bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodontal status and treatment needs in the Chiangmai/Lamphun provinces of Thailand
Authors: Songpaisan Yupin , Davies George N.
Published: May 2006

Abstract As part of an oral health survey concerned with the evaluation of a collaborative primary oral health care program, the CPITN system was used to determine the periodontal status and treatment needs of 2009 Thai people aged 12–44 yr. Calculus dominated the CPITN scores. The percentage of persons with healthy periodontal tissues was small, ranging from 0.7% at age 35–44 to 4.1% at age 12. Ranges for other highest scores were bleeding ‐0.4% at age 35–44 yr to 6.1 % at age 12 yr; calculus ‐62% at age 35–44 yr to 92.6% at age 17–18 yr. Pocketing did not occur to any significant extent until age 35–44 where 23.9% had 3–5 mm pockets and 12.8% had pockets 6 mm or deeper. 15–18‐yr‐olds who had received prior care from a Village Sealer had a significantly higher number and proportion of healthy sextants than those who had not received such care. No such effect was demonstrated in 35–44‐yr‐olds. The need for caution in the interpretation of this result is stressed. Attention is drawn to the desirability of differentiating between supra‐ and sub‐gingival calculus in the CPITN scoring system and to the excessive treatment requirements that arise from classifying everyone with calculus as requiring prophylaxis and scaling. A great deal of improvement will need to be affected if the Thai national and global goals for periodontal health are to be achieved in the districts covered by this survey
Long‐term effect of xylitol chewing gum on dental caries
Authors: Isokangas Pauli , Tiekso Jaakko , Alanen Pentti , Mäkinen Kauko K.
Published: May 2006

Abstract About 85% (n= 269) of the subjects who participated in the Ylivieska follow‐up studies on the effect of xylitol chewing gum on dental caries during 1982–84 or 1982–85 were re‐examined in 1987 for the analysis of possible long‐term preventive effects. Further caries reduction was found 2 or 3 yr after the discontinuation of the use of xylitol. The effect was especially marked in girls; the reduction in caries increment in the post‐use years was 60% for the 2‐yr users, suggesting that more pronounced caries reduction was associated with the most regular use of xylitol. In teeth erupting during the first year of the use of xylitol gum the long‐term preventive effect was greater than in other teeth. Several explanations are suggested: lasting effect of the microbiological changes in the mouth, bacterial colonization on newly erupted teeth by organisms other than S. mutatis, and/or thorough maturation of the teeth under favorable physico‐chemical circumstances. The results suggest that the value of xylitol in caries prevention depends on the timing of the treatment in relation to the development of the dentition
Periodontal conditions in 35–44‐year‐old factory workers in Shanghai
Authors: Pilot Taco , Zhen‐Yuan Lu , Zi‐Qiang Lin , Wan‐Ping Yen , Guang‐Rui Cao
Published: May 2006

Abstract A periodontal survey applying CPITN was carried out in almost 500 male and female factory workers, 35–44 yr of age, in Shanghai, P.R. China. Calculus and shallow pockets were most frequent. Deep pockets of 6 mm and over were seldom found. The mean number of missing teeth was only 2.7 (out of 32). Problems associated with third molars seem to provide the largest immediate oral health problem
Declining dental caries in Jerusalem schoolchildren
Authors: Ran Fanny
Published: May 2006

Abstract There has been an increase of dental caries in Israel during the last decade (1970–80), while most developed industrialized countries reported a decline in dental caries since 1970. A survey carried out on 267 first graders (6 yr old) by the same investigator and with the same methods as in the previous survey (1977), showed a significant decrease in prevalence of dental caries in 1985 as follows: 78% affected children with a caries score of 4.9 compared to 86.2% with a caries score of 5.2 in 1977
Caries prevalence ratios in a Tanzanian child population
Authors: Frencken J. E. , van 't Hof M. A. , Truin G‐J. , König K. G. , Matee M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The use of risk ratios, odds ratios and prevalence ratios is limited within dental epidemiological research. These measures of association have been applied to relate the risk indicators’geographical location and sex to the caries prevalence in the maxilla, the mandible and the total dentition of 7–11‐yr‐old Tanzanian schoolchildren examined in 1986. The risk indicators were studied by means of odds ratio, using logistic regression. There were no associations found between the risk indicators studied and caries prevalence in the maxilla and the total dentition: a significant association was found only in the mandible. This resulted in girls having a greater (PR= 1.4) chance of developing caries than boys, and children living in naturally fluoridated (0.5 ppm) rural areas having a lower (PR = 0.5) chance of developing caries than those living in urban and rural areas
Correlation between child caries incidence and S. mutans/ lactobacilli in saliva after correction for confounding factors
Authors: Sullivan Åsa , Granath Lars , Widenheim Jan
Published: May 2006

Abstract The correlation between caries incidence and Streptococcus mutans/ lactobacilli in saliva was studied in two different age groups, followed from ages 5 to 7 and from 12 to 14. The coefficients of correlation were computed before and after correction for the confounding effect of oral hygiene and the alternative bacteria. The best value for S. mutans was found for the total material in the younger age group (r = 0.24). For lactobacilli the best value was found for the total materials and in the subgroup with less favorable oral hygiene and S. mutans count in the older age group (r = 0.18). The connection between caries incidence and these bacteria was shown to be weak at the individual level, particularly after correction for confounding. The caries differences at group level between subgroups with less favorable and favorable counts of the bacteria were also checked after correction for confounders. The “reduction” figures for S. mutans varied between 23 and 63% and for lactobacilli between 8 and 37% in the two sets of material
Life‐span of amalgam restorations in primary molars: some results and comments on statistical analyses
Authors: Wong Ferranti S. L. , Day Simon J.
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe life‐span of amalgam restorations placed in primary molars by three general dental practitioners is investigated. Two methods of analysis have been carried out. In the analysis of “non‐independent” restorations (i.e. using several restorations from each mouth), the median survival time was 52.8 months with an apparent standard error of 2.1 months. In the analysis of “independent” restorations (i.e. only using one restoration from each mouth), three random samples were chosen and their median survival times were 68.2 months (s.e. = 6.9), 60.5 months (s.e. = 6.9), and 56.8 months (s.e. = 3.7). The two methods are compared and discussed. It is concluded that the analysis of “independent” restorations should be the method of choice in studying the life‐span of restorations
Reliability in estimating taurodontism of permanent molars from orthopantomograms
Authors: Tulensalo Tuuli , Ranta Reijo , Kataja Matti
Published: May 2006

Abstract Taurodontism is a morphologic dental trait showing continuous expressivity, and criteria of the degree of pulp chamber elongation vary in different investigations. The aim of this investigation was to test a simple method of assessing taurodontism in the developing dentition from orthopantomograms in order to determine its reliability for later use in epidemiologic investigations. The method was also compared with other methods. Forty‐three children 10–16.9 yr of age with one or more taurodontic permanent first or second molars were selected for the study. A subgroup of 16 children with two longitudinally obtained radiographs was used in a follow‐up study of the same tooth in two different formational stages. The follow‐up time averaged 2.2 yr. The distance between the baseline connecting the mesial and distal points of the cementoenamel junction and the highest point of the floor of the pulp chamber was measured (Measure 3). A tooth was classified as taurodontic when Measure 3 reached or exceeded 3.5 mm. This distance remained unchanged during the course of tooth development. Intraexaminer reliability of two examiners in reproducing the same classification was, on average, 96.2%, and the Interexaminer reliability was 93.2%. The reliability was greater for the first than for the second molars. Results obtained by this method agreed well with those obtained by other methods. Measure 3 proved to be reliable in assessing taurodontism in the developing dentition from orthopantomograms in epidemiologic investigations
Past caries recordings made in Public Dental Clinics as predictors of caries prevalence in early adolescence
Authors: Seppä Liisa , Hausen Hannu , Pöllänen Lea , Helasharju Kirsti , Kärkkäinen Sakari
Published: May 2006

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the power of past caries experience in primary and permanent dentition in predicting caries prevalence at the age of 13 yr. Clinical and radiographical examination was performed in 512 13‐yr‐olds by a trained research team. The 6‐12‐yr dmfs and DMFS values were obtained from the Public Dental Care records. For evaluating the accuracy of predictions, the children were cross‐classified according to each past caries score and the 13‐yr score. The cutting points were selected so that the children in the upper quartile of caries experience formed the predicted and true high caries groups, leaving about 75% in the low caries groups. Pearson correlations were also calculated. Sensitivity and specificity of caries in primary teeth (6 yr) were 57% and 85%, respectively. For permanent dentition, sensitivity was the lowest (28%) at the age of 6, reached 68% at the age of 9 and remained at that level until age 12. Specificity decreased from 92% (6 yr) to 85% (9 yr) and then steadily increased to 93% (12 yr). Correlation increased with age from 0.37 to 0.82. When screening for high caries increment in young children, caries in primary dentition seems a better screening criterion than caries in permanent first molars. When the aim is to identify those subjects with high caries increment later on, screening at age 9 seems as accurate as that done later
Pilot study on obesity in caries prediction
Authors: Tuomi Toivo
Published: May 2006

Abstract The aim of the present study was to explore the possibility of predicting the incidence of dental caries from obesity. The subjects were 516 children living in Luvia, Finland, born between 1972 and 1981. Obesity alone was not a very good predictor of dental decay. When predicting caries in the permanent first molars using both earlier obesity and earlier caries experience as predicting indicators, 65–70% of the true risk group was identified. This combination was even better for the prediction of caries in permanent second molars.
Caries prevalence, Streptococcus mutans and sugar intake among 4‐year‐old urban children in Iceland
Authors: Holbrook W. Peter , Kristinsson Magnus J. , Gunnarsdóttir Steinunn , Briem Brynhildur
Published: May 2006

Abstract Concern at the high prevalence of dental caries in Iceland prompted this survey of 158 preschool children in Reykjavik. On initial examination in 1987 45.8% of the children were caries‐free and the prevalence of caries was a mean dmft 2.4 and a mean dmfs 3.3. A dietary questionnaire aimed at discovering the frequency of sugar consumption per week revealed a threshold value of 30 instances of sugar intake per week above which caries prevalence increased markedly. Some of this sugar is consumed in paediatric medicines, particularly antibiotics and anti‐asthmatics, which are widely used in Iceland. Caries prevalence (dmft) for children taking such medicines regularly was 3.0 compared with 2.1 for remaining children (P<0.05). Those children who took fluoride tablets regularly had less caries (mean dmft 1.1) than those who used fluoride tablets irregularly or not at all (mean dmft 2.8; P<0.001). Samples of saliva from the dorsum of the tongue were taken for determination of numbers of Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli. High bacterial counts were strongly associated with caries. Only 5% of children with more than 5 × 105S. mutans cfu per ml were caries free but 27% of subjects had 67% of the total amount of caries for the group and all of these would have been detected by the bacterial test.
Influence of increased toothbrushing frequency on dental health in low, optimal, and high fluoride areas in Finland
Authors: Ainamo Jukka , Parviainen Kaarina
Published: May 2006

Abstract In our previous report we found that the dental health of Finnish 13–15‐yr‐old children had significantly improved from 1973 to 1982. The aim of this study was to assess whether the improved dental health was associated with frequency of toothbrushing and associated use of fluoride dentifrice. In both 1973 and 1982 some 360 children were scored for the DFS index. In each of three towns with 0.2 ppm, 1.0 ppm, and 2.5 ppm fluoride in the drinking water, samples of about 40 children were randomly picked from each age cohort of 13, 14, and 15 yr. The children were grouped into “infrequent”, “daily”, or “frequent” brushers. Overall, from 1973 to 1982 the proportion of “daily” and “frequent” brushers had increased from 56% to 75% (P<0.001). The overall DFST (T = total) and DFSA (A = approximal) scores had declined significantly in all brushing frequency groups. Looking at separate fluoride areas, the actual decline was found to have occurred in the low fluoride area where in 1982 the DFS scores were 50% or less of the 1973 scores (P<0.05). In the low fluoride area in 1973, no association was found between brushing frequency and DFS scores whereas in 1982, high brushing frequency was found to be associated with low DFS scores (P<0.05). The decrease in DPS scores was suggested at least partly to be associated with the increased frequency of brushing the teeth with fluoride dentifrice.
Periodontal treatment needs in a population of Ljubljana, Yugoslavia
Authors: Skalerič Uroš , Kovač‐Kavčič Marija
Published: May 2006

Abstract 1692 citizens of Ljubljana in the age range from 15 to 65 yr participated in a survey to assess their periodontal treatment needs. Eighty‐three of the participants (4.9%) were edentulous and excluded from the study. Of the 1609 dentate subjects only 2.4% were free of any signs of periodontal disease. According to the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs, (CPITN), reversible gingivitis was present in 19.9% of the population, calculus and shallow pockets (4–5 mm) in 57.4%, and deep pockets (6 mm) in 20.3% of the examined participants. Bleeding on probing was the most common finding in a group of 15‐yr‐old subjects, calculus was most frequently found in 25‐ and 35‐yr‐old groups, and shallow and deep pockets in 45‐, 55‐ and 65‐yr‐old adults. Complex treatment needs increased with age, reaching 42.9% in the 65‐yr‐old population. However, deep pocketing was in 60% limited to one sextant of the participants with complex treatment needs.
Visual and tactile observational error: comparative probing reliability with recession and cementoenamel junction measurements
Authors: Watts Trevor L. P.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Probing error may arise from several sources, including visual observations and tactile detection of the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). This study examined two types of probe scale in relation to measurements of recession and CEJ from a flexible stent, and two types of probe design in addition, in relation to CEJ detection. 492 sites were studied in six patients with untreated periodontitis. Following stent construction, patients attended for measurement of recession and probing depth. This was repeated after 1 h, and then calculus was scaled in the vicinity of the CEJ. One week later, patients attended for CEJ measurements, which were similarly repeated. Measurements with an offset scale (between marks) were more reproducible in general, though no significant difference was detected between recession scores. The most reproducible detection of the CEJ was with a modified Cross calculus probe with an offset scale. A curious feature of the results was a bias affecting 9% of the recession measurements. It is possible that edematous enlargement of the gingiva occurred after the first measurement of probing depth, and was occasionally sufficient to alter the recession score.
Oral lichen planus among 4277 patients from Gizan, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Salem G.
Published: May 2006

Abstract This paper reports on the prevalence of oral lichen planus among 4277 Saudi patients, aged 18–73 yr, seen in the dental department of King Fahd Central Hospital, Gizan, Saudi Arabia, between 1982 and 1987. 63% of the patients were males. Oral mucosal lesions consistent with lichen planus were identified both clinically and histologically in 72 patients (40 males and 32 females). The average age of the affected group was 49 yr. No correlation was evident between lichen planus and tobacco habits in this study, nor was there any association with diabetes or hypertension. The average period of follow‐up was 3.2 yr, during which four cases developed malignant transformation of the oral lesions. The prevalence of oral lichen planus in this study was 1.7%, which is higher than the prevalence figures reported earlier for the population of Saudi Arabia.
Periodontal status in a Hutterite population
Authors: Hoover J. , Tynan J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The periodontal status of a population of 117 adult Hutterites living in Saskatchewan, Canada, was assessed. Despite poor oral hygiene levels, and inadequate dental knowledge, the presence of periodontitis was low. The findings are in accordance with data obtained recently from other selected populations
Oral health promotion for institutionalised elderly
Authors: Schou Lone , Wight Christine , Clemson Naomi , Douglas Sara , Clark Christine
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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The purpose of the present study was to develop and evaluate educational approaches specifically for improvement of oral hygiene behaviour amongst institutionalised elderly. A sample of 201 residents, 48–99 yr of age (mean age 82 yr), was selected from four different institutions in Lothian, Scotland. A clinical examination and a structured interview were conducted immediately before and 2 months after the termination of the programme. The four institutions were blind to the examiner and randomly allocated to a control group or one of the three programmes; 1) active involvement of staff only; 2) active involvement of residents only; 3) active involvement of both residents and staff. The programme comprised three 1‐h sessions at monthly intervals in groups of five to six residents or members of staff. The analysis of the results showed poor oral health and oral hygiene, high objective need for oral care but low perceived need. The programme had little impact on most of the included variables and only about half of the participants remembered the programme 2 months after its termination. The implications of the study arc that groups of elderly need to be differentiated further so that only well and not confused elderly participate in programmes such as this and less well and confused elderly receive regular professional support with oral hygiene.
Fissure sealants: a critique of their cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Mitchell Laura , Murray John
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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Despite the large number of clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of fissure sealants in preventing occlusal caries, it has been suggested that the fundamental principles of cost‐effectiveness have not been applied to the use of fissure sealants and there is little in the literature which allows up‐to‐date judgements to be made. A review of the literature suggests that whilst the limitations in design of some of the earlier fissure sealants studies make it difficult to draw firm conclusions, the results of later studies, particularly those which evaluated fissure sealants as an integral part of routine dental care, are encouraging. A number of factors including durability and tooth selection influence the economic viability of fissure sealants. These factors must be considered and controlled if sealants are to be used cost‐effectively.
Dental state and subjective chewing ability of institutionalized elderly people
Authors: Ekelund Raili
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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The purpose of the present study was to investigate the dental state of the elderly, to provide a subjective appraisal of their chewing ability and their inability to eat certain foods because of their poor dental state. The subjects were 480 residents of 24 municipal old people's homes in different parts of Finland. Of the subjects, 153 were men and 327 women, and their ages ranged from 65 to 100 years. The methods used were clinical examination and interview. The clinical examination revealed that 68% of the subjects had no natural teeth, and 22% had neither natural nor artificial teeth. The number of teeth in dentate subjects was small (average 7.6), and the condition mostly poor. Only 2% had any serviceable counterparts. 51% of the subjects wore dentures: 57 subjects in the maxilla alone, three in the mandible alone and 186 in both maxilla and mandible. 41% said that because of their teeth they were unable to eat some foods they would have liked to eat, crisp bread being mentioned most often as such a food (85% of those with chewing difficulties). Edentulous subjects and dentate subjects wearing both maxillary and mandibular dentures said more often than those without dentures that they could cat everything; those without any teeth had most often (59%) to avoid some foods. More attention should be given to the dental condition and the masticatory function of the elderly, especially of those living in institutions, to ensure that they are comfortable physically, psychologically, and socially for the rest of their lives.
Salivary Streptococcus mutans and caries prevalence in Brazilian schoolchildren
Authors: Aparecida de Paiva Buischi Yvonne , Axelsson Per , de Fatima Zülske Barbosa Maria , Pinto Alves Mayer Marcia , Carmen Queiróz Bueno do Prado Maria , Bosco de Oliveira Luciene
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans in Brazilian schoolchildren, and its possible correlation with caries prevalence. A positive correlation between different levels of S. mutans and caries prevalence was observed, individuals with high levels of S. mutans (> 100 colonies) had a DMFS significantly higher than those with low or no detectable S. mutans (0, 1–20, 21–40 colonies).
The dmfs and dmft of young South African children
Authors: Cleaton‐Jones P. , Hargreaves J. A. , Roberts G. , Williams S. , Leidal T. I.
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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As part of a series of frequent epidemiological field studies to determine caries prevalences in the primary dentition of young South African children, 1436 children of 1–4 yr of age from five ethnic groups were examined. Using WHO diagnostic criteria decayed, missing, and filled surfaces were determined with mirror and probe and caries free, dmfs, dfs, ds, mfs, and dmft scores were calculated. The investigation has shown that urban coloured and Indian children have the highest caries prevalences and urban white children have the lowest. It is suggested that the percentage of caries‐free children should be used to set goals for reduction in caries.
Per capita consumption of sugar‐containing products and dental caries in Sweden from 1960 to 1985
Authors: Birkhed Dowen , Sundin Birgitta , Westin SI
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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The aim of the present report was to analyze sugar consumption in relation to dental caries in Sweden from 1960 to 1985. Sugar consumption is based on official statistics from the National Swedish Agricultural Board and is expressed in grams per person and day. Over this quarter‐century total sugar consumption decreased approximately 5%, from 116 to 110 g/person/day. A shift occurred from direct consumption to indirect (sugar used by the food industry), the former decreasing from 76 to 50 and the latter rising from 40 to 60 g/person/day. Available epidemiologic data on dental caries in children from the National Swedish Board of Health and Welfare indicate that the frequency of caries decreased dramatically from 1960 to 1985, though comparable data were difficult to obtain for the whole 25‐yr period. The conclusion from this study is that these changes in caries prevalence in Sweden cannot be attributed to a corresponding decrease in the per capita consumption of sugar and sugar‐containing products. On the contrary, the intake of some products traditionally related to dental caries, such as candy and soft drinks, increased during 1960–1985.
Resource productivity and returns to scale in school‐based mouthrinsing programs
Authors: Doherty Neville J. G.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The viability of community dental programs is influenced by various factors, including costs and effectiveness. Costs, in turn, are influenced by the prices and productivity of resources, and variations in these will influence not only comparisons among programs providing a homogeneous service but also any conclusions that can be drawn about cost‐effectiveness. This paper eliminates wage effects and examines resource productivity and returns to scale in relationship to the size of a group of school‐based mouthrinsing programs. The research questions were to determine: 1) whether the programs exhibit increasing, decreasing, or constant returns to scale, and 2) the productivity of labor and capital. Data from 14 programs in the US were pooled for 2 yr to yield 28 observations. The production relationship between output (numbers of participants) and inputs (labor and capital) was specified in a Cobb‐Douglas model. Findings were that 1) the programs exhibited decreasing returns to scale (P < 0.01); and 2) the average and marginal productivities of labor and capital declined (P < 0.001). The implications of these findings are that, with equal wages and homogeneous labor, the average cost of mouthrinsing per participant would have increased as a function of the size of these programs. To the extent that the economics of community dental programs are influenced not only by the costs and productivity of the resources they use but also by their size, there may be some value in research on the economics of optimum program size and the role of management in program organization.
Effect of a nutrition education program, “Learning by teaching”, on adolescents' knowledge and beliefs
Authors: Hölund Ulla
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a health education program on a group of adolescents' cognition (knowledge of sugar and caries (SUCA), knowledge of sugar and nutrition (SUNU), and beliefs about susceptibility (SUSC) and self‐efficacy (SELF)). The strategy used was to make 14‐yr‐old students learn about nutrition and dental health through teaching 10‐yr‐old students this topic. A pretest‐posttest non‐equivalent control group design was used. The experimental group consisted of four 8th grade classes from two schools and the reference group of four 8th grade classes from two comparable schools. The data was collected prior to, immediately after, and, for the experimental group, 2 months after the program implementation. Analysis of covariance with pretest measures as covariates showed no effect of the program on SUCA, SUSC, and SELF, while a significant interaction effect of study group and gender was found on SUNU. Neither social class of mother nor caries activity had a significant interaction effect on knowledge and beliefs during the course. Future health education research should focus upon the effect of different educational approaches addressing beliefs more salient to adolescents.
Evaluation of a routine for prevention and treatment of fissure caries in permanent first molars
Authors: Raadal Magne , Laegreid Olav , Laegreid Karin V. , Hveem Harald , Wangen Kjell
Published: May 2006

Abstract Fissure sealing as well as fluoride varnish have shown good preventive effect against fissure caries in newly erupted teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a clinical routine in which these two methods were combined. The evaluation was done in a public dental clinic in Norway, and three dentists performed and evaluated the treatment. The population belonged to two different year classes (born 1978 and 1979), 196 in all, and they were followed semiannually from age 6 until 8 and 9 yr, respectively. The routine was as follows: all erupted permanent first molars without fissure caries were cleaned an d painted with a fluoride varnish (Duraphat) every 6 months. Fissures showing incipient caries were opened with a rotating instrument and sealed if caries was restricted to the enamel. Amalgam fillings were placed if caries had progressed to the dentin. The operator time required for the fissure treatment was recorded. After 2 yr observation of children born in 1978 and 1979, 72% of the fissures were intact, 13% had been sealed, and 15% filled, and the corresponding figures after 3 yr (1978‐chilclren) were 65%, 15%, and 20%. In approximately 45% of the children all four permanent molars were intact, while about 12% had all molars sealed or filled. The average time spent for application of sealants was 4.1 min and for application of amalgam fillings 5.9 min.
Fluorosis and dental caries in 6–8‐year‐old children in a 5 ppm fluoride area
Authors: Mann Jonathan , Mahmoud Walid , Ernest Moshe , Sgan‐Cohen H. , Shoshan Nimrod , Gedalia Itzhak
Published: May 2006

Abstract Fluorosis levels and caries prevalence were evaluated in 152 children aged 6–8 yr residing from birth in an area with 5 ppm fluoride in the drinking water. Sixty‐two of the subjects had mild fluorosis in both primary and permanent dentition, 31 were defined as moderate, and 4 cases had no signs of fluorosis; 14 cases had a more severe fluorosis level in the primary dentition as compared to 41 cases in which fluorosis was more severe in the permanent dentition. More primary dentitions were free of fluorosis in females than in males (P < 0.05). No differences between males and females were found in the permanent dentition fluorosis. The decay rate in the permanent dentition gradually increased with increasing fluorosis severity, a finding not observed in the primary dentition. Reasons are discussed for the lower fluorosis level in the primary dentition and the more severe fluorosis in older age groups as well as the fluorosis severity difference by gender.
Prevalence of root surface caries in 55,65, and 75‐year‐old Swedish individuals
Authors: Fure Solveig , Zickert Ingegerd
Published: May 2006

Abstract The prevalence and intraoral distribution of decayed and filled root surfaces were evaluated in 55, 65, and 75‐yr‐old inhabitants of Gothenburg. From randomly selected groups, 88, 72, and 48 dentate persons in the respective age groups participated and as many as 85, 93, and 90% respectively had one or more decayed or filled root surfaces. In the two oldest age groups 32–35% were free from root carious lesions, while 20% had five or more decayed root surfaces. The corresponding figures for the youngest group were 63% and 8%. The prevalence of root surface caries was evaluated using the Root Caries Index (RCI), excluding prosthetic crowns. The mean RCI value increased with age (P 0.05, ANOVA on age groups) from 14% to 16% and 22% in the 55, 65, and 75‐yr‐olds, respectively. The root surfaces of the molars were most frequently affected by caries and fillings, the incisors least frequently. In the maxilla the proximal surfaces were most affected, in the mandible this applied to the buccal surfaces, while the lingual surfaces had the lowest proportion of carious lesions and fillings in both jaws.
Periodontal treatment needs assessed by the use of clinical and radiographic criteria
Authors: Papapanou Panos N. , Wennström Jan L. , Sellén Annika , Hirooka Hideaki , Gröndahl Kerstin , Johnsson Tommy
Published: May 2006

Abstract The aim of the present study was to use a decision making model in order to assess the periodontal treatment needs of a random sample of employees in a large Swedish industrial corporation. The model used provided data on critical bone loss limits for different tooth types and ages, beyond which treatment must be initiated, in order to fulfill the goal of maintaining all teeth in a functional state throughout life. A sample comprising 192 subjects belonging to four age strata (31–35 yr, 41–45 yr, 51–55 yr, and 61–65 yr) was involved. From each subject, a full mouth series of intra‐oral radiographs were available. The radiographic bone height was assessed at the mesial and distal aspect of all teeth by measuring the distance between the cementoenamel junction and the bone crest. The clinical examination included assessments of plaque, gingivitis, probing pocket depth, and probing attachment level. The results revealed that (i) only 3.1% of all approximal tooth sites exhibited radiographic bone loss exceeding the critical limits, (ii) all individuals and 70% of the approximal tooth sites were in need of periodontal treatment when presence of gingival inflammation (bleeding on probing) was employed as the single criterion for therapeutic intervention, (iii) the proportion of individuals and tooth sites requiring treatment amounted to 98% and 27%, respectively, when a probing pocket depth of at least 4 mm was included as an additional criterion, and 54% and 4.1%, respectively, if a probing depth threshold of 6 mm was used, while (iv) the use of bleeding on probing in combination with radiographic bone loss beyond the critical limits disclosed a need of treatment in 40% of the subjects and 2.5% of the approximal tooth sites.
Oral health of workers in the modern Finnish confectionery industry
Authors: Masalin Kai , Murtomaa Heikki , Meurman Jukka H.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The association between type of work and dental findings and the relevance of sugar dust as an occupational hazard to dental health was studied in workers producing sweets, biscuits, and bakery products, and in controls in a work environment not concerned with sugar. 298 employees, 42±11 yr of age, were investigated clinically and by means of chemical and microbiological tests of their saliva. Mean total time of work on the production line in question was 10±8.5 yr. Periodontal treatment needs increased similarly with increasing age in all subgroups. Subjects concerned with biscuit production had significantly higher DMFS values than subjects in the other groups. They also had significantly higher numbers of untreated cavities: 79.6% compared with 54.7% in those making sweets, 48.3% in bakery workers, and 62.6% in the controls not exposed to sugar. High levels of lactobacilli and Streptococcus mutants were found equally in all subgroups. Because work hygiene measurements have previously shown that sugar and flour dust concentrations were below accepted limits in the confectionery factory studied, the results do not seem to support the hypothesis that airborne sugar is an occupational dental health hazard. Some other factors need to be accounted for to explain the findings.
Mercury excretion and occupational exposure of dental personnel
Authors: Jokstad Asbjörn
Published: May 2006

Abstract At the annual congresses of the Norwegian Dental Association in 1986 and 1987 surveys were conducted to assess the significance of potential sources of mercury exposure. Morning urine samples and questionnaires were collected from 672 participants in 1986 and 273 participants in 1987. The mean values of the urinary mercury excretion were 39 nmol/L (SD = 29) in 1986, and 43 nmol/L (SD = 36) in 1987. The excretion values were correlated to the answers on questionnaires supplied from each participant. The data was analyzed using ANOVA, multiple classification analyses, and Pearson correlation. The correlations between environment and practice characteristics and the mercury excretion values reconfirm in general results from previous investigations. In addition, the data indicate that urinary mercury excretion may be gender dependent and that the restorative status of the participants contribute to the daily mercury exposure. Moreover, the excretion correlates not only to the number of placed restorations per week, but also to the number of polished and replaced amalgam restorations per week. Participants working in environments with wooden floors had significantly higher mean mercury values than other dental personnel. Elevated mercury values were also observed for participants working in clinics with installed amalgam separators or other filtering devices. The possibility that the storage of collected scrap amalgam and mercury from the filtering devices increases the mercury vapor in the work environment warrants further investigation.
Five‐year follow‐up caries study among Nigerian children
Authors: Kubota Kinziro , Yonemitsu Masami , Hollist Nestor Olayimika , Ono Yoshiaki , Nakata Minoru , Ajayi‐Obe Samuel Oladosu , Ohnishi Masatoshi , Watanabe Hisashi , Grille Adesanya Ige
Published: May 2006

Abstract Eighty‐five children (age in 1981, 3–9 yr) examined in the 1981 survey in Ile‐Ife, Nigeria, were seen again in 1986. In addition cross‐sectional caries data in a small sample of 6–14‐yr‐olds were compared with data obtained in 1986. Results show that caries prevalence rate and the average number of DMFT increased slightly in the urban areas, but was still very low. Both caries prevalence and the average number of DMFT decreased in rural areas because attrition proceeded faster than did caries.
Tooth loss and dental caries in institutionalized elderly in Italy
Authors: Angelillo Italo Francesco , Sagliocco Gaetano , Hendricks Stephen James Heinrich , Villari Paolo
Published: May 2006

Abstract An epidemiological survey of dental health status and needs was conducted in a group of 234 randomly selected institutionalized elderly people in Naples, Italy. The mean age of the patients was 81.4 yr, 71.4% were women and 28.6% men. A total of 140 (59.8%) people were totally edentulous; an additional 13.7% were edentulous in one jaw. A significant increase in prevalence of edentulousness with increasing age was recorded. 44.3% of the edentulous in both jaws wore complete dentures. The mean number of remaining sound teeth, decayed teeth and root remnants in the elderly with maxillary and mandibular natural teeth decreased with increasing age. Of the 94 dentate elderly, 29.8% had no need of dental treatment. Of all dentate patients 68.1% needed one or more dental extractions with a mean need of 3.9 per patient; 37.2% needed restorative treatment for one or more teeth with a mean need per patient of 2.9. Analysis of the results showed poor dental health in this target group and the necessity of improving the dental health services programs for the elderly living in institutions.
Economic aspects of dental care in Finnish health centers
Authors: Utriainen Pekka , Widström Eeva
Published: May 2006

Abstract In recent years economic evaluations of publicly funded governmental and community based activities have become more common. Although the Public Dental Service in Finland has been in operation for 17 yr, little is known of the effectiveness of the system. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, output and costs of dental care using available data from 34 randomly selected health centers during 1982–85. Great differences were found in running expenses and productivity between the health centers studied. The study indicated that dental care arrangements tended to be more expensive in communities with high governmental subsidies than in those with low ones. The ratio of chairside assistants to dentists was also shown to have a statistically significant positive correlation with the cost of a dental visit.
Preventive Dentistry In Texas, Usa
Authors: Chen Meei‐shia
Published: May 2006

Abstract This paper presents the results of a 1985 survey of 1000 Texas dentists regarding three major types of preventive measures – educational services, preventive procedures, and diagnostic services. The results show that among several given educational services, respondents tended most to instruct on correct brushing or flossing and tended least to counsel on diet. Among preventive procedures, most dentists removed plaque or calculus. A very small portion applied occlusal sealants on patients under the age of 15. As for diagnostic services, most performed oral cancer screening exams. Most performed dental X‐rays, but many did not use leaded protection on their patients while taking X‐rays. A large number did not check their patients'; blood pressure. Income, attendance of continuing education programs, and number of dental hygienists were strong, positive predictors of provision of all three types of preventive measures. Dentists who practiced in more populous areas, or had practiced for fewer years, more likely provided patients with educational services and preventive procedures. Dentists delivered more preventive procedures if they attended more professional dental meetings. Dentists who worked more hours were more likely to provide educational services and preventive procedures. Patient load correlated negatively with dentists' delivery of preventive procedures.
Combined fluoride therapies
Authors: Stephen Kenneth W. , Kay Elizabeth J. , Tullis J. Ivor
Published: May 2006

Abstract A 6‐yr double‐blind study was undertaken to compare the caries inhibiting‐effectiveness of (a) 1 mgF− tablets (daily at school) plus fortnightly rinsing at school with 1000 ppmF−; (b) 1 mgF− tablets plus placebo rinsing; and (c) placebo tablets plus 1000 ppmF− rinsing. Participants were aged 4.5–5 yr at outset of the trial. At baseline, and annually thereafter, clinical caries and bitewing X‐ray examinations were undertaken, hence ethical approval for a negative control was not feasible. Fissure sealant presence was also recorded. Initially, 192 children from predominantly low socio‐economic backgrounds were enrolled, and baseline analyses showed no significant differences between groups with respect to primary caries prevalence. After 6 yr, 112 children remained, by which time no significant differences were noted between DMFT and DMFS values for those in the active tablet/active rinse group, as compared to those in the placebo tablet/active rinse group. However, in relation to both indices, in permanent first molars, the effectiveness of the active tablet/placebo rinse regime appeared to be significantly poorer than the placebo tablet/active rinse programme. For the active tablet/active rinse group, the DMFT difference was significantly less than the active tablet/placebo rinse group (37.9%), although for the DMFS difference, significance was not achieved. Similar trends were noted when DMFT and DMFS values for all permanent teeth were considered. The occlusal caries prevalence in permanent first molars followed the DMFT pattern, but differences between combined tablet/rinsing children and tablet‐only children could be ascribed solely to the effectiveness of sealant presence. As F− rinsing was supervised, the most likely explanation of these results is that children involved with active F− tablet ingestion were cither not receiving them, or these formulations were being used in such a manner that no extra benefit was obtained. Further cost‐effectiveness studies would therefore seem necessary to determine whether ancillary employment would be justified in terms of increased caries benefit.
Dental caries, mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and saliva secretion rate in adults
Authors: Klock Björn , Svanberg Mona , Petersson Lars Gustav
Published: May 2006

Abstract In 718 Swedish patients, equally divided into four age groups (19–25, 26–45, 46–60, > 60 yr), salivary levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli, saliva secretion rate, and DMFS were registered. No significant differences were found between the various age groups either in salivary factors or in caries (D). Number of missing (M) and filled (F) surfaces increased with age. Prevalence of root caries, which increased with age, was significantly correlated to number of exposed root surfaces independent of age. Of the total study group, 50% had 106 mutans streptococci and 40% had 105 lactobacilli per mL saliva. Three percent had a saliva secretion rate of 0.5 mL/min. Correlation analyses showed that both mutans streptococci and lactobacilli significantly correlated to the caries prevalence but the r‐value never exceeded 0.34.
Prevalence of dental anxiety and fear in children in Singapore
Authors: Chellappah N. K. , Vignehsa Hemalatha , Milgrom Peter , Lam Lo Geok
Published: May 2006

Abstract 505 primary school children in Singapore aged 10–14 were surveyed regarding fear of the dentist. Sixty‐eight children were classified as having high fear, giving a sex and race adjusted population prevalence rate of 177 fearful children per 1000 population. Females were 2.64 times more fearful than males. There were no significant racial differences in the prevalence rate. Children with high state anxiety are almost three times as likely to report dental fear as those with low state anxiety. Children with trait anxiety scores above the population mean were just as likely as those reporting below the mean to be fearful. Access to dental care is an important intervening variable in dental fear.
Human immunodeficiency virus: quantifying the risk of transmission of HIV to dental health care workers
Authors: Morris Robert E. , Turgut Erdogan
Published: May 2006

Abstract The potential for the increased risk of transmission of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) from patients to dental health care workers (DHCWs) in the workplace is examined. Based on published and hypothetical risk estimates, the authors conclude that in certain world communities with high prevalence rates of HIV infection (e.g. Central Africa), the potential yearly incidence rate and cumulative long‐term incidence rate of HIV transmission in the denial workplace could place these workers in a high risk subgroup similar to that of homosexuals. Reported high levels of noncompliance with infection control procedures in the dental care workplace in the United States by these workers suggests the potential for increased risk in communities with high prevalence rates of this disease. Present and past educational efforts toward protection of the DHCW in the United States may be considered inadequate, and even more so when these educational efforts arc applied in the world community. Additional efforts should be made by the public health community to alert and educate DHCWs worldwide to the potential for increased HIV transmission in the workplace.