Table 2 Raw numbers of exposed vs. non-exposed children (‘cases’ vs. ‘controls’) observed in each study category with respect to each of the potential risk factors. P-values refer to statistical procedures testing for the association between the examined factors and Minor Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS). % values are shown in parenthesis
Factors of Exposure | Categories | Number (%) of children among the 387 Controls | Number (%) of children among the 14 Cases | Statistical Significance of Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sports Practice | No sports at all | 58 (15%) | 4 (28.6%) | p = 0.32, n.s. |
One single sports activity | 195 (50.4%) | 7 (50%) | ||
More than 1 sports activity | 134 (34.6%) | 3 (21.4%) | ||
Decayed teeth | No | 311 (80.8%) | 8 (57.1%) | p = 0.03*** |
Yes | 74 (19.2%) | 6 (42.9%) | ||
Usual snacks at School: | ||||
a) Milky and dairy | No | 172 (44.4%) | 7 (50%) | p = 0.68, n.s. |
Yes | 215 (55.6%) | 7 (50%) | ||
b) Sugars and carbohydrates | No | 84 (21.7%) | 1 (7.1%) | p = 0.32, n.s. |
Yes | 300 (77.5%) | 13 (92.9%) | ||
c) Fruits | No | 348 (89.9%) | 13 (92.9%) | p = 0.72, n.s. |
Yes | 39 (10.1%) | 1 (7.1%) | ||
d) Fruit Juices | No | 359 (92.8%) | 14 (100%) | p = 0.30, n.s. |
Yes | 28 (7.2%) | 0 | ||
e) No snacks | No | 382 (98.7%) | 14 (100%) | p = 0.67, n.s. |
Yes | 5 (1.3%) | 0 | ||
Ownership of a personal Tablet | No | 234 (60.6%) | 9 (64.3%) | p = 0.78, n.s. |
Yes | 152 (39.4%) | 5 (35.7%) | ||
Diagnosis of Celiac disease | No | 381 (98.7%) | 14 (100%) | p = 0.67, n.s. |
Yes | 5 (1.3%) | 0 | ||
Food Intolerances | No | 363 (93.8%) | 13 (92.9%) | p = 0.89, n.s. |
Yes | 24 (6.2%) | 1 (7.1%) | ||
Intolerant to what? | Milk and dairy products | 10 (41.7%) | 1 (100%) | p = 0.93, n.s. |
Solanaceae | 4 (16.7%) | 0 | ||
Hazelnuts | 3 (12.5%) | 0 | ||
Eggs | 3 (12.5%) | 0 | ||
Fish | 2 (8.3%) | 0 | ||
Gluten | 2 (8.3%) | 0 | ||
Diagnosis of celiac disease in family | No | 375 (96.9%) | 12 (85.7%) | p = .13, n.s. |
Yes | 12 (3.1%) | 2 (14.3%) | ||
Enamel hypoplasia | No | 316 (82.3%) | 10 (71.4%) | p = 0.30, n.s. |
Yes | 68 (17.7%) | 4 (28.6%) | ||
Enamel hypoplasia of incisors | No | 336 (87.3%) | 12 (85.7%) | p = 0.86, n.s. |
Yes | 49 (12.7%) | 2 (14.3%) | ||
Enamel hypoplasia of molars | No | 364 (94.5%) | 13 (92.9%) | p = 0.79, n.s. |
Yes | 21 (5.5%) | 1 (7.1%) | ||
Filled teeth | No | 368 (95.8%) | 11 (84.6%) | p = 0.22, n.s. |
Yes | 16 (4.2%) | 2 (15.4%) | ||
DMFT index | DMFT = 0 | 294 (76.8%) | 7 (50%) | p = 0.02*** |
DMFT ≥1 | 89 (23.2%) | 7 (50%) | ||
Sealing of teeth | No | 327 (84.9%) | 12 (85.7%) | p = 0.93, n.s. |
Yes | 54 (14.0%) | 2 (14.3%) | ||
Sealing of deciduous teeth | 4 (1.0%) | 0 | ||
Topical fluoride treatments in the dental office | No | 342 (88.4%) | 12 (85.7%) | p = 0.90, n.s. |
Yes | 43 (11.1%) | 2 (14.3%) | ||
Don’t know | 2 (0.5%) | 0 | ||