• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.959-968
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Few studies have provided evidence of the association between diet quality and dental caries. This study aimed to examine the association between diet quality and untreated dental caries in a Korean representative population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study population included a sample of 13,815 participants, aged ≥ 19 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2013-2015. The explanatory variable was diet quality and the outcome variable was untreated dental caries. Untreated dental caries were defined by the number of decayed teeth recorded according to the criteria established by the World Health Organization. Diet quality was defined by using the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) through the 24-h recall methods. We assessed the association between diet quality and untreated dental caries while adjusting for age, sex, education, income, smoking status, dental visits, toothbrushing frequencies, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: The mean overall KHEI scores in the untreated dental caries group were significantly lower than those in the group without untreated dental caries. Significant differences were observed in the untreated dental caries group based on the KHEI quartiles (P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the quartiles of KHEI scores showed an association with untreated dental caries, demonstrating a dose-effect trend (odds ratio [OR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-1.84 for 1st quartile; OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.19-1.59 for 2nd quartile; OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14-1.53 for 3rd quartile; reference quartile highest]). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated an inverse association between diet quality and untreated dental caries in Korean adults. Healthcare providers should take into account the significant role of diet quality in preventing and managing oral health.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.327-336
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of the high caries risk group of 12-year-old children in Korea. Oral health status and interview data were collected from 23,089 children aged 12 years who participated in the 2015 Korean Children's Oral Health Survey. Subjects were classified into high-risk and low-risk groups according to the Significant caries (SiC) index, and the influence of each variable was analyzed. As a result of the study, the SiC index of the high-risk group was 5.08, which was about 9.6 times higher than the low-risk group. The risk factors associated with the high-risk group were in the order of the number of sealant teeth, dental treatment demand for the past year, perceived oral health status, gender, region, frequency of snack intake per day, and use of oral hygiene aids. In order to improve the oral health of children, appropriate preventive treatment and oral health education should be carried out with reference to the items indicated as risk factors in the high-risk group of dental caries.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.403-409
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between caries experience, Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence-Digital (QLF-D) redings and new caries activity test (Cariview) results in preschool children. Fifty-seven healthy kindergarten children (male 28, female 29) were participated this study. The calibrated dentist investigated the caries experience of children and new caries activity test. Cariview samples were incubated in the activated medium at $37^{\circ}C$ for 48 hours. All QLF-D taking and readings were performed by one experienced and trained operator under identical conditions in a dental unit chair located in a darkened room. Analysis range was limited to the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth. QLF-D redings (white spot and dental plaque) were analysed using QLF system. The dft index had a relatively high correlation with the QLF-D redings (white spot: r=0.617, simple plaque score: r=0.500) (p<0.01). Also, there was significant correlation between dft index and the Cariview score (r=0.286) (p<0.05). However, the Cariview score had no significant correlation between dt index and ft index (p>0.05). QLF-D can be evaluated objectively the initial caries lesions and dental plaque correlated with caries experience. Therefore, QLF-D will be useful to the study of caries prediction.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.576-582
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• 1998

The purpose of the study was to determine the ability of the caries activity test, 'Cariostat' to identify preschool children with dental caries. The subjects of this study were 76 children of 3 to 5 years of age. Oral examination was carried out to assess the caries experience using a mirror and explorer. In all subjects buccal plaque samples were obtained, incubated, and scored as the manufacturer's instructions for the Cariostat test. Statistical analyses were used with the Crosstabulation. The test group exhibited mean dft index 5.21, while 27.63% of subjects were caries free and had no restorations. The sensitivity of the Cariostat test was found to be 98.8% while the specificity was found to be 19.05% The results showed that caries activity measured by visual reading was highly significant to the Cariostat score and dft index(P<0.001). The Cariostat method has indicated the future possible occurrence of caries. The use of this method is meant to require in the caries prevention program.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.423-432
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• 2017

This study aimed to investigate the effect of repeated oral health education on the oral health of preschool children. This study classified the control group of children of 5~6 years of age where the oral health education was conducted one time, and the experiment group where the oral health education was conducted 4 times. The oral health conditions of each group and their risk of developing dental caries were also assessed. No significant difference was observed in the participants in terms of general characteristics, oral health conditions, risk of developing dental caries, and oral health behavior after oral health education. The two groups did not show a significant difference (p<0.001) in dental plaque index before and after oral health education, and showed a significant difference (p<0.001) according to the number of education sessions. Before oral health education, the participants in both groups were brushing their teeth incorrectly. However, after the third session, 56.7% of the participants in the experimental group and 9.4% in the control group used the correct method of tooth brushing. A significant difference was observed between the two groups (p<0.05). In addition, when the tooth-brushing time was compared, the two groups showed a significant difference (p<0.001), and a significant difference was observed in terms of the number of education sessions (p<0.05). In summary, repeated oral health education had significant influences on the dental plaque index, tooth-brushing method, brushing occlusal surfaces, and tooth-brushing time. Therefore, when oral health education is carried out, repeated oral health education in children is more effective than one-time oral health education as reflected in the changes in dental plaque index and oral health behavior. Moreover, oral health education is considered effective in changing the oral health behavior of children when conducted at least 3 times.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.229-234
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• 2011

This study obtained DMFT index(9271 people) in population with more than 6 years old based on data of 2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and calculated SiC index(2,517 people) by classifying group with high risk, which is 1/3 in high rank out of it. The aim was to confirm existence of the group with high risk of dental caries, and was to emphasize necessity of preventive strategy for the group with high risk. Statistical analysis was carried out t-test by using STATA 11.0 program. 1. DMFT index accounted for 45.0%(4,174 people) for men and 55.0%(5,097 people) for women. SiC index stood at 2,517 people. Men accounted for 36.3%(914 people). Thus, women were larger with 64.7%(1,603 people). 2. Seeing the mean in DMFT index and SiC index, the more rise in age led to the bigger difference in the mean between two groups. Especially, the difference was shown more than 4 points on the average for 13 and 14 years old and more than double on the average from over 15 years. 3. As a result of comparing gender, DMFT index was higher in women than men from over 14 years old. SiC index wasn't significant. However, women were indicated to be 1 piece more than men at the age of 9 and 14. 4. As a result of comparing by region, both DMFT index and SiC index were indicated to be higher in the rural area for their over 60s. Seeing the above results, the group with high risk is showing the higher rate of experiencing dental caries than DMFT-index in the whole. Thus, the comprehensively & intensively preventive management seems to be likely needed on group with high risk.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 1974

The dental caries survey of "K" primary school children was performed twice for one year interval and evaluated the transitional trend of dental caries prevalences. The number of children surveyed at the first year, 1973, was 819 boys and 653 girls; and the second year, 1974, was 815 boys and 661 girls aged 6 to 12. Under this survey, the following results were detected: 1. The average df person rate in deciduous teeth was increased by 7.52% in boy, 5.59% in girl and 6.65% of both. 2. The average df Index in deciduous teeth was increased by 0.13 in boy, 0.04 in girl and 0.1 of both. The average dt Index was decreased by 0.59 in boy, 0.64 in girl and 0.61 of both. The average ft Index was increased by 0.73 in boy, 0.68 in girl and 0.71 of both. 3. There showed no significant differences in DMF person rate between 1973 and 1974. 4. The DMFT Index of the permanent teeth was decreased by 0.19 in boy, and increased by 0.22 in girl. There showed no significant differences in both sexes between 1973 and 1974. The average DT Index was decreased by 0.43 in boy, 0.03 in girl and 0.31 of both. The average FT Index was increased by 0.23 in boy; 0.35 in girl and 0.29 of both. The average MT Index showed no significant differences in both sexes between 1973 and 1974.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.40-54
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• 2024

This study aims to identify the regional distribution in the prevalence of dental caries and related multidimensional factors among 12-year-old children in Korea. Data from the 2018 Child Oral Health Survey were used to calculate the average DMFT index of 12-year-old children in metropolitan cities, and a multi-level regression model was applied to explain the regional distribution of dental caries prevalence and related factors. Factors were divided into two levels by administrative structure. This study finds a significant regional difference in the prevalence of dental caries in 12-year-old Korean children across metropolitan cities. Multilevel analysis showed that district-level factors (average number of pit and fissure-sealed permanent teeth, dental treatment demand rate, preventive treatment rate, sex ratio, and number of dentists per 100,000 people) and metropolitan-level factors (intakes of cariogenic beverages and number of pediatric dental hospitals and clinics per 100,000 people) had a significant effect on dental caries prevalence (p < 0.05). Individual characteristics and local socio-environmental factors influence the prevalence of dental caries. Especially considering the strong dependence on preventive treatment and accessibility to dental care services, it is necessary to provide adequate preventive treatment and expand health care resources in high-risk areas of dental caries.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.525-530
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• 2016

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to investigate remineralization effect according to application cycle of fluoride varnish in preschool children. Methods: The study subjects were fifty six children (92 teeth) having one or more early dental caries lesion. Fluoride varnish was applied to the primary area of maxillary and anterior mandibular teeth with the interval of one month, three months, and six months. Results: Dft index was 3.54 in male and 3.44 in female. The fluorescence loss(${\Delta}F$) value due to early caries lesions showed a significant difference in experiment groups I and II after the application of fluoride varnish, but there was no significant difference in experiment group III. After fluoride varnish application, there was a significant change in experimental group I and III. The maximum fluorescence loss(${\Delta}Fmax$) from early caries lesions showed a significant difference after application of the fluoride varnish in all three experiment groups of I, II, and III(p<0.001). Conclusions: Fluoride varnish should be recommended and applied to the children of high risk caries group in every three months.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.127-132
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• 2021

Background: Obesity and dental caries have common risk factors such as food intake, eating habits, and lifestyle. Nevertheless, there has been no consensus on the significant association between obesity and dental caries, and additional studies are needed. We investigated the relationship between obesity and dental caries in some college students in this pilot study. Methods: Forty-two obese college students (body mass index [BMI]≥25) registered at a University Obesity Clinic and 19 normal students (18.5≤BMI<25) were recruited. Oral examinations were conducted, and anthropometric data and blood samples were collected. The blood concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride were also measured. After controlling for dental plaque index, a univariate analysis of dental caries indicators related to obesity was performed; partial correlation analysis was also conducted. A nonparametric test was used for the analysis of gender-related trends due to the limited number of participants. Results: The obese group had significantly fewer missing teeth (p=0.014), missing surfaces (p=0.035), filled surfaces (p=0.038), and decayed-missing-filled surfaces (p=0.020) than the normal group. There was no difference between the males in the normal and obese groups. The females in the obese group had significantly fewer missing teeth (p=0.003), missing surfaces (p=0.003), and decayed-missing-filled surfaces (p=0.046). Partial correlation analysis showed a weak negative correlation (r=-0.256) between the blood LDL concentration and decayed-missing-filled teeth. The other obesity and dental caries indicators were not correlated. Conclusion:The blood cholesterol concentration had a negative relationship with dental caries, and there were fewer cases of dental caries in the obese group in this study. However, it is important to clarify the relationship between obesity and dental caries through a dietary survey or additional investigations considering other confounding factors.