The Role of Information in Dental Traumatology in Patients during Developmental Age: A Cognitive Investigation

Individual, Family, and Socioeconomic Contributors to Dental Caries in Children from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Introduction: Collective evidence on risk factors for dental caries remains elusive in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on risk factors for dental caries in deciduous or permanent teeth in LMICs. Methods: Studies were identified electronically through databases, including Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed/MEDLINE, and CINAHL, using “prevalence, dental caries, child, family, socioeconomic, and LMIC” as the keywords. A total of 11 studies fit the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The MedCalc software and Review Manager 5.4.1 were used. Results: From 11,115 participants, 38.7% (95% CI: 28.4−49.5%) had caries and 49.68% were female. Among those with caries, 69.74% consumed sugary drinks/sweets (95% CI: 47.84−87.73%) and 56.87% (95% CI: 35.39−77.08%) had good brushing habits. Sugary drinks had a two times higher likelihood of leading to caries (OR: 2.04, p < 0.001). Good oral hygiene reduced the risk of caries by 35% (OR: 0.65, p < 0.001). Concerning maternal education, only secondary education reduced the likelihood of caries (OR: 0.96), but primary education incurred 25% higher risks (OR: 1.25, p = 0.03). A 65% reduction was computed when caregivers helped children with tooth brushing (OR: 0.35, p = 0.04). Most families had a low socioeconomic status (SES) (35.9%, 95% CI: 16.73−57.79), which increased the odds of caries by 52% (OR: 1.52, p < 0.001); a high SES had a 3% higher chance of caries. In the entire sample, 44.44% (95% CI: 27.73−61.82%) of individuals had access to dental services or had visited a dental service provider. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that high sugar consumption, low maternal education, and low and high socioeconomic status (SES) increased the risk of dental caries in LMICs. Good brushing habits, higher maternal education, help with tooth brushing, and middle SES provided protection against caries across LMIC children. Limiting sugars, improving oral health education, incorporating national fluoride exposure programs, and accounting for sociodemographic limitations are essential for reducing the prevalence of dental caries in these settings.

Dental Neglect and Its Perception in the Dental Practice

In 2020, the number of reported cases of child maltreatment in Germany has never been higher and most of them showed signs of neglect. Most of the time, dental neglect (DN) appears together with a general form of neglect, and includes, apart from caries, many other negative short- and long-term effects for the affected child. In this study, the prevalence of DN in Germany and the way dental practices are currently addressing the topic are examined. Moreover, this study explored whether the experiences of German dentists with DN are related to their work experience, their gender or further education about DN. The data was collected using an anonymous questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested using unpaired t-tests based on differences in mean values. The three most common reasons for a suspected case of child maltreatment were the interaction of children with parents, or a legal guardian, insufficient oral or general hygiene, and grave caries. Even though most of the participating dentists agree that it is the task of the dentist to report suspected cases of child maltreatment, only few of them have done so in the past themselves. Not only insecurity about recognition and whom to contact in the suspected case, but also concern about unfounded suspicion were the most common reasons not to report a suspected case of DN. The detection and communication of suspected cases should be encouraged in order to protect affected children.