Author: ECS-K

Role of fluoride in Dental Caries
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Farah abdulkareem alamroni 3058- 2nd year dentistry

Libyan International Medical University

Introduction:
Dental caries is the scientific term for tooth decay or cavities. It is caused by specific types of bacteria. They produce acid that destroys the tooth's enamel and the layer under it, Many different types of bacteria normally live in the human mouth. They build up on the teeth in a sticky film called plaque.

Research
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of reduced sugar consumption on caries experience among 12-year-old Libyan schoolchildren during the Libyan conflict, in comparison to preconflict data collected in the same water-fluoridated setting from a similar age group. A further aim was to investigate the socio-demographic and behavioral factors which may impact caries levels during the conflict.

Conclusions:
This study indicates that decreased levels of sugar intake during the Libyan conflict are associated with a decline in dental caries prevalence and severity. This provides some support for the notion that reducing sugar intake is still an important factor in caries prevention and control even when fluorides are available in public water and toothpaste.

Fluoride is commonly used in dentistry to strengthen enamel& helps to prevent cavities ,large difference in the amount of fluoride found in water supplies.
ACTION OF FLUORIDE:
1-Increase in the enamel’s resistance to acid solubility
2. Remineralization.
3. Antibacterial effects of fluoride.
4. Inhibition of enzymes essential to cell growth of bacteria.

Methods:
A natural experiment in which dental caries data before and during the Libyan conflict, over a 9-year period, was compared. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2016 and February 2017 to collect during-conflict data comparable to preconflict data collected in 2007. A random sample of 1134, 12-year-olds were recruited from public schools in Benghazi. Epidemiological examinations were undertaken by three trained examiners to measure dental caries. Questionnaires addressing socio-demographic and behaviours related to oral health were completed by participants. Data were analysed

Results:
In the during-conflict period, caries prevalence was 42.8% .Logistic regression analysis indicated that children, those who frequently consumed sugary drinks, who drank bottled water (low fluoride) and whose fathers had relatively lowly occupations were more likely to have dental caries le

REFERENCES
1-Marcenes W, Kassebaum NJ, Bernabe E, et al. Global burden of oral conditions in 1990-2010: a systematic analysis. J Dent Res. 2013;92:592-597.
2-World Health Organization WHO. Sugars intake for adults and children. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO; 2015.
3-Public Health England. Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition(sacn): Carbohydrates and Health Report. London: 2015. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/fil.... Accessed January 2019
4-Rugg-Gunn AJ, Nunn JH. Nutrition, diet and oral health. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press; 1999.