Dental caries and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study of Oral Health and Hygiene Practices Among Pregnant Women

Background: Hormonal, vascular, and behavioral changes during pregnancy can negatively impact a woman's oral health, resulting in conditions such as gingivitis, dental sensitivity, and caries. Although oral health is critical during pregnancy, it remains frequently overlooked. In this study, the oral health status and hygiene practices of pregnant women attending two university hospitals in southern Italy were evaluated. Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted with 72 pregnant women. Data were collected through an anonymous questionnaire that evaluated oral hygiene habits, dental visits, and oral pathologies, followed by a clinical examination. The examination included the assessment of the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) scores. Results: Among the participants, 61% were in their 9th month of pregnancy. The mean DMFT score was 7.9, and the mean OHI score was 3.6. Only 19.4% of participants had visited a dentist in the past 6 months, while 97.2% reported brushing their teeth just once per day. Gingival bleeding was reported by 72.2% of the women, and 38.9% experienced dental sensitivity, with both conditions worsening during pregnancy. Conclusions: The need for greater oral hygiene education and regular dental care during pregnancy is highlighted in this study. Integrating oral health maintenance into prenatal care programs is essential for preventing pregnancy-related oral diseases and promoting maternal and fetal well-being.

Effects of different periodontal interventions on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Periodontal disease is widespread among pregnant women, and it is possible that taking action to improve oral health conditions can make improvements in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Herein, we summarize the recent evidence using a network meta-analysis to assess the effects of different periodontal treatment intervention strategies on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women.

Materials and methods

Randomized controlled trials were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation of the included literature were performed, the R studio 4.2.2 "netmeta" package was used for the network meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 20 studies were included, and 5 adverse pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, preterm birth and/or low birth weight infants, small for gestational age, and pre-eclampsia) were considered to examine the effects of different periodontal treatment interventions strategies on the risk of the abovementioned outcome indicators. The results of the network meta-analysis demonstrated that the three periodontal treatment intervention strategies of sub- and/or supra-gingival scaling and root planing + chlorhexidine rinsing (SRP + CR), sub- and/or supra-gingival scaling and root planing+chlorhexidine rinsing + tooth polishing and plaque control (SRP + CR + TP), and sub- and/or supra-gingival scaling and root planing +sonic toothbrush + tooth polishing and plaque control (SRP + ST + TP) reduced the risk of preterm birth [odds ratio (OR) = 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.10-0.88), OR = 0.25, 95CI% (0.10-0.63), OR = 0.28, 95CI% (0.11-0.69), respectively]. In addition, two periodontal treatment intervention strategies, SRP + CR and SRP + CR + TP, were effective methods in terms of the risk of preterm birth and/or low birth weight [OR = 0.18, 95CI% (0.06-0.52), OR = 0.31, 95CI% (0.12-0.79)].

Conclusion

The available evidence suggests that the risk of preterm birth and preterm birth and/or low birth weight can be reduced with certain periodontal treatment intervention strategies. Future studies should focus on optimizing intervention strategies and the optimal timing for different periods of pregnancy, in order to provide a reference for pregnant women's healthcare.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=407901, CRD42023407901.

An Analysis of pH and Sugar Content of Commonly Prescribed Pediatric Liquid Medications: The Current Indian Scenario

OBJECTIVES

Oral liquid medications are frequently prescribed to children because they are easier to swallow than other dosage forms. These pediatric liquid medications (PLMs) have sugars added to them for better compliance or as preservatives. Children with chronic illnesses may frequently consume these medications. The presence of sugars and their frequent exposure presents a high risk of dental caries in these children. Additionally, the critical pH can be reached if acids below a pH of 5.5 contact the tooth, causing enamel demineralization. Hence, there was a need to study the sugar content and pH of these medications.

METHODS

Pediatricians and pharmacists in Vadodara city, Gujarat, India, were given a short questionnaire to assess the most prescribed and sold PLMs for analgesics, antibiotics, antiepileptics, multivitamins, and antitussives in the Indian pharmaceutical market. The sugar content and pH of the 15 most prescribed PLMs were assessed with ultraviolet/visible (UV/VIS) spectrophotometry and digital pH meter, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Only 1 of the 15 most sold/prescribed medicines did not contain sugar. Among the remaining PLMs, the sugar concentration ranged from 6.1% to 78.7%. The pH of the PLM ranged from 3.6 to 7.3.

CONCLUSION

Sugar was present in 93.3% of the 15 analyzed PLMs and the pH was lower than the critical pH in 80% of them. Medications with high sugar content and low pH can cause caries development. Sugar-free PLMs are preferred alternatives.

The relationships of inflammatory blood markers with maternal periodontal and dental states and their effects on preterm membrane rupture development

BACKGROUND

The influence of maternal oral and dental health on the occurrence of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (P-PROM) and its underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. This research seeks to investigate the impact of maternal oral and dental health on the incidence of P-PROM and its association with inflammatory markers in the blood.

METHODS

This study adopts a prospective case-control design methodology. The study involved 70 women diagnosed with P-PROM and delivered by an obstetrician and 79 women who had healthy deliveries with no prenatal complications. The values for DMFT (Number of decayed, missing and filled teeth) index, Gingival Index (GI), Plaque index (PI), Pocket depth (PD), Clinical attachment loss (CAL) and medical history were recorded. Mann-Whitney U test and hierarchical binomial logistic regression analysis were applied. It was considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The case group's DMFT, PI, GI, PD values were statistically significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). There was no relationship between DMFT, GI, PD, CAL and inflammatory blood markers (p > 0.05). In the regression analysis for possible risk factors that may be effective in P-PROM, oral and dental health parameters were the most effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral and dental health of women with P-PROM was found to be worse than that of the control group. Oral and dental health may be a potential risk factor that may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with P-PROM.

Status of Research on Dental Caries during Pregnancy: A Biometric Exploration

AIM

To describe the bibliometric characteristics of the state of scientific production on dental caries during pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A bibliometric study with a sample of 408 publications indexed in the Scopus database, which were selected based on a search strategy that included logical operators and the term MESH. The Scival tool was used to analyze the metadata.

RESULTS

Jamieson Lisa Marie is positioned as the author with the most publications, and Schroth Robert as the one with the best-weighted impact (FWCI: 37.7). High-impact journals such as BMC Oral Health, Journal of Dental Research, and BMC Public Health stand out for their productivity and an average number of citations. The United States has a large number of publications and evidence of networks of scientific activity with Australia, Canada, and Brazil. The University of Adelaide leads the production and the work of two Latin American institutions (Universidade de São Paulo and Universidade Federal do Maranhão) stands out. International collaboration has improved during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Scientific production on dental caries during pregnancy is increasingly published in high-impact journals, with growing international collaboration. The United States leads in publications, while Australian institutions are the most productive in this field.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Caries during pregnancy is a problem that has an important impact on maternal and perinatal health; thus, its timely management and prevention are important areas of research in the field of oral health. How to cite this article: Muñoz-Hidalgo M, Verastegui-Cabanillas Y, Barja-Ore J. Status of Research on Dental Caries during Pregnancy: A Biometric Exploration. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):386-391.

Risk factors for preterm birth: an umbrella review of meta-analyses of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Preterm birth defined as delivery before 37 gestational weeks is a leading cause of neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to summarize the evidence from meta-analyses of observational studies on risk factors associated with PTB, evaluate whether there are indications of biases in this literature, and identify which of the previously reported associations are supported by robust evidence.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Scopus until February 2021, in order to identify meta-analyses examining associations between risk factors and PTB. For each meta-analysis, we estimated the summary effect size, the 95% confidence interval, the 95% prediction interval, the between-study heterogeneity, evidence of small-study effects, and evidence of excess-significance bias. Evidence was graded as robust, highly suggestive, suggestive, and weak.

RESULTS

Eighty-five eligible meta-analyses were identified, which included 1480 primary studies providing data on 166 associations, covering a wide range of comorbid diseases, obstetric and medical history, drugs, exposure to environmental agents, infections, and vaccines. Ninety-nine (59.3%) associations were significant at P < 0.05, while 41 (24.7%) were significant at P < 10-6. Ninety-one (54.8%) associations had large or very large heterogeneity. Evidence for small-study effects and excess significance bias was found in 37 (22.3%) and 12 (7.2%) associations, respectively. We evaluated all associations according to prespecified criteria. Seven risk factors provided robust evidence: amphetamine exposure, isolated single umbilical artery, maternal personality disorder, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), prior induced termination of pregnancy with vacuum aspiration (I-TOP with VA), low gestational weight gain (GWG), and interpregnancy interval (IPI) following miscarriage < 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from the synthesis of observational studies suggest that seven risk factors for PTB are supported by robust evidence. Routine screening for sleep quality and mental health is currently lacking from prenatal visits and should be introduced. This assessment can promote the development and training of prediction models using robust risk factors that could improve risk stratification and guide cost-effective preventive strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021227296.

The effect of dental problems on pregnancy and birth outcomes in pregnant women registered in family health centers in a city center: A prospective study

The researchers aimed to determine the effects of oral-dental health of pregnant women on their pregnancy and fetus health. In this descriptive observational study, the researchers prospectively followed up 64 pregnant women three times, who were registered in two family health centers that were selected by using a simple random sampling method. As the follow-ups progressed, an increase was determined in the DMF-S (Decayed-Missing-Filled-Surface) index and DEBRIS (Caries Surface Distribution Form) scores in the areas observed (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between the increased scores and the infant's birth length, weight, and birth week.

Topical fluoride impact in future restorative dental procedures: A claim study

BACKGROUND

Caries is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting children. Topical fluoride is used to decrease the incidence of caries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of fluoride varnish and gel applications on future restorative dental treatment claims.

METHODS

The data were obtained in conjunction with a dental data warehouse through a partnership agreement. A retrospective analysis of dental claims made from 2010 through 2018 was completed. Data were extracted for patients aged 1 through 8 years with topical fluoride application and its subsequent impact on restorative dental claims.

RESULTS

Data for 672,889 patients were included in the analysis. Patients who received topical fluoride had significantly lower numbers (P < .001) of restorative procedures and extractions per year and significantly increased time (P < .001) to their first restorative procedure or extraction after the index visit than patients who did not receive topical fluoride.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of fluoride varnishes and gels increased the time to future restorative and extraction dental claims and decreased the number of future restorative and extraction dental claims.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

This study is important because it found that the use of topical fluoride decreased the number of future restorative and extraction dental claims.

Risk factors for preterm labor: An Umbrella Review of meta-analyses of observational studies

Preterm birth defined as delivery before 37 gestational weeks, is a leading cause of neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality. Understanding its multifactorial nature may improve prediction, prevention and the clinical management. We performed an umbrella review to summarize the evidence from meta-analyses of observational studies on risks factors associated with PTB, evaluate whether there are indications of biases in this literature and identify which of the previously reported associations are supported by robust evidence. We included 1511 primary studies providing data on 170 associations, covering a wide range of comorbid diseases, obstetric and medical history, drugs, exposure to environmental agents, infections and vaccines. Only seven risk factors provided robust evidence. The results from synthesis of observational studies suggests that sleep quality and mental health, risk factors with robust evidence should be routinely screened in clinical practice, should be tested in large randomized trial. Identification of risk factors with robust evidence will promote the development and training of prediction models that could improve public health, in a way that offers new perspectives in health professionals.

Gain a Baby Lose a Tooth-Is There an Association between Periodontitis and Preterm Birth?

Preterm birth serves as one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality worldwide. The underlying mechanisms that contribute to preterm birth are not yet fully understood. However, an association between periodontitis and preterm birth has been proposed. The periodontal status and presence of periodontal pathogens in women with different birth outcomes have been previously examined. However, varying definitions of periodontitis and different microbiological methods make their interpretation challenging. The aim of this case-control study on women with and without preterm birth was to investigate their periodontal status using the current classification system for periodontal diseases. Moreover, differences in the periodontal microbiome of the study participants were investigated. Therefore, we collected data on oral and periodontal parameters in 77 puerperal women divided into two groups based on gestational age at delivery: 33 patients with preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks) and 44 patients with term birth (TB, >37 weeks). These data included pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival-bleeding index, DMFT index, and gynecologic and dental history. In addition, their oral microbiome was explored. Median CAL and percentage PPD ≥ 4 mm were significantly higher in the PTB group than in the TB group (p = 0.0128 and p = 0.047, respectively). Birth weight was significantly higher in periodontally healthy women than in those with gingivitis (p = 0.0078) or periodontitis (p = 0.0127). The periodontal microbiome differed significantly between groups. Our results are underlining the possible association between periodontitis and preterm delivery. Women with periodontitis had babies with significantly lower birth weights. The microbiome varied between the groups.

Comparative Evaluation of Ease of Dental Treatment and Clinical Efficiency of Midazolam vs Midazolam and Ketamine Combination for Sedation in Young Uncooperative Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review

Aim

To assess and compare the effectiveness of midazolam vs midazolam and ketamine combination in the management of young uncooperative pediatric patients.

Materials and methods

The research question was developed by using population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design framework. The literature search was performed using three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. The risk of bias of the studies was independently appraised using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Results

Out of 98 preliminary records, five studies were selected for analysis. Three hundred forty-six uncooperative children were randomized through the five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with a mean age of 5.8 years. Midazolam with ketamine was the most successful combination for delivering rapid and sufficient analgosedation in uncooperative children. The clinical efficiency of midazolam and ketamine combination had an overall success rate of 84% when compared to ketamine and midazolam alone. 50% of children in the midazolam and ketamine group demonstrated calm behavior, compared to 37% in the midazolam group. 44% of the children experienced modest intra and/or postoperative adverse effects that did not necessitate any special treatment.

Conclusion

Midazolam and ketamine combination is more efficient than midazolam alone with respect to ease of treatment and clinical efficiency.

How to cite this article

Rathi GV, Padawe D, Takate V, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Ease of Dental Treatment and Clinical Efficiency of Midazolam vs Midazolam and Ketamine Combination for Sedation in Young Uncooperative Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):680-686.

Prevalence of periodontal disease in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to systematically assess the epidemic trend of periodontal disease in pregnancy.

DATA

Eligibility criteria comprised studies that reported periodontitis and the periodontal indicators of BOP (+) or CAL≥4 mm or PD≥4 mm among pregnant women. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied where applicable. Risk of bias was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklist for prevalence studies proposed by The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled effect measures. Q-statistic, I² statistic, subgroup and sensitivity analyses assessed study heterogeneity.

SOURCES

Electronic search of articles was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and Ovid from January 2000 to January 2022.

RESULTS

A total of 20 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of periodontitis among pregnancy was 40% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): [0.15, 1.00]). The prevalence rates were 67% (CI [0.56, 0.80]), 42% (CI [0.27, 0.57]) and 24% (CI [0.12, 0.37]) for BOP (+), PD≥4 mm and CAL≥4 mm respectively. Regarding subgroup meta-analyses, the prevalence rates of BOP (+) and PD≥4 mm presented a gradual increase throughout pregnancy, while the highest prevalence rate of CAL≥4 mm was in the 2nd trimester.

CONCLUSIONS

It was observed a high prevalence of periodontal disease in pregnancy. However, heterogeneity was high among included studies. More high-quality epidemiologic investigations on periodontal disease in pregnancy are still needed.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Periodontal disease in pregnancy is highly prevalent which results in a reduced quality of life, frequent systemic pathologies and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Given the unhealthy consequences, public health impact, and expansive disease burden, it is worthwhile to investigate more aspects of periodontal disease during pregnancy.

Maternal fluoride exposure, fertility and birth outcomes: The MIREC cohort

OBJECTIVE

Fluoride exposure >1.5 mg/L from water has been associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Little is known, however, about the effect of fluoride at levels consistent with water fluoridation (i.e., 0.7 mg/L) on pregnancy and birth outcomes. We examined the relationship between maternal fluoride exposure, fertility, and birth outcomes in a Canadian pregnancy cohort living in areas where municipal drinking water fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.87 mg/L.

METHODS

Using data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study, we estimated fluoride exposure during pregnancy using three different metrics: (1) maternal urinary fluoride concentrations standardized for specific gravity (MUF_SG) and averaged across all three trimesters (N = 1566), (2) water fluoride concentration (N = 1370), and (3) fluoride intake based on self-reported consumption of water, coffee, and tea, adjusted for body weight (N = 1192). Data on fertility, birth weight, gestational age, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational age (SGA) were assessed. We used multiple linear regression to examine associations between fluoride exposure, birth weight and gestational age, and logistic regression to examine associations with fertility, preterm birth, and SGA, adjusted for relevant covariates.

RESULTS

Median (IQR) MUF_SG was 0.50 (0.33-0.76) mg/L, median water fluoride was 0.52 (0.17-0.64) mg/L, and median fluoride intake was 0.008 (0.003-0.013) mg/kg/day. MUF_SG, water fluoride concentrations, and fluoride intake were not significantly associated with fertility, birth weight, gestational age, preterm birth, or SGA. Fetal sex did not modify any of the associations.

CONCLUSION

Fluoride exposure during pregnancy was not associated with fertility or birth outcomes in this Canadian cohort.

Dysbiosis in salivary bacterial diversity of postpartum females and its association with oral health problems and APOs

The present study investigates the dysbiosis in salivary bacterial diversity by culture-dependent and independent methods. Culturable aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacterial diversity was studied in saliva collected from 267 postpartum and 54 nonpregnant females by using standard microbiological methods. For unculturable bacterial diversity, DNA from saliva samples of four selected females was sequenced by targeting V4 region of 16S rRNA. In postpartum females, S. mutans was significantly more prevalent. Its colonization was also seen significant among females having gingivitis (P < 0.01), dental caries (P < 0.01), and in those giving birth to low weight baby. In postpartum group, 65.16% females were culture positive for Staphylococcus, 12.73% Gram positive rods, 10.48% N. meningitides, 6.36% K. pneumoniae, 5.61% Enterobacter species and 2.62% E. coli. Isolates showed high biofilm forming ability and antibiotic resistance. Upon analysis of unculturable bacterial diversity, a total of 16 phyla and 156 genera were observed. Alpha diversity was decrease in postpartum female having oral health issues with pre-term low weight birth, compared to females with full term birth. Bray-Curtis dissimilarity was highest between female with dental issues and different pregnancy outcomes. Bacterial diversity and abundance altered among females with different oral health conditions and pregnancy outcomes, and also have pathogenic potential.

Association of maternal periodontal health with preterm birth and a low birth weight among newborns: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Despite numerous advancements in prenatal and natal care, complications arising in pregnancy and related to child-birth are major concerns in public health. Various risk factors responsible for poor outcomes include - life-style, biological, social, infectious, hormonal, and metabolic conditions. Oral diseases have been identified as a risk factor for low birth weight both under preterm and at-term states.

AIM

The aim of this study was to find an association of maternal periodontal health with preterm births and low birth weight among newborn infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional observational study comprising of 300 pregnant females who had underwent child deliveries within the past 24 h with an age range of 21-30 years. Study participants were selected after interviewing for gestational history and obtaining prior informed consent. Postpartum female subjects following delivery within a time period of 24 h were included in the study. Gingival index (by Loe and Silness) was calculated for the evaluation of bleeding from gingival tooth surfaces. All data tabulations were done by performing statistical analysis into Microsoft Excel Worksheet 2007.

RESULTS

Mean age group of study participants was calculated to be 25 years. On analyzing brushing frequency, it was observed that approximately 40% brushed three times daily whereas 35% used to brush twice daily while the remaining, 25% brushed only once daily. No statistical significance was obtained on comparing brushing frequency with gingival health (P = 0.8). Similarly, no association was found between periodontal health and preterm low weight child births.

CONCLUSION

This study found no association between maternal periodontal health and preterm and low-birth weight births among newborns.

Microleakage Analysis of Different Bulk-Filling Techniques for Class II Restorations: µ-CT, SEM and EDS Evaluations

This study aimed to compare two different bulk-filling techniques, evaluating the internal and external adaptation of class II resin-composite restorations, by analysing the gap formation using microcomputed tomography (µ-CT) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Two standardized mesio/disto-occlusal (MO/DO) cavities were prepared in eight extracted human third molars that were divided, according to the filling technique used, in the following two groups (n = 4): BG (Bulk&Go group) and BT (Bulk Traditional group). After universal bonding application, followed by the light curing, all teeth were restored using a bulk-fill composite. Specimens were scanned with µ-CT to evaluate 3D interfacial gaps. Acquired µ-CT data were analysed to quantify the gap formation. Complementary information to the µ-CT analysis were obtained by SEM. Thereafter, the chemical composition of tooth-restoration interface was analysed using EDS. The µ-CT analysis revealed gaps formation at the tooth-restoration interface for both the BG and BT groups, while within the restoration, only in the BT group there was evidence of microleakage formation. The scanning electron micrographs of both groups showed that the external marginal integrity of the restoration was preserved, while EDS showed the three different structures (tooth surface, adhesive layer and resin composite) of the tooth-restoration interface, highlighting the absence of gap formation. In both BG and BT, the two filling techniques did not show significant differences regarding the internal and external marginal adaptation of the restoration. To achieve a successful restoration, the clinician could be advised to restore a class II cavity using a single increment bulk-filling technique (BG), thus treating it as a class I cavity.

Dental caries in primary and permanent teeth in children's worldwide, 1995 to 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a type of dental caries in the teeth of infants and children that is represented as one of the most prevalent dental problems in this period. Various studies have reported different types of prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth in children worldwide. However, there has been no comprehensive study to summarize the results of these studies in general, so this study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth in children in different continents of the world during a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

In this review study, articles were extracted by searching in the national and international databases of SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, Cochrane, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science (ISI) between 1995 and December 2019. Random effects model was used for analysis and heterogeneity of studies was evaluated by using the I² index. Data were analyzed by using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Version 2) software.

Findings

In this study, a total of 164 articles (81 articles on the prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth and 83 articles on the prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth) were entered the meta-analysis. The prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth in children in the world with a sample size of 80,405 was 46.2% (95% CI: 41.6–50.8%), and the prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth in children in the world with a sample size of 1,454,871 was 53.8% (95% CI: 50–57.5%). Regarding the heterogeneity on the basis of meta-regression analysis, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth in children in different continents of the world. With increasing the sample size and the year of study, dental caries in primary teeth increased and in permanent teeth decreased.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that the prevalence of primary and permanent dental caries in children in the world was found to be high. Therefore, appropriate strategies should be implemented to improve the aforementioned situation and to troubleshoot and monitor at all levels by providing feedback to hospitals.

Oxidative stress levels and oral bacterial milieu in the saliva from pregnant vs. non-pregnant women

Background

Saliva plays a significant role in maintaining oral health and oral bacterial milieu. Difference in oxidative stress (OS) levels in saliva in conjunction with bacterial load between pregnant and non-pregnant women has not been studied previously. We hypothesized that the physiological changes in pregnancy alter oral bacterial milieu by promoting growth of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus (LB), and increase OS in saliva. The aim of this study was to measure and compare the oral bacterial milieu, OS and total anti-oxidative capacity (TAC) in the saliva of pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, we assessed oral bacterial milieu by culturing the SM and LB by using commercial kits, TAC by measuring 2, 2′-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging activity spectrophotometrically and OS levels by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with commercial kits in the saliva of pregnant women (n = 38) at 18–20 weeks of gestation, who were compared with age-matching healthy non-pregnant women (n = 50).

Results

Streptococcus mutans were found to be more abundant in the saliva of pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women (p = 0.003) but the difference was not significant for the LB (p = 0.267). TAC was found to be 46% lower in pregnant women’s saliva compared to non-pregnant women [optical density (OD) measured at 731 nm as 0.118 ± 0.01 vs. 0.063 ± 0.02; p < 0.001]. OS, expressed as saliva MDA levels, was found to be 16% higher in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women (1.07 nM MDA vs. 0.92 nM MDA; p = 0.023).

Conclusion

Pregnancy has an adverse impact on oral bacterial milieu as demonstrated by increased colonization with Streptococcus mutans together with higher OS levels and decreased TAC levels in saliva. This emphasizes the importance of improved oral hygiene and provision of oral healthcare services during pregnancy care.

Sociodemographic Differences in Health Awareness and Oral Health in Pregnant Women

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the present oral health status of pregnant women depending on selected sociodemographic differences and deduce any resulting consequences for health prevention.

Methods The participantsʼ data of relevance to the study such as age, school leaving qualification, migration background, smoking habits or last dentist visit were recorded using a questionnaire. The subsequent dental check-up concentrated on open carious lesions, any initiated root canal treatments and missing teeth. Finally, the Periodontal Screening Index was recorded to diagnose the presence of any gingivitis or periodontitis. The subsequent biometric evaluation comprised descriptive data analysis, χ2 test and logistical regression.

Results The higher the school leaving qualification, the lower the probability that a pregnant woman smoked prior to pregnancy (OR 0.291; 95% CI 0.114 – 0.743) and that tartar was diagnosed (OR 0.424; 95% CI 0.185 – 0.973). Regular dentist visits (OR 4.026; 95% CI 1.613 – 10.049) increase with the attained school leaving qualification. There is a greater chance that women born in Germany taking part in the study were aware of dental risks in pregnancy (OR 2.652; 95% CI 1.285 – 5.472) and attended the dentist during pregnancy (OR 2.507; 95% CI 1.281 – 4.907).

Conclusion The rate of awareness of the risks and consequences of pregnancy for oral health must be increased. The main aim for primary prophylaxis should be a reduction in the periodontal bacteria and caries of the mother and father.

Association between dental caries and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Poor oral health is not only associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease but adverse pregnancy outcomes. However the influence of dental caries on pregnancy is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dental caries and adverse pregnancy outcomes and the effect of treatment for dental caries on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Primiparas who delivered a singleton between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014 and underwent both general health examination and oral health examination during a National Korea Health Screening Examination within 1 year of pregnancy were eligible. The data of the women who met the inclusion criteria were linked to the data of their offspring contained within the National Korea Health Screening Program for Infants and Children database. Among 120,622 women who delivered during the study period, 28,623 (23.7%) women had dental caries. Among them, 4,741 (16.6%) women were treated for dental caries after diagnosis. In a multivariable analysis, women with dental caries had an increased risk of delivering large-for-gestational-age infants (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.07, 1.23) compared to those without dental caries. When women with dental caries were divided on the basis of the treatment of dental caries, women with dental caries but no treatment had an increased risk of delivering large-for-gestational-age infants (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.06, 1.24); conversely, there was no increased risk in women with dental caries and treatment compared with those without. Dental caries and its treatment were not associated with preterm birth and preeclampsia. Untreated dental caries was not associated with preterm birth or preeclampsia but with the risk of delivering large-for-gestational-age infants. These whole observation may be attributed to the various characteristics of mothers who develop dental caries are not treated.

Preterm birth associated with periodontal and dental indicators: a pilot case-control study in a developing country

Introduction: Preterm delivery is a multifactorial health problem that represents a serious public health problem around the world. In recent years, there has been an increase in scientific evidence suggesting associations between oral health status (mainly periodontal disease and tooth loss) and an increased risk of systemic diseases and various adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study explores the association between indicators of oral health and preterm delivery in a sample of Mexican pregnant women.Materials and methods: A case-control study was carried out with 111 pregnant (36 cases, 75 controls) who received prenatal care and delivered in an obstetric hospital in Pachuca, Mexico. Clinical files were reviewed to obtain the necessary information for the variables studied. The dependent variable was preterm delivery and the independent variables were gingivitis, periodontitis, DMFT index and its components, the number of decayed teeth with pulpal exposure or endodontic lesions, age of the mother, education, alcohol use, smoking status, number of gestations, and sex of the newborn.Results: The average ages were similar between the cases and the controls (24.29 ± 5.42 versus 24.89 ± 5.67, p = .5781). Significant differences were observed with gingivitis (p < .01) and periodontitis (p < .001). In addition, when the severity of gingivitis or periodontitis increased, the percentage of cases of preterm delivery increased (p < .01). The average number of teeth lost was higher among the cases than among the controls (1.33 ± 1.89 versus 0.81 ± 1.82, p < .05).Conclusions: It was found that gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss were associated with preterm delivery. It is necessary to carry out actions aimed at the preservation of oral health in pregnant patients to avoid adverse results. These findings indicate a likely association, but it needs to be confirmed by large and well-designed studies.

Dental Cleaning, Community Water Fluoridation and Preterm Birth, Massachusetts: 2009-2016

Objectives Data on the potential effect of dental cleaning and community water fluoridation (CWF) on pregnancy outcomes are scarce. While numerous studies confirm the cost-effectiveness of fluoride in preventing dental caries, the benefit of CWF during pregnancy has not been well established. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from 2009 to 2016 Massachusetts Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System and restricted to singleton live births (n = 9234, weighted response rate = 64.3%). Our exposures were: (1) dental cleaning alone during pregnancy; (2) CWF alone; and (3) dental cleaning and CWF combined (DC-CWF). Women without dental cleaning during pregnancy and CWF comprised our reference group. The outcome was preterm birth, (birth < 37 weeks gestation). This study used multivariate logistic regression modeling, controlling for maternal sociodemographic characteristics, previous medical risk and behavioral factors, and calculated adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results During 2009-2016, the prevalence of preterm birth among women with a singleton live birth was 8.5% in Massachusetts. Overall, 58.7% of women had dental cleaning during pregnancy, and 63.6% lived in CWF. After adjusting for potential confounders, the associations between dental cleaning alone and preterm birth (aRR = 0.74 [95% CI 0.55-0.98]), and DC-CWF and preterm birth (aRR = 0.74 [95% CI 0.57-0.95]) were significant, while the association between CWF alone and preterm birth was not significant (aRR = 0.81 [95% CI 0.63-1.05]), compared to women without dental cleaning and CWF. Conclusions for Practice This study shows that the prevalence of preterm birth was lower among women with DC only and DC-CWF.