RESUMEN
Objective: To assess the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) in an adult population and explore association with sociodemographic variables, dietary habits and oral health behaviours. Design and Methodology: Cross-sectional survey of consecutive dental patients (18 years and over) attending the UWI School of Dentistry polyclinic. Following informed consent, dental examinations were undertaken by two calibrated dentists. Presence of DH was assessed clinically by sensitivity to an air syringe on individual teeth. Patients were also administered a questionnaire which included age, gender, occupation, medical and dental history, brushing and dietary history. Data were processed using statistical software (SPSS version 24). Association between variables were analyzed using the Chi-Square test. Results: 300 patients participated. Age range 18 81years, mean 44.7 years (SD 15.69). 69% were female and the main ethnic groups were African (45.7%),Indian (30%) and mixed (23%). 48.3% were in employment. Over half of the participants (54.9%) reported a history of sensitive teeth and 52% reported sensitivity to the air syringe on one or more teeth. A history of sensitive teeth was significantly associated with gender (female), frequent consumption of citrus fruits and citrus juice, history of teeth grinding or clenching and twice daily tooth brushing (Chi-square test p <0.05). Conclusions: Prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity was high among this sample of dental patients and associated with gender, dietary practices, tooth grinding and brushing frequency. Management of this condition should include dietary advice, modification of oral habits and advice on tooth brushing techniques.
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Sensibilidad de la Dentina , Trinidad y TobagoRESUMEN
In the Dominican Republic, green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are widely cultivated under protected greenhouse conditions as high value commercial crops for export. For the past 2 to 3 years, pepper and tomato have been observed in protected crop facilities in Jarabacoa and Constanza in the North Region with chlorotic and necrotic spots and rings on leaves, petioles, and stems, leaf bronzing, and tip necrosis. Fruits on symptomatic pepper and tomato plants showed concentric rings, irregular chlorotic blotches and deformation, and uneven maturation and development. Incidence on pepper and tomato was 20 to 100% and 5 to 20%, respectively. In initial tests, leaves and fruits from each of 20 symptomatic tomato and pepper plants from several greenhouse facilities were reactive in Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV; genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae) immunostrip assays (Agdia, Inc., Elkhart, IN). Since these immunostrips are known to react with other tospoviruses, such as Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV) and Groundnut ring spot virus, additional molecular diagnostic assays were conducted. Leaf and fruit samples from symptomatic plants were imprinted on nitrocellulose membrane (NCM) (2), air-dried, and sent to Washington State University for confirmatory tests. Viral nucleic acids were eluted from NCM discs (1) and subjected to reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using primers gL3637 (CCTTTAACAGTDGAAACAT) and gL4435 (CATDGCRCAAGARTGRTARACAGA) designed to amplify a portion of the L RNA segment of several tospoviruses (3). A single DNA product of ~800 bp was amplified from all samples. Amplicons from two tomato (leaf and fruit) and one pepper fruit samples were cloned separately into pCR2.1 (Invitrogen Corp., Carlsbad, CA). Two independent clones per amplicon were sequenced in both orientations. Sequence analyses of these clones (GenBank Accession Nos. KF 219673 to 75) showed 100% nucleotide sequence identity among themselves and 97% identity with corresponding L RNA sequences of pepper isolates of TSWV from Taiwan (HM180088) and South Korea (HM581940), 94 to 95% with tomato isolates of TSWV from South Korea (HM581934) and Hawaii (AY070218), and 89% with a tomato isolate from Indonesia (FJ177301). These results further confirm the presence of TSWV in symptomatic tomato and pepper plants. A comparison of TSWV sequences from the Dominican Republic with TSWV isolates from the United States and other countries in the Caribbean region could not be made due to the absence of corresponding sequences of the L-RNA of the virus from these countries in GenBank. TSWV-positive samples were negative for TCSV in RT-PCR, indicating the absence of this tospovirus that has been reported in the Caribbean region (data not shown). To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report of TSWV in tomatoes and peppers in the Dominican Republic. The presence of vector thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, on symptomatic plants was also confirmed, suggesting a role in the spread of TSWV under greenhouse conditions. Recent surveys identified some greenhouses with 100% symptomatic peppers. The presence of TSWV in tomato and pepper has important implications for the domestic and export vegetable industry in the Dominican Republic because of the broad host range of the virus (4). It is critical for commercial producers to monitor TSWV and deploy appropriate management strategies to limit virus spread. References: (1) O. J. Alabi et al. J. Virol. Methods 154:111, 2008. (2) P.-G. S. Chang et al. J. Virol. Methods 171:345, 2011. (3) F. H. Chu et al. Phytopathology 91:361, 2001. (4) G. Parrella et al. J. Plant Pathol. 85:227, 2003.
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AIM: To evaluate and compare the frequency of common operator errors seen on panoramic radiographs in dental private practices and in the dental hospital (taken by informally and formally trained operators, respectively) in Trinidad and Tobago. METHOD: One thousand panoramic radiographs of patients over the age of 10 years were included in this study. These comprised 500 from the dental hospital and 500 from dental private practices. The radiographs were reviewed using standardized criteria to identify the most common operator errors. RESULTS: There were only 21 (4.2%) error free radiographs in the dental private practice sample and 29 (5.8%) in the dental hospital sample. Frequencies of specific errors were significantly higher in the dental private practice sample in each category except for "Chin tipped too low" (Chi-square p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: This study supports the need for the introduction of statutory guidelines with respect to the use of ionizing radiation in dentistry in Trinidad and Tobago and in particular, the implementation of formally assessed dedicated dental radiography training for all operators of dental X-ray equipment.
OBJETIVO: Evaluar y comparar la frecuencia de los errores comunes de los operadores, observados en las radiografías panorámicas en las clínicas dentales privadas y en el hospital de odontología (tomadas por operadores adiestrados formalmente e informalmente, de forma respectiva) en Trinidad y Tobago. MÉTODO: Mil radiografías panorámicas de pacientes de más de 10 años de edad, fueron incluidas en este estudio. Las mismas comprendían 500 provenientes del hospital odontológico y 500 provenían de las prácticas privadas de dentistas. Las radiografías fueron examinadas a partir de criterios estandarizados, a fin de identificar los errores más comunes de los operadores. RESULTADOS: Hubo sólo 21 (4.2%) radiografías sin errores en la muestra de la clínica dental privada, y 29 (5.8%) en la muestra del hospital de odontología. Las frecuencias de errores específicos fueron significativamente más altas en la muestra de la clínica dental privada en cada categoría, salvo el caso del "mentón inclinado excesivamente hacia abajo" (Chi-cuadrado p < 0.05) CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio subraya la necesidad de introducir pautas reglamentarias con respecto al uso de la radiación ionizante en la cirugía dental en Trinidad y Tobago, particularmente en lo que concierne al adiestramiento especializado en radiografía dental, formalmente evaluado, para todos los operadores de equipos de rayos x para el trabajo dental.
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Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Niño , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Errores Diagnósticos/estadística & datos numéricos , Posicionamiento del Paciente/normas , Radiografía Panorámica/normas , Odontología/normas , Hospitales Especializados/normas , Hospitales Especializados/estadística & datos numéricos , Práctica Privada/normas , Práctica Privada/estadística & datos numéricos , Radiografía Panorámica/métodos , Trinidad y TobagoRESUMEN
AIM: To evaluate and compare the frequency of common operator errors seen on panoramic radiographs in dental private practices and in the dental hospital (taken by informally and formally trained operators, respectively) in Trinidad and Tobago. METHOD: One thousand panoramic radiographs of patients over the age of 10 years were included in this study. These comprised 500 from the dental hospital and 500 from dental private practices. The radiographs were reviewed using standardized criteria to identify the most common operator errors. RESULTS: There were only 21 (4.2%) error free radiographs in the dental private practice sample and 29 (5.80%) in the dental hospital sample. Frequencies of specific errors were significantly higher in the dental private practice sample in each category except for "Chin tipped too low" (Chi-square p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: This study supports the need for the introduction of statutory guidelines with respect to the use of ionizing radiation in dentistry in Trinidad and Tobago and in particular, the implementation of formally assessed dedicated dental radiography training for all operators of dental X-ray equipment.
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Errores Diagnósticos/estadística & datos numéricos , Posicionamiento del Paciente/normas , Radiografía Panorámica/normas , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Niño , Odontología/normas , Hospitales Especializados/normas , Hospitales Especializados/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Práctica Privada/normas , Práctica Privada/estadística & datos numéricos , Radiografía Panorámica/métodos , Trinidad y Tobago , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dental patients in Trinidad would accept smoking cessation advice from their dentist. STUDY DESIGN: Patients attending General practice clinics from twelve randomly selected public health centres in Trinidad were invited to answer a 28- item administered questionnaire. STUDY METHOD: Demographic data, knowledge of effects of smoking on health and dentists' role in smoking cessation were determined. RESULTS:340 patients participated , with 93% response rate. 62.6% were female. 94.7% said they would appreciate it, if their dentist provided smoking cessation advice. 90.3% had good knowledge of the effects of smoking and lung cancer and 79.4% on oral cancer. 76.35% of smokers said they would try to quit if their dentist suggested it. CONCLUSION: positives views were held towards dentists' advice on smoking cessation. Dentists should inform all patients who smoke about the benefits of quitting and provide support with smoking cessation techniques.
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Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Cese del Hábito de Fumar , Relaciones Dentista-Paciente , Trinidad y TobagoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To assess the dental health knowledge of primary school teachers, their attitudes toward the prevention of dental diseases and to identify any barriers to the implementation of oral health promotion programmes in schools. METHOD: Teachers' knowledge of the causes and prevention of dental decay and gum disease, their attitudes toward oral health and barriers to the implementation of dental health education programmes were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: School teachers were generally very well informed about the causes and prevention of dental decay and gum disease. Knowledge of the appropriate management of serious dental trauma was very poor among this group although they seemed to have greater awareness of the appropriate management for less serious dental injuries. The majority of teachers demonstrated positive attitudes toward dental health and its incorporation into the school curriculum. Teachers' attitudes to their own involvement in school-based dental health education were also positive. Lack of training and resources and time within the curriculum were identified as major barriers to the implementation of a dental health education programme in primary schools. CONCLUSION: Developing teacher training programmes that include oral health knowledge and an evidence-based approach to dental health education within a school setting could enable primary school teachers to play a significant part in oral health promotion for young children in Trinidad.
OBJETIVO: Evaluar el conocimiento de los maestros de escuela primaria sobre salud dental, y sus actitudes hacia la prevención de enfermedades dentales, e identificar cualquier barrera a la implementación de programas de promoción de la salud oral en las escuelas. MÉTODO: Haciendo uso de un cuestionario auto-administrado, se evaluó el conocimiento de los maestros sobre las causas y prevención de las caries dentales, y las enfermedades de la encía, así como las actitudes de aquellos hacia la salud oral y las barreras a la aplicación de programas de educación de salud dental. RESULTADOS: Los maestros escolares estaban generalmente muy bien informados acerca de las causas y prevención de las caries dentales y las enfermedades de la encía. El conocimiento sobre el tratamiento apropiado del trauma dental serio era muy pobre entre este grupo, aunque parecían tener mayor conciencia del tratamiento apropiado para las lesiones dentales menos serias. La mayoría de los maestros demostró poseer actitudes positivas hacia la salud dental y su incorporación en el plan de estudios. Las actitudes de los maestros hacia su propia participación en la educación para la salud dental con base en la escuela, fueron también positivas. La falta de entrenamiento, así como de recursos y tiempo dentro del plan de estudios, fueron identificados como las barreras principales a la implementación de un programa de educación de salud dental en las escuelas primarias. CONCLUSIÓN: El desarrollo de programas de entrenamientos para los maestros, que incluyan conocimientos de salud oral y un enfoque de la educación para la salud dental, basado en evidencias, dentro del contexto de la escuela, podría permitirles a los maestros escolares primarios desempeñar un papel significativo en la promoción de la salud oral entre los niños jóvenes en Trinidad.
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Adulto , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Educación en Salud Dental , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Servicios de Salud Escolar/organización & administración , Enseñanza , Estudios Transversales , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trinidad y TobagoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To describe periodontal disease status in diabetic patients in Trinidad. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients attending a tertiary referral centre for diabetes at an out-patient clinic were invited to undergo oral examinations. The basic periodontal examination (BPE) was used to assess periodontal disease status. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients participated in the study. Mean age was 55.7 years, 54.2% were female, with 66.7% and 22.2% being of Indo-Trinidadian and Afro-Trinidadian ethnicity respectively. There were 61.1% who had not attended for dental treatment within the last year and 56.9% only attended when in pain; 15.3% had a history of cigarette smoking and 31.9% currently wore a denture. Plaque was detectable with the use of a probe in 40.3% of the 67% that underwent a BPE assessment; 38.8% were found to have advanced periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of periodontal disease in this sample of diabetic patients suggests that regular dental examinations, oral health education, and collaborative patient care between medical and dental practitioners should form part of the routine management of diabetic patients in Trinidad.
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Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiología , Enfermedades Periodontales/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , Diabetes Mellitus/etnología , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Periodontales/etnología , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Fumar/epidemiología , Fumar/etnología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trinidad y Tobago/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To describe periodontal disease status in diabetic patients in Trinidad. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients attending a tertiary referral centre for diabetes at an out-patient clinic were invited to undergo oral examinations. The basic periodontal examination (BPE) was used to assess periodontal disease status. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients participated in the study. Mean age was 55.7 years, 54.2% were female, with 66.7% and 22.2% being of Indo-Trinidadian and Afro-Trinidadian ethnicity respectively. There were 61.1% who had not attended for dental treatment within the last year and 56.9% only attended when in pain; 15.3% had a history of cigarette smoking and 31.9% currently wore a denture. Plaque was detectable with the use of a probe in 40.3% of the 67% that underwent a BPE assessment; 38.8% were found to have advanced periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of periodontal disease in this sample of diabetic patients suggests that regular dental examinations, oral health education, and collaborative patient care between medical and dental practitioners should form part ofthe routine management ofdiabetic patients in Trinidad.
OBJETIVOS: Describir el estado de la enfermedad periodontal en los pacientes diabéticos en Trinidad. MÉTODO: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal. Un número de pacientes que asistían a un centro terciario de remisión terciario para la diabetes en una clínica ambulatoria, fue invitado a recibir exámenes orales. Se usó el examen periodontal básico (EPB) para evaluar el estado de la enfermedad periodontal. RESULTADOS: Setenta y dos pacientes participaron en el estudio. La edad promedio fue 55.7 años, 54.2% fueron hembras; 66.7% y 22.2% fueron de etnicidad indotrinitense y afrotrinitense respectivamente. Hubo un 61.1% que no habían asistido para recibir tratamiento dental en el último año, y 56.9% que sólo asistieron cuando tuvieron dolor; el 15.3% tenía una historia de hábito de fumar cigarrillos, y el 31.9% usaba una prótesis dental. La placa era detectable usando una sonda dental en el 40.3% del 67% que recibió la evaluación del EPB, en tanto que se halló que el 38.8% tenía la enfermedad periodontal en estado avanzado. CONCLUSIÓN: La prevalencia de la enfermedad periodontal en esta muestra de pacientes diabéticos indica que los exámenes dentales regulares, la educación para la salud oral, y el cuidado colaborativo entre pacientes y trabajadores de la salud dental, deben formar parte del manejo de los pacientes diabéticos en Trinidad.
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Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiología , Enfermedades Periodontales/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Diabetes Mellitus/etnología , Enfermedades Periodontales/etnología , Prevalencia , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Factores de Riesgo , Fumar/epidemiología , Fumar/etnología , Trinidad y Tobago/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To assess the dental health knowledge of primary school teachers, their attitudes toward the prevention of dental diseases and to identify any barriers to the implementation of oral health promotion programmes in schools. METHOD: Teachers' knowledge of the causes and prevention of dental decay and gum disease, their attitudes toward oral health and barriers to the implementation of dental health education programmes were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: School teachers were generally very well informed about the causes and prevention of dental decay and gum disease. Knowledge of the appropriate management of serious dental trauma was very poor among this group although they seemed to have greater awareness of the appropriate management for less serious dental injuries. The majority of teachers demonstrated positive attitudes toward dental health and its incorporation into the school curriculum. Teachers'attitudes to their own involvement in school-based dental health education were also positive. Lack of training and resources and time within the curriculum were identified as major barriers to the implementation of a dental health education programme in primary schools. CONCLUSION: Developing teacher training programmes that include oral health knowledge and an evidence-based approach to dental health education within a school setting could enable primary school teachers to play a significant part in oral health promotion for young children in Trinidad.
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Educación en Salud Dental , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Servicios de Salud Escolar/organización & administración , Enseñanza , Adulto , Niño , Preescolar , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trinidad y TobagoRESUMEN
AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of dental anxiety and its possible causes among people in Trinidad and Tobago. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional survey of parents and guardians accompanying children who were attending a paediatric dental clinic. Participants completed a questionnaire while in the waiting room, which included the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), age, gender and occupation. An additional item was included which asked participants to rate the anxiety felt on having a tooth extracted. RESULTS: There were 100 participants (81% female). Overall, 40% of participants reported moderate to severe anxiety. Twenty-three per cent of participants had moderate anxiety (MDAS 15-18) and 17% had severe anxiety/phobia (MDAS 19-20). Level of anxiety was related to gender (multiple linear regression, p < 0.05). Proportions of participants were very/extremely anxious of having a tooth drilled (48%), local anaesthetic injection (53%) and extraction (52%). Thirty-six per cent of participants had avoided dental treatment in the past because they were too anxious. CONCLUSION: High levels of dental anxiety were found in this sample of Trinidadian adults. The MDAS was able to detect significant elements of that anxiety. The addition of a question on extraction revealed that this procedure may contribute substantially in anxiety toward dental treatment in the Caribbean.
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Ansiedad al Tratamiento Odontológico/epidemiología , Preparación de la Cavidad Dental/psicología , Inyecciones/psicología , Extracción Dental/psicología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Trastornos Fóbicos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trinidad y Tobago/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
This study ascertained demographic information and prevalence rates of medical problems among 571 new and consecutive dental patients attending the emergency clinic of the School of Dentistry, The University of the West Indies. Patients were interviewed by specially trained and calibrated dental students and interns. Various medical problems of patients were recorded in individual open-ended case sheets, maintaining their privacy and confidentiality. This information was then transcribed into a specially designed and pretested form. The data were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using the SPSS statistical package to obtain the prevalence rates of medical conditions, which were then cross-tabulated with gender, age, ethnicity, and other variables. Significance of differences, if any, was evaluated by chi-square test. In all, 303 medical conditions were encountered in 239 individuals, giving a prevalence rate of 42 percent. Hypertension (12.6 percent), diabetes (6.1 percent), asthma (5.8 percent), arthritis (4.7 percent), and various allergies (8.3 percent) constituted an important segment of the problems. Gender, ethnic, and age differences were also evident for some diseases. In this study-which was the first of this kind in the West Indies-vital information on medical problems among dental patients was obtained by interviews conducted by dental students and interns, forming an important part of their dental education.
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Atención Odontológica/normas , Estado de Salud , Anamnesis , Vigilancia de la Población , Adolescente , Adulto , Educación en Odontología/métodos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Medición de Riesgo , Indias Occidentales , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To describe the type and frequency of oral and dental conditions presenting to medical practitioners in Trinidad and Tobago, type of management, and interest in continuing education in oral diseases. METHOD: Cross sectional survey of registered medical practitioners in Trinidad. 20-item self-reported questionnaire. RESULTS: 103 medical practitioners participated in the study (response rate 69%). Mean age 33 years. Mean years since qualifying was 8 years and 72% worked mainly in hospital service or private practice (19%); 67% had seen patients with a dental problems, with 69% of those at least as frequently as once a month. Most frequently seen problems were dental abscess (72.5%) and toothache (59.4%). In the case of dental abscess and oral mucosal infection 31.9% and 63.8% respectively, diagnosed and treated before referring. 84% cent expressed interest in receiving continuing education in oral diseases. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of access to oral care in Trinidad and Tobago, medical practitioners appear to be important providers and may benefit from further training in the diagnosis and management of oral diseases.
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Enfermedades de la Boca , Pautas de la Práctica en Medicina , Enfermedades Dentales , Adulto , Anciano , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Competencia Clínica , Estudios Transversales , Atención Odontológica/estadística & datos numéricos , Educación Continua en Odontología , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades de la Boca/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de la Boca/terapia , Absceso Periodontal/diagnóstico , Absceso Periodontal/terapia , Pautas de la Práctica en Medicina/estadística & datos numéricos , Derivación y Consulta , Estomatitis/diagnóstico , Estomatitis/terapia , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Enfermedades Dentales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Dentales/terapia , Traumatismos de los Dientes/diagnóstico , Traumatismos de los Dientes/terapia , Odontalgia/diagnóstico , Odontalgia/terapia , Trinidad y TobagoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To describe parents' views on the dental health of pre-school children in Trinidad. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Self-administered 22 item questionnaire by 138 parents and guardians of pre-school children. CLINICAL SETTING: University paediatric dentistry clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive parents or guardians of pre-school children attending a university paediatric dentistry clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Views on dental health and dental care of pre-school children, perceptions of own oral health and demographic information. RESULTS: Most participants (80%) were educated up to secondary school level and 59% were from homes where the head of the household was either in manual work or unemployed. One-half of the participants (50.7%) felt that teeth of young children should be brushed three times a day, with (75.4%) choosing a small brush. Most participants (65%) considered the position of supervised brushing of childrens' teeth from 'in front' to be the most effective method while 4.5% choose 'from behind'. Twenty seven percent did not know if their child's toothpaste contained fluoride and 82.6% did not know how much fluoride it should contain. Thirty three percent of the respondents had given their child a sweetened baby bottle or comforter at night. Fifty four percent felt a child's first dental visit should be when all baby teeth were present. Forty two percent would want a decayed baby tooth filled, 31.9% would want it extracted and 22.4% were unsure. CONCLUSION: The generally inaccurate factual knowledge and low awareness of preventive care among parents suggest the need for accurate information about factors influencing the dental health of pre-school children. These findings have significant implications for the delivery of effective health promotion strategies and the accuracy of health education messages in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Actitud Frente a la Salud , Salud Bucal , Padres/psicología , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Actitud Frente a la Salud/etnología , Cariostáticos/uso terapéutico , Preescolar , Atención Dental para Niños/psicología , Caries Dental/terapia , Carbohidratos de la Dieta/administración & dosificación , Escolaridad , Femenino , Fluoruros/uso terapéutico , Educación en Salud Dental , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ocupaciones , Padres/educación , Cepillado Dental/instrumentación , Cepillado Dental/métodos , Pastas de Dientes/uso terapéutico , Trinidad y Tobago/etnologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To describe parents' views on the dental health of pre-school children in Trinidad. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Self-administered 22 item questionnaire by 138 parents and guardians of pre-school children. CLINICAL SETTING: University paediatric dentistry clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive parents or guardians of pre-school children attending a university paediatric dentistry clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Views on dental health and dental care of pre-school children, perceptions of own oral health and demographic information. RESULTS: Most participants (80 per cent) were educated up to secondary school level and 59 per cent were from homes where the head of the household was either in manual work or unemployed. One-half of the participants (50.7 per cent) felt that teeth of young children should be brushed three times a day, with (75.4 per cent) choosing a small brush. Most participants (65 per cent) considered the position of supervised brushing of childrens' teeth from 'in front' to be the most effective method while 4.5 per cent choose 'from behind'. Twenty seven percent did not know if their child's toothpaste contained fluoride and 82.6 per cent did not know how much fluoride it should contain. Thirty three percent of the respondents had given their child a sweetened baby bottle or comforter at night. Fifty four percent felt a child's first dental visit should be when all baby teeth were present. Forty two percent would want a decayed baby tooth filled, 31.9 per cent would want it extracted and 22.4 per cent were unsure. CONCLUSION: The generally inaccurate factual knowledge and low awareness of preventive care among parents suggest the need for accurate information about factors influencing the dental health of pre-school children. These findings have significant implications for the delivery of effective health promotion strategies and the accuracy of health education messages in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Preescolar , Humanos , Servicios de Salud Dental , Atención Dental para Niños , Padres , Trinidad y TobagoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine urinary fluoride levels in school children in a non-fluoridated area in Trinidad and Tobago. METHOD: Morning urine samples were requested from 750 children aged 5 to 14 years, attending a primary school in the area of St Joseph, north west Trinidad. Urine was collected at home and brought to school in labelled plastic bottles. Urinary fluoride concentration (ppm) was measured using an ion-specific electrode. RESULTS: Urine samples were available for 500 children (67). Mean age was 8.5 years. Overall mean fluoride concentration was 0.5 ppm +/- standard deviation (SD) 0.27; males (n = 263) were 0.58 ppm +/- 0.28 and females (n = 237) 0.55 ppm +/- 0.27. Children in the 5 to 7-year age group had the highest levels (0.64 ppm +/- 0.33). CONCLUSION: Mean urinary fluoride levels in this sample of school children were low indicating a fluoride intake below the optimum level for caries prevention. Fluoridation programmes may need to be implemented to increase fluoride intake among school children in the study area.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Preescolar , Adolescente , Cariostáticos/administración & dosificación , Estudiantes , Fluoruros/orina , Instituciones Académicas , Niño , Fluoruros/administración & dosificación , Proyectos Piloto , Preescolar , Trinidad y TobagoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To describe the oral health and treatment need of schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago. Design and method: Cross-sectional survey using stratified cluster sampling. Participants were children in primary (aged 6-8 years) and secondary school (aged 12 and 15 years). Main outcome measures were DMFT/dmft, treatment need, and fluorosis. RESULTS: Examinations were completed on 1064 children. The dmft of the 6-8-year-olds was 2·54 (95 per cent CI = 2·32, 2·76). For 12-year-olds, the DMFT was 0·61 (95 per cent CI = 0·51, 0·71), whereas for 15-year-olds, the DMFT was 1·06 (95per cent CI = 0·87, 1·25). Most of the caries experience in 6-8-year-olds was from decayed teeth. Sixty-seven per cent of the sample (95 per cent CI = 64 per cent, 69 per cent) had some type of treatment need. Most frequently occurring need was for fillings at 42 per cent (95 per cent CI = 40 per cent, 44 per cent) with 28 per cent (95 per cent CI = 26 per cent, 31 per cent) of the total sample needing two or more surface fillings, followed by fissure sealants at 33 per cent (95 per cent CI = 30 per cent, 36 per cent) and caries-arresting care at 12 per cent (95 per cent CI = 10 per cent, 14 per cent). Extraction of one or more teeth was needed in 13 per cent (95 per cent CI = 11 per cent, 15 per cent) of children. Rates of fluorosis were negligible. CONCLUSION: The caries experience of 12- and 15-year-old children were low but was high for schoolchildren aged 6-8 years, in terms of prevalence and severity. Effective oral health promotion strategies need to be implemented to improve the oral health of primary schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago.
Asunto(s)
Niño , Humanos , Salud Bucal/normas , Diagnóstico Bucal/métodos , Diagnóstico Bucal/estadística & datos numéricos , Trinidad y Tobago/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To describe the oral health and treatment need of schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago. DESIGN AND METHOD: Cross-sectional survey using stratified cluster sampling. Participants were children in primary (aged 6-8 years) and secondary school (aged 12 and 15 years). Main outcome measures were DMFT/dmft, treatment need, and fluorosis. RESULTS: Examinations were completed on 1064 children. The dmft of the 6-8-year-olds was 2.54 (95 per cent CI = 2.32, 2.76). For 12-year-olds, the DMFT was 0.61 (95 per cent CI = 0.51, 0.71), whereas for 15-year-olds, the DMFT was 1.06 (95 per cent CI = 0.87, 1.25). Most of the caries experience in 6-8-year-olds was from decayed teeth. Sixty-seven per cent of the sample (95 per cent CI = 64 per cent, 69 per cent) had some type of treatment need. Most frequently occurring need was for fillings at 42 per cent (95 per cent CI = 40 per cent, 44 per cent) with 28 per cent (95 per cent CI = 26 per cent, 31 per cent) of the total sample needing two or more surface fillings, followed by fissure sealants at 33 per cent (95 per cent CI = 30 per cent, 36 per cent) and caries-arresting care at 12 per cent (95 per cent CI = 10 per cent, 14 per cent). Extraction of one or more teeth was needed in 13 per cent (95 per cent CI = 11 per cent, 15 per cent) of children. Rates of fluorosis were negligible. CONCLUSION: The caries experience of 12- and 15-year-old children were low but was high for schoolchildren aged 6-8 years, in terms of prevalence and severity. Effective oral health promotion strategies need to be implemented to improve the oral health of primary schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago.
Asunto(s)
Niño , Humanos , Salud Bucal , Servicios de Salud Escolar , Trinidad y TobagoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To describe the oral health and treatment need of schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago. DESIGN AND METHOD: Cross-sectional survey using stratified cluster sampling. Participants were children in primary (aged 6-8 years) and secondary school (aged 12 and 15 years). Main outcome measures were DMFT/dmft, treatment need, and fluorosis. RESULTS: Examinations were completed on 1064 children. The dmft of the 6-8-year-olds was 2.54 (95% CI = 2.32, 2.76). For 12-year-olds, the DMFT was 0.61 (95% CI = 0.51, 0.71), whereas for 15-year-olds, the DMFT was 1.06 (95% CI = 0.87, 1.25). Most of the caries experience in 6-8-year-olds was from decayed teeth. Sixty-seven per cent of the sample (95% CI = 64%, 69%) had some type of treatment need. Most frequently occurring need was for fillings at 42% (95% CI = 40%, 44%) with 28% (95% CI = 26%, 31%) of the total sample needing two or more surface fillings, followed by fissure sealants at 33% (95% CI = 30%, 36%) and caries-arresting care at 12% (95% CI = 10%, 14%). Extraction of one or more teeth was needed in 13% (95% CI = 11%, 15%) of children. Rates of fluorosis were negligible. CONCLUSION: The caries experience of 12- and 15-year-old children were low but was high for schoolchildren aged 6-8 years, in terms of prevalence and severity. Effective oral health promotion strategies need to be implemented to improve the oral health of primary schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago.