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Bombarde M, Chau K, Droz D, Hernandez M. Comparative study of the dental health of 4-year-old children in north-eastern France between 2001 and 2018. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2024; 25:375-383. [PMID: 38743213 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-024-00893-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyse the evolution of the oral health of 4-year-old children in nursery school between 2001 and 2018 as well as the early predictor and associated risk factors, in different school areas. METHODS We compared (1) the prevalence of ECC (4 ≥ dmft ≥ 1) and S-ECC (dmft ≥ 5) of 4-year-old children and (2) data obtained by a structured questionnaire completed by their parents from two studies performed in 2001 and 2018. Data were analysed using the Chi2 test and odds ratio (OR). RESULTS A total of 322 children and of 425 children randomly selected among Moselle's public nursery schools in north-eastern France were, respectively, included in the study in 2001 and 2018. The prevalence of ECC was respectively 40.70% and 21.65% in 2001 and 2018 (p < 0.001; OR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.78-3.47). We also observed a decrease of S-ECC prevalence (10.56% in 2001 vs 5.90% in 2018, p < 0.05, OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.07-3.38). The intake of cariogenic food (sweet drink, biscuits, candies, milk, baby bottle) decreased but the knowledge of parents concerning cariogenic food did not improve. The proportion of parents helping their child has not changed in 17 years (82.33% vs 86.52%, p > 0.1) but tooth brushing was initiated earlier in 2018 than in 2001 (p < 0.01). Prescription of systemic fluoride decreased (39.14% vs 3.62%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The identification of the food consumption habits and the knowledge of parents concerning oral health should enable strengthening of preventive measures and the initiation of an oral health education programme for children and their family.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bombarde
- Odontology Faculty, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - K Chau
- Maternal and Child Protection Department and Health Direction, Metz, France
- General Medicine Department, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
- INSERM, Plurithematic Clinical Investigation Center 1433, UMR 1116, University of Lorraine, CHRU Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - D Droz
- Odontology Faculty, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - M Hernandez
- Pediatric Dentistry Department, CHRU Nancy, Nancy, France.
- Odontology Faculty, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France.
- Laboratory of Stress, Immunity, Pathogens (EA7300), Medicine Faculty, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France.
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Du W, Liu L, Li F, Xu S. Genetic Association between the Risk of Dental Caries and MTR Gene Polymorphism in Chinese Children. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2024; 263:63-68. [PMID: 38325832 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.2024.j011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Early childhood caries (ECC) is common in children. Little is known about the genetic association of the methionine synthesis reductase (MTRR) gene rs1801394 and methionine synthetase (MTR) gene rs1805087 polymorphisms with ECC, which was examined in the Chinese Han population. Genotyping was performed using the buccal mucosa from 150 normal and 150 ECC children. For genotype and allele distribution comparison, Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. The odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. MTR gene rs1805087 AG genotype distribution in the ECC group was clearly different from the control group (P = 0.029), and the ECC risk in cases with AG genotype was 0.525 times lower than those carrying AA genotype (95% CI = 0.292-0.942). Logistic regression analysis after adjustment for other clinical indicators determined that the MTR gene rs1805087 AG genotype was still strongly associated with susceptibility to ECC (OR = 0.499, 95% CI = 0.273-0.913, P = 0.024). Significant association was also seen for sugary food intakes (OR = 1.965, 95% CI = 1.162-3.321, P = 0.012), tooth brushing (OR = 0.569, 95% CI = 0.356-0.924, P = 0.023) and sex (OR = 0.562, 95% CI = 0.349-0.907, P = 0.018) with ECC risk. No notable genetic association was found between MTRR gene rs1801394 polymorphism and ECC risk. MTR gene rs1805087 polymorphism may aggrandize the susceptibility to ECC, and AA genotype appeared to be a dangerous element for the development of ECC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lingzhen Liu
- Department of Stomatology, Daqing Oilfield General Hospital
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Pediatric Stomatology, Changsha Stomatological Hospital
| | - Shusen Xu
- Department of Pediatric Stomatology, Changsha Stomatological Hospital
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Yazdani R, Mohebbi SZ, Fazli M, Peighoun M. Evaluation of protective factors in caries free preschool children: a case-control study. BMC Oral Health 2020; 20:177. [PMID: 32586302 PMCID: PMC7318423 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-020-01154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing the proportion of caries-free children following the WHO's global target has led to more desirable welfare and a higher level of quality of life for children. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the factors contributing to a caries-free condition in preschool children as a basic action towards the global goals of children's oral health. METHODS This was a case-control study evaluating the protective factors contributing to dental caries free in 4-6-year-old children in Tehran/Iran in 2017. 500 preschool children and their mothers were selected from 22 randomly selected preschools and were enrolled in the study. The participants were divided into two case (caries-free) and control (with dental caries) groups. The data were collected using two data gathering tools; the child oral examination form and the mother's valid questionnaire. The latter included three domains; socio-demographic factors, behavioral oral health measures, and feeding practices and dietary habits. The criteria for caries detection were cavities in the enamel and dentine. A logistic regression model was applied to identify caries-free protective factors (P < 0.05). RESULTS Among 230 caries-free and 270 non-caries-free children who participated in the study, boys were more caries-free (P = 0.001). The protective factors against dental caries that were identified in the study were dental check-up as the cause of dental visit, being the first child in the family, the fewer sessions night feeding of the child's, family's house ownership, and parent's university education (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Dental health can be achieved by considering protective factors like the regular dental check-up and socio-economic factors. Communities are invited to pay close attention to these important protective factors as far as they can increase the proportion of caries-free among preschool children especially in countries with developing oral health care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Yazdani
- Community Oral Health Department, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simin Zahra Mohebbi
- Community Oral Health Department, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Fazli
- Community Oral Health Department, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Peighoun
- Community Oral Health Department, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ganesh A, Sampath V, Sivanandam BP, H S, Ramesh A. Risk Factors for Early Childhood Caries in Toddlers: An Institution-based Study. Cureus 2020; 12:e7516. [PMID: 32377464 PMCID: PMC7198107 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.7516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tooth decay experience among toddlers and preschoolers is of epidemic proportions worldwide and dental caries still remains an important childhood disease affecting a considerable part of this population. Though the prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is associated with several risk factors such as feeding and oral hygiene practices, Streptococcus mutans levels, socioeconomic status (SES), etc., it is suggested that these factors should be studied adequately to aid in the early prevention and management of ECC. Objective The objectives of the study were to: a) evaluate the distribution of ECC, b) study the role of SES in the occurrence of ECC, c) record the variations in feeding and dietary practices along with oral hygiene practices and d) Correlate the sweet score with ECC. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over a period of 6 months among 100 toddlers (12-36 months) attending the Pediatric outpatient department of a single medical institution in Chennai, India. The study consisted of an intra-oral examination followed by a face to face interview of the mothers of the children using a validated structured oral health questionnaire. Results SES and ECC were negatively correlated with statistically significant association. Majority of the subjects did not follow any oral hygiene practices before teeth erupted; few subjects used tooth brush and tooth paste after teeth erupted and followed oral hygiene practices once a day. Statistically significant positive correlation with ICDAS scores was noted in relation to the sweet score and the frequency of intake of sweet foods, candy, etc. Cavitated lesions were more common than non-cavitated lesions and majority of the posterior teeth had ICDAS score 4. Conclusion Healthcare providers for children must be well informed on the etiology and risk factors of ECC and guide children for their first dental visit within one year of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akila Ganesh
- Public Health Dentistry, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, IND
| | - Vandana Sampath
- Oral Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, IND
| | - Banu Priya Sivanandam
- Public Health Dentistry, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, IND
| | - Sangeetha H
- Dentistry, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, IND
| | - Archana Ramesh
- Dentistry, Sri Ramachandra Institue of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, IND
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Hatipoğlu Z, Akşit-Bıçak D. Maternal anxiety, social status, and dental caries formation in children: a cross-sectional study. J Int Med Res 2019; 47:6206-6214. [PMID: 31566045 PMCID: PMC7045670 DOI: 10.1177/0300060519878377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We sought to evaluate the association of maternal anxiety and social status with caries formation in children. Methods Participants comprised 258 pairs of children and their mothers. We collected information regarding age, sex, birth order of children, and mothers’ education and marital status using a questionnaire. The Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to determine maternal trait anxiety levels. The children underwent oral examination. Total values for decayed, missing, filled, and total permanent/primary teeth (DMFT/dmft) were evaluated according to standards of the World Health Organization. Results No significant relationship was found between the mother's anxiety level and DMFT/dmft scores in their children. A negative correlation was observed between the child’s age and dental caries in children. The sex of the child, mother's education level, and marital status of the mother showed a weak negative correlation with the number of dental caries observed in their children. Conclusion Although social, economic, and environmental factors might contribute substantially to the development of dental caries, we failed to demonstrate a clear relationship between maternal anxiety and social status and dental caries in children. We can therefore conclude that biological factors are decisive in the formation of dental caries among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerrin Hatipoğlu
- Yeditepe University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Damla Akşit-Bıçak
- Near East University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Nicosia Mersin 10, Turkey
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Villhauer AL, Lynch DJ, Warren JJ, Dawson DV, Blanchette DR, Drake DR. Genotypic characterization and comparison of Streptococcus mutans in American Indian and Southeast Iowa children. Clin Exp Dent Res 2017; 3:235-243. [PMID: 29416899 PMCID: PMC5788224 DOI: 10.1002/cre2.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Early childhood caries is a complex health care issue that has a multifactorial etiology. One aspect of this etiology is the colonization and propagation of acidogenic bacteria at an early age. There have been several bacterial species associated with caries but 1 common species is Streptococcus mutans. Here, we describe genotypic diversity and commonality of Streptococcus mutans recovered from children representing 2 groups with similar socioeconomic demographics: a Northern Plains American Indian Tribe and a Southeast Iowa population. Forty 36‐month‐old American Indian children were selected from a cohort of 239 mothers and children, and forty 2‐ to 5‐year‐old children from Southeast Iowa were selected to compare the genotypic profiles of Streptococcus mutans recovered from each child's plaque. S. mutans isolates were selected from whole mouth plaque samples; DNA was extracted and amplified via AP‐PCR to show specific genotype patterns. These patterns were compared with GelComparIIv6.5 gel analysis software. We found 18 distinct genotypes from 524 isolates; 13 of which were common between the 2 communities. Five genotypes were unique to only the American Indian children while the Southeast Iowa children harbored no unique genotypes. Although the American Indian children had some genotypes that were not present in the Southeast Iowa children, these were not widely distributed among the community. Furthermore, the levels of genotypic diversity and commonality were similar between the 2 populations. This study sets the groundwork for a comprehensive comparison of genotypes and caries among larger subsections of both populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa L Villhauer
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research University of Iowa, College of Dentistry Iowa USA
| | - David J Lynch
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research University of Iowa, College of Dentistry Iowa USA
| | - John J Warren
- Preventive and Community Dentistry University of Iowa, College of Dentistry Iowa USA
| | - Deborah V Dawson
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research University of Iowa, College of Dentistry Iowa USA
| | - Derek R Blanchette
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research University of Iowa, College of Dentistry Iowa USA
| | - David R Drake
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research University of Iowa, College of Dentistry Iowa USA
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Chen YA, Quiñonez C. Basic income guarantee: a review of implications for oral health. J Public Health Dent 2017; 78:56-62. [PMID: 28771733 DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To: a) Familiarize readers with the concept of a basic income guarantee (BIG) and its different forms; b) Consider how BIG could improve oral health and decrease oral health disparities; c) Motivate readers to advocate for the evaluation of oral health outcomes in BIG experiments. METHODS Published articles and book chapters that have analyzed and reviewed data from past BIG pilot projects were examined for their findings on health and socioeconomic outcomes. RESULTS Our findings suggest various areas and mechanisms whereby BIG can influence oral health-related outcomes, whether through impacts on work, illness and injury, education, a social multiplier effect, expenditure behavior, and/or mental illness and other health outcomes. CONCLUSION Our findings illustrate the importance of assessing oral health-related outcomes in future BIG pilot projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-An Chen
- Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carlos Quiñonez
- Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Piva F, Pereira JT, Luz PB, Hashizume LN, Hugo FN, Araujo FBD. A Longitudinal Study of Early Childhood Caries and Associated Factors in Brazilian Children. Braz Dent J 2017; 28:241-248. [DOI: 10.1590/0103-6440201701237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Early childhood caries (ECC) affects children all over the world and has high prevalence and severity in preschool children. Different social, biological and behavioral factors compose a network of causal factors for ECC. The aim was to evaluate the association between socioeconomic variables and caries at baseline, and the presence of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. microorganisms with the progression of caries lesions after two years of follow-up in a group of children. At baseline, 163 children (3-4 years old) living in the areas of 12 primary care services of the Hospital Group Conceição (GHC, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil) were evaluated. After two years, 119 children were re-evaluated. Clinical examinations were conducted by calibrated examiners using the ICDAS criteria. A sociodemographic questionnaire was applied to the children’s parents and saliva samples were collected from the children for microbiological analysis. Descriptive statistics and multivariate Poisson regression analysis were performed in the statistical analysis. The factors associated with the caries progression were marital status of mothers (p=0.040), higher S. mutans counts (p=0.031) and the presence of cavitated lesions at baseline (p<0.001). The caries lesions progression in preschool children enrolled in primary health care was directly associated with marital status, presence of cavitated lesions at baseline and higher S. mutans counts at two-year follow-up.
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Piovesan C, Ardenghi TM, Mendes FM, Agostini BA, Michel-Crosato E. Individual and contextual factors influencing dental health care utilization by preschool children: a multilevel analysis. Braz Oral Res 2017; 31:e27. [PMID: 28380090 DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2017.vol31.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of contextual factors on dental care utilization was evaluated after adjustment for individual characteristics of Brazilian preschool children. This cross-sectional study assessed 639 preschool children aged 1 to 5 years from Santa Maria, a town in Rio Grande do Sul State, located in southern Brazil. Participants were randomly selected from children attending the National Children's Vaccination Day and 15 health centers were selected for this research. Visual examinations followed the ICDAS criteria. Parents answered a questionnaire about demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Contextual influences on children's dental care utilization were obtained from two community-related variables: presence of dentists and presence of workers' associations in the neighborhood. Unadjusted and adjusted multilevel logistic regression models were used to describe the association between outcome and predictor variables. A prevalence of 21.6% was found for regular use of dental services. The unadjusted assessment of the associations of dental health care utilization with individual and contextual factors included children's ages, family income, parents' schooling, mothers' participation in their children's school activities, dental caries, and presence of workers' associations in the neighborhood as the main outcome covariates. Individual variables remained associated with the outcome after adding contextual variables in the model. In conclusion, individual and contextual variables were associated with dental health care utilization by preschool children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thiago Machado Ardenghi
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria - UFSM, Department of Stomatology, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Fausto Medeiros Mendes
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, School of Dentistry, Departament of Pediatric Dentistry, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Antonio Agostini
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPel, School of Medicine, Departament of Epidemiology, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Edgard Michel-Crosato
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, School of Dentistry, Departament of Social Dentistry, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Kabil NS, Eltawil S. Prioritizing the Risk Factors of Severe Early Childhood Caries. Dent J (Basel) 2017; 5:E4. [PMID: 29563410 PMCID: PMC5806985 DOI: 10.3390/dj5010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe early childhood caries remains the most common chronic disease affecting children. The multifactorial etiology of caries has established a controversy about which risk factors were more significant to its development. Therefore, our study aimed through meticulous statistical analysis to arrange the "well agreed upon" common risk factors in order of significance, to aid the clinician in tailoring an adequate preventive program. The study prioritized or reshuffled the risk factors contributing to severe early childhood caries and placed them in the order of their significance as follows: snacking of sugary food several times a day, increased number of siblings to three or more, night feeding, child self-employed brushing, mother's caries experience, two siblings, on demand feeding, once/day sugary food, sharing utensils, one sibling, male gender, father's education, late first dental visit, brushing time, mother's education, no dental visit, decreased brushing frequency, and no night brushing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Samir Kabil
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
| | - Sherif Eltawil
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Oral & Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.
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Peltzer K, Mongkolchati A. Severe early childhood caries and social determinants in three-year-old children from Northern Thailand: a birth cohort study. BMC Oral Health 2015; 15:108. [PMID: 26370287 PMCID: PMC4570638 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-015-0093-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and social risk factors of severe early childhood caries in three-year-old children in Northern Thailand, using a birth-cohort study METHODS The data utilized in this study were from the prospective cohort study of Thai children (PCTC) from the 28 to 38 weeks gestational age until the children reached the age of 36 months (N = 597) in Mueang Nan district, Northern Thailand. Questionnaires were administered at different time points and dental examination was conducted at the age of 3 years of the child. RESULTS 44.1% of the 3 year old children had S-ECC. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, environmental factors (the use of rain or well water as drinking water, no schooling of mother of child, being male), and risk behaviour (sleeping with a bottle at 30 months) were associated with S-ECC. Further, in bivariate analysis, psychological distress in the mother, lack of spousal relationship support, suckle to sleep when going to bed, introduction of soft drinks at 12 months, having had more frequently sweet food, and less than daily tooth brushing before 30 months were associated with S-ECC. CONCLUSIONS A very high rate of S-ECC was observed, and oral health may be influenced by social factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Peltzer
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Madidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, 73170, Nakhonpathom, Thailand. .,Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa. .,HIV/AIDS/STI/and TB (HAST), Human Sciences Research Council, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
| | - Aroonsri Mongkolchati
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Madidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, 73170, Nakhonpathom, Thailand.
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Chi DL, Rossitch KC, Beeles EM. Developmental delays and dental caries in low-income preschoolers in the USA: a pilot cross-sectional study and preliminary explanatory model. BMC Oral Health 2013; 13:53. [PMID: 24119240 PMCID: PMC3906997 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6831-13-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anecdotal evidence suggests that low-income preschoolers with developmental delays are at increased risk for dental caries and poor oral health, but there are no published studies based on empirical data. The purpose of this pilot study was two-fold: to examine the relationship between developmental delays and dental caries in low-income preschoolers and to present a preliminary explanatory model on the determinants of caries for enrollees in Head Start, a U.S. school readiness program for low-income preschool-aged children. METHODS Data were collected on preschoolers ages 3-5 years at two Head Start centers in Washington, USA (N = 115). The predictor variable was developmental delay status (no/yes). The outcome variable was the prevalence of decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (dmfs) on primary teeth. We used multiple variable Poisson regression models to test the hypothesis that within a population of low-income preschoolers, those with developmental delays would have increased dmfs prevalence than those without developmental delays. RESULTS Seventeen percent of preschoolers had a developmental delay and 51.3% of preschoolers had ≥1 dmfs. Preschoolers with developmental delays had a dmfs prevalence ratio that was 1.26 times as high as preschoolers without developmental delays (95% CI: 1.01, 1.58; P < .04). Other factors associated with increased dmfs prevalence ratios included: not having a dental home (P = .01); low caregiver education (P < .001); and living in a non-fluoridated community (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Our pilot data suggest that developmental delays among low-income preschoolers are associated with increased primary tooth dmfs. Additional research is needed to further examine this relationship. Future interventions and policies should focus on caries prevention strategies within settings like Head Start classrooms that serve low-income preschool-aged children with additional targeted home- and community-based interventions for those with developmental delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald L Chi
- University of Washington, Box 357475, Seattle 98195, WA, USA
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