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Dental caries prevalence in children during temporary protective care according to type of abuse
Yuki Nakamura1, Yukiko Nogami2,3,4, Yoko Iwase5
1Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 2-5274 Gakkochodori, Chuo Ward, Niigata, 951-8514, Japan. nakayuki@dent.niigata-u.ac.jp.
Insights
Dental caries prevalence is linked to the type of child abuse, particularly neglect. Children in challenging environments need support, irrespective of abuse history.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Child Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Investigating the link between child abuse and dental health.
- Understanding oral health disparities in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correlation between dental caries and the presence/type of child abuse.
- To identify specific abuse types associated with higher caries risk.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 534 children at child guidance centers in Niigata, Japan.
- Comparison of oral examination results with national survey data.
- Statistical analysis of abuse types and dental caries prevalence.
Main Results:
- Children in child guidance centers showed a significantly higher risk of decayed teeth (OR=4.1).
- No significant association found between overall abuse presence and dental caries.
- A significant positive association between dental caries and child neglect was observed.
Conclusions:
- The type of child abuse, specifically neglect, is more strongly associated with dental caries than its mere presence.
- Proactive support is crucial for children in difficult home environments, regardless of confirmed abuse status.
Background:
This study investigated the correlation between the prevalence of dental caries and the presence and type of abuse.
Methods:
Participants were 534 children admitted for care at two child guidance centers (CGCs) in Niigata, Japan. Data pertaining to abuse, including the reason for temporary protective care and the type of abuse, and the oral examination results of the children, were collected. These results were then compared with those of a national survey and analyzed in relation to the presence and type of abuse.
Results:
The odds ratio for decayed teeth was 4.1, indicating a higher risk in children admitted to the CGCs. However, no significant association was found between the presence of decayed, filled, or caries-experienced teeth and the presence of abuse. A significant positive association was observed between dental caries and one type of abuse, indicating a greater prevalence of dental caries in cases of neglect. The findings of this study suggest that the type of abuse, rather than its presence, is associated with dental caries.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that proactive support should be provided to children in problematic nurturing environments, regardless of whether they have been subjected to abuse.
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