bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new Norwegian index of orthodontic treatment need related to orthodontic concern among 11‐year‐olds and their parents
Authors: Espeland Lisen V. , Ivarsson Knut , Stenvik Arild
Published: May 2006

A new index of orthodontic treatment need was introduced in Norway in 1990. On a morphologic and functional basis the four groups very great (A), great (B), obvious (C) and little/no (D) need were defined for social insurance refunding. The purpose of the present study was to investigate to what extent the new index corresponded with orthodontic concern among potential orthodontic patients and their parents. Of 104 randomly selected fourth grade children, 99 (48 girls, 51 boys, mean age 10.7 yr) presented themselves for clinical examination and interview. One parent was asked to accompany the child, and 93 parents attended. On the basis of clinical examination, morphologic measurements on study casts, and X‐rays, the children were allocated to one of the four groups defined by the index. In separate questionnaires the children and the parents were asked to assess satisfaction with own/child's dental arrangement and desire for orthodontic treatment. The interview data were transformed into a composite measure representing orthodontic concern. The results indicated that orthodontic concern was significantly related to index group. For the individuals who expressed concern the new index seemed to be meaningful for allocation of public subsidies, as most individuals (85%) who expressed concern exhibited malocclusions fulfilling the criteria for receiving public subsidies of treatment costs. However, more than 50% of the individuals allocated to group B (great need) did not experience a need for treatment.
Incidence and severity of phenytoin‐induced gingival overgrowth in epileptic patients in General Medical Practice
Authors: Thomason John Mark , Seymour Robin Alan , Rawlins Michael David
Published: May 2006

This investigation examines the incidence of phenytoin‐induced gingival overgrowth in a population of epileptic patients who attend General Medical Practices for treatment of their epilepsy and compares the gingival changes with an otherwise healthy group of patients. The plaque score, gingival index, and gingival overgrowth did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). A significant correlation was observed between plaque score and gingival overgrowth in the phenytoin‐treated patient, but in this group there was no correlation between gingival overgrowth and salivary concentration of the drug. The overall incidence of clinically significant overgrowth (13%) is considerably less than in other studies.
Remaining teeth, oral dryness and dental health habits in middle‐aged Norwegian rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Arneberg Pål , Bjertness Espen , Storhaug Kari , Glennås Anne , Bjerkhoel Frithjof
Published: May 2006

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) upon dental health. A questionnaire was mailed to all seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients aged 44–56 yr in the files of the two main departments of rheumatology in South Eastern Norway. Data were obtained from 125 patients, constituting 91% of the target group. The number of remaining teeth in these patients was not related to disease duration or physical dysfunction, whereas a relationship to prolonged use of medication for pain relief was indicated. Factors known to affect tooth loss in the general population, such as smoking habits, dental attendance, interdental cleaning habits, previous dental disease, and place of residence were found to be important in RA patients as well. The RA patients from Oslo had a mean number of 25 remaining teeth, which is the same as reported for the general Oslo population at this age. Oral dryness was reported by more than 50% of the RA patients, but was not related to the number of teeth. The conclusion is that serious and long lasting rheumatoid arthritis had little influence on the number of remaining teeth in this middle‐aged group of Norwegians.
Intervals between bitewing examinations in young patients when applying a radiologic algorithm
Authors: Lith Agneta , Gröndahl Hans‐Göran
Published: May 2006

Every prescription of a radiograph should be based on an evaluation of the individual patient benefit. An algorithm developed to make it possible to individualize the frequency of bitewing radiographs was applied on a group of young patients in order to evaluate if its application could increase the time intervals between bitewing examinations. The time intervals between bitewing examinations actually performed on 221 patients from exfoliation of all primary teeth up to and including 18 yr of age were determined. The number of surfaces with carious lesions as well as restorations in the posterior approximal surfaces were diagnosed from the radiographs. The intervals between bitewing examinations according to the algorithm were estimated and compared to the actual ones. For most patients the time intervals between examinations increased when the algorithm was applied, without a concomitant risk of missing lesions developing into the deeper parts of the dentin. The results render support to an individualized scheduling of bitewing radiographs based on number of and extent of approximal lesions in baseline radiographs.
Oral health and oral health behaviour in a population of diabetic outpatient clinic attenders
Authors: Jones Ray B. , McCallum Richard M. , Kay Elizabeth J. , Kirkin Val. , McDonald Paul
Published: May 2006

The control of oral health in individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus may affect a diabetic individual's insulin requirements. This study examined the oral health status and behaviours of a group of diabetic patients and compared the results to those obtained in a recent UK national survey of oral health. The results showed that, despite reporting higher levels of oral self‐care, the diabetic population suffered from higher rates of caries than “normal” individuals. These differences could not be accounted for by the treatment received from dentists. It is concluded that diabetic patients are more caries prone than the general population and that the cause of this difference should be sought, as the traditional aetiological agent for caries cannot account for the increased caries rate. If the aetiology of the findings of this study were determined, progress could be made in the search for indicators of increased caries risk.
Early screening for orthodontic treatment Differences in assessments made by a consultant orthodontist and three public health dentists
Authors: Pietilä Terttu , Pietilä Llpo , Väätäjä Pertti
Published: May 2006

The aim of the present study was to compare the differences in the assessments of occlusal and functional features, the need for and timing of orthodontic treatment and the complexity of treatment made by a consultant orthodontist and three public health dentists. The data comprised the examinations of 260 children aged 7–8 yr (87% of total age group of the community) attending the first grade of primary school in a medium‐sized town in eastern Finland. The examinations were carried out according to agreed criteria. The main indications for treatment were Class II malocclusion, lateral crossbitc and crowding. When assessing treatment need, agreement between the orthodontist and the three dentists was fairly good (agreement in 69%, Kappa statistic 0.51), sensitivity for each dentist ranged from 0.86 to 0.97 and specificity from 0.72 to 0.92. The agreement on the timing of treatment was poor (agreement in 49%, Kappa statistic 0.18). In most cases of disagreement, the dentists would begin the treatment earlier than the orthodontist. The agreement on the complexity of treatment was rather poor (agreement in 61%, Kappa statistic 0.22). In most cases of disagreement, the treatment was regarded as more complex by the orthodontist than by the dentists. When dentists work with a consultant orthodontist, it seems justified to have the dentist screen the children at the age of 7–8 yr for early orthodontic treatment, but the orthodontist should assess the timing and complexity of treatment.
Attendance pattern of anxiety‐treated dental patients: a pilot study
Authors: Schuurs Albert H. B. , Makkes Peter C. , Duivenvoorden Hugo J.
Published: May 2006

Ex‐patients of a dental fear clinic were found to have significantly reduced, yet still high, dental anxiety scores in comparison with the pre‐intervention scores. In spite of the intervention about one quarter of the ex‐patients did not visit a dentist regularly. A positive relationship was found between dental anxiety, measured with Corah's DAS, and “dislike of drilling”. A short duration of (self‐reported) psychophysiologic anxiety reactions appeared to be associated with the intention to ask for treatment, e.g. if a cavity were present. However, regular dental attendance was not correlated with dental anxiety scores.
Demographical, odontological, and psychological variables in individuals referred for osseointegrated dental implants
Authors: Hogenius Sylvia , Berggren Ulf , Blomberg Stig , Jemt Torsten , Öhman Sven‐Christer
Published: May 2006

Edentulism and/or the wearing of a removable denture always requires adaptation, not only on a functional, but also on an emotional, level. Four hundred and seventy‐three patients referred for treatment with osseointegrated implants due to problems with removable prostheses entered the study and 315 (66.6%) completed it. The average age was close to 60 yr, and the majority of patients were women. The average time of edentulousness was 14.3 yr. Twelve percent experienced profound negative effects from wearing dentures, this to an extent that it led to overt psychological and social effects. Subjective ratings revealed that functional and/or intra‐personal effects were of higher significance than social consequences. The group was found to be more depressed than average as well as having an external health locus of control orientation.
Dental health habits of 3‐year‐old Finnish children
Authors: Paunio Päivi , Rautava Päivi , Sillanpää Matti , Kaleva Olli
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The aim was to study whether 3‐yr‐old children's tooth brushing habits are associated with the child's other dental health habits and whether the mother's background influences the child's tooth brushing frequency. The survey used stratified randomized cluster sampling, confidential questionnaires and clinical dental examinations. A random sample of 1443 (91.2%) of a Finnish province's 1582 primiparous women participated in the study at the onset of their pregnancy. Dental health care clinics of the public health care system carried out dental examinations in 1018 (83.5%) 3‐yr‐old children born of these pregnancies. The variables used in the study included consumption of juice at night and sugar at the age of 1.5 yr and the use of fluoride tablets and sweets at the age of 3. The mother's background factors included age, basic education and occupation. Daily tooth brushing was practised by 78.2% of the children. Addition of sugar to the diet and frequent use of sweets at the age 3 were more common in those who brushed their teeth only occasionally, whereas the use of fluoride tablets was less frequent in them than in those brushing their teeth every day. Of the mothers' background factors, age was the most significant. The youngest mothers paid the least attention to their children's tooth brushing habits. The proportion of those brushing their teeth was 67.9% in rural areas, 78.6% in semi‐urban population centers and 80.1% in towns (P= 0.02). The results indicate that the health education provided by dental health care clinics should be focussed on young mothers and rural families. The mother's attention to her child's tooth brushing habits proved to be a useful measure for the assessment of other habits affecting the dental health habits of early childhood.
Prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in primary schoolchildren in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Ng'ang'a P. M. , Valderhaug J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in 513 primary school children in Nairobi. The clinical examination was performed in a room with natural daylight using Thylstrup & Fejerskov's index (TFI). Overall, 18% of 6–8‐yr‐olds had dental fluorosis in the primary dentition and 76% of 13–15‐yr‐olds in the permanent dentition. There was no significant sex difference (P>0.05) in either the prevalence or the severity of fluorosis. In children with mixed dentition, the prevalence and severity of fluorosis was higher in the permanent teeth. In the permanent dentition, no clear difference was demonstrable in the severity between the anterior and the posterior teeth. The degree of fluorosis in most of the children in the area served with river water (0.2–0.4 ppm F−) was of a very mild form. However, in the area served with borehole waters, 48% of the children and 40% of the teeth were found to have TFI scores 5. Measures to reduce dental fluorosis are necessary in the latter area.
An investigation into the use of a voice operated data input system
Authors: Hawley Gillian , Hamilton Fiona , Worthington Helen
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The aim of this study was to evaluate a voice operated data collection system intended for use in epidemiological surveys. Three groups of 45 adolescents, with similar caries experience, were examined by one examiner in schools. The caries data resulting from these examinations were collected in three ways; keyboard activated input to a portable computer, paper chart recording followed by manual input on return to base and examiner voice activated input direct to the computer. Maximum levels of accuracy were found with all three methods. The quickest method of collection in the field was by paper chart with a mean collection time per subject of 2.59 min, followed by 3.15 min for the manual keyboard method and 4.07 min for the voice activated method. When all the factors affecting time were taken into consideration it was found that overall the manual keyboard method was significantly faster than both the paper chart method and the voice activated method.
Oral health status of a group of elderly Canadian Inuit (Eskimo)
Authors: Galan Douglas , Odium Olva , Brecx Michel
Published: May 2006

Abstract – Fifty‐four Inuit elders, representing 90% of the individuals 60 yr of age and older in three communities in the Keewatin region of the Canadian Northwest Territories, were examined for dental caries, periodonlal disease, levels of edentulism, and the fit and quality of denture prostheses. These elders had a mean of 2.8 ± 3.5 decayed teeth and a DMFT of 26 ± 13 which reflected significant tooth loss. The Root Caries Index for subjects with gingival recession was 19%. Periodontal pocket assessments revealed that 86% of the individuals examined had CPITN readings of either 3 or 4. Over one third of the elders were totally edentulous, most of them female. Only 41% of these individuals wore complete dentures. Denture fit assessment revealed that 36% of the complete maxillary dentures and 42% of the complete mandibular dentures fit poorly. The overall oral health findings for these Inuit elders differed from those found in other older populations; however, the present findings may be the norm for a population undergoing a cultural transition.
Longitudinal statistical models for loss of sound surfaces
Authors: Berkey Catherine S. , Chuang Sung‐Kiang , Douglass Chester W. , Garcia Raul I.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – Longitudinal data of 50‐yr‐old men, followed for 10 yr, were analyzed to identify variables which may be associated with healthy tooth surface loss. Three types of longitudinal models were used, arriving at similar conclusions. Predictors of sound tooth surface loss with aging included pocket depth, mobility, and recession.
Burning mouth in a Finnish adult population
Authors: Tammiala‐Salonen Tuulikki , Hiidenkari Tuula , Parvinen Tuija
Published: May 2006

Abstract – Burning mouth syndrome is an oral pain disorder with a prevalence of 5–18% in patient materials. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Burning mouth syndrome in a representative sample of the general adult population. Altogether 431 subjects (237 females, 194 males) participated in the study. Subjects were questioned about the experience of prolonged burning sensation; the site, severity, pattern, duration and possible associations of the onset of the burning sensation, and a thorough clinical examination was performed. In all, 15% of the subjects had experienced prolonged oral burning but a half of them had some clinically observable oral mucosal lesion or oral candidosis. The prevalence of the complaint was significantly higher in females than in males.
Heck's disease (focal epithelial hyperplasia): a longitudinal study
Authors: Harris A. M. P. , van Wyk C. W.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – A 3‐year longitudinal study on Heck's disease among school children was undertaken in 2 communities which are similar geographically, socioeconomically and ethnically. The variations in the annual prevalence rates (7% to 13%), the incidence rates per 1000 (38 to 68), the female to male ratios (1:0.4 to 1:1) and the average ages of the affected pupils did not differ between communities and from year to year. Lesions varied in number, size and duration. Some were seen only at one of the examinations, while others remained during the whole study. The majority were situated on the mucosae of the lower lips and cheeks. The prevalence of lesions amongst school children in these two communities was noticeably higher than that of another community of similar ethnicity studied earlier. The clinical behaviour of the lesions is in keeping with what is expected of some HPV infections. The relatively high prevalence rate and the anatomical distribution of the lesions indicate the infectious nature of the disease, which we believe is influenced to a large extent by the lifestyle in these communities.
AIDS and infection control: Dutch dental hygienists surveyed
Authors: ter Horst Guusje
Published: May 2006

Abstract – A sample of all dental hygienists practicing in the Netherlands besides Amsterdam (n= 669) and all dental hygienists practicing in Amsterdam (n= 118) were sent a questionnaire to assess the extent of compliance with the Dutch Health Council's guidelines to prevent HIV transmission in dental practices. The response rate was 64%. Gloves, masks and spectacles were widely used. Use of disposable parts of the three‐way syringes, medical dishwasher, sterilizable handles and sterilizable three‐way syringes was insufficient. Disinfection was too often preferred to sterilization. Compliance with the guidelines was not related to the size of the city of practice. Amsterdam hygienists did not comply better than hygienists not from Amsterdam. One third of the respondents asked questions to assess whether a patient was HIV seropositive. Evidently, the view of the Dutch Health Council that knowledge of seropositivity is not necessary, was not shared by a substantial part of the hygienists. Fear of infection appeared to be negatively related to experience in treating HIV‐seropositive patients and, indirectly, to perceived knowledge about AIDS.
Caries experience of Native children of British Columbia, Canada, 1980‐1988
Authors: Harrison Rosamund L. , Davis Don W.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – Surveys of the dental health of Native children in British Columbia, Canada, were conducted in 1980, 1984 and 1988 by Medical Services Branch, Health and Welfare Canada. Data were gathered on children turning 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 yr of age in each survey year. This paper analyzes the findings related to dental caries and the treatment of caries. Comparisons were made between the 1980 and 1988 surveys using Student's t‐tests; data from the 1984 survey were included for comparison. Results of these surveys demonstrate a continuous improvement in the dental health of Native children between the years 1980 and 1988, but the improvement was limited to the permanent dentition. The deft for 5‐yr‐olds remained constant over the time interval. In contrast, the DMFT for each group significantly decreased from 1980 to 1988 (P<0.05). The percentage of 5‐yr‐old children who were caries‐free in the primary dentition remained constant, and primary tooth mortality (tooth abscessed or with crown destroyed) in 5‐yr‐olds did not change. However, the percentage of children surveyed with caries‐free permanent teeth improved significantly at each survey year and permanent tooth mortality significantly declined (P<0.05). The proportion of filled, compared with carious, primary and permanent teeth increased from 1980 to 1988. In contrast, the number of extracted primary teeth stayed relatively constant for 5‐yr‐olds, but the proportion of missing teeth declined significantly for all other age groups (P <0.05). The caries experience of this population of Native children was high relative to that of children of comparable age residing in the same region and to that of children who live in other parts of the world.
Simplified preventive dentistry program for Chilean refugees: effectiveness of one versus two instructional sessions
Authors: Zimmerman Mikael , Bornstein Rolf , Martinsson Thore
Published: May 2006

Abstract – A simplified dental health program for newly arrived refugees was evaluated. The efficacy of presenting the program in one instructional session or two was compared. 193 Chilean refugees, granted residency in Stockholm in Spring 1981 or in Spring 1982, participated. The subjects were divided into two groups. One group received a dental health program only at the first visit, in conjunction with the baseline examination, and the other group was recalled for a further session 3 months after the baseline examination. Both groups were recalled for evaluation 6 months after the initial visit. At follow‐up the groups comprised 94 and 65 subjects respectively. The mean relative reductions in gingivitis (relating GBI reduction to baseline GBI) were 33.2% (95% < I: 29.1 to 37.3%) in the single‐visit group and 40.5% (95% < I: 35.9 to 45.8%) in the two‐visit group. The reduction in periodontal pocket depth was mainly a reduction of shallow pockets. The maximum effect was attained after one instructional session.
Congenitally missing permanent mandibular incisors and their association with missing primary teeth in the Southern Chinese (Hong Kong)
Authors: Davis P. Jane , Darvell Brian W.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – A radiographic survey of a random sample of 454 girls aged 5.9 ± 0.5 yr and 521 boys aged 5.8 ± 0.4 y was undertaken to establish data on the incidence of Congenitally missing mandibular incisor teeth amongst the Southern Chinese and to compare these figures with those of a similar previous study of 12‐yr‐olds so to eliminate factors such a trauma or extractions which may have artificially inflated the 12‐yr‐old incidence data. The proportion of 5‐yr‐old girls and boys affected by hypodontia in the permanent mandibular incisor region was 0.086 and 0.046 respectively (a significant difference between sexes, P<0.02), compared with 0.047 and 0.034 for the 12‐yr‐olds (a non‐significant difference) so other factors must have contributed to the discrepancy between the two groups of children. A very strong correlation (P<10−25) between missing primary and missing permanent mandibular incisors is present in this group, and this has implications for prognosis and treatment planning. A fundamental developmental defect is implied.
Subjective reports of oral dryness in an older adult population
Authors: Locker David
Published: May 2006

Abstract – In this study of an older adult population almost one‐fifth reported oral dryness. It was the most common of 22 oral symptoms and complaints. In a logistic regression analysis of predictors of oral dryness three variables had significant independent effects: income, taking prescribed medications and experiencing a stressful life change within the previous 6 months. Subjects with oral dryness had more decayed crown surfaces than those without but there was no association with decayed root surfaces. Nor were there any significant associations between reports of oral dryness and a number of indicators of periodontal health. Those with dryness were more likely to report other oral symptoms such as unpleasant taste, a burning sensation in the tongue and other parts of the mouth and pain from dentures. They were also more likely to report problems chewing food, problems with eating and communication and were more likely to be dissatisfied with their oral health. Given its prevalence and effects, oral dryness constitutes an important health issue among older adults.
Oral health and treatment needs among patients in psychiatric institutions for the elderly
Authors: Vigild Merete , Brinck Jørgen J. , Christensen John
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The purpose of the study was to assess oral health and treatment needs among elderly in psychiatric institutions in a Danish county. The study serves as baseline for the evaluation of a newly established oral health care program in the county. The study population comprised the residents in eight institutions (n= 407). Two thirds of the residents were edentulous, 34% of the dentate had one or more root remnants, and 55% had untreated decay. The dentate with regular dental visiting habits had significantly less untreated decay than the irregular users. The oral hygiene was poor, but was not related to whether or not the elderly were assisted in daily oral hygiene. The evaluation of the program will show to what extent treatment takes place, and whether or not oral hygiene improves.
Ethnicity and maternal education as risk indicators for dental caries, and the role of dental behavior
Authors: Verrips G. H. , Kalsbeek H. , Eijkman M. A. J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The aim of this study was to assess differences in dental health between socioeconomic and ethnic groups in a cohort of 5‐yr‐old children born in 1982 and in a cohort of 11‐yr‐old children born in 1976. A further aim was to evaluate the putative role of dental behaviors as intervening factors between ethnicity and maternal education on the one hand and caries experience on the other. A secondary analysis was performed on data collected in a study monitoring the oral health of youths covered by public health insurance (Ziekenfonds) in the Netherlands. The results showed both ethnicity and maternal education to be indicators of caries risk in the primary dentition. For caries in the permanent dentition, only maternal education could be identified as a risk indicator. Dental behaviors were related to caries experience as well as to ethnicity and maternal education, though the evidence for the role of these dental behaviors as intervening factors was weak. It is concluded that the validity and reliability of the behavioral measurements might be questionable and that the mechanism underlying the differences in caries experience between the various groups is still little understood.
Prevalence study of tongue lesions in a Hungarian population
Authors: Bánóczy Jolán , Rigó Orsolya , Albrecht Maria
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of tongue lesions in a district population, in Budapest, called regularly for X‐ray lung examinations. Oral examinations of 7820 individuals were performed, 42% were over 60 yr of age, 42.9% were men and 57.1% women. Tongue alterations were found in 18.52% of the examined individuals, more frequently in women than in men. Lingua fissurata has been diagnosed in 8.8%, geographic tongue in 3.0% of the examined subjects. Atrophic lesions of the tongue were found in 6.37%, among them 5.42% central papillary atrophy (median rhomboid glossitis): 0.35% of the total sample. Manifest clinical symptoms of oral Candidiasis were found in 2.15% of the total sample, and in 4.28% of patients with tongue lesions. The occurrence of oral leukoplakia and lichen in patients with tongue lesions was respectively 0.47 and 0.07%. The prevalence of tongue alterations was consistent with the literary data, the oral screening attached to the X‐ray lung examinations proved to be useful in detecting changes of the oral mucosa.
Influence of age and gender on oral health and related behaviour in an independent elderly population
Authors: MacEntee Michael I. , Stolar Elaine , Glick Ned
Published: May 2006

Abstract – Previous studies have been unable to determine the influence of advanced age on oral health because they included relatively few subjects, particularly men, over 75 yr of age. In this study a disproportionate and stratified random sample of subjects over 70 yr and living independently was selected from a list of voters in Vancouver, B.C. The sample of 521 elders was structured to provide similar numbers of men and women in three 5‐yr age‐groups. All of the subjects were interviewed, and 255 of them, representing a similar distribution of age and gender, were examined to investigate the influence of aging on oral health and related behaviour. In bivariate analyses neither age nor gender was associated significantly with oral health or complaints. The use of dental services during the preceding year was associated with female and younger subjects, while men and older subjects usually went to dentists only to relieve pain. Logistic regression in a multivariate model confirmed the importance of natural teeth in predicting the use of dental services (by improving the prediction from 60% to 73%). Other models offered less useful improvements in predicting complaints (64% to 70%) or oral health (56% to 60%). Overall the study demonstrates that the age and gender of independent elders have very little direct influence on the oral health or related behaviour established early in life.
Secular trends of caries prevalence in 6‐ and 12‐year‐old Dutch children
Authors: Truin G. J. , van't Hof M. A. , Kalsbeek H. , Frencken J. E. , König K. G.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – Recently two papers have been published dealing with possible changes in the downward trend of caries experience among Dutch schoolchildren in the late 1980s. To answer the question if the decline of caries has come to an end. a meta‐analysis was carried out on epidemiological data collected in 5‐6 and 11‐12‐yr‐old children between 1980 and 1990. From results of the present analysis it appears that after 1983 a halt in the decline of caries prevalence among 6‐yr‐olds occurred, whereas among 12‐yr‐olds, the earlier decrease in mean DMFS scores continued in the period 1980–89.
Applicability of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis on discrete caries depth ratings
Authors: Verdonschot E. H. , Wenzel A. , Bronkhorst E. M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – Accuracy of diagnostic tests for caries detection is frequently evaluated by sensitivity and specificity values obtained from data acquired on an ordinal rating scale which classifies lesions according to the depth in enamel and dentin. The interpretation of these parameters may, however, be difficult. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, on the other hand, yields an expression for overall diagnostic accuracy in a single parameter, facilitating a comparison of performance of several diagnostic tests. The basis for applying ROC analysis has been that data were collected on a confidence (likelihood) scale. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether the application of ROC analysis would yield as valid parameters for diagnostic accuracy in assessment of approximal caries on a depth rating scale as on a likelihood rating scale. The results demonstrated that the accuracy of observer performance was not influenced by the type of rating scale employed, justifying the application of ROC analysis on discrete caries depth ratings.
Configural frequency analysis for exploring bacterial sets in periodontal health and disease
Authors: Cohen M. E.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – Periodontal research has been concerned with identifying bacterial sets in oral health and disease. Configural frequency analysis (CFA) is a taxonomical method used to test the statistical significance of patterns of elementary cell frequencies in cross‐tabulated data, and may therefore be used to evaluate interactions among occurrences and non‐occurrences of periodontal microorganisms. CFA patterns may exist as configural types or antitypes depending on whether observed cell frequencies are greater or less than expected frequencies, respectively, based on table marginals. CFA was applied to two published data sets. In the first, the occurrence of Bacteroides (Porphyromonas) gingivalis (Bg) and Treponema denticola (Td) was studied in military subjects. Analysis of individual cells of the resultant two‐by‐two contingency table revealed the existence of a single antitype (Td in the absence of Bg) suggesting a sequential phenomenon. The second, more complex, data set was based on reported occurrence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Bg, and Bacteroides (Prevotella) intermedium (Bi) in sites with and without progressive periodontitis. CFA based on all data identified three statistically significant Configural types and two antitypes. However, a somewhat different configurational picture emerged when disease progression status was considered a stratification variable for separate analysis. All these analyses, which were undertaken for expository purposes, assumed independence of observations. Methodological procedures are suggested for CFA when observations are not independent.
Association of psychotropic drugs, prevalence of denture‐related stomatitis and oral candidosis
Authors: Lucas Victoria S.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The aims of this study were 1) to determine the association between the prevalence of denture‐related stomatitis and oral candidosis in patients undergoing long‐term treatment with psychotropic drugs and 2) to identify the relationships between an increased prevalence of oral candidosis, denture cleanliness, dietary habits and cigarette smoking in these patients. Clinical and laboratory investigation of psychiatric patients under treatment with psychotropic drugs and who were wearing complete maxillary dentures, compared with control (non‐psychiatric) patients revealed that 1) the isolation frequency of Candida was 64.7% compared with 33.3% in the controls; 2) palatal inflammation was present in 74.5% compared with 55% of the controls; 3) oral staphylococcus carriage was present in 56.9% compared with 17.6% of the controls; 4) cigarette smoking, sugar consumption and a poor standard of denture hygiene were more common in the psychiatric patients than in the controls.
Prediction of caries incidence in schoolchildren living in a high and a low fluoride area
Authors: Mattiasson‐Robertson Agneta , Twetman Svante
Published: May 2006

Abstract – A salivary mutans streptococci test and past caries experience were used as predictors for caries increment in a 3‐yr study comprising 655 12‐yr‐old schoolchildren from two areas with contrasting levels of fluoride in the drinking water. The mean caries (DMFS) increment was similar in both groups during the study period, but a significantly (p < 0.05) higher incidence of approximal enamel lesions was registered in children from the high fluoride area. In both groups, a statistically significant (p < 0.05‐0.001) positive relationship between salivary mutans streptococci score and/or past caries experience at baseline on one hand and caries increment during the study period on the other was established. The past caries experience was the most powerful predictor of caries risk in both the low fluoride and the high fluoride area. The sum of the sensitivity and specificity was somewhat higher in the low fluoride area (138%) compared to the high fluoride area (123%). The salivary bacterial enumeration used alone or in combination with past caries experience as well as past approximal caries experience were less useful as predictors in both groups. The present findings indicate that the natural fluoride exposure has a limited influence on caries risk assessment and the caries predictive ability of the 'salivary bacterial test and past caries in populations with a low level of disease.
Composite indicators of dental health: functioning teeth and the number of sound‐equivalent teeth (T‐Health)
Authors: Marcenes Wagner Segura , Sheiham Aubrey
Published: May 2006

Abstract –This study investigated whether two new composite dental indicators ‐“the number of functioning teeth” and “the number of sound‐equivalent teeth” are more efficient than the conventional DM FT index in revealing the social and behavioural factors which are significantly related to oral health status. The arbitrary set of weights given to the T‐Health indicator was also evaluated. The number of functioning teeth was defined as the aggregate of filled (otherwise sound) and sound teeth. The T‐Health was defined as a weighted average of sound teeth, filled (otherwise sound) teeth and teeth with some decay, the weights intended in principle to represent the relative amounts of sound tissue in these three categories of teeth. An arbitrary set of weights was used: 4, 2, and 1 for sound, filled, and decayed teeth, respectively. 164 families (father, mother and at least one 13‐yr‐old child) from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, were randomly selected from 13‐yr‐old children from private and state schools. The parents’ages ranged from 35 to 44 yr. Socio‐economic status, area of residence, level of education, family income, sugar consumption, toothbrushing frequency and type of dental attendance were the social and behavioural oral health risk‐factors considered in this study. The results indicated that the two new dental indicators are more sensitive to the influence of social and behavioural factors, such as those investigated here, than is the traditional DM FT index. A different set of weights (4, I, and I for sound, filled, and decayed) was suggested for the construction of the T‐Health.
Reasons for tooth extraction in the western states of Germany
Authors: Reich Elmar , Hiller Karl‐Anton
Published: May 2006

Abstract –The purpose of this study was to collect information on the main causes of tooth loss in the western states of Germany as perceived by dentists and their patients. Sixty‐eight dentists, out of 80 that were selected with a systematic random method for an epidemiological study in the western states of Germany, recorded their reason for tooth extraction. Included in the study were only extractions of permanent teeth during a period of 2 weeks (March 1990). up to a maximum of 20 patients per dentist. Of 926 returned questionnaires, 882 could be evaluated. In all 1215 teeth in 882 patients were extracted. The extraction of third molars was included as a reason, when caries, periodontal reasons and others were not indicated. Caries was the reason given for 20.7% of all extractions; periodontal diseases for 27.3%; caries and periodontal reasons for 18.7%; third molars for 14.7%: prosthetic reasons for 1 1.2%; orthodontic reasons for 4.1%; trauma for 0.4% and others for 2.9%. While caries is a major reason in all age groups, periodontal diseases and the combination of caries and periodontal reasons are more frequent than all other reasons for the age groups beyond 40 or 45 yr, respectively. The third molar was the most often extracted tooth. The patients were asked for their main reason for tooth extraction. For the patients, pain was the major reason for extraction (47.2%). According to the participating dentists periodontal disease is the most frequent cause of tooth extraction for people over 40 yr of age, while for those below 40 yr of age, caries and third molar extractions are the most frequent reasons.
Attitudinal and behavioral characteristics of older Floridians with tooth loss
Authors: Gilbert Gregg H. , Duncan R. Paul , Crandall Lee A. , Heft Marc W. , Ringelberg Melvin L.
Published: May 2006

Abstract –In this cross‐sectional study of Floridians aged 65 yr or older, 600 persons were interviewed to identify the characteristics of individuals who survived into old age with an intact or nearly intact dentition. Persons with total or partial tooth loss reported less frequent dental care, less ability to pay dental care fees, less frequent dental hygiene, and were more likely to have been smokers or diabetic. Persons with tooth loss also had less positive attitudes toward dentists and dental care. These cross‐sectional findings are consistent with tooth loss being the result of disease‐, behavior‐, and attitude‐related causes, and/or their interactions. Tobacco use, diabetes, and infrequent oral hygiene and dental care may increase risk for dental disease; decreased ability to pay for dental treatment may impair utilization of non‐extraction treatment options, and negative attitudes toward dental treatment may influence the desire for non‐extraction treatment options. Research targeted toward modifying attitudes toward dental treatment may be useful in preventing or delaying tooth loss, and measurement of attitudes may be a useful way to identify individuals at the greatest risk for tooth loss for intervention studies.
Fluoride varnishes (Duraphat): A meta‐analysis
Authors: Helfenstein Ulrich , Steiner Marcel
Published: May 2006

Abstract – In the present article we analyze a series of studies designed to detect the caries preventive effect of Duraphat by means of meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis is a collection of statistical methods designed to investigate and to summarize a series of investigations. It may be a valuable tool to complement traditional narrative reviews. During the last years meta‐analysis has attracted increasing interest in sociology, psychology and medicine. In order to find previous studies concerned with the clinical effects of Duraphat we applied a systematic literature search. Papers were included independent of results when they fulfilled a checklist of well defined methodological selection criteria. In order to aggregate the results of the Duraphat‐studies we used different complementary statistical approaches: Firstly, the so‐called file drawer problem is considered. This may help to get a better insight into the problem of underreporting non‐significant results or publication bias. It was found to be very unlikely that underreporting of non‐significant results could reverse the conclusion into an overall null‐result. After that, the in homogeneity between studies is investigated. The overall variation of caries reduction R is separated into two components: A between study component of variance and a variance pertaining to the individual studies (random effects model). It was found that the overall variation is dominated by the between studies variation and not by the sampling variation. Due to the pronounced variation between studies the confidence interval of the overall effect size (R = 0.38) is quite large (95%‐Cl: 0.19–0.57). The heterogeneity of our studies naturally suggested exploring possible sources thereof by investigating the dependence of caries reduction on variables characterizing the studies. It was found that caries reduction is negatively correlated with study duration. This finding provided a study‐duration‐adjusted effect of caries reduction.
Epidemiologic study of sound surface trends in a 10‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Chuang Sung‐Kiang , Berkey Catherine S. , Douglass Chester W. , Antczak‐Bouckoms Alexia A. , Garcia Raul I.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – Longitudinal data of 589 men aged 30–65 yr, each followed for 10 yr, were analyzed to identify variables which may be associated with healthy tooth surface loss. A longitudinal linear growth curve model was used. As expected, older cohorts tended to have fewer sound surfaces (P < 0.02), but they also tended to have greater rates of sound surface loss (P < 0.01). Age, bone loss, number of teeth at baseline, gingivitis, pocket depth and calculus were individually correlated (P < 0.05) with the rate of sound surface loss. The number of filled or diseased surfaces at baseline was also marginally correlated (P < 0.06) with rate of sound surface loss.
Comparison of glass‐ionomer and resin‐based fissure sealants: a 2‐year clinical trial
Authors: Forss Helena , Saarni Ulla‐Maija , Seppä Liisa
Published: May 2006

Abstract – In recent years, the interest in the use of glass‐ionomer materials as fissure sealants has increased. The aim of this study was to compare the retention and caries‐preventive effect of glass‐ionomer (Fuji III) and resin‐based light‐cured (Delton) fissure sealants. Three health center dentists applied the sealants to 166 children; glass‐ionomer sealants on one side and resin‐based sealants on the contralateral side of the mouth. After 2 yr, one pair of molar teeth in the mouths of 151 children was compared. Twenty‐six percent of glass‐ionomer and 82% of resin‐based sealants were totally present (P < 0.001). During the 2 yr, in both groups 4.6% of the sealed surfaces became carious. The results show that the retention of glass‐ionomer sealants is markedly inferior to the resin‐based sealants. In this study, however, no difference in caries increment on the sealed surfaces was observed. This may be due to the different mechanism of caries prevention for the sealant materials, or to the overall low caries activity of the participants.
Dental caries and social factors in 12‐year‐old South African children
Authors: Cleaton‐Jones Peter , Chosack Aubrey , Hargreaves J. Anthony , Fatti L. Paul
Published: May 2006

Abstract – Dental caries prevalence (percentage caries‐free) and experience (DMFS) were recorded, in 414 12‐yr‐old Indian and 401 white children living in adjacent urban communities with the same fluoride concentration in the drinking water (0.21–0.33 ppm) using WHO (11) criteria. Details of social factors: education level, family income, home space and occupants and parental occupation were obtained by questionnaire. Dental caries was significantly worse in the Indian children with regard to numbers caries‐free (30%– white and 40%– Indian) and DMFS mean (sd) (3.65 (3.98) and 2.66 (3.49) working group, respectively). Social class, while or blue collar, family income and room to person ratio were significantly associated with dental caries in the white children but there were no significant associations in the Indian children. Multiple regression analysis showed race and sex to be significant factors.
Dental health habits of young families from Southwestern Finland
Authors: Paunio Päivi
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The dental care habits of parents and children as well as the associations of these habits were investigated in a follow‐up study conducted in the Southwest of Finland. The background factors of the child's use of night‐time juice were also studied. The families of the study were a representative sample of local young families with their first child. The study sample was obtained using stratified randomized cluster sampling and confidential questionnaires. Both the mother's and the father's toothbrushing habits were significantly associated with the child's toothbrushing habits with a cumulative effect. The mother's use of sugar was significantly associated with the child's sugar use habit. Infectious diseases at the age of 9–17 months had an increasing effect on the use of juice at night. Fathers and the youngest mothers, especially, need additional support not only for the demanding task of the upbringing of their child but also for the care of their own teeth.