Caries experience and associated risk factors in Venezuelan 6-12-year-old schoolchildren

Abstract

This research aims to provide updated information on caries experience and associated risk factors in children 6-12 years old. A cross-sectional and descriptive study design was carried out with a non-probabilistic, convenient sample of 209 children male and female. Clinical examinations were performed by calibrated dental students following WHO detection criteria. Caries indices dmft and DMFT were calculated. Caries Risk Assessment data was collected using an adapted CAMBRA instrument; following the International Caries Care guidelines. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze the results and Chi-square test, Contingency Coefficient (C) and Corrected Typified Residues were calculated to determine the association between variables. 58% of the total population had dental caries lesions in its more severe stages (cavitation) and 42% were apparently healthy (AHS) without any cavitated lesions. The mean dmft index was 1.34 ± 1.93, and the mean DMFT index was 0.63 ± 1.22. Lesion severity remained between 1-2 teeth affected on both dentitions. A statistically significant association (p = 0.035) between the health condition and toothbrushing was stablished with a degree of dependence of C = 0.144. A positive standardized residual of 2.1 was evident for schoolchildren that experience caries lesion that never brush their teeth and AHS that brushed their teeth more than once. No association (p = 0.081) was found between health condition and intake of sugary snacks and beverages. A severe dental caries experience with a statistically significant association between the health condition and toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste 1450 ppm > 1 a day and a positive correlation in schoolchildren that experience caries lesion that never brush their teeth.

Initial oral microbiota and the impact of delivery mode and feeding practices in 0 to 2 month-old infants

“…30 These influences could favor a shift in the commensal dental biofilm microbiota later in life, leading to the establishment of a modified bacterial ecosystem (dysbiosis) that is the driving force behind negative health outcomes, such as dental caries. 31 As such, it is important to characterize the oral temporal development, such as the relationship between oral microbiota, type of delivery, and feeding practices.…”

“…At the same time, formula-fed infants had a higher predominance of Bacteriodetes. 31 In contrast, Lactobacillus species were found in saliva culture of breastfed threemonth-old infants but not of formula-fed ones. 32 A long-term effect, assessed four and twelve months after birth, reinforced the differences in oral microbiota composition between breast and formula-fed infants.…”

Predictors of Caries Risk among Egyptian Children Attending Pediatric Dental Clinics at a University Hospital

“…In addition, social indicators such as parents’ education levels and occupations were used to evaluate the socioeconomic levels of the participating children. [ 20 , 21 ]…”

“…The oral examination was conducted in the pediatric dental clinic in regular dental chairs using artificial light. To assess the oral hygiene of children in Group II, the examiner used the Silness and Loe plaque index,[ 21 ] wherein a score of <1 indicates minimal risk for future caries and a score of >2 indicates elevated risk, while scores 1–2 indicated moderate risk. To assess the oral hygiene of children in Group I, plaque was determined to be present (score of 1) or absent (score of 0) based on the eruption date of teeth specified in the plaque index.…”