Configurações dentárias reduzidas no contexto de estudos epidemiológicos: associação com desfechos de saúde e validação de critério diagnóstico

Abstract

This study mapped definitions of shortened dental configurations and health outcomes employed in association studies (Study 1), as well as to evaluate the validity of a configuration used in epidemiological studies (pairs of antagonistic teeth) (Study 2). For study 1, a literature review of the Scoping review type was carried out with a search in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo and Cochrane databases. Two trained researchers performed the selection and data extraction of studies that evaluated the association between reduced tooth configuration (exposure) and clinical and person-centered health outcomes (general health and oral health), related to health behavior (dietary patterns), in addition to mortality. Outcomes were classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO). Shortened dental configurations were based on the number of teeth present, the position of the teeth regarding esthetics, dental occlusion and periodontal conditions. The initial search resulted in 12525 references, 283 of which were included. The search update included 117 articles (ntotal=400). General health (n=186) and oral health (n=192) were addressed in a similar number of studies. Most outcomes were general health clinics (n=169), with endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases (n=55) being frequent. In 144 studies, person-centered measures were addressed, with oral health related quality of life (OHQoL) being the most frequent (n=60). Clinical oral health outcomes were predominantly related to eating functions (n=42) and diseases or disorders of the orofacial complex (n=23). Diet patterns (n=39) and mortality (n=34) were also studied. The shortened dental configuration defined as a goal by the WHO was the most frequent (n=181). For study 2, the accuracy of pairs of antagonistic teeth was evaluated to measure the presence of pairs of premolars and molars in occlusal contact and the agreement between the prevalence of Shortened Dental Arch (SDA) and Functional Dentition (FD) when units occlusal (UOs)/posterior occlusion pairs (POPs) were defined by pairs of antagonistic teeth or pairs of teeth in occlusal contact. Data obtained from an epidemiological survey of oral health carried out in the municipality of Minas Gerais, Brazil. UOs and POPs were defined by epidemiological criteria (condition of the dental crown) or clinical “gold standard” criteria (carbon paper recording of occlusal contacts during maximum habitual intercuspation). Sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of the epidemiological criterion were calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 88.5, 87.9, 92.5 and 81.9%, respectively, and accuracy was 88.3%. The results on observed agreement, Kappa coefficients and β statistical values in relation to the prevalence of SDA and FD (antagonist and occlusal contact) ranged from 0.82 to 0.98, indicating a high level of agreement. Effects of reduced tooth configurations have been investigated mainly in relation to endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases and OHQoL measures. There is a diversity of health outcomes. Epidemiological criteria proved to be valid and can be used in epidemiological studies to calculate the prevalence of reduced dental configurations that consider POPs.