bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral health screening of elderly people attending a Community Care Centre
Authors: Diu Shamsher , Gelbier Stanley
Published: May 2006

Abstract A socio‐dental survey was carried out to determine the level of dental disease and treatment requirement among elderly people attending a Community Care Centre. A screening programme involving 293 elderly people demonstrated a normative need of 82% and a felt need of 53%. Seventy‐six per cent would have benefited from dental care. Many individuals who both needed and wanted dental care were not receiving it because they were discouraged from doing so predominantly because of poor mobility. It is recommended, therefore, that dentists be included in multi‐disciplinary teams caring for elderly people so that they can be screened and given the opportunity to obtain dental care
Tooth mortality and prosthetic treatment patterns in urban and rural Chinese aged 20–80 years
Authors: Wen‐Min Luan , Baelum Vibeke , Xia Chen , Fejerskov Ole
Published: May 2006

Abstract The study describes tooth mortality levels and pattern of prosthetic treatments in a sample of 1744 Chinese aged 20–80 yr who are residents of Beijing area. Complete edentulousness was rarely seen before the age of 60 yr. Beyond this age up to 26% were edentulous, depending on age and sex. The mean number of teeth present ranged from 10.0 to 29.7 depending on age, sex, and area of residence. Below the age of 60 yr very few persons had experienced extensive loss of teeth but thereafter the number of teeth missing was substantially increased. Prosthetic treatments in the form of partial dentures, crowns, and bridges were frequently observed even in the younger age groups. In all age groups the number of teeth exhibiting caries lesions involving the pulp was much higher than the number of teeth exhibiting extensive mobility. Although many people retain a high number of teeth even late in life our findings indicate a substantial need for, in particular, relief of pain services. Concurrently, emphasis must be placed on preventive programs aiming at interfering with ongoing disease
General oral status in adults with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Laurell L. , Hugoson A. , Håkansson J. , Pettersson B. , Sjöström L. , Berglöf F. E. , Berglöf K.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The oral status of an adult population of 204 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was compared with that of an age and sex‐matched random sample of non‐rheumatic subjects. The percentage of edentulous subjects, number of existing teeth in dentate subjects, prevalence, and quality of fixed and removable prostheses and prevalence of disorders of the stomatognathic system was recorded. The percentage of edentulousness among RA‐patients was 17% and among non‐RA subjects 19%. Number of remaining teeth was equal. 75% of removable partial and 62% of complete dentures among RA‐patients were considered unsatisfactory compared to 25% and 56% respectively among non‐RA subjects. Disorders related to the TMJ occurred much more frequently among RA‐patients than among non‐RA subjects. It is suggested that thorough stomatognathic examination and TMJ‐prophylaxis be included in the overall care of RA‐patients
Severity of nursing‐bottle syndrome and feeding patterns in Kuwait
Authors: Babeely Khaldoun , Kaste Linda M. , Husain Jasim , Behbehani Jawad , Al‐Za'abi Fatima , Maher Therese C. , Tavares Mary , Soparkar Pramod , DePaola Paul
Published: May 2006

Abstract On the basis of extensive clinical experience, a classification scheme for nursing‐bottle syndrome (NBS) has been empirically constructed to reflect the progression and severity of the disease. Patients who do not have NBS are assigned a score of zero. Patients with NBS are given a score of 1 if they have caries on the facial or lingual surface of at least one of the primary maxillary incisors and optionally the primary maxillary first molars, a 2 if the buccal surface of one or both of the primary mandibular first molars are also involved, or a 3 if specific multiple surfaces are involved. The feeding pattern classification is as follows: 0 = non abusive, 1= mildly, 2 = moderately, and 3 = severely abusive. The scoring depends upon the number of feeding times/day, the frequency with which the bottle or breast feeding is given during the night, and the duration of the feeding pattern (in months). Eighty‐six cases were reviewed for classification. A chi‐square test of a two‐way contingency table showed a strong and significant relationship between disease severity and degree of feeding abuse. The findings support the validity of the classification schemes, illustrate the general pattern of NBS progression, and indicate that disease severity is a function of specific combinations of factors
Cigarette smoking as risk factor in chronic periodontal disease
Authors: Bergström Jan
Published: May 2006

Abstract Patients admitted to the School of Dentistry. Stockholm, for treatment of chronic periodontal disease during the years 1980–82 were retrospectively investigated with respect to their smoking habits. The investigation was designed as a case control study and covered all patients 30, 40, or 50 yr of age upon admission, in all 155. As control served a random sample of the Stockholm population. The periodontal variables under scrutiny were frequency of periodontally diseased teeth, frequency of periodontally diseased sites (probing depth >4 mm), gingival index, and plaque index. The overall occurrence rate of smokers in the sample of cases was 56%, which is significantly greater than the population at large. This held true for all three age cohorts and for men as well as women. The risk ratio was 2.5, indicating more prevalent disease among smokers. Further, significantly greater frequencies of periodontally involved teeth and diseased sites were found in smokers, indicating more severe disease among smokers. Gingival index and plaque index did not notably differ between smoking groups. The results suggest increased prevalence as well as severity in smokers. Smoking, therefore, should be considered a risk factor for chronic periodontal disease
Diagnostic criteria for intraarticular T.M. disorders
Authors: Schiffman Eric , Anderson Gary , Fricton James , Burton Kristine , Schellhas Kurt
Published: May 2006

Abstract Epidemiological investigations about the prevalence of TMJ ID and osteoarthritis have largely reported the symptoms and signs associated with these disorders without specific criteria to establish the diagnosis. In this study, specific diagnostic criteria have been developed, using historical, clinical and tomographic items that are predictive of the presence and stage of TMJ internal derangement. The diagnostic criteria were compared to arthrotomography to assess their diagnostic accuracy. Overall, the percent agreement was 75%. The predictability of specific stages of TMJ ID varied. Overall, sensitivity and specificity of the criteria were acceptable. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis was predicted only with tomography. Utilization of these diagnostic criteria in epidemiological studies is valid due to their high overall predictiveness when applied to a large population
Work‐related stress and its predictors among Canadian dental assistants
Authors: Locker David , Burman David , Otchere Dan
Published: May 2006

Abstract This paper reports the results of a survey of 1000 certified dental assistants in Ontario, Canada. The aim was to obtain data on work‐related stress, its sources and predictors. Of those responding to the survey, 38.8% said that their work was moderately stressful and 14.5% said it was very or extremely stressful. Approximately one‐third had been bothered by stress at work on three or more days in the previous week. The main sources of stress were working under constant time pressures, running behind schedule and feeling undervalued by the dentist. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the main predictors of work stress were not having a clear job description, working long hours, life stress while not at work and age. However, these variables explained less than 10% of the variance in job stress scores. Overall, 22.8% said it was very likely that they would seek work in another practice or seek work outside dentistry in the coming year. There was a significant association between work stress and job intentions; 43.0% of those reporting high levels of stress intended to change jobs compared to 8.9% of those who said that their job was not at all stressful (P<0.0001). These findings have implications for the way in which dental practice is organised and managed
Caries in fissures of permanent first molars as a predictor for caries increment
Authors: van Palenstein Helderman Wim H. , Pelkwijk Lietje ter , van Dijk Jan Willem E.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A group of 268 children were checked for caries experience at the age of 7, 2 yr later at the age of 9 and 4 yr later at the age of 11 yr. Caries experience of fissures in permanent first molars at the age of 7 yr served as a screening criterion for caries increment between the ages of 7 and 11 yr. This screening resulted in a sensitivity of 0.62, a specificity of 0.82, and a diagnostic power of 0.83 for total caries increment in the permanent dentition and in a sensitivity of 0.68, a specificity of 0.80, and a diagnostic power of 0.78 for caries increment in fissures of permanent first molars. It was concluded that this screening offered the best method available for identifying children at risk from fissure caries in their permanent first molars. Cost effectiveness of preventive treatment directed towards individuals, for instance the application of fissure sealants, can be improved by using this screening method.
Prediction of caries activity in children with today's low caries incidence
Authors: Klock Björn , Emilson Claes‐Göran , Lind Sven‐Ove , Gustavsdotter Maria , Olhede‐Westerlund Ann Marie
Published: May 2006

Abstract One hundred 14‐yr‐old children were observed over 1 yr to find out if caries incidence and caries progression could be predicted in a low prevalence child population by means of well‐known caries related factors. The mean caries incidence was low (0.45, SD 0.70) but, on the other hand, 32% of the children developed at least one new lesion during the test period. In only eight out of 35 children progressing lesions were demonstrated. Independent variables at baseline examination were caries prevalence, sucrose intake, fluoride exposure, oral hygiene, saliva secretion rate, and salivary concentrations of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. A weak but statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between caries incidence and caries prevalence. No other significant correlations were shown. It was concluded that caries activity could not be predicted in this population. Low disease prevalence was a major reason for the weak correlations.
Periodontal conditions in Hesse, Federal Republic of Germany, measured by CPITN
Authors: Flores‐de‐Jacoby Lavinia , Schoop Susan , Weichsler Christiane , Zafiropoulos George‐Gregory
Published: May 2006

Abstract The periodontal status and the need for treatment were investigated among 3140 inhabitants of the Federal German state of Hesse, using the CPITN index. The male and female subjects forming the case material were divided into 6 age categories (I up to 19 yr, II 20–24 yr, III 25–29 yr, IV 30–34 yr, V 35–44 yr, VI 45 yr or more). The dentitions of 1.3% of those examined were healthy from the periodontal aspects (CPITN 0). 3.3% of examined persons displayed an increased tendency towards bleeding on probing as the sole pathologic manifestation (CPITN 1); calculus and bleeding on probing (CPITN 2) were recorded in 35.5% of patients. Shallow pocketing (CPITN 3) was observed in 49.3, and deep pocketing (CPITN 4) in 10.6% of the examined subjects. There was a marked increase in scores 3 and 4 among patients from age group V. In addition, the posterior teeth were more susceptible to disease than those in the anterior segments, with slightly higher figures being recorded among female than among male individuals. 98.7% of the patients were in need of periodontal treatment. Application of the PTNS index yielded a treatment requirement of 6841.0 hours for the examined population. 2323 hours of this time were allocated to oral hygiene instruction, 4148 hours to scaling and 370 hours to surgical intervention.
Dental status in a group of adult diabetic patients
Authors: Bačić Miljenko , Ciglar Ivana , Granić Mate , Plančak Darije , Šutalo Jozo
Published: May 2006

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries, DMFT score and treatment needs in a group of diabetic patients (n= 222), mean age 46.9 yr, and to compare them to those recorded in a control group (n= 189), mean age 43.9 yr, using WHO criteria. Relations between the type and duration of diabetes mellitus, diabetic complications (retinopathy and neuropathy), diabetic control, and the subjects’DMFT status were separately studied. The results obtained revealed no difference in the prevalence of caries between the group of diabetics and the control group. Neither was any difference found in the mean numbers of teeth with fillings, but the number of extracted teeth per subject was significantly higher in the group of diabetics (12.3) than in the control group (9.7) (P<0.01). Type I diabetics were found to have a significantly higher number of teeth with fillings (4.05 vs. 2.22) than the non‐insulin dependent diabetics (P<0.001). Type II diabetics, however, had a significantly higher number of extracted teeth (14.1 vs. 10.4) (P<0.001). There was no difference in the caries experience regarding duration of diabetes, diabetic control, or diabetic complications.
Relationship between habits and dental health among rural Tanzanian children
Authors: Nörmark Sten , Mosha Hiasinti Joseph
Published: May 2006

Abstract The study was done in 1982/83 as an oral health baseline for a comprehensive health project involving primary school children in rural areas of Tanzania. A number of 399 standard two pupils with a mean age of 10.9 yr were dentally examined and interviewed using closed questions. Interexaminer reproducibility for caries was 99%, inter‐interviewer reliabilities for population correspondence were between 81% and 100%. DMFS + defs was 1.1 for the 92% brushing their teeth daily and 1.9 for children brushing once a week or less. The amount of plaque, calculus, and gingivitis showed no relation to brushing, if it was performed more than once a week. The effect of using chewing sticks or plastic toothbrushes was identical. Children eating cakes, biscuits and/or sweets at least three times a day seemed to have more caries than the rest, DMFS + defs being 1.5 and 1.1, respectively. Consumption of sugar cane did not show any relation to the caries amount. In one of five districts traditional removal of primary tooth germs had caused a mean loss (or deformity) of 1.0 permanent tooth, thereby being the most injurious dental condition. The study confirms the need of educational interventions. It does not indicate any justification for prompting children in general to brush more than once a day or restricting sweet snacks to less than once a day.
Origin, training, and subsequent practice location of Scotland's General and Community dentists
Authors: Fyffe Hazel E. , Pitts Nigel B.
Published: May 2006

Abstract In view of the continuing concern, in the United Kingdom (UK) and many other countries, over the maldistribution of dental manpower and the far‐reaching plans now being contemplated to correct existing imbalances, it was felt to be necessary to document the current situation in Scotland. This study set out to identify the origins, place of training, and subsequent practice locations of Scotland's General and Community dentists. A questionnaire was sent to a list of all General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) and Clinical Community Dental Officers (CCDOs) in Scotland. The final response rate was 72%. 85% of respondents had received the majority of their secondary school education in Scotland, and a total of 92.5% of respondents had received their undergraduate dental training at one of the three Scottish dental schools. Factors elicited as being associated with practice location choice included school of dental training, location of a dentist's original home and relatives, and, to some extent, market forces in terms of “demand for dentists” in some areas in Scotland.
Impact of dental conditions on patients'quality of life
Authors: Reisine Susan T. , Fertig Joanne , Weber Judith , Leder Sherry
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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Quality of life measures have rarely been used in dentistry to assess oral health status. The purpose of this paper is to assess the utility of using standard indicators to measure the impacts of dental conditions on patients’ quality of life. Quality of life was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct including three major aspects: social functioning, measured by the Sickness Impact Profile; well‐being, measured by the Gill Well‐Being Scale, Spielberger State/Trait Anxiety Scale, and the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale; and symptoms, measured by the Kiyak Oral Functioning Scale, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the West Haven Multidimensional Pain Inventory. 152 patients were recruited from private dental practices consisting of 48 TMJ, 33 periodontal, 23 denture, and 48 recall patients. Patients in the first three groups reported numerous impacts on quality of life and the impacts were particularly severe for the TMI patients. The indicators used were sensitive to differences among the four groups and hold promise for further development of quality of life indicators for use in epidemiologic surveys and clinical dental trials.
Attitudes of two groups of dentists towards dental hygienists
Authors: Uitenbroek Daan G. , Schaub Rob M. H. , Tromp Jan A. H. , Kant Johan H.
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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The purpose of the study was to assess whether cooperation with a dental hygienist was based on pursuit of financial gain or on aspirations to improve patient care. To this end a questionnaire was sent to 972 dentists. 412 dentists replied, of whom 178 had patients treated by a dental hygienist. Questions were asked regarding practice profile, preventive orientation and dentists’ opinion about the material and immaterial value of cooperation with a dental hygienist. Discriminant analysis showed that the main distinguishing factor between dentists who did and dentists who did not cooperate with dental hygienists was their opinion about the quality of the dental hygienists’ work in relation to the non‐financial costs for patients, insurance companies, and dentists. The difference in the dentists’ opinions about the direct profitability of dental hygienists was not significant. The conclusion can be drawn that the orientation of Dutch dentists towards care for their patients plays a more important role in a dentist's decision to cooperate with a dental hygienist than is usually presumed.
Dental caries in 12‐year‐old urban and rural children in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chironga Leslie , Manji Firoze
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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608 12‐yr‐old children in Harare, and 556 in rural areas of Mashonaland and Central Province, Zimbabwe, were examined for dental caries in 1985. 27.6% of children in the urban area, and 20.9% in the rural, had caries (P<0.01). The mean DMFT in urban and rural areas was 0.57 (± 1.13) and 0.49 (± 1.42), respectively (P>=0.29). Girls had higher levels of caries than boys. Most of the caries occurred on occlusal surfaces, and first molars were the most affected of all teeth. Caries experience was similar to that reported 10 yr previously in Zimbabwe, and similar to that found recently in 12‐yr‐olds in Kenya and Tanzania. The authors question whether in fact developing countries having high or increasing levels of caries in 12‐yr‐olds constitute the exception or the rule with regard to trends in dental caries prevalence.
Alveolar bone loss and crowding in adult periodontal patients
Authors: Jensen Birgit Leth , Solow Beni
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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The present study aimed to examine whether local crowding and tooth angulation in the mandibular incisor region led to alveolar bone loss in patients with moderate periodontal disease. The sample comprised 27 patients from the Department of Periodontology aged 29–57 yr. Mesiodistal tooth angulation and crowding, defined as an overlap of 2 mm or more, were assessed from dental casts. Alveolar bone loss was assessed from intraoral standardized paralleling radiographs by two methods, the absolute bone level (ABL), recorded from the cementoenamel junction, and the relative bone level (RBL), a new measure, expressing the bone level relative to the two adjacent interradicular crests. Contralateral sites were used as controls. A significant difference in bone level was found between crowded and non‐crowded sites by both methods (‐1.7 mm, P<0.001). This indicates that in periodontal patients local crowding and tooth angulation predisposes to increased bone loss. Analysis of the correlations between tooth angulations and the two measures of bone loss.
Enamel opacities in children whose mothers took part in a dental health education scheme
Authors: Holt Ruth D. , Winter Gerald B. , Fox Brenda , Askew Rosalind
Published: May 2006

Abstract One well recognised cause of enamel opacities is excessive fluoride ingestion during the period of tooth development. In the past, “fluorosis”, or opacities arising from this cause, has been reported to occur in children given fluoride supplements. In a large experiment in dental health education, fluoride supplements were given regularly to many of the children in two out of three experimental groups. 126 children were dentally examined 10 yr after the scheme began, of whom 79 had regularly received fluoride drops and/or tablets for at least part of the period between birth and 5 yr of age. Labial surfaces of each child's erupted incisor teeth were examined for enamel opacities. 75% of the 126 children had at least one affected tooth. There was a statistically insignificant, but consistent, trend for the prevalence of opacities to increase with increasing duration of use of fluoride supplements.
Dental health of 12‐year‐old children in Athens
Authors: Salapata Jolanda , Blinkhorn Anthony S. , Attwood Derek
Published: May 2006

Abstract A 10% sample (684) of boys and girls in the final year of state primary schools in three different areas of the city of Athens were examined. Their mean age was 11 yr 7 months and a mean DMFT of 2.41 was found. The majority of children claimed to be regular dental attenders. When the dental data from the three different socio‐economic areas of the city were analysed independently, differences in the caries experience were noted. This investigation has reported lower DMFT scores than other Greek studies.
Oral health status of adult population in Athens, Greece
Authors: Athanassouli Thessaly , Koletsi‐Kounari Haritini , Mamai‐Homata Helen , Panagopoulos Haralambos
Published: May 2006

Abstract An epidemiological study of dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral hygiene status in 736 employed adults aged 19–64 yr, was conducted in Athens, Greece. Dental caries was found to be prevalent, affecting almost the entire population examined. The mean DMFT values varied from 8.99 ± 5.98 to 17.05 ± 6.58 in different age groups. No difference was found in the mean DMFT values between sexes. Periodontal disease affected the 92.7% of the examined sample. The PI scores increased with age from 1.08 ± 0.84 in the age group 19–24 yr to 3.7±1.84 in the age group 55–64 yr. Women showed lower PI index values than men but this difference was not statistically significant. The mean values of oral hygiene index varied from 1.60±1.05 to 1.97±1.42 in different age groups. Women presented better oral hygiene status than men and this difference was statistically significant for the younger age groups. Data concerning the tooth brushing frequency of the examined population are also presented. The results of this baseline study indicate that effective dental care is needed for the improvement of oral health status of the adult population.
Nucleic acid probes as potential tools in oral microbial epidemiology
Authors: Albandar Jasim M. , Olsen Ingar
Published: May 2006

Abstract The present review deals with genetic tools in the microbial diagnostic laboratory, types of nucleic acid probes, their construction and cloning, hybridization reactions, their sensitivity and specificity, and their advantages and limitations. The nucleic acid probes seem to possess a number of advantages over traditional diagnostic methods. DNA, RNA, and oligonucleotide probes are expected to have increased impact on our understanding of the pathogenesis and the treatment of infectious inflammatory periodontal diseases. In addition, these probes have potential application in epidemiological studies of oral microorganisms. However, the limitations of the probes must be kept in mind, and newly developed probes must be controlled with respect to the critical issues of sensitivity and specificity.
Prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions in out‐patients at two Malaysian and Thai dental schools
Authors: Axéll Tony , Zain Rosnah Bte , Siwamogstham Prapai , Tantiniran Dusadee , Thampipit Jirawan
Published: May 2006

Abstract At the Faculties of Dentistry in Chiang Mai, Thailand (CM), and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KL), 234 and 233 consecutive out‐patients of mean ages 33.8 and 31.0 yr, respectively, were examined for the presence of oral mucosal lesions. Tobacco in some form was regularly used by 31.7% and 27.5% of the study populations in CM and KL, respectively. Cigarette smoking was the predominant habit. In CM three persons chewed betel quids and nine smoked banana leaf cigars daily. In addition, there were 24 habitual chewers of tea leaves (miang). In KL six persons chewed betel quids daily. In CM and KL three cases each (1.3%) of tobacco‐associated leukoplakias were found. In KL an additional idiopathic leukoplakia was registered. One and three cases of betel related lesions were found in CM and KL, respectively. One case of a squamous cell carcinoma was found in a 45‐yr‐old Indian woman in KL who had been chewing betel with tobacco daily for many years. High prevalence figures were found for lichen planus, 3.8% in CM and 2.1% in KL, and an extremely high one, 48.3%, in CM for episodes of aphthous ulcers experienced during the last 2 yr. Comparatively low prevalence figures were found for herpes labialis. As could be expected melanin pigmentation was prevalent while only low figures were encountered for denture‐related lesions and amalgam tattoos.
Patients' preference for exodontia versus preservation in Malaysia
Authors: Razak Ishak Abdul , Jaafar Nasruddin , Jalalludin Raja Latifah , Esa Rashidah
Published: May 2006

Abstract A total of 537 dentate adults from nine randomly selected government dental centers in three states in Malaysia were interviewed to assess their preference for either exodontia or preservation of teeth when they experience toothache, or have carious anterior or posterior teeth. The assumptions tested were i) patients prefer exodontia rather than preservation when they have toothache, and ii) patients are more willing lo have posterior teeth extracted than anterior teeth for caries. Both these assumptions were rejected. Even though the majority of the subjects preferred preservation (59%) when having toothache, exodontia was the treatment of choice in a large proportion of subjects (41 %). Significant differences in preference were found among the various ethnic, educational, income, and age groups. However, when ethnicity was held constant, binary regression indicated that the variations observed were determined by education, income, and age groups and not by ethnicity.
Consumer product‐related tooth injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms: United States, 1979–87
Authors: Bhat Mohandas , Li Shou‐Hua
Published: May 2006

Abstract The database of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was used to analyze episodes of consumer product‐related traumatic injuries to teeth treated in hospital emergency rooms in the United States from 1979 through 1987. Results showed a slight but consistent increase in episodes of such injuries during this 9‐yr period. Over 75% of such episodes occurred in persons under 15 yr of age. Over 60% of the tooth injuries in such episodes could be crudely classified into the following types by descending rank order: avulsed‐, broken‐, loosened‐, chipped‐, intruded‐teeth and soft tissue injuries. The most common categories of consumer products and activities associated with such episodes were sports and play, followed by falls on doors, stairs or showers, and bicycles and other wheeled vehicles. The age composition of specific episodes of dental injuries varied considerably for different products and activities, suggesting a need for specific strategies for prevention of episodes of consumer product‐related injuries to teeth for different age categories of the population.
Prevalence of dental anxiety in the Netherlands
Authors: Stouthard Marlies E. A. , Hoogstraten Johan
Published: May 2006

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental anxiety in the Netherlands by means of both a nationwide representative sample and a valid measurement instrument. The secondary aim was to discriminate between patients with high and low levels of dental anxiety on the basis of socioeconomic and oral health variables. Results showed that about 40% of the Dutch population experience a considerable degree of anxiety about dental treatment, and more than half of them can be considered as highly anxious. Dental anxiety is related to sex, age, and oral health status. Individuals most prone to experience dental anxiety are women between 26 and 35 yr of age who do not visit a dentist regularly, live in one of the big cities, have a moderate or high educational level, are Public Health Insurance (Ziekenfonds) patients with a minimum income, judge their oral health as bad, and do not attach much importance to the preservation of their teeth.
Social inequalities in dental health
Authors: Petersen Poul Erik
Published: May 2006

Abstract The analysis of social inequality is one of the predominant concerns of sociology. Inequalities in general health or utilization of health care services are nearly universal. The purpose of the paper is to describe inequalities in dental health in Denmark. Recent empirical findings are reviewed. Longitudinal data on the number of adults with few or no teeth left show remarkable differences between low and high social classes in 1976 and 1986. Among the younger individuals some reduction in the social differences has been observed over time. This was ascribed to the establishment of a public child dental health service. The level of dental caries and unmet treatment need is higher among workers than officials. Studies of industrial workers also indicate that dental illness or diseases are induced by environmental working factors. The association between health‐related behavior and dental health status has been demonstrated as well as the effects of social network relations and lifestyle. Finally, theoretical explanations of the inequalities in dental health are outlined: artefact explanations, theories of natural or social selection, materialist or structuralist explanations, and cultural/behavioral explanations. Arguments for the relevance of the materialist/structuralist and the cultural/behavioral approaches are given and a combined model on dental health is presented. The practical implications of the various models are discussed.
A new approach to investigating associations in periodontal disease data
Authors: Baelum Vibeke , Manji Firoze , Fejerskov Ole
Published: May 2006

Abstract This paper presents a method for the analysis of data originating from studies of destructive periodontal disease. The proposed method is an extension of the Mantel‐Haenszel technique for the analysis of case‐control studies and allows for expression of the site‐specificity of destructive periodontal disease while maintaining the individual as the unit of analysis. Using data originating from a cross‐sectional study of periodontal breakdown and oral hygiene parameters in a random sample of adult rural Kenyans, the proposed method is illustrated and the results compared with results obtained when two alternative analytical methods are used. The results demonstrate that the choice of analytical strategy may have profound implications for the conclusions to be drawn. Depending on the strategy chosen, one may draw conclusions which are qualitatively different and the present study indicates that the direction of these differences is not predictable.
Dental caries experience in schoolchildren in fluoridated and non‐fluoridated communities in Western Australia
Authors: Stockwell A. J. , Medcalf G. W. , Rutledge G. J. , Holman C. D. J. , Roberts M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken in 1987 to measure the difference in caries experience in schoolchildren between a fluoridated (0.8 mg/L F−) and a non‐fluoridated region (0.1–0.4 mg/L F−). 3436 children aged 5–15 yr were examined. Children in the non‐fluoridated region had a higher caries experience than those in the fluoridated region. Mean differences were 1.06 dfs (95% CI = 0.66 to 1.47, P < 0.001) and 0.48 DFS (95% CI=0.23 to 0.72, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding factors (fluoride tablet consumption, socioeconomic status, number of fissure‐sealed surfaces, and mobility between regions) the relative risk of not being caries‐free in the non‐fluoridated region compared with the fluoridated region was 1.43 (95% CI = 1.21–1.70, P < 0.0001) for the primary dentition and 1.39 (95% CI = 1.18–1.63, P < 0.0001) for the permanent dentition.
Utilization of the Government Dental Service by Chinese civil servants in Hong Kong
Authors: Mak Kelvin K. Y. , Lind O. Preben , Evans R. Wendell
Published: May 2006

Abstract A sociological study was conducted in 1987 on a sample of 490 Hong Kong Chinese civil servants for the purpose of investigating factors which influenced their utilization of a freely available Government dental service. The proportions of regular, irregular and non‐users of the denial service were 69, 18, and 13% respectively. Regular users had a higher educational standard and income level than the other two user‐types. Most of the regular users attended the dental clinics for a check‐up. The irregular users did not regularly utilize the service mainly because it took a long time to obtain an appointment. Non‐users referred to the long wailing time to obtain an appointment and to their perception of not having dental problems when asked to give their main reasons for not utilizing the dental service. The majority of the user‐types considered that shortening the waiting time and employing more dentists would increase the utilization of the Government denial service.
Epidemiological application of a new bacteriocin typing scheme for Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Baca Pilar , Liebana Jose , Piedrola Gonzalo
Published: May 2006

Abstract We propose a new bacteriocin typing scheme for Streptococcus mutans (Biotype I) using nine producer strains and a numerical code with three figures. Its application in 75 unrelated S. mutans strains allowed us to type all microorganisms and to obtain a total of 15 bacteriocins types. Its epidemiological use in two family groups allowed us to obtain two bacteriocins types in each one and to show the type relations between the different family components.
Burnout and its causes in Finnish dentists
Authors: Murtomaa Heikki , Haavio‐Mannila Elina , Kandolin Irja
Published: May 2006

Abstract In the spring of 1986 burnout and its relation to social and physical environments and the nature of work were studied using a questionnaire sent to a sample of 232 dentists aged under 62 living in the province of Uusimaa, Finland. Most male and female dentists (71 and 67%, respectively) were working in group practices and most (88%) employed an assistant. Professional problems were generally (71%) solved by consulting colleagues. Half of those responding were very satisfied with their relationship to other dental staff. All but 9% of dentists experienced problems in their physical working environments and 22% felt that their uncomfortable working posture interfered significantly with job satisfaction. Women reported chronic work‐related conditions diagnosed by a physician more often than men (21 vs. 10%, respectively). At the time of the study, most dentists were experiencing pain in connection with work on patients and 41% of women and 59% of men were experiencing occupational stress. Most dentists experienced at least temporary psychological fatigue as a result of their work and almost half were exhausted at the end of each day. Despite this, most enjoyed working with patients and were enthusiastic about their work. Three aspects of burnout emerged on factor analysis: psychological fatigue, loss of enjoyment of work, and hardening. One third of dentists experienced some hardening and ceased to care greatly what happened to some of their patients. Of the factors associated with working environments, only dissatisfaction with relationships with patients, problems relating to the physical environment and poor working posture significantly increased burnout. Dissatisfaction with patient relationships increased disinterest and hardening. Unhappy marriages were highly significant predictors of psychological fatigue in men. The results suggest that hardening can be prevented by improving physical working environments, and fatigue and disinterest by improving working posture. Burnout can be regarded as posing a significant threat to good dental care.
Comparison of oral and general health development among institutionalized elderly people
Authors: Mattsson Ulf , Heyden Guy , Landahl Sten
Published: May 2006

Abstract This investigation comprises a longitudinal (2 yr) study of development in oral and general health among 100 institutionalized elderly people in Gothenburg. The aim of the study was to photographically document variations in oral health in relation to variation in the general health of these individuals during the period of the project. Changes noted from one examination to the next were limited to a judgment of an “unchanged”, “deteriorated”, or “improved” status. Medical analyses were based upon information collected from medical charts and the subjective impressions of the care staff, and odontological analyses were based upon photographic screening according to a set of given criteria. Results demonstrated a relation between developments in oral and general health among older people. The strongest relationships were registered between changes on the tongue and general health. The project has shown that a standardized photographic follow‐up of health developments in oral tissues can be a valuable aid in cooperative efforts between medical physicians and dentists regarding health supervision of the elderly.
Prevalence of malocclusion and need for orthodontic treatment in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al‐Emran Sulaiman , Wisth Per Johan , Böe Olav E.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The prevalence of different malocclusion features was investigated in 500 14‐yr‐old male Saudi Arabian children, using a modification of the registration method described by Björk. et al. (3). Most of the children were in dental stage DS4 (all permanent teeth anterior to the first molars erupted). Totally 62.4% of the children had one or more malocclusion features related to dentition, occlusion, or space. The treatment need was evaluated according to the guidelines used in the Norwegian Health Service. About 40% were found to need treatment with fixed appliances, and for 33% extraction of permanent teeth would be part of the treatment. Only about 2.5% would benefit from treatment with simple removable appliances.
Longitudinal study of accuracy of clinical examination for detection of permanent tooth aplasia
Authors: Hintze Hanne , Wenzel Ann
Published: May 2006

Abstract It was the aim of the present investigation to evaluate the accuracy of clinical examination for the detection of permanent tooth aplasia in the 3rd/4th grade and again 1 yr later and to record the number of children initiating orthodontic treatment in the interval between the two examinations. The validating criterion for tooth aplasia was a panoramic radiograph taken in a routine procedure. 628 children participated in the study. The clinical examinations were performed without knowledge of the radiographic evidence. During the examination children exhibiting symptoms of permanent tooth aplasia were selected for radiography. At both occasions clinical examination was very sensitive for the detection of children with aplasia of permanent incisors (nosological sensitivity = 1.00). It was, however, less sensitive for the detection of children with premolar aplasia (nosological sensitivity = 0.22 at both examinations). The nosological specificity for identification of children without aplasia of incisors and premolars was more than 0.90 at both examinations. Twenty‐two children had started orthodontic treatment in the timespan between the two clinical examinations, but only three on the basis of observations on their radiographs alone (aplasia of permanent teeth). The present clinical method would have selected two of these children, thus in only one child postponing panorama screening might have affected treatment prognosis. Between the two examinations all permanent teeth mesial to the permanent second molars had erupted in 181 children who might therefore totally avoid screening radiography.
Dental fear and pain: effect on patient's perception of the dentist
Authors: Kunzelmann Karl‐Heinz , Dünninger Peter
Published: May 2006

Abstract A questionnaire was developed including the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and the Dental Beliefs Survey (DBS) as subscales to examine the epidemiology of dental fear and dental beliefs in Germany. The survey was administered before treatment to a sample of 474 dental patients. Of the respondents 56% were female. The mean age was 34.3 yr (SD 12.4 yr). The mean DAS score was 8.6 (SD 3.7). Mean DBS score ranged from 1.73 to 2.75 for single items. The correlation between DAS and DBS scores was highly significant (rs= 0.39, P < 0.001). Absence or presence of dental pain revealed significant differences for DAS and DBS scores (P < 0.001). Both tests are valid screening forms for the German linguistic context and easy to implement in daily dental routine.
Treatment times for posterior resin‐bonded bridges
Authors: Verzijden Conny W. G. J. M. , Creugers Nico H. J. , van't Hoi Martin A.
Published: May 2006

Abstract In a longitudinal clinical trial the treatment times needed for the fabrication of Posterior Resin‐Bonded Bridges (PRBB's) were recorded and analyzed. From a total of 200 PRBB's with different designs and retention systems, 152 were selected for this analysis. The selected bridges were made by 12 operators: 3 university staff members and 9 general practitioners. The mean treatment time for PRBB's was 80 min. When posterior composite restorations were made in the abutment teeth, the mean treatment time increased by 25% up to 100 min. From the factors which were considered to influence the treatment time, a significant effect was found for “restorations”, “operator” and “experience of the operator”. The other factors considered, such as “tooth preparation”, “retention system”, “isolation method”, “occlusion”, and “location”, showed no detectable effect on the treatment time. The results of this study are considered to be useful in further cost‐benefit analyses.
Patterns of sugar consumption in early childhood
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Kjaernes Unni , Holst Dorthe
Published: May 2006

Abstract Patterns of sugar consumption were studied prospectively in a birth cohort of 231 Norwegian children. Information on dietary habits and sugar consumption was collected at the children's ages of 10 months, 18 months, and 2 yr. The results of the factor analyses showed that the children's sugar consumption constituted a separate dimension of dietary habits. Patterns of sugar consumption seemed to be established already during infancy. The children's sugar consumption increased from infancy to the age of 2 yr, and the patterns of sugar consumption also seemed to be maintained throughout the first years of early childhood. Sugar consumption was also analyzed multivariately using indicators of social background and family size as explanatory variables, but the explanatory power of these variables was rather poor and decreasing with age.
Association of dental health knowledge with periodontal conditions among regular patients
Authors: Bader James D. , Rozier R. Gary , McFall Walter T. , Ramsey Diane L.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Although routine patient education concerning periodontal disease is recommended as a means of improving oral health, strong associations between oral health knowledge and plaque or gingival inflammation scores have not been demonstrated. This study examined associations between four knowledge scales (likelihood of keeping teeth, signs of disease, role of diet, role of oral hygiene measures) and six periodontal status measures (plaque, gingivitis, calculus, probing depth, attachment loss, missing teeth) among 1088 regularly attending dental patients. In bivariate correlation analyses, there was a weak, direct association between stronger expectations of keeping teeth and better levels of periodontal health, while an inverse association between knowledge of signs of periodontal disease and better periodontal health was noted. Level of knowledge of the role of oral hygiene or of diet in periodontal disease was not associated with level of disease. When effects associated with age, sex, race, and different dental practices were held constant, these patient knowledge scales did not explain substantial proportions of variance in the periodontal disease measures. Among regular utilizers, the effects of receipt of dental care may be more determinative than level of patient knowledge.
Associations of self‐reported dental health and general health measures in the Rand Health Insurance Experiment
Authors: Dolan Teresa A. , Gooch Barbara F. , Bourque Linda B.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Data from the Rand Health Insurance Experiment (HIE) are used in exploratory analyses to examine the associations of self‐reported dental health with general health measures. Responses of 1658 dentulous participants 18–61 yr of age are examined. Patterns of association among and between items of the physical, mental, social, and general health indices and a three‐item measure of self‐reported dental health are tested using principal component analyses. Findings suggest that dental health represents a separate dimension of health that is not fully accounted for by other health measures. However, while dental health may be considered an independent health construct, the denial health index was weakly but statistically significantly associated with the general health perceptions index and, to a lesser extent, to the menial health index and the two physical health indices. Improved self‐reported measures of denial health status, studied in association with other general health measures, will allow us to better define oral health, and patients perceptions of oral health, particularly in relation to other general health perceptions. In addition, a valid and reliable multidimensional oral health measure would be valuable as a potential cost‐effective method of epidemiologic data collection, as well us a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of oral health interventions, and for providing data for dental health policy making and planning.