The association between dental caries according to DMFT index and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the Azar cohort population

Abstract

Introduction. Considering the high prevalence of dental caries in adults, it is necessary to study its risk factors to prevent the disease. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic disease with an increasing incidence that may affect the quality and quantity of saliva. This study aimed to determine the association of GERD with dental caries according to the DMFT (Decayed، Missing, Filled Teeth) index in the Azar cohort population. Methods and Materials. This study is a analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using the data obtained from the "Azar Cohort Study". All people between 35 and 70 years of age living in Shabastar city (Shabastar city and its suburbs) were invited if they met the inclusion criteria and not suffering from mental or physical disability to participate in the Azar cohort study. In the present study, data of participants with GERD in the Azar cohort population along with a control group matched in age- and gender. In addition, subjets with full denture and who did not have a complete questionnaire in one of the studied areas were excluded from the study. Data of DMFT index GERD, smoking and alcohol consumption, toothbrushing frequency, demographic charteristics, socio-economic conditions and BMI, and information about free sugars intake of sweet foods and drinks were extracted from Azar cohort study databank. The questionnaires were filled in the form of face-to-face interviews and self report. In this study, information related to caries was collected based on the DMFT index in with clinical examinations by a trained examiner. SPSS software was used for data analysis and the significance level was below 0/05. Data analysis was done using Independent sample t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and Generalized Linear Models consuming Negative binomial distributin with loglink function. Results. In the present study, the data collected for 905 people with GERD and 1894 people in comparison group were extracted in the population of Azar cohort. In the present study, the mean (SD) DMFT in people with GERD was 15/09±6/18 and mean (SD) DMFT in the control group was 15/00±6.07. There was no significant relationship between GERD and DMFT index in this study. In negative binomial univariate regression analysis, the variables educational level (p-value=0.02) and toothbrushing (p-value≤0.001) had a significant relationship with the DMFT index. The backward stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that people who brush their teeth less than once a day have a significantly higher DMFT index score compared to the group who brush their teeth once or more a day (p-value≤0/001) and people who were in the age range of 35-55 years had a significantly lower DMF index score (p-value≤0/001). Conclusion. In the results, no significant relationship between GERD and DMFT index was found. Whereas, a significant relationship was found between the toothbrushing frequency and caries, which shows that there is a need for holistic planning to improve the oral health of people at the community level.