Decline in caries prevalence in6–14-year-old schoolchildren during1975–85 in Shizuoka, Japan

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in caries prevalence during 1975-85 in Japanese schoolchildren who did not have an apparent change in fluoride exposure. A total of 2872 schoolchildren aged 6-14 yr in two primary schools and one junior high school in Shizuoka city, Japan, were examined in 1985. The caries prevalence in 1985 was then compared with data which had been collected in a longitudinal survey on schoolchildren in the same primary and junior high schools by Katayama in 1970-75. The results indicated that DMFT and DMFS indices in 1985 were significantly lower than those in 1970-75 in all the examined ages (P < 0.01). The DMFT indices at age 12 were 3.60 in 1985 and 5.47 in 1970-75. Remarkable decreases in DMFT at age 12 were observed in maxillary incisors (50%), followed by maxillary molars (24%) and mandibular molars (22%). The decline in caries prevalence in the examined area may be mainly attributed to several factors other than use of fluoride, such as changes in dietary pattern, an increasing dental awareness and promotion of dental health care. But the percentage decrease per annum of DMFT index at age of 12 in the examined population was relatively low (-4.1%) in comparison with other industrial countries. Comparing the results with data from national dental surveys, it can be considered that rural areas in Japan do not exhibit a similar decline of caries prevalence as in Shizuoka city, but there will be a lot of districts exhibiting significant reduction in caries prevalence in the near future.     

Caries prevalence and salt fluoridation among 9-year-old schoolchildren in Strasbourg, France

Abstract The 9-year-old group (236 children) of an epidemiological study carried out in 1991 in Strasbourg on children aged 6 to 15 years was selected with the aim of determining if the caries prevalence reduction observed could be related to the use of salt fluoridation (FS) introduced in France in 1987. From these 236 children, 143 answered a questionnaire which showed that 36 of them were fluoridated salt users and 107 were not. The dft index was significantly lower in the FS consumers which showed 35.5% dft reduction compared to the non-FS-consuming children. When using the Generalized Linear Model, this reduction was significant (P=0.03). Although lower in the FS group, the DMFT and DMFS indices showed no statistical significant difference. It appeared that 72.2% of the users took simultaneously fluoride tablets but no dental fluorosis was observed. The use of fluoride tablets had a significant effect on the DMFS (P= 10^-2). The children who consumed FS used more frequently fluoridated mouthrinses (P=10^-3) and had more frequent professional application of fluoridated gel and varnishes than non-consumers (P=0.02). The DMFS index increased with the number of meals (P= 10^-6), which was the most significant variable entered into the Generalized Linear Model. The children who brushed their teeth once a day had a DMFS value 2.6 times higher than those who brushed regularly three times a day (P= 10^-3). The DMFS value was 4.4 times higher among the children who brushed their teeth irregularly when compared with those who brushed three times a day (P= 10^-2).     

Effect evaluation of an oral health education programme in primary schools in Tanzania

Abstract This study aimed to assess the clinical oral health outcome effects among schoolchildren participating in a school-based oral health education (OHE) programme. Local social, cultural and environmental conditions were determinants of the school-based OHE programme, which was compiled on the basis of prevailing beliefs and on what teachers and educational authorities considered to be important for the oral health of schoolchildren. Consequently, the practical aspects of oral hygiene and information on the cause and prevention of caries and gingivitis were the components of oral health education. The teachers were prepared to carry out weekly supervised toothbrushing sessions and monthly lessons on aspects of oral health for the school year in grade 4. Eight participating schools were selected for the clinical effect evaluation and four non-participating schools served as the control. In total, 309 children from the participating schools and 122 children from the non-participating schools were available for the evaluation. Their ages varied between 9 and 14 years. The mean plaque score, calculus score and gingival bleeding score at baseline and at follow-up examinations 3, 8, 15 and 36 months later were not significantly different for participating schools and controls. The mean DMFT value at baseline was 0.4 and 3 years later 0.9 in both the participating and control schools. In conclusion, the present study shows that the implemented school-based OHE programme did not result in significant reductions of the clinical parameters measured.     

Effectiveness of a dental education program on oral cleanliness of schoolchildren in Israel

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a dental health education program providing dental health information and toothbrushing instruction on oral cleanliness. Two methods of instruction, individual and group instruction, are presented in this study. The plaque situation was assessed in a group of 175 children, 11-14 years of age, by the Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) method at the beginning of the study and at 1, 2, and 12 months. It was found that immediately after instruction the dental health education program resulted in improved oral hygiene home care for the two experimental groups. However, the improvement noted was achieved regardless of the method of toothbrushing instruction (individual versus group). Moreover, it was demonstrated that maintenance of a satisfactory level of oral hygiene home care was dependent upon review of educational programs and toothbrushing instruction and not related to the method of instruction.     

Oral health status among schoolchildren in Romania, 1992

Abstract – In Romania, systematic information on the occurrence of oral diseases in children is scarce. The purpose of the present study was to describe the prevalence and the pattern of dental caries in schoolchildren, and to use the data to provide a baseline for planning and evaluation of oral health care. A national sample of children at grade I ( n = 729) and grade 6 ( n = 660) was chosen consistent with the WHO pathfinder principle. Clinical examinations were carried out according to the recording system for the Danish Municipal Dental Service and the following results were obtained. In children of grade 1 (7-yr-olds) the prevalence proportion of caries in primary teeth was 86% and in permanent teeth 39%. The mean caries indices were 11.4 dels and 1.3 DMFS. At grade 6 (12-yr-olds) the prevalence proportion of caries in primary teeth was 17% and in permanent teeth 90%. The mean caries experience was 0.8 defs and 6.5 DMFS, and a mean of 4.1 DMFT was observed. In both groups, the D-component of the caries index was dominant. The children were also classified by caries severity zone. At grade 1, 61% had a very severe pattern of caries in the primary teeth, i.e. caries in pits/fissures, proximal surfaces, smooth surfaces, and incisors. Forty-three percent of the children at grade 6 showed this pattern in permanent teeth. In Romanian schoolchildren the present level and pattern of dental caries are most severe and the implementation of oral health promotion and prevention at the community level is urgently needed.     

Comparative study of oral health status between Scottish and Japanese schoolchildren aged6–11 years

This study was carried out to examine and compare the differences in oral health status between Scottish (Fife) and Japanese (Motoyoshi) primary schoolchildren, and also to analyse some factors concerned with the differences found. It was observed that caries experience is higher in Motoyoshi than in Fife, despite Fife schoolchildren having poorer oral cleanliness and consuming snacks more frequently. However, Fife children had more fissure sealants and brushed their teeth more frequently with fluoridated dentifrice than did Motoyoshi children. The sugar content of snacks consumed by Motoyoshi children was higher than that of the Scots. Gingivitis (PMA positive rate) was higher in Fife than in Motoyoshi, and it was also noted that Fife children were less independent than Motoyoshi children in their daily behaviour.     

Effect of oral hygiene instruction and professional toothcleaning on caries and gingivitis in schoolchildren

Abstract The present study was performed lo assess the effect on caries and gingivitis of plaque control measures such as oral hygiene instruction, toothcleaning practice and professional toothcleaning. 104 children, 13-14 years old, participated in the trial. Prior to the start of the preventive treatment all children were examined regarding oral hygiene, gingivitis and caries. The caries examination was limited to the proximal surfaces of molars and premolars. Following this baseline examination the children were randomly divided into two treatment groups, A and B. Both groups of children were recalled for professional toothcleaning once every 2 weeks during an 18-month period. In each child the professional toothcleaning was restricted to either the right or the left jaws by random selection. In addition, the children of Group A at each recall appointment received careful oral hygiene instruction and practice in proper toothcleaning methods. In conjunction with the professional toothcleaning an abrasive paste was used including fluoride. The children were re-examined 18 months after the baseline examination. The result of the present investigation demonstrated that professional toothcleaning repeated every second week is a prophylactic measure which in children substantially improves the oral hygiene status, and effectively reduces clinical signs of gingivitis and caries. It was also observed that while oral hygiene instruction and practice in proper toothcleaning techniques reduced plaque and gingivitis, no such effect could be detected regarding the development of caries.     

Community risk indicators for dental caries in schoolchildren: an ecologic study

Abstract A statewide survey of NC schoolchildren found wide variation in dental caries prevalence among sampled classrooms. This study examined factors associated with this variation using classrooms as a surrogate for the larger community, in order to identify community risk indicators (CRI). In all, 172 classrooms (3400 students) in Grades K-6 were available for analysis. Initially, 56 sociodemographic, environmental, health system, and clinical factors were evaluated for their association with caries prevalence (K-3: average dfs-f DMF'S; 4–6: average DMFS) using univariate and bivariate analyses. Of these, 21 factors met our criteria for evaluation using WLS multivariate regression. For Grades K-3 (w=108), population density, parental education, and coastal residence were negatively associated with caries scores, while age, and medical and dental Medicaid expenditures were positive. For Grades 4–6 (n=64), age and fs:dfs ratio were positively associated with caries scores, while population density, population: dentist ratio, and years of natural fluoride exposure were negative. CRIs for both models, when compared to individual models, explained a substantial portion of the variation in caries prevalence, 31% for Grades K-3 and 51% for Grades 4–6. Results suggest that a risk assessment model based on community rather than individual variables is feasible and further refinement may reveal factors useful in identifying high risk communities.     

Prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth of white and black schoolchildren in Brazil

abstract The authors studied the prevalence of dental caries in white and black schoolchildren of Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The Student t-test, applied to the coefficient of prevalence of caries, revealed means significantly greater at the 5 % level in whites than in blacks in the following groups: 7 years, both sexes; 8 years, both sexes; 9 years, males; 10 years, both sexes; 11 years, males.     

Caries in 3–5-year-old Finnish children participating in public dental care during 1974–79

Abstract Nationwide and regional participation in the newly started public dental care system, occurrence of caries and proportion of children registered to be in need of restorative treatment during 1974–1979 were studied in 3-5-year-old Finnish children. The data were collected from the annual reports of municipal dental health centers. The mean annual proportion of children participating in the care increased from 27% in 1974 to 71 % in 1979. A clear improvement was noticed in each county, especially in areas where the earlier situation was poor. During the study period an average proportion of entirely caries free children increased from 24% at the beginning lo 57% at the end of the study. The mean annual proportion of children recorded to be in need of restorative care decreased from 61% at the beginning to 32% at the end of the study period. The mean dmft value decreased from 3.7 in 1974 to 1.7 in 1979. A strong inverse relationship existed between the dental health at the beginning of the study period and the extent of changes in dental health during the 6-year-period. Thus regional differences have greatly diminished since the introduction of the public dental care system.     

Caries among Danish schoolchildren in birth-cohorts 1950–78

Data on caries prevalence are reported from 8- and 16-yr-old children living in a Danish community which established the Public Child Dental Health Service in 1957. Every fourth birth-cohort from 1950 through 1970 was followed longitudinally. In the 8-yr-olds, caries prevalence decreased in the primary dentition from 17 to 3 dmfs and in the permanent dentition from 3.4 to 0.3 DMFS over a 28-yr period. Among the 16-yr-olds, a reduction was observed from 16.4 to 5.1 DMFS over 20 yr. Time trends in the decreasing caries prevalence are related to various organizational events and preventive measures. Moreover, the possible influence of general changes in living conditions and health behavior is pointed out.     

老年根面龋临床初步分析

目的:分析老年人根面龋发病的危险因素,为根面龋防治选择最佳方法.方法:对门诊老年人根面龋患者的临床资料进行分析.结果:牙龈萎缩、菌斑指数、年龄、吃甜食习惯与根面龋有关,随年龄增大而根龋增加且多发于下颌磨牙、前磨牙,以近远中面为好发牙面.结论:牙龈萎缩、菌斑指数、年龄是根龋发生的危险因素.防治老年根面龋应消除各种致病因素,早期防治,以保护天然牙列的完整性.     

Dental plaque, caries prevalence and gingival conditions of 14-15-year-old schoolchildren in Jerash District, Jordan

Abstract:  The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate oral hygiene, gingival condition and dental caries prevalence in 14–15-year-old school children in Jerash District, Northern Jordan. Twenty schools (10 male and 10 female schools) with 1362 children of eighth and ninth grades were randomly selected and incorporated in this study. All participants had dental examinations for oral hygiene, gingival condition and dental caries experience using the Silness and Löe Plaque Index (PI), Löe and Silness Gingival Index (GI), and decayed (D), missing (M) and filled (F) teeth (DMFT) and surface (DMFS) codes respectively. The results showed that males had significant lower plaque but significantly higher gingival scores than females ( P  < 0.001). About 24% of children were caries-free. The proportions of children with one, two or three decayed teeth were between 10% and 18%. Slight non-significant variations between males and females were observed in regard to DMFT/S and their components ( P  < 0.05). It is concluded that significant gender variations were noted in PI and GI scores but not in DMFT/S or their components. However, the values of these clinical scores were lower than those results previously reported in northern Jordan.     

Effect of mechanical and chemical plaque control measures on oral microflora in schoolchildren

Abstract The incidence of S. sanguis, S. salivarius, S. mutans, total streptococci and lactobacilli was examined in highly caries active 13–14-year-old schoolchildren participating in a prophylactic program. After 1 year of trial, professional toothcleaning once every second week markedly reduced the frequency of gingivitis and the caries increment. Bimonthly topical applications of a 0.5 % chlorhexidine gel with or without subsequent rinsing with 2% MFP had no effect on plaque score and gingivitis but tended to reduce the caries activity. No significant changes were found in the groups with regard to the salivary number of total streptococci and S. sanguis. A reduction of the population of S. salivarius, S. mutans and lactobacilli was observed in the chlorhexidine group. In the group where chlorhexidine was combined with MFP, only S. mutans was reduced.     

Effect of cariogenic food exposure on prevalence of dental caries among fee and non-fee paying Nigerian schoolchildren

Abstract Dental caries status, frequency of sweet consumption and method of toothcleaning of 180 Nigerian elementary schoolchildren aged 8–15 yr were investigated by clinical examination and questionnaire technique. The highest frequency of sweet consumption was recorded for the fee-paying pupils, who also had statistically significantly higher caries prevalence than in non-fee paying schools (P < 0.001). About 48% and 24% of the fee and non-fee paying pupils respectively had dental caries. There was no significant difference in the sex distribution of I he disease (P < 0.05). However, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between methods of cleaning the teeth in the two types of schools. The majority (95%) of the fee-paying pupils used only a toothbrush while 51% of the non-fee paying pupils used a chewing slick. Methods for restricting the use of sweet snacks in addition to oral hygiene instruction are discussed as important means to reduce the increasing caries prevalence in schoolchildren in developing countries.     

The relationship between obesity and dental caries according to life style factors in schoolchildren: a case-control study

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the association between obesity and dental caries in terms of life-style habits and socio-economic status in Turkish school children.

Materials and methods: This case-control study was undertaken with 178 children aged 6–11 years in a Turkish government children’s hospital. The case group consisted of 86 obese children who were categorized in ≥95 percentile according to the BMI. The control group consisted of 90 non-obese children that would not raise any doubts about the teeth disease. Data of demographic features and life-style habits were obtained by a questionnaire at the dental examination. Caries experience was measured with DMFT and dmft indices.

Results: No difference was found between obesity and caries prevalence in primary dentition (p?=?.957); however, there was a statistically significant association in the permanent dentition (p?=?.002). Also, no differences were found in children with healthy natural teeth between the study groups according to education level, family income and food consumption during TV viewing in primary dentition (p?=?.297; p?=?.652; p?=?.023).

Conclusions: It can be concluded that obesity appears to be not a possible risk factor for dental caries in primary dentition, but would be a probable endangerment in the permanent dentition.     

Prevalence of dental decay in Jewish and Arab schoolchildren in the Jerusalem area

The purpose of this survey was to gather up-to-date information on the prevalence of dental decay in schoolchildren in the Jerusalem area. Close to 650 Arab and Jewish schoolchildren aged 6-8 yr underwent oral examinations. The relationship between caries prevalence and treatment supplied with some secondary factors was studied. The results show that 92% of the children were affected by decay. Compared to former years there is an increase in the prevalence of dental caries throughout the population. No significant differences were found when sex, ethnic population or socioeconomic factors were related to caries prevalence. However, when DMF is broken down into its components, Arab children were seen to have a greater number of teeth affected by caries and in need of treatment (D). In contrast, treatment need has been met to a much greater degree among Jewish children than among Arab children. Data and explanations are offered.