bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children's perception of vulnerability to illness and dental disease
Authors: Wright F. A. C.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Dental health education attempts to change behaviour by altering an individual's knowledge, attitudes, and belief's about health matters. Perception of vulnerability to illness and dental disease is a central, but poorly understood, health belief. In this study of 303 New Zealand and 297 Australian schoolchildren perceived vulnerability was measured by the degree of expectancy to which subjects believed they would contract health problems. The pattern of health problem expectancy was consistent across age groups, cultures, and other demographic divisions. High expectancies of general health problems and dental caries were associated with potential preventive dental visits and with potential denture wearing. New Zealand schoolchildren, and children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, had higher expectancies of general health problems and dental caries than Australian or middle class children.
Longitudinal study of periodontal status in individuals aged 15 years in 1973 and 20 years in 1978 in Jönköping, Sweden
Authors: Hugoson Anders , Rylander Harald
Published: May 2006

Abstract The aim of this investigation was to study the periodontal status at the ages of 15 and 20 years in the same individuals. Gingival and periodontal data from 100 adolescents in 1973 constituted the basic material. Eighty subjects could rereexamined in 1978. The mean number of teeth per subject was 27.1 both in 1973 and in 1978. Three individuals in 1973 and two in 1978 had no bleeding gingival units. There was a decrease between 1973 and 1978 in the number of subjects with a high number of inflamed gingival units. The buccal and lingual surfaces also showed lower prevalence of gingivitis, while the proximal surfaces showed a slight increase in prevalence. The prevalence of surfaces with plaque in 1978 was decreased for buccal and lingual surfaces but slightly increased for proximal surfaces. Sixty‐six individuals in 1973 and 71 in 1978 had no pocketing. Altogether 75 tooth surfaces with pocketing were diagnosed in 1973 and 21 in 1978. Most of the pockets were located at the proximal surfaces of the molars. Four individuals with infra bony defects in one to two sites were found in 1973 and five in 1978. No progression of the bony defects found in 1973 seemed to have occurred during the 5‐year period. In spite o(the frequent proximal areas with gingivitis, very few 20‐year‐olds showed signs of marginal bone loss, which indicates that gingivitis does not necessarily lead to destructive periodontitis in young people.
Timing of permanent tooth emergence in a Southeastern Dominican schoolchildren population sample
Authors: Garciá‐Godoy Franklin , Díaz Angel N. , del Valle José M. , Arana Enrique J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of this study was to establish the mean timing of permanent tooth emergence in a low to middle socioeconomic level schoolchildren population sample from the Southeastern part of the Dominican Republic. A total of 900 children (15.6%of the 5–14‐year‐old schoolchildren from this city) were studied. Girls were relatively advanced in their emergence times except for the canine and second premolar in the maxilla and the first premolar in the mandible. The mean emergence times were, in general, relatively advanced when compared with those of United States whites and blacks, Danish, Canadian Eskimos, French‐Canadians, Greenland Eskimos, Icelandics, Southern Chinese and South Africans.
Analysis of background variables in 350 patients with TMJ disorders as reported in self‐administered questionnaire
Authors: Carlsson Gunnar E. , Kopp Sigvard , Wedel Anita
Published: May 2006

Abstract All 350 patients referred to the Department of Stomatognathic Physiology during a 4‐month period were given a self‐administered questionnaire intended to give a review o(the patients' history. The questions concerning general somatic and psychic health, education and social conditions are dealt with in this article. Twenty‐five percent of the patients, more women than men, considered their general state of health to be impaired or poor. Seventy‐two percent of the patients denied having had nervous or psychic disorders while 9% were currently being treated for such symptoms. Patients who had answered with alternatives indicating a “poor social situation” had, for instance, more pain in the face and jaws, poorer general health, more nervous or psychic disorders and more symptoms of TMJ disorders than the other patients. When the influence of education was considered, the patients with low education reported more severe symptoms of TMJ disorders than those with higher education. The general level of somatic and psychic health of the patients in this study did not differ markedly from that of the general population, but a negative influence on the health of the masticatory system of poor social conditions and low educational level could be demonstrated.
Oral hygiene and gingival health in Greek airforce cadet candidates
Authors: Anagnou‐Vareltzides A. , Tsami A. , Zervogianes D. , Mitsis F. I.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A broad epidemiologic investigation on oral hygiene and gingival health in Greece has been undertaken since 1978. Part of our findings are presented in this study. 1291 male airforce cadet candidates aged 17–22 years were interviewed first concerning brushing habits and gingival bleeding and subsequently using the Russell Index. The mean P. I. score of the group was 0.71 ranging from 0 to 2.13. The highest P. I. was found in the molars (0.82) followed by the anterior teeth and the premolars (0.75 and 0.63, respectively). Statistically significant correlation was found between P. I. and frequency of brushing (P. I. =0.92 in never brushing, P. I. = 0.69 in twice or more daily brushing). The effect of brushing techniques and bristle stiffness on the P. I. was statistically not significant. As expected the presence of calculus decreased as the frequency of brushing increased. Finally a strong correlation existed between the P. I. and gingival bleeding.
Contrasting patterns of caries profile and dental treatment in pupils of 16–18 years in South African ethnic groups
Authors: Walker Alexander R. P. , Dison Edna , Walker B. Faith , Segal Arlene F.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Investigations on caries profile and state of teeth treatment were made on 3752 high school pupils of 16–18 years, namely, rural and urban Black, Indian, Colored (Eur‐African‐Malay) and White pupils. Rural Blacks had a low mean DMFT of about 2, and a caries‐free prevalence of 52%. Of the few with affected teeth, 10% were extracted, none filled, and 90% decayed; i.e. restorative dental attention was virtually nil. Among English and Afrikaans pupils attending Government Schools, mean DMFT was about 10, and caries‐free prevalence negligible. Of affected teeth, 13% were extracted, 59% filled and 28% decayed. The situations regarding the urban Black, Indian and Colored groups were intermediate. The Jewish pupils, well‐circumstanced and attending private schools, had a mean DMFT of 6.5, moreover 6% were caries‐free. Of affected teeth, 1% had been extracted; 93% were filled, and only 6% remained decayed. Since it transpired that the diets of the three White subgroups, cariogenically, were much the same, the advantageous position of the Jewish pupils was judged to be due primarily to their excellent oral hygiene motivation, particularly their demonstrably regular visits to dentists.
Dental caries prevalence in intermediate Saudi schoolchildren in Riyad
Authors: Younes Salwa Abd El Samad , El‐Angbawi Mohammed Farouk
Published: May 2006

Abstract The study was performed in 1378 intermediate Saudi schoolchildren in Riyad, 693 females and 685 males. The results indicate low caries prevalence among Saudi children. This may be due to the type of food eaten, and other factors could be important, e.g. the use of miswak by Saudi children as the traditional practice for brushing teeth. The difference between the DMFT of the total number of Saudi females and males by sex and age were not statistically significant, P > 0.7498 and P > 0.1808, respectively. The chi‐square analysis for treatment needs between females and males indicate that the differences were not statistically significant (X2= 0.254, I df, P= 0.6145). The most prominent finding was a high percent (77.65%) of treatment needs for Saudi children. This confirmed the continuous need for planning and delivering dental services.
Streptococcus mutans, lactobacilli and dental health in 13–14‐year‐old Swedish children
Authors: Zickert Ingegerd , Emilson Claes‐Göran , Krasse Bo
Published: May 2006

Abstract The dental health and the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli were examined in 101 13–14‐year‐old children. The average number of decayed (incipient caries) and filled surfaces (DFS) was 10.1 and 12.8, respectively. S. mutans was not detected in 11% of the children while 21% had 106 or more S. mutans per ml saliva. Lactobacilli were not found in 21% of the children whereas 11% had 105 or more lactobacilli per ml saliva. Statistically significant correlations were found between S. mutans and lactobacilli, S. mutans and DFS, lactobacilli and DPS and S. mutans plus lactobacilli and DFS. Increasing numbers of S. mutans and lactobacilli, alone and in combination, were associated with an increased caries frequency.
Dental health of 9–10‐year‐old mentally retarded children in Eastern Finland
Authors: Palin Tuija , Hausen Hannu , Alvesalo Lassi , Heinonen Olli P.
Published: May 2006

Abstract All 9–10‐year‐old children in one Finnish county were screened with a standardized set of tasks for their mental performance. 58 verified mentally retarded and 58 randomly selected healthy children were examined for dental and gingival status and level of oral hygiene Comparisons were made between the retarded and the healthy, as well as between subgroups of the retarded. Similar DFS‐values, higher DS‐values and an inferior level of oral hygiene in terms of VPI were found in mentally retarded when compared with healthy children. No evident difference was found in gingival status (by GBI) between the retarded and the healthy. The mildly or moderately retarded found by the screening and not yet included in special welfare had the highest DFS‐scores, the highest prevalence of untreated caries and the poorest gingival health among the retarded.
Emergence of primary teeth and onset of dental stages in Icelandic children
Authors: Magnússon Thórdur Eydal
Published: May 2006

Abstract This study was undertaken to elucidate the mean ages at emergence of primary teeth and at the onset of dental stages DS 01 and DS 02 in Icelandic children. The material comprised 927 children (498 boys and 429 girls) aged 0–83 months who were presented for regular examinations in two Health Centers and children in three kindergartens in Reykjavik. Comparison of the mean ages at emergence of primary teeth in Icelandic, Finnish, Swedish, US, and Hungarian children disclosed a significantly earlier emergence in the Icelandic children, except that in Finnish children it was similar.
Effects of a school visit dental health programme upon the attitudes of undergraduate dental students in England
Authors: Howat Alison P. , Rock W. P. , Foster T. D.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A programme of structured school visits during the dental undergraduate course was used to assess attitudes and changes of attitudes of dental students to aspects of dental health education. Participating students showed the greater changes of attitude towards community dental health education and developed better understanding of correct dietary and oral hygien advice. However, in spite of these attitude changes the participating students were not convince of that this type of dental health education was very effective in the prevention of dental disease.
Comparison of dental fluorosis and caries in primary teeth of preschool‐children living in arid high and low fluoride villages
Authors: McInnes P. M. , Richardson B. D. , Cleaton‐Jones P. E.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the degree of fluorosis in the primary dentition and the accompanying caries patterns in groups of preschool‐children in high and low fluoride areas. Among 331 coloured children, aged 1 ‐5 years, living in an area with water F concentrations ranging from 2.2 to 4.1 parts/106, 82% were caries free and the dmft values ranged from 0 to 15 with a mean dmft of 0.8 ± 2.1. Varying degrees of fluorosis in the primary teeth were present in 50.6% of the children. In 177 coloured children of similar ages from an adjacent area with 0.2 parts/106 F in the drinking water the dmft values ranged from 0 to 20 with a mean dmft of 5.4 ± 5.8. Only 28% of the children were caries free. None of the children in this area had fluorosis. The caries prevalence was significantly higher in the low fluoride area than in the high fluoride area. The degree of fluorosis found in the primary dentition in the children from the high fluoride area was higher than had been anticipated and was accompanied by a very low caries prevalence.
Frequency distribution of individuals aged 20–70 years according to severity of periodontal disease
Authors: Hugoson Anders , Jordan Toni
Published: May 2006

Abstract This study is an analysis of the findings in an epidemiologic investigation covering a random sample of 600 individuals aged 20–70 years resident in the city of Jönköping, Sweden. The frequency distribution of individuals according to severity of periodontal disease was determined. The analysis was based on clinical registration of gingivitis, pocket depths and qualitative and quantitative changes of the alveolar bone in a full mouth intraoral survey. In the age groups 20 and 30 years, 96% and 85 % of the individuals, respectively, had healthy periodontal tissues or were grouped as having gingivitis without signs of lowering of the periodontal bone level. In the age groups 40, 50 and 70 years none of the subjects was free from signs of gingivitis/periodontitis but, as for all age groups, strikingly few cases (at most 8%) of severe destructive periodontitis were found. The need for periodontal treatment is discussed as well as the role of specific etiologic agents in the development of destructive periodontal disease.
Submerging primary molars in Israeli rural children
Authors: Koyoumdjisky‐Kaye E. , Steigman S.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Dental study casts of 1530 Israeli rural children aged 3–13 years, evenly represented by the sexes, were examined for submersion of their primary molars. 24.8% of the children had one or more of these teeth affected. Out of 8250 teeth at risk, 8.81 % were submerged to various degrees Over 50% of them were primary mandibular first molars, close to 26% were primary mandibular second molars. The number of affected teeth rose with age in both sexes. Sex differences were significant only at 5–7 years, when girls were more frequently affected. Children with one or two affected teeth predominated. The submerged teeth were predominantly located in one or in boil quadrants of the same arch. The degree of submersion became more severe with age.
Cross‐sectional study of orthodontic treatment and missing of permanent teeth in two birth cohorts of Finnish students according to sex
Authors: Laine Tellervo , Hausen Hannu
Published: May 2006

Abstract Undergraduate students (n= 451) at a Finnish university were studied. For analysis, the subjects were divided into two birth cohorts: those born before 1955, and those born in that year or later. Information about previous orthodontic appliance therapy was obtained from the students by using a structured questionnaire. Missing permanent teeth (second and third molars excluded) were recorded at a dental examination. Every 10th student had received orthodontic treatment; the proportion of orthodontically treated subjects was higher for females (14%) than for males (5%). Seven percent of students born in 1954 or earlier and 15% of the younger students had had orthodontic treatment before 1977. In 39% of subjects, at least one permanent tooth was missing while only 12% had lost more than two permanent teeth. The tooth missing most often was the permanent mandibular first molar (in 23 % of subjects). Frequency of tooth loss was the same in males and females. At least one permanent tooth was missing in 48% of the older and in 31 % of the younger students. At least one first molar had been lost by 36 % of the older students and 20% of the younger ones. Fewer first molars but more permanent teeth anterior to the first molars were missing in subjects who had had orthodontic, treatment than in subjects who had not had such treatment. Among Finnish students the frequency of extractions of permanent teeth because of caries is decreasing, and the frequency of orthodontic treatment is increasing. Females are more likely to seek orthodontic treatment than males are.
Prevalence of geographic and plicated tongue in 6090 Iraqi schoolchildren
Authors: Ghose Leonora J. , Baghdady Virgin S.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The prevalence of geographic and plicated tongue among 6090 Iraqi schoolchildren was determined according to age and sex. Geographic tongue was observed in 4.3% of the population and plicated tongue in 2.6%. Significant sex difference was found only in children with plicated tongue. The prevalence rates varied irregularly with age in both sexes for both tongue anomalies and although significant differences were found between the ages, a steady increase or decrease was not clear, which could be due to the short span of age used in this investigation. The only significant association found was between geographic and plicated tongue in males, which may indicate a genetic linkage between the two conditions.
Oral hygiene among Israeli kibbutz youth
Authors: Anaise Joseph Z. , Mann Jonathan
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assemble up‐to‐date information regarding oral hygiene status among Israeli kibbutz adolescents 14–17 years of age. The oral hygiene status of 465 teenagers in 10 kibbutzim was determined. The findings indicate a relatively better oral cleanliness as compared with past results reported in Israel for similar age groups. It was suggested that the nature and structure of the kibbutz way of life, family and peers strongly influences kibbutz teenagers' oral hygiene practices.
Relationship of oral hygiene and sugar consumption to risk of caries in children
Authors: Kleemola‐Kujala Eija , Räsänen Leena
Published: May 2006

Abstract The associations of denial caries with poor oral hygiene and high sugar consumption were analyzed taking into account possible confounding and factor interaction. The series consisted of 543 children from low‐fluoride areas (0.10–0.46 parts/106), aged 5, 9 and 13 years Plaque accumulation and sugar consumption were slightly confounded throughout the observations. Effect‐modification appeared to exist, since the effect of one factor was greater at higher levels of the other. The association between the amount of plaque and dental caries was statistically significant at all levels of sugar consumption. With increasing total sugar consumption the risk of caries increased significantly only when oral hygiene was simultaneously poor. Effect estimates (E) and attributable risk estimates (AR) were calculated for increased plaque accumulation and sugar consumption. For the total sets of tooth surfaces in the various age groups the proportions of the total caries load associated with increased plaque accumulation were 35.2–63.0%, and those associated with higher total sugar consumption 0.7–5.4%. The fractions varied greatly with the tooth group. The effect estimates for the two factors in combination were always greater than the sums of the separate effects, indicating synergistic interaction between the two caries determinants.
Frequency of dental visits in Sweden during 1974–77
Authors: Eriksen Tor E. , Hårkansson Jan
Published: May 2006

Abstract A longitudinal study of the frequency of dental visits has been conducted on a sample of 1302 individuals aged 20–60 years. These individuals had previously been interviewed regarding their dental care habits. They had also (subsequent to the interview) been clinically examined by a dentist. The results presented are based on the official dental care consumption statistics if, Sweden, and thus differ from the information obtained from the interviews. In all age groups women had a higher frequency of dental visits than men. The average number of courses of treatment carried out over a 4‐year period was 2.0. Only 23% of the individuals received treatment once a year or more often, whereas 79% received treatment at least once during a period of 4 years. These figures were lower than those reported in the interviews. Individuals with a higher number of courses of treatment had also had a higher frequency of dental visits before, had been called in by their dentist for check‐ups, had a higher income and knew more about teeth and their care, used oral hygiene aids daily and were living in metropolitan areas. Younger people with many remaining teeth and those with many decayed teeth had had a higher frequency of courses of treatment.
Use of preschool dental services in a New Zealand birth cohort
Authors: Beautrais A. L. , Fergusson D. M. , Shannon F. T.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The utilisation of preschool dental services was examined prospectively in a birth cohort of New Zealand 4‐year‐old children. There were highly significant associations between non‐utilisation of dental care services and a series of measures of family social background and the quality of care provided to the child. Factors associated with increased risks of non‐utilisation of dental services included: mother of non‐European ethnic origin; low gross family income; single parent family; non‐attendance at preschool education facilities; failure to attend community nurse services and a lower utilisation of routine child health care services including immunisations and routine postnatal checks. The implications of the non‐utilisation of preschool dental care are discussed in the context of the more general problem of providing an adequate and equitable standard of health care for children.
Oral health care delivery in Denmark: a system of private enterprise and public accountability
Authors: Kaplis Norma A. , Lind Odd P. , Poulsen Sven
Published: May 2006

Abstract The Danish oral health care delivery system is a publicly funded, predominantly school based system of care for children and adolescents and a private practice copayment national health insurance mode for adults. Study of this dualistic system can provide useful information to dental public health practitioners. Interviews with experts in the Danish oral health care system and a selected review of the literature demonstrate that improvement trends are occurring in the oral health status of both adults and children. These improvement trends can be directly related to a combination of treatment and preventive measures undertaken by the country as a whole, and to specific interventions for certain subpopulation groups, such as preschoolers. Four key variables can be defined which have contributed to the success of the Danish oral health care delivery system (DOHCDS). These include 1) the role of private sector input into the development of the DOHCDS, 2) demography, 3) the Danish value system, and 4) the structure of the DOHCDS.
Number of independent variables in the regression based prediction of oral health
Authors: Cohen Mare E. , Cecil James C.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The effects of the optimistic bias of R2 on oral health data were investigated by means of a cross validation study in which the number of predictors in a regression model was manipulated. The use of too many predictors increased positive bias and reduced the true predictive quality of a regression model and should be avoided through the use of appropriate stepwise procedures.
Analyses of dental status among old‐age pensioners in Norway
Authors: Rise J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine the extent to which dental status of Norwegians aged 65 and above living at home (n= 1493) could be predicted by the independent variables, age, region and education. Dental status was divided into “own teeth” versus “edentulous”. Separate analyses were performed for women and men. Altogether, 51.3% were edentulous, 23.7% reported “a few own teeth” and 19.9%“many own teeth”. Of the women 62.9% were edentulous as compared to 50.4% of the men. Education was the most important predictor for dental status among both women (0.31) and men (0.23) as measured by the direct effects. Among women, region (0.23) and age (0.19) followed in descending order, while for males these predictors were not statistically significant. The predictors could explain 19% of the variance in female dental status as compared to 6% among men. The probability of being an edentulous woman could to a great extent be regarded as the additive effects of the three predictors. However, an additive model did not provide an adequate understanding of the empirical data among men, due to interaction effects. Thus the calculation of interaction effects provided additional insight into the social processes underlying the transition to the edentulous state.
Treatment of caries and periodontitis in Sweden in 1974–77
Authors: Håkansson Jan , Eriksen Tor E.
Published: May 2006

Abstract During 1974 and 1975 a sample of individuals in Sweden between 20 and 60 years were interviewed about dental care habits. 938 oft them were then clinically examined. An estimation of the time needed for treatment of dental caries and periodontitis was based upon the clinical examination. Dental status and the estimated treatment time were then related to the dental care carried out during one period of 18 months and one of 48 months after the clinical examination. For these calculations, information on dental care was acquired from the patient register of the National Social Insurance Board. The results derived from the analyses showed that the requisite time for treating caries related well to the treatment executed. On the other hand the time for treating periodontal disease showed a poorer agreement with what could have been expected from the clinical periodontal status. The treatment time devoted to periodontal disease was considerably higher in the metropolitan areas, with their higher density of dentists, than in other parts of Sweden. Thus, dental care in Sweden between 1974 and 1978 concentrated primarily on restorative procedures while a progression of periodontal disease was largely ignored by dental practitioners.
Dental health practices in Norwegian adults
Authors: Helöe Leif Arne , Aarö Leif Edvard , Sögaard Anne Johanne
Published: May 2006

Abstract A nationwide sample of 1511 Norwegian adults were interviewed in 1979–80 concerning health habits, including dental habits. While daily toothbrushing and regular treatment attendance appeared to have become the rule among young and middle aged individuals, use of dental floss and especially of fluoride tablets or rinses, still are the exception. Dental health habits were clustered around the variable treatment attendance with slightly different patterns for men and for women. Measures of sugar consumptions were only slightly correlated with background variables and dental health behavior. While the latter was socially dependent, consumption of sugar probably was attached to personal characteristics or situational factors. The correlations between dental health behavior and other health behavior practices were generally weak, and somewhat different for men and women. Two separate types of motives for preventive behavior were distinguished between: health motives and cosmetic motives.
Use of a computer to plot and compare periodontal pocket charts
Authors: Duguid Robert , Cowley Geoffrey C.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Data from detailed periodontal examinations have been recorded and stored on a computer. Using graph plotting facilities the periodontal examination chart is plotted and any changes in the position of the gingival margin and level of the periodontal attachment since a previous examination are printed out on the patient's most recent chart.
Quality of intraoral radiographs from 9–11‐year‐old Norwegian children
Authors: Lervik Tore , Cowley Geoffrey C.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The quality of intraoral radiographic series consisting of 10 periapical and two posterior bitewing radiographs from 200 children were examined by six dentists. The radiographs were evaluated both without and, subsequently, with specified criteria. In the absence of specified criteria, no general agreement between the examiners was found when they were asked to state the quality of a radiograph. Using specified criteria much better agreement was obtained. The radiographic images of the maxillary and mandibular incisors were generally found acceptable using the criteria set up for the present study while the images of the canines, premolars and especially molars frequently were found unacceptable. Only a small proportion of the approximal surfaces on the posterior bilewings were found to be unreadable for caries of dentin while approximately 20% of the approximal surfaces were unreadable for caries of enamel. Approximately half the bitewing films had been placed wrongly in the mouth. Considering the available knowledge about prevalence of disease and anomalies in children of this age, quality of the radiographs, examiner variability and a possible harmful effect of radiography, screening with full‐mouth intraoral radiographs in the actual age group does not seem to be justified in the population studied.
Enamel mineralization disturbances in 12‐year‐old children with known early exposure to fluorides
Authors: Holm Anna‐Karin , Andersson Roland
Published: May 2006

Abstract Enamel changes and caries experience were studied in 134 12‐year‐old children with a known early exposure to fluoride tablets and/or fluoride containing toothpaste. The influence of birth weight and breast‐feeding period was also analyzed. A clinical intact enamel was found in 32% of the children. Enamel fluorosis was found in 45% and localized opacities or hypoplasias in 40% Children who had consumed fluoride tablets for a period of at least 12 months from the age of 6 months ran a 5.4 times greater risk of developing enamel fluorosis than children with no such consumption. No such risk could be shown in children who at 6 or 12 months of age started to use fluoride toothpaste. There was no statistically significant reduction in the prevalence of smooth surface caries or fillings in children with an exposure to fluoride tablets.
Consumption of sweet foods among adolescents in Finland
Authors: Honkala Eino , Eskola Arja , Rimpelä Matti , Rajala Matti
Published: May 2006

Abstract The importance of sugar in the etiology of dental caries is well known but only few representative studies at population level have been carried out to analyze nutritional factors related to dentistry. As the main exposure to caries the frequency of the use of sugar‐products should be known more exactly than we do. The purpose of this study was to analyze the frequency of consumption of sugar‐containing products among Finnish adolescents. A representative sample of 3209 Finnish adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 was drawn. The data were obtained by mail questionnaire in February and September 1977, and in February and September 1979. The separate sample was drawn in February 1978 to analyze the changes with time during 1977–79. The response rate to all the mailed questionnaires was close to 90%. The sugar‐containing foods included in the study were sugar in codec or tea, hot chocolate, pastries and cookies, soft drinks, chewing gums, sweets and pastilles. In addition, the data on the consumption of artificial sweeteners were collected. According to current health behavior dogma, girls behaved better than boys. A clear relationship was observed between a householder's educational and occupational status and the children's sugar consumption. Children from homes of low social status consumed more sugar than the others. The percentage of children frequently consuming sugary products decreased with improved school success. It can be concluded that the use of sugar‐containing products is especially frequent among young age groups, particularly among boys from low social background and children with poor school success. Health education should be especially directed towards them.
Public image of dentists and dental visits in Finland
Authors: Murtomaa Heikki , Masalin Kai
Published: May 2006

Abstract The public image of dentists and dental visits were surveyed in 1980 by interviewing a national sample of 648 Finns 15–50 years. 67 persons who reported having last visited a dentist more than 5 years ago were excluded from this report. 55 % of the interviewees had visited the same dentists earlier, 69% of these had been seeing the same dentist for more than 3 years. The last dentist visited was characterized on three dimensions: technical competence, personality and organization of the surgery. This characterization demonstrated the importance of personal and professional characteristics of the dentists. The interviewees expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the last dentist visited. 28% of the variance in satisfaction experienced was explained in multiple regression analysis. The dental visit was considered important but unpleasant by the interviewees. The principle of free choice of dentist was important to the vast majority of interviewees. It seems that the process of forming the dentist's image is so complex that the dental profession should be comprehensively taught interpersonal skills.
Longitudinal study on oral health of dental students at Paris VII University
Authors: Cavaillon J.‐P. , Conge M. , Mirisch D. , Nemeth T. , Sitbon J.‐M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract This survey was conducted on young dental students, with the aim of evaluating the influence of scientific information dispensed during their studies on their own oral state and on their behavior towards it. Therefore, various parameters were considered at the very beginning of their university studies and at the end other studies. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the socioeconomic origin and oral hygiene habits of the students. In order to assess actual improvement in oral health standardized clinical examinations were utilized. The comparison of parameters measured at the beginning and at the end of the clinical studies of the students revealed that the OHI‐S and the GI scores had decreased highly significantly (P < 0.01), and that the DM FT score had increased significantly (P < 0.01). The increase in the DM FT score was mainly due to a high number of fillings. The answers to the questionnaire were indicative of a favorable modification in hygiene habits. At the end of their clinical studies the students were on an average more aware of their oral health, the quality and the duration of their toothbrushing had improved, and they more often sought early treatment and preventive care than at the beginning of their studies.
Dental caries prevalence in schoolchildren of Baghdad province, Iraq
Authors: Baghdady Virgin S. , Ghose Leonora J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The First National Oral Health Survey on caries prevalence was estimated on 1213 Iraqi primary schoolchildren aged 6–12 years from mixed socioeconomic levels, to provide a baseline data for future planning of dental services. The mean dill was 5.2±3.6 for the 6‐year‐olds and 11 % of the children were caries free. For the permanent teeth caries experiences were 0.6±1.0, 1.4±1.5 and 2.7±2.4 for ages 6, 9 and 12 years respectively and the rate of caries free children were 67%, 40% and 21% for the respective ages. The majority of the dift and DIMFT indices were due to decayed teeth and almost no restorations were found.
Utilization of the Danish Youth Dental Care Scheme among 1655 16–22‐year‐old males and females
Authors: Antoft Per
Published: May 2006

Abstract The present study attempts to establish operational criteria which can be used in the evaluation of the Youth Dental Care Scheme (YDCS) established in Denmark in 1965. The utilization of the YDCS is studied in a population of 1655 16–22‐year‐old males and females all of whom had attended the Public Child Dental Care in the municipality of Aarhus. Data on enrolment and use of the YDCS were collected using an official data base established with the purpose of administering the YDCS and by a mailed questionnaire. The study showed that enrolment rate was approximately 80% for those individuals who had just left Public Child Dental Care. For individuals who had left Public Child Dental Care 4–5 years earlier, the enrolment rate was 74%. Enrolment rate al a given lime did, however, prove not to be a valid measure for the utilization. The study thus showed that only 65% of die individuals had been constant users for 4–5 years after they had left Public Child Dental Care. Women were more frequently constant users than men. Individuals from the higher social groups were more frequently constant users than individuals from the lower social groups.
Evidence of the validity of a model of determinants of quality of restorative dental care
Authors: Milgrom Peter , Ratener Peter , Weinstein Philip
Published: May 2006

Abstract A model describing the relationship between self‐reported quality of restorative dentistry and demist characteristics for 119 Montana general dentists is presented. The best predictors formed a significant model explaining 22% of the variance of the quality measure. Results are contrasted with a previous estimation of the model for 102 Washington general practitioners. Evidence for the external validity of the model is presented.
Differentiating regular from irregular dental attenders of either sex by linear discriminant analysis
Authors: Schuurs Albert H. B. , Duivenvoorden Hugo J. , Thoden van Velzen Sijo K. , Yerhage Frans
Published: May 2006

Abstract The present article describes an attempt to improve the prediction of dental attendance, results by using an additional number of variables and performing discriminant analyses, clone separately for men and women, It appears that regular and irregular dental attenders might be discriminated on the basis of mathematically combined variables and interactions. The (number of) variables selected by the analysis to differentiate regular from irregular male attenders differ(s) from those selected for female attenders. About 80% of all respondents can be classified correctly, but this is largely due to the assignment of actual regulars to classified regulars. The use of differing sets of prior probabilities affects the classification results, namely, either the classification of the regulars or that of the irregulars improves. In the discussion attention is given to the seemingly contradictory results of the Mann‐ Whitney tests per variable on the one hand and the discriminant analyses on the other. In this connection, the finding that ‘education’ plays a different role for men than for women is discussed. The validity of the variable ‘last visit’ is dubious. It is concluded that when differentiating regulars from irregulars, a division of the respondents according to sex makes sense because of the (number of) variables associated with then‐ regular dental attendance. Furthermore, it seems warranted to say that the Classification of the irregulars fails because he reversed scores on the variables with which the regulars are classified don't contain all information needed for the prediction of irregular dental attendance. Lastly, notwithstanding the use of more variables in the present study, the results are not better than those in the previous one, in which just three factors were used.
Epidemiologic study of oral cancer in Fars Province, Iran
Authors: Fahmy Mourad S. , Sadeghi Ahmed , Behmard Shahla
Published: May 2006

Abstract From January 1962 to December 1978, 381 consecutive cases of oral cancer in Fars Province were analyzed and studied. The incidence of oral cancer was found to be 1.13/100000. The male/female ratio was 5:1, the median age of oral cancer was 55 years. 97 % of the oral cancel‐was squamous cell carcinoma. The most commonly affected oral site was the lower lip, next was the tongue. Tobacco smoking and opium addiction were more common among the affected compared with the control group. Dental sepsis and poor oral hygiene were common in both groups. Malnutrition, anemia and liver dysfunction were common in the examined sample and are thought to be possible causative factors especially in those with no smoking habits. The role of general dental practitioners was limited, they suspected and referred only 13 advanced cases.
Malocclusion in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Isiekwe Mike C.
Published: May 2006

Abstract 617 schoolchildren 10–19 years of age were examined in order to assess the prevalence of malocclusion in a population sample in Lagos. Class I occlusion accounted for 76.8%, followed closely by Class II malocclusion, 14.7 %, and Class III malocclusion, 8.4%. Crowding was recorded in 15.1 % of the cases, most of which occurred anteriorly. The present study shows some interesting differences in the prevalences of malocclusions compared to studies on Caucasian subjects.
Retrospective review of 350 patients referred to a TMJ clinic
Authors: Wedel Anita , Carlsson Gunnar E.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The records of 350 consecutive patients referred 2 1/2 years previously were examined retrospectively for clinical findings, diagnoses and observations related to treatment. There was a good correlation between the severity of symptoms reported by the patients in a questionnaire at the first visit and the clinical dysfunction index. The female patients had higher dysfunction index values than the men, while the occlusal index was equally distributed in both sexes. The most frequently used treatment methods were bite planes, occlusal adjustment and jaw exercises. There was a wide variation in the length of the treatment period and number of visits but the median values for these variables were 3 and 4 months, respectively, which is encouraging in view of the fact that the duration of the symptoms before the start of treatment was more than 6 months in two‐thirds of the patients. Patients who had reported severe symptoms and those who were in a “poor social situation” had higher clinical dysfunction index values at the first visit, had more visits to the clinic and required a longer treatment period than others bin they did not differ regarding the evaluation of the clinical situation at termination of treatment.
Caries frequency among 6–17‐year‐old participants of the Finnish public dental care during 1975–79
Authors: Hausen Hannu , Milen Anneli , Tala Heikki , Nordling Helmer , Paunio Ilkka , Heinonen Olli P.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Temporal trends of caries frequency in 6–17‐year‐old children in Finland and its counties during 1975–79 are reported. Initially the attendance rate was 70%; during die 4‐year follow‐up it increased to 84%. The cross‐sectional annual proportion of children needing curative treatment diminished from 80% to 67% at the age of 8 years; the changes among the 12‐ and 16‐year‐old children were 78–66% and 86–76%, respectively. The proportion of entirely caries‐free children increased from 2.5% to 9.2% at the age of 8 years, only a slight increase was found in the older age groups. The mean DMFT value decreased continuously at all ages; in the 8‐year‐old children it decreased from 2.7% to 1.7%, in 12‐year‐olds from 6.7% to 5.2% and at the age of 16 from 13.4% to 11.6%. The caries scores decreased most in areas where the initial values were highest. In the county with high fluoride levels, where the initial caries scores were smallest, only slight improvement in the caries situation was found; this indicates no major change in recording of caries. Although a simultaneous improvement of the national attendance rate and die caries scores were observed, no consistent associations were found between the changes in the attendance rate and the changes in various caries indices when age and geographical area were considered in the analyses. It is concluded dial the marked decrease in caries frequency is mainly due to preventive measures.
Dental health education through home visits to mothers with young children
Authors: Holt Ruth D. , Winter Gerald B. , Fox Brenda , Askew Rosalind , Lo Geok Lam
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn the course of a recent experiment a group of 314 mothers with very young children were visited at home by a dental health educator on three occasions. Mothers were given advice about dental health for their children and were offered a free supply of fluoride drops. Results drawn from questionnaires Completed at each home visit suggested that dental health education given in this way was able to influence maternal altitudes and behaviour. Virtually all mothers accepted the offer of fluoride drops for their children and after 14–16 months, 65% of the group were still using the supplements.
Reliability of a self‐administered questionnaire for screening for medical problems in dentistry
Authors: Scully Crispian , Boyle Peter
Published: May 2006

Abstract The importance of a medical history to identify potential problems in dental management is self‐evident but the means of collecting medical data vary widely. This study has assessed the reliability of a self‐administered questionnaire (SAQ used by 292 randomly selected adult dental out‐patients (mean age 41.7 years) attending the oral medicine clinic of a dental leaching hospital. Results of the SAQ were compared with the history taken by receiving surgeons. Significant discrepancies were revealed not only in the SAQ but also in the history taken by the receiving surgeon, although the latter produced a more comprehensive record. Maximum yield of information regarding known medical problems was only produced by using the self‐administered questionnaire with a check of this by the receiving surgeon.
Co‐twin control study of the relationship between smoking and some periodontal disease factors
Authors: Bergström Jan , Floderus‐Myrhed Birgitta
Published: May 2006

Abstract The study was based on 164 twin pairs from the older cohort of the Swedish twin registry. The main purpose of the study was to analyze previously recorded data concerning gingival bleeding in members of twin pairs with differing smoking exposure. Other periodontal disease factors analyzed were plaque index, alveolar bone index and tooth loss. It was found that I he degree of alveolar bone loss and the number of teeth lost were greater in twins with a high life‐time smoking exposure than in I heir twin partners with a low life‐time exposure. Contrary to expectation, it was found that gingival bleeding propensity was less prevalent in the high exposure group. It is concluded that the validity of gingival bleeding as a sign and a symptom of inflammatory periodontal disease may be reduced as a consequence of smoking.
Development of a Danish preventive program for preschoolchildren based on cooperation with key‐persons
Authors: Poulsen S. , Carlsen J. W. , Duus J. , Hansen J. Lundsager , Hansen J. , Jespersen S. , Munck L. , Riishede M. , Risager J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Plans to expand public child dental services to include preschoolchildren and the recently established training of dental hygienists in Denmark form the background for the present study. The study was performed in a rural municipality located 35 km north of Aarhus. Public‐child dental services for schoolchildren (6–16 years of age) had been established for several years and were being planned to include preschoolchildren. In cooperation with the personnel in the Child Dental Service a full‐time employed dental hygienist developed a communication network with different categories of key‐persons (health nurses, private daycare mothers and nursery school teachers). Close records and diaries were kepi during the entire 3‐year study period. The paper summarises the experience gained from co‐operation with a large number of key‐persons and illustrates some of the conditions necessary for a successful process. The effect of the program on dental caries is discussed.