Women Are More Susceptible to Caries but Individuals Born with Clefts Are Not
Author Information
Author(s): Aditi Jindal, Michelle McMeans, Somnya Narayanan, Erin K. Rose, Shilpa Jain, Mary L. Marazita, Renato Menezes, Ariadne Letra, Flavia M. Carvalho, Carla A. Brandon, Judith M. Resick, Juan C. Mereb, Fernando A. Poletta, Jorge S. Lopez-Camelo, Eduardo E. Castilla, Iêda M. Orioli, Alexandre R. Vieira
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Hypothesis
Do individuals born with clefts have a higher susceptibility to caries?
Conclusion
Individuals born with clefts are not at higher risk for caries, but women tend to have more severe caries experience.
Supporting Evidence
- Women tend to present higher caries rates in comparison to men.
- Individuals born with clefts did not present higher caries experience compared to their unaffected relatives or unrelated controls.
- The study included individuals from three distinct populations with limited access to dental care.
Takeaway
This study found that having a cleft doesn't make you more likely to get cavities, but girls tend to get more cavities than boys.
Methodology
Caries experience was assessed using the DMFT index in three populations with individuals born with clefts, their relatives, and unrelated controls.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to socioeconomic status and access to dental care.
Limitations
The DMFT scoring system may not accurately reflect caries experience in older individuals due to factors like dental prosthetics.
Participant Demographics
Participants included individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in the Philippines, Guatemala, and Argentina.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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