Publications by authors named "Armando E Soto-Rojas"
Article Synopsis
- Oral health has a crucial impact on overall well-being, with a growing burden of oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease in Saudi Arabia due to lifestyle changes.
- The study aims to investigate both direct (proximal) and indirect (distal) factors that influence oral pain (OP) and self-rated oral health (SROH) among different age groups in Saudi Arabia, using data from a national health survey conducted in 2017.
- Findings reveal a notable discrepancy where a high percentage of respondents rated their oral health positively despite reporting oral pain, with tooth brushing frequency strongly linked to lower OP and better SROH, while sugar consumption negatively affected oral health across ages.
Objectives: To investigate the effect of water filter pitchers on the concentration of different minerals in tap water.
Methods: Nine water filter pitchers (A-I) were chosen based on consumer preferences and Amazon reviews. Each filter was tested for its ability to modify the concentrations of fluoride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in tap water.
Article Synopsis
- This study examined how common water filtration and purification systems (WFPS) are among residents in central Indiana and their effects on mineral concentrations in tap water.
- Data was collected from 101 participants through a questionnaire and water sample analyses showed that 71% used WFPS, with pitcher filters being the most popular.
- Results indicated that reverse osmosis systems significantly reduced mineral levels in tap water, while pitcher filters had minimal impact, highlighting the importance of choosing the right filtration system for health.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to create methods for assessing the shape of tooth surfaces and their potential links to cavities, using data from 147 patients' molars.
- The research analyzed detailed 3D scans of teeth and measured various surface parameters and fissure patterns, but found no significant associations between these measurements and cavity presence or severity.
- While the results were inconclusive for this specific sample, the methods developed could still be valuable for future, larger studies in clinical settings.
Article Synopsis
- The study found that Early Childhood Caries (ECC) significantly affects the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in Mexican preschool children aged 3-5 years.
- Caries prevalence was notably high at 82.2%, with 45% having dentinal lesions, indicating serious dental issues in this age group.
- Factors such as attending rural private schools, having fewer meals per day, and unsupervised tooth brushing were linked to higher caries severity levels, emphasizing the role of socioeconomic and lifestyle influences on children's dental health.
Background: Bottled water has become the most consumed beverage in the United States. The authors aimed to inform the dental profession about the potential anticaries benefits of some bottled waters and to provide information about their possible contributions to fluoride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium intakes.
Methods: The authors chose a convenience sample by purchasing all different bottled waters from the main supermarkets operating in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) among school-aged children in Indiana, finding a 13% prevalence rate of MIH and a 52% rate for any enamel defect.
- The researchers examined 337 children using specific criteria to identify MIH and other enamel issues, discovering that factors like water fluoridation and ethnicity influenced the prevalence of general enamel defects, though not MIH itself.
- The findings emphasize the need for early identification and management of MIH, as children's condition tends to worsen with age, and dental practitioners should be aware of its common occurrence.
Article Synopsis
- The study explored how parental background influences the acceptance of various behavior guidance techniques used in treating pediatric patients.
- 142 parents participated by rating videos of different techniques, revealing notable differences in acceptance among Hispanic, Black, and White parents.
- Hispanic parents preferred voice control the most, while Black and White parents favored tell-show-do; however, acceptance varied significantly for techniques like general anesthesia and active restraint across the different racial groups.
Article Synopsis
- The Health Protection Model was applied in a community-based study to explore Latino parents' experiences and challenges related to their children's oral health in Central Indiana.
- Focus groups involving Latino caregivers revealed a lack of understanding about caries causes and a cultural belief connecting diet, particularly high carbohydrate foods, to cavities, while minimizing factors like genetics or bacteria.
- The study highlighted issues such as a gender divide in perceived responsibilities for dental care and financial and communication barriers to accessing dental services, emphasizing the need for improved oral health strategies tailored for this community.
Objectives: This study aimed to calculate the fluoride concentrations of commonly consumed foods and beverages for 2-years-old children utilizing market basket information for the US Midwest region.
Methods: Total Diet Study food lists were cross-referenced with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-What We Eat in America data to determine the foods and beverages to be included. Fluoride concentrations were determined using a modification of the hexamethyldisiloxane microdiffusion technique.
Objectives: Enamel fluorosis is a hypomineralization caused by chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride during tooth development. Previous research on the relationship between enamel fluoride content and fluorosis severity has been equivocal. The current study aimed at comparing visually and histologically assessed fluorosis severity with enamel fluoride content.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExcessive fluoride consumption during the first 2 years of life is associated with an increased risk of dental fluorosis. Estimates of fluoride intake from various sources may aid in determining a child's risk for developing fluorosis. This study sought to assess the fluoride content of commercially available foods for infants, and to guide dentists who are advising parents of young children about fluoride intake.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- This study examined how different fluoride compounds (NaF vs. Na2FPO3) mixed with milk affect the levels of fluoride in dental biofilm.
- Eighteen participants consumed a dose of fluoride in either milk or non-fluoridated milk, with biofilm samples taken at several time points for analysis.
- The results showed varying levels of fluoride in biofilm fluids and solids over time, indicating that the fluoride release and clearance rates differ depending on the compound used.
Article Synopsis
- Dental sealants are used to prevent cavities and were placed on children (ages 6-15) as part of an international service-learning program in rural Mexico.
- After 1-4 years, sealant survival rates showed that 60.6% to 96.4% of sealants on sound teeth and 55.6% to 94.2% on enamel caries lesions remained intact, indicating high retention.
- The study concluded that retention rates for sealants were consistent with existing literature, showing no significant difference between sealants on sound surfaces and those with enamel caries.
Article Synopsis
- Many health professions students lack cultural understanding of Spanish-speaking patients, which can create barriers to their healthcare access.
- An international service-learning program in Hidalgo, Mexico, started in 1999, has evolved to include a multidisciplinary approach that involves students from various health-related fields.
- The program incorporates structured reflections and defined learning objectives to enhance clinical skills and promote civic responsibility while assessing its effectiveness through various evaluation tools.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to evaluate the fluoride levels in bottled water used by a Latino population in Indianapolis for mixing infant formula.
- The research involved interviews to find out which bottled water brands were used, followed by testing those samples for fluoride concentration.
- The results showed fluoride levels varied widely, but most brands were under the recommended limit to prevent dental fluorosis, except for a few infant-targeted fluoridated waters that did not meet guidelines.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to compare self-reported fluoride exposure and biomarkers between African American and White children aged 7-14.
- Findings revealed that a higher percentage of African American children exhibited dental fluorosis compared to their White counterparts, with significant differences observed in fluoride usage habits and dental visits.
- Despite similar fluoride levels in water and saliva, African American children had higher fluoride concentrations in urine, indicating complex differences in fluoride exposure that warrant further investigation.
Purpose: This study evaluated the agreement between clinical and photographic assessment of dental fluorosis (DF) in 73 children during a field study, using portable equipment and a standardising device.
Materials And Methods: A dental exam was performed using the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis (TSIF). Photographs of the facial aspects of front teeth and from the occlusal aspect of the mandibular posterior teeth were taken.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the link between oral health issues and pneumonia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Thirty SLE patients hospitalized for pneumonia were compared with a control group, revealing that those with pneumonia had worse oral health and higher disease activity.
- A significant association was found between severe cavities (third-grade caries) and pneumonia, highlighting the impact of oral hygiene in these patients.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various screening tests for diagnosing Sjogren's syndrome (SS) in patients with chronic illnesses.
- Out of 300 patients assessed, 73% had positive screening results, with 13% ultimately meeting the criteria for SS, highlighting significant use of common tests like the Schirmer-I test and European questionnaire.
- The findings indicate that using a combination of the European questionnaire, Schirmer-I test, and wafer test together provides the best identification method for patients with SS.
Aim: To determine fluoride levels in bottled water, tap water, and fluoridated salt from two communities in Mexico.
Design: Stratified random collection of water and salt samples from Mexico City and Veracruz, Mexico for fluoride analysis.
Methods: Samples were analysed using a combination fluoride ion-specific electrode.
Purpose: Previous studies have reported higher dental fluorosis prevalence in high-altitude communities than in low-altitude communities. This investigation determined and compared dental fluorosis prevalence in populations of children living at high and low altitudes in Mexico.
Materials And Methods: Fluorosis prevalence was determined in 7 to 10-year-old children: 67 in Mexico City (2,240 m) and 71 in Veracruz (sea level).
Objective: To develop a questionnaire in English and Spanish to measure concerns caused by children's (and their parents') perceptions of dental appearance.
Materials And Methods: The questionnaire addressed concerns in the physical, mental, and social domains, perceptions about discolourations and other oral conditions including tooth colour. Test-retest and internal reliability, and construct and criterion validity, were assessed as part of the development process.