Prevalence of periodontal disease in the primary dentition of children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate periodontal disease prevalence in the primary dentition of children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: The experimental group consisted of 100 children with CP and the control group, 100 healthy children. The indices used in the oral examination were: debris index, calculus index, gingival index, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), and gingival hyperplasia index. RESULTS: It was observed that the mean values for the debris index, OHI-S, and gingival index were higher in the children with CP than in the control group. In the CP group, the percentage of children who had their teeth brushed by their parents or another person was greater than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, it was concluded that children with CP had greater prevalence of periodontal disease in the primary dentition than children in the control group.     

Developing and evaluating an oral health-related quality of life index for children; the CHILD-OIDP

OBJECTIVE: To develop an oral health-related quality of life index in Thai children and evaluate its psychometric properties. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of children aged 11-12 years, attending the final year of primary school (grade-six). Development and evaluation process was conducted on non-random sample in U-thong District, Suphan-buri province, Thailand. Re-evaluation of the index included all target group children in a municipal area of Suphan-buri province, Thailand. The psychometric properites evaluated in this study refer to face, content and concurrent validity and internal and test-retest reliability. PARTICIPANTS: 513 children in the development process. 1,100 children in the re-evaluation. RESULTS: Throughout the development process, the OIDP index was modified and its psychometric properties evaluated. The final test revealed excellent validity and reliability. Weighted kappa was 0.93. There was no negative correlation between any item, corrected item-total correlation coefficients were between 0.4-0.7, Standardised Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.82. The index showed very significant associations with perceived oral treatment need (p < 0.001) and perceived oral health problems (p < 0.001). The validity and reliability of the index was confirmed by similar results in the re-evaluation study. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstated that the CHILD-OIDP index is a valid, reliable and practical measure of oral health-related quality of life in 12 year old Thai children.     

Survey on oral hygiene status in children with Down's syndrome and mental retardation]

The purpose of this study was to compare the periodontal condition of children with Down's syndrome and other types of mental retardation with normal children. We used two indexes: a plaque index and a gingival index. By means of the student t-test and ANOVA statistical procedure, we found the following. Mentally retarded children had a higher average intelligence than children with Down's syndrome, and significant differences existed among the three groups on both the plaque index and the gingival index, while sex had no influence on these results.     

Salivary bacteria and oral health status in children with disabilities fed through gastrostomy

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 179–185 Objectives. This study examined caries level, amount of calculus, and oral microbial environment in gastrostomy tube (GT)‐fed children compared with healthy children and children with disabilities orally fed (PO). Study design. The study group consisted of 12 GT‐fed children and the two control groups consisted of 16 children with disabilities orally fed and 17 healthy children. DMF‐T/dmf‐t index, calculus index, Mutans Streptococci (MS), Lactobacilli (LB) levels and salivary buffer capacity were examined. Results. DMF‐T/dmf‐t index was significantly lower in the tube‐fed group. Calculus index was highest in the tube‐fed group. MS and LB levels were the lowest in the tube‐fed children. Correlation was found between MS and DMF‐T/dmf‐t. Conclusions. Tube‐fed children demonstrated significantly higher calculus levels and less caries, MS, and LB levels then healthy children or children with disabilities eating PO.     

Dental health and treatment in a group of children with congenital heart disease

PURPOSES: The purposes of this study were to: (1) determine the prevalence of dental caries and developmental enamel defects in children with congenital heart (CHD) disease; and (2) evaluate previous dental treatment. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-six 2- to 16-year-old children were examined during their outpatient cardiology appointment. The study group consisted of 86 CHD children. Sixty healthy children formed the control group. RESULTS: Mean dmft and DMFT scores were 1.57 (+/- 3.01 SD) and 0.77 (+/- 1.42) for the study group and 1.81 (+/- 3.64) and 0.38 (+/- 1.16) for the control group, respectively. Eight out of 86 CHD children and 5 out of 60 healthy children had enamel defects on their permanent teeth. No significant differences were demonstrated between the 2 groups. The care index for primary teeth was 10% for the study group and 3% for the control group. In permanent dentition, the care index was 30% and 16%, respectively CONCLUSIONS: Children with and without congenital heart disease had similar levels of dental disease. The care index for primary teeth was higher in CHD children, although the overall level was very low.     

A retrospective study of dental behavior management problems in children with attention and learning problems

Attention and learning problems in children are common. The aim of this study was to investigate whether children with attention and learning problems had more dental behavior management problems (BMP), more cancelled and missed appointments, and more traumatic dental injuries compared with a control group. All children born in 1991 attending mainstream schools (n = 555) in one Swedish municipality were screened for behavioral and learning problems. Conners' 10-item questionnaire and a questionnaire focused on executive and learning problems were used. A total of 128 screen-positive patients were index cases and 131 screen-negative patients control cases. The dental records of these children were studied from 1 yr of age until the child reached 10 yr. Behavior management problems on at least one occasion were more common in the index group (54% vs. 37%). The percentage of appointments at which the children exhibited BMP was higher in the index group (13% vs. 7%). No differences were found for cancelled or missed appointments or dental traumatic injuries between the two groups. In conclusion, the results of this study show that children with attention and learning problems had significantly more dental behavior management problems compared with a control group.     

Immunoglobulin A, G and M levels in saliva in children between 3 - 12 years of age, healthy and with gingivitis

The aim of this study was to measure the level of immunoglobulin A, G and M in saliva of 3- to 12-year-old children, both healthy and diagnosed with gingivitis. Methods: A sample of 177 children was selected, of whom 24 were healthy and 153 were diagnosed with gingivitis according to Loe 's index. Samples of saliva were taken and the ELISA test was applied to obtain the immunoglobulin concentrations expressed in microg/ml. A relationship was established between the immunoglobulin levels, the disease (gingival index) and Loe 's bacterial plaque index. IgG levels were higher in healthy children. In the group with gingivitis, 95.8% of the children had incipient gingivitis with a low average index of bacterial plaque (1.33). A direct correlation was found between age and gingival index, while an inverse correlation was found between age and bacterial plaque index. The analysis of the behavior of immunoglobulin according to age showed that age was only significantly correlated to IgA levels. The analysis comparing immunoglobulin levels and clinical parameters for gingivitis showed a direct correlation between gingival index and lgM The gingival index was found that to increase with the age of the subject, even though bacterial plaque decreases. It was also found that age is a better predictor of lgA level than gingival index and bacterial plaque index are; and that gingival index is a better predictor of lgM level than age and bacterial plaque index are.     

The relationship between periodontitis and tooth decay in juvenile diabetes mellitus cases and in healthy children

Children diagnosed as having juvenile diabetes mellitus have been compared with healthy children of the same age, with respect to decayed, filled primary teeth (df), decayed, missing, filled permanent teeth (DMF), Gingival index (GI), Periodontal index (PI), Oral hygiene index (OHI). These parameters have been evaluated according to WHO criteria. Corresponding parameters have been statistically evaluated. When experimental and control groups were compared statistically, a highly significant difference was seen between df and DMF indexes of diabetic and healthy children. In the periodontal evaluation, a significant difference was found in the gingival index, but no such significance was seen in the periodontal index. From the results of this study it can be seen that children with juvenile diabetes mellitus had less caries incidence compared with the control group. Even though gingival destruction had already started in this study group, intense periodontal damage was not observed at this particular age level.     

A dental-facial attractiveness scale. Part I. Reliability and validity

Since the decision to seek orthodontic treatment is frequently the result of concerns about appearance, assessment of need for treatment should include an impartial evaluation of dental-facial appearance. While some of the standardized techniques for assessing malocclusion have included a consideration of esthetic impairment, they tend to confound this with functional impairment. The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable index that provides relatively objective judgments of dental-facial attractiveness. The subjects in this study were eighth- and ninth-grade children seeking orthodontic treatment and their siblings, and eighth- and ninth-grade children not seeking treatment and their siblings. Photographs of the children were rated for dental-facial attractiveness by lay and dental judges. Children were also assessed for severity of malocclusion by means of the Treatment Priority index. Children seeking treatment were perceived as significantly less attractive than children not seeking treatment. Dental judges rated children seeking treatment as more attractive than did nondental judges. Intraclass reliability coefficients were moderate to high.     

Dentists' ranking of Medicaid reimbursement rates as a measure of their pediatric Medicaid participation

The objective of the study was to determine the usefulness of dentists' ranking of Medicaid reimbursement rates as a measure of their participation in the Medicaid program for children. Data were obtained from two mail-in questionnaire surveys of Connecticut dentists, before and after an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for children. Dentists ranked acceptability of Medicaid reimbursement rates on a seven-point index, while their participation in the Medicaid program was assessed by whether they acknowledged treating Medicaid children and were currently accepting new Medicaid children into their practices. There was a significant difference (p < 0.0001) in the dentists' ranking of Medicaid reimbursement rates following the rate increase indicating that the index was responsive. Acceptance of new Medicaid children into dental practices was a better measure of active participation in the Medicaid program. Following the increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates, dentists ranking it as acceptable/equivocal were more likely (p < 0.02) to accept new Medicaid children into their practices. In conclusion, the index of dentists' ranking of Medicaid reimbursement rates was a responsive and valid measure of their participation in the Medicaid program.     

Oral health status and dental needs of autistic children and young adults

Aim: Children with autism might need more dental care than non‐autistic, healthy children. The aims of this study were: (a) to describe the caries experience and treatment needs of autistic children aged 6–16 years in the United Arab Emirates; and (b) to provide baseline data at national and regional levels to enable comparisons and future planning of dental services for children with autism. Methods: All children attending a day centre in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, for autism were selected for the study. Sixty‐one autistic children aged 6–16 years (45 males and 16 females) were included in the study. Each patient received a complete oral and periodontal examination using codes and criteria as described by the World Health Organization. Results: The overall mean for Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth/decayed, missing, and filled teeth was 2.4. Female autistic children had significantly higher mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth/decayed, missing, and filled teeth scores (4.4) than males (1.63). The percentage of decayed, missing, and filled teeth increased with increasing age. The restorative index and met need index for the autistic children aged 11–15 years were 0.02 and 0.10, respectively. Conclusion: Effective oral health promotion strategies need to be implemented to improve the oral health status of autistic children.     

A trial of performing dental caries prevention in preschoolers with fluoridated salt

Fluorinated salt was added to rations of preschool children for preventing dental caries. The program was implemented in 1411 children for 1 year, in 1438 for 2 years, in 1070 for 3 years, and in 1056 children for 4 years. The study was carried out in children attending kindergartens in Minsk, Mogilev, Mozyr, Nesvizh, and Baranovichi. Due to fluorinated salt, the incidence and intensity of caries decreased. In the group given fluorinated salt for 2 years, the incidence of caries decreased by 4.96% (p < 0.001), its intensity by the CDL (carious-decayed-lost) index by 14.71%, and by the CPL (caries-prostheses-lost) index by 12.99%. Three-year consumption of fluorinated salt decreased the incidence of caries by 8.07% (p < 0.001), its intensity by the CDL index by 23.86%, and by the CPL index by 23.93%. In children using fluorinated salt for 4 years, these values decreased by 12.56 (p < 0.001), 32.80, and 29.64%, respectively. Hence, fluorinated salt can and should be used for preventing dental caries in collective bodies of preschool children.     

Oral hygiene practices and periodontal health in primary school children in Nairobi, Kenya.

The purpose of this study was to obtain data on the oral hygiene practices, oral hygiene status, and periodontal health among primary school children in Nairobi. The study group consisted of 513 children, 262 aged 6-8 years and 251 aged 13-15 years. The children were from 6 schools randomly selected among the 154 public primary schools in the city. The clinical examination was performed in a room with natural daylight, using the WHO (1980) criteria. Although most of the children reported brushing habits, 75% of the index tooth surfaces in the younger and 55% in the older age group had visible plaque. In both age groups about 25% of the index sites had gingivitis. Moderate amounts of calculus were recorded among the older children. Only two children had periodontal pockets greater than or equal to 4 mm. There was no statistically significant difference (p greater than 0.05) between males and females recorded with plaque and gingivitis in the younger age group. In the older group, however, a significantly higher proportion of males (p less than 0.05) were recorded with plaque and gingivitis. The oral hygiene practices and oral hygiene status were poorer among children from low than from high socioeconomic status. Provision of dental health education for children in Nairobi is recommended.     

Oral hygiene evaluation in children in an elementary school under continuous stomatological care

Oral hygiene status was assessed in 183 children aged 10, 11 and 12 years. The study comprised an inquiry and a clinical examination evaluation the status of oral hygiene. The greatest values of the fuchsin index determining the oral hygiene were found in children brushing teeth without instructions concerning correct brushing.     

Interpupillary index: a new parameter for hypo-hypertelorism.

AIM: To establish a new clinical index to evaluate the presence of hypo-hypertelorism with greater accuracy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After screening a wide range of population, 310 elementary school children (185 boys, 125 girls) aged 7-15 years were included in this study. For this cross-sectional study, a millimetre ruler was used. The anatomical interpupillary distance was measured by a modified Viktorin's method. In addition, inner and outer intercanthal distances were obtained. The data were analyzed by Student's t-test for two independent samples using SPSS for Windows. There were children with clinical hypertelorism (n = 92, group 1), children with large fronto-occipital circumference (FOC) (n = 101, group 2), and age- and sex-matched normal controls (n = 117, group 3). Due to variations in FOC among healthy subjects, we introduced a new practical concept for evaluation of interpupillary distance, namely the interpupillary index, the simple product obtained by dividing the interpupillary distance by the FOC, multiplied by 100. RESULTS: The overall idiopathic benign macrocephalic children (group 2) had significantly (p < 0.001) larger interpupillary distances (6.13 +/- 0.36 cm) and FOCs (56.99 +/- 1.46 cm) than those of normal controls (5.70 +/- 0.26cm and 52.82 +/- 1.22 cm, respectively). But, the difference between the combined product of interpupillary distance and FOC, the interpupillary index, was not significant (10.76 +/- 0.50 and 10.79 +/- 0.35, respectively) (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the children with hypertelorism had significantly (p < 0.001) larger interpupillary distances (6.47 +/- 0.29cm) and FOCs (54.90 +/- 2.18cm) when compared with the controls. In addition, the interpupillary index was significantly (p < 0.001) higher (11.80 +/- 0.45) than both macrocephalic children (10.76 +/- 0.50) and controls (10.79 +/- 0.35). Intercanthal distances and intercanthal index of hyperteloric children were also significantly (p<0.001) larger than both macrocephalic children and controls. CONCLUSION: This new index offers a new concept for more accurate evaluation of the presence of ocular hypo-hypertelorism.     

Validation of a French version of the Child-OIDP index

The Child-OIDP index is an indicator of oral health-related quality of life, which has been validated among 12-yr-old children in Thailand. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability, validity, and applicability of this questionnaire among French children. After translation and cultural adaptation, the Child-OIDP was tested on 414 10-yr-old children in France. The children completed the Child-OIDP in face-to-face interviews, were clinically examined, and answered questions evaluating their global self-rated oral health. Parents filled in a questionnaire concerning their socio-demographic background. An oral impact on daily life was reported by 73% of the children. The mean Child-OIDP score was 6.32 [standard deviation (SD) 8.22] and the median was 3.33. The internal reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.57. The retest procedure (n = 62) showed a satisfactory reproducibility (r = 0.81, kappa = 0.75). The index was shown to be a valid instrument. Construct validity was satisfactory as the Child-OIDP score increased when the children's perceived oral health decreased. The Child-OIDP score was able to discriminate between different socio-demographic groupings and varied according to dental status. This study showed that the Child-OIDP is applicable for use among children in France. It has promising psychometric properties but further research is required to evaluate its sensitivity to change.     

Prevalence of dental caries in USAF family members age 3-15

This study was undertaken to determine the caries prevalence and restorative needs of United States Air Force (USAF) family members ages 3-15. Examinations were performed on 1802 USAF children at five bases. Indexes recorded were: Decayed, Missing, Filled Surfaces (DMFS) for permanent teeth; decayed, filled surfaces (dfs) for primary teeth; and a Dental Restorative Treatment Need Index. Results indicate an increase in the dfs and DMFS index with age, with more caries present in young children located overseas. No significant differences between children of officers and enlisted members were found. A higher dfs and DMFS index was found in other racial families as compared to blacks or whites. This study's overall population sample had a higher dfs index but lower DMFS index than the 1986-87 NIDR survey showed.     

The Rural Dental Health Program: Long-term Impact of Two Dental Delivery Systems on Children''s Oral Health

This paper addresses the long-term effect of two dental delivery systems established during the Rural Dental Health Program (RDHP) in 1975. At that time 725 children in grades K-2 were assigned randomly to an enriched dental health education program or regular health education program and to a SCHOOL- or COMMUNITY-based dental delivery system. Seven years after funding for RDHP ended, children originally assigned to the COMMUNITY group utilized more professional services and showed a higher level of dental knowledge than children assigned to the SCHOOL group. In addition, COMMUNITY-based children had, on average, twice as many sealed teeth. While the follow-up study did not reveal any statistically significant difference in the clinical oral health indices (DMFS, gingival index, calculus index, plaque index, periodontal probing depth, and orthodontic treatment priority index) the COMMUNITY-based children's higher level of professional dental service utilization, greater number of sealed teeth, and increased dental knowledge should lead to a higher level of oral health in the long run.     

7～9岁儿童患龋状况与咀嚼效能关系的研究

目的:研究龋病充填治疗前后咀嚼效能的变化,探讨儿童患龋状况与咀嚼效能之间的关系。方法:研究对象为40名7~9岁无龋儿童及40名有龋儿童(CSI≥10且dft≥5),采用吸光光度法测定无龋儿童及有龋儿童充填治疗前后半分钟的咀嚼效能。结果:1)有龋组治疗前后的咀嚼效能差异有高度统计学意义(P<0.001);2)有龋组治疗后与无龋组儿童咀嚼效能差别有高度统计学意义(P<0.001);3)有龋组治疗前与无龋组儿童的咀嚼效能差异有高度统计学意义(P<0.001)。4)有龋组治疗前龋蚀指数与咀嚼效能呈直线负相关关系。结论:7~9岁儿童咀嚼效能与患龋状况存在直线负相关关系,龋病充填治疗可显著增加患龋儿童的咀嚼效能。