Showing 27 results for Caries
K. Khosravi , F. arbabzadeh ,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (7-2001)
Abstract
Carious lesions are usually found by dentists, using bitewing radiographs, and according to the depth of the lesions, the treatment plan is designed. At the present, this technique is the most accepted one and is used generally. But it is not a perfect technique and there are some errors in determining of depth of proximal carious lesions. These errors are mainly related to the use of new high-speed films with broad density and lower voltages. In this study, dentin thickness under proximal caries in bitewing radiography was compared with its real thickness, in tooth structure. Twenty-four teeth samples with proximal caries were used. Before and after removal of carious lesions bitewing radiographs were taken and then each tooth was sectioned occlusogingivally and the thickness of dentine under proximal caries and on bitewing radiographs were measured under microscope with 0.01 mm accuracy. Mean value of dentine thickness in tooth structure was 41% of its mean thickness in bitewing radiographs, showing 59% difference (reduction). Therefore, more care should be taken in using standard technique and interpreting of bitewing radiographs by clinicians. Clinical examinations also should be performed in ideal conditions, and patients should be clinically and radiographically examined every six months.
M. Ghavam ,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (8-2001)
Abstract
Oral cancers account for a relatively high percent of neoplasms in the elderly population. Treatment protocols often include anti-neoplastic pharmaco-therapeutics, irradiation of the head and neck region, and surgery. These treatments, specially radiation, have detrimental effects on oral hard and soft tissues. Salivary glands undergo a distinct and longterm dysfunction, which leads to decrease in salivary How. Xerostomia is a common clinical problem in these patients which contributes to dry mouth, mucosites, change in oral ecosystem and dental caries, followed by difficulties in speech, swallowing and use of dentures which cause malnutrition. This phenomenon has an irreversible weakening effect on the patient's health. To prevent this negative impact on oral health in this group of patients, definitive dental treatments prior to the initiation of medical therapies is imperative, and will decrease the morbidity rates. Today's dentistry benefits from improved methods and materials, which enable us to give these patients a better preventive dental treatment. Consultation between dentist and medical team would be the best way to help our sufferer patients.
M. Ramezanian , A. Alizade ,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
Statement of Problem: Tooth extraction is always considered as the final treatment option in dentistry.Considering the numerous advances in dentistry, nowadays the preservation of the permanent teeth until old age is common. However, in most economically poor countries or those without security service insurance,the high rate of extraction, particularly among restorable teeth, is regrettable.
Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine the reasons for tooth extraction among patients referred to the faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2002.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 patients. The information about patient's general knowledge, oral health status, tooth location and causes of extraction were collected and recorded in a questionnaire. The data were submitted to statistical Chi-Square test.
Results: No statistically significant difference was found between two genders in their mentioned causes for extraction. The most prevalent reasons were as follows: Caries (50%), Periodontal diseases (16.6%). Absence of an acceptable occlusion, prosthetic problems, patient's request, etc... make up the remaining 33.4% of the reasons.
Conclusion: According to this study, it is suggested to investigate extraction etiology at the society level and if similar results are obtained, necessary steps should be taken to prevent caries and periodontal problems as the major mentioned causes for tooth extraction.
H. Safarcherati , H. Alaghehmand , R. Arianfar ,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: An important purpose of adhesive dentistry is restriction of cavity preparation to carious dentin removal and conservation of sound dentin. Application of caries disclosing agents and cavity disinfectants can help achieving this goal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of caries disclosing agents and cavity disinfectants on microleakage of composite resin restorations.
Materials and Methods: This experimental in-vitro study was performed on class V cavities in 48 extracted human sound premolars. The teeth were randomly divided into four equal groups. In group 1 caries detector dye (Seek, Ultradent, USA) and in group 2 cavity disinfectant (Consepsis, Ultradent, USA) were applied on dentinal surfaces. In group 3 both mentioned materials were applied. Group 4 was considered as control group. PQ1 bonding agent and Amelogen composite were used to restore the cavities. Gingival microleakage was assessed by dye penetration. Data were analyzed by Kruskall Wallis and Dunn tests. P<0.05 was the level of significance.
Results: Group 2 showed the least and group 4 showed the highest microleakagehowever no statistical significant difference was found among the groups.
Conclusion: The use of caries disclosing agent (Seek) and cavity disinfectant (Consepsis Liquid) did not adversely affect the sealing ability of dentin bonding resins.
J. Pourhashemi, F. Mohandes, Ar. Talaeipour,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (10-2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diagnosis of occlusal caries in early stages is more difficult than other types, and needs practical proficiency and accuracy as well as application of advanced and modern equipments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations among dentists in diagnosis of occlusal caries.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 6 permanent first molar teeth of 8-10 years old children with occlusal caries of 1, 2 and 3 degrees were selected (Espelid method). Color photographs and bitewing radiographs of teeth were displayed on computer monitor and 157 general dentists were asked to determine the existence and depth of caries. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and chi-square test. P<0.05 was considered as the level of significance.
Results: 94% of dentists did not diagnose any lesion in grade I caries.3.8% reported enamel caries (correct diagnosis) and 1.9% reported dentin caries. In grade II caries, 15.7% of dentists could not diagnose any caries, 60.7% recognized the caries at the level of enamel (correct diagnosis), and 22.31% reported the dentin level, and 1.3% reported pulp exposures.7% of dentists could not diagnose any caries in grade III, while 27.2% recognized lesions at enamel and 58.9% at dentin level (correct diagnosis), 6.1% of dentists reported pulp exposures and 0.3% did not respond. Female dentists showed significantly higher correct diagnosis compared to males (p=0.013).
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, despite considerable variations among general dentists in diagnosis of occlusal caries, the total accuracy was acceptable.
D. Goodarzipur, P. Karami,
Volume 23, Issue 4 (1-2011)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Caries and bone loss are the most common diseases in oral cavity. The prevalence of these diseases will be reduced by controlling their risk factors. In this study, bitewing radiographs of patients were examined to illustrate the relationship between caries and bone loss.
Materials and Methods: One-hundred and fifty bitewing radiographs of 86 patients were evaluated. In these radiographs, caries and distance between alveolar crest and CEJ were measured. In addition, confounding variables (contact type, tooth type, tooth surface) were assessed. Furthermore, patients were asked about the use of other possible risk factors of bone loss like smoking, brushing, and flossing. The data were analyzed using Regression analysis.
Results: Findings of this study showed that the relationship between caries and bone loss was significant (P=0.02). Also, there were significant relationships between flossing (P=0.03), tooth type (P=0.0001) tooth surface (P=0.02) and bone loss. Finally the multivariate analyses considering confounding variables illustrate significant relationship between caries and bone loss (P=0.0001).
Conclusion: Caries and bone loss have important roles as the risk factors for each other. Thus, it is necessary to prevent these risk factors and treat them as soon as possible to reduce these diseases.
D. Goodarzi Pour, S. Nejati, A. Fotouhi,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (3-2011)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Conventional radiological equipments in our country are going to be converted to digital system using computed radiology (CR) technology. If we know the accuracy of digital panoramic radiography for detection of small defects in tooth, it will be useful in cases with difficulty for taking the intraoral radiographs. The aim of this study was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of digital panoramic radiography for detection of proximal caries compared with the bitewing radiography.
Materials and Methods: One-hundred patients who had been ordered for taking both bitewing and panoramic radiography were included in this study. Panoramic and then bitewing radiographs were observed by a maxillofacial radiologist and interproximal caries were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity of digital panoramic radiography (CI=95%) was calculated compared with the bitewing radiography as a gold standard.
Results: This study showed that the values for sensitivity and specificity were 62.7% (CI 95%=57.7%-67.5%) and 91.0% (CI 95%=89.2%-92.5%), respectively.
Conclusion: Sensitivity of digital panoramic is less than bitewing radiography even with processing before printing. Therefore, bitewing radiography is superior for detection of inter proximal caries.
Narjes Amiri Tehranizadeh, Nahid Asgarizadeh, Vajihe Kamel,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (4-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Improper feeding is one of the most important etiologic factors in early childhood caries (ECC). In some clinical trials, breast feeding (BF) is mentioned as a causing factor in ECC. Results in this topic are different or even controversial. It is vital that all general advices given out are consistent with general health education messages. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the relationship between breast feeding and early childhood caries.
Materials and Methods: Articles, guidelines, related books, and specific databases such as SID, PubMed, Scirus, Elsevier, American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Dental Association (ADA) were searched for related topics cited since 1990. Early childhood caries definition, breast feeding and other variables such as sample size, study location and study design were analyzed.
Results: According to data analysis, there was a lack of methodological consistency and inconsistent definitions of ECC and BF in the literature making it difficult to draw conclusions. Results about relationship between prolonged BF and ECC were inconclusive. There was a positive relationship between nocturnal BF and ECC. A history of BF did not have any effect on the caries incidence.
Conclusion: Because of the role of breast feeding in children's health, it is important to inform the parents about the possibility of dental caries due to nocturnal breast feeding.
Hossein Afshar, Ahmadreza Shamshiri, Vahid Pourtalebi Firozabadi, Zahra Bani Ameri,
Volume 25, Issue 4 (1-2013)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Nursing Caries (NC) is a destructive form of caries because of incorrect nutritional habits in infants that affects deciduous teeth after eruption. Familiarity with the pattern of this type of caries and evaluation of its symmetrical or asymmetrical pattern is necessary for effective and scientific diagnosis and treatment. The aim was to assess the symmetrical or asymmetrical aspects of Nursing Caries in children between 3-5 years old.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 10 kindergartens were randomly selected by the Tehran Welfare Organization. 115 children with NC caries entered to study after examination. Written consents were obtained from the parents. The dmfs in upper primary incisors and upper and lower primary canines, as well as the first primary molars were assessed and the caries pattern in terms of symmetrical or asymmetrical aspects was evaluated. The data were analyzed by ANOVA, LSD, Chi-square and Fisher tests.
Results: In 53.9% of the children with NC, the anterior teeth were affected symmetrically, while 46.1% indicated an asymmetrical pattern. In general, 32.2% of the teeth were affected in a symmetrical pattern and 67.8% of them in an asymmetrical pattern. About the relationship between the breastfeeding from the right or left breast and the symmetrical pattern of the NC, 51% of the children were equally breastfed from both breasts. However, in the asymmetrical NC pattern with more impact in the right side of dentition, 50% of the children had been breastfed from the left side and in children with more caries in the left side of dentition, 50% of them had been breastfed from the right side (P=0.01).
Conclusion: NC has symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns. Direction of mother for breastfeeding affects the symmetrical and asymmetrical pattern of NC.
Mahsa Mansouri , Khoroushi Maryam ,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (8-2013)
Abstract
U ntreated caries are common findings in low-income communities. Treatment of dental caries in young children is challenging and requires a high skill and high cost of dental anesthesia for control ling patients and thus, chemical methods for arresting dental caries have been proposed. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a material that is used to control and to arrest dental caries , especially in primary teeth . It is noninvasive, safe , easy to use , and cost-effective. The SDF can be used as a therapeutic agent in oral health projects in low-income communities . In this article we review ed the silver diamine fluoride and its application in dentistry.
Sara Ghadimi, Mohammad Reza Khami, Samaneh Razeghi,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (5-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Despite significant decline in dental caries in recent decades, the disease remains a
public health problem especially in developing countries. In recent years combined application of laser and
fluoride has been introduced as a new caries-preventive measure. The purpose of the present study was to review
the literature on the preventive effect of combined application of laser and fluoride on the dental caries.
Materials and Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar and EMBASE databases were searched for articles published
from 1990 to November 30, 2013. Various combinations of the following keywords were used: Dental caries,
Laser, Fluoride, Fluoride therapy, Prevention and Enamel. The inclusion criteria included all levels of available
evidence. Articles published only in english language were evaluated, and unpublished data were not sought.
Results: Several studies evaluating the effect of laser alone or combined with topical fluoride to prevent dental
enamel demineralization were found. Studies assessing the combined effect were more frequently done on
permanent teeth and just a few studies were done on primary teeth. In total, most of the studies confirmed that
combined application of laser and topical fluoride has a remarkable effect in prevention of enamel
demineralization compared to application of each of them alone.
Conclusion: Laser irradiation combined with topical fluoride application seems to provide the best prevention
effect on the dental caries initiation and progression in enamel of permanent teeth. However, more experimental
and clinical studies are necessary to be done on the primary teeth in this area.
Rabbani Khorasgani Mohammad , Aliasghari Azam , Maryam Khoroushi,
Volume 28, Issue 2 (7-2015)
Abstract
Dental caries is a multi-factorial disease and the most common human infection that annually are spent millions dollars to control and treat it. Several methods have been proposed so far to control it. The most important control methods it is now include : dental hygiene, proper nutrition , fluoride therapy , the use of non- cariogenic sweeteners . Also, the use of probiotics , nanomaterials , bacteriophages , antimicrobial peptides and anti- caries vaccines can be considered as new perspective of human in the dental caries control field. In addition, the use of complementary and alternative therapies , especially herbal drug therapy recently has been considered . Demonstrating the efficacy of complementary medicine against dental caries and its use in combination with conventional medicine or trial of new methods for decline of dental caries in the future would be hopeful.
Rezvan Rafatjou, Zahra Razavi, Maryam Khalili, Maryam Farhadian,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (11-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Type 1 diabetes mellitus, is the most common metabolic disorders in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the state of oral health in children with type 1 diabetes compared with healthy children in 2013-2014 in Hamadan province, Iran.
Materials and Methods: The specimens were selected through convenience sampling in two groups. Group one consisted of 80 individuals (5-18 years old; case group), suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus referred to the Pediatric endocrine clinic. Control group consisted of 80 non-diabetic healthy children who were out- patients of pediatric and orthodontic department of Hamadan dental school. Two groups were similar in age and sex. The data were collected through a questionnaire, medical records and clinical examination. DMFT, dmft, GI and PI indices were assessed in each patient. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and T-test.
Results: In spite of similarity in oral hygiene habits in both group, there was no significant difference in mean DMFT and permanent decayed teeth in both groups (P>0.05), but the mean dmft (P<0.008) and primary decayed teeth (P<0.011) in the control group was significantly higher than that of the case group. Also, diabetic patients had significantly more gingival inflammation (P<0.05). The mean PI in the two groups did not differ significantly. Oral hygiene habits were similar in both groups but diabetic patients were significantly referred to dentists with lower frequency then that of control group (P=0.00).
Conclusion: The devastating effects of diabetes on the oral health, along with other side effects can be effective in promoting tooth decay and gingivitis in diabetic patients. Unfortunately, oral health care and programmed dental visit were not the priority for the diabetic patient (and parents) involved in our study. Therefore, programs to increase awareness and encourage patients for a better control of their oral health in order to diminish diabetes' devastating effects is recommended.
Hossein Hessari, Mona Hamedani Golshan,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aims: This study aimed to assess the severity of tooth decay and related factors in children 5-7 years old, in 2016, in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed on 572 children aged 5-7 years old (300 girls and 272 boys) in public schools in Tehran, Iran. Severity of dental caries (number of decayed, missing, filled surfaces) recorded for C, D and E teeth according to WHO criteria. Data analysis was performed by Backward Linear Regression Analyses using SPSS 20 (P≤0.05).
Results: Assessment of dental caries severity according to the number of decayed surfaces showed generally higher figures in upper jaw. The order of average severity of carious teeth was C, E and D from low to high in both jaws. According to the results of Linear Regression Analysis, severity of dental caries was more than other children in boys (OR=1.83, 95%CI: 0.81-2.8), those visited dentist due to dental problems associated with pain (OR=1.17, 95%CI: 0.73-1.6), and those without fluoride therapy (OR=1.64, 95%CI: 0.58-2.6) in C, D and E teeth.
Conclusion: Flow the results, it was concluded that gender, level of mother's education, type of snack consumption, start age of tooth brushing, reason for dental visit and fluoride therapy affected severity of tooth decay.
Fateme Ramezanalizadeh, Azam Aliasghari, Mohammad Rabbani Khorasgani, Maryam Khoroushi, Arezoo Tahmourethpour, Ahmad Reza Jabbari,
Volume 29, Issue 4 (1-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dental caries is the most common infectious diseases. Among the oral bacteria, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are considered as the main causes of tooth decay. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of hyperimmune bovine colostrum containing specific antibodies against cariogenic bacteria and its antimicrobial effects on the growth and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus in the laboratory.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, three pregnant bovine immunized with killed antigens of strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mutans with Streptococcus Sobrinus and Streptococcus sobrinus through intramuscular injections. After delivery, The colostrum samples were collected, and the changes of anti-streptococci antibodies titers in colostrum and serum were determined by agglutination. Also,their antimicrobial effects against the growth and adhesion of oral streptococci were surveyed by the microtiter plate method. Data were analysed by One-Wey ANOVA in SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that in hyperimmunized bovine , the antibodies titers against injected bacteria were from 1.1000 to 1.3000 in sera samples and from 1.320 to 1.1280 in whey of colostrum samples. Colostrum of hyperimmune cows reduced the attachment of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus Sobrinus about 69 and 43 percents, respectively and also, the low dilutions of it reduced bacterial growth.
Conclusion: According to the antibacterial effect immune colostrum on two strains of cariogenic bacteria in vitro, It appears that this material could be useful in the prevention and control of dental caries.
Maryam Khoroushi, Mohammad Rabbani Khorasgani, Azam Aliasghari,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Tooth decay has high prevalence in the world. The use of plant material for the prevention and treatment of this disease for various reasons is considered, due to the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, the high cost and adverse effects of some chemicals used in dentistry. This study was aimed to determine the antimicrobial effect of alcoholic extract of Pepper (Capsicum annuum) and eggplant skin and cap on the cariogenic streptococci.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of Capsicum annuum and eggplant skin and cap on the cariogenic streptococci, including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Streptococcus sanguis by microtitre plate method for MIC (Minimum Inhibitor Concentration) was performed. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance using Prism 5 Graph Pad software.
Results: MIC for the Capsicum annuum and eggplant skin for Streptococcus mutans was 250 mg/ml (SD=0.052), and for the Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus sanguis was 125 mg/ml (SD=0.027). The MIC for the cap eggplant for Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus was 500 mg/ml (SD=0) and for S. sanguis was getting 125 mg/ml (SD=0.159).
Conclusion: This study showed that the herbal extracts of Capsicum annuum and eggplant skin and cap had beneficially antimicrobial effects on all three strains of cariogenic streptococci.
Elham Zajkani, Habib Zeighami, Alireza Zaeefjou,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dental caries is an infectious disease transmitted by multiple factors in the mouth and one of the most common chronic diseases in the world that requires a lot of treatment expenses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride 0.2% and Fuchs mouthwash (a combination of xylitol and fluoride 920 ppm) against two bacterial growths (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus).
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, first the well diffusion method and then MIC method (minimum inhibitory concentration) were used. Data were analyzed with Excell (2016).
Results: The results of the MIC method showed inhibitory effect of both mouthwashes in pure concentration (128 μg/ml). However, fluoride was effective in concentration higher than 32 μg/ml for Streptococcus mutans and higher than 2 μg/ml for lactobacillus acidophilus. Fuchs was effective for both bacteria at concentration higher than 64 μg/ml and in lower concentration it was ineffective. The results of the well diffusion test showed the inhibition of fluoride mouthwash in pure concentration on the Streptococcus mutans was (17 mm) and on the lactobacillus acidophilus 24 mm was obtained. In Fuchs mouthwash was zero and it represented effectiveness of fluoride on bacteria and ineffectiveness of Fuchs.
Conclusion: The fluoride mouthrinse in different concentrations, because of having a good inhibitory effect in both methods on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus was more effective compared with that of Fuchs mouthrinse.
Imaneh Asgari, Neda Ghanea,
Volume 30, Issue 2 (8-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aims: First molar has an important role at individual’s dental health. Among the known risk factors, the experience of previous caries is of the best predictors for future caries. The aim of this study was to examine the association of primary teeth caries and other risk factors with the incidence of permanent teeth caries by considering the caries extent and severity.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study was done on 150 students from second and third grade with 9 years old. Cases included children with at least one carious permanent molar. Caries-free students who were matched based on the gender and mother education was considered as control group. Examination was done on dental unit under the unit light with blunt explorer and mirror for visual assessment. DMFT, dmft and caries severity (D1-D3) were recorded based on WHO standards. Data were calculated using SPSS18, Correlation, Chi Square Analysis, Odds ratio and Logistic regression.
Results: Linear correlation between dmft in primary teeth and DMFT in permanent molars was obtained with r:0.34 (P<0.001). Decay in permanent molars in students with active caries in primary molars was 3.3 times more probable than others. In regression model, the other risk factors such as cariogenic diet, mother`s education, brushing with toothpaste, flossing, using flouride, and regular dental visiting were not significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Caries-free primary teeth predicts permanent teeth without decay with a high possibility. It could be helpful in caries risk assessments.
Afsaneh Pakdaman, Behrouz Akbari-Adergani,
Volume 31, Issue 3 (11-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The systemic and topical preventive effect of fluoride on tooth decay has been reported. The aim of the present study was to determine the fluoride level in imported and national fluoridated dentifrices in the Iranian market.
Materials and Methods: Sampling was randomly performed from the main market centers and pharmacies in Tehran. The total fluoride (TF) and total soluble fluoride (TSF) concentrations were determined by ion specific electrode potentiometer method. The samples were coded and one trained researcher performed the analysis. Descriptive statistics as percentage and analytical statistics reported as independent t-test were reported.
Results: In adults’ toothpastes, the total fluoride ranged from 191 to 1601.9 ppm with the mean of 911.2 (SD=331.4) ppm. The total soluble fluoride ranged from 322.8 to 1518.8 ppm with the mean of 1021 (SD=279.8) ppm. In children’s toothpaste total fluoride ranged from 236.3 to 1163.7 ppm and the total fluoride of 594 (SD=375). Total soluble fluoride in children’s toothpaste ranged 655.6-1102.6 with the mean of 879.1 (SD=316.07). Analysis of the total fluoride (TF) and total soluble fluoride (TSF) showed that there was no significant difference between the local and imported toothpastes (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The fluoride level of Iranian toothpaste was similar to that of the imported toothpastes, however there was variation in the level of fluoride in products.
Fereshteh Abbaspour, Mahdia Gholami, Katayoun Sargeran,
Volume 32, Issue 4 (1-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dental caries is a multifactorial and common disease that leads to a decrease in the quality of life of individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum vitamin D and dental caries in the third year-to-last year students of dental school of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 123 dental students. Demographic and health information were completed through a checklist. The level of vitamin D in individuals was measured by blood sampling. We recorded caries by ICDAS (international caries detection and assessment system) in two levels of D(1-6)MFT (total of decayed, filled and missing tooth) and D(3-6)MFT (total of progressive decayed, filled and missing tooth). Data analysis was done by the SPSS package version 25 using statistical tests of correlation and regression.
Results: The results showed that the correlation coefficient between vitamin D and caries index D(1-6)MFT was -0.89 with a P-value of 0.3328 which was not statistically significant. Based on the backward logistic regression, there was a positive significant statistical association between the D(3-6)MFT with vitamin D deficiency (P<0.001), weight (P=0.012), dental visit (P=0.023) and frequency of sweet snack consumption (P=0.03). In addition a significant and inverse statistical association was reported between the D(3-6)MFT and milk consumption (P=0.026).
Conclusion: Among dentistry students, no relation between vitamin D deficiency and early stages of decay was seen, however this relation was statistically significant in regard with progressive dental caries.
