Search Results (355)

Background: Incarcerated individuals often experience poor oral health due to limited access to care and socioeconomic disadvantages. Objective: This study assessed the dental health status of incarcerated individuals in Silesia over a five-year period using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and compared their outcomes to a matched control group from the general population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational case-control study at the University Centre for Dentistry in Bytom, reviewing records of 136 incarcerated patients (mean age 36.8 ± 7.9 years; 9.4% women) and a matched control group between 2019 and 2024. Results: Incarcerated individuals had a higher mean DMFT score (14.4 ± 5.7) compared to controls (11.5 ± 6.5; mean difference = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.53 to 4.37; Cohen’s d = 0.49), with more decayed (4.9 ± 3.2 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4) and missing teeth (4.3 ± 3.2 vs. 3.5 ± 2.6). Most incarcerated patients (65.5%) required oral surgical treatment, most commonly for retained roots (25.9%) and impacted teeth (24.5%). No significant DMFT differences were observed based on age or sex, although disparities were most pronounced in older female prisoners (mean DMFT 17.8 vs. 9.8 in controls aged 40+). Conclusions: Incarcerated individuals in Silesia demonstrated a significantly higher burden of untreated dental disease and greater tooth loss compared to non-incarcerated controls over the five-year period. The predominance of advanced dental conditions requiring surgical intervention highlights missed opportunities for early and preventive care in this vulnerable population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Official data on the oral health of young children in Romania are limited, especially concerning the societal shifts following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to compare the oral health status, hygiene habits, diet, and dental care patterns of 6-year-old children in a rural Romanian region before and after the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey studied two groups of 6-year-olds from rural Transylvania: Group 1 (n = 77), assessed 2018–2020 pre-pandemic, and Group 2 (n = 136), assessed in 2024 post-pandemic. Clinical data used the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Parents completed questionnaires on oral hygiene, diet, dental visits, and pandemic-related topics for Group 2. Chi-square, Student’s t-tests, and a multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results: Post-pandemic, 70% of children brushed twice daily, up from 26%. Despite this, negative outcomes increased: the number of affected teeth rose from 6.8% to 29.6% (p < 0.001), sugar intake increased, and dental visits became more reactive, with pain being the main reason for 61% of post-pandemic visits, compared to 17% pre-pandemic. Conclusions: This study reveals a significant oral health paradox: despite a three-fold increase in recommended toothbrushing, caries experience in permanent teeth increased four-fold. This outcome was driven by a high-risk environment of more cariogenic diets and reduced preventive care, with lower maternal education also identified as a key independent risk factor. These findings show that promoting hygiene alone is insufficient, underscoring the urgent need for public health programs that integrate nutritional counseling, improve access to preventive care, and address underlying socioeconomic disparities. Full article

Changes in health, lifestyle, and medication usage significantly impact overall well-being. Aging is associated with an increased need for multiple medications, or polypharmacy. Despite extensive research on how aging and polypharmacy affect the gut microbiome, relatively little is known about their impact on the oral microbiome and how shifts there can contribute to oral and systemic disease. An initial group of 55 saliva donors was formed of individuals with stage 3 periodontal disease and well-characterized for dental decay, both factors that contribute strongly to salivary microbiome identity. Relative levels of saliva bacteria were determined by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Multiple variable analysis was performed to determine taxa associated with polypharmacy after correction for dental decay, tobacco use and gender. A second group, all with stage 3 periodontal disease, over 55 years of age and controlled for caries, served as a validation set. Two differences in taxa were validated as associated with polypharmacy in the elderly group. The tooth surface commensal Corynebacterium durum was lower with polypharmacy, and the dental decay-associated Propionibacterium acidifaciens was elevated. Saliva flow rate differences did not appear to be responsible for the differences seen in these taxa. Additionally, taxa associated with caries level and gender were identified. Polypharmacy associated taxa differences are potentially directly affected by medication usage, or the ailments associated with polypharmacy, and they are strong candidates to contribute to disease in the large group of elderly with poor oral health. Full article

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate caries experience in correlation with self-reported oral health-related habits in a sample of blind and low-vision individuals in Croatia. Methods: The study is a part of the research in the “Project for Oral Health Promotion in Blind and Visually Impaired Persons” conducted at the Zagreb University School of Dental Medicine from 2014 to 2018. The final sample consisted of 85 adults: 42 females and 43 males; 50 blind and 35 low-vision individuals, age range 18–98. The assessment included dental examination and a questionnaire. Results: The median DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index score was 17.0 (IQR = 12.5–22.0), with no significant difference between sexes or between blind and low-vision individuals. The occurrence of untreated caries was low (median D-component = 1.0), while the median F-component was 6.0. There was a significant increase in M-component and DMFT in older age groups. The number of untreated caries (D-component) was significantly correlated with consummation of soft drinks and smoking. Total DMFT did not correlate with frequency of tooth brushing, time since last dental visit, smoking, or level of education. Conclusions: This study revealed high caries experience among blind and visually impaired individuals that did not correlate with factors that normally influence oral health. Similar results were found in the control group, reflecting a 30-year post-war period without organized preventive care. The low number of decayed teeth reflects the availability of public dental care in Croatia; however, preventive care should be provided for both this vulnerable group and the general population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral health has specific importance and consequences from a military and Navy standpoint. The aim of this study was to determine and compare caries prevalence and dental care in Spanish Navy personnel. Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out with a sample size of 1318 individuals (34.65 ± 8.82 years old) stationed at the Rota naval base in Spain, whose dental charts were examined. Caries prevalence was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index; dental care was evaluated using the care index (CI); and demographic and occupational factors were recorded. Results: The population of this study had a mean DMFT index of 5.99 ± 4.71 and a CI of 79%. Through the results of the DMFT index and CI, the statistical significance of the age and rank variables (p < 0.01) was confirmed, with personnel >45 years old and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) having the highest mean DMFT values and the youngest and officer groups having the greatest CI variable. Comparing the DMFT index across genders and ages and between age and rank also revealed significant differences. Conclusions: This study’s findings show a low prevalence of cavitated caries (14.5%), with intermediate DMFT values and higher CIs compared to those in previous published data. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental cavity preparation is a critical procedure in restorative dentistry that involves the removal of decayed tissue while preserving a healthy tooth structure. Excessive stress during tooth preparation leads to enamel cracking, dentin damage, and long term compressive pulp health. This study employed finite element analysis (FEA) to investigate the stress distribution in dental structures during cavity preparation using round diamond burs of varying diameters and depths of cut (DOC). Methods: A three-dimensional human maxillary first molar was generated from computed tomography (CT) scan data using 3D Slicer, Fusion 360, and ANSYS Space Claim 2024 R-2. Finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted using ANSYS Workbench 2024. Round diamond burs with diameters of 1, 2, and 3 mm were modeled. Cutting simulations were performed for DOC of 1 mm and 2 mm. The burs were treated as rigid bodies, whereas the dental structures were modeled as deformable bodies using the Cowper–Symonds model. Results: The simulations revealed that larger bur diameters and deeper cuts led to higher stress magnitudes, particularly in the enamel and dentin. The maximum von Mises stress was reached at 136.98 MPa, and dentin 140.33 MPa. Smaller burs (≤2 mm) and lower depths of cut (≤1 mm) produced lower stress values and were optimal for minimizing dental structural damage. Pulpal stress remained low but showed an increasing trend with increased DOC and bur size. Conclusions: This study provides clinically relevant guidance for reducing mechanical damage during cavity preparation by recommending the use of smaller burs and controlled cutting depths. The originality of this study lies in its integration of CT-based anatomy with dynamic FEA modeling, enabling a realistic simulation of tool–tissue interaction in dentistry. These insights can inform bur selection, cutting protocols, and future experimental validations. Full article

Beta-thalassemia major is an inherited disorder that requires lifelong blood transfusions, with the risk of complications including poor oral health and dental caries. The objective of this study was to compare the oral microbiome diversity and composition in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients and relate it to oral hygiene and dental caries. A cross-sectional analysis of 35 patients of beta-thalassemia major aged 6–18 years was performed. The status of oral hygiene was examined through the Oral Hygiene Index—Simplified (OHI-S) and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Saliva was taken for DNA extraction, followed by the 16S rRNA sequencing of V3-V4 hypervariable regions. The bioinformatics pipeline in QIIME2 was utilized for analyzing the comparison of microbial composition and diversity in groups of varying oral hygiene status and severity of caries. Metagenomic analysis revealed 3334 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), of which the most prevalent genera were Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Veillonella, Rothia, and Prevotella. High-oral-hygiene groups presented increased levels of cariogenic bacteria, while moderate-oral-hygiene groups presented an equilibrated microbiome. No statistically significant differences in microbial diversity were found between the study groups (p > 0.05). This study sheds light on the critical importance of oral hygiene in microbiome diversity in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Full article

Background: Early childhood dental decay remains a pervasive chronic condition, and environmental toxicants—particularly lead—may exacerbate its development. This systematic review was designed to synthesize evidence on how lead exposure correlates with both the occurrence of carious lesions and aesthetic alterations in children’s primary teeth. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science through April 2025, selecting observational investigations that assessed the link between lead levels and primary-tooth decay in pediatric cohorts. Thirteen eligible studies, encompassing 44,846 participants aged 2–19 years, were included for qualitative synthesis. Aesthetics were screened using author-defined enamel-defect or discoloration endpoints; however, only three studies reported compatible metrics, precluding quantitative pooling. Heterogeneity in exposure matrices likewise ruled out meta-analysis. Results: Most studies reported a statistically significant association between higher lead burden and greater prevalence or severity of caries in primary teeth. Blood lead concentrations across studies ranged from means of 1.53 μg/dL to geometric means of 7.2 μg/dL. Notably, elevated lead was linked to increased decayed, missing, or filled surfaces—with an adjusted risk ratio of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.02–1.27) at levels below 5 μg/dL—and adjusted mean ratios of up to 2.14 for decayed or filled teeth when blood lead reached 5–10 μg/dL. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that children’s exposure to lead may heighten the risk of caries and detract from the aesthetic quality of primary teeth. However, variability in study design, lead quantification methods, and confounder adjustment limit the consistency of findings. Mitigating lead exposure in early life could represent a valuable preventive strategy against dental decay in susceptible pediatric populations. Full article

Childhood dental caries remains a critical public health issue in rural areas, where caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) significantly influence oral health outcomes. This study assessed the association between parental KAP and the prevalence and severity of caries in children aged 5–9 years in Cayambe, Ecuador. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 229 schoolchildren and their caregivers, using a validated questionnaire and clinical examinations (ICDAS criteria). Caries severity was categorized as “obvious decay” (ICDAS 4–6) or “no obvious decay” (ICDAS 0–3). Results: Advanced dental caries affected 73.4% of children (ICDAS 4–6). While parental knowledge and attitudes showed no significant association, brushing teeth ≥2 times/day significantly reduced caries severity (p < 0.05). Sociodemographic factors, such as parental education, were not significant predictors. Conclusion: Oral hygiene practices—particularly frequent toothbrushing—were the key protective factor against severe caries, highlighting the need for behavior-focused interventions promoting daily habits. Future research should evaluate long-term preventive strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental caries (DCs) and type 2 diabetes share common risk factors. Dental caries risk in type 2 diabetics (T2DM) shows contradictory results. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in DC prevalence in adults with and without T2DM and whether body mass index (BMI) classes or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels interfere in that difference. Methods: A total of 666 adults (n(T2DM) = 343; n(nT2DM) = 323), from Espinho Primary Health Care Center, were interviewed by calibrated observers. Data from clinical records were collected and oral health status was registered using WHO criteria. Inference analysis was conducted using non-parametric tests (α = 0.05). Results: A similar caries prevalence was found between the T2DM (98.2%) and nT2DM (98.8%) groups, with the T2DM group showing significantly higher tooth loss (p < 0.001), higher caries experience rerted as mean ± sd (17.7 ± 8.3 vs. 15.9 ± 7.8, p = 0.005), fewer decayed teeth (p < 0.001) and filled teeth (p = 0.016) compared to nT2DM. The most frequently identified comorbidity was hypertension (53.6%). Tobacco use (12.9%) was lower in T2DM (p < 0.001). The restorative and treatment indices indicated a significantly higher proportion of use of oral care services (p < 0.001) in T2DM individuals. The prevalence of the higher classes of BMI indicative of pre-obesity or obesity shows significant differences (p < 0.001). The differences found in the DMFT or each of its components for the prevalence or for the mean in HbA1c control were not statistically significant (p = 0.368, and 0.524, respectively). Conclusions: Adults with T2DM and higher BMI classes could be associated with a greater prevalence of DCs. The glycemic control of T2DM does not significantly influence DMFT score or each of its components. Full article

This study aimed to assess dental caries status of 3- to 6-year-old preschool children in the Republic of Serbia. Stratified cluster sampling was implemented. Children were examined in four administrative regions of Serbia. Dental caries indices (decayed, missing, and filled) for deciduous teeth and the first permanent molar were recorded at the tooth level (dmft, DMFT) and surface level (dfs, DFS). In addition to cavitated caries lesions (ICDAS 3-6), visual changes in enamel (ICDAS 1-2) were recorded. This study included 1060 3-year-old and 1820 6-year-old children in Serbia. Fifty-six percent of 3-year-olds and 21% of 6-year-olds were caries-free. The mean dmft was 2.11 ± 3.45 for 3-year-olds and 4.46 ± 3.69 for 6-year-olds. The mean dfs was 2.62 ± 5.56 for 3-year-olds and 6.06 ± 6.33 for 6-year-olds. The decayed component was dominant in dmft/dfs. The prevalence of surfaces with initial lesion was 8% for 3-year-olds and 13% for 6-year-olds. Among children diagnosed with early childhood caries, 54% of 3-year-olds and 37% of 6-year-olds had a severe form. The mean DMFT was 0.15 ± 0.55, with only the first permanent molars being affected. Dental caries remains a significant public dental health issue among preschool children in Serbia. There is a noticeable trend of increasing numbers of decayed teeth as children progress through their preschool years. It is imperative to take corrective action enhance the existing oral health prevention program in Serbia with the aim of achieving better dental health among preschool children. Full article

Objectives: Dental caries remains a prevalent issue in pediatric dentistry, necessitating restorative materials that not only repair decay but also provide protective benefits. Fluoride-releasing restorative materials have a key function in preventing recurrent caries by inhibiting bacterial activity and promoting remineralization. The objective of this study was to examine fluoride release from three pediatric dental restorative materials—Riva Light Cure HV, Fuji IX GP Fast, and the Cention Forte Filling Material—under different pH and temperature conditions. Methods: Specimens (10 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness; n = 3 for each material) were prepared according to the manufacturers’ instructions; immersed in buffer solutions at pH 4.8, 6.8, and 8.8; and stored at 37 °C and 44 °C. Fluoride release was quantified using ion chromatography at three time points (1 day, 7 days, and 28 days). Results: The data revealed that fluoride release was significantly influenced by pH, temperature, and time (p < 0.05). Riva Light Cure HV exhibited the highest release, particularly in acidic conditions (pH 4.8), reaching 40.14 mg/L at 44 °C after 28 days. The Cention Forte Filling Material and Fuji IX GP Fast also showed increased release over time, but with lower cumulative concentrations. Higher temperatures generally enhanced fluoride diffusion across all materials. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the pivotal impact of environmental factors in fluoride release dynamics. Riva Light Cure HV demonstrated superior fluoride release, particularly in acidic environments, suggesting its potential for high-caries-risk pediatric patients. These insights can inform the selection of restorative materials in pediatric dentistry, optimizing caries prevention strategies. Full article

Aim: This study aimed to determine the oral health profile of children with autism spectrum disorder and to analyze the impact of their oral health status on their personal quality of life and the quality of life of their families. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online study was conducted on 121 parents. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, parents’ perceptions of their child’s oral health, oral hygiene practices, and access to dental care. Additionally, the Parental–Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ-16, 16 items) and the Family Impact Scale (FIS-8, 8 items) were employed. The data were analyzed descriptively and using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis H test. Results: No significant differences were found in FIS-8 and P-CPQ-16 scores between parents and children based on their sociodemographic characteristics. However, a significant association was observed between P-CPQ-16 and FIS-8 total scores and the type of used dental care (general dental practice vs. adapted practice and general anesthesia, p ≤ 0.001), dental visit frequency (regular vs. occasional, p < 0.05), child cooperation level during dental visits (cooperative vs. uncooperative, p ≤ 0.001), and dental care access challenges (p < 0.05). Parents reported a high prevalence of poor oral health in their children: the experience of tooth decay (48.1%), malocclusion (47.1%), bruxism (38.8%), bad breath (34.7%), and toothache (28.8%) in the previous 12 months. Most children brushed their teeth daily (89.3%), often with the help of their parents (44.6%). The most frequently reported difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene was the children’s unwillingness to cooperate (62.8%). Conclusions: Poor perceived oral health in children with autism spectrum disorder is significantly linked to a lower quality of life for both them and their families, especially when access to dental care is difficult and there is a lack of cooperation. Addressing these barriers and the high prevalence of oral health problems through tailored strategies is critical to improving children’s well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral health has a significant impact on our overall well-being. The DMFT index assesses dental caries prevalence, whilst the body mass index (BMI) estimates body fat, with obesity defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². Obesity adversely affects women’s health, including increased risks of chronic diseases. In Saudi Arabia, with a rising obesity rate, especially amongst women, highlights the need to investigate the relationship between BMI and oral health. Our aim is to evaluate the association of high BMI (body mass index), dental history, diet, physical activity, and oral hygiene practices with DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) of female students at Taif University, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included female students at a sports facility in Taif University, Saudi Arabia, with a high BMI. A convenience sampling technique was used. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their BMI. Data was then collected through structured interviews and oral examinations. The prevalence and types of chief complaints, sociodemographic status, and DMFT index in female students with a high BMI, as well as the possible mechanisms linking BMI, were analyzed. Results: The study included 138 female students, 86 of whom were obese female students, aged 18–27. Compared to the control group, participants with higher BMI were more likely to visit the dentist due to pain and had a higher number of missing teeth. Systemic diseases, such as asthma and type 2 diabetes, were significantly more prevalent among obese participants. No significant correlation was found between BMI and dental hygiene practices or dietary habits. Higher BMI was significantly associated with an increase in missing teeth (β = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.18, p = 0.045). However, it was not found with the overall DMFT index. Conclusions: higher BMI among female university students was associated with an increased prevalence of missing teeth and systemic diseases Full article

The role of smoking in the development of periodontal disease has been well explored. However, this study aims to explore the relationship between intensity of smoking history and permanent tooth removal. We utilized the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a nationally representative sample of 107,859 US adults, to explore this association. Smoking history intensity was a BRFSS-derived measure of pack-year smoking history. Permanent tooth removal was binarized as the presence or absence of a history of permanent tooth removal. A binary logistic regression was conducted to analyze this association after adjusting for a variety of sociodemographic, health, and substance-use covariates. There was a dose-dependent relationship in which increasing smoking history intensity was associated with increased odds for removal of one or more permanent teeth. For example, those who reported a pack-year history of 30 or more years had a 6.4 times significantly higher odds of reporting a history of permanent tooth removal when compared to those with a 0 pack-year history (adjusted odds ratio = 6.37, 95% CI = 3.80–10.69, p < 0.001). These findings can be used to promote smoking reduction or cessation as a means of decreasing risk of permanent tooth removal due to tooth decay or gum disease. Full article