Association between underlying dentin shadows (ICDAS 4) and OHRQoL among adolescents from southern Brazil

Abstract This study aimed to assess the association between underlying dentin shadows (UDS) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among 15-19-year-old adolescents from southern Brazil. This population-based cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1,197 15–19-year-old adolescents attending 31 public and private schools from Santa Maria, Brazil. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was used to evaluate the OHRQoL, and clinical examinations were performed by two calibrated examiners (intra/interexaminer kappa values for caries examination ≥ 0.80) to diagnose UDS (ICDAS code 4 caries lesions). Sociodemographic information and clinical characteristics (overall caries experience, traumatic dental injury, malocclusion, and gingivitis) were also collected as adjusting variables. Multilevel Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between UDS and OHRQoL. Rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. The UDS prevalence was 8.8% (n = 106 adolescents). In the adjusted models, adolescents with UDS had poorer OHRQoL than those without UDS, and the strength of the association was dependent on the number of lesions per individual. Individuals with 1-2 UDS had a mean OHIP-14 score 8% higher (RR = 1.08; 95%CI: 1.01–1.17) than adolescents without UDS, while those with 3-4 UDS had a mean score 35% higher (RR = 1.35; 95%CI: 1.12–1.63). This negative association was related to physical disability, psychological disability, social disability, and handicap domains. This study showed that UDS was associated negatively with OHRQoL among 15–19-year-old adolescents from southern Brazil. The negative effect of UDS on OHRQoL emphasizes the importance of addressing issues regarding OHRQoL even in the posterior teeth of adolescents

Occlusal caries lesions in permanent molars

Objetivos: O objetivo geral desta tese foi estudar o comportamento clínico da cárie dentária em superfícies oclusais de molares permanentes. Ela é composta por três estudos cujos objetivos específicos foram: (1) Avaliar a acurácia e reprodutibilidade de um índice visual para o registro do acúmulo de biofilme em superfícies oclusais; (2) Avaliar o efeito independente do acúmulo de biofilme e do estágio eruptivo na atividade de cárie em superfícies oclusais de molares permanentes; e (3) Comparar as taxas de incidência/progressão de cárie em superfícies oclusais hígidas e lesões cariosas inativas bem como avaliar o risco de progressão de cárie nestas superfícies. Metodologia: Avaliou-se visualmente o acúmulo de biofilme nas superfícies oclusais de 80 molares permanentes de acordo com os escores a seguir: 0 = sem biofilme visível; 1 = biofilme dificilmente detectável nas fossas e fissuras; 2 = biofilme facilmente detectável nas fossas e fissuras; 3 = superfície oclusal parcialmente ou totalmente coberta por biofilme espesso. As avaliações clínicas foram executadas três vezes, sem uso de evidenciador no primeiro e no segundo exames e usando fucsina a 7% na terceira observação. Reprodutibilidade intra-examinador, sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivo e negativo e acurácia foram calculados, utilizando o exame com fucsina como o padrão ouro. Estas medidas diagnósticas foram calculadas para cada escore do índice original e para o índice dicotomizado de acordo com a presença de biofilme espesso (0 + 1 versus 2 + 3). Na linha de base, 298 escolares entre 6 e 15 anos tiveram seus molares permanentes examinados com relação ao estágio de erupção (1 = superfície oclusal parcialmente erupcionada; 2 = superfície oclusal totalmente erupcionada e mais da metade da superfície vestibular coberta por tecido gengival; 3 = superfície oclusal totalmente erupcionada e menos da metade da superfície vestibular coberta por tecido gengival; 4 = dente em oclusão funcional), acúmulo e localização de biofilme, conforme o critério descrito anteriormente e presença e localização de lesões cariosas ativas nas superfícies oclusais. Para ser incluído no estudo longitudinal, os escolares deveriam ser classificados como cárie-inativos e apresentar pelo menos um molar permanente hígido e um molar permanente com lesão cariosa inativa (n=258). Após 12 meses, novo exame clínico foi realizado conforme o exame inicial (estágio de erupção, acúmulo de biofilme, presença de cárie ativa). Em ambos os exames, a exata localização das lesões cariosas foram registradas em esquemas das superfícies oclusais a fim de garantir o monitoramento da mesma lesão ao longo do tempo. A análise estatística utilizou equações de estimativas generalizadas com ligação logística tendo em vista a presença de dados aglomerados. Odds ratio (OR) e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%) foram estimados. As taxas de incidência/progressão de cárie em superfícies oclusais hígidas e lesões cariosas inativas foram comparadas através do teste do qui-quadrado. Resultados: As análises repetidas demonstraram que o índice avaliado é reprodutível (k=0.8). A dicotomização a partir da presença ou ausência de biofilme espesso obteve sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia e valores preditivos positivo e negativo ≥ 0.95. Foi observada uma associação significativa entre atividade de cárie e estágio eruptivo de molares permanentes. Ajustado para o acúmulo de biofilme, os molares em erupção apresentaram um risco de apresentar lesões cariosas ativas significativamente maior do que os molares em oclusão funcional (estágio eruptivo 1, OR=63,3, IC 95%=22-183,7; estágio eruptivo eruptivo 2, OR=14,9, IC 95%=7,1-31,2; estágio eruptivo 3, OR=4,1, IC 95%=2-8,4). Ajustado para o estágio eruptivo, os dentes com biofilme facilmente detectável foram mais suscetíveis à atividade de cárie do que os dentes sem biofilme visível (grau 2, OR=5,5, IC 95%=2,5-12,3; grau 3, OR=14,5, IC 95%=6,5-32,4). No estudo longitudinal, 200 escolares foram reexaminados após 12 meses (taxa de perda de 22,5%). Foram encontradas pequenas taxas de progressão das lesões cariosas inativas (3,9%) e incidência nas superfícies hígidas (2,6%) ao longo de 12 meses, não tendo sido encontrada diferença entre os grupos (qui-quadrado, p=0,48). Ajustado para o acúmulo de biofilme, estágio eruptivo, tipo de molar e arco, as lesões cariosas inativas apresentaram um risco à progressão similar às superfícies oclusais hígidas (OR=0,98, IC 95%=0,40-2,38). A presença de biofilme facilmente detectável (graus 2 + 3) na superfície oclusal foi o único preditor da incidência e progressão de cárie após 1 ano (OR=2,73, IC 95%=1,01-7,41). Conclusões: Acúmulos de biofilme em superfícies oclusais de molares permanentes podem ser visualmente avaliados de modo acurado e reprodutível. O uso de um corante evidenciador pode não ser necessário. O período de erupção dos molares permanentes pode ser visto como um período de risco para o desenvolvimento de lesões cariosas ativas em crianças e adolescentes. Superfícies oclusais com lesões cariosas inativas não requerem atenção adicional àquela normalmente dispensada às superfícies oclusais hígidas em um período de 12 meses.Objectives: The general aim of this thesis was to study the clinical behavior of dental caries on the occlusal surfaces of permanent molars. It is composed by three studies whose specific aims were: (1) To assess the accuracy and reproducibility of a simplified, visual index to assess biofilm accumulation on occlusal surfaces ; (2) To estimate the independent effects of biofilm accumulation and eruption stage on the occurrence of active caries lesions on occlusal surfaces of permanent molars; and (3) To compare caries incidence and progression on sound occlusal surfaces and on surfaces presenting inactive enamel lesions as well as to estimate the risk of caries progression on these surfaces. Methods: Biofilm accumulation on occlusal surfaces of 80 permanent molars was visually assessed and scored as follows: (0) no visible biofilm; (1) hardly detectable biofilm, restricted to grooves and fossae; (2) biofilm easily detectable in grooves and fossae; and (3) occlusal surface partially or totally covered with heavy biofilm accumulations. Clinical examinations were performed three times, using no detector dye in the first and second examinations, and using 7% fuchsine in the third examination. Intra-examiner reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy were calculating using the examination with fuchsine as the gold standard. These diagnostic measures were calculated for each biofilm score and for the dichotomized index according to the presence of thick biofilm (0 + 1 versus 2 + 3). At baseline, 298 6-15-year-old schoolchildren had their permanent molars examined in regards to stage of eruption (1 = the occlusal surface partially erupted; 2 = the occlusal surface fully erupted, but more than half of the tooth facial surface was covered with gingival tissue; 3 = the occlusal surface fully erupted, and less than half of the tooth facial surface was covered with gingival tissue; 4 = full occlusion), occurrence and localization of occlusal plaque as previously described, and occurrence and localization of occlusal caries. To be included in the study, children should present a status of caries-inactive dentition with at least one permanent molar with sound occlusal surface and another permanent molar with inactive occlusal enamel lesion (n=258). After 12 months, clinical examination was repeated according to the baseline examination (stage of eruption, plaque accumulation, and active occlusal caries). In both examinations, the exact localization of occlusal caries was detailed mapped on standardized drawings of the occlusal groove-fossa-system in order to assure that the same lesion would be monitored over time. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations with a logistic link function due to the clustering of data. Odds ratio (OR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. The proportion of new caries lesions or lesions that progressed on sound occlusal sites and on sites presenting inactive enamel lesions was compared using the Chi-square test. Results: Repeated analysis showed that the index under study is reproducible (k=0.8). It was observed a significant association between stage of eruption and active caries on permanent molars. Adjusted for biofilm accumulation, molars under eruption were at an increased risk for active caries than molars in full occlusion (stage of eruption 1, OR=63.3, IC 95%=22-183.7; stage of eruption 2, OR=14.9, IC 95%=7.1-31.2; stage of eruption 3, OR=4.1, IC 95%=2-8.4). Adjusted for stage of eruption, teeth with easily detectable biofilm were more susceptible to caries activity than those without visible biofilm accumulation (score 2, OR=5.5, 95% CI=2.5-12.3; score 3, OR=14.5, 95% CI=6.5-32.4). At the longitudinal study, 200 schoolchildren were followed (dropout rate of 22.5%). It was observed low rates of lesion progression in inactive enamel lesions (3.9%) and sound surfaces (2.6%), with no difference between them (chi-square test, p=0.48). Adjusted for plaque, stage of eruption, type of molar and dental arch, inactive enamel lesions presented a similar risk for caries progression than sound occlusal surfaces (OR=0.98, 95%CI=0.40-2.38). The presence of easily detectable plaque (scores 2 + 3) on occlusal sites was the only predictor for caries incidence and progression after 1 year (OR=2.73: 95% CI 1.01-7.41). Conclusions: Biofilm accumulation on occlusal surfaces of permanent molars can be visually assessed in an accurate and reproducible way. The use of a detector dye may not be necessary. The stage of eruption of permanent molars can be regarded as a risk period for active caries in children and adolescents. Occlusal surfaces harboring inactive caries lesions do not require additional attention than the one normally given to sound occlusal surfaces over a 12-months period

Occlusal caries lesions in permanent molars

Objetivos: O objetivo geral desta tese foi estudar o comportamento clínico da cárie dentária em superfícies oclusais de molares permanentes. Ela é composta por três estudos cujos objetivos específicos foram: (1) Avaliar a acurácia e reprodutibilidade de um índice visual para o registro do acúmulo de biofilme em superfícies oclusais; (2) Avaliar o efeito independente do acúmulo de biofilme e do estágio eruptivo na atividade de cárie em superfícies oclusais de molares permanentes; e (3) Comparar as taxas de incidência/progressão de cárie em superfícies oclusais hígidas e lesões cariosas inativas bem como avaliar o risco de progressão de cárie nestas superfícies. Metodologia: Avaliou-se visualmente o acúmulo de biofilme nas superfícies oclusais de 80 molares permanentes de acordo com os escores a seguir: 0 = sem biofilme visível; 1 = biofilme dificilmente detectável nas fossas e fissuras; 2 = biofilme facilmente detectável nas fossas e fissuras; 3 = superfície oclusal parcialmente ou totalmente coberta por biofilme espesso. As avaliações clínicas foram executadas três vezes, sem uso de evidenciador no primeiro e no segundo exames e usando fucsina a 7% na terceira observação. Reprodutibilidade intra-examinador, sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivo e negativo e acurácia foram calculados, utilizando o exame com fucsina como o padrão ouro. Estas medidas diagnósticas foram calculadas para cada escore do índice original e para o índice dicotomizado de acordo com a presença de biofilme espesso (0 + 1 versus 2 + 3). Na linha de base, 298 escolares entre 6 e 15 anos tiveram seus molares permanentes examinados com relação ao estágio de erupção (1 = superfície oclusal parcialmente erupcionada; 2 = superfície oclusal totalmente erupcionada e mais da metade da superfície vestibular coberta por tecido gengival; 3 = superfície oclusal totalmente erupcionada e menos da metade da superfície vestibular coberta por tecido gengival; 4 = dente em oclusão funcional), acúmulo e localização de biofilme, conforme o critério descrito anteriormente e presença e localização de lesões cariosas ativas nas superfícies oclusais. Para ser incluído no estudo longitudinal, os escolares deveriam ser classificados como cárie-inativos e apresentar pelo menos um molar permanente hígido e um molar permanente com lesão cariosa inativa (n=258). Após 12 meses, novo exame clínico foi realizado conforme o exame inicial (estágio de erupção, acúmulo de biofilme, presença de cárie ativa). Em ambos os exames, a exata localização das lesões cariosas foram registradas em esquemas das superfícies oclusais a fim de garantir o monitoramento da mesma lesão ao longo do tempo. A análise estatística utilizou equações de estimativas generalizadas com ligação logística tendo em vista a presença de dados aglomerados. Odds ratio (OR) e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%) foram estimados. As taxas de incidência/progressão de cárie em superfícies oclusais hígidas e lesões cariosas inativas foram comparadas através do teste do qui-quadrado. Resultados: As análises repetidas demonstraram que o índice avaliado é reprodutível (k=0.8). A dicotomização a partir da presença ou ausência de biofilme espesso obteve sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia e valores preditivos positivo e negativo ≥ 0.95. Foi observada uma associação significativa entre atividade de cárie e estágio eruptivo de molares permanentes. Ajustado para o acúmulo de biofilme, os molares em erupção apresentaram um risco de apresentar lesões cariosas ativas significativamente maior do que os molares em oclusão funcional (estágio eruptivo 1, OR=63,3, IC 95%=22-183,7; estágio eruptivo eruptivo 2, OR=14,9, IC 95%=7,1-31,2; estágio eruptivo 3, OR=4,1, IC 95%=2-8,4). Ajustado para o estágio eruptivo, os dentes com biofilme facilmente detectável foram mais suscetíveis à atividade de cárie do que os dentes sem biofilme visível (grau 2, OR=5,5, IC 95%=2,5-12,3; grau 3, OR=14,5, IC 95%=6,5-32,4). No estudo longitudinal, 200 escolares foram reexaminados após 12 meses (taxa de perda de 22,5%). Foram encontradas pequenas taxas de progressão das lesões cariosas inativas (3,9%) e incidência nas superfícies hígidas (2,6%) ao longo de 12 meses, não tendo sido encontrada diferença entre os grupos (qui-quadrado, p=0,48). Ajustado para o acúmulo de biofilme, estágio eruptivo, tipo de molar e arco, as lesões cariosas inativas apresentaram um risco à progressão similar às superfícies oclusais hígidas (OR=0,98, IC 95%=0,40-2,38). A presença de biofilme facilmente detectável (graus 2 + 3) na superfície oclusal foi o único preditor da incidência e progressão de cárie após 1 ano (OR=2,73, IC 95%=1,01-7,41). Conclusões: Acúmulos de biofilme em superfícies oclusais de molares permanentes podem ser visualmente avaliados de modo acurado e reprodutível. O uso de um corante evidenciador pode não ser necessário. O período de erupção dos molares permanentes pode ser visto como um período de risco para o desenvolvimento de lesões cariosas ativas em crianças e adolescentes. Superfícies oclusais com lesões cariosas inativas não requerem atenção adicional àquela normalmente dispensada às superfícies oclusais hígidas em um período de 12 meses.Objectives: The general aim of this thesis was to study the clinical behavior of dental caries on the occlusal surfaces of permanent molars. It is composed by three studies whose specific aims were: (1) To assess the accuracy and reproducibility of a simplified, visual index to assess biofilm accumulation on occlusal surfaces ; (2) To estimate the independent effects of biofilm accumulation and eruption stage on the occurrence of active caries lesions on occlusal surfaces of permanent molars; and (3) To compare caries incidence and progression on sound occlusal surfaces and on surfaces presenting inactive enamel lesions as well as to estimate the risk of caries progression on these surfaces. Methods: Biofilm accumulation on occlusal surfaces of 80 permanent molars was visually assessed and scored as follows: (0) no visible biofilm; (1) hardly detectable biofilm, restricted to grooves and fossae; (2) biofilm easily detectable in grooves and fossae; and (3) occlusal surface partially or totally covered with heavy biofilm accumulations. Clinical examinations were performed three times, using no detector dye in the first and second examinations, and using 7% fuchsine in the third examination. Intra-examiner reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy were calculating using the examination with fuchsine as the gold standard. These diagnostic measures were calculated for each biofilm score and for the dichotomized index according to the presence of thick biofilm (0 + 1 versus 2 + 3). At baseline, 298 6-15-year-old schoolchildren had their permanent molars examined in regards to stage of eruption (1 = the occlusal surface partially erupted; 2 = the occlusal surface fully erupted, but more than half of the tooth facial surface was covered with gingival tissue; 3 = the occlusal surface fully erupted, and less than half of the tooth facial surface was covered with gingival tissue; 4 = full occlusion), occurrence and localization of occlusal plaque as previously described, and occurrence and localization of occlusal caries. To be included in the study, children should present a status of caries-inactive dentition with at least one permanent molar with sound occlusal surface and another permanent molar with inactive occlusal enamel lesion (n=258). After 12 months, clinical examination was repeated according to the baseline examination (stage of eruption, plaque accumulation, and active occlusal caries). In both examinations, the exact localization of occlusal caries was detailed mapped on standardized drawings of the occlusal groove-fossa-system in order to assure that the same lesion would be monitored over time. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations with a logistic link function due to the clustering of data. Odds ratio (OR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. The proportion of new caries lesions or lesions that progressed on sound occlusal sites and on sites presenting inactive enamel lesions was compared using the Chi-square test. Results: Repeated analysis showed that the index under study is reproducible (k=0.8). It was observed a significant association between stage of eruption and active caries on permanent molars. Adjusted for biofilm accumulation, molars under eruption were at an increased risk for active caries than molars in full occlusion (stage of eruption 1, OR=63.3, IC 95%=22-183.7; stage of eruption 2, OR=14.9, IC 95%=7.1-31.2; stage of eruption 3, OR=4.1, IC 95%=2-8.4). Adjusted for stage of eruption, teeth with easily detectable biofilm were more susceptible to caries activity than those without visible biofilm accumulation (score 2, OR=5.5, 95% CI=2.5-12.3; score 3, OR=14.5, 95% CI=6.5-32.4). At the longitudinal study, 200 schoolchildren were followed (dropout rate of 22.5%). It was observed low rates of lesion progression in inactive enamel lesions (3.9%) and sound surfaces (2.6%), with no difference between them (chi-square test, p=0.48). Adjusted for plaque, stage of eruption, type of molar and dental arch, inactive enamel lesions presented a similar risk for caries progression than sound occlusal surfaces (OR=0.98, 95%CI=0.40-2.38). The presence of easily detectable plaque (scores 2 + 3) on occlusal sites was the only predictor for caries incidence and progression after 1 year (OR=2.73: 95% CI 1.01-7.41). Conclusions: Biofilm accumulation on occlusal surfaces of permanent molars can be visually assessed in an accurate and reproducible way. The use of a detector dye may not be necessary. The stage of eruption of permanent molars can be regarded as a risk period for active caries in children and adolescents. Occlusal surfaces harboring inactive caries lesions do not require additional attention than the one normally given to sound occlusal surfaces over a 12-months period

Assessment of the frequency of routine removal of dental plaque prior to caries diagnosis by dentists in three cities in southern Brazil

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of routine use of dental prophylaxis prior to visual inspection, in order to diagnose caries, by dentists with different lapses of time after graduating time. One hundred and fifty one Brazilian dentists were interviewed in 3 Brazilian cities to determine if they usually remove dental plaque prior to visual inspection for caries diagnosis. The dentists were stratified according to year of graduation. The association between the lapse of time after graduating and the practice of routinely removing dental plaque before clinical examination was tested using the chi-square test with a significance level of 5%. Only 28.5% of the dentists reported that they usually remove dental plaque prior to clinical examination. The dentists who graduated in the last 15 years presented the lowest percentages of plaque removal prior to clinical examination (15.1%), whereas the more experienced dentists reported that they perform prophylaxis more frequently. Of the professionals who graduated from 1960-1975, 23.9% reported that they performed dental plaque removal prior to diagnosis, whereas the figure for those graduating from 1976-1990 was 46.2%. Most of the dentists interviewed reported that they did not remove dental plaque prior to performing visual diagnosis of caries

Sense of coherence and oral health-related quality of life among southern Brazilian male adolescents

Abstract This study evaluated the association between sense of coherence (SoC) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among conscripts of the Brazilian Army, in two cities of southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study included all 18-19-year-old adolescents who joined the Brazilian Army as draftees for mandatory military service in the cities of Itaqui, RS, and Santiago, RS (n = 505). Data collection was conducted from 2019 to 2021, and included the application of questionnaires and a clinical oral examination to record gingivitis, malocclusion, and dental caries. OHRQoL was collected through the Brazilian short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), composed of 14 questions. The adolescents’ SoC was assessed using the validated Brazilian version of the SOC-13 scale. The primary outcome of this study was OHRQoL, modeled as a discrete variable (OHIP-14 scores). The main predictor variable was SoC, categorized as low, moderate, or high. The association between predictor variables and OHRQoL was assessed by Poisson regression models using a hierarchical approach. Unadjusted and adjusted rate ratios (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. All the analyses were performed using STATA software version 14.2. Adolescents with a moderate and high SoC had 27% (RR = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.64–0.84) and 51% (RR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.41–0.58) lower mean OHIP-14 scores, respectively, than those with a low SoC score, after the inclusion of behavioral and clinical variables. This study showed a significant association between SoC and OHRQoL among 18–19-year-old southern Brazilian adolescents. Strengthening the SoC as a psychosocial resource may improve the well-being and OHRQoL of adolescents