTS: The odds ratio for decayed teeth was 4.1, indicating a higher risk in children admitted to the CGCs. However, no significant association was found between the presence of decayed, filled, or caries-experienced teeth and the presence of abuse. A significant positive association was observed between dental caries and one type of abuse, indicating a greater prevalence of dental caries in cases of neglect. The findings of this study suggest that the type of abuse, rather than its presence, is associated with dental caries. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that proactive support should be provided to children in problematic nurturing environments, regardless of whether they have been subjected to abuse.

Association of Breastfeeding and Early Childhood Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a growing public health concern worldwide. Although numerous systematic reviews have been published regarding the association between breastfeeding and early childhood caries (ECC), the results remain inconclusive and equivocal. This systematic review synthesises the evidence on the association between breastfeeding and ECC. Five electronic databases and backward citation chasing were performed from inception until May 2023. A total of 31 studies (22 cohort studies and 9 case-control studies) were included in this review. The meta-analysis of the case-control studies showed statistically significant fewer dental caries in children who were breastfed for < 6 months compared to those who were breastfed for ≥6 months (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.41-0.67, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in dental caries between children who were breastfed for <12 months and those who were breastfed for ≥12 months (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.50-0.86, p < 0.002). Similarly, there was a statistically significant difference in dental caries in children who were breastfed for < 18 months compared to those who were breastfed for ≥18 months (RR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.18-0.92, p = 0.030). Nocturnal breastfeeding increases the risk of ECC compared with no nocturnal breastfeeding (RR = 2.35, 95% CI 1.42-3.89, p < 0.001). The findings suggest breastfeeding for more than 12 months and nocturnal breastfeeding increase the risk of ECC.

Predicting dental caries outcomes in young adults using machine learning approach.

OBJECTIVES: To predict the dental caries outcomes in young adults from a set of longitudinally-obtained predictor variables and identify the most important predictors using machine learning techniques. METHODS: This study was conducted using the Iowa Fluoride Study dataset. The predictor variables - sex, mother's education, family income, composite socio-economic status (SES), caries experience at ages 9, 13, and 17, and the cumulative estimates of risk and protective factors, including fluoride, dietary, and behavioral variables from ages 5-9, 9-13, 13-17, and 17-23 were used to predict the age 23 D2+MFS count. The following machine learning models (LASSO regression, generalized boosting machines (GBM), negative binomial (NegGLM), and extreme gradient boosting models (XGBOOST)) were compared under 5-fold cross validation with nested resampling techniques. RESULTS: The prevalence of cavitated level caries experience at age 23 (mean D2+MFS count) was 4.75. The predictive analysis found LASSO to be the best performing model (compared to GBM, NegGLM, and XGBOOST), with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.70, and coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.44. After dichotomization of the predicted and observed values of the LASSO regression, the classification results showed accuracy, precision, recall, and ROC AUC of 83.7%, 85.9%, 93.1%, 68.2%, respectively. Previous caries experience at age 13 and age 17 and sugar-sweetened beverages intakes at age 13 and age 17 were found to be the four most important predictors of cavitated caries count at age 23. CONCLUSION: Our machine learning model showed high accuracy and precision in the prediction of caries in young adults from a longitudinally-obtained predictor variables. Our model could, in the future, after further development and validation with other diverse population data, be used by public health specialists and policy-makers as a screening tool to identify the risk of caries in young adults and apply more targeted interventions. However, data from a more diverse population are needed to improve the quality and generalizability of caries prediction.

Association between periodontitis and dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Recent evidence suggested a link between periodontitis (PD) and dental caries, but the trends and nature of this association remained unclear. The overall aim of this study was to critically assess the correlation of two disorders. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted within the PUBMED and EMBASE databases including grey literatures up to July 5th, 2023. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to qualitatively evaluate the risk of bias. RESULTS: Overall, 18 studies were included. In terms of caries risk in PD patients, the prevalence of caries was increased by PD (OR = 1.57, 95%CI:1.20-2.07), both in crown (OR = 1.03, 95%CI:1.01-1.05) and root caries (OR = 2.10, 95%CI:1.03-4.29). Odds of caries were also raised by PD severity (OR moderate = 1.38, 95%CI:1.15-1.66; OR severe = 2.14, 95%CI:1.74-2.64). Besides, patients with PD exhibited a higher mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed and filled root teeth (DFR) [weighted mean difference (WMD)DMFT = 0.87, 95%CI: -0.03-1.76; WMDDFR = 1.13, 95%CI: 0.48-1.78]. Likewise, patients with caries had an elevated risk of PD (OR = 1.79, 95%CI:1.36-2.35). However, Streptococcus mutans, one of the main pathogens of caries, was negatively correlated with several main pathogens of periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated a positive correlation between dental caries and periodontitis clinically, while the two disease-associated pathogens were antagonistic. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Further research, including clinical cohort studies and mechanisms of pathogens interaction is needed on this link for better prevention and treatment of PD and caries. In addition, innovative prevention strategies need to be developed and incorporated in dental practices to prevent these two highly prevalent oral diseases.

[Tooth decay and autism spectrum disorders in children: is there a connection?] / Karies zubov i rasstroistva autisticheskogo spektra u detei: est' li svyaz'?

OBJECTIVE: The study of caries lesions of children 7 and 12 years old with different degrees of severity of autism and concomitant intellectual disabilities, in comparison with a control group of neurotypical patients of similar age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The main study group included children with ASD ages 7 and 12 (n=214), and the comparison group included neurotypical children of the same age (n=140). To assess the incidence of dental caries, indicators of the prevalence and intensity of the process were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries in children with ASD is lower than in the comparison group or comparable. The average caries prevalence was found in the 7- and 12-year-old groups in children with mild autism without concomitant intellectual deficits (80.89±3.40 and 76.65±4.24, respectively). In children with severe and extremely severe autism, regardless of the presence of intellectual disability, the prevalence of dental caries was high in both age groups, which is comparable with the same indicator and age of neurotypical children. Moreover, both age groups of neurotypical children were also comparable in caries prevalence (89.67±1.65 and 90.32±1.20 respectively). Caries intensity did not seem to be related to years of autistic disorder (significantly lower in the group of 12-year-old children with ASD, compared to 7-year-olds). Caries intensity in children with ASD increased with increasing severity of autism and concomitant intellectual disability. CONCLUSION: Further comprehensive studies in terms of included variables are needed to identify contributing factors (impact of family socioeconomic opportunities, increased parental care, etc.).

A scoping review on the use of traditional medicine and oral health in Africa.

BACKGROUND: This review aimed to chart the landscape of literature concerning the precise applications of traditional medicine in managing specific oral diseases and, in doing so, to pinpoint knowledge gaps surrounding the use of traditional medicine for oral disease management in the African context. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL. The search was conducted from the inception of the database till September 2023. A search of related citations and references was also carried out. Only English language publications were included. A summary of studies that met the inclusion criteria was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 584 records identified, 11 were duplicates and 12 studies, published between 2006 and 2021, met the inclusion criteria. The studies were published from eight countries located in the five sub-regions on the continent. All the studies were either experimental designs or ethnobotanical surveys and they all utilized plant-based remedies. The five experimental studies aimed to assess the impact of whole plants or plant extracts on the three microorganisms responsible for dental caries and seven responsible for periodontal diseases. The number of plant species identified by the seven ethnobotanical surveys ranged from 29 to 62 while the number of plan families ranged from 15 to 29. The remedies were either topical applied, use as mouth rinses, gargled, or chewed. The systemic routes of administration identified were inhalation and drinking. The remedies were used for the treatment of hard such as dental caries and tooth sensitivity, to soft tissue lesions such as mouth ulcers, gingival bleeding, and mouth thrush. Other oral disorders managed include halitosis, jaw fracture, and oral cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Given the increasing prevalence of oral diseases within the region, the shortage of oral healthcare professionals and limited access to financial resources, it becomes imperative to support the generation of empirical evidence to enhance the provision of traditional medicine for oral healthcare in Africa.

Prevalence and risk indicators of early childhood caries among toddlers in Caloocan City, Philippines: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Limited published data exist on early childhood caries (ECC) among children 2 years old and below. The study aimed to determine ECC prevalence and its association with socio-demographic indicators, feeding practices and oral health behaviours among children aged 2 years and below in the Philippines. METHODS: A cross-sectional study observed young children aged 4-24 months in primary health centers. Each child's caregiver was interviewed and dental examinations were done on every child by one calibrated dentist using the ICDAS. Poisson regression using robust variance estimator analysis identified significant variables associated with ECC. RESULTS: Seven hundred three healthy children were observed at a mean age of 13.3 ± 2.4 months. ECC prevalence was 29.2% (95% confidence interval: 26.0-32.7) among toddlers who showed a mean number of 6.7 ± 3.1 erupted teeth. Multiple regression revealed that child's age (prevalence ratio, PR = 1.07), caregiver's educational level (PR = 1.43), continued breastfeeding (PR = 1.36), frequent eating (PR = 1.24), visible plaque observed by the caregiver (PR = 1.34) and in the oral examination (PR = 2.90) were significant to ECC prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: ECC is alarmingly prevalent in toddlers, marked by early onset and untreated decay. Prioritizing preventive measures in the first two years of life is crucial for understanding dietary impacts and promoting oral hygiene.

Current Status and Family Factors Influencing Caries in the Deciduous Teeth of Children 3-6 Years of Age in Families Residing in Rural Heishanzui Township.

PURPOSE: To determine the caries status in children's deciduous teeth and examine the influence of family oral health behaviours on the caries status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 329 children aged 3-6 years in rural Heishanzui Township, Hebei Province, China, and used a completely random sampling method. These children underwent physical and oral health examinations. The questionnaires were given to the parents and caregivers of the examined children. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries in the deciduous dentition among children aged 3-6 years was 80.55%, with a dmft index of 4.93. Children in the caries group ate sweets, chocolates, and carbonated drinks more frequently than did children in the caries-free group (p < 0.05). Children in the caries-free group brushed their teeth more frequently, with parents helping their children brush, more often than did those in the caries-affected group (p < 0.05). The level of parental education and annual household income also had statistically significant effects on the prevalence of caries in the two groups (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the frequency of eating sweets was a risk factor for caries in deciduous teeth (odds ratio = 2.20; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of caries in deciduous teeth among children aged 3-6 years in rural Heishanzui Township was high. Compared to children in the caries-affected group, the families and children in the caries-free group had better oral hygiene behaviours. Moreover, the frequency of eating sweets was shown to be a risk factor for caries in deciduous teeth in children aged 3-6 years.

[Characteristics of caries-related oral microorganisms in early childhood caries].

PURPOSE: To study the structural characteristics of oral microorganisms in children with caries by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. METHODS: Thirty healthy children aged 3-5 years were enrolled as subjects. According to the index of dmfs, they were divided into caries-free (CF) group (15) and early childhood caries (ECC) group(15). To compare the differences in bacterial community structure, samples of saliva and dental plaque were collected, and high-throughput sequencing was conducted using the Illumina Miseq sequencing platform. Bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze the difference of microbial community structure and diversity with SPSS 23.0 software package. RESULTS: Microbial diversity in ECC group was significantly lower than CF group. At phylum level, Actinobateria was more abundant in saliva samples of ECC group, while Firmicutes was more abundant in plaque samples of CF group. At genus level, the abundance of Lautropia of CF group was higher in saliva samples while Cardiobacterium, Gemella and Granulicatella were abundant in plaque samples. The abundance of Rothia of ECC group was higher in saliva samples and Corynebacterium was abundant of ECC group in plaque samples. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences in the species and composition of microbial community in saliva and plaque of children with or without caries. Specific microorganisms are related to the occurrence of ECC, and screening specific microorganisms is helpful for early prediction and prevention of ECC.