bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dental caries in rural and urban black preschoolchildren
Authors: Cleaton‐Jones P. , Richardson B. D. , Rantsho J. M.
Published: May 2006

abstract The dentitions of 439 rural and 192 urban black children aged 1–5 years were examined with mirror and probe. Denial caries was common and the percentage prevalence and dmft values were similar in children of 1–3 years in both groups. At 4 years of age there was a twofold increase in dental caries in the urban children to reach a dm ft score significantly greater than that in the rural children (P<0.01). Labial caries was common in rural children but rare in urban children while rampant caries (dmft ≥5) exhibited the opposite pattern.
Orthodontic examination of 2,301 Danish children aged 9–10 years in a community dental service
Authors: Rölling Steen
Published: May 2006

abstract Orthodontic therapy in the Danish Child Dental Health Service is offered according to patient need. In general, systematic screenings of children in specific age groups are carried out to insure uniformity in selection of patients for orthodontic treatment. The screening described in this investigation was carried out among 2,301 3rd grade schoolchildren in order to diagnose symptoms of malocclusion at an early stage with regard to tooth formation, the aim being to evaluate the need for orthodontic observation, prophylactic measures or therapy. Each examination took approximately 3–4 min.
Oral and dental affections in mercury‐exposed workers
Authors: Fahmy Mourad S.
Published: May 2006

abstract A total of 222 mercury‐exposed workers in the Chlor‐Alkali plant in Kuwait were investigated for oral and dental affections. The levels of mercury‐vapor ranged from 566.6 μg/m3 to 0.3 μg/m3 in different parts of the factory. The periods of exposure varied from 1 to 11 years. Although the level of mercury vapor in the air and the period of exposure proved to be the main factors as regards the oral signs and symptoms, the oral hygiene condition and the individual sensitivity played substantial roles. Oral affections were found not to be due to allergy to mercury.
Clinical effectiveness of an autopolymerized fissure sealant after 2 years
Authors: Sheykholeslam Zia , Houpt Milton
Published: May 2006

abstract The clinical effectiveness of Delton® fissure sealant was studied in 205 children, ages 6–10 years (mean age 71/2). 993 children in grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 were screened and subjects were selected if there was evidence of previous dental caries in the mouth, and a pair of contralateral maxillary or mandibular first permanent molar teeth were free of caries. Two pedodontists independently examined the children in a mobile van equipped with two operatories, and each applied sealants to approximately half of the subjects. After 11 months, in 186 subjects there were 10 sealants partially lost, five experimental teeth carious or filled and 53 control teeth carious or filled. After 24 months, in 175 subjects there were four sealants completely lost, 12 sealants partially lost, 11 experimental teeth carious or filled and 89 control teeth carious or filled. Consequently, sealant retention was 92% after 11 months and 85% after 24 months. Percent effectiveness in caries reduction was 90 % after 11 months and 88% after 2 years.
A laboratory evaluation of fluoride dentifrices used in Greece
Authors: Athanassouli T. M. , Papastathopoulos D. S.
Published: May 2006

abstract A laboratory investigation of the fluoride dentifrices commonly used in Greece was done in order to evaluate their caries‐preventive potential. The evaluation was based on the determination of the free ionic fluoride and the total soluble fluoride present by a potentiometric fluoride electrode technique. Dentifrices containing MFP, NaF and AlF3 were analyzed. The measured total soluble and free ionic fluoride content were discussed in conjunction with the various dentifrice components. Most of the examined dentifrices were MFP type and the free ionic fluoride was found to vary from 130 to 180 parts/106 F‐.
An evaluation of Knutson's formula for estimating age‐specific DMF teeth
Authors: Korts David C. , Poulsen Sven , Kingman Albert
Published: May 2006

abstract The present study evaluated a formula suggested by Knutson for obtaining an age‐specific estimate of mean DMFT in a population on the basis of the age‐specific percentage of individuals with 1 or more DMFT. A total of 149 previously collected age‐specific data sets from low‐fluoride areas in the U.S.A. were used, and the two parameters K and B were estimated using the method of weighted least squares. The analysis showed that the formula could be used with good accuracy for certain restrictions of age (5–11 years) and percentage of individuals with 1 or more DMFT ( 70 %).
A survey of edentulous individuals in a district in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: Swallow J. N. , van Groenestijn M. A. J. , Maas‐de Waal C. J. , Mileman P. A.
Published: May 2006

abstract A survey of a representative adult population of a district in Amsterdam (the Jordaan) revealed an overall edentulousness rate of 23%. Proportionally more females than males wore complete dentures, and the lower socioeconomic group was proportionally better represented in the edentate group than were the middle and the higher classes. No significant differences were found in comparisons of the edentulousness rate in the Study group and other investigations in Holland and England and Wales. It is suggested that there might be a relationship between the rate of edentulousness and changes in the amount of freely disposable income.
Effect of socioeconomic factors on the observed caries reduction after fluoride tablet and fluoride toothpaste consumption
Authors: Tijmstra T. , Brinkman‐Engels M. , Groeneveld A.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The caries experience of 123 fluoride users (F‐tablets and/or F‐toothpaste) was compared with that of a group of 226 non‐users. Fluoride users appeared to have a 15 % lower DFS score (16.2) than non‐users (19.0). After a matching procedure had been used to correct for some intervening variables (socioeconomic status, toothbrushing habit, sweet consumption) no difference was found between the groups of F‐tablet and F‐toothpaste users and the respective groups of matched non‐users. The difference in caries experience of 15 % between users and non‐users remained in only one group after the matching procedure, that in which the children used both F‐tablets and F‐toothpaste.
Productivity and economic implication of a simulated practice using expanded duty dental assistants
Authors: Overstreet Q. A. , Dilworth J. B. , Legler D. W.
Published: May 2006

Abstract This investigation was concerned with determining the optimum team mix for a dental practice utilizing expanded duty dental assistants (EDDAs). A live, surrogate practice provided the basis for a computer‐simulated private practice in which one dentist worked with various combinations of chairside assistants and expanded duty auxiliaries. This “composite dentist” was of average speed as an operator, functioning under conditions of an external quality control mechanism. Results indicated that the optimum team size, from the standpoint of both productivity and economic considerations, involved one dentist, one EDDA, and two assistants, as compared with the control team of one dentist and two assistants. Experimental teams involving two EDDAs, studied both with and without chairside assistants, were counterproductive from a financial standpoint. Various factors influencing team size are discussed, but dentist operator speed emerges as a major determinant of optimum team mix.
Examiner variability in the assessment of dental restorations
Authors: Swallow J. N. , van Groenestijn M. A. J. , Maas‐de Waal C. J. , Mileman P. A.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A series of examiner variability studies were carried out in the assessment of restorations in adults made by extended duty ancillaries (E.D.A.s). While there were some differences between the two supervising team dentists these were smaller than those found when dentists who did not work in the project were examined. The use of indirect evaluation by examining bitewing radiographs for the presence of overhangs was no improvement over the clinical examination in terms of examiner agreement, and moreover only identified half of the restorations scheduled for replacement clinically. Using the results of these experiments, it is suggested that quality control should take into account examiner variability and consequently a 3–4 % sample would be sufficient to maintain standards.
A longitudinal study of oral health in immigrant children in Sweden
Authors: Aurelius Göran , Lindström Bo
Published: May 2006

Abstract Children immigrating into Sweden from Finland and Southern Europe (Greece, Yugoslavia and Turkey) were subjected to a longitudinal study on caries activity and gingival condition. For each immigrant child a Swedish “twin” of the same sex and age was used as a control. Out of 124 pairs originally examined, 75 were reexamined after a 21/2‐year stay in Sweden. The study showed that on arrival in Sweden the Finnish children had more caries and a higher Gingival Index (GI) than the controls and that they acquired more carious lesions during their stay in this country. Their GI, however, did not develop less favorably than that of the Swedish controls. The South‐European children did not seem to have more carious lesions than the Swedish controls on arriving, nor did they seem to acquire more carious lesions during the period of observation. Their GI was higher at the first examination but the change in this index ran parallel with that of the controls. It was concluded that the children immigrating from Finland should be considered a risk group with regard to oral health.
Cost analysis of 3 years of topical fluoride application
Authors: Vrbič V. , Košmelj B.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The article gives additional information about the 3‐year study of caries reduction after topical application of 4 % NaF‐PO4 in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia. The caries reduction obtained was about 20 % after topical fluoride application once a year (Group 2) and about 30% after topical fluoride application twice a year (Group 3). Data on costs of treatment and dentist's working time required are given. The costs of repair and topical fluoride application during the 3‐year experimental period were in Group 2 72 % and in Group 3 158 % higher than in the Control Group. The dentist's working time for repair and topical fluoride application during the experimental period was in Group 2 33 % and in Group 3 80 % higher than in the Control Group. It seems to be of special interest that the dentist's working time spent for total tooth repair per child at the beginning of the study was 3.3–4.9 times higher than the working time for repair in the years during the study.
The release of fluoride from alginate impression materials
Authors: Hattab Faiez , Frostell Göran
Published: May 2006

Abstract Alginate material used as a vehicle for fluoride gives, after 18 hours exposure, a fluoride uptake of human enamel of 620 ± 0.26 parts/106.
Prevalence of dental caries among workers in the sweets industry in Israel
Authors: Anaise Joseph Z.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to assemble data on the prevalence of dental caries among workers in the sweets industry. Four industrial establishments were selected for the study. All production‐line workers were included. Altogether 722 participants. The control group consisted of a group of production‐line workers in five textile industrial establishments, altogether 812 examinees. The results indicate that the mean DMFT values recorded for the sweets industry workers were significantly higher than those recorded for the control group of workers. The mean DMFT scores recorded for workers in the sweets industry employed for over 10 years were significantly higher than those recorded for workers in the same industry employed for 3–10 years and for up to 3 years.
Age‐standardized incidence rates of primordial cyst (keratocyst) on the Witwatersrand
Authors: Rachanis C. C. , Shear M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Cases of primordial cysts derived from the records of all the hospital pathology departments and private pathology practices on the Witwatersrand, were recorded for the 10‐year period 1965‐74. The population at risk (1970 census) was 974,390 Whites and 1,567,280 Blacks. Age‐specific morbidity rates for each sex and race were calculated, as well as age‐standardized incidence rates standardized against African, World and European standard populations. The age‐standardized incidence rates for primordial cysts, standardized against a World standard population, per million per year are 0.61, 0, 4.86 and 3.50 for Black males and females and White males and females, respectively. In the population at risk, primordial cysts are much more common in Whites than in Blacks, the incidence being eight times higher in White males than in Black males. The present study confirms that there is a bimodal age distribution but with a higher incidence of the cyst in the age group 50–64 years than previously suspected. This may be either because a substantial number of cases remain undiagnosed for many years or because there are two groups of primordial cyst: one which is triggered in young patients and the other in older patients.
Clinical appearance of dental fluorosis in permanent teeth in relation to histologic changes
Authors: Thylstrup A. , Fejerskov O.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Based on studies in Northern Tanzania a new classification system of dental fluorosis is proposed. The classification system includes 10 scores designed to characterize the degree of dental fluorosis affecting buccal/lingual and occlusal surfaces. With aid of polarized and ordinary light microscopy the histologic features behind the individual scores are described. The macroscopic appearance of increasing degrees of dental fluorosis were well correlated to the degree of subsurface porosity. Above a certain level of subsurface hypomineralization various degrees of loss of surface enamel occurred, presumably as a result of posteruptively acquired injuries. Application of the new classification system to samples of children born in areas with 3.5, 6.0 and 21.0 parts/106 F‐ in the water supplies revealed that the distribution of dental fluorosis within the individual followed the same pattern irrespective of fluoride concentration in the water. While the classical Dean index was unable to distinguish between dental fluorosis in the 6.0 and the 21.0 parts/106 area it was possible with the new system to disclose that particularly the posterior teeth were significantly more affected in the latter area. Comparisons of degree of dental fluorosis with available measurements of enamel thickness proved that the within‐tooth as well as within‐dentition variations are determined by enamel thickness rather than length of exposure to body fluids. The limitations of the Dean index are discussed with special attention to its validity as a biological index in relation to current efforts to determine the minimal toxic effect of fluoride on the dental hard tissues.
Validation of data on demand and need for dental treatment in an elderly population
Authors: Rise Jostein
Published: May 2006

The present paper intended (1) to validate some key variables employed in a survey of a representative sample of 241 persons aged 65–79 in Troms in Northern Norway, and (2) to discuss aspects of social policy related to dental programs for pensioners. The participants were asked questions focused on potential demand for dental services, and oral problems. Treatment need was assessed professionally. It was explained to the subjects that pensioners were entitled to dental care at half price, and referral to a dentist was arranged if wanted. Validity was studied in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Using referral as a criterion, the question related to potential demand displayed a sensitivity of only 53 %, probably because of the imprecise wording, while the specificity appeared to be 82 %. Ninety‐five persons reported oral problems. The existing subsidy arrangements operating in a traditional service setting did not seem to cope adequately with this problem group. Treatment need was a sensitive (88 %), but not a specific (43 %), indicator of oral problems. Viewed socio‐politically, these findings may be interpreted as a need for visiting services and for an upgrading of the value of self‐assessment. It was concluded that this method of validation provided additional information on the practical usefulness of the test methods employed.
Effect of regular small group instruction per se on oral health status of Danish schoolchildren
Authors: Agerbæk N. , Melsen B. , Lind O. P. , Glavind L. , Kristiansen B.
Published: May 2006

A 1‐year study of the isolated effect of an intensive motivation program aimed at improving the oral health status of 11–13‐year‐old schoolchildren was conducted in a Danish provincial town where all children have access to a free and comprehensive school oral health program. The effect was negligible as measured by epidemiologic indices.
A Markovian model for evaluating dental care programs
Authors: Freed James R. , Marcus Marvin , Forsythe Alan B.
Published: May 2006

A Markov model is suggested as a means of evaluating dental care programs. Four mutually exclusive states of dental care are defined as Markovian states. These are episodic, initial, maintenance and nonuse. Records for all patients entering a university teaching clinic (n= 578) over a 12‐month period were examined and classified in one of the states of care at entry into the clinic and at 1‐year intervals from the date of entry for 3 years. An analysis of the findings indicated that the Markov model did fit reasonably well and provided a good approximation of the empirical data.
Epidemiologic survey of accidental dentofacial injuries among U.S. Army personnel
Authors: Katz R. V. , Barnes G. P. , Larson H. R. , Lyon T. C. , Brunner D. G.
Published: May 2006

This epidemiologic study of accidental dentofacial injuries to U. S. Army personnel was conducted to determine the frequency and distribution patterns of accidental dentofacial injuries to soldiers. Administratively, it was anticipated that this data would permit identification of high‐risk groups and would suggest feasible preventive measures. This 9‐month study was conducted on 16 Army posts with a combined population at risk of 210500 soldiers; a standardized data collection form was completed by the dental corps officer treating the injury case and then was mailed to a central collection site for analysis. The data from this dentofacial injury study clearly reveal that differential risks exist for various military subpopulations. While the overall U. S. Army accidental dentofacial injury‐rate was 37.7 cases/10 000/year, this rate varied greatly for specific subgroups with high‐risk factors including young males, lower enlisted ranks, recent recruits, and combat training posts. The primary specific causes of these injuries were fistfights (nearly 30 %), sports (over 20%), and vehicles (about 15%).
Dental findings in high‐fluoride areas in Ethiopia
Authors: Olsson Berit
Published: May 2006

A survey comprising 478 children aged 6–7 years and 13–14 years was conducted in high‐fluoride areas (Wonji, 12.4 parts/106 F‐ and Awassa, 3.5 parts/10 F‐) in the Rift Valley in Ethiopia. Dental fluorosis was found in 99 % of the 6–7‐year‐old groups. Very mild to moderate fluorosis dominated in the primary teeth and moderate to severe fluorosis in the permanent teeth. All 13–14‐year‐old children born in Awassa or Wonji had fluorosis, mainly in the moderate to severe form. Eighty‐four percent of the 13–14‐year‐old children not born in the area had fluorosis, mainly in the very mild form. The most severe fluorosis was seen in the last erupting teeth, but moderate fluorosis was also seen in primary incisors, indicating placental transfer of fluorides. Teeth with moderate and severe fluorosis more frequently had dental caries than teeth with no or very mild and mild fluorosis. The average DMFT was 2.46 ± 2.34 in Wonji and 1.69 ± 1.88 in Awassa. The average dft was 0.32 ± 0.80 in Wonji and 0.40 ± 0.96 in Awassa. Gingivitis was seen in 97 % of the children and the average OHI‐S was 1.94 ± 0.71.
An epidemiologic approach to toothbrushing and dental abrasion
Authors: Bergström Jan , Lavstedt Stig
Published: May 2006

Abrasion lesions were recorded in 818 individuals representing the adult population of 430 000 residents of the Stockholm region, Sweden. The subjects were asked about toothbrushing habits, toothbrush quality and dentifrice usage; these factors were related to abrasion criteria. Abrasion was prevalent in 30 % and wedge‐like or deep depressions were observed in 12%. The relationship between abrasion and toothbrushing was evident, tin‐prevalence and severity of abrasion being correlated to toothbrushing consumption. The importance of the toothbrushing technique for the development of abrasion lesions was elucidated. Horizontal brushing technique was strongly correlated to abrasion. It was demonstrated by treating the data with the statistical AID analysis that toothbrushing factors related to the individual (brushing frequency and brushing technique) exert a greater influence that material‐oriented toothbrushing factors such as dentifrice abrasivity and bristle stiffness.
A method of utilizing the subjects' initial caries experience to increase efficiency in caries clinical trials
Authors: Kingman Albert
Published: May 2006

A problem which often occurs in caries clinical trials is the existence of an imbalance by group in the initial DMFS scores among subjects completing the study. Four methods of incorporating the study subjects' initial caries experience were identified and compared in six recently conducted clinical trials to see which of the methods was the most efficient in making treatment group comparisons of study subjects' caries increment scores. The consistent method of choice was one which utilized an adaptation of Grainger's caries severity index as a stratification factor in a blocking analysis of caries increments. The results suggest that more information regarding future caries exists in knowing where decay is present in the dentition than in knowing the subjects' total DMFS counts.
Validity of information concerning the use of dental services obtained in interviews
Authors: Norheim P. W.
Published: May 2006

Two hundred and fifty‐two persons out of a population of 358 were interviewed concerning their use of dental services. The validity of the information was tested by comparing the answers from each respondent with the contents of his/her dental treatment record. Replies to a question about the time interval since the last dental visit showed a high degree of validity. The validity of information concerning the type of treatment received at the last course of dental visits showed high validity for a single treatment and low validity when the treatment services were mixed. Responses about the regularity of treatment attendance demonstrated decreasing degree of validity with increasing number of dental visits during the last 5 years. The demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents showed little relation to the validity of their answers. However, the degree of validity decreased with increasing number of teeth.
Evaluation of periodontal status in a Finnish industrial population
Authors: Markkanen Helena , Rajala Matti , Paunio Ilkka
Published: May 2006

Occurrence of periodontal disease was investigated in an industrial population by a modified Periodontal Treatment Need System (PTNS). The study comprised an initial clinical examination and a follow‐up examination of 165 persons 1 year later. The reproducibility of the modified PTNS was satisfactory; in a subsample studied twice the weighted kappa with its 99 % confidence limits was 0.80 ± 0.18. Only 3 % of the dentulous subjects had no treatment need because of gingival or periodontal disease in the first clinical examination, in spite of the low mean age (33.2 years) of the population. The periodontium of the maxillary teeth was significantly healthier (P < 0.001) than that in the mandibular teeth, but there were no significant differences between right and left side of jaws. During the 1‐year follow‐up period the periodontal condition of 23% of subjects improved, whereas in 9% it deteriorated.
Tooth loss, prosthetics and dental treatment habits in a group of Swedish men
Authors: Mohlin Bengt , Ingervall Bengt , Hedgeård Björn , Thilander Birgit
Published: May 2006

Dental history, dental status, the need for prosthetic treatment and dental treatment habits were studied in 389 men aged 21–54 years. The men were selected from a group undergoing military refresher training in the south of Sweden. One percent of the men were toothless. About 3% had full dentures in one or both jaws and an equal percentage had partial dentures. About 3% of the men had bridges in the maxilla and 2 % in the mandible. Tooth loss was greatest in the mandibular molar segment, followed by the maxillary molar segment. By means of an index for dental status about 8 % of the men were judged to be in great need of prosthetic treatment for aesthetic reasons and/or to improve occlusion. Age, place of birth, educational level and smoking habits were among the factors which seemed to be related to dental status. Seventy percent of the men reported that they went to the dentist once a year, while about 10 % seemed rarely or never to seek dental treatment. Dental treatment habits were correlated to place of birth, number of brothers and sisters, edentulousness and the need for prosthetic treatment, among other factors.
A two‐wave interview study of frequency of dental visits and dental complaints
Authors: Barenthin Inkeri , Smedby Björn
Published: May 2006

Abstract A panel of 268 persons were interviewed twice at an interval of 2 years concerning their visits to dentists and their dental status. The answers they gave on the two occasions agreed well, except for the year of the last visit if it had taken place long ago. This was true both for the people who had gone to the dentist between the interviews and for those who had not. The panel was also asked whether they had any dental complaints. Sixteen percent of them reported complaints at one or both interviews. Complaints were more common among persons who did not often go to the dentist. The persons with complaints did not always get rid of them by going to a dentist. It is concluded that interview data can be used for investigating the dental health and behavior of people who do not often go to the dentist, and that dentists are more successful in maintaining good dental health in people who have no dental complaints than in people who report having complaints.
A longitudinal study of multiple approaches to dental health education
Authors: Kaplis Norma , Drolette Margaret , Boffa Joseph , Kress Gerard
Published: May 2006

Abstract An evaluation was made of the separate effects on oral hygiene of token reward treatments, discovery (project) learning, and plaque staining feedback demonstrations with children in the first through fifth grades. Both short‐ and long‐term effects were assessed in an open classroom setting. Twenty classrooms were non‐randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Plaque scores were recorded according to the Podshadley Patient Hygiene Performance Index (PHP) at. time T0, before initiation of any of the educational interventions; and again at times T1, T2, and T3: 7 days, 74 days and 255 days, respectively, following cessation of the educational interventions. The combination of dental health interventions at this school had short‐range effects at every grade level, and those effects persisted for 9 months among the third and fourth graders. It was not possible to identify which of the various treatments produced the observed differences, although the project learning method was generally less effective. A linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the shifts in oral hygiene behavior, a method not previously used in studies of this type.
Intraindividual effect of daily supervised flossing on caries in schoolchildren*
Authors: Granath Lars‐Eric , Martinsson Thore , Matsson Lars , Nilsson Göusta , Schröuder Ulla , Söderholm Berit
Published: May 2006

Abstract The aim was to study the effect of flossing on proximal caries in children grouped according to different combinations of dietary and oral hygiene habits. 140 12–13‐year‐old children flossed the right or the left lateral region of the mouth once every school‐day for 2 years by pulling a waxed floss once up and down through the proximal contacts. Proximal caries was recorded on bitewing films, taken at the baseline and at the 2‐year registration. Diet history was obtained four times during the period. Oral hygiene was classified according to the number of bleeding points registered with a feather‐loaded probe at the final examination. Caries increments on the control side during the experimental period were calculated for groups with the same habits. A logical border with respect to the amount of new caries was then established between suitable and unsuitable dietary habits as well as between sufficient and insufficient oral hygiene. No statistically significant difference was found between the control and experimental subgroups in the different combinations of dietary and oral hygiene habits, neither with respect to the whole material nor comparable contralateral surfaces. The numerical differences were so small that the technique of flossing studied here cannot be recommended.
Dental caries in susceptible fissures after prolonged fluoride application
Authors: Craig G. G. , Powell K. R.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A prolonged fluoride application (PFA) method was used to treat susceptible fissures in 210 permanent first molar teeth in 79 children living in a fluoridated community. The development of caries in these fissures was followed for periods ranging from 2 to 4 years. At the final examination, 82.8 % of occlusal surfaces in the 2‐year group and 80.0% of those in the 3‐year group were free of detectable lesions. The corresponding value for the 4‐year group was 78.9%. The mean number of treatments of these surfaces with the PFA method ranged from 1.6 for the 2‐year group to 2.9 for the 4‐year group.
A new method of direct computer entry for dental epidemiological data using an X‐Y digitiser
Authors: Fairpo C. Gavin
Published: May 2006

Abstract A method has been devised for obtaining a rapid and accurate transfer of dental epidemiological data directly from survey sheets or dental charts to computer records by using an X‐Y digitiser. The technique involves modification of the conventional ‘menu’ approach to data entry via a digitiser.
Value of operating auxiliary personnel for caries diagnosis in dental epidemiology
Authors: Howat Alison P. , Cannell Susan J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The ability of a suitably trained operating auxiliary to obtain similar diagnostic results to those of a dentist was tested on 200 11–12‐year‐old boys and girls selected from a larger sample taking part in a 3‐year caries prophylactic clinical trial. A clinical and radiographic examination of all children was performed by both examiners at the beginning of the study and at three subsequent yearly examinations. The reliability of the caries prevalence and incremental data was high for both the dentist and hygienist. Differences between mean caries scores were consistently found between the examiners at the initial lesion level for clinical and radiographic diagnosis. Over the incremental periods of the study neither examiner revealed a significant difference between control and test groups until the end of the 3rd year when both measured a significant difference in mean DMFS at the clinical cavitation level, 26.2 % for the dentist and 25.2 % for the hygienist.
Toothbrushing in Finland
Authors: Murtomaa Heikki
Published: May 2006

Abstract Oral hygiene behavior was surveyed in June 1971 by interviews with a sample comprising 1063 persons drawn to cover the total Finnish population aged 15 years and over. The interview revealed that the frequency of brushing as reported by dentulous interviewees was distributed as follows: less than once a day (32 %), once a day (25 %) and more than once a clay (43 %). Six percent of the interviewees stated that they did not brush their teeth. Most commonly the brushing was performed either as the last thing before retiring for the night (67 %) or immediately after waking up in the morning (47 %). There was a strong positive correlation between high socioeconomic status and high frequency of toothbrushing. Freshening of the breath and mouth was the most common (55%) reason for brushing the teeth and forgetfulness was the most frequent reason for neglecting it (56%). The investigation showed that the dental health behavior of the Finnish people with respect to brushing of the teeth has much room for improvement.
Relationship between dental knowledge and tooth cleaning behavior
Authors: Rayant Garry A.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A study was carried out to determine whether knowledge about dental health is related to dental behavior in a group of patients who have a positive attitude towards their dental health. Recall patients attending a clinic for periodontal care were asked to fill in a questionnaire to assess: 1) attitudes and beliefs, and 2) dental knowledge and reported behavior. They were then examined to assess their gingival health and plaque control (actual behavior). 161 patients were seen in Social Classes 1–3. Responses to the attitudinal questions indicated that approximately 80 % of the patients had positive attitudes. Patients were grouped (1–5) according to Gingival Index scores (range 0.13–1.83). None of the attitudinal concepts tested were associated with the lower GI groupings. Correct knowledge about gingival disease and reported higher frequency of cleaning did not show correlation with the lower GI groupings. No significant relationship could be determined between positive attitudes and knowledge levels as predictors of gingival health.
Dietary pattern of Finnish children with low and high caries experience
Authors: Kleemola‐Kujala Eija , Räsänen Leena
Published: May 2006

Abstract The correlations between dietary patterns and caries were studied in a series consisting of 534, 5‐, 9‐ and 13‐year‐old Finnish rural children from low‐fluoride areas (0.10–0.46 parts/106). The food consumption of the children was assessed by the 24‐hour recall method. The consumption of sweets was estimated by the dietary history method. Caries was diagnosed by clinical inspection. Children with a low and children with a high caries experience were compared with regard to food and nutrient intakes per 1000 kcal. The intakes of most foods and nutrients were similar in the low‐caries and in the high‐caries groups. However, the diet of the high‐caries groups of 5‐ and 13‐year‐olds contained less iron, thiamine and ascorbic acid than the diet of the low‐caries groups. The intake of sugar and sugar‐containing products per unit of energy was higher in the high‐caries groups. This was true for soft drinks in particular. Among the 9‐year‐olds the proportion of sugar consumed as such was greater in the high‐caries than in the low‐caries children. With regard to the total monthly consumption of sweets no significant differences were observed between the high‐ and low‐caries groups. Analysis of the energy‐standardized consumption of food and nutrients thus showed that the relative proportion of sugar and sugar‐containing products was somewhat greater in the diet of the high‐caries children than in the diet of the low‐caries children, but not as high as could be expected. These products replaced foods with a higher nutritive value with the result that the diet of the high‐caries groups was on the whole more refined than the diet of the low‐caries groups.
Caries incidence in 7–9‐year‐old children after fissure sealing and topical fluoride therapy in Finland
Authors: Rantala Erkki V.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A total of 1345 elementary schoolchildren from grades 1–3 (aged 7–9 years) were examined and treated by community health center dentists during 1975–1977. The combined effect of fissure sealing and topical fluoride therapy with 2 % NaF gel resulted over the 2 years in an increase in the proportion of caries‐free permanent first molars from 50 % to 81 % in the 1st grade. The mean DMFS scored from the same teeth decreased from 2.8 to 0.8. In the age group born in 1968 the increment of new carious surfaces was 0.28 DFS/year with sealing and 1.13 DFS/year without.
Value of bitewing radiographs in detection of occlusal caries
Authors: King Nigel M. , Shaw Linda
Published: May 2006

Abstract A system of diagnosing occlusal caries from bitewing radiographs was developed in an attempt to overcome the problems of clinical diagnosis found in other studies. Standardised bitewing radiographs for 1172 Berkshire schoolchildren aged 11–13 years who were participating in a toothpaste trial, were assessed for occlusal caries under uniform magnification and illumination. The radiographic scores were then compared with the clinical records for these subjects. The radiographic technique proved to be acceptably reproducible at 82.6 %. However, only 33.2 % of the lesions present were detected on the radiographs. It is concluded that bitewing radiographs for the detection of occlusal caries are of little value in epidemiological studies.
Effect of dental health care instruction and prophylaxis on knowledge, attitude and behavior in Dutch military personnel
Authors: Tan H. H.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a single dental health care instruction and prophylaxis on knowledge, attitude and behavior. Ninety‐six army recruits from two military camps were randomly allocated to four groups: a control group, a group that received an oral prophylaxis, a group that received a single dental health care instruction, and a group that had both prophylaxis and dental health care instruction. Treatment effects were measured by a questionnaire 1 month and 3 months after the instruction. A single dental health care instruction improved knowledge, and some areas of behavior. The improvement in attitude was not clear. The improvements were small and showed a tendency to diminish after 1 month.
Dentists and dental technicians as competing suppliers of complete dentures in Southwest Finland
Authors: Rantanen Timo , Könönen Mauno
Published: May 2006

Abstract In Finland, not only dentists but also dental technicians with special training have the right to supply clients with complete dentures. The present study investigated how the demand for their services is distributed between these two professional groups, and what are the factors affecting the distribution. The material consisted of 220 randomly selected subjects who had lost all their teeth in one or both jaws. Of the full dentures worn, 50% had been made by a dentist and 41 % by a dental technician, while in 10% one denture, either maxillary or mandibular, was made by a dentist and the other by a dental technician. 56 % of the subjects said they would choose a dental technician the next time they needed a denture, the main reason being the lower cost. To the extent that subsidized health center services become more general and patients are more able to get treatment by dentists at a reduced cost, it seems probable that the majority of the edentulous will again resort to the dentists. However, judging by the current attitudes, a considerable number of the edentulous will continue to resort directly to the dental technician for the supply of dentures.
A factor analysis of traits as measured by COCSTOC‐MOT* to identify occlusal trait combinations
Authors: Proshek J. M. , Jenny J. , Cons N. C. , Frazier P. J. , Summers C. J. , Mruthyunjaya Y. C.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Occlusal conditions which vary significantly from accepted social norms for dental appearance may socially handicap an individual. An instrument is required by which socially unacceptable occlusal conditions can be identified by members of the public who have internalized society's norms for acceptable dental appearance. The factors identified in this paper make it possible to select a reasonable number (100) of models for constructing a measurement instrument which depicts the full range of occlusal patterns found in a natural population for use in assessing the social acceptability of occlusal conditions. This paper presents the methodology and process used to identify individual occlusal traits which tend to occur together in trait combinations or independently and their range from “normal” to extreme. Data on the frequency distribution of the individual COCSTOC measurements found in a natural population was subjected to a factor analysis which identified 18 occlusal patterns (combinations of traits) and five unique or independent traits or anomalies.
Tobacco smoking habits and attitudes of Australians with oral mucous membrane keratoses
Authors: Bastiaan Ross J. , Reade Peter C.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether or not a relationship existed between the presence of oral mucous membrane keratoses and tobacco smoking habits. Two groups of tobacco smokers, one group exhibiting oral mucous membrane keratoses, and the other no such changes, were chosen for their similar smoking habits. Detailed tobacco smoking histories of each group were ascertained. Similar results for both groups, in terms of the number of years of smoking, quantity of tobacco consumed daily, type of tobacco smoked and the method of inhalation and exhalation were found. Eighty per cent of patients wanted to stop smoking with the fear of cancer being the major reason in the subjects with oral keratoses and the continued cost of smoking the major reason in the control subjects. In the affected patients the prevalence of white patches was not related to the quantity of tobacco consumed but rather to the number of years the subject had smoked.
Survey of toothbrushing duration in 85 uninstructed English schoolchildren
Authors: Macgregor I. D. M. , Rugg‐Gunn A. J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract 85 uninstructed children aged 11–13 years brushed their teeth and were unaware that they were recorded on video tape. By viewing the films, the time spent brushing in each of 16 areas of the dentition and the number of strokes used in each area were obtained. The mean overall brushing time was 60.3 s (± 23.8); the mean number of strokes used by each subject was 397 (± 224). More time was spent and more strokes employed brushing mandibular than maxillary arches, labial and buccal than occlusal areas, and occlusal than lingual areas. The percentages of time spent and number of strokes used brushing lingual areas were low.
Results of 10 years of supervised fluoride toothbrushing in Rygge, Norway
Authors: Hope Thor
Published: May 2006

Abstract At the annual examination in 1978 of 141 patients born in 1962, DMFS, sound teeth and the number of erupted permanent teeth were registered. The number of filled tooth surfaces per child per year was compared for the period 1967–78. The average number of erupted teeth in 1978 was 27.3 of which 69 were sound (x̄= 18.9). The average DMFS score was 14.3 and decayed surfaces equaled 2.0. The mean number of filled tooth surfaces per year dropped from 6.1 in 1968 to 1.2 in 1978. The need for annual recall and examination routines at the dental clinics are questioned. More attention should be paid to preventive care.
Enamel mottling in 15‐year‐old children in Barnsley Area, England
Authors: Clerehugh Anthony
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of this study was to gather base‐line data of mottling in 15‐year‐old children. The survey was carried out in low‐fluoride Barnsley Area (F=0.1 parts/106) in December, 1976. In a random convenience sample, 270 children were examined. The mouth prevalence of mottling was 36.3% and the tooth prevalence was 8.8%. There was no sex difference in the prevalence of mottling. Over 83% of mottling was white (types A and B). Mottling occurred most frequently in (he maxillary incisors and was most common in the incisal third of all incisors examined. The results are compared with data from six other studies where the same classification of mottling was used.
Dental caries in a group of 20‐year‐olds after previous participation in public child dental health services in Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: Bille Jette
Published: May 2006

The present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of dental caries in a group of 20‐year‐olds who had previously participated in Public Child Dental Health Services. Dental caries was related to social status and preventive visits to the private dentist after termination of school. The study population comprised 389 persons aged 20, out of which 313(80.5%) were examined clinically and radiographically by one dentist according to standardized criteria. Mean DMFT was 10.4 and mean DMFS 16.7. Differences in relation to sex were not significant. The distribution of subjects according to DMFS was uneven. The 20% with the highest DMFS accounted for about 40% of the total amount of DMFS and for about 45% of the total amount of DS. A consistent pattern with higher mean DMFS in the low social groups was found. Attendance to Regular Youth Dental Service was higher the longer the subjects had been students and higher mean DMFS was found in nonregular attenders. The presence of a high caries risk group is discussed in relation to the dental care system received by the study population.
Consumption of dental services by ethnic groups in Israel
Authors: Machnes Yaffa
Published: May 2006

This study analyzes the consumption of dental services in Israel and is based on data collected on households and their expenditures on dental health. Medical and social research in Israel generally take into account the significance of the ethnic dimension to explain findings. In accordance with this established research mode, interview subjects were divided into two groups: households with both parents born in Asian or African countries, and others. Analysis of the data established a difference between the two groups in their expenditures on dental services. While several studies focused primarily on the sociologic aspects of the problem, little attempt has been made to isolate the influence of economic factors on dental care. This study demonstrates that income and other socioeconomic variables characterizing the various ethnic groups are the underlying causes for the difference in dental care expenditure.
Pilot results of DMF Treatment Time Index
Authors: Beck James D. , Field Howard M.
Published: May 2006

The DMF Index and its components have been utilized by various researchers to measure aspects of the caries process ranging from prevalence of carious lesions to the amount of dental care needed. It is generally recognized that DMF Teeth (T) measures life‐time caries experience and is not a good predictor of the amount of treatment time needed in population groups. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of certain modifications of the DMFT components to predict the amount of treatment time needed. In a sample of 109 adult cases, normal and diseased conditions were coded along with the usual DMFT measures and the number of missing teeth needing replacement (NR). Corresponding treatment procedures related to caries (periodontal treatment was not coded) were recorded and then converted to treatment times using the Relative Productivity Unit (RPU). Stepwise multiple regression and discriminant analysis procedures were used. The number of D teeth was linearly related to treatment time, but the number of NR and M teeth was not. Regression procedures indicated that the square root values of D and NR were the best predictors of treatment time (RPU) and produced a multiple r of 0.69. When patients were classified into categories of treatment time (low, medium, high), the DMF Treatment Time Index was able to correctly classify 70 % of the cases into their appropriate treatment time category.