Effect of Lifestyle on Caries and Apical Periodontitis

This study aimed to link lifestyle factors (Mediterranean diet adherence, stress, sleep quality, physical activity) to caries and apical periodontitis in 149 university-based individuals. Data included clinical and radiographic assessments and lifestyle questionnaires. Statistical tests and logistic regression were employed to analyze the relationships between these factors and oral health conditions.

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Key information

Conditions

Apical Periodontitis Caries Endodontics Inflammation Jaw Diseases Lifestyle Mouth Diseases Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Periapical Diseases Periapical Periodontitis Periodontal Diseases Periodontitis Stomatognathic Diseases

Age range

18 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese

Siena, 53100, Italy

About this study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between lifestyle (adherence to the Mediterranean diet, stress, sleep quality, and level of physical activity) with the presence of caries and apical periodontitis (AP) in a University-based cohort of individuals.

A total of 149 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. In addition to clinical (cold test, percussion test, evaluation of tooth mobility) and radiographic (bitewing Rx, periapical Rx, and OPT) parameters, validated questionnaires were used to investigate patient's lifestyle. Data on the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT score) and the severity of apical periodontitis (PAI score) were extrapolated from the available clinical and instrumental investigations. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to evaluate the normal distribution of data; Wilcoxon rank-sum test (Mann-Whitney) was used to compare continuous variables. Fisher's test was used to compare dichotomized variables. A logistic regression model was performed for the multivariate analysis.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

age between 18 and 70
Good general health status;
Ability and willingness to give written consent;
Presence of at least 6 teeth.

Exclusion criteria

Age <18 years;
Pregnancy or lactation;
administration of antibiotics within the last 6 months;
Inability and unwillingness to give written consent

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Presence of Apical Periodontitis

Time frame: The time frame for this observational study is defined by the initial assessment conducted at baseline. No follow-up measurements are scheduled, and the study aims to explore associations and characteristics at a single time point

The periapical status was investigated by palpation, percussion, thermal cold testing, and panoramic radiographs. Afterward, teeth that exhibited deep carious lesions, deep restorations, no response to pulp testing, or painful response to biting and/or percussion or palpation were suspected of AP. Those teeth underwent further periapical radiograph using the long cone paralleling technique with a film holder. AP cases were diagnosed based on the identification of at least one tooth with periapical radiolucency outpacing twice the width of the periodontal ligament space and having PAI > 2.
Periapical index (PAI)

Time frame: The time frame for this observational study is defined by the initial assessment conducted at baseline. No follow-up measurements are scheduled, and the study aims to explore associations and characteristics at a single time point

Periapical health was assessed radiographically using the PAI score that was determined through visual inspection of the periapical area, assigning a numerical value based on the extent and severity of inflammation. Scores ranged from 0 to 5
Decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index

Time frame: The time frame for this observational study is defined by the initial assessment conducted at baseline. No follow-up measurements are scheduled, and the study aims to explore associations and characteristics at a single time point

The DMFT index is calculated by summing the scores for decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth for an individual or a group of individuals

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Siena

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Lifestyle on Caries and Apical Periodontitis: Results From a University-based Cross-sectional Study

Important dates

Study start: 2020
Primary completion: 2021
Study completion: 2021
First posted: Oct 10, 2023
Registry last updated: Dec 1, 2023

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed