*2.4. Dental Examination*

A clinical examination in artificial lighting (10,000 lux) was also performed. According to the World Health Organization criteria [35], a mirror, an explorer and a periodontal probe were used. The incidence of caries was assessed using DMFT index (decay, missing, filled teeth). DMFT is the sum of teeth with caries (D), teeth extracted because of caries (M), and teeth filled because of caries (F). DMFT for deciduous teeth (dmft) was also evaluated. API (approximal plaque index) was used to assess the status of oral hygiene and determines the percentage of tooth surface with plaque. GI (Gingival Index) and SBI (Sulcus Bleeding Index) were used to assess the condition of gums. GI described qualitative changes in the gingiva, while SBI showed the intensity of bleeding from the gingival sulcus after probing [35].

Clinical dental examinations were performed by the same experienced pedodontist (J. S.). In 10 children, the inter-rater agreements between the examiner and another experienced pedodontist (A. Z.) were assessed. The reliability for all dental indices was >0.97.
