Risk factors and socioeconomic condition effects on periodontal and dental health: A pilot study among adults over fifty years of age

Could the periodontal therapy improve the cardiologic patient health? A narrative review

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the major cause of mortality globally, with increasing evidence suggesting a link between periodontitis, and CVD. This study aims to explore the association between periodontitis and CVD, and the impact of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular health.

METHODS

This review synthesized findings from preclinical and clinical studies, without publication year restrictions, examining periodontitis and CVD through various lenses. Scientific databases were inspected with keywords related to periodontitis and CVD.

RESULTS

The review identifies a substantial association between periodontitis and an increased risk of several CVD, supported by both epidemiological and interventional studies. Results suggest the complexity of the relationship, influenced by factors like the severity of periodontitis and the presence of other systemic conditions. Clinical data indicates that periodontal therapy, particularly non-surgical periodontal therapy, may reduce systemic inflammatory markers and thus may play a role in the primary and secondary prevention of CVD events, highlighting the potential of periodontal therapy to not only maintain oral health but also to modulate cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence supports a significant association between periodontitis and increased cardiovascular risk, promoting integrated healthcare approaches that consider oral health as a key-component of cardiovascular care and wellbeing.

Long-term stability (21-30 years) of root coverage outcomes using sub-epithelial connective tissue grafts at single or multiple gingival recessions: A longitudinal case series

AIM

To evaluate outcomes and predictive factors for the long-term stability of root coverage using a sub-epithelial connective tissue graft.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One-hundred and two healthy subjects (221 gingival recessions, GRs) were treated from 1987 to 1996. Keratinized tissue width (KTW), GR depth (RD), GR width (RW) and GR area (RA) were evaluated at baseline (M0) and at 1 month (M1), 1 year (M2), 11 years (M3), 21 years (M4) and 27 years (M5) after surgery. Primary outcomes consisted of complete root coverage (cRC) and relative dimensional changes in recession depth (measured in mm [c%-RD]), recession width (measured in mm [c%-RW]) and recession area (measured in mm2 [c%-RA]).

RESULTS

cRC was 88.7% at 1 year (M2), 59.8% at M3, 44.4% at M4 and 51.9% at M5. Average c%-RD was 95.2% at 1 year, 81.9% at M3, 71.5% at M4 and 81.7% at M5. KTW increased after surgery and over time and was positively correlated with favourable outcomes. Increased baseline RA was associated with less favourable clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The sub-epithelial connective tissue graft is effective in the treatment of GRs and facilitates long-term stability of clinical outcomes. Wider baseline RA was a strong predictor of unfavourable short- and long-term RC outcomes.

Poor Oral Health and Esophageal Cancer Risk: A Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Previous research indicates that poor dental health increases risks for certain types of cancers, including esophageal cancer. This study aimed to investigate the association with esophageal cancer using Swedish Dental Health Register.

METHODS

This is a prospective cohort study. The exposures were dental diagnoses classified into healthy, caries, root canal infection, mild inflammation, and periodontitis, as well as number of remaining teeth, at baseline and during multiple visits. The outcome was the incidence of esophageal cancer, which was further divided into esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and its corresponding confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 5,042,303 individuals were included in the study and 1,259 EAC and 758 ESCC cases were identified. Root canal infection at baseline was associated with 41% higher risk for EAC (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.10-1.82), whereas periodontitis at baseline was linked to 32% and 45% higher risks for respective histopathological subtypes (HR for EAC, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.13-1.53; HR for ESCC, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.20-1.75). Fewer remaining teeth at baseline also increased the risks for both histopathological types of esophageal cancer, with a dose-response effect (Ptrend < 0.01). Cox regression analyses with time-varying exposures corroborated the above-mentioned results.

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired dental health before cancer diagnosis is associated with excess risks for both histopathological subtypes of esophageal cancer.

IMPACT

Our study provided corroborating evidence for the association between poor oral health and esophageal cancer risk.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Public Hospitals, Southwest Ethiopia, 2022: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Periodontal disease is characterized by the inflammation of all tissues that surround and support the teeth, and it is the most common public health problem worldwide. It has many different contributing factors, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, anemia, bacterial plaque, poor economic status, and nutritional deficiency. It also causes different feto-maternal complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, low birth weight, and early abortion. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of periodontal disease among pregnant women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 618 women at public hospitals in the Southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a systematic random sampling method and a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi-Data Manager 4.2 and then transferred to a statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. The logistic regression analysis was done to see the significant association between each predictor with periodontal disease by considering a p-value of <0.05 and a CI of 95%.

Results

A total of 618 women attending ANC with a 100% response rate were enrolled in this study. The mean and standard deviation of the age of the study participants was 31.07 ± 7.8 years. The periodontal disease was observed among 240 (38.8%) of the total participants with 95% C.I of (35%, 43%). Predictors like rural residency, women who could not read and write, women with poor wealth index, nutritional status of underweight, had no information about periodontal disease, depression, history of diabetes mellitus, self-perceived halitosis, no history of ANC, and lower gestational age were found to be significantly associated with periodontal disease.

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of periodontal disease was found to be significantly higher. Therefore, in order to minimize the burden of periodontal disease among pregnant women, oral, medical, and mental health education should be promoted.

Dental Expenditure by Household Income in Korea over the Period 2008-2017: A Review of the National Dental Insurance Reform

Since 2009, the National Health Insurance in Korea (NHI) has been implementing a series of policies to expand the scope of dental benefits. This study reviewed the changes in co-payments and dental use patterns before (2008 to 2012) and after (2013 to 2017) the NHI’s dental health insurance reform. The study used Korea Health Panel data of 7681 households (16,493 household members) from a 10-year period (2008–2017). Dental expenditures and equivalent income using square root of household size were analyzed. Dental services were categorized into 13 types and a concentration index and 95% confidence interval using the delta method was calculated to identify income-related inequalities by a dental service. Dental expenditures and the number of dental services used increased significantly, while the proportion of out-of-pocket spending by the elderly decreased. The expenditure ratio for implant services to total dental expenditures increased substantially in all age groups, but the ratio of expenditures for dentures and fixed bridges decreased relatively. The concentration index of implant services was basically in favor of the rich, but there was no longer a significant bias favoring the better-off after the reforms. The dental health insurance reform in Korea appears to contribute not only to lowering the ratio of out-of-pocket to total dental expenses per episode in the elderly but also to improving the inequality of dental expenses.

Self-reported prenatal oral health-care practices of preterm low birth weight-delivered women belonging to different socioeconomic status: A postnatal survey

Background:

The differences in the oral health status between the individuals with a high socioeconomic status (SES) and those with a low SES had markedly increased. There is, however, minimal information available on women understanding the need of dental hygiene for overall health and whether pregnant women comply with the current oral health strategies. In Lieu with the above, the present study aims to assess the awareness, dental hygiene practices, and the frequency of dental visits during pregnancy in postnatal women who delivered preterm low birth weight babies of different SES in and around Puducherry.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 200 individuals who visited Rajiv Gandhi Maternity Centre, Puducherry for delivery were selected. Information regarding onset of prenatal care, referral to dentist, and oral hygiene habits such as frequency of brushing, type of brush used, method of brushing, and frequency of brush change were obtained. Periodontal health status was recorded using PSR system.

Results:

Awareness of oral hygiene practices was more among upper middle class and lower middle class compared to upper lower strata. Visit to dentist during perinatal period was high among upper middle class compared to other socioeconomic strata.

Conclusions:

The awareness of oral health-care practices and importance of oral care during perinatal period were less among low socioeconomic strata.

The subgingival periodontal microbiota of the aging mouth

Different mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain the increase in prevalence and severity of periodontitis in older adults, including shifts in the periodontal microbiota. However, the actual impact of aging on the composition of subgingival biofilms remains unclear. In the present article, we provide an overview of the composition of the subgingival biofilm in older adults and the potential effects of age on the oral microbiome. In particular, this review covers the following topics: (i) the oral microbiota of an aging mouth; (ii) the effects of age and time on the human oral microbiome; (iii) the potential impact of inflammaging and immunosenescence in the host-oral microbiota interactions; and (iv) the relationship of the aging oral microbiota and Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we present analyses of data compiled from large clinical studies that evaluated the subgingival microbiota of periodontally healthy subjects and patients with periodontitis from a wide age spectrum (20-83 years of age).

Are periodontal outcomes affected by personality patterns? A 18-month follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

This research aims to study the relationship between personality traits and periodontal clinical outcomes by taking into account the level of anxiety and depression, periodontal health and oral hygiene behaviour of patients affected with gingivitis or moderate periodontitis requiring periodontal therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The periodontal data of 40 systemically healthy patients affected by gingivitis or moderate periodontitis were collected at baseline and 18 months later. The psychological variables, dental awareness and adherence intent of the patients were assessed through questionnaires, and only those patients that exhibited a higher degree of compliance were included in the study. The personality traits (cluster A: paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal; cluster B: borderline, antisocial, narcissistic, and histrionic; cluster C: avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive) and the level of anxiety and depression of the patients were assessed. Patients were instructed with oral hygiene measures and were treated with periodontal therapy.

RESULTS

Clusters A and B showed a consistent tendency for reduced levels of oral hygiene (increased full-mouth plaque score - FMPS). The results from cluster B were found to be significantly related to deep periodontal pockets at baseline. On the contrary, cluster C seemed to be linked to clinically better indices, particularly in terms of full-mouth-bleeding-score and pocket depth, both at baseline and 18 months later. The results collected from clusters B and C were directly correlated with anxiety, depression and FMPS. Moreover, anxiety was directly correlated with the patient's need for professional oral-care.

CONCLUSIONS

Personality traits appear to play a significant role in determining the therapeutic outcomes of periodontal therapy in themselves. Thus, it is ideal for several important psychological, affective or behavioural factors to be associated with various personality traits so as to orient the outcome of periodontal therapy.

Necessity of oral health intervention in schizophrenic patients - A review

Individuals with mental illness often cannot perform day to day activities due to a psychiatric or emotional disorder. Schizophrenia is one such psychiatric disorder characterized by worsening self-care ability with progressing mental illness. This disease may potentially deteriorate oral health by affecting the subject's ability to perform oral hygiene measures. Literature on oral disease manifestations in schizophrenia is limited. Lack of desire for oral health care as well as generally poor awareness of oral health issues in these patients, compounded further by side effects of medications, may complicate dental management in schizophrenic patients. The present review explores clinical features and possible factors associated with oral health status among those with Schizophrenia.

How Intraday Index Changes Influence Periodontal Assessment: A Preliminary Study

It is reputed that periodontal indices remain unchanged over a 24-hour period, with great clinical significance. This preliminary study analyzes daily index changes. In 56 selected patients, full-mouth plaque score (FMPS), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS), periodontal screening and recording (PSR) indices, and periodontal risk assessment (PRA) were recorded at baseline and three times per day (check-I: 08.30, check-II: 11.30, and check-III: 14.30), after appropriate cause-related therapy. Correlation between variables was statistically analyzed by Stata. All periodontal indices improved at the examination phase. Statistical differences were detected for FMPS comparing all thrice daily checks. Statistical differences were detected for FMBS and PRA comparing check-III with check-I and check-II. PSR showed no significant changes. The worst baseline indices produced the widest daily fluctuation at the examination phase. Significant variation of indices is directly related to clinical severity of periodontal conditions at baseline. Patients affected by severe periodontal disease may show significantly greater index changes. As indices are routinely recorded only once per day, the index daily variation has clinical significance. This greatly affects therapeutic strategy as correct periodontal assessment requires multiple evaluations at standardized times, particularly when baseline conditions are severe.

Evaluation of a New Self-Reported Tool for Periodontitis Screening

INTRODUCTION

Periodontitis is still highly prevalent in industrial population whereas at the same time appropriate screening programs are missing.

AIM

To evaluate, a self-reported questionnaire about periodontal risk factors in combination with the Periodontal Screening Index (PSI) to identify an existing need for periodontal treatment combined with the early recognition of high-risk patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total 200 patients took part in the questionnaire based study and were examined using the PSI. Thereafter the participants were divided into two groups, subjects with periodontitis (Group 1; PSI 0-2) and subjects without periodontitis (Group 2; PSI 3-4). The answers were evaluated using a point system ranging from 0 to 8, based on known periodontal risk factors and their assumed degree of influence. Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were applied to examine the overall discriminatory power, sensitivity, specificity and corresponding cut-off points of the self-reported periodontal disease scale.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between Group 1 and 2 concerning the majority of the inquired items (12 of 16, p<0.05). The distribution of the individual total score exhibited a high statistical significance (p<0.001) of robustness in terms of differing definitions of periodontitis. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) was 0.912 with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 76%.

CONCLUSION

The questionnaire produced a reliable assessment of the individual risk (total score) and the need for periodontal treatment as well as the differentiation between gingivitis and periodontitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Patient-based data (clinical variables and periodontal risk factors of periodontitis) were adequate to make a preliminary assessment of a possible need for periodontal treatment.

Effect of hyperlipidemia on response to nonsurgical periodontal therapy: Statin users versus nonusers

Objective:

To evaluate the response to nonsurgical periodontal therapy among hyperlipidemic subjects and whether statin use by hyperlipidemic subjects influences the response.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted on 107 chronic periodontitis subjects (35 normolipidemic [NL] controls, 36 hyperlipidemics on nonpharmacological therapy and 36 hyperlipidemics on statins). Periodontal (plaque index, gingival index [GI], probing depth [PD], and clinical attachment level [CAL]) and biochemical (plasma triglyceride [TG], total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], and high-DL-C [HDL-C] levels) examination was done at baseline and 3 months after nonsurgical periodontal treatment.

Results:

Both the NL and statin groups exhibited significantly greater improvement in GI as compared to the hyperlipidemic group on nonpharmacological therapy (P = 0.004 and 0.006, respectively). Mean change in PD correlated negatively with baseline TC (r = −0.306) and LDL-C (r = −0.360) while mean change in GI positively correlated with baseline HDL-C (r = 0.219). Regression analyses revealed that mean change in PD was negatively associated with LDL-C (β = −0.358, P < 0.001) while mean change in GI was positively associated with HDL-C (β = 0.219, P = 0.023).

Conclusions:

While higher baseline lipid levels were somewhat detrimental to the resolution of inflammation postperiodontal treatment, the inclusion of statin therapy among hyperlipidemic subjects seemed to improve clinical response as compared to those devoid of the drug. The findings of the study are suggestive of a possible adjunctive role of statins in periodontal treatment that warrants future studies.

Extensive ameloblastic fibroma of the mandibula in a female adult patient: A case report with a follow-up of 3 years

Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is rare benign odontogenic tumour which usually occurs in the first two decades of life. It can occur either the mandible or maxilla but it is most frequently found in the posterior region of the mandible. Treatment of AF in usual is a conservative approach, such as enucleation and curettage but the aggressive lesions require a radical approach. A more radical approach should be considered in older patients who have likely high recurrence tendency. This report describes a case of AF in a 38-year-old female patient identified during a routine radiographic exam. Tomographic examination through three-dimensional reconstruction indicated vestibular fenestration of the cortical bone, with involvement of lingual cortical bone as the lession extended to the posterior region. We removed the tumor under local anesthesia. In this case patient has continued to be followed frequently and has been disease-free for 3 years.

Psychosocial determinants of dental service utilization among adults: Results from a population-based survey (Urban HEART-2) in Tehran, Iran

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between dental service utilization and mental health in an adult population in the context of the socioeconomic status of the participants.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Multi-stage cluster random sampling was performed in Tehran, Iran, in 2011. Data were collected on dental service utilization, barriers of dental visit, self-perceived oral health, mental health, age, gender, education, and wealth status. The complex sample analysis method in SPSS and the survey data analysis menu in STATA were employed for statistical evaluation.

RESULTS

Of 20,320 participants, 25-36% suffered from disorders in at least one of the domains of somatization, anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression. Only 56% of the participants visited a dentist at least once during the last year. The main barriers to a dental visit were "no perceived need" and "high costs." Females, the richest participants, subjects aged 25-64-year-old, and those with poor self-perceived oral health, mental health disorders, and higher education had more visits. The participants who perceived the need but did not visit a dentist due to some reasons mostly comprised females, those aged 25-44-year-old, those with a poor perceived oral health, disordered people in all domains of mental health, and poorer participants.

CONCLUSION

Dental service utilization was influenced by socioeconomic factors and the mental health status of the adult population after controlling for multiple confounders. Reducing financial hardship and providing health education on the importance of preventive visits may decrease barriers to regular visits in countries with developing oral health systems.

The influence of type 2 diabetes mellitus on salivary matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels and periodontal parameters: A study in an Indian population

OBJECTIVE

Although many studies reported more severe periodontal disease and the existing proinflammatory conditions in patients with diabetes but only few have examined the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) on salivary matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) level and other periodontal parameters. This study aims to evaluate the effect of type 2 DM on salivary MMP-8 levels and periodontal parameters, which might be useful in monitoring periodontal disease in diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 90 subjects were selected for the study and were divided into three groups: Group I included 30 healthy subjects; Group II included 30 subjects without type 2 DM but with chronic periodontitis, and Group III included 30 subjects with type 2 DM and chronic periodontitis. Periodontal parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket probing depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were taken. The salivary MMP-8 level was estimated by Quantikine Human total MMP-8 immunoassay kit using ELISA method.

RESULTS

The mean value of the salivary MMP-8 of Group III was highest followed by Group II and Group I, the least. The other periodontal parameters PI, GI, PPD, CAL, was comparatively highest for Group III.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that diabetes is associated with an increased prevalence, extent, and severity of periodontitis. Furthermore, the increased levels of MMP-8 indicate the influence of diabetes on their salivary concentration.

Relationship between periodontal status and degree of visual impairment in institutionalized individuals

Objective:

Periodontal disease is a set of inflammatory infections that affect the supporting structures of the dentition. Patients with visual impairment (VI) may have more difficulty in cleaning and maintaining oral health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between periodontal status and degree of VI in institutionalized individuals.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-two visually impaired individuals were included in this cross-sectional study. The periodontal parameters assessed were clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), and visible plaque index. The degree of VI was established as: Group 1 (mild or moderate VI), Group 2 (severe or profound VI), and Group 3 (completely blind); and the types of VI were considered as congenital and acquired. Fisher's exact, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney, and Spearman correlation coefficient test were used. The level of significance was set at 5%.

Result:

Only plaque index was higher on proximal surfaces of subjects with mild/moderate VI when compared to the other degrees of VI (P = 0.01). Furthermore, we observed higher values for interproximal CAL (P = 0.01), total PD (P = 0.04), and interproximal PD in subjects with acquired VI when compared to subjects with congenital VI (P = 0.01).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that periodontal status may be more related to the type of disability than with the degree of VI. Acquired VI people presented a worse periodontal health than the group with congenital VI.

Assessment of Periodontal Status of Konda Reddy Tribe in Bhadrachalam, Khammam District, India

BACKGROUND

Though great strides have been taken globally in the fight against oral diseases, problems persist especially among poor, disadvantaged and socially marginalised communities like tribes. Konda Reddies are one of the most primitive tribes of Bhadrachalam who because of their isolation, inaccessibility to dental resources and lack of dental knowledge follow traditional methods of oral hygiene practices, which are found to be inadequate to maintain oral health.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

To assess the periodontal status of Konda reddy tribes residing in Bhadrachalam of Khammam district, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on availability and accessibility the tribes were gathered using convenient sampling method. The total study population consisted of 500 subjects. Using a preformed Performa the oral hygiene practices and periodontal status was recorded using CPI index.

RESULTS

The total study population was 500, comprising of 225 males and 275 females in the age group ranging from 20- >70 years. The mean number of sextants with healthy condition were 0.04±0.19; calculus 4.69±1.21; pockets 4-5 mm 0.91±0.91 and pockets >6mm 0.02±0.15.

CONCLUSION

Poor oral hygiene and periodontal status was seen among the tribes. Under these circumstances, the implementation of a basic oral health care programme for these tribes is a high priority.

Oral health in postmenopausal and premenopausal women after myocardial infarction in Poland: a preliminary study

INTRODUCTION

Age and hormonal disorders are recognized factors impacting the periodontium and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, but as yet the relationship between these two conditions in postmenopausal (post-M) and premenopausal (pre-M) women in Poland has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to compare the periodontal status in women after myocardial infarction (MI) with women without MI history and to determine risk factors for periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 35 women hospitalized due to MI, average age 54.7 ± 9.4 years, and 96 women randomly drawn from the general population, average age 56.1 ± 10.0 years. All women were checked for periodontitis risk factors (education, socioeconomic status, tobacco smoking, stress), and underwent dental examination.

RESULTS

The lowest number of teeth was found in post-M women after MI (median = 8), whereas pre-M women without MI history had 25 teeth. Edentulousness occurred more frequently in post-M women compared with pre-M women (12.2% vs. 0%), the same was observed for advanced periodontitis (28.4% vs. 21.1%). The severity of periodontitis was highest in the post-M subgroup (more than half demonstrated advanced periodontitis or edentulousness). The most important risk factor for periodontitis, regardless of age, was the level of education. In post-M women the second risk factor was smoking, while in pre-M women negative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The status of oral health in post-M women is unsatisfactory, particularly in those affected by cardiovascular diseases. It is necessary to take preventive and educational measures targeted at these women.

Periodontal Diseases among the Adult Population of Georgia and the Impact of Socio-behavioral Factors on Their Prevalence

BACKGROUND

Georgia is a country with a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.733. Significant deterioration in socio-economic conditions in the 1990s caused serious health problems in the population including oral health. Since then, there has not been an epidemiological survey of dental diseases among the adult population in Georgia.

METHODS

The pathfinder survey- cluster- stratified method derived by WHO was used for sampling. Overall, 2370 adults including 1289 women and 1081 men in nine regions of Georgia including the residents of a city, town and village in each region and the capital, Tbilisi, were examined. Four age groups were investigated including: I- (20-34), II-(35-44), III-(45-64), IV- (65-74).

RESULTS

Unhealthy periodontal tissues were observed in 66.9% of men and in 57.5% of women. Bleeding on probing occurred in 44.9% of men and 37.2% of women, with periodontal pockets in 46.8% of men and 40.6% of women. Inflammation was seen in 61.2% of men and 54.8% of women. Healthy periodontal tissues were most common (59.2%) in the first age group (20-34); periodontal pockets (0-3mm) were least common (9.8%) at this age. Pockets of ≥4-5mm depth were observed mostly in the 3(rd) (9.4%) and 4(th) (10%) age groups.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of periodontal diseases in the adult population of Georgia is explained by a low socio-economic status and low medical education background with a negative attitude towards oral hygiene skills and low levels of dental service accessibility.

Periodontal Health Status of Different Socio-economic Groups in Out-Patient Department of TMDC & RC, Moradabad, India

Aims & Objective: To assess the oral health awareness and periodontal health status of different socio-economic groups in out-patient department of the Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College and Research Centre (TMDC&RC), Moradabad, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 416 subjects of 30-60 years age group with different socio-economic status classified according to modified Kuppuswamy scale (2012). Subjects were interviewed by the questionnaire and Community Periodontal Index was recorded.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Chi-square test (SPSS version 17).

RESULT

This study showed that the code 2 and code 3 is more in lower socio-economic status (p =0.115 and p=0.079 respectively). Significant association was seen in Code 0, code 1 & code 4 (p<0.01) which is indicative that upper class have more healthy periodontal status than lower.

CONCLUSION

Significant association exists between oral health awareness and periodontal health with the socio-economic status of the individual.

Italian deprivation index and dental caries in 12-year-old children: a multilevel Bayesian analysis

Evidence from the literature has shown that people with a lower socioeconomic status enjoy less good health than people with a higher socioeconomic status. The Italian deprivation index (DI) was used with the aim to evaluate the association between the DMFT index and risk factors for dental caries, including city population and DI. The study included 4,305 12-year-old children living in 38 cities classified by demographic size as small, midsize and large. Zero-inflated negative binomial multilevel regression models were used to assess risk factors for DMFT and to address excess of zero DMFT and overdispersion through a Bayesian approach. The difference in the average level of DMFT among children living in cities with different DI quintile was not statistically significant (p = 0.578). The DI and ln(population), included as city-level fixed effects in the two-level variance components model, were not statistically significant. Consuming sweet drinks on average increased the mean DMFT of a susceptible child, while having a highly educated mother reduced it. Unobserved heterogeneity among cities was detected for the probability to be non-susceptible to caries (city-level variance = 0.26 with 95% credibility interval 0.09-0.57), while no territorial effect was found for the mean DMFT of the susceptible children. Our results suggest that the DI and city population did not play a role in explaining between-city variability. Interventions against social deprivation can be influential on the perception of oral health in Italian 12-year-old children to the extent that they can also affect individual level factors.