Search Results (662)

Background/Objectives: Educational background is an aspect of socio-economic status, that may be associated with higher caries risk. This study aimed to investigate differences in caries prevalence between different school types for older adolescents in Greifswald, Germany. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected as part of compulsory dental school examinations between 2020 and 2023. Oral health status was assessed according to WHO criteria by six calibrated examiners and reported as mean D₃MFT (D₃: dentin caries, M: missing, F: filled, SD/±: standard deviation). To compare educational backgrounds, the adolescents were divided into two groups according to their age and type of school (11–15 and 16–18 years old). Results: The study included 5816 adolescents (48.7% females) with a mean D₃MFT of 0.65 (Q1–Q3: 0–1); 73.8% were clinically caries-free, having D₃MFT = 0, confirming the polarization in caries experience with 2.5 ± 2.13 SaC index. The logistic regression model showed a significantly increased Odds Ratio for having caries in relation to age, being male, having plaque or gingivitis (p < 0.005). There were significant differences in caries experience and prevalence between school types, where high schools had the lowest D₃MFT values in both age groups (0.39 ± 1.17 and 0.64 ± 1.49, respectively). The highest D₃MFT values were in schools for special educational needs in younger adolescents (1.12 ± 1.9) and in vocational schools in older adolescents (1.63 ± 2.55). Conclusions: In a low-caries-risk population, there were significant differences in caries experience and prevalence among adolescents in different school types. Prevention strategies should aim to reduce the polarization in caries across different educational backgrounds in late adolescence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Caries risk assessment is essential for the management of dental caries. There are different assessment methods with the most commonly used being CAMBRA, the Cariogram, and Caries Risk Semaphore (CRS). The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic agreement between the three different caries risk assessment methods mentioned above. Methods: This study was conducted in the Dental Clinic of the University of Valencia by Preventive and Community Dentistry II students on patients examined during clinical practices (n = 672). Patients were evaluated to determine their caries risk using the three methods named above. A descriptive analysis of the sample was performed, and diagnostic agreement was assessed using the Kappa coefficient. Results: According to CRS, 321 patients (48%) showed high risk, 96 patients (14%) moderate risk, and 255 (38%) low risk. The highest diagnostic agreement was found between CRS and CAMBRA, with an unweighted Kappa of 0.36. Regarding risk severity assessments, the highest Kappa was also observed between CRS and CAMBRA, with a Kappa of 0.46 for low risk, 0.14 for moderate risk, and 0.40 for high risk. Conclusions: There is an important heterogeneity in the obtained results. This highlights the need to further study different caries risk assessment methods and determine their predictive capacity to choose the one that yields the best outcome. Full article

Background: Dental enamel demineralization is a critical early event in the development of dental caries. To address this, bioactive compounds have been explored for their potential to mitigate enamel demineralization and promote remineralization. Previous studies have demonstrated that varnishes containing natural compounds such as trans,trans-farnesol (tt-farnesol), quercetin, and theobromine exhibit antimicrobial activity, suggesting potential in caries prevention. Thus, this laboratory study assessed the ability of these varnishes to prevent enamel caries lesion formation by using a chemical model to determine whether these natural compounds interfered with de- and remineralization processes in the absence of a cariogenic biofilm. Methods: Sixty bovine enamel specimens, each measuring 5 × 5 × 2 mm, were selected according to their initial surface hardness (SHI), measured by Knoop hardness in three indentations spaced 100 µm apart. The specimens were allocated to the following groups in a random manner (n = 15): an experimental varnish without compounds (NC/negative control); experimental varnishes containing the combination of tt-farnesol, quercetin, and theobromine at concentrations of 1.5% (E1) and 4.5% (E2); and Duraphat™ (NaF 5%/gold standard—D). After applying the varnishes, they remained in artificial saliva for 6 h. The specimens were then subjected to 8 pH cycles, including 4 h of demineralization and 20 h of remineralization. Surface hardness was measured again to calculate the percentage of surface hardness loss (%SHL), and three specimens from each group were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Comparisons were made using ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: The D group (5% NaF) demonstrated a significantly lower %SHL (75.5% ± 7.88) than the other groups (p < 0.05). E1 (86.3% ± 5.33) was statistically similar to NC (81.8% ± 4) but lower than E2. E2 showed the highest %SHL (91.6% ± 3.64) compared to the other groups. Surface demineralization was evident in all specimens post pH cycling. Conclusion: The bioactive varnishes containing tt-farnesol, quercetin, and theobromine at concentrations of 1.5% and 4.5% did not exhibit a protective effect against mineral loss in dental enamel in the absence of a cariogenic biofilm. Full article

Introduction: Dental caries and molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) are prevalent conditions affecting children’s oral health, with functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial implications. In Spain, previous studies have highlighted geographic and sociodemographic disparities in their distribution, particularly among rural and migrant populations. Objective: To characterise oral health status, in terms of caries and MIH, among 6–7-year-old children from the towns of Palos de la Frontera, Mazagón, and San Bartolomé. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 229 children recruited from public primary schools. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and behavioural data were collected through clinical examination and interview. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Huelva. Results: The prevalence of caries (DMFT ≥ 1) was 53.3%, with mean DMFT and dft indices of 1.78 and 0.31, respectively. MIH affected 32.8% of the cohort, with a predominance in the first permanent molars (teeth 36 and 26). Multivariate analysis identified independent predictors of caries: African (OR = 7.47; 95% CI: 2.84–23.8) and European (OR = 4.56; 95% CI: 1.26–22.3) parental origin, poor oral hygiene (OR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.60–6.03), and the presence of MIH (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.64–6.42). The municipality of San Bartolomé was associated with a higher risk of MIH (OR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.21–7.45). Conclusions: The high prevalence of caries and MIH in the Condado-Campiña district, exceeding national averages, reflects oral health inequities linked to social determinants (migrant origin, locality) and clinical factors (MIH, oral hygiene). Targeted preventive interventions are urgently needed in high-risk populations, including culturally tailored education and policies ensuring equitable access to dental care services. Full article

Background/Objectives: To identify factors associated with the referral by a multiprofessional team to dental services for children and adolescents with rare genetic diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed with 87 children/adolescents with mucopolysaccharidosis (n = 26) and osteogenesis imperfecta (n = 61) and their caregivers. Recruitment took place at reference centers for rare genetic conditions in five Brazilian states. The caregivers answered a questionnaire on the children. They were examined for malocclusion, dental anomalies, caries experience, and gingivitis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of the data were performed, considering a 95% confidence level. Results: The average age of children/adolescents was 10.4 years (±5.6) and 17.3% had never gone to a dentist. Among those with past dental experience, the reason for most appointments was oral prophylaxis/preventive maintenance (62.1%). With regard to referrals to a dentist by the multidisciplinary team, 29.9% had never received a referral. The likelihood of having been referred to a dentist by the multiprofessional team was 2.67 times greater for female patients (95% CI: 0.96–7.42) and 7.74 times greater for children/adolescents with a history of toothache (95% CI: 1.61–37.14). Conclusions: Female children/adolescents with mucopolysaccharidosis and osteogenesis imperfecta and those with a history of dental pain were more likely to have been advised by the multiprofessional team to seek dental treatment. Full article

Objective: Fluoride is widely recognized for its preventive role against secondary caries. This systematic review aimed to evaluate how environmental and material factors influence fluoride ion release from metal-reinforced glass ionomer cements. Methods: A structured literature search was performed in March 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Search terms included combinations of fluoride release AND glass ionomer AND silver OR zinc OR strontium OR copper. The study selection process followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was organized using the PICO framework. Out of 281 initially identified records, 153 were screened based on titles and abstracts. After applying predefined eligibility criteria, 23 studies met the inclusion requirements and were included in the qualitative analysis. Results: Among the 23 included publications, 12 involved glass ionomers modified with silver, and 6 of these reported an increase in fluoride release. Seven studies focused on zinc-modified cements, and four examined materials reinforced with strontium. Conclusions: The addition of strontium, titanium oxide, silver nanoparticles, or zirconium oxide increases the release of fluoride ions, while sintered silver reduces it. There is a great discrepancy among researchers regarding the effect of the addition of zinc oxide and its appropriate amount in the glass ionomer material. Full article

Fixed orthodontic appliances, which are cemented to tooth surfaces, complicate the maintenance of oral hygiene and create a rough surface that is favorable for bacteria attachment. Additionally, the presence of orthodontic appliances may conceive a unique environment that interacts with cariogenic microorganisms, fostering a distinct microbial ecosystem compared to that of the patients without orthodontic appliances, thus increasing the vulnerability of tooth surfaces to demineralization and caries formation. Silver (Ag) has shown strong antimicrobial effects and has been extensively investigated in the medical field. Here, we aim to review the antibacterial properties and potential side effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) when incorporated into orthodontic bonding reagents. This valuation could contribute to the development of novel bonding reagents designed to prevent the formation of white spot lesions and caries during orthodontic treatments. Full article

Background: Due to limitations of fluoride (F) treatment as a main caries preventive measure, it is important to consider the use of other dental caries preventive measures to reduce caries prevalence, especially in its early stages. Recently, new remineralizing agents appeared on the market, with their commercial availability in a variety of oral care products. Objectives: The purposes include providing a scoping review that represents caries remineralizing efficacies of only commercially available products and their existing adverse effects (if it is presented) and ensuring that only evidence-based approved products are included. Methods: The following databases were used in searching scientific literature on 28 October 2024: PubMed, PubMed Advanced Search, MeSH database, and PubMed Clinical Queries. The study selection criteria were as follows: for laboratory, in vitro, and/or in situ—remineralization of enamel-scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopy, microhardness test, light microscopy, profilometry, transverse microhardness microradiography, integrated mineral loss, light microscopy, photothermal radiometry; if it was a randomized controlled trial—CONSORT protocol, ICDAS system (to detect dental caries), diagnostic additional devices; antibacterial ability-colony forming units, DNA-based sequencing, scanning electron microscopy, crystal violet staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results: This review includes 98 papers: 14 of them describing the current status of caries patterns in the world, 60 studies (45 laboratory studies and 15 RCTs), and 24 systematic reviews were analyzed in order to detect whether new remineralizing agents can replace fluoride in further caries prevention. Conclusions: All reviewed new remineralization agents could be used without additives to treat early caries lesions, but the combination with F promotes better remineralization. Only HAP demonstrated its potential to serve as an alternative to fluoride in oral care products. However, further clinical studies are needed to prove its role in the remineralizing process of initial caries lesions. One also needs to ensure that both the clinical trials and in vitro lab studies use the best gold standards to validate any changes in the tooth structure, both remineralization and demineralization. Full article

Dental caries can cause premature loss of deciduous teeth, affecting children’s growth and development. Endodontic treatment using polymer posts is an effective solution. This study explores biodegradable root canal posts made from Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polycaprolactone (PCL), and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), aiming to enhance mechanical properties, minimize polymer degradation acidity, and prevent inflammation. A root canal post with a spherical head and serrated structure was designed and produced via micromolding and optimized using the Taguchi experimental method. The melt temperature, injection speed, and holding speed were analyzed for their influence on shrinkage, revealing an optimal rate of 2.575%, representing the sum of axial and radial shrinkage. The melt temperature had the highest impact (55.932%), followed by holding speed (33.575%), with there being minimal effect from injection speed. The composite exhibited a flexural strength of 21.936 MPa, a modulus of 2.083 GPa, and a hydrophilic contact angle of 73.73 degrees. Cell survival tests confirmed biocompatibility, with a survival rate exceeding 70% and no toxicity. These findings highlight the potential of PLA/PCL/ACP composites, combined with injection molding, for developing biodegradable root canal posts in primary teeth. Full article

Background/Objectives: To explore the association between parental knowledge on dental caries prevention and the risk of caries in pediatric patients aged 6 to 14 years who reside in the province of Seville, using the CAMBRA preventive protocol as an assessment tool. Methods: After the approval granted by the Ethics Committee, a descriptive and analytical observational study was conducted. Caries risk was established using the CAMBRA Questionnaire, pH measurement, and salivary flow rate. To assess the socioeconomic background of the patients and their hygiene and dietary habits, parents completed two surveys: the first about the quality of the patient’s diet, and the second directly related to the CAMBRA questionnaire used and validated by the University of Seville. Results: The final study sample consisted of 300 pediatric patients, aged 6 to 14 years, of whom 54% were boys and 46% were girls. The caries risk distribution was as follows: 33% low, 7% moderate, 48.6% high, and 11.3%. A total of 61.7% of the participants live in urban areas, while 38.3% are from peri-urban regions. There is a statistically significant association between socioeconomic status and family circumstances in children with a risk of caries. Furthermore, an association was established between caries risk, dietary habits, and oral hygiene. Conclusions: Parental knowledge about dental caries prevention and caries risk in children was found to have a strong association with reduced caries risk in children. Full article

Background: Early childhood dental decay remains a pervasive chronic condition, and environmental toxicants—particularly lead—may exacerbate its development. This systematic review was designed to synthesize evidence on how lead exposure correlates with both the occurrence of carious lesions and aesthetic alterations in children’s primary teeth. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science through April 2025, selecting observational investigations that assessed the link between lead levels and primary-tooth decay in pediatric cohorts. Thirteen eligible studies, encompassing 44,846 participants aged 2–19 years, were included for qualitative synthesis. Aesthetics were screened using author-defined enamel-defect or discoloration endpoints; however, only three studies reported compatible metrics, precluding quantitative pooling. Heterogeneity in exposure matrices likewise ruled out meta-analysis. Results: Most studies reported a statistically significant association between higher lead burden and greater prevalence or severity of caries in primary teeth. Blood lead concentrations across studies ranged from means of 1.53 μg/dL to geometric means of 7.2 μg/dL. Notably, elevated lead was linked to increased decayed, missing, or filled surfaces—with an adjusted risk ratio of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.02–1.27) at levels below 5 μg/dL—and adjusted mean ratios of up to 2.14 for decayed or filled teeth when blood lead reached 5–10 μg/dL. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that children’s exposure to lead may heighten the risk of caries and detract from the aesthetic quality of primary teeth. However, variability in study design, lead quantification methods, and confounder adjustment limit the consistency of findings. Mitigating lead exposure in early life could represent a valuable preventive strategy against dental decay in susceptible pediatric populations. Full article

Childhood dental caries remains a critical public health issue in rural areas, where caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) significantly influence oral health outcomes. This study assessed the association between parental KAP and the prevalence and severity of caries in children aged 5–9 years in Cayambe, Ecuador. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 229 schoolchildren and their caregivers, using a validated questionnaire and clinical examinations (ICDAS criteria). Caries severity was categorized as “obvious decay” (ICDAS 4–6) or “no obvious decay” (ICDAS 0–3). Results: Advanced dental caries affected 73.4% of children (ICDAS 4–6). While parental knowledge and attitudes showed no significant association, brushing teeth ≥2 times/day significantly reduced caries severity (p < 0.05). Sociodemographic factors, such as parental education, were not significant predictors. Conclusion: Oral hygiene practices—particularly frequent toothbrushing—were the key protective factor against severe caries, highlighting the need for behavior-focused interventions promoting daily habits. Future research should evaluate long-term preventive strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (CT) or radiotherapy (RT) are at increased risk of oral complications. Preventive dental care has been proposed to mitigate these risks, yet its effectiveness is not sufficiently evaluated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of preventive oral health interventions on key clinical outcomes in oncology patients. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases was conducted (March 2025), adhering to PRISMA guidelines with a PROSPERO-registered protocol (CRD 420251006799). Eligible studies included randomized trials, cohort studies, and pre–post intervention studies evaluating preventive dental care in patients receiving CT or RT. The outcomes included gingival index (GI), dental caries (DMFT), plaque levels, and periodontal health. Meta-analyses were performed on GI and DMFT outcomes using random-effects models. Results: Eleven studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and four in the meta-analyses. Preventive interventions, such as fluoride applications, oral hygiene education, and regular professional cleanings, were associated with stabilization or improvement of gingival health. The pooled estimate for GI showed no significant deterioration over time (MD = −0.05, 95% CI: −0.34 to 0.24, p = 0.72). For DMFT, a slight but significant increase was observed (MD = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.08 to 2.05, p = 0.03), suggesting a continued risk of caries despite intervention. Conclusions: Preventive dental care interventions appear to support the maintenance of gingival health in cancer patients undergoing CT or RT. However, despite these interventions, a slight increase in dental caries was still observed, indicating that preventive strategies may not fully eliminate the risk of caries. These findings highlight the importance of sustained and individualized oral health programs as part of comprehensive oncology care. Future studies using standardized protocols and longer follow-up periods are needed to better evaluate their long-term effectiveness across diverse cancer populations. Full article

Objectives: This meta-analysis aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of dental caries among children in Turkey by synthesizing national evidence from theses and peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024. Methods: Studies were retrieved from the YÖK Thesis Database and Google Scholar using keywords such as ‘Caries Prevalence’ and ‘Primary Tooth.’ PubMed was used to cross-check peer-reviewed articles. A total of 28 studies and 29 data points including 40,244 children aged approximately 2 to 15 years were included. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² index, and publication bias was evaluated with an Egger’s test and funnel plots. Results: The pooled prevalence of dental caries among Turkish children was 75.6% (95% CI: 70.8–79.8%). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 98.4%), but no significant publication bias was detected. Conclusions: Dental caries remains a significant public health issue among children in Turkey. Targeted preventive measures—such as nationwide dental screenings and school-based fluoride programs—are urgently needed. Full article

Background: University students’ awareness of oral health plays an important role in lifelong health promotion. However, the factors influencing this awareness among Japanese university students are not fully understood. This study aimed to comprehensively examine and analyze Japanese university students’ perceptions of their oral health status, self-reported oral symptoms, and oral health-related behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students using an anonymous online questionnaire to collect information on their basic attributes and self-reported items related to oral health status, oral health behavior, and lifestyle habits. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to examine factors associated with oral health status. Results: A total of 5482 students participated in this study. Overall, 75.9% of the respondents reported that their oral health was good. Factors significantly associated with good oral health were the absence of dental caries and periodontal disease, tooth brushing at least twice a day, regular dental visits, conscious toothpaste selection, and lack of concern about dental care costs and pain during treatment. Conclusions: Oral diseases and symptoms, oral health behaviors, and psychosocial factors were strongly associated with university students’ awareness of their oral health. Since oral health is closely related to systemic health, it is essential to promote proper oral hygiene practices at an early age. Therefore, providing oral health education for university students may contribute to lifelong health promotion and prevention of systemic diseases. Full article