Long-term study of the impact of solar activity on dental caries and tooth loss
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34119/bjhrv9n2-003Keywords:
dental caries, oral health, sunspot, solar activity, environment, natural hazardsAbstract
Dental caries and tooth loss are major public health concerns, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and are influenced by socioeconomic factors, public health interventions such as water fluoridation, and environmental conditions. Solar activity (SA), through its geomagnetic and atmospheric effects, has been suggested as a potential health determinant, yet its impact on oral health remains unexplored. In this way, the aim of this study was to assess the long-term association between SA (using sunspot number as a parameter) and dental caries and tooth loss in Brazilian individuals. Data on decayed and missing teeth across age groups and regions in Brazil were sourced from epidemiological studies conducted by the Ministry of Health of Brazil. Sunspot numbers were compiled from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Additional variables included the Human Development Index (HDI) and water fluoridation rates. Principal component analysis and Spearman’s correlation test were used to analyze the data. It was observed that there was an association between SA and increased levels of dental caries and tooth loss, while HDI and water fluoridation were associated with decreased levels. In conclusion, SA appears to be associated with increased dental caries and tooth loss. Environmental factors such as SA may be important for understanding dental health disparities over time and for implementing preventive measures when environmental conditions become more critical.
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