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DMFT

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	95%
Physics and Astronomy	4%

Kinds of DMFT

mean dmft

Terms modified by DMFT

dmft index

dmft score

Selected Abstracts

Dental injury among Brazilian schoolchildren in the state of São Paulo

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2004
Sylvia Grimm
Abstract ,,,To describe the distribution of dental trauma in Brazilian schoolchildren and its association with demographic, environmental and clinical factors. A random sample of 73 243 schoolchildren's oral examination records from private and public units, selected from 131 cities within the state of São Paulo, Brazil, was analysed. Trauma was assessed based on international methodological standards prescribed by the World Health Organization for Oral Health Surveys (1997). Proportions obtained were compared between urban and rural schools, as well as between private and public units. Oral health status indices were estimated based on the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index , the average number of decayed, missing and filled teeth; the proportion of caries-free 5-year-old schoolchildren and anterior maxillary overjet among 12-year-old schoolchildren. The prevalence of dental trauma in anterior dentition was of 2.4, enrolling average 1.2 teeth per child. A rate of 2.4 impaired anterior teeth per thousand was obtained, upper central incisors being those that were most affected , 7.7 in every 10. Among 8- to 11-year-old children, the rates grew regularly. The proportion of dental trauma was significantly higher in boys than in girls (P < 0.01), and gender prevalence ratio was of 1.58 for boys. The results showed positive associations between dental trauma and caries-free 5-year-old schoolchildren (P = 0.003), anterior maxillary overjet,3 mm (P < 0.001), and private school as a socio-economic proxy indicator (P = 0.048). [source]

Caries and dental fluorosis in a western Saharan population of refugee children

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 6 2008
José Manuel Almerich-Silla
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dental fluorosis and dental caries among western Saharan refugee children. The western Saharan child population is characterized by adverse living conditions, an unbalanced diet, poor oral hygiene habits, and a concentration of fluoride in the drinking water of around 2 p.p.m. (2 mg l,1). A sample consisting of 360 children, 6,7 yr of age, and 212 children, 11,13 yr of age, was obtained from four refugee camps (Smara, Awsard, El-Aaiun, and 27-February) situated in the vicinity of Tindouf (southern Algeria). The children were examined using the World Health Organization criteria for caries diagnosis and Dean's index for fluorosis. The decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT) score was 0.48 in the 6,7-yr-old children and 1.69 in the 11,13-yr-old children, with a caries prevalence (DMFT > 0 or decayed and filled primary teeth (dft) > 0) of 47.2% and 63.2%, respectively. Among the 6,7 yr-old children examined, 36.9% were free of fluorosis, 15.6% presented moderate fluorosis, and 7.8% presented severe fluorosis. Among 11,13 yr-old children, only 4.2% were free of fluorosis, 30.2% exhibited moderate fluorosis, and 27.4% presented severe fluorosis. The mean DMFT, decayed permanent teeth (DT), and caries prevalence (DMFT > 0 and DMFT or dft > 0) scores were significantly higher among the children affected by severe fluorosis, suggesting that severe fluorosis might increase the susceptibility to dental caries. [source]

Factors influencing the caries decline in Lithuanian adolescents , trends in the period 1993,2001

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2004
Jolanta Aleksej
The study aimed to relate a number of factors to the numbers of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) in 12- and 15-yr-olds examined and interviewed in 1993 and 2001. A total of 1250 children in 1993 and 935 in 2001 were clinically examined and completed a detailed questionnaire on dental health-related topics. Factors were related to the DMFT count applying multiple regression analysis. From 1993 to 2001, the mean DMFT decreased approximately 30% in both age cohorts. Despite an observed improvement in dental health in Lithuanian children, the number of Lithuanian children reporting frequent sugar consumption, brushing teeth irregularly and visiting the dentist only in case of emergency was still high compared with Western countries. The DMFT values were related to the fluoride content in the drinking water, oral hygiene, residency and year of examination. [source]

Oral status indicators DMFT and FS-T: reflections on index selection

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 3 2001
Annemarie A. Schuller
Oral status in a population has traditionally been described by the DMFT index (decayed, filled, and missing teeth). There seems to be contradicting and confusing evidence in the literature with regard to the usefulness of different indices. Limitations of the DMFT are recognised, and attempts have been made to develop other indices. Two indices, DMFT and FS-T (filled and sound teeth) have been selected for analysis in the present paper. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between DMFT and FS-T in different populations, and to show consequences of choice of index exemplified in analytical analysis. Data stem from the Trøndelag-83 and -94 studies that were follow-up studies of the Norwegian portion of the 1973 International Collaborative Study. Sunflower scatter plots and regression analyses were used to describe the variation in DMFT and FS-T in different populations. DMFT was more suitable for describing variation in populations with low levels of disease than FS-T, while FS-T was more suitable for describing variation in populations with high levels of disease. It may be concluded that both DMFT and FS-T should be presented when describing oral status in a population. However, choice of index depends first of all on the purpose of the investigation. If there are theoretical reasons to prefer one index instead of the other, the superiority of the alternative index in terms of variation must be disregarded. [source]

Oral disease experience of older adults seeking oral health services

GERODONTOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
Kavita P. Ahluwalia
doi:10.1111/j.1741-2358.2009.00311.x Oral disease experience of older adults seeking oral health services Objective:, The objective of this investigation was to describe the dental disease (dental caries and alveolar bone loss) experience in a sample of community-dwelling older adults who regularly utilize dental services in New York City. Background:, Public financing for dental care directed at older adults in the United States is minimal. Improved preventive methods, primarily the use of fluorides, have resulted in declines in tooth loss, and concomitant increase in risk for dental diseases among older adults. While the oral disease burden in institutionalized elderly and those unable to access services is well-documented, the dental care needs of older adults who access dental services are not well documented. Materials and Methods:, Radiographic and record review were used to determine prevalence of dental caries, alveolar bone loss, frequency of service utilization, and medical status in this cross-sectional investigation of a sample of older adults (N = 200) using dental services at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Results:, Only 9% of the sample was completely edentulous, the mean DMFT was 19.9 and mean alveolar bone loss was 3.6 mm. Missing and Decayed Teeth accounted for 57.8% and 6.5% of the total caries burden respectively. Missing Teeth and alveolar bone loss increased with increasing age, but there was no increase in Decayed Teeth. Conclusions:, While access to and utilization of dental services may result in improved tooth retention, older adults who use dental services continue to have dental care needs, especially periodontal care needs. [source]

Level of education and incidence of caries in the elderly: a 5-year follow-up study

GERODONTOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
P. Siukosaari
Objective:, This study aimed to examine the possible association between level of education and 5-year caries increment in the elderly inhabitants of Helsinki. Background:, Low salivary flow and high numbers of salivary microorganisms are associated with the presence of caries, but cannot predict the increment in caries in the elderly. Materials and methods:, This study group was derived from a population-based Helsinki Aging Study, which consisted of a random sample of elderly born in 1904, 1909 and 1914. The 71 dentate elderly who underwent clinical oral examinations at baseline (1990,91) and 5 years later (1995,96) were included in the study group. Decayed, Missing or Filled Tooth (DMFT) and Root Caries Index (RCI) indexes were used to study subject' caries experience. Data on subjects' education came from questionnaire studies. The subjects were divided into four groups according to their level of education and occupation. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate relationships between subjects' caries experience and level of education. Results:, At baseline the elderly with high level of education had more teeth and more root surfaces at risk than those with low level of education. Number of teeth decreased (,1.085, p < 0.0001), while both DMFT (1.164, p < 0.0001) and RCI (0.081, p < 0.0001) indices increased during follow-up. The increments in DMFT and RCI were not directly associated with the level of education. Multivariate analysis in which subjects' gender, number of teeth, level of education, frequency of eating and frequency of brushing were taken into consideration, showed no significant association with caries increment. Conclusions:, Within the limitations of this study it can be concluded that the level of education of the elderly is not directly associated with the increment in caries. [source]

Periodontal status and IOTN interventions among young hemophiliacs

HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 4 2006
S. AZHAR
Summary., ,Fifty-two young individuals suffering from severe haemophilia A and B volunteered to be compared with school- and college-going students for oral health status description and subsequent management. A total of 244 students (84.42% boys and 15.58% girls) with the age group of 13,23 years were divided into two groups, A and B (controls). The purpose of this study was to increase awareness about evidence-based dental practices by oral examinations followed by comparisons of periodontal health and prevalence of malocclusions among medically compromised students and healthy controls. Results described the oral health in severe haemophilic population to be compromised with combined simplified health index score of 0.50 and Decayed/Modified/Filled Teeth (DMFT) index score of 2.07 when compared with 0.42 and 0.95, respectively, among group B. Although prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among group A were higher, yet it was not confirmed as a reason for degraded dental and periodontal status. However, spontaneous and/or toothbrush (trauma)-induced gingival bleeding episodes among group A could be explained as factors discouraging oral hygiene maintenance, particularly self-administered measures. Four haemophiliacs presented with symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMPDS). Evidence-based oral medicine and clinical practices need to be encouraged and applied to enhance the quality of life among haemophiliacs, particularly in developing world. Dental treatment needs of haemophilic population appear to be greater and maybe incorporated in routine dental practices, at institutional and individual levels. [source]

Oral features and dental health in Hurler Syndrome following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 5 2010
ELEANOR McGOVERN
International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 322,329 Background., Hurler Syndrome is associated with a deficiency of a specific lysosomal enzyme involved in the degradation of glycosaminoglycans. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in early infancy is undertaken to help prevent the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans and improve organ function. Aim., To investigate the oral features and dental health of patients with Hurler Syndrome who have undergone successful HSCT. Materials and methods., Twenty-five patients (median age 8.6 years) post-HSCT (mean age 9.4 months) underwent oral assessment (mean of 7.5 years post-HSCT). Results., Dental development was delayed. Numerous occlusal anomalies were noted including: open-bite, class III skeletal base, dental spacing, primary molar infra-occlusion and ectopic tooth eruption. Dental anomalies included hypodontia, microdontia, enamel defects, thin tapering canine crowns, pointed molar cusps, bulbous molar crowns and molar taurodontism. Tooth roots were usually short/blunted/spindle-like in permanent molars. The prevalence of dental caries was low in the permanent dentition (mean DMFT 0.7) but high in the primary dentition (mean dmft 2.4). Oral hygiene instruction with plaque and or calculus removal was indicated in 71% of those that were dentate. Conclusion., Patients with Hurler Syndrome post-HSCT are likely to have delayed dental development, a malocclusion, and dental anomalies, particularly hypodontia and microdontia. [source]

Dental caries and associated factors in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 6 2005
J. DAVID
Summary Objectives. The aims of the present study were to describe the dental health status of 12-year-old schoolchildren in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, and to identify sociodemographic factors, oral health behaviours, attitudes and knowledge related to dental caries experience. Methods. The study took the form of a cross-sectional survey of 838 children in upper primary schools. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used. Dental caries was measured using World Health Organization criteria. Sociodemographic factors, oral health behaviours, attitudes and knowledge were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Results. The prevalence of dental caries in the permanent dentition was 27%. The mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth was 0·5 (SD = 0·9). The decayed component (D) constituted 91% of the total number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that children had a higher risk of having dental caries if they lived in urban area [OR = 1·5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·1,2·1], had visited a dentist (OR = 1·6, 95% CI = 1·2,2·2), did not use a toothbrush (OR = 1·9, 95% CI = 1·2,2·9), consumed sweets (OR = 1·4, 95% CI = 1·0,1·9) or performed poorly in school (OR = 1·7, 95% CI = 1·0,2·3). Conclusions. The prevalence of caries in this sample of 12-year-old schoolchildren was low compared to that in other developing countries. The present study indicated that urban living conditions were associated with more dental caries. Since urbanization is rapid in India, oral health promotion at the present time would be valuable to prevent increased caries prevalence. [source]

Caries prevalence in Belgian children: a review

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2001
J. Vanobbergen
A review of epidemiological surveys on dental caries prevalence, published between 1980 and 1999 in Belgian children, was compiled through a literature search. The number of studies performed in Belgium to date is limited. Methodological differences and confounding factors, especially socio-demographic influences, limit national comparisons of caries prevalence data. Although exact comparisons are difficult, data suggests a decline in caries prevalence in 5, 7 and 12 year-old Belgian schoolchildren in the last 20 years. In the primary dentition dmft values have decreased from 2·66 (1981) to 1·38 (1994) in 5-year-olds and from 4·1 (1983) to 2·24 (1996) in 7-year-olds. In 12-year-olds DMFT values in the permanent dentition have decreased from 3·9 (1983) to 1·93 (1994). WHO goals for the year 2000 appear to have been already reached in Flanders, with a recent estimate of 1·93 for DMFT in 12-year-olds and 56% of children being recorded as caries free at the age of 5. Continuing efforts are needed to screen the oral health of different age groups but standardised criteria and sampling procedures should be used if benefits are to be gained from national and international comparison. Data has often been limited to small selected areas and information representing the entire community of Flanders or Wallonia would be of particular value. [source]

A preliminary investigation of dental disease in children with HIV infection

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 1 2000
M. Gelbier
Objective. To establish the levels of dental caries and gingivitis in a group of HIV-positive children. Study group. The study group comprised 35 children with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus attending The Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children. Outcome measures. Outcome measures included the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth and surfaces in both the primary and permanent dentitions; plaque and gingivitis scores. Results. The children included 18 boys and 17 girls. They were aged from 6 months to 18 years, with 17 aged 5 years or less and 15 aged 6 years or older. Twenty-four of the 35 children had some caries experience. The mean dmft was 4·4 and for those with permanent teeth the mean DMFT was 0·7. Mean plaque and gingivitis scores were 16·7 and 5·1 for plaque and gingivitis adjacent to primary teeth and 8·0 and 5·7 for that related to permanent teeth. Conclusions. There is a significant treatment need for children with HIV. [source]

Association of dietary habits with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in Bangladeshi adolescents

JOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 8 2004
R. Akhter
summary, The prevalences of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in Bangladeshi adolescents and their associations with intake of various hard food items were investigated. A group of 1200 randomly selected high school students aged 12,17 years from three communities (rural, semi-urban and urban) completed a questionnaire on dietary habits and presence of TMD symptoms and were examined clinically. In bivariate analysis, no significant relationship was observed between TMD symptoms and eating of hard foods. However, in logistic regression analysis, clicking showed a significant correlation with consumption of hard vegetable and fruits more than three times per week (P < 0·05). A statistically significant correlation was also observed between consumption of all hard food items (at least one item in each of the four categories of hard food) more than 12 times per week and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (P < 0·05). A positive association was found between pain in the TMJ and older age (15,17 years) (P < 0·001). The prevalence of pain in the TMJ was significantly higher in males (P < 0·01). Prevalences of clicking and pain in the TMJ were significantly higher in subjects living in a rural area than in subjects living in an urban area (P < 0·01 and P < 0·01, respectively). Subjects having one or more decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) showed significantly higher prevalences of clicking (P < 0·01) and restricted mouth opening (P < 0·01). The results suggest that prevalence of TMD symptoms are related to prolonged consumption of hard food items. [source]

A Comparison of Dental Caries Levels in Two Communities with Different Oral Health Prevention Strategies Stratified in Different Social Classes

JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY, Issue 1 2007
Darius Sagheri PhD
Abstract Objectives: To compare dental caries levels of schoolchildren stratified in different social classes whose domestic water supply had been fluoridated since birth (Dublin) with those living in an area where fluoridated salt was available (Freiburg). Methods: A representative, random sample of twelve-year-old children was examined and dental caries was recorded using World Health Organization criteria. Results: A total of 699 twelve-year-old children were examined, 377 were children in Dublin and 322 in Freiburg. In Dublin the mean decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) was 0.80 and in Freiburg it was 0.69. An examination of the distribution of the DMFT score revealed that its distribution is highly positively skewed. For this reason this study provides summary analyses based on medians and inter-quartile range and nonparametric rank sum tests. In both cities caries levels of children in social class 1 (highest) were considerably lower when compared with the other social classes regardless of the fluoride intervention model used. The caries levels showed a reduced disparity between children in social class 2 (medium) and 3 (lowest) in Dublin compared with those in social class 2 and 3 in Freiburg. Conclusions: The evidence from this study confirmed that water fluoridation has reduced the gap in dental caries experience between medium and lower social classes in Dublin compared with the greater difference in caries experience between the equivalent social classes in Freiburg. The results from this study established the important role of salt fluoridation where water fluoridation is not feasible. [source]

Prevalence and Severity of Dental Caries in Adolescents Aged 12 and 15 Living in Communities with Various Fluoride Concentrations

JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY, Issue 1 2007
América Patricia Pontigo-Loyola DrO
Abstract Objectives: To determine the experience, prevalence, and severity of dental caries in adolescents naturally exposed to various fluoride concentrations. Methods: A cross-sectional census was conducted on 1,538 adolescents aged 12 and 15 years living at high altitude above sea level (>2,000 m or >6,560 ft) in above-optimal fluoridated communities (levels ranging from 1.38 to 3.07 ppm) of Hidalgo, Mexico. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic data were collected using questionnaires. Two previously trained and standardized examiners performed the dental exams. Results: Caries prevalence was 48.6 percent and mean of decay, missing, and filling teeth (DMFT) for the whole population was 1.15 ± 1.17. In terms of severity, 9.6 percent of the adolescents had DMFT , 4, and 1.7 percent had ,7. The significant caries index (SiC) was 2.41 in the group of 12-year-olds, and 3.46 in the 15-year-olds. Higher experience and prevalence were observed in girls, in children with dental visit in the past year, those in the wealthiest socioeconomic status (SES) (quartiles 2, 3, and 4), those whose locale of residence is in San Marcos and Tula Centro, and in fluorosis-free children and those with moderate/severe fluorosis. In an analysis of caries severity (DMFT , 4), both adolescents with very mild/mild and moderate/severe dental fluorosis have higher caries severity. Conclusions: The results indicated that caries experience, prevalence, and severity as well as SiC index among 12- and 15-year-old adolescents were relatively low. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables commonly associated with dental caries were also observed in Mexican adolescents. Unlike other studies, we found that caries increased with higher SES. Fluoride exposure (measured through fluorosis presence) does not appear to be reducing the caries prevalence (DMFT > 0) or caries severity (DMFT , 4) in these high-altitude communities. [source]

Dental Caries Status and Need for Dental Treatment of Pennsylvania Public School Children in Grades 1,3, 9, and 11

JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2004
Robert J. Weyant DMD
ABSTRACT Objectives: This cross-sectional study was designed to determine the caries status and provide a general evaluation of the level of dental treatment need of Pennsylvania public school children in grades 1, 3, 9, and 11 on a statewide and regional basis. Methods: Between September 1998 and May 2000, caries status and treatment need were assessed using a school-based dental examination, performed on a representative sample (n=6,040) of public school children in grades 1, 3, 9, and 11 (age range=6 to 21 years). Children's caries status in the primary and permanent dentition was assessed. Need for treatment was scored on a three-level categorical scale,no treatment need identified, routine treatment need, and urgent treatment need,and was based on the presence and severity of caries and other oral conditions. Population estimates of the prevalence of untreated dental caries, DMFT and dft scores, and treatment need were calculated by grade and geographically, using the six Pennsylvania health districts and the cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The inequality of caries distribution in the population was assessed for both permanent and primary caries using Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients. Results: Dental caries has remained highly prevalent among Pennsylvania's public school children. Caries levels varied considerably by health districts and city. Urgent treatment needs were significant and also varied by health district and city. Conclusions: Dental caries remains the most prevalent disease affecting Pennsylvania's schoolchildren. Caries status varies significantly by region of the state, suggesting that environmental, social, and demographic contextual factors may be important determinants of disease prevalence. [source]

Quantum phase transition between antiferromagnetic and charge order in the Hubbard,Holstein model

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 3 2010
Johannes Bauer
Abstract We explore the quantum phase transitions between two ordered states in the infinite dimensional Hubbard,Holstein model at half filling. Our study is based on the dynamical mean field theory (DMFT) combined with the numerical renormalization group (NRG), which allows us to handle both strong electron,electron and strong electron,phonon interactions. The transition line is characterized by an effective electron,electron interaction. Depending on this effective interaction and the phonon frequency ,0 one finds either a continuous transition or discontinuous transition. Here, the analysis focuses on the behavior of the system when the electron,electron repulsion U and the phonon-mediated attraction , are equal. We first discuss the adiabatic and antiadiabatic limiting cases. For finite ,0 we study the differences between the antiferromagnetic (AFM) and charge order, and find that when present the AFM state has a lower energy on the line. [source]

Optically driven Mott-Hubbard systems out of thermodynamic equilibrium

ANNALEN DER PHYSIK, Issue 12 2009
A. Lubatsch
Abstract We consider the Hubbard model at half filling, driven by an external, stationary laser field. This stationary, but periodic in time, electromagnetic field couples to the charge current, i.e. it induces an extra contribution to the hopping amplitude in the Hubbard Hamiltonian (photo-induced hopping). We generalize the dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT) for nonequilibrium with periodic-in-time external fields, using a Floquet mode representation and the Keldysh formalism. We calculate the non-equilibrium electron distribution function, the density of states and the optical DC conductivity in the presence of the external laser field for laser frequencies above and below the Mott-Hubbard gap. The results demonstrate that the system exhibits an insulator-metal transition as the frequency of the external field is increased and exceeds the Mott-Hubbard gap. This corresponds to photo-induced excitations into the upper Hubbard band. [source]

Dental caries experience in young Australian Army recruits 2008

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009
MS Hopcraft
Abstract Background:, Recent studies have shown a substantial decline in caries experience in Australian Army recruits between 1996 and 2002,2003, and in Australian adults between 1987,1988 and 2004,2006. However, studies in children have reported an increasing trend in caries experience between 1998 and 2002. The aim of this study was to investigate caries experience in Australian Army recruits in 2008. Methods:, A cross-sectional study involving 1084 Australian Army recruits was conducted from January to May 2008. Data were obtained from a clinical dental examination with bitewing radiographs, and a questionnaire elicited socio-demographic data and history on lifetime exposure to fluoridated drinking water. Results:, Mean DMFT scores were 3.16, 4.08, 5.16 and 7.11 for recruits aged 17,20, 21,25, 26,30 and 31,35 years, respectively. Recruits with a lifetime exposure to fluoridated drinking water had a mean DMFT of 3.02, while recruits with no exposure had a mean DMFT of 3.87. Conclusions:, Caries experience in Australian Army recruits aged 17,25 years increased between 2002,2003 and 2008. Recruits with lifetime exposure to fluoridated drinking water had 25 per cent less caries experience compared with recruits who had no exposure to fluoridated drinking water after adjusting for the effects of age, gender, education and socio-economic status. [source]

Water fluoridation in the Blue Mountains reduces risk of tooth decay

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009
RW Evans
Abstract Background:, In April 1992, the fluoride concentration in the Blue Mountains water supply was adjusted to 1 mg/L. Baseline dmft/DMFT has been determined in children attending schools in the region and in the adjacent reference region of Hawkesbury, fluoridated since 1968. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the water fluoridation programme in the Blue Mountains. Methods:, In 2003, children attending the same schools were sampled. Residential history data were obtained by questionnaire and caries experience was assessed according to WHO guidelines. The analysis was restricted to lifelong resident children aged 5,11 years. Results:, The baseline and follow-up dmft scores for Blue Mountains children aged 5,8 years were 2.36 and 0.67, respectively. The age-adjusted decrease in odds of experiencing one or more dmft due to fluoridation was 0.26 (CI95 0.19, 0.37). The corresponding DMFT scores for Blue Mountains children aged 8,11 were 0.76 and 0.21 and the corresponding decrease in odds of experiencing one or more DMFT due to fluoridation was 0.25 (CI95 0.16, 0.40). Conclusions:, Tooth decay reduction observed in the Blue Mountains corresponds to high rates reported elsewhere and demonstrates the substantial benefits of water fluoridation. [source]

A school-based fluoride mouth rinsing programme in Sarawak: a 3-year field study

COMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 4 2010
Catherine Jean-Ai Chen
Chen CJ-A, Ling KS, Esa R, Chia JC, Eddy A, Yaw SL. A school-based fluoride mouth rinsing programme in Sarawak: a 3-year field study. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 310,314. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract,,, Background:, This study was undertaken to assess the impact of fluoride mouth rinsing on caries experience in a cohort of schoolchildren 3 years after implementation. Methods:, 270 children aged 8,9 years from four schools in Sarawak were selected at baseline. Baseline data was collected to ensure that the selected schools did not differ significantly. Children from two schools rinsed with 0.2% sodium fluoride under supervision, while those from the other schools did not. Results:, After 3 years, 242 schoolchildren remained in the study. At the end of the study, the mean DMFT for the test group was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.93,2.67) while the mean DMFT for the control group was 4.01 (95% CI, 3.39,4.63). The mean DMFS for the test group was 3.40 (95% CI, 2.68,4.12) while the mean DMFS for the control group was 6.67 (95% CI, 5.47,7.87). After 3 years, 24.2% of those in the test group remained caries free compared to 11.5% in the control group. The risk of developing caries decreased 0.52 times among the children from the ,test' group exposed to the fluoride mouth rinsing programme as compared to the unexposed ,control' group (RR = 0.48, 95% CI, 0.26,0.85). Discussion and conclusion:, The findings show that a school-based weekly 0.2% sodium fluoride mouth rinsing programme is an effective caries preventive measure and should be implemented in fluoride-deficient areas as a means of reducing the prevalence of dental caries in these communities. [source]

Millennium development goals and oral health in cities in southern Brazil

COMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Roberto Eduardo Bueno
Bueno RE, Moysés SJ, Moysés ST. Millennium development goals and oral health in cities in southern Brazil. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 197,205. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract,,, Objectives:, To investigate social determinants of oral health, analysing the occurrence of associations between millennium development goals (MDG) indicators and oral health (OH) indicators. Methods:, An ecological study was performed in two distinct phases. In Phase 1, MDG indicators and related covariates were obtained from the demographic census of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the Ministry of Health database and the 2000 Human Development Atlas, making up the whole set of independent variables. Principal component analysis was carried out for the independent variables showing the correlations among the variables comprising the main components, and generating a synthetic index allowing the performance of the cities to be known with regard to the MDG (MDG index). In Phase 2, the DMFT index (mean number of decay, missing or filled permanent teeth) and the CF index (prevalence of caries-free individuals), in 12 years old were obtained from the epidemiological survey undertaken in 2002,2003, in 49 cities in southern Brazil, and were analysed in relation to the MDG index using Spearman's correlation. Results:, A statistically significant correlation was found for the DMFT and CF indices, respectively, with: the MDG index (R2 = 0.49 and 0.48; P = 0.00); the socioeconomic status of the population (R2 = 0.12 and 0.12; P = 0.02); the socioenvironmental characteristics (R2 = 0.41 and 0.46; P = 0.00). Conclusions:, The MDG synthetic index of the cities analysed and the respective components relating to their socioeconomic and socioenvironmental status demonstrated a positive correlation with OH indicators. As such, intersectoral public policies based on population strategies that act on social determinants of general and oral health need to be integrated so as to impact on the MDG and OH outcomes. [source]

Lifetime fluoridation exposure and dental caries experience in a military population

COMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
Gregory Mahoney
Abstract,,, While there is good evidence of caries-preventive benefits of fluoride in drinking water among children and adolescents, there is little information about effectiveness of water fluoridation among adults. Objectives:, To determine whether exposure to fluoride in drinking water is associated with caries experience in Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. Methods:, Cross-sectional study of 876 deployable ADF personnel aged 17,56 years. At each person's mandatory annual dental examination, military dentists recorded the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) using visual, tactile and radiographic criteria. Participants also completed a questionnaire, listing residential locations in each year from 1964 to 2003. People were classified into four categories according to the percentage of their lifetime living in places with fluoridated water: <10%, 10% to <50%, 50% to <90% and ,90%. Mean DMFT was compared among those categories of fluoridation exposure and the association was evaluated statistically using analysis of variance to adjust for age, sex, years of service and rank. Results:, Without adjustment for confounders, the mean DMFT (±95% confidence interval) was 6.3 ± 0.8 for <10% fluoridation exposure, 7.8 ± 0.8 for 10% to <50% exposure, 7.5 ± 0.7 for 50% to <90% exposure and 4.6 ± 0.6 for ,90% exposure (P < 0.01). However, age was inversely associated with mean DMFT and in the <10% exposure group, 91% of people were aged <35 years. Service rank was also significantly associated with both fluoridation exposure and DMFT. After adjustment for all covariates, mean DMFT was 24% lower among people in the two groups with ,50% exposure compared with the <10% exposure group. Conclusions:, Degree of lifetime exposure to fluoridated drinking water was inversely associated with DMFT in a dose,response manner among this adult military population. [source]

Use of the Significant Caries Index in quantifying the changes in caries in Switzerland from 1964 to 2000

COMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
Thomas Marthaler
Abstract , Objectives:, To follow the changes in the Significant Caries Index (SiC) and the DMFT during the period 1964,2000 in children aged 12 and 15 in the Canton of Zurich. Methods:, Examinations of random samples of children in 16 communities of the Canton were repeated every 4 years from 1964 onwards using the same standards for diagnosing caries. Results:, In the 12-year-olds, the children in the low tertile had virtually no DMF-experience from 1980 on. On the contrary, the SiC, based on the children in the highest tertile, decreased until 1996. At the age of 15, the zero-average in the low tertile was reached in 1992 but the SiC continued to decrease until 2000. In the 12-year age group the reduction of the SiC from 1964 to 1996 was 81.3% and for the overall DMFT it was 89.7%. The corresponding reductions for the 15-year-olds, in this case from 1964 to 2000, were 77.0 and 88.4%, respectively. The DMFT-counts in the total samples had substantially higher coefficients of variation than those in the highest tertile. As a consequence, the SiC had relatively smaller confidence intervals than the average DMFT. Conclusions:, The SiC is a very useful measure of dental caries experience. On the basis of the results in the 15-year-old group, the target of an SiC below 5.0 is proposed. The decline of the SiC demonstrates that even in the high-risk children caries experience has been reduced substantially. [source]

The life course approach: explaining the association between height and dental caries in Brazilian adolescents

COMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
Belinda Nicolau
Abstract , Aim:, To investigate the relationship between height and dental caries in Brazilian adolescents. Methods:, A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect retrospective data. Of 764 eligible 13-year-old adolescents enrolled in urban private or public schools in a Brazilian town, 652 were clinically examined and interviewed. Data were collected on socioeconomic circumstances, family related variables, oral health behaviour and anthropometric measures (height and weight). Dental caries was measured by decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The DMFT was categorized according to two levels of severity (low DMFT , 6; high DMFT > 6) using the 75th percentile of the distribution as the cut-off point. Data analysis involved multiple logistic regression. Results:, Adolescents who were the second or later child were 1.90 times more likely to have a high DMFT, whilst being a taller adolescent had a protective effect on caries experience (OR = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.00,0.79). In addition, adolescents from rural areas (OR = 2.74; 95% CI = 1.56,4.82), those whose mothers had less than 8 years of education (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.03,4.27) and those who reported high levels of paternal punishment (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.02,2.52) had an increased risk of having a high DMFT. Conclusion:, There is a relationship between height and dental caries experience in this sample of Brazilian adolescents. [source]

Nutritional variables related to gingival health in adolescent girls

COMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 6 2000
Stefano Petti
Abstract , In order to study the nutritional variables associated with gingival health, a case-control study was designed to control strong variables whose effect on gingival status may obscure the potential effect of weaker ones, such as nutrition. Two groups of 27 gingivitis-affected and -unaffected female adolescents were selected. All were aged 17,19 years, with mean age of the two groups statistically not different. All were non-smokers, all reported daily toothbrushing frequency of twice/day or more, and none had clinical signs of hyponutrition. Mean DMFT of the two groups was statistically not different. The effect of nutritional variables, obtained by a three-day food record and by assessing the nutritional status of the girls, on presence/absence of gingivitis was evaluated by a variety of stepwise logistic regression analyses. Age (positive correlation), riboflavin, calcium and frequency of fibre intake (negative correlations) significantly explained the risk for gingivitis. Strong intercorrelation between riboflavin and calcium was also found, due to the high quantity of milk consumed by the girls, since this food provided the main source of riboflavin and calcium. The data suggest that some dietary measures may be useful for the maintenance of healthy gingival status. [source]

Oral health status and treatment needs among school children in Sana'a City, Yemen

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DENTAL HYGIENE, Issue 2 2010
KA Al-Haddad
To cite this article: Int J Dent Hygiene DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2009.00398.x Al-Haddad KA, Al-Hebshi NN, Al-Ak'hali MS. Oral health status and treatment needs among school children in Sana'a City, Yemen. Abstract:, Data on the oral health status and treatment needs among Yemeni children are lacking. Objectives:, To assess caries prevalence, treatment needs and gingival health status among school children in Sana'a City and to examine how these are affected by age, gender and khat chewing. Methods:, 1489 children (6- to 14-year old) were randomly selected from 27 schools representing all nine districts of Sana'a City. Dental caries and treatment needs were evaluated using standard WHO oral survey methods. The plaque index (PI), calculus index (CI) and the gingival index (GI), recorded at the six Ramfjord's teeth, were used to assess gingival health status. Results:, 4.1% of the study subjects were caries-free. Prevalence of these was significantly higher among the males. Overall, mean dmfs, dmft, DMFS and DMFT scores were 8.45, 4.16, 3.59 and 2.25 respectively. The decayed component accounted for >85% of the scores. The highest dmfs/dmft means were found among the 6,8 years age group, while the highest DMFS/DMFT means were scored by the 12,14 years age group. The need for restorative treatment and extractions was high; the former was significantly higher among the females. All subjects had gingivitis; the mean PI, CI and GI were 1.25, 0.3 and 1.36 respectively. Khat chewing did not affect caries experience; however, it was significantly associated with higher PI, CI and GI scores. Conclusions:, The prevalence of caries, gingivitis and treatment needs among children in Sana'a city is high. More surveys in other Yemeni cities to generate comprehensive data are required. [source]

Oral features and dental health in Hurler Syndrome following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

The oral health of children considered very high risk for infective endocarditis

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2010
RICHARD BALMER
International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 173,178 Background., Children with previous experience of infective endocarditis or with prosthetic heart valve are considered at very high risk for infective endocarditis. Aim., The aim of this study was to compare the dental health of a group of these children with a group of healthy controls and to determine parental awareness of the importance of good oral health. Design., Oral examination was carried out in 28 children with previous infective endocarditis or a prosthetic heart valve to assess oral health. Findings were compared to a healthy control group of 28. Questionnaires were distributed to the parents to assess awareness of oral health. Results., There was no significant difference in DMFT scores of study and control group (2.43 +/- 3.72 and 1.36 +/- 2.5 respectively) or in DMFT scores of study and control group (1.5 +/- 1.73 and 1.15 +/- 1.42 respectively), 36% of the study group had untreated caries. Parental knowledge of the link between oral health and infective endocarditis was excellent. Conclusions., There were no significant differences between the oral health of cardiac children and healthy children although the dmft and DMFT scores of the study group were high. Of concern was the proportion of children with untreated caries in spite of good dental awareness and attendance. [source]

Translation and validation of a Chinese language version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS)

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 6 2009
GILLIAN H. M. LEE
Objective., This study aimed to adapt the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) for pre-school children in a Chinese speaking community and to investigate its psychometric properties (validity and reliability). Methods., A Chinese language version of the ECOHIS was derived through a forward,backward translation and tested for face and content validity among a focus group. A convenient sample of pre-school children (n = 111) was recruited (including a sub-sample with early childhood caries and caries-free children). Parents of the children self-completed the derived Chinese-ECOHIS measure. Validity of the measure was assessed by investigating the relationship between dental caries status and Chinese-ECOHIS scores (construct and criterion validity). A sub-sample of the parents repeated the ratings of the measure to enable reliability assessments. Both internal and test,retest reliability were determined. Results., A Chinese version of ECOHIS was derived with minor modification to the original version. Chinese-ECOHIS scores were associated with children's caries experience (dmft) (r = 0.66, P < 0.05) supporting convergent validity. In addition, variations in ECOHIS scores were apparent with respect to caries and caries-free groups (P < 0.001), supporting the ability to distinguish between patient groups. Cronbach's alpha values (internal reliability) for total ECOHIS score were 0.91 and intraclass correlation coefficient value (test,retest reliability) was 0.64. Conclusions., A Chinese version of the ECOHIS was developed and demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability. These findings can enable assessments of pre-school child oral health-related quality of life in Chinese speaking communities. [source]

Changes in aspects of children's oral-health-related quality of life following dental treatment under general anaesthesia

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 5 2004
H. K. ANDERSON
Summary. Objectives. This study was intended to examine the treatment-associated change in aspects of oral-health-related quality of life (QoL) among children (and their families) undergoing dental rehabilitation under general anaesthesia (GA). Methods. The parents or caregivers of a consecutive clinical sample of children receiving comprehensive dental treatment under GA at the University of Otago School of Dentistry, Dunedin, and the Christchurch Oral Health Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand, were interviewed by telephone before and after the treatment. Questions were asked relating to the impact of the condition on the child and the family. The post-treatment questionnaire also sought information related to parental satisfaction with the care provided under GA. Results. The parents or caregivers of 95 children participated in the study: 49 had treatment completed at the University of Otago School of Dentistry; and 46 were treated at the Christchurch Oral Health Centre. The child sample comprised 55·8% males and 44·2% females with a mean age of 5·1 years. Their mean dmft was 8·2. A consistent pattern of improvement was found with each indicator used. Complaints of pain, problems with eating and sleeping, and behaviour concerns showed significant improvements, with 100% improvement for children for whom frequent pre-GA problems associated with eating, sleeping and behaviour were reported. Sixty-six parents had to arrange time away from employment on the day of the GA and almost half of those incurred a loss of income. The majority of parents reported a high degree of satisfaction with the care received. Conclusions. Treating young children with high disease experience in a single session under GA results in immediate improvement in oral health and aspects of their QoL for both the children and their families. [source]