Association between Developmental Defects of Enamel and Different Concentrations of Fluoride in the Public Water Supply

Study on machine learning of molar incisor hypomineralization in an endemic fluorosis region in central China

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to develop a machine learning model to predict the risk of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and to identify factors associated with MIH in an endemic fluorosis region in central China.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,568 schoolchildren from selected regions. The clinical examination included an investigation of MIH based on the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria. In this study, supervised machine learning (e.g., logistic regression) and correlation analysis (e.g., Spearman correlation analysis) were used for classification and prediction.

Results: The overall prevalence of MIH was 13.7%. The nomograph showed that non-dental fluorosis (DF) had a considerable influence on the early occurrence of MIH and that this influence became weaker as DF severity increased. We examined the association between MIH and DF and found that DF had a protective correlation with MIH; the protective effect became stronger as DF severity increased. Furthermore, children with defective enamel were more likely to experience caries, and dental caries were positively correlated with MIH (OR = 1.843; 95% CI: 1.260–2.694). However, gender, oral hygiene, and exposure to poor-quality shallow underground water did not increase the likelihood of developing MIH.

Conclusions: DF should be considered a protective factor within the multifactorial etiology of MIH.

Childhood Caries Management

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, result from the breakdown of teeth due to bacterial acids [...]

The efficacy of peer-led oral health programs based on Social Cognitive Theory and Health Belief Model among Hong Kong adolescents: a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Oral diseases are preventable through the building of good oral health behaviors. Theory-based behavior change was key to the efficacy of oral health promotion since conventional promotion strategies achieved only short-lived and limited improvements. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of a peer-led oral health intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) and the social cognitive theory (SCT) on oral self-care behaviors among Hong Kong adolescents. One thousand one hundred and eighty-four adolescents in 12 schools participated and were randomly assigned to either intervention or control group, utilizing a cluster-randomized controlled trial design. Brushing/flossing frequency, HBM/SCT constructs, oral health knowledge, and dental anxiety were measured at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Changes in behaviors were assessed using mixed-effects model and the mediators of behavioral change were identified with parallel multiple mediation analysis. At 6 months, the intervention group showed a significant increase in the frequency of brushing and flossing compared with the control group. Self-efficacy was identified as mediator between treatment condition and behavioral changes of brushing and flossing. Combining theories of HBM and SCT is a promising avenue for efficacy in oral health behaviors. The effects were mediated through cognitive variables, which provided guidance for both theory and health intervention development.

Prevalence of MIH in children aged 12 to 15 years in Beijing, China

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in children aged 12 to 15 years in Beijing, China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed to recruit children aged 12 to 15 years old based on the method of multi-stage cluster random sampling during the Fourth National Oral Health Survey in Beijing, China, from September 2015 to March 2016. The first permanent molars (FPMs) and permanent incisors were examined for the presence of MIH by a single-calibrated examiner according to the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 6523 children recruited, 655 (10.0%) had MIH. The average number of affected MIH teeth in children was 2.68 ± 1.51. There was no gender-specific difference. With respect to the distribution of MIH in the mandible and maxilla, the most common condition was the simultaneous involvement of both the upper and lower FPMs. The severity of MIH was positively correlated with the number of affected teeth. The prevalence of MIH was lower in children who resided in the central districts and whose mothers had received higher education.

CONCLUSION

MIH was relatively prevalent among children aged 12 to 15 years old in Beijing, China.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study is the first epidemiological survey on the prevalence of MIH in the pediatric population in North China. Some demographic and sociological factors were associated with the presence of MIH.

Fluoride Content of Bottled Waters in Hong Kong and Qatar

OBJECTIVES

To determine the F concentration of bottled waters that was available in Hong Kong and Qatar.

STUDY DESIGN

The F concentrations of bottled waters collected from Hong Kong (n=81) and Qatar (n=32) were analysed. The F ion selective electrode method was used to measure the F concentration in the samples. Three measurements were obtained for every sample to ensure reproducibility and appropriate statistical analyses were employed.

RESULTS

Qatar group: F concentrations ranged from 0.06 ppm to 3.0 ppm with a mean value of 0.8 ppm. The F concentrations displayed on the labels of the samples (60%) were significantly lower than the measured F concentration (p < 0.0001). Hong Kong group: F concentrations ranged from 0.04 ppm to 2.52 ppm with a mean value of 0.44 ppm. The F concentrations displayed on the samples (16%) were significantly lower than the measured F concentration (p< 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Wide variations exist in the F concentration among the different brands of bottled water available in Hong Kong and Qatar. The F concentrations displayed on the labels were not consistent with the measured F concentrations.

Distinguishing between enamel fluorosis and other enamel defects in permanent teeth of children

Background. The inconsistent prevalence of fluorosis for a given level of fluoride in drinking water suggests developmental defects of enamel (DDEs) other than fluorosis were being misdiagnosed as fluorosis. The imprecise definition and subjective perception of fluorosis indices could result in misdiagnosis of dental fluorosis. This study was conducted to distinguish genuine fluorosis from fluorosis-resembling defects that could have adverse health-related events as a cause using Early Childhood Events Life-grid method (ECEL).

Methods. A study was conducted on 400 9-year-old children from areas with high, optimal and low levels of fluoride in the drinking water of Fars province, Iran. Fluorosis cases were diagnosed on the standardized one view photographs of the anterior teeth using Dean’s and TF (Thylstrup and Fejerskov) Indices by calibrated dentists. Agreements between examiners were tested. Early childhood health-related data collected retrospectively by ECEL method were matched with the position of enamel defects.

Results. Using both Dean and TF indices three out of four dentists diagnosed that 31.3% (115) children had fluorosis, 58.0%, 29.1%, and 10.0% in high (2.12–2.85 ppm), optimal (0.62–1.22 ppm), and low (0.24–0.29 ppm) fluoride areas respectively (p < 0.001). After matching health-related events in the 115 (31.3%) of children diagnosed with fluorosis, 31 (8.4%) of children had fluorosis which could be matched with their adverse health-related events. This suggests that what was diagnosed as fluorosis were non-fluoride related DDEs that resemble fluorosis.

Discussion. The frequently used measures of fluorosis appear to overscore fluorosis. Use of ECEL method to consider health related events relevant to DDEs could help to differentiate between genuine fluorosis and fluorosis-resembling defects.

Longitudinal changes in developmental defects of enamel

OBJECTIVES

Epidemiological studies on developmental defects of enamel (DDE) have focused on its potential contributory factors and prevalence while there is limited evidence on the longitudinal changes in the epidemiological profile of DDE. Thus, the objective of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether any type of DDE changes with time.

METHODS

A total of 668 participants were initially recruited in 2010, and 432 participants were successfully followed up and examined for DDE both at the age of 12 in 2010 and 15 in 2013. The central incisor, lateral incisor and first molar in each quadrant were chosen as index teeth and were examined 'wet' by two trained and calibrated examiners using the modified FDI (DDE) Index.

RESULTS

The mouth prevalence and tooth prevalence of 'any defect' showed a significant decrease from 2010 to 2013 (P < 0.001). This was predominantly due to the decrease in diffuse opacities (P < 0.001). Significant difference in the distribution of the extent of DDE was also found for diffuse opacities at both the participant and tooth levels irrespective of the types of tooth (P < 0.0001). Median extent score for diffuse opacities in 2013 was lower than those in 2010 at both participant and tooth level irrespective of the types of tooth (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Diffuse opacities, in terms of prevalence and severity, did fade out over time. The observed overall change in DDE was due to the dominating effect of diffuse opacities over demarcated opacities and hypoplasia.

Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries

BACKGROUND

Dental caries is a major public health problem in most industrialised countries, affecting 60% to 90% of school children. Community water fluoridation was initiated in the USA in 1945 and is currently practised in about 25 countries around the world; health authorities consider it to be a key strategy for preventing dental caries. Given the continued interest in this topic from health professionals, policy makers and the public, it is important to update and maintain a systematic review that reflects contemporary evidence.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of water fluoridation (artificial or natural) on the prevention of dental caries.To evaluate the effects of water fluoridation (artificial or natural) on dental fluorosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following electronic databases: The Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 19 February 2015); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 1, 2015); MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 19 February 2015); EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 19 February 2015); Proquest (to 19 February 2015); Web of Science Conference Proceedings (1990 to 19 February 2015); ZETOC Conference Proceedings (1993 to 19 February 2015). We searched the US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization's WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials. There were no restrictions on language of publication or publication status in the searches of the electronic databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

For caries data, we included only prospective studies with a concurrent control that compared at least two populations - one receiving fluoridated water and the other non-fluoridated water - with outcome(s) evaluated at at least two points in time. For the assessment of fluorosis, we included any type of study design, with concurrent control, that compared populations exposed to different water fluoride concentrations. We included populations of all ages that received fluoridated water (naturally or artificially fluoridated) or non-fluoridated water.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used an adaptation of the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool to assess risk of bias in the included studies.We included the following caries indices in the analyses: decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft (deciduous dentition) and DMFT (permanent dentition)), and proportion caries free in both dentitions. For dmft and DMFT analyses we calculated the difference in mean change scores between the fluoridated and control groups. For the proportion caries free we calculated the difference in the proportion caries free between the fluoridated and control groups.For fluorosis data we calculated the log odds and presented them as probabilities for interpretation.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 155 studies met the inclusion criteria; 107 studies provided sufficient data for quantitative synthesis.The results from the caries severity data indicate that the initiation of water fluoridation results in reductions in dmft of 1.81 (95% CI 1.31 to 2.31; 9 studies at high risk of bias, 44,268 participants) and in DMFT of 1.16 (95% CI 0.72 to 1.61; 10 studies at high risk of bias, 78,764 participants). This translates to a 35% reduction in dmft and a 26% reduction in DMFT compared to the median control group mean values. There were also increases in the percentage of caries free children of 15% (95% CI 11% to 19%; 10 studies, 39,966 participants) in deciduous dentition and 14% (95% CI 5% to 23%; 8 studies, 53,538 participants) in permanent dentition. The majority of studies (71%) were conducted prior to 1975 and the widespread introduction of the use of fluoride toothpaste.There is insufficient information to determine whether initiation of a water fluoridation programme results in a change in disparities in caries across socioeconomic status (SES) levels.There is insufficient information to determine the effect of stopping water fluoridation programmes on caries levels.No studies that aimed to determine the effectiveness of water fluoridation for preventing caries in adults met the review's inclusion criteria.With regard to dental fluorosis, we estimated that for a fluoride level of 0.7 ppm the percentage of participants with fluorosis of aesthetic concern was approximately 12% (95% CI 8% to 17%; 40 studies, 59,630 participants). This increases to 40% (95% CI 35% to 44%) when considering fluorosis of any level (detected under highly controlled, clinical conditions; 90 studies, 180,530 participants). Over 97% of the studies were at high risk of bias and there was substantial between-study variation.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is very little contemporary evidence, meeting the review's inclusion criteria, that has evaluated the effectiveness of water fluoridation for the prevention of caries.The available data come predominantly from studies conducted prior to 1975, and indicate that water fluoridation is effective at reducing caries levels in both deciduous and permanent dentition in children. Our confidence in the size of the effect estimates is limited by the observational nature of the study designs, the high risk of bias within the studies and, importantly, the applicability of the evidence to current lifestyles. The decision to implement a water fluoridation programme relies upon an understanding of the population's oral health behaviour (e.g. use of fluoride toothpaste), the availability and uptake of other caries prevention strategies, their diet and consumption of tap water and the movement/migration of the population. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether water fluoridation results in a change in disparities in caries levels across SES. We did not identify any evidence, meeting the review's inclusion criteria, to determine the effectiveness of water fluoridation for preventing caries in adults.There is insufficient information to determine the effect on caries levels of stopping water fluoridation programmes.There is a significant association between dental fluorosis (of aesthetic concern or all levels of dental fluorosis) and fluoride level. The evidence is limited due to high risk of bias within the studies and substantial between-study variation.

Risk factors of developmental defects of enamel--a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Current studies on the aetiology of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) are subject to recall bias because of the retrospective collection of information. Our objective was to investigate potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of DDE through a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Using a random community sample of Hong Kong children born in 1997, we performed a cohort study in which the subjects' background information, medical and dental records were prospectively collected. A clinical examination to identify DDE was conducted in 2010 when the subjects were 12 years old. The central incisor, lateral incisor and first molar in each quadrant were chosen as the index teeth and were examined 'wet' by two trained and calibrated examiners using the modified FDI (DDE) Index.

RESULTS

With a response rate of 74.9%, the 514 examined subjects had matched data for background information. Diffuse opacites were the most common type of DDE. Of the various possible aetiological factors considered, only experience of severe diseases during the period 0-3 years was associated with the occurrence of 'any defect' (p = 0.017) and diffuse opacities (p = 0.044). The children with experience of severe diseases before 3 years of age were 7.89 times more likely to be affected by 'any defect' compared with those who did not have the experience (OR 7.89; 95% CI 1.07, 58.14; p = 0.043). However, after adjusting for confounding factors, the association no longer existed.

CONCLUSION

No variables could be identified as risk factors of DDE in this Hong Kong birth cohort.

Developmental enamel defects in the primary dentition: aetiology and clinical management

Developmental enamel defects, presenting as enamel hypoplasia or opacities are caused by damage or disruption to the developing enamel organ as a result of inherited and acquired systemic conditions. The high prevalence of these defects in the primary dentition demonstrates the vulnerability of the teeth to changes in the pre- and postnatal environment. The presence of enamel hypoplasia increases the risk of primary teeth to early childhood caries and tooth wear as the defective enamel is thinner, more plaque retentive and less resistant to dissolution in acid compared to normal enamel. The purpose of this paper was to critically review the aetiology and clinical complications of developmental enamel defects in the primary dentition and propose recommendations for the clinical management of affected teeth.

Caries experience of chinese children with cleft lip and palate

Objective : This study evaluated the caries experience in the primary teeth of children with and without cleft lip and palate (CLP). Design : Observational study. Setting : Dental hospital clinic. Patients : The sample consisted of 132 pairs of Chinese children with and without CLP matched by gender, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Their ages were between 2 and 7 years. Methods : The children were dichotomized into 2- to 4-year-old (n  =  71) and 5- to 7-year-old groups (n  =  61). The oral examination was performed by one trained and calibrated dentist, and the caries experience was determined using the dmft (decay missing filled teeth) index. Results : For the 2- to 4-year-old group, the dmft values were 1.5 for the cleft group and 1.6 for the non-CLP group, but the difference was not statistically significant. For the 5- to 7-year-old group, the dmft indices were 5.2 for the cleft group compared with 2.9 for the control group; this difference was statistically significant (p  =  .0006). The caries rate for the various tooth types in the 5- to 7-year-old group was higher in the CLP group than in the non-CLP group; the most marked difference was for the lateral incisors, mandibular molars, and maxillary left first molars (p  =  .0001). Conclusions : The 5- to 7-year-old children with CLP had a higher caries experience in the primary dentition than the children without CLP.

Craniofacial and dental features in kabuki syndrome patients

Objective : To describe oral manifestations in Brazilian individuals with Kabuki syndrome, a multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndrome. Study Design : A total of 16 Kabuki syndrome individuals, aged between 8 to 24 years and of both sexes, were referred by the Department of Clinical Genetics for oral treatment and follow-up to the Oral Care Center for Inherited Diseases, University Hospital of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil. Each individual underwent complete physical examination, as well as intraoral and radiographic examinations. Results : Craniofacial and dental alterations were observed in all Kabuki syndrome patients examined. In addition, atypical shape of the molars' crowns, occlusal convergence of the premolars' crowns, and root dilaceration were also observed. Enamel diffuse opacities were observed in permanent dentition (n  =  10). Conclusion : A great clinical heterogeneity was observed in Kabuki syndrome individuals in line with previous studies in the literature. Further clinical and molecular studies are necessary in order to better understand the presence of dental anomalies in this syndrome.

Enamel defects in extracted and exfoliated teeth from patients with Amelogenesis Imperfecta, measured using the extended enamel defects index and image analysis

AIMS

To enhance the phenotypic description and quantification of enamel defects from a North Sweden sample of extracted and exfoliated teeth originating from families with Amelogenesis Imperfecta by use of the extended enamel defects index (EDI) and image analysis to demonstrate the comparable reliability and value of the additional measurements.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The sample comprised 109 deciduous and 7 permanent teeth from 32 individuals of 19 families with Amelogenesis Imperfecta in Northern Sweden. A special holder for individual teeth was designed and the whole sample was examined using the extended EDI and an image analysis system. In addition to the extended EDI definitions, the calibrated images were measured for tooth surface area, defect area and percentage of surface affected using image analysis techniques. The extended EDI was assessed using weighted and unweighted Kappa statistics. The reliability of imaging and measurement was determined using Fleiss' intra-class correlation coefficient (ICCC). Kappa values indicated good or excellent intra-operator repeatability and inter-operator reproducibility for the extended EDI. The Fleiss ICCC values indicated excellent repeatability for the image analysis measurements. Hypoplastic pits on the occlusal surfaces were the most frequent defect in this sample (82.6%). The occlusal surface displayed the most post-eruptive breakdown (39.13%) whilst the incisal portion of the buccal surfaces showed most diffuse opacities (53.4%). Image analysis methods demonstrated the largest mean hypoplastic pit areas were on the lingual surfaces. The largest mean post-eruptive breakdown areas were on the lingual surfaces of posterior teeth. The largest mean demarcated opacity areas were found on the labial surfaces.

CONCLUSIONS

The extended EDI and the standardised image acquisition and analysis system provided additional information to conventional measurement techniques. Additional phenotypic variables were described.

Molar incisor hypomineralization in Hong Kong Chinese children

BACKGROUND

Most prevalence studies on molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) were carried out in European countries, and data from the East-Asian populations were lacking.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MIH in Hong Kong Chinese children.

DESIGN

Since 2006, charting of teeth with MIH was included into the routine dental examination in a school dental clinic. The dental records of grade 6 primary school children who attended annual check-up in this clinic in 2006 were subsequently reviewed retrospectively. The records were selected for this study if the charting indicated that the children were affected by MIH.

RESULTS

A total of 2635 records were reviewed and 73 cases of MIH were identified. The prevalence of MIH in this group of children was 2.8%. Their mean age was 12, and the male-to-female ratio was 1 : 1.2. The mean decayed, missing, or filled permanent teeth value of those affected was 1.5, which was higher than that of the general Hong Kong Chinese children aged 12 years old (0.8). A total of 192 teeth were affected. The most commonly affected teeth were permanent maxillary first molars, followed by mandibular first molars and maxillary central incisors. Dental fillings and fissure sealants were found in 52 (38%) and 65 (47%) permanent first molars with hypomineralization, respectively. Medical histories were unremarkable in 60 children, whereas early childhood diseases were reported in 13 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of MIH in the permanent dentition of Hong Kong Chinese children was 2.8%. Children with MIH showed higher caries experience in the permanent dentition than the general population of similar age.