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Caries is Associated with Asthma and Epilepsy
Ida Anjomshoaa1, Margaret E Cooper, Alexandre R Vieira
1Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
European Journal of Dentistry
|October 15, 2009
Summary
Systemic conditions like asthma and epilepsy are linked to increased tooth decay (caries experience). This study found higher rates of decayed, missing, or filled teeth in individuals with these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health Research
- Systemic Disease Epidemiology
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Growing evidence links systemic diseases with oral health conditions.
- The exact nature of this association (direct vs. mediated) requires further investigation.
- Understanding these links is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between self-reported systemic diseases and caries experience.
- To determine if specific systemic conditions correlate with higher levels of tooth decay.
- To provide data for better oral health management in patients with chronic illnesses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized medical history and caries data from 318 participants at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.
- Assessed caries experience using Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Decayed, Missing, Filled Surfaces (DMFS) indices.
- Employed regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between systemic disease status and caries indicators.
Main Results:
- Stronger associations were observed between caries experience and asthma and epilepsy.
- Individuals with asthma showed higher DMFT (>15) and DMFS (>50) scores, with associations remaining significant after controlling for gender.
- Epilepsy was also associated with elevated DMFT (>15) and DMFS (>50) scores.
Conclusions:
- Asthma and epilepsy are significantly associated with increased caries experience.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering systemic health in dental assessments.
- Further research may explore underlying mechanisms connecting these conditions and oral health outcomes.
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