Use of the generalized linear models in data related to dental caries index.
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The aim of this study is to encourage and initiate the application of generalized linear models (GLMs) in the analysis of the covariates of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index data, which is not necessarily normally distributed. GLMs can be performed assuming underlying many distributions; in fact Poisson distribution with log built-in link function and binomial distribution with Logit and Probit built-in link functions are considered. The Poisson model is used for modeling the DMFT index data and the Logit and Probit models are employed to model the dichotomous outcome of DMFT = 0 and DMFT not equal to 0 (caries free/caries present). The data comprised 7188 subjects aged 18-30 years from the study on the oral health status of Karnataka state conducted by SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. The Poisson model and binomial models (Logit and Probit) displayed dissimilarity in the outcome of results at 5% level of significance ( P <0.05). The binomial models were a poor fit, whereas the Poisson model showed a good fit for the DMFT index data. Therefore, a suitable modeling approach for DMFT index data is to use a Poisson model for the DMFT response and a binomial model for the caries free and caries present (DMFT = 0 and DMFT not equal to 0). These GLMs allow separate estimation of those covariates which influence the magnitude of caries. (+info)
Comparison of different toothbrushing protocols in poor-toothbrushing orthodontic patients.
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The aim of this study was to determine, using a computerized image analysing system, whether the use of a curved-bristle toothbrush (CBT) alone is more effective than two other toothbrushing protocols on dental plaque elimination in poor-toothbrushing orthodontic patients. The labial surfaces of the maxillary canine-to-canine anterior teeth of 30 patients (12 males and 18 females) were individually photographed following dental plaque staining before and 4 weeks after each toothbrushing protocol, with a 1-month washout interval. The toothbrushes used were (1) a CBT, (2) an orthodontic toothbrush (OT), and (3) an OT in combination with interproximal toothbrush (IT) (OT + IT). Total labial surfaces of the anterior teeth and stained plaque areas were measured and gingival indices (GIs) were also recorded. Repeated measures analysis of variance and Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference multiple range tests showed that the OT + IT produced a statistically significant decrease in the mean plaque percentage both for the total labial (7.2%) and interproximal (17.7%) tooth surfaces, when compared with the other toothbrushing protocols (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between the CBT and OT for the amount of bacterial plaque and GI scores (P > 0.05). Neither the CBT nor the OT alone was able to remove plaque under the archwires in poor-toothbrushing patients. Therefore, the use of ITs should be mandatory for effective plaque removal in these patients. (+info)
Cigarette smoking and tooth loss experience among young adults: a national record linkage study.
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BACKGROUND: Various factors affect tooth loss in older age including cigarette smoking; however, evidence regarding the association between smoking and tooth loss during young adulthood is limited. The present study examined the association between cigarette smoking and tooth loss experience among adults aged 20-39 years using linked data from two national databases in Japan. METHODS: Two databases of the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) and the Survey of Dental Diseases (SDD), which were conducted in 1999, were obtained from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare with permission for analytical use. In the NNS, participants received physical examinations and were interviewed regarding dietary intake and health practices including cigarette smoking, whereas in the SDD, participants were asked about their frequency of daily brushing, and received oral examinations by certified dentists. Among 6,805 records electronically linked via household identification code, 1314 records of individuals aged 20 to 39 years were analyzed. The prevalence of 1+ tooth loss was compared among non-, former, and current smokers. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed including confounders: frequency of tooth brushing, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and intake of vitamins C and E. RESULTS: Smoking rates differed greatly in men (53.3%) and women (15.5%). The overall prevalence of tooth loss was 31.4% (31.8% men and 31.1% women). Tooth loss occurred more frequently among current smokers (40.6%) than former (23.1%) and non-smokers (27.9%). Current smoking showed a significant association with 1+ tooth loss in men (adjusted OR = 2.21 [1.40-3.50], P = 0.0007) and women (1.70 [1.13-2.55], P = 0.0111). A significant positive exposure-related relationship between cigarette smoking status and tooth loss was observed (P for trend < 0.0001 and 0.0004 in men and women, respectively). Current smoking was also associated with the prevalence of decayed teeth (1.67 [1.28-2.20], P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: An association between cigarette smoking and tooth loss was evident among young adults throughout Japan. Due to limitations of the available variables in the present databases, further studies including caries experience and its confounders should be conducted to examine whether smoking is a true risk of premature tooth loss in young adults. (+info)
Effect of fluoride varnish on Streptococcus mutans counts in plaque of caries-free children using Dentocult SM strip mutans test: a randomized controlled triple blind study.
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Dental caries is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases and although of multifactorial origin, Streptococcus mutans is considered the chief pathogen in its development. Fluoride is one of the most effective agents used for the reduction of dental caries apart from oral hygiene maintenance. AIMS: The aim of this study was to estimate the counts of Streptococcus mutans and to evaluate the effect of Fluor Protector fluoride varnish on these counts in the plaque of caries-free children using Dentocult SM Strip Mutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty caries-free subjects were selected for the study based on the information obtained from a questionnaire and were randomly assigned to the control group consisting of ten subjects and the study group consisting of twenty subjects. Plaque samples were collected on the strips from the Dentocult SM kit and after incubation, the presence of Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using the manufacturer's chart. The study group was subjected to a Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application following which the samples were collected again after 24 hours. RESULTS: The average Streptococcus mutans counts in the primary dentition of caries-free children before and after the application of Fluor Protector fluoride varnish were 10(4)-10(5) colony forming units (CFU)/ml and <10(4) CFU/ml respectively. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the study group had a statistically significant reduction in the plaque Streptococcus mutans counts than the control group. (+info)
An unusual injury from a toothbrush: a case report.
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The use of toothbrushes has significantly improved oral hygiene. However, if brushing of the teeth is not done judiciously, it could result in severe trauma to the soft tissues of the oral cavity. This is particularly true in the young age group, since children tend to be very playful while brushing their teeth. This article describes the case report of a child who sustained a penetrating injury while brushing his teeth. A detailed plan for the management of such injuries is also presented. (+info)
Inequalities in toothbrushing among adolescents in Scotland 1998-2006.
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Agreement between data obtained from repeated interviews with a six-years interval.
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The objective of the study was to compare information collected through face-to-face interviews at first time and six years later in a city of Southeastern Brazil. In 1998, 32 mothers (N=32) of children aged 20 to 30 months answered a face-to-face interview with structured questions regarding their children's brushing habits. Six years later this same interview was repeated with the same mothers. Both interviews were compared for overall agreement, kappa and weighted kappa. Overall agreement between both interviews varied from 41 to 96%. Kappa values ranged from 0.00 to 0.65 (very bad to good) without any significant differences. The results showed lack of agreement when the same interview is conducted six years later, showing that the recall bias can be a methodological problem of interviews. (+info)