Lee JN, Scott JM, Chi DL. Oral health behaviours and dental caries in low-income children with special healthcare needs: A prospective observational study.
Int J Paediatr Dent 2020;
30:749-757. [PMID:
32306501 DOI:
10.1111/ipd.12656]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Dental caries is a significant public health problem for low-income children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN).
AIM
We evaluated associations between oral health behaviours (eg diet, fluoride, dental care) and dental caries for CSHCN enrolled in Medicaid, a health insurance programme for low-income populations that provides comprehensive dental coverage for children.
DESIGN
We recruited 116 CSHCN ages 7-20 years from Medicaid enrolment files in Washington state, USA. Caregivers completed a 166-item questionnaire, and children received a dental screening. The outcome was dental caries, defined as total pre-cavitated, decayed, missing or filled tooth (PDMF) surfaces. We ran log-linear regression models and generated prevalence rate ratios (PRR).
RESULTS
The mean age of study participants was 12.4 ± 3.1 years, 41.4% were female, and 38.8% were white. The mean PDMF surfaces were 6.4 ± 9.4 (range: 0-49). Only sugar-sweetened beverage intake was significantly associated with dental caries. CSHCN who consumed >4 sugar-sweetened beverages per week were significantly more likely to have dental caries than those who consumed no sugar-sweetened beverages (PRR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.37, 4.85; P < .01).
CONCLUSION
Sugar-sweetened beverages are an important target for future behavioural interventions aimed at preventing dental caries in low-income CSHCN.
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