Dental health behaviors and periodontal disease indicators in Danish youths

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to analyse the epidemiologic relationship between dental health behaviors and periodontal disease. Indicators of periodontal disease in terms of bleeding and calculus were measured dichotomously (absence/presence). Periodontal pockets were as follows: normal pockets (0-3 mm), shallow pockets (4-5 mm), and deep pockets (6+ mm). The indicators were measured on 4 surfaces on 6 index teeth (16, 11, 26, 36, 31, 46) in 1984-85. The highest value for each tooth of bleeding (0/1), calculus (0/1) and pockets (0/1/2) was used for calculation of the bleeding index, the calculus index and the pocket index. The participation rate in 1984-85 was 86%, and the study population involved 368 males and 388 females. Information concerning dental health behavior was obtained both in childhood (1974) when the individuals were 9-10 years of age, and in adulthood (1984-85) when the individuals were 20-21 years of age. Information concerning dental health behaviors in adulthood, i.e., regularity of dental visits, frequency of tooth brushing, and regular use of interdental aids, was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire (1984-85). Dental health behaviors in childhood (1974) was operationalized as level of plaque, gingivitis, and dmfs. The results showed that dental health behaviors in childhood and in adulthood were together responsible for 9.4-13.8% of the variance in level of periodontal disease indicators. Determinants of early dental health behaviors in terms of plaque and dmfs at age 9-10 years were significant predictors in pocket index at age 20-21.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of routine dental checks: a systematic review and economic evaluation

“…One prospective cohort study 83 reported a significant increase in the percentage of bleeding surfaces with an increase in the distribution of dental check frequencies over a 9-year period. One 58 reported no significant relationship between the proportion of gingival units with bleeding and dental check frequency, while a further cross-sectional study 85 reported a significant negative association between bleeding index and dental check frequency.…”

“…Three studies 58,83,85 investigating the relationship between dental check frequency and bleeding reported inconsistent findings. One prospective cohort study 83 reported a significant increase in the percentage of bleeding surfaces with an increase in the distribution of dental check frequencies over a 9-year period.…”

“…One study 98(c) reported a decrease in the proportion of teeth with pockets with a decrease in dental check frequency (of uncertain statistical significance). One 85 reported a significant increase in the mean pocket index with a decrease in dental check frequency and one 71 a significant increase in the proportion of teeth with pockets with a decrease in dental check frequency.…”

“…Three studies 48,58,85 investigated the relationship between plaque or calculus and dental check frequency, reporting inconsistent findings. One 48 reported no significant relationship between the presence of plaque on staining and frequency of dental checks.…”

“…37,41,48,88,90, 92-94,100(a),100(b),100(c) Fifteen studies relied on the reports of individuals' dental check frequency behaviour from self-administered questionnaires or interviews. 25,31,49,57,58,[60][61][62]64,65,71,83,85,91,97 In three it was not clear how dental check frequency was ascertained. 98(a),98(b), 98(c) Information about payment systems to dental practitioners was poorly reported.…”