Skin colour is associated with periodontal disease in Brazilian adults: a population-based oral health survey

Race (black-white) and sex inequalities in tooth loss: A population-based study

The effect of health inequalities is determined by different socioeconomic, sex, and race conditions. This study aimed to analyze the association of tooth loss with race (defined by self-reported skin color) and sex. Based on the hypothesis that the association between tooth loss and race may be modified by sex, we also aimed to evaluate possible interactions between race and sex in association with this event, in a population-based study in the city of Campinas, Brazil. A directed acyclic graph was used to select covariates. The prevalence, of tooth loss was 19% higher in black women compared to white men (Prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.19; 95%CI: 1.05–1.34). Moreover, the prevalence of tooth loss in black women was 26% higher than in white women (PR: 1.26; 95%CI: 1.13–1.42); and, within the strata of black people, black women had 14% higher dental loss (PR: 1.14; 95%CI: 1.02–1.27) compared to black men. This study found a significant interaction between race and sex in tooth loss, with a disadvantage for black women. In addition, this work contributes to the discussion of health inequities and can support policies for the provision of universal dental care.

Assessment and visualization of phenome-wide causal relationships using genetic data: an application to dental caries and periodontitis

Hypothesis-free Mendelian randomization studies provide a way to assess the causal relevance of a trait across the human phenome but can be limited by statistical power, sample overlap or complicated by horizontal pleiotropy. The recently described latent causal variable (LCV) approach provides an alternative method for causal inference which might be useful in hypothesis-free experiments across human phenome. We developed an automated pipeline for phenome-wide tests using the LCV approach including steps to estimate partial genetic causality, filter to a meaningful set of estimates, apply correction for multiple testing and then present the findings in a graphical summary termed causal architecture plot. We apply this pipeline to body mass index (BMI) and lipid traits as exemplars of traits where there is strong prior expectation for causal effects, and to dental caries and periodontitis as exemplars of traits where there is a need for causal inference. The results for lipids and BMI suggest that these traits are best viewed as contributing factors on a multitude of traits and conditions, thus providing additional evidence that supports viewing these traits as targets for interventions to improve health. On the other hand, caries and periodontitis are best viewed as a downstream consequence of other traits and diseases rather than a cause of ill health. The automated pipeline is implemented in the Complex-Traits Genetics Virtual Lab ( https://vl.genoma.io ) and results are available in https://view.genoma.io . We propose causal architecture plots based on phenome-wide partial genetic causality estimates as a new way visualizing the overall causal map of the human phenome.

Racial inequalities in public dental service utilization: Exploring individual and contextual determinants among middle-aged Brazilian adults

OBJECTIVES

To investigate differences between Pardos (mixed) and Blacks with their White counterparts in the use of public dental service among a sample of Brazilian adults taking into consideration the role of individual and contextual characteristics.

METHODS

A total of 6196 adults aged 35-44 years were sampled from the 2010 Brazilian National Oral Health Survey and nested in one of 27 Brazilian State Capitals. Binary multilevel logistic analyses were conducted. Use of public dental service in the last visit was the outcome, and self-reported colour/race (Pardo, Black, White) was the explanatory variable. Individual covariates were sex, level of education, family income, self-reported need for treatment, dental pain in the last 6 months, presence of decayed, filled and missing teeth. The State Capital covariates were proportion of Pardos/Blacks, Human Development Index, Gini coefficient, Integration of dental teams into Brazil Family Health Program and dentist per population rate.

RESULTS

Pardos and Blacks were 1.25 (95% CI 1.10-1.42) and 1.73 (95% CI 1.41-2.11) times, respectively, more likely to visit the public dental service than Whites. Adjustments for level of education and income were more relevant in affecting the estimates between groups than any other covariate, but differences persisted. Colour/race was independently associated with the type of service used in the last dental visit after fully adjusted for individual and State Capital characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial differences in dental service utilization were evident for middle-aged adults in Brazil. The results found highlight the importance of investments in public dental service as Pardos and Blacks relied more on this type of service than Whites.

Exploring an Association of Demographic, Oral, and Systemic Health Factors Among Patients Attending a Teaching Dental Center

Background:

Updated information on oral health status could be used to monitor oral disease patterns, as widespread variations in oral health outcomes within and between different countries are reported.

Aim:

The objective was to examine the status of oral and systemic health and their association with demographic characteristics of the population attending a public dental center.

Methods:

A cross-sectional secondary analysis of the patients’ record was conducted during June 2017 attending the dental center of Madina Teaching hospital Faisalabad, Pakistan. Study variables were analyzed using the t test and the c2 test with a significance level of P ≤ .050.

Results:

The mean age of the study sample was 31.9 ± 14.5 years; 56% were females; 48% had primary or higher education; 9% were hypertensive; 5% had hepatitis; and 5% diabetes mellitus; 52% were with poor oral hygiene, 68% had dental caries, 84% had no fillings, 27% had tooth loss, and 99% functional dentition; 74% patients had calculus, 67% had gingivitis, and 5% had periodontitis. Age was the strongest risk indicator. Dental caries, tooth loss, poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth mobility were significantly associated with diabetes mellitus; tooth loss and tooth mobility were associated with cardiac disease; tooth loss, periodontitis, and tooth mobility were associated with hypertension, whereas tooth loss and calculus were associated with hepatitis. Higher age and lower income were positively associated with poor oral hygiene.

Conclusion:

Age and gender remain to be the strongest predictors for both oral and systemic conditions. Poor oral health and tooth loss showed a strong relationship with chronic systemic conditions.

Threshold-effect of income on periodontitis and interactions with race/ethnicity and education

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to explore the shape of the relationship of income and education with periodontal health, and to assess the interactions between them and race/ethnicity.

METHOD

Individual level data from the Brazilian National Oral Health Survey in 2010 (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal-SB Brasil 2010) were obtained for 9,779 subjects. Relations between per capita income and education with periodontal health were smoothed using Locally Weighted Scatter-plot Smoother (Lowess) technique. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess independent effects of income, education, race/ethnicity adjusted for age, sex and time since last dental appointment.

RESULTS

Prevalence of adults with moderate to severe and severe periodontitis was 17.6 and 6.5%, respectively. The relationship between periodontal health and income was curvilinear, showing a threshold of no relationship for income levels higher than US$ 600/month. In multivariable analysis, after controlling for covariates, only income was significantly associated with periodontal health. There was no significant interaction of income with race or education, neither between race and education.

CONCLUSION

The relation between periodontal health and income was curvilinear and indicated the presence of a threshold, supporting income transfer programs. Beyond the threshold, only education presented a negative linear relationship with moderate to severe periodontitis.

Perda de inserção periodontal e associações com indicadores de risco sociodemográficos e comportamentais

Resumo Introdução A perda de inserção clínica periodontal (PIP) tem sido indicada como parâmetro determinante para o estudo de indicadores de risco de periodontite crônica. Objetivo Descrever a prevalência, severidade e extensão de PIP em um grupo populacional que se abstém de álcool e tabaco, além de avaliar associações com características sociodemográficas e comportamentais dos participantes. Método Uma amostra de 420 indivíduos adultos, participantes do Estudo Advento (São Paulo), foi submetida ao exame periodontal de seis sítios por dente e respondeu um questionário estruturado. As associações foram verificadas por meio de análise de regressão logística múltipla. Resultado A prevalência de periodontite foi de 20,7% e de gengivite, 38,8%; a PIP média foi de 1,38 mm (± 0,5) e a perda dental, 5,4 (± 9,0). A prevalência de PIP ≥ 3 mm, ≥ 4 mm e ≥ 6 mm foi de 69,7%, 31,7% e 9,6% dos indivíduos, e 11,4%, 4,4% e 1,2% dos dentes por indivíduo, respectivamente. Houve associação significativa de PIP ≥ 4 mm com sexo masculino, idade superior a 55 anos, baixa escolaridade, placa visível, autocuidado irregular, falta de orientação em higiene bucal e doença sistêmica referida. Para PIP ≥ 6 mm, foi observada maior razão de chances para as variáveis idade e doença sistêmica. Conclusão O grupo populacional estudado apresentou baixa extensão e severidade de PIP, possivelmente pelas características da amostra. As associações de risco encontradas confirmam a necessidade de atenção integral ao paciente, incluindo o incentivo à prevenção e ao controle de doenças crônicas, ao lado de orientações específicas para higiene bucal.

Racial Inequalities in Oral Health

Together with other social categories, race has been at the core of much scholarly work in the area of humanities and social sciences, as well as a host of applied disciplines. In dentistry, debates have ranged from the use of race as a criterion for the recommendation of specific dental procedures to a means of assessing inequalities in a variety of outcomes. What is missing in these previous discussions, though, is a broader understanding of race that transcends relations with genetic makeup and other individual-level characteristics. In this review, we provide readers with a critique of the existing knowledge on race and oral health by answering the following 3 guiding questions: (1) What concepts and ideas are connected with race in the field of dentistry? (2) What can be learned and what is absent from the existing literature on the topic? (3) How can we enhance research and policy on racial inequalities in oral health? Taken together, the reviewed studies rely either on biological distinctions between racial categories or on other individual characteristics that may underlie racial disparities in oral health. Amidst a range of individual-level factors, racial inequalities have often been attributed to lower socioeconomic status and “health-damaging” cultural traits, for instance, patterns of and reasons for dental visits, dietary habits, and oral hygiene behaviors. While this literature has been useful in documenting large and persistent racial gaps in oral health, wider sociohistorical processes, such as systemic racism, as well as their relationships with economic exploitation, social stigmatization, and political marginalization, have yet to be operationalized among studies on the topic. A nascent body of research has recently begun to address some of these factors, but limited attention to structural theories of racism means that many more studies are needed to effectively mitigate racial health differentials.

Fatores associados às necessidades de tratamento odontológico em idosos brasileiros: uma análise multinível

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivos estimar a prevalência da necessidade de prótese e tratamento dental em idosos brasileiros, e verificar a associação entre essas necessidades e fatores contextuais e individuais. Realizou-se estudo com dados (n = 7.619) da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal – SB Brasil 2010. Modelos de regressão logística multinível foram utilizados para estimar odds ratio e intervalos de 95% de confiança entre as necessidades de tratamento e as variáveis contextuais (Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal, Coeficiente de Gini e cobertura de saúde bucal na Estratégia de Saúde da Família) e individuais (sexo, renda, escolaridade e cor da pele). Para a necessidade de tratamento dental, ser homem, apresentar menor escolaridade, menor renda, cor da pele autorrelatada como não branca e residir em municípios com menor IDH -M foram fatores que aumentaram as chances de os indivíduos necessitarem de tratamento; para a necessidade de prótese, a cor da pele autorreferida como não branca, menor renda e menor escolaridade também aumentaram as chances dos idosos necessitarem de prótese. Os resultados indicaram associação entre as necessidades de tratamento e determinantes individuais e contextuais.

Effects of vitamin D status on oral health

Normal humans of all ages have the innate ability to produce vitamin D following sunlight exposure. Inadequate vitamin D status has shown to be associated with a wide variety of diseases, including oral health disorders. Insufficient sunlight exposure may accelerate some of these diseases, possibly due to impaired vitamin D synthesis. The beneficial effects of vitamin D on oral health are not only limited to the direct effects on the tooth mineralization, but are also exerted through the anti-inflammatory functions and the ability to stimulate the production of anti-microbial peptides. In this article, we will briefly discuss the genesis of various oral diseases due to inadequate vitamin D level in the body and elucidate the potential benefits of safe sunlight exposure for the maintenance of oral and general health.

Contextual and Individual Factors Influencing Periodontal Treatment Needs by Elderly Brazilians: A Multilevel Analysis

Objective

To assess the relationship between periodontal treatment needs by elderly Brazilians and contextual as well as individual variables.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the need for clinical periodontal treatment, based on National Oral Health Survey (SB Brasil 2010) data on the presence of dental calculus, shallow (3–5 mm) and deep (≥ 6 mm) periodontal pockets, and gingival bleeding in elderly people (n = 7,619). The contextual variables included the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), income inequality (Gini Index) and coverage of the municipal population by the Family Health Strategy (FHS) program oral health teams.<0} The individual variables were sex, income, education level and self-reported skin color. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) between periodontal treatment needs and the contextual as well as individual variables.

Results

Gingival bleeding was found in 20.7% of the elderly analyzed (n = 1,577), dental calculus in 34% (n = 2,590), shallow periodontal pockets in 15.6% (n = 1,189), and deep periodontal pockets in 4.2% (n = 320). Individual factors were correlated with all the outcomes assessed. Sex was a protective factor in regard to gingival bleeding (OR = 0.87; CI95% 0.76–1.00), dental calculus (OR = 0.86; CI95% 0.75–0.99), shallow periodontal pockets (OR = 0.69; CI95% 0.60–0.80) and deep periodontal pockets (OR = 0.58; CI95% 0.45–0.74). It was found that fewer women needed treatment. Elderly people who self-reported having nonwhite skin had higher chances of needing periodontal treatment. Skin color was a risk factor for gingival bleeding (OR = 1.32; CI95% 1.14–1.53), dental calculus (OR = 1.32; CI95%1.14–1.54) and shallow periodontal pockets (OR = 1.27; CI95% 1.09–1.49). Education level was associated with the presence of dental calculus (OR = 0.77; CI95% 0.66–0.89), shallow periodontal pockets (OR = 0.86; CI95% 0.73–1.00) and deep periodontal pockets (OR = 0.74; CI95% 0.57–0.97), thus acting as a risk factor for undereducated elderly people. There was a correlation between population coverage by the Family Health Strategy (FHS) program oral health teams and the presence of gingival bleeding (OR = 0.67; CI95% 0.52–0.88), shallow periodontal pockets (OR = 0.76; CI95% 0.58–0.98) and deep periodontal pockets (OR = 0.62; CI95% 0.44–0.89), making these teams act as a protective factor.

Conclusions

This study showed evidence of the sociocontextual as well as individual sociodemographic characteristics influencing periodontal treatment needed by elderly Brazilians, based on the clinical features of periodontal disease. The results suggest the existence of inequality related to periodontal treatment needs among elderly Brazilians, especially in regard to sex and ethnicity, in addition to a potentially positive impact from the expansion of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) program oral health teams.

Relação entre condição gengival e fatores sociodemográficos de adolescentes residentes em uma região brasileira

O objetivo deste artigo é relacionar as condições gengival e socioeconômica e distribuição demográfica de adolescentes residentes em uma região desfavorecida brasileira. O estudo transversal foi realizado com amostra probabilística de 450 adolescentes (15-19 anos) em 13 municípios sorteados no Vale do Jequitinhonha (MG). A condição gengival foi avaliada por um examinador calibrado (Kappa ≥ 0,85) e baseado Índice Periodontal Comunitário (CPI). Foram calculadas as frequências para indivíduos e sextantes com posterior Análise de Correspondência Múltipla (Anacor) que explorou relações entre o CPI e as características sociodemográficas. Como resultados: 16 (3,6%) apresentaram-se sem alterações gengivais, 235 (52,2%) com sangramento, 36 (8,0%) com cálculo dental e 163 (36,2%) com sangramento e cálculo. A Anacor identificou dois grupos que guardavam semelhanças entre si em relação à doença periodontal. O grupo 1 reuniu os adolescentes com CPI sadio, 19 anos de idade, que trabalham e têm maior renda familiar. No grupo de CPI com sangramento, tem-se os adolescentes com 15 e 16 anos de idade, de ambos os sexos, cursando o ensino fundamental, menor renda familiar e que se autodeclararam pardos ou negros. A gengivite foi relacionada às condições socioeconômicas e demográficas de adolescentes da região.

Association between social determinants of health and functional dentition in 35-year-old to 44-year-old Brazilian adults: a population-based analytical study

OBJECTIVES

To verify the association between functional dentition and social determinants of health in 35-year-old to 44-year-old adults residing in the metropolitan municipalities of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study assessed a sample of 850 adults obtained using a cluster sampling scheme. Five of 33 municipalities were randomly selected, followed by the random selection of census tracts and neighborhood blocks. Every household in the randomly selected blocks was visited and every resident adult was interviewed and examined by five previously calibrated researchers (κinter , 0.8-0.9; κintra , 0.8-1.0) between May and December 2010. The condition of the dental crown was recorded using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, with the exception of the third molars. The dependent variable functional dentition was defined as the presence of 20 or more teeth in the mouth and obtained by counting the number of teeth lost due to any reason, followed by subtraction of this number from the total of 28 teeth. Independent variables were grouped, according to a theoretical model adapted from those proposed by Dahlgren and Whitehead and Petersen, into distal factors (contextual, socioeconomic, and housing conditions), intermediate factors (availability and use of oral health services), and proximal factors (lifestyle, risk behaviors, and demographic conditions). The association between functional dentition and the independent variables was investigated using simple and multiple Poisson regression with robust variance, which followed a modeling strategy in accordance with the hierarchy outlined by the theoretical model. The analyses were processed on SPSS 17.0.

RESULTS

The average age of the participants was 39.4 ± 3.2 years, and the average per capita monthly family income was US$214.52 ± 261.11. Most adults presented functional dentition (80.6%; 95% CI: 77.3-83.5). Independently of marital status, age group and sex, the prevalence ratio (PR) of subjects with a per capita monthly family income ≥US$168.54 was 1.09 (P = 0.048); the PR of adults with at least an undergraduate degree was 1.14 (P = 0.001), and the PR of the participants who most often used a dental service other than a public service supplementary healthcare plan or private service was 1.13 (P = 0.021). The prevalence of functional dentition was 17% higher among nonsmokers (P = 0.012) and 16% higher among those who used dental floss (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Income, education, type of dental service most often used, lifestyle, risk behaviors and demographic conditions are distal, intermediate and proximal social determinants of health associated with functional dentition in adults, demonstrating the need for public policies aimed to promoting oral health including intersectoral actions.

Desigualdades sociais e doença periodontal no estudo SBBrasil 2010: abordagem multinível

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência e a distribuição geográfica da doença periodontal na população adulta brasileira e sua associação com desigualdades sociais contextuais e individuais. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados dos adultos de 35 a 44 anos de idade da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal – SBBrasil 2010 (n = 9.564). O Índice Periodontal Comunitário (CPI) e o Índice de Perda Periodontal (PIP) foram usados para definir a doença periodontal em “moderada a grave” (CPI > 2 e PIP > 0) e “grave” (CPI > 2 e PIP > 1). As desigualdades sociais contextuais incluíram o índice de desenvolvimento humano e a desigualdade de renda (Índice de Gini). Outras variáveis contextuais foram a cobertura de equipes de saúde bucal da Estratégia de Saúde da Família e o percentual de adultos fumantes. Modelos de regressão logística multinível para os participantes com dados completos (n = 4.594) foram usados para estimar odds ratios (OR) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) entre desigualdades sociais e doença periodontal. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da doença periodontal “moderada a grave” em brasileiros adultos foi de 15,3% e 5,8% para a condição “grave”, com variações consideráveis entre os municípios. Dentre as variáveis contextuais, a desigualdade de renda foi independentemente associada com a doença periodontal “grave” (OR = 3,0; IC95% 1,5;5,9). A menor cobertura de equipes de saúde bucal foi associada com as duas formas de doença periodontal, enquanto o percentual de fumantes manteve-se associado com a doença periodontal “moderada a grave”. Adultos com idade mais avançada, de cor de pele parda, sexo masculino, menor renda familiar e menor escolaridade apresentaram maiores chances para ambas as condições periodontais investigadas. CONCLUSÕES: No Brasil, a prevalência da doença periodontal variou conforme o município e a definição de doença empregada. A desigualdade de renda teve um papel importante na ocorrência da doença periodontal “grave”. Características individuais de posição social foram associadas com as duas formas de doença periodontal.

Social determinants of health and periodontal disease in Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Recently, increasing importance has been placed on the social determinants of health and disease. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of periodontal disease in Brazilian adults and identify possible relationships with social determinants.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed using a sample of 743 adults (aged 35-49 years) living in an urban area of a large city in southeastern Brazil. The condition of the periodontium was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) according to the diagnostic criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO). The variables related to social determinants were collected using a structured questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of all study variables was performed. Multiple correspondence analysis was subsequently performed to identify relationships between periodontal disease and the social determinants of health.

RESULTS

The periodontal exams showed that 36.5% of adults had a healthy periodontium, 2.0% had gingival bleeding, 47.1% had calculus and 9.5% had periodontal pockets of 4-5 mm. Periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more were the worst periodontal condition found (affecting only 2.1% of the participants). The correspondence analysis enabled us to form three groups with different profiles. The first group was distinguished by the presence of bleeding (gingivitis) or a healthy periodontium. The members of this group were typically aged 35 to 39 years and had 9-12 years or more than 12 years of education. The second group consisted of subjects with calculus and periodontal pockets of 4-5 mm. The members of this group were typically white men aged 40-44 years with incomes greater than $ 300.00. The third group was distinguished by the presence of periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more. The members of this group were typically adult females, black and mixed individuals who had 8 years or less of schooling, individuals with incomes ≤ $ 300.00 and widowers.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that periodontal health is worse in the group for which the social indicators are worse. Therefore, the social determinants of health also affect the severity of periodontal disease in adults Brazilian society.

Association between gingival bleeding and gingival enlargement and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of subjects under fixed orthodontic treatment: a cross-sectional study

Background

There are scarce evidences that evaluated the impact of periodontal disease on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) taking marginal gingival alterations into consideration. Thus, this study aimed to verify the association between OHRQoL and gingival enlargement and gingival bleeding in subjects under fixed orthodontic treatment (FOT).

Methods

330 participants under FOT for at least 6 months were examined by a single, calibrated examiner for periodontal variables and dental aesthetic index. Socio-economic background, body mass index, time with orthodontic appliances, and use of dental floss were assessed by oral interviews. OHRQoL was evaluated using the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. The assessment of associations used unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression models.

Results

Higher impacts on the OHIP-14 overall were observed in subjects who presented higher levels of anterior gingival enlargement (RR 2.83; 95% CI 2.60-3.09), were non-whites (RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.15-1.45), had household income lower than five national minimum wages (RR 1.85; 95% CI 1.30-2.61), presented body mass index > 25 (RR 1.14; 95% CI 1.01-1.29), and showed a dental aesthetic index > 30 (RR 1.32; 95% CI 1.20-1.46).

Conclusions

Anterior gingival enlargement seems to influence the OHRQoL in subjects receiving orthodontic treatment.

Analysis of the normative conditions of oral health, depression and serotonin-transporter-linked promoter region polymorphisms in an elderly population

AIM

To investigate the association between depression, the normative conditions of oral health and serotonin-transporter-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms in a community-dwelling elderly sample.

METHODS

Elderly adults living in a community (n=200) were submitted to an oral clinical examination. Depression was assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. The 5-HTTLPR was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Associations between the biomarkers and clinical covariates were assessed by bivariate and multivariate statistical tests. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, edentulism and oral mucosal lesions was 51.2%, 20.8%, 58.0% and 21.5%, respectively. The prevalence of depression was 21.5%. A higher frequency of the S allele was recorded in older individuals with depression (P=0.017). The present findings showed no significant association between depression and the normative conditions of oral health. The observed allelic polymorphisms were 44% S and 56% L, respectively. Genotypic variants were 33.5% LL, 45.0% SL and 21.5% SS. Individuals carrying the SS genotype showed a significantly high prevalence of periodontal disease (prevalence ratio=3.077, CI 95%=1.008-9.393, P=0.048).

CONCLUSION

The present findings suggest that depressive community-dwelling older individuals did not show any association with alterations of oral health normative conditions. However, the SS genotypic polymorphic variant of 5-HTTLPR seems to contribute to the occurrence of periodontal disease in the elderly.

Socio-demographic and behavioural inequalities in the impact of dental pain among adults: a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

To assess socio-demographic and behavioural inequalities in the impact of dental pain on daily activities, as well as to estimate the prevalence and intensity of dental pain.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Florianopolis, Southern Brazil, with 1720 adults aged 20-59 years in 2009-2010. Interviews were performed at adults' households, which included socio-demographics and behavioural characteristics, such as smoking status and alcohol abuse, along with mental health, self-reported health, number of retained teeth, dental pain occurrence (including its intensity and its impact on daily life). The association between the impact of dental pain and the covariates was tested using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

The global prevalence of dental pain was 14.8% (95% CI, 12.9-16.7). Adjusted analysis showed that women, those who self-classified as dark-skinned Blacks, those with low family income, current smokers and those with common mental disorders reported a higher impact of dental pain than their counterparts. Among subjects reporting dental pain, 12.7% indicated the maximum intensity, whereas 6.0% had some daily activity disrupted by it, such as difficulties in chewing certain foods (38.0%), sleep disturbance (21.0%), difficulty to work (21.0%) and difficulty in performing household tasks (8.0%). Prevalence ratios of impact of dental pain between the poorest income group and richest income group (2.4), between the highest and lowest schooling group (2.6), and between dark-skinned Blacks and Whites (2.1) were of higher magnitude than the dental pain prevalence ratios among the same groups (1.7, 1.3 and 1.4, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of dental pain showed a social gradient. Inequalities between socio-economic groups found in this study should be taken into account, as the impact of dental pain leads to reduced daily activities and poor quality of life.

Desigualdades no acesso e na utilização de serviços odontológicos no Brasil: análise do Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL 2009)

Pretendeu-se descrever o padrão de utilização, acesso e tipo de serviço odontológico utilizado por adultos e idosos das capitais brasileiras segundo características sociodemográficas. Foram utilizados dados do Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL) de 2009 (n = 54.367). Mais da metade da população revelou necessitar de tratamento odontológico no último ano e desta, 15,2% não conseguiram atendimento. O uso de serviço odontológico privado foi de 61,1%. A participação do Sistema Único de Saúde variou de 6,2% no Distrito Federal a 35,2% em Boa Vista. Análises multivariáveis de Poisson revelaram que as maiores prevalências de percepção de necessidades de tratamento ocorreram nas mulheres, nos adultos de meia idade e nos mais escolarizados. Falta de acesso aos serviços odontológicos foram mais prevalentes em mulheres, nos mais jovens, nos menos escolarizados e nos pardos. Os resultados deste estudo revelam a existência de marcantes iniquidades na utilização e acesso de serviços odontológicos nas capitais brasileiras.

Estudo de base populacional sobre as condições periodontais e determinantes socioeconômicos em adultos residentes no município de Guarulhos (SP), Brasil, 2006

OBJETIVO: Este estudo descreveu a prevalência de condições periodontais e sua associação com variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e comportamentais em adultos de 35 a 44 anos residentes no município de Guarulhos, São Paulo, 2006. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo transversal de base populacional com delineamento amostral por conglomerados. Os inquéritos e os exames foram realizados nos domicílios sorteados. Para avaliação da condição periodontal foi utilizado o índice Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Os dados foram apurados pelo programas EPIINFO 6 e STATA 10. Para o modelo de associação empregou-se a razão de prevalências (RP), calculada por meio de análise de regressão de Poisson, com correção para delineamento de amostras complexas e ponderação pelo peso populacional. RESULTADOS: Foram examinadas 263 pessoas em 237 domicílios. No estudo multivariado, com modelo ajustado para amostras complexas e ponderação populacional, a prevalência de sangramento gengival e cálculo dentário esteve associada significativamente ao fato de ser homem (RP=1,12, p=0,04), fumante (RP=1,11, p=0,01), ter menos de oito anos de estudo (RP=1,14, p=0,01) e não visitar o cirurgião-dentista (CD) há mais de dois anos (RP=1,19, p=0,00). Para a presença de bolsa periodontal, houve associação com adultos que relataram o hábito de fumar (RP=1,71, p=0,02) e apresentavam mais de dois anos sem frequentar o CD (RP=1,97, p=0,03). CONCLUSÃO: Houve maior prevalência (62,7%) de indivíduos com sangramento gengival e cálculo dentário em relação à presença de bolsas periodontais rasas ou profundas (26,6%); as primeiras, reversíveis, têm possibilidades de resolução por meio de procedimentos de atenção básica em saúde bucal.

Education as a predictor of chronic periodontitis: a systematic review with meta-analysis population-based studies

BACKGROUND

The impact of socioeconomic inequalities on health is well-documented. Despite the links of periodontal disease with cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes and diabetes, no meta-analysis of socioeconomic variations in periodontal disease exists. This meta-analytic review was conducted to determine the extent to which education attainment influences risk of periodontitis in adults aged 35+ years in the general population.

METHODS

The authors searched studies published until November 2010 using EMBASE and MEDLINE databases. References listed were then scrutinised, our own files were checked, and, finally, we contacted experts in the field. The authors included only general population-based studies conducted in adults aged 35 years and more. All articles were blind reviewed by two investigators. In the case of disagreement, a third investigator arbitrated. Using PRISMA statement, two reviewers independently extracted papers of interest.

RESULTS

Relative to the higher education group, people with low education attainment experience a greater risk of periodontitis (OR: 1.86 [1.66-2.10]; p<0.00001). The association was partially attenuated after adjustment for covariates (OR: 1.55 [1.30-1.86]; p<0.00001). Sensitivity analyses showed that methods used to assess periodontitis, definition of cases, study country and categorization of education are largely responsible for the heterogeneity between studies. No significant bias of publication was shown using both the Egger (p = 0.16) and rank correlation tests (p = 0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

In the studies reviewed, low educational attainment was associated with an increased risk of periodontitis. Although this evidence should be cautiously interpreted due to methodological problems in selected studies, efforts to eliminate educational inequalities in periodontitis should focus on early life interventions.

Periodontal outcomes and social, racial and gender inequalities in Brazil: a systematic review of the literature between 1999 and 2008

The objective of this study was to review the Brazilian epidemiologic literature on periodontal outcomes and socio-demographic factors, assessing bibliographic and methodological characteristics of this scientific production, as well as the consistency and statistical significance of the examined associations. A systematic review was carried out in six bibliographic sources. The review was limited to the period between 1999 and 2008, without any other type of restriction. Among the 410 papers identified, 29 were included in the review. An increasing number of articles, specifically in the last four years of study, was observed. However, there is a concentration of studies in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil, and many of them are not closely connected to theoretical formulations in the field. In spite of these shortcomings, the review findings corroborate the idea that poor socioeconomic conditions are associated with periodontal outcomes, as demonstrated primarily by income and schooling indicators.

Haplotypes in the interleukin 8 gene and their association with chronic periodontitis susceptibility

Interleukin-8 (IL-8), which is responsible for the migration and activation of neutrophils, is an important inflammatory mediator involved in the initiation and amplification of acute inflammatory reactions and chronic inflammatory processes. IL-8 plays an important role in periodontitis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the loss of connective tissue and alveolar bone. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the SNPs rs2227307 (+396) and rs2227306 (+781), and the haplotypes they formed together with the previously investigated rs4073 (-251), were associated with chronic periodontitis susceptibility. Clinical periodontal exams were performed and DNA samples were collected from 493 individuals (223 with periodontitis and 270 controls). Associations between SNPs, haplotypes, and subject phenotypes were analyzed using the χ(2) test followed by multivariate logistic regression modeling. We conclude that the +396TT genotype and the haplotypes ATC/TTC and AGT/TGC were significantly associated with chronic periodontitis susceptibility in Brazilians.

Analysis of socio-demographic and systemic health factors and the normative conditions of oral health care in a population of the Brazilian elderly

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of socio-demographic and systemic health factors according to the normative conditions of oral health care (dental caries, edentulism, periodontal disease and oral mucosal lesion) in elderly individuals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in a group of elderly with access to community health care (n = 200). The normative conditions of oral health were then investigated according to the WHO and the SB Brazil criteria. Bivariate analyses were evaluated by the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. An estimation of prevalence for the covariates was performed using Poisson's regression models.

RESULTS

The prevalence of edentulism and oral mucosal lesions was detected in 58% and 21.5% of elderly patients, respectively. In the dentate subjects, the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease was 51.2% and 20.8%, respectively. Older men and individuals from lower-income groups exhibited a higher prevalence of dental caries. Elderly women, illiterate individuals, and individuals over the age of 65 years exhibited a higher prevalence of edentulism. Elderly 60-64 years old and those who are employed had a significant association with periodontal disease.

CONCLUSION

Socio-demographic factors were associated with some notable oral diseases in the elderly.

Contextual and individual assessment of dental pain period prevalence in adolescents: a multilevel approach

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence that health and disease occur in social contexts, the vast majority of studies addressing dental pain exclusively assessed information gathered at individual level.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association between dental pain and contextual and individual characteristics in Brazilian adolescents. In addition, we aimed to test whether contextual Human Development Index is independently associated with dental pain after adjusting for individual level variables of socio-demographics and dental characteristics.

METHODS

The study used data from an oral health survey carried out in São Paulo, Brazil, which included dental pain, dental exams, individual socioeconomic and demographic conditions, and Human Development Index at area level of 4,249 12-year-old and 1,566 15-year-old schoolchildren. The Poisson multilevel analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Dental pain was found among 25.6% (95%CI = 24.5-26.7) of the adolescents and was 33% less prevalent among those living in more developed areas of the city than among those living in less developed areas. Girls, blacks, those whose parents earn low income and have low schooling, those studying at public schools, and those with dental treatment needs presented higher dental-pain prevalence than their counterparts. Area HDI remained associated with dental pain after adjusting for individual level variables of socio demographic and dental characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Girls, students whose parents have low schooling, those with low per capita income, those classified as having black skin color and those with dental treatment needs had higher dental pain prevalence than their counterparts. Students from areas with low Human Development Index had higher prevalence of dental pain than those from the more developed areas regardless of individual characteristics.

Validade científica de conhecimento epidemiológico gerado com base no estudo Saúde Bucal Brasil 2003

Problematiza-se a afirmação de que não são válidas as estimativas sobre as condições de saúde bucal da população brasileira geradas pelo SB Brasil 2003. Criticam-se os elementos que pretendem sustentar esse ponto de vista com base apenas em conceitos estatísticos, sem prova empírica. Identificam-se reduções decorrentes da abordagem epistemocêntrica que recusa peremptoriamente outras formas de conhecimento e não reconhece o caráter multidisciplinar da epidemiologia. Reconstituem-se informações sobre a realização do levantamento e seu impacto na produção de conhecimento. Faz-se uma analogia entre ciência e arte, argumentando-se que, nas imagens obtidas por ambas, os saberes gerados a partir do objeto cognoscível assumem feições variadas e, portanto, o reconhecimento de sua validade requer amplo domínio do objeto e operações com adequados critérios de valor. Conclui-se pela cientificidade, validade e relevância da produção acadêmica desenvolvida a partir da base de dados do levantamento SB Brasil 2003.

Are Hill's criteria for causality satisfied for vitamin D and periodontal disease?

There is mounting evidence that periodontal disease (PD) is linked to low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in addition to recognized risk factors like diet and smoking. This paper reviews this evidence using Hill's criteria for causality in a biological system. Evidence for strength of association, consistency, cohesion and 'dose-effects' [biological 'gradients'] include strong inverse correlations between serum 25(OH) and PD cross-sectionally and that PD is consistently more prevalent in darker vs. lighter skinned people and increases at higher latitudes with analogy for gingivitis and for disorders associated with PD whose risks also increase with hypovitaminosis D. Evidence for plausibility includes that vitamin D increases calcium absorption and protects bone strength; induces formation of cathelicidin and other defensins that combat bacterial infection; reduces tissue production of destructive matrix metalloproteinases actively associated with PD and that prevalence of PD varies with common vitamin D receptor polymorphisms. Experimental evidence from limited supplementation studies [using calcium and vitamin D] shows that supplementation reduces tooth loss. Thus, existing evidence for hypovitaminosis D as a risk factor for PD to date meets Hill's criteria for causality in a biological system. Further experimental evidence for effectiveness and temporality, preferably from randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation [adjusting for other PD risk factors including diet and smoking to reduce confounding] are necessary to confirm causality. If confirmed, dentists and periodontists could perform a valuable service to their patients by discussing the importance of adequate vitamin D status and how to avoid deficiency.

Color/race inequalities in oral health among Brazilian adolescents

This study assessed oral health outcomes (perceived dental treatment need, untreated dental caries, gingival bleeding, periodontal pockets, and pain in teeth and gums), in relation to color/race inequalities among adolescents in each Brazilian region. The database included dental examination and interview of 16,833 15-19-year-old adolescents, surveyed by the Brazilian health authority, from May 2002 to October 2003, in accordance with international diagnostic criteria standardized by the World Health Organization. Prevalence ratios estimated by Poisson regression, and controlled by socioeconomic status and access to fluoridated piped water, assessed oral health differentials among color/race groups and country's regions. Except for periodontal pockets, prevalence figures were higher in the North and Northeast: perceived dental treatment needs, untreated dental caries, gingival bleeding at probing and pain in teeth and gums varied between 80-83%, 75-76%, 38-43%, and 17-18%, respectively, in these regions. Adolescents living in the Southeast - the richest Brazilian region - presented a better general profile of oral health than their counterparts living in the remaining regions; they had a lower prevalence of untreated dental caries (54%) and unfavorable gingival status (29%). However, the Southeast presented color/race inequalities in all oral health outcomes, with a poorer profile systematically affecting browns or blacks, depending on the oral health condition under consideration. These results reinforce the need for expanding the amplitude of health initiatives aimed at adolescent oral health. Socially appropriate health programs should concurrently aim at the reduction of levels of oral disease and its inequalities.

Cardiovascular disease and periodontitis: an update on the associations and risk

BACKGROUND

Associations between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases have been recognized.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

New literature since the last European Workshop on Periodontology has been reviewed.

RESULTS

The lack of reliable epidemiological data on disease prevalence makes an assessment of the associations and risks between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases difficult. Two recent meta-analysis reports have identified associations between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases (odds ratios: 1.1-2.2). Different surrogate markers for both disease entities, including serum biomarkers, have been investigated. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation, and carotid intima media thickness have in some studies been linked to periodontitis. Studies are needed to confirm early results of improvements of such surrogate markers following periodontal therapy. While intensive periodontal therapy may enhance inflammatory responses and impair vascular functions, studies are needed to assess the outcome of periodontal therapies in subjects with confirmed cardiovascular conditions. Tooth eradication may also reduce the systemic inflammatory burden of individuals with severe periodontitis. The role of confounders remain unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontitis may contribute to cardiovascular disease and stroke in susceptible subjects. Properly powered longitudinal case-control and intervention trials are needed to identify how periodontitis and periodontal interventions may have an impact on cardiovascular diseases.

Uso de serviços odontológicos por rotina entre idosos brasileiros: Projeto SB Brasil

Investigou-se o uso de serviços odontológicos por rotina entre idosos brasileiros participantes do Projeto SB Brasil. Desses, 2.305 eram dentados, 2.704, edentados, a prevalência do uso foi de 20% e 17%, respectivamente. A regressão logística mostrou que, entre dentados, o uso foi maior entre aqueles com maior escolaridade e menor entre residentes no Norte e Nordeste; na zona rural; que não usaram no último ano; que não foram informados sobre como evitar problemas bucais; que relataram dor; que necessitavam de próteses e de tratamento periodontal; que autoperceberam sua mastigação regular; cuja condição bucal afetava o relacionamento; que autoperceberam sua fala ruim/péssima. Entre edentados, o uso por rotina foi maior entre aqueles com maior escolaridade e entre usuários de serviços pagos. Foi menor entre não brancos; residentes no nordeste; na zona rural; que não usaram no último ano; que não foram informados sobre como evitar problemas bucais; os com menor renda; que necessitavam de prótese; cuja condição bucal afetava o relacionamento. Iniqüidades, barreiras financeiras e falta de informações parecem prejudicar o uso rotineiro, indicando necessidade de políticas públicas.

Fatores relacionados à autopercepção da necessidade de tratamento odontológico entre idosos

OBJETIVO: Analisar fatores associados à autopercepção da necessidade de tratamento odontológico entre idosos. MÉTODOS: Foram pesquisados 5.326 indivíduos incluídos em amostra dos idosos (65-74 anos) brasileiros do inquérito domiciliar de saúde bucal realizado em 2002/2003 pelo Ministério da Saúde. A análise foi baseada no modelo de Gift, Atchison & Drury e foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson para análise de inquéritos com amostras complexas. RESULTADOS: Do total da amostra, 2.928 (55%) idosos relataram necessitar tratamento odontológico. A autopercepção dessa necessidade foi menor entre aqueles com 70 anos ou mais (RP=0,94; IC 95%: 0,89;0,99), que não receberam informações sobre como evitar problemas bucais (RP=0,89; IC 95%: 0,83;0,95) e que eram edentados (RP=0,68; IC 95%: 0,62;0,74). Foi maior entre aqueles que autoperceberam: saúde bucal regular (RP=1,31; IC 95%: 1,21;1,41) ou ruim/péssima (RP=1,29; IC 95%: 1,19;1,41); aparência como regular (RP=1,23; IC 95%: 1,15;1,32) ou ruim/péssima (RP=1,28; IC 95%:1,18;1,39); mastigação como regular (RP=1,08; IC 95%: 1,01;1,15) ou ruim péssima (RP=1,13; IC 95%:1,05;1,21); os que relataram dor nos dentes ou gengivas nos seis meses anteriores ao inquérito (RP=1,27; IC 95%: 1,18;1,36); os que necessitavam de prótese em uma arcada (RP=1,29; IC 95%: 1,19-1,39) ou em ambas (RP=1,27; IC 95%: 1,16;1,40). CONCLUSÕES: Informação, condições de saúde bucal e questões subjetivas estiveram associadas à autopercepção da necessidade de tratamento odontológico. Os resultados reforçam a necessidade de capacitar os indivíduos para realizarem o auto-exame bucal e identificar precocemente os sinais e sintomas não dolorosos das lesões da mucosa, da cárie e da doença periodontal.

A community-based epidemiological study of periodontal disease in Keelung, Taiwan: a model from Keelung community-based integrated screening programme (KCIS No. 18)

AIMS

To estimate the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease (PD) in the Taiwanese population aged 35-44 years and to investigate the association between demographic factors and PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2003 and 2005, residents of Keelung of the appropriate age were invited to screening. The community periodontal index (CPI) and loss of attachment (LA) index were used to measure the periodontal status at subject (prevalence) and sextant levels (severity). Basic demographic information was also collected by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of 8462 enrollees, 94.8% had some signs of PD, of whom 29.7% had periodontal pockets >3 mm and 35% LA >3 mm. Calculus was the most common problem in terms of both prevalence (49.6%) and severity (affecting an average of 3.0 sextants per person). Risk factors for poor periodontal status (as measured by CPI) were older age (odds ratio, OR: 1.44), male gender (OR: 2.70), low education level (OR: 1.40), and being a manual worker (OR: 1.51). Similar findings were observed for LA.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PD in 35-44-year-olds was found to be high in this large community-based study of screening for PD with CPI and LA. Poorer periodontal health was observed in males, the less educated, and manual workers.