Use of occlusal sealant in a community program and caries incidence in high- and low-risk children

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of sealant placement under the guidelines of the Oral Health Promotion Program for Children and Adolescents (Portugal), and to test the influence of clinical and socioeconomic variables on the DMFT increment in 277 children, born in 1997. Material and MethodsA dental hygienist performed the initial examinations and sealant placement (Helioseal, Vivadent) on the permanent first molars in 2005. These activities were registered in dental records that were assessed in 2007. Children were classified according to caries risk at baseline [high (HR: DMFT+dmft>0); low (LR: DMFT+dmft=0) risk] and sealant placement as follows: HR-S and LR-S Groups (with sealant placement); HR-NS and LR-NS Groups (without sealant placement). A calibrated dentist performed the final examination in 2007 at school, based on the World Health Organization recommendations. The variables collected were: dental caries, visible dental plaque, malocclusions, and socioeconomic level (questionnaire sent to children's parents). For univariate (Chi-square or Fisher tests) and multivariate (Multiple logistic regression) analyses the DMFT increment >0 was selected as dependent variable. ResultsApproximately 17.0% of the children showed DMFT increment>0 (mean=0.25). High-risk children presented a significant increase in the number of decayed and/or filled teeth. These children had 7.94 more chance of developing caries. Children who did not receive sealant were 1.8 more prone to have DMFT increment >0. ConclusionIt appears that sealant placement was effective in preventing dental caries development. Moreover, the variables "risk" and "sealant placement" were predictors for DMFT increment in the studied children.

Effectiveness of school‐based dental sealant programs among children from low‐income backgrounds: a pragmatic randomized clinical trial with a follow‐up of 3 years

“…The impact of this risk factor on the effect of sealants appears to be very relevant, because unlike potential clinical and biological risk factors retained due to their high credibility, carious lesions ICDAS 3‐6 is the sole unanimously recognized factor (risk predictor) by which to assess the ICR, in the absence of consensus for ICR assessment. Thus, the present study confirmed the substantial interest of SBDS programs focusing on high caries risk children (individual level) rather than risk schools (community level), stipulating a particular risk factor, carious lesions ICDAS 3‐6. The rationale for applying the SBDS programs focusing on high caries risk children has already been recommended in earlier cost‐effectiveness studies, in different countries corresponding to different social models.…”

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Fissure Sealants in a Portuguese Sample of Adolescents

“…[10,13–15] However, a study developed by Martin et al . (2013) concludes that dentists may be underusing fissure sealants, even when knowing that a fissure sealant is effective and has positive effects on the prevention of oral diseases.…”

Einfluss der Fissurenversiegelung auf die Zahngesundheit von Weimarer Grundschülern – Eine longitudinale Beobachtungsstudie unter Alltagsbedingungen

“…Auch in der Literatur wird berichtet, dass Kinder, die mindestens eine FV aufweisen, ein geringeres Risiko eines Kariesbefalls der bleibenden Zähne haben [33,34]. Neben der FV beeinflussen weitere individualprophylaktische Maßnahmen, wie Fluoridierung, Mundhygieneinstruktionen und Aufklärung zur Kariesätiologie die Kariesentstehung und -progression [35,36].…”