Frequency and Risk Indicators of Tooth Decay among Pregnant Women in France: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Little is known on the prevalence of tooth decay among pregnant women. Better knowledge of tooth decay risk indicators during pregnancy could help to develop follow-up protocols for women at risk, along with better prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of tooth decay and the number of decayed teeth per woman in a large sample of pregnant women in France, and to study associated risk indicators. METHODS: A secondary cross-sectional analysis of data from a French multicentre case-control study was performed. The sample was composed of 1094 at-term women of six maternity units. A dental examination was carried out within 2 to 4 days post-partum. Socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics were obtained through a standardised interview with the women. Medical characteristics were obtained from the women's medical records. Risk indicators associated with tooth decay were identified using a negative binomial hurdle model. RESULTS: 51.6% of the women had tooth decay. The mean number of decayed teeth among women having at least one was 3.1 (s.d. = 2.8). Having tooth decay was statistically associated with lower age (aOR = 1.58, 95%CI [1.03,2.45]), lower educational level (aOR = 1.53, 95%CI [1.06,2.23]) and dental plaque (aOR = 1.75, 95%CI [1.27,2.41]). The number of decayed teeth was associated with the same risk indicators and with non-French nationality and inadequate prenatal care. DISCUSSION: The frequency of tooth decay and the number of decayed teeth among pregnant women were high. Oral health promotion programmes must continue to inform women and care providers about the importance of dental care before, during and after pregnancy. Future research should also assess the effectiveness of public policies related to oral health in target populations of pregnant women facing challenging social or economic situations

Restorative treatment decision making with unaided visual examination, Intraoral camera and operating microscope

This study assessed the restorative treatment options of the occlusal surfaces of teeth examined with unaided visual assistance, an intraoral camera and an operating microscope. Sixty-eight extracted human molars were mounted to perform mouth models with a premolar in contact on both sides. Four observers examined the models in a phantom head, which simulated clinical conditions, using three techniques: unaided visual examination, intraoral camera and operating microscope. The observers were asked to assess the occlusal surface of each tooth and make a treatment decision based on the following scale: 1) the occlusal surface being sound and "not needing a restoration," 2) the occlusal surface having a subsurface or enamel lesion. No operative treatment was needed at this visit, but special attention was given to this surface at recall visits: "preventive care-defer treatment" and 3) the surface had a carious lesion and "needed a restoration." The teeth were then sectioned in the mesio-distal direction and examined under a stereomicroscope with 10x magnification to determine the true extent of caries. Statistical analysis was conducted by calculating percentages and kappa values of the restorative treatment scores based on examinations by four observers. According to all the observers' treatment decisions, the kappa values were found to be 0.341 (p0.05). As a result of a comparison between the unaided visual examination and operating microscope, the use of an intraoral camera improved the restorative treatment decisions of the occlusal surfaces on posterior teeth

Approximal carious lesion depth assessment with insight and ultraspeed films

This study evaluated the efficiency of a new E/F-speed film, Insight, at the determination of approximal carious lesion depths compared with Ultraspeed. Radiographs of 80 extracted human molars and premolars were taken with both films under standardized conditions. The presence or absence of caries and depth of lesions was determined by three observers using a predetermined scale. The actual status of each surface was determined histologically. Observer responses were assessed with the Gamma measure of association test. Differences between the observers' agreement levels were not significant. The efficiency of Insight and Ultraspeed at true depth diagnosis was found to be 54.9%; 55.8% and Gamma values were found to be 0.883 and 0.922, respectively, at p<0.001. The difference between the two films was not statistically significant (p=0.852). This study suggested that there was no statistically significant difference between the two films at detecting the depths of approximal carious lesions

Perception and expectation. What do patients really want from the dental treatment?

ABSTRACTObjective The aim of this study was to investigate the subjective aspects related to the perception of dental appearance and expectations of patients who receive dental treatment in graduation clinics of the Araçatuba Dental School.Methods It was evaluated 362 patients of both gender aged over 18. The questionnaire included questions of demographic data, questions to assess facial and dental aesthetics, dental satisfaction and treatments considering patients notion to improve dental esthetics. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test.Results The factor teeth for facial analysis and factor positioning in the arch for smile analysis were considered the most important subjects regarding the esthetic according to the respondents. 67.5% of patients were dissatisfied with the appearance of their teeth, and dissatisfaction with the color was the most important factor (66.8%). The treatment most desired was tooth whitening and 85.0% of patients said yes to it.Conclusion Respondents place great value on the teeth on the face appearance, and it can be seen that aesthetic treatments are highly valued in all age groups. There is a need for treatments to restore the function, but treatments to improve dental appearance were the most requested.RESUMOObjetivo Avaliar os aspectos subjetivos relacionados à percepção da aparência dental e expectativas de pacientes que recebem tratamento odontológico nas clínicas de graduação da Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba.Métodos Foram avaliados 362 pacientes de ambos os sexos com idade superior a 18. O questionário incluiu perguntas sobre dados demográficos, perguntas para avaliar a estética facial e dentária, a satisfação dental e tratamentos considerando a noção dos pacientes de melhorar a estética dental. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e o teste do qui-quadrado.Resultados O fator dentes para análise facial e o fator posicionamento no arco para análise sorriso foram considerados os temas mais importantes a respeito da estética, de acordo com os entrevistados. 67,5% dos pacientes estavam insatisfeitos com a aparência de seus dentes, a insatisfação com a cor foi o fator mais importante (66,8%). O tratamento mais desejado foi o clareamento dental e 85,0% dos pacientes disse sim a ele.Conclusão Os pacientes dão grande valor aos dentes sobre a aparência rosto, e ele pode ser visto que os tratamentos estéticos são altamente valorizados em todos os grupos etários. Há uma necessidade de tratamentos para restabelecer a função, mas os tratamentos para melhorar a aparência dentária foram os mais solicitados