bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a preventive program on dental caries and mutans streptococci in Polish schoolchildren
Authors: Carlsson Peter , Struzycka Izabela , Wierzbicka Maria , Iwanicka‐Frankowska Ewa , Bratthall Douglas
Published: May 2006

Abstract The effect of a preventive program was studied in Polish schoolchildren. The study was carried out in a group of 133 children, aged 10–12 yr, divided into a teat and a control group. Children in the test group were initially treated with temporary restorations and were then given oral health education and preventive treatment by a specially trained chairside assistant. The preventive treatment included prophylaxis and topical fluoride treatment and was carried out at least 10 times a year. The mean 3–yr DFS increment was 1.7 in the test and 10.9 in the control group at baseline and after 1 and 2 yr. At the examination after 3 yr, a difference was established between the two groups.
Caries prevalence and severity in the primary dentition and Streptococcus mutans levels in the saliva of preschoolchildren in South Africa
Authors: Chosack Aubrey , Cleaton‐Jones Peter , Woods Annette , Matejka John
Published: May 2006

Abstract The caries prevalence (dmft) and severity (ess) in 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐yr‐old children in South Africa were examined. Four levels of S. mutans in the saliva of 228 of these children was estimated by the spatula method. In all three age groups a statistically higher dmft and css was found with a S. mutans level of > 106 CFU/ ml in saliva than at lower concentrations. At age 5 ANOVA showed significant differences between dmft and css at all S. mutans levels. A high concentration of S. mutans in the saliva may be an indicator of the high risk child at an early age.
Occlusion among a group of Tanzanian urban schoolchildren
Authors: Kerosuo Heidi , Laine Tellervo , Kerosuo Eero , Ngassapa David , Honkala Eino
Published: May 2006

Abstract Occlusion and its variations were studied in a group of primary schoolchildren (n= 642, age 11–18 yr) in Dar es Salaam. Most children (96%) had Angle's Class I occlusion. Distal and mesial bite were rare in the sample, representing 3% and 1%, respectively. Crowding was found to be the most common dental disorder (16%) and the frequency of moderate and severe crowding decreased with age. No clear differences in occlusion were found between boys and girls. The results of this study show smaller occlusal variation compared with Caucasian children, and also some differences compared with previous African studies.
Dental patients asking for a second opinion: what oral problems do they have?
Authors: Eijkman M. A. J. , Bast A. J. J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The oral and dental problems of a group of 235 patients, who asked for a second opinion consultation, were surveyed. More than 80% of the group were regular dental attenders (once or more times a year); 70 patients were advised by their own dentist to visit the “second opinion” dentist. The oral problems were classified in eight categories. Most of the problems concern the condition of the oral cavity (20%), the urgency of certain treatments (18%), and the quality of care delivered by the own dentist (17%).
Welfare policy and planning of oral health services
Authors: Helöe Leif Arne
Published: May 2006

Abstract
–
The Scandinavian countries are commonly referred to as welfare states, i.e. liberal states which assume responsibility for their citizens through a range of interventions in the market economy. The principles of the welfare policy are: 1) universality of population coverage, 2) comprehensiveness of risks covered, 3) adequacy of benefits and 4) citizens' right to health and social services. The goals are usually expressed in brief slogans like solidarity, universality, equality of opportunity, quality, efficiency and pluralism/“freedom of choice”. Our welfare model is thus based upon ideals deriving from both individualistic and collectivistic philosophies, just as Scandinavia's mixed economy is. Similar to other health sectors, dental care is an integral part of the welfare state, striving to attain its manifold goals. Planning of oral health services should therefore be directed toward these goals, considering the shifts in the disease and problem panorama.
Effect of trauma to the primary incisors on the alignment of their permanent successors in Israelis
Authors: Brin Ilana , Ben‐Bassat Yocheved , Zilberman Yerucham , Fuks Anna
Published: May 2006

Abstract
–
117 children who had experienced trauma to their primary incisors were re‐examined in their transitional or permanent dentition stage. The control group consisted of 174 children with a corresponding dental developmental age. All the children were examined clinically and the intra‐ and interarch relations ofthe anterior segments were recorded. The prevalence of patients with at least one maiposed incisor was higher in the trauma group. Trauma to the primary dentition was found to be a contributing factor affecting the alignment of the permanent successors. Early loss of the primary incisors did not cause loss of space in most of the cases; however, it was associated with malposition of their permanent successors. Lack of eruption guidance or the direct effect ofthe injury on the position ofthe developing bud could be considered as contributing etiologic factors. There was a very low prevalence of more serious malocclusion features, like impaction, in the trauma group.
Presence and absence of bleeding in association with calculus in segments given Code 2 in the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN)
Authors: Takahashi Yoshikazu , Kamijyo Hideyuki , Kawanishi Senshu , Takaesu Yoshinori
Published: May 2006

Abstract
–
The periodontal status of 257 Japanese company employees aged 20–56 yr was studied to determine the number and percentage of subjects with and without bleeding after gentle probing in the sextants given a Code 2 using the CPITN. In addition to recording the presence of calculus in the conventional manner, a modification was introduced to add a Code 2+ for sextants in which bleeding after probing was found and a Code 2‐ where no bleeding was detected. The results indicate that 38–52% of the sextants given a Code 2 showed no bleeding after probing. Such a large percentage of sextants with no evidence of bleeding in the presence of calculus raises a question about the priority which should be accorded to provide scaling for these subjects. The results also show that of the 116 subjects aged 20–29 yr judged to be in need of periodontal treatment by the CPITN criteria 18.1 % showed neither pocket formation nor bleeding. Modifications to the CPITN are suggested which should make the index more appropriate for assessing both the prevalence of periodontal disease and the need for periodontal treatment and thus make it more useful for public health planning and evaluation purposes.
Frequency and density of yeasts in the mouths of malnourished children
Authors: Aldred Michael J. , Arendorf Trevor M. , Wade William G. , Tschoepe Gabriele A. , Brownlow Nicholas P.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The prevalence and density of yeasts and Candida albicans on the buccal mucosa and dorsum of the tongue have been assessed in 106 children in Crossroads squatter camp, South Africa. They were divided into a malnourished and a control group on the basis of an age/weight chart. No differences were found in yeast prevalence and density in the two groups. However, malnourished children more frequently had a mucosal density of yeasts, and particularly C. albicans, exceeding the upper limit normally found in health, in the absence of clinical infection. Some evidence was found to suggest that yeast density might be influenced by sex as well as nutritional status
Traumatic ulcers and pain in adults during orthodontic treatment
Authors: Kvam Einar , Bondevik Olav , Gjerdet Nils Roar
Published: May 2006

Abstract In the present investigation the frequency of oral ulcers and pain in 79 adults orthodontic patients was recorded. Only four of all patients had never had oral ulceration during treatment, but 83% of the patients characterized the trouble as minor. About 47% of the patients said that ulcers caused by the fixed appliance were the most annoying part of the treatment, and 38% said that activation of the appliance caused the most discomfort. In about 63% of the patients there was less pain when the treatment had lasted for some months, and in 24% there was no significant change in the discomfort. The pain following activation lasted for only 2–3 days (71%), but 20% had pain for more than 3 days, and five individuals felt pain constantly. The recurrence of aphthous ulceration (RAU) was not significantly affected during the orthodontic treatment, and in only one case was there an increase in the occurrence of herpes labialis
National survey of oral health care Finnish private old people's homes
Authors: Ekelund Raili
Published: May 2006

Abstract As oral health status depends greatly on the dental care arrangements available, the aim of this study was to investigate the dental services provided for elderly people living in private old people's homes in Finland. The study involved all 94 old people's homes that offered private care in 1987. The directors of the old people's homes were asked to fill in a questionnaire. The response rate was 100%. The study showed that the dental care arrangements were inadequate: regular oral examinations and comprehensive dental treatment were infrequent. In 96% of the homes the need for treatment normally came to light only when the residents themselves complained about a dental problem. In 60% of the homes the residents had to pay the full cost of their dental treatment. These must be considered the two greatest weaknesses in the dental service for the elderly in the old people's homes studied. The ignorance among the directors of the importance of oral health was alarming: only one fifth considered dental care of the elderly more important than services such as hairdressing. It is obvious that uniform regulations are needed for the whole country concerning dental services for the elderly in institutions
Prevalence of selected dental anomalies in Saudi children from Gizan region
Authors: Salem Gamil
Published: May 2006

Abstract The present report gives prevalence values for a selected group of developmental dental anomalies in 2393 Saudi children aged 4–12 yr from Gizan region, Saudi Arabia. The anomalies selected in this study were those involving the number and shape of the dentition. The following anomalies were identified: congenitally missing teeth (2.2%), supernumerary teeth (0.50%), gemination (0.08%), and peg‐shaped lateral incisors (0.37%)
Evaluation of a dental preventive program for Danish chocolate workers
Authors: Petersen Poul Erik
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to develop and evaluate a preventive dental program at two Danish chocolate factories. The program was undertaken within the setting of an occupational health service in order to control oral occupational diseases. Eighty‐nine persons (80%), 19–61 yr of age, participated in a 2‐yr follow‐up study. Preventive care was offered to the workers by a dental hygienist. Clinical prophylaxis was given at four visits the first year and two visits the second year. Health education was based on active involvement of the participants and safety committee or safety group members in order to stimulate self‐care activities at the factories. The outcome of the program was evaluated by clinical recordings of visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding (GB), calculus index (CI), and DMFS. Data on dental conditions were recorded at baseline, after 12, and after 24 months. Questionnaires were completed by the workers each time in order to obtain data on dental knowledge, attitudes, dental health behavior, social network activities, and perceptions of the process. The results showed improvement in dental health in terms of stepwise reductions in VPI, GB, CI, and DS. For example, mean GB decreased from 36% of the teeth scored at baseline to 9% at 24 months and mean DS decreased from 2.3 to 0.7. Positive developments of dental health behavior were observed. The proportion of workers reporting daily toothbrushing at work increased from 6% to 24% during the program and the proportion of workers using dental floss regularly increased from 24% to 47%. However, the changes in dental knowledge and attitudes were rather diffuse. The majority of the workers (73%–81 %) were satisfied with scaling of their teeth, fluoride treatment, instructions and advice in preventive care, and regular control of dental health status. After 12 and 24 months, qualitative interviews were made with the management, the workers of the safety committees, and the occupational health personnel. Passive as well as active activities should be considered causal with respect to the positive outcome of the program
Reassessment of the effect of fluoridation on cost of dental treatment among Scottish schoolchildren
Authors: Attwood Derek , Blinkhorn Anthony S.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The present study, which is a repeat of a 1980 study, compares the dental treatment needs of 5, 10, and 15‐yr‐old life‐time residents of a fluoridated town (Stranraer) and non‐fluoridated town (Annan). Although fluoridation ceased in July 1983, the cost of all dental treatment in 1986 was 57% lower for 5‐yr‐olds in the fluoride area compared with the non‐fluoride one. The corresponding differences in costs for 10‐ and 15‐yr‐old groups were 36% and 63%, respectively. Comparison with the 1980 results showed a 21% drop in the cost of all treatment for 5‐yr‐olds in Annan and a 4% drop in 10‐yr‐olds. The corresponding comparison for Stranraer 5‐yr‐olds showed a 43% reduction in the cost of all treatment. The 10‐yr‐old group in Stranraer showed a 21% increase in the cost of all treatment and a 115% increase in the cost of restorations for caries. The implications of these findings and the possible link with the cessation of water fluoridation are discussed
Effect on approximal caries in teenagers of interrupting a school‐based weekly NaF mouthrinse program for 3 years
Authors: Widenheim Jan , Birkhed Dowen , Hase Jan C. , Olavi Göran
Published: May 2006

Abstract The aim of the present investigation was to follow the caries incidence in 126 13‐yr‐old children who experienced a 3‐yr interruption of a supervised weekly mouthrinse program with 0.2% NaF solution (interrupted rinsing‐, IR‐group). 143 children, 13 yr old, who continuously participated in the NaF mouthrinse program, served as a comparison group (continuous rinsing‐, CR‐group). Dental caries and restorations were diagnosed on bitewing radiographs; thus only approximal tooth surfaces were considered. The caries incidence over the 3‐yr period was 1.84 DFS in the IR‐ and 1.77 in the CR‐group. The corresponding FS‐values were 0.67 and 0.25, respectively. Two years later, i.e. when the children were 18‐yr‐old and the IR‐group had had 2 yr back on the school‐based mouthrinse program, they were examined again. The difference in caries incidence between 16 and 18 yr of age was still small, 1.32 DFS in the IR‐ and 1.22 in the CR‐group. The corresponding FS‐values were 0.63 and 0.49, respectively. Thus, this study showed that the 3‐yr interruption of the NaF mouthrinse program resulted in a small, statistically non‐significant increase in caries, mostly as regards the number of fillings, on approximal tooth surfaces
Prevalence, interrelation, and severity of signs of dysfunction from masticatory system in 14–16‐year‐old Danish children
Authors: Nielsen Lisbeth , Melsen Birte , Terp Svend
Published: May 2006

Abstract A clinical evaluation of the functional status of the masticatory system was performed on 706 14–16–yr‐old children who had received a minimum of 9 yr regular dental care and had only natural teeth. Applying a classification system developed for this specific age group, 19% were assigned to the group with moderate and 11 % to the group with severe disturbances. An analysis of the association between the signs of dysfunction revealed that TMJ clicking was always associated with some but not necessarily numerous palpatory findings. The localizations of the TMJ clickings were related to specific signs of dysfunction from the masticatory system. Restriction of movement capacity of 2 standard deviations was frequently found as an isolated phenomenon, whereas restriction of 3 standard deviations was always associated with either palpatory findings or sounds from the joints
Dental caries and the need for treatment among institutionalized elderly
Authors: Vigild Merete
Published: May 2006

Abstract The main purpose for the study was to determine the occurrence of untreated dental decay, and to assess the expressed demand for operative caries therapy among dentate institutionalized elderly in Denmark. The study population comprised all dentate elderly in eight nursing homes (n= 126) and in five hospital long‐term care facilities (n= 75). In both groups of elderly 70% had untreated decay. The mean number of surfaces with untreated decay among the elderly in nursing homes (NH) and in hospital long‐term care facilities (LTC) was respectively 9.7 and 7.5. The predominant factors influencing the occurrence of untreated decay were the use of dental services and the degree of helplessness. Regular use of dental services reduced the amount of untreated decay among the NH elderly, and the totally helpless LTC elderly had more decay than those able to manage alone. Half of the NH residents who had decay did not want treatment or were not able to express their demand for treatment due to poor mental or physical health. The realistic need for traditional operative filling therapy is discussed and it is concluded that the goal of an oral health care program for NH elderly should be to meet not only the demand for such treatment but also the need for emergency treatment and non‐operative caries treatment
General method for analysing dentist‐patient interaction
Authors: Verheij Hans , Horst Guusje ter , Prins Pier , Veerkamp Jaap
Published: May 2006

Abstract The interaction between dentist and patient during dental treatment may influence the frequency of dental visits in the future because this interaction may increase the dental fear of the patient. To find the characteristics of the dentist's behavior that increase or decrease dental fear a statistical analysis of the interaction may be used. Data of such interactions are known as time series. Because it is highly probable that the behavior of an individual at two different points in time is autocorrelated a correct statistical analysis of the interaction between dentist and patient must take this possibility into account. A general statistical method is proposed that can take autocorrelations into account. The method is compared with a simpler method that may not deal adequately with autocorrelations
Correlation of manual dexterity and comprehension with oral hygiene and periodontal status in mentally handicapped adults
Authors: Shaw Linda , Shaw Michael Jeremy , Foster Thomas Donald
Published: May 2006

Abstract Although there is relatively little information concerning the oral health of handicapped adults there is increasing evidence to suggest that their oral condition, particularly periodontal health, is poor. The present investigation involved assessment of 382 handicapped patients attending four different Adult Training Centres in Birmingham. The caries status, oral hygiene, and periodontal conditions were evaluated and the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need (CPITN) was calculated. In order to assess the manual dexterity and the comprehension of the trainees a standard test was devised. This consisted of timing each participant in carrying out simple instructions to pick up and position certain common objects. The results indicated high levels of plaque, calculus, and bleeding with a mean CPITN of 7.43. The mean time taken for the manual dexterity and comprehension test was 23.9 seconds with a range from 10 to 80 seconds, S.E. ± 1.33. This compares with results from 34 “normal” adults of a mean time of 8.2 seconds ± 1.8 with a range of 6 to 12 seconds. There was no significant correlation between the Manual Dexterity and Comprehension scores and the periodontal indices in the handicapped adults
Hearing of dentists in the long run: a 15‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Lehto Tero U. , Laurikainen Esa T. , Aitasalo Kalle J. , Pietilä Tauno J. , Helenius Hans Y. M. , Johansson Reijo
Published: May 2006

Abstract Pure tone audiograms from 68 dentists with a minimum of 10 yr in dental practice were taken in 1973 and a follow‐up was carried out in 1988. The aim was to study whether the dental occupation carried a risk for hearing handicap or not. Allowance for age and sex was made by using the presbyacusis values of Spoor as the reference. At the speech range of frequencies dentists did not differ from the reference. At higher frequencies of 4, 6, and 8 kHz dentists tended to have higher hearing thresholds than expected. At 6 kHz, both male and female dentists had highly significantly greater hearing thresholds than expected by the corresponding references in both the studies. This difference remained essentially similar over the follow‐up period, indicating that dental drill noise was insufficient to cause continuous loss of hearing. While mild NIHL was very common and tended to appear earlier in male than in female dentists, there was in the long run no continuous loss of hearing in either sex other than that attributable to the natural development of presbyacusis
Periodontal conditions in adults with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sjöström L. , Laurell L. , Hugoson A. , Håkansson J. P.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Periodontal conditions among an adult population of 161 dentate patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were compared with those of an age and sex‐matched random sample of non‐rheumatic subjects. The number of teeth and prevalence of dental plaque, calculus, gingivitis, and deepened periodontal pockets were recorded. Alveolar bone breakdown and the distribution of subjects according to severity of periodontal disease were also registered. There was a tendency towards better periodontal conditions among RA‐patients, severe periodontal breakdown occurring less frequently among RA‐patients (12%) than among the controls (16%). The RA‐patients had less plaque and calculus than the control group, a finding which could indicate a difference in periodontal care
Dental treatment needs in an elderly population referred to a geriatric hospital in Switzerland
Authors: Stuck Andreas E. , Chappuis Charles , Flury Hans , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Of 219 elderly patients admitted consecutively to a geriatric hospital in Switzerland, 59.4% were edentulous. A high proportion of the dentate patients exhibited tooth loss patterns requiring free‐end partial dentures in the maxilla (36.0%) or the mandible (69.7%). Of the remaining teeth, 29.3% were decayed, and 45.1% had severe periodontitis. Virtually all (97.8%) dentate and 31.5% of the edentulous subjects were judged to need some kind of dental treatment. In contrast, the subjective need for dental treatment was low in dentate (30.4%) and edentulous (13.1%) subjects. Prosthesis hygiene was poor in 73.8% of the 191 denture wearers whether they needed assistance with oral hygiene or not. The objectively‐assessed need for a new prosthesis in edentulous patients was determined by income, marital status, and patient mobility, whereas the need for a prosthesis alteration was related to cognitive function. These findings should help to plan future dental prophylactic and therapeutic services in geriatric hospitals
Validity of CPITN's hierarchical scoring method for describing the prevalence of periodontal conditions
Authors: Grytten Jostein , Hoist Dorthe , Gjermo Per
Published: May 2006

Abstract CPITN has been a frequently used index in periodontal epidemiology during the last decade. It was originally designed to describe treatment needs in populations. For this purpose, it was decided to record only the worst periodontal condition around each index tooth. Such a recording procedure can be regarded as a hierarchical scoring method. Recently, CPITN has been used and recommended for describing the prevalence of periodontal conditions. For this purpose, the index should give a valid estimate of the true periodontal conditions of the index tooth, and not only a recording of the worst condition. The aim of the present study was to test whether the hierarchical assumption of CPITN concerning treatment needs was valid for describing the prevalence of periodontal conditions in a Scandinavian population. The study population comprised 3330 persons from a rural and an urban area in the county of Trondelag, Norway. The clinical recording was carried out so that it was possible to analyze the indicators both hierarchically and non‐hierarchically. The results showed that nearly all the CPITN indicators scored hierarchically gave a correct estimate of the prevalence of bleeding in the population. CPITN codes 3 and 4 overestimated the prevalence of calculus. The degree of overestimation varied by age and tooth type. Most overestimation of calculus occurred on molar teeth with pockets 3.5‐5.5 mm and for individuals 13–14 yr of age. There was almost no overestimation of calculus for those aged 65 yr and above. The distribution of the different combinations of the indicators was fairly similar for all index teeth for codes 2, 3, and 4, with the exception of the mandibular incisor.
Dental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Indochinese and Australian‐born adolescents
Authors: Durward C. S. , Wright F. A. C.
Published: May 2006

Abstract
–
Since 1975 more than 100 000 Indochinese refugees have settled in Australia. This study compared the dental health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of 131 Indochinese and 107 Australian‐born adolescents from a state high school in Melbourne, Victoria. The Australian‐born subjects demonstrated the highest level of dental knowledge, and the Kampuchean/Laotian subjects the least. Of the three birthplace groups (Australia, Vietnam, Kampuchea/Laos), the Kampuchean/Laotian group were more likely to believe that their dental health was controlled by external forces. The Kampuchean/Laotian group presented the highest proportion of subjects believing they needed dental treatment. In contrast, however, the Kampucheans and Laotians had the lowest perceived value of preventive dental visits with the Australian‐born adolescents presenting the highest proportion. The dental health behaviors of the Kampucheans and Laotians were generally the least favorable and those of the Australian‐born subjects the most favorable, although all groups were well short of the conventional ideal. One‐third of the Kampuchean and Laotian subjects said they had never been to the dentist before. Few Indochinese subjects claimed to be regular visitors to the dentist. Analysis of data using the framework of the Health Belief Model provided little explanatory power in predicting preventive behaviors. A greater understanding of cultural variations between ethnic groups and targeted dental health education programs would appear to be beneficial strategies for improving oral health of high risk adolescents.
Caries experience of the primary dentition among groups of Tanzanian urban preschool‐children
Authors: Mosha Hiasinti Joseph , Robison Valerie Anne
Published: May 2006

Abstract
–
Five hundred and forty‐six urban Tanzanian preschoolchildren aged 5–7 were examined for dental caries in the primary dentition. Caries was diagnosed according to the WHO criteria (1977). The mean dft was 1.06 (1.76) for the whole sample and 62% of the children were caries free. Only three fillings were observed in the primary teeth, indicating a very low rate of conservative treatment in this population group. The results of this study call for both preventive and restorative care for this group. However, for these activities to be cost effective they will have to be focused on the 38% of children who have the experience of dental caries. Planning an appropriate oral care program for this risk group needs careful consideration within the Tanzanian context.
A dental survey of Tibetan children in Dharamsala
Authors: McL. Robertson J. A. , Reade P. C. , Steidler N. E. , Spencer A. J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract
–
Since their exodus in 1959 about 100 000 Tibetans have settled in disparate communities in northern India and Nepal. This study describes the dental health of 243 Tibetan children in Dharamsala, in the State of Himachal Pradesh, India. Only 20% of 6‐yr‐olds were caries‐free in the primary dentition while 96.9, 53.3, and 22.4% of 6, 12, and 15‐yr‐olds were caries‐free in the permanent dentition respectively. The DMFT of 12‐yr‐old children was 1.1, while 15‐yr‐old children had a DMFT of 3.1. While plaque and calculus were present in many sextants, there was little intense gingivitis and signs of advanced periodontal diseases were rarely present. Almost no dental care had been received. Appropriate dental health promotion activities are discussed.
Caries among Danish schoolchildren in birth‐cohorts 1950–78
Authors: Helm Sven , Helm Tove
Published: May 2006

Abstract Data on caries prevalence are reported from 8‐ and 16‐yr‐old children living in a Danish community which established the Public Child Dental Health Service in 1957. Every fourth birth‐cohort from 1950 through 1970 was followed longitudinally. In the 8‐yr‐olds, caries prevalence decreased in the primary dentition from 17 to 3 dmfs and in the permanent dentition from 3.4 to 0.3 DMFS over a 28‐yr period. Among the 16‐yr‐olds, a reduction was observed from 16.4 to 5.1 DMFS over 20 yr. Time trends in the decreasing caries prevalence are related to various organizational events and preventive measures. Moreover, the possible influence of general changes in living conditions and health behavior is pointed out.
Dental treatment demands among patients in Tanzania
Authors: van Palenstein Helderman Wim H. , Nathoo Zulfigar A. W.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The dental treatment demands of 824 patients attending regional dental clinics were recorded. Overall 86% of the patients sought treatment for pain, ranging from 77% to 97% in the different clinics. Caries was the main cause of pain. The proportion of patients with demands for aesthetics was 5%, prosthetics 2%, and check up 3%. The data indicated a need for emergency care. The type of curative treatment needed, mainly extractions, could well be performed by dental auxiliaries. Since the data was collected from patients among whom many visited the clinics in the late stages of painful oral diseases, it is assumed that it reflects only the tip of an iceberg that represents a much larger dormant demand (want) for emergency care among the population. Any strategy aiming to be effective in improving oral health should at least meet the emergency dental needs of the population. Consequently there is a definite need of data on dental treatment demands and wants for adequate planning of dental health care systems in their infancy in countries with limited financial resources.
Caries prevalence and microbiological and salivary caries activity tests in Scottish adolescents
Authors: Russell Joyce I. , MacFarlane T. Wallace , Aitchison Thomas C. , Stephen Kenneth W. , Burchell Charles K.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Salivary and microbiological caries activity tests were investigated on three occasions in a group of 372 Scottish adolescents. Counts of lactobacilli, mutans streptococci, and Candida were consistently and significantly associated with caries prevalence, as either DS or DMFS score, and buffering capacity was consistently inversely related to DMFS score. However, veillonella counts and salivary flow rate were not correlated with caries prevalence. Significant improvements in the associations were obtained when the results of more than one test were included using stepwise regression analysis. On an individual basis, at most, stepwise discriminant analysis identified the DMFS group correctly in 49% of all subjects, and the DS group in 47%.
Longitudinal study of caries and cariogenic bacteria in an elderly disabled population
Authors: MacEntee Michael I. , Wyatt Christopher C. L. , McBride Barry C.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A 2‐yr longitudinal study was conducted among elderly disabled residents of a longterm care facility. Each of the 50 subjects examined at the beginning of the study had a mean of 14 teeth, with a mean of 6 carious and 6 restored teeth, per person. Most of the subjects had very poor oral hygiene, and 26 of them had dental plaque that produced cultures of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in excess of 105 CFU/ml. At the end of the first year, 40 subjects were examined again and, apart from a decrease in the mean number of carious root lesions per person, there was very little change in their dental or microbial status. Although only 18 subjects were available at the end of the second year, they presented with fewer carious lesions after 2 yr. The reduction in caries appeared to result from the remineralization of tooth structure, but new lesions did appear in 33% of the 1‐yr group, and in 78% of the 2‐yr group. This dynamic environment around the teeth produced a mean net incidence of one lesion in the first year, and three lesions over 2 yr. There was a significant (P < 0.05) association between large (> 105 CFU/ml) numbers of mutans streptococci and the development of new lesions, but there was no association between the dental status of the subjects and the dental treatment they received. Overall, the results indicate that caries is not rampant in this population.
Statistical methods for comparing dental diagnostic procedures
Authors: Berkey Catherine S. , Douglass Chester W. , Valachovie Richard W. , Chauncey Howard H. , McNeil Barbara J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract In dental diagnosis, there are typically two or more clinical diagnostic procedures which may be used cither independently or jointly to reach a conclusion regarding the presence of a particular disease in a patient. To determine which of these diagnostic procedures are more accurate, statistical methods may be applied to research data in which the true health status as well as the diagnosis provided by each clinical procedure are available on each observation. Results arising from this type of analysis can be of great interest to clinicians when the diagnostic procedures themselves are costly, painful, or even potentially harmful to the patient. Considered here is the special situation encountered in dental research in which each patient can have multiple concurrent cases of a certain disease such as caries, for then the statistical evaluation of diagnostic procedures is even further complicated. This report describes several statistical approaches for comparing the efficacy of diagnostic tests and illustrates their application on data from a study of diagnostic radiographs for dental caries.
Distribution of oral tumors in Nigerian children based on biopsy materials examined over an 11‐year period
Authors: Taiwo E. O. , Salako N. O. , Sote E. O.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A survey of biopsied lesions of patients aged 0–16 yr who presented with oral swellings at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital over a period of 11 yr was conducted to determine the pattern of presentation of these lesions in 203 Nigerian children, 123 boys and 80 girls. 21% of the lesions were fibro‐osseous lesions. There were more non‐odontogenic than odontogenic tumors and very few salivary gland tumors.
Dental pathology and alcohol‐related indicators in an outpatient clinic sample
Authors: Kranzler Henry R. , Babor Thomas F. , Goldstein Laurence , Gold Jeffrey
Published: May 2006

Abstract A relationship between alcoholism and dental pathology (particularly missing teeth), has been reported in studies of male, inpatient alcoholics. The present exploratory study was undertaken to assess how readily these findings can be generalized to an unselected sample of male and female dental patients. Data on drinking behavior, alcohol‐related problems, and risk factors for alcoholism were obtained through an interview and questionnaire. A dental chart review provided measures of dental pathology. The results showed that measures of dental pathology (including tooth loss, carious teeth, and periodontal disease) correlated significantly with alcohol‐related indicators. The associations were more evident for males than for females, which is consistent with some studies of alcohol‐related medical consequences. The results suggest that further analytic studies of alcohol consumption and dental pathology are warranted. Because the relationship between tooth loss and harmful drinking was clearest among males with a history of conduct problems, subsequent research would benefit from a focus on this high‐risk group.
Pilot study on the feasibility of a computerized speech recognition charting system
Authors: Feldman Cecile A. , Stevens Daniel
Published: May 2006

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of developing and using a voice recognition computerized charting system to record dental clinical examination data. More specifically, the study was designed to analyze the time and error differential between the traditional examiner/recorder method (ASSISTANT) and computerized voice recognition method (VOICE). DMFS examinations were performed twice on 20 patients using the traditional ASSISTANT and the VOICE charting system. A statistically significant difference was found when comparing the mean ASSISTANT time of 2.69 min to the VOICE time of 3.72 min (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found when comparing the mean ASSISTANT recording errors of 0.1 to VOICE recording errors of 0.6 (P= 0.059). 90% of the patients indicated they felt comfortable with the dentist talking to a computer and only 5% of the sample indicated they opposed VOICE. Results from this pilot study indicate that a charting system utilizing voice recognition technology could be considered a viable alternative to traditional examiner/recorder methods of clinical charting.
How age influences expenditure for dental services in Norway
Authors: Grytten Jostein
Published: May 2006

Abstract Several studies have shown that demand for dental services decreases with increasing age. There is a lack of research to examine how utilization (as opposed to demand) varies with age. This relationship is likely to depend on family income and number of teeth. This study had two aims: Firstly, to examine the relationship between age, family income, number of teeth, and expenditure for dental services in Norway. Secondly, to compare a model where expenditure was the dependent variable with a model where demand was the dependent variable, using the same set of explanatory variables (age, income, and number of teeth). The analysis was performed on a set of national data collected in 1987, which was representative of the non‐institutionalized Norwegian population 20 yr and above. The sample size was 1216 individuals. The data were analyzed according to a path analysis design, using regression analysis (OLS). Age had no effect on expenditure after controlling for family income and number of teeth. Expenditure decreased and demand increased with increasing number of teeth. This has two implications: Firstly, expenditure will rise and demand decrease with increasing age because number of teeth decreases with age. Secondly, utilization of dental services is likely to decrease, and demand increase as oral health improves.
Using a “lifestyle” perspective to understand toothbrushing behaviour in Scottish schoolchildren
Authors: Schou Lone , Currie Candace , McQueen David
Published: May 2006

Abstract Using data from a wider survey of health related behaviour in 4,935 Lothian schoolchildren, 11, 13, and 15 yr old, this paper analysed toothbrushing frequency and its relation to “lifestyle” factors. Analysis of the results showed that girls brush more frequently than boys and that children with higher social class background brushed more frequently than children with low social class background. Further toothbrushing frequency was significantly related to the subjects' health perception, smoking and drinking habits, eating habits, bedtimes, and video‐watching. Moreover, all these lifestyle factors were inter‐related. The paper reinforced the concept of lifestyle as a meaningful descriptive term. The results demonstrated that the bivariate associations are pieces in a more complex mosaic. Toothbrushing thus seems to be an integrated part of a child's lifestyle and should be regarded as such in future health promotion efforts.
Patients' retrospective preference for extraction of asymptomatic third molars
Authors: Cohen Mark E. , Arthur J. Stephen , Rodden Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the personal utility of asymptomatic third molar removal in military patients. From 1 to 30 days (mean = 7.4) after the extraction of one or more third molars, 100 returning patients (all male, mean age = 20.1) were asked to respond to hypothetical questions concerning the extraction of asymptomatic third molars. If the likelihood of third molars ever having to be removed was given as 10%, 50%, and 100%, then 45%, 61%, and 88% of responses, respectively, showed preference for immediate extraction. When respondents chose to delay treatment until there was a problem, no likelihood group would tolerate more than 2.77 additional days of post‐extraction pain before changing their preference to immediate extraction. 87% of respondents preferred extractions prior to a deployment which would make treatment delivery difficult, and 89% prior to becoming a civilian at which time treatment might no longer be free. The results indicate general acceptance of the strategy of prophylactic third molar removal among a sample of military patients who have undergone pre‐treatment counseling and the surgical procedure. A question remains as to the personal utility that might be measured prior to surgery.
Dental anxiety: a comparison of dentate and edentulous subjects
Authors: Stouthard Marlies E. A. , Hoogstraten Johan
Published: May 2006

Abstract Dental anxiety was measured in a representative, nationwide sample consisting of both dentate and edentulous subjects. Comparison of the mean scores of both groups shows that the edentulous sample is neither more nor less anxious about dental treatment than the dentate sample. The distribution of dental anxiety in edentulous subjects, however, differs considerably from that of the dentate group. Complete denture wearers are both more often dentally phobic and more often free from any anxiety than subjects still having at least part of their natural dentition.
Differences in oral health status between institutionalized and non‐institutionalized older adults
Authors: Slade Gary D. , Locker David , Leake James L. , Price Sherry A. , Chao Irene
Published: May 2006

Abstract Differences in oral health status between independent and institutionalized adults have been difficult to interpret because the latter population is typically older and has a higher proportion of women, confounding any association between institutionalization and disease levels. We undertook an analysis of oral disease amongst institutionalized (n= 149) and non‐institutionalized (n= 246) samples of older adults randomly selected from the population in East York, Ontario. When the confounding effects of age and gender were controlled by constructing 67 matched pairs, institutionalized people were more than twice as likely to be edentulous (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.09–4.29). This association was confirmed using data from all subjects in a logistic regression model. Analysis of covariance of data from dentate subjects revealed that the institutionalized seniors had fewer filled teeth (P < 0.05, controlling for age and sex), but there were no statistically significant differences in the number of teeth which were missing, decayed, or requiring extraction. These findings suggest that antecedent, sociodemographic factors prior to institutionalization are responsible for the higher probability of oral disease in this group of older adults.
Screening for functional disorders of the masticatory system among teenagers
Authors: Nielsen L. , Terp S.
Published: May 2006

Abstract This study evaluated the efficiency of a questionnaire as compared to a brief clinical examination for identification of clinically assessed craniomandibular disorder cases. 706 Danish children 14–16 yr old answered a self‐administered questionnaire concerned with dysfunction symptoms and oral habits. In addition they were subjected to a clinical examination of signs of dysfunction from the masticatory system. Based on the present study a self‐administered questionnaire for screening purposes used in an a priori healthy population of teenagers cannot be recommended. The answers to the questionnaire showed a low reproducibility and their ability to predict clinically assessed signs of dysfunction was inadequate. The most favorable combinations of single questions were calculated in order to optimize sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of the questionnaire. A maximum of 65% of the clinically diseased subjects were identified by the questionnaire and only 41% of the test positive subjects had their subjective diagnoses confirmed at the clinical examination. The brief clinical screening procedure succeeded in identifying 92% of children with severely disturbed function. The subjects testing positively according to the brief clinical examination were children with either moderate or severe disturbances except for only one case. Based on a cost to benefit consideration a brief clinical examination is preferred to a self‐administered questionnaire as a routine procedure for detection of craniomandibular disorders.
Evaluation of a school‐based fluoride mouthrinsing and clinic‐based sealant program on a non‐fluoridated island
Authors: Sterritt Gene R. , Frew Ralph A. , Rozier R. Gary , Brunelle Janet A.
Published: May 2006

Abstract For many years the children of Guam have experienced a high prevalence of dental caries. Surveys conducted on the fluoride‐deficient island found that caries levels were double those of US mainland children. In 1976 a school‐based fluoride mouthrinse program was initiated involving over 22000 children in grades kindergarten through eight in weekly rinses with 0.2% neutral NaF. A clinic‐based dental pit and Fissure sealant program was added in 1984 to the fluoride mouthrinse program. Over 15000 children participated annually in the sealant program where more than 75 000 teeth were sealed the first year. After 8 yr of fluoride mouthrinsing (1976–1984) mean DMFS scores were 1.79 surfaces per child lower compared to baseline, a decrease of 0.22 DMFS per child per year. During this period proximal DMFS scores decreased 61%, buccal‐lingual surfaces 31%, and occlusal surfaces 7%. After 2 yr of fluoride mouthrinsing and sealant application combined overall DMFS scores decreased an additional 2.34 surfaces per child, a reduction of 1.17 DMFS per child per year. Most of this decline took place on pit and fissure surfaces. For the 10‐yr period a reduction of 4.13 DMFS per child was seen ‐ a decline from 7.06 DMF at baseline to 2.93 DMF surfaces per child in 1986. This long‐term evaluation indicates that dental sealants when used in combination with fluoride mouthrinse were particularly effective in lowering the prevalence of dental caries. Schoolchildren in participating grades on Guam now have dental caries rates close to those of US schoolchildren.