Body mass index and dental caries in children and adolescents : a systematic review of literature published 2004 to 2011

The objectiveThe authors undertook an updated systematic review of the relationship between body mass index and dental caries in children and adolescents.MethodThe authors searched Medline, ISI, Cochrane, Scopus, Global Health and CINAHL databases and conducted lateral searches from reference lists for papers published from 2004 to 2011, inclusive. All empirical papers that tested associations between body mass index and dental caries in child and adolescent populations (aged 0 to 18 years) were included.ResultsDental caries is associated with both high and low body mass index.ConclusionA non-linear association between body mass index and dental caries may account for inconsistent findings in previous research. We recommend future research investigate the nature of the association between body mass index and dental caries in samples that include a full range of body mass index scores, and explore how factors such as socioeconomic status mediate the association between body mass index and dental caries.<br /

A prospective survey of secondary care tooth wear referrals: demographics, reasons for concern and referral outcomes

Aim: To provide a descriptive investigation of general dental practitioners' (GDPs) referrals to Glasgow Dental Hospital and School for management of tooth wear. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty-four patient-referrals were reviewed over a 12 month period. A questionnaire was also completed by patients and three reviewing consultants to identify patient demographics, patient perception, consultant's diagnosis and referral outcome. Results: Overall survey return-rate was 67% of 124 included referrals. Males represented 72% of referrals compared to 28% for females (p = 0.001). A significant percentage of patients inhabited the most-deprived areas (59%, p = 0.002). Sixty-one percent of patients were aware of their tooth wear within the past five years. Aesthetics was the primary concern for 54% of patients (p = 0.001). Attrition was the main aetiology of tooth wear in 51% of referrals (p = 0.001). Ninety-two percent of patients (n = 76/83) did not require specialist treatment and were consequently returned to their GDP, referred for hypnotherapy or reviewed later. Conclusion: There was a significant association between social deprivation and tooth wear in GDP referrals to a secondary care dental facility. Males aware of their tooth wear for the preceding five years, presenting with appearance as their main complaint and displaying evidence of attrition were more likely to be referred by GDPs for specialist management or advice