Dental Awareness Research Articles

Spread of Odontogenic Infections in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Odontogenic infections constitute a substantial portion of diseases encountered by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Infections start from dental tissues and sometimes rapidly spread to contiguous spaces. The consequence is a fulminant disease with significant morbidity and mortality. The study was aimed at studying the pattern of spread, approach to management, and outcome of these infections at a Nigerian teaching hospital. A retrospective study of all patients with orofacial infections who presented to our center over an 18-month period was carried out. The medical records were reviewed to retrieve the following: age, gender, source of infection, anatomic fascial spaces involved, associated medical conditions, various treatment modalities, types of antibiotics administered, causative micro-organisms, length of stay in the hospital, and any complications encountered. Infections were classified into 2 categories: those that are confined to the dentoalveolar tissues belong to category I, and those that have spread into the local/regional soft tissue spaces and beyond belong to category II. Odontogenic infections constituted 11.3% of the total oral and maxillofacial surgery cases. A total of 261 patients were treated for odontogenic infections. There were 146 female patients (59.8%) and 98 male patients (40.2%) in the first category, whereas the second category comprised 10 male patients (58.8%) and 7 female patients (41.2%). The fascial spaces involved, in descending order, were submasseteric in 10 (22.7%), submandibular in 9 (20.5%), and sublingual in 6 (13.6%). The causative micro-organisms commonly found were Klebsiella and Streptococcus spp. Incision and drainage were performed in the 17 cases with spreading infection. Amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and metronidazole were the most routinely administered antibiotics. Our experience shows that delay in presentation, self-medication, aging, male gender, and unusual causative agents are some of the factors associated with spread. Therefore efforts must be made to further improve public dental awareness.

The oral health of children considered very high risk for infective endocarditis

Children with previous experience of infective endocarditis or with prosthetic heart valve are considered at very high risk for infective endocarditis. The aim of this study was to compare the dental health of a group of these children with a group of healthy controls and to determine parental awareness of the importance of good oral health. Oral examination was carried out in 28 children with previous infective endocarditis or a prosthetic heart valve to assess oral health. Findings were compared to a healthy control group of 28. Questionnaires were distributed to the parents to assess awareness of oral health. There was no significant difference in DMFT scores of study and control group (2.43 +/- 3.72 and 1.36 +/- 2.5 respectively) or in DMFT scores of study and control group (1.5 +/- 1.73 and 1.15 +/- 1.42 respectively), 36% of the study group had untreated caries. Parental knowledge of the link between oral health and infective endocarditis was excellent. There were no significant differences between the oral health of cardiac children and healthy children although the dmft and DMFT scores of the study group were high. Of concern was the proportion of children with untreated caries in spite of good dental awareness and attendance.

Evaluation of oral health awareness in parents of preschool children

Little data are available on the initiative shown by the parents for dental health care of their preschool children in India. This study was conducted to evaluate the status of oral health awareness in parents of preschool children. A total of 230 preschool children were included in the study and their parents were analyzed for their child dental awareness by holding free dental checkups and interactive meetings with the help of their respective schools. Results revealed that there is a low initiation of the parents when oral health care of small children is concerned; however, an active collective effort of the school and dental team can make awareness program effective.

Implications of low dental awareness in Nigeria

Key note address at the Biennial General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Dental Association in April 2008: I congratulate the Nigerian Dental Association on this occasion of the 2008 Biennial General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association. In particular, I congratulate the Executive Committee for all they have done to ensure that the Association is actively involved in the professional activities of the Medical and Dental Counncil of Nigeria. I thank the Association for inviting me to be the Keynote Speaker at this meeting. I have been asked to speak on the title \'Implications of low dental awareness in Nigeria\'. As a community dentist, I reckon that this topic is coming at the right time. I intend to share my views on this stimulating topic with you all, hoping that at the end of the tunnel, there will be a light, a light for us to see brighter in the profession and to brighten the communities we serve. Nigerian Dental Journal Vol. 16 (1) 2008: pp. 43-46

Buddhi Bangara Project on oral health promotion: a 3‐ to 5‐year collaborative programme combining support, education and research in Nepal

The overall purpose of the Buddhi Bangara Project (BBP) is to investigate if oral health promotion (OHP) will be a realistic way to improve the oral hygiene and dental awareness of Nepalese schoolchildren aged 5-12 years. This study is the first aspect of the overall project. Dental hygiene students from Kantipur School of Dentistry, Kathmandu and the Dental Hygiene Programme at the INHOLLAND University in Amsterdam were actively involved in this assessment phase as well as the implementation phase which included oral health education activities. This descriptive study is the first phase of a larger longitudinal study directed towards improving the oral health of children in Nepal. The first phase involves the assessment of children in several schools, one of which acts as a control group. It is directed toward the baseline data collected prior to the implementation of the OHP initiatives. Qualitative data on knowledge about oral health was collected through observations and a questionnaire. The World Health Organization community index of treatment needs was used to assess the clinical status of the participants. The data show that knowledge about preventing oral diseases is high, but awareness about the benefits of fluoride is low. It also suggests that the oral health of the examined children is affecting their quality of life in several different ways. The social status of participants appears to influence their dietary intake as well as their choice of professionals to visit when experiencing pain. It appears that children in Nepal have oral health problems and oral health does appear to influence their quality of life. The impact of the OHP activities have yet to be determined.

O.586 Telescoped zygoma-implants for midfacial rehabilitation

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate whether young adults with varying dental esthetics and histories of orthodontic treatment also differ in oral-health attitudes, preventive behaviors, and self-perceived oral health. Methods: The sample comprised 298 young adults, 18 to 30 years old, with at least 13 years of primary and secondary school education. The subjects were asked to complete questionnaires dealing with various measures related to oral-health attitudes, preventive behaviors, and perceptions of oral health. Dental esthetics were assessed by means of the aesthetic component of the index of orthodontic treatment need. Dental plaque accumulation was assessed in a subsample of respondents. Results: Subjects with high dental-esthetics scores reported more favorable oral-health attitudes, such as internal control, dental awareness, value of occlusion, and preventive behavior expectations than subjects with lower scores. Subjects with previous orthodontic treatment showed greater internal control and dental awareness than those who had not previously been treated. Subjects ranking high in dental esthetics and those with previous orthodontic treatment reported stricter oral-hygiene adherence than others. Self-perceived oral health was better in high scorers on dental esthetics. Less plaque accumulation was found in subjects with higher dental esthetic scores and in those with previous orthodontic treatment. Conclusions: These findings suggest that favorable dental esthetics and previous orthodontic treatment might be important variables in explaining individual differences in oral-health attitudes and behaviors.

C.11.04 Breaking boundaries with existing treatments

Sleep bruxism can have a significant effecton the patient's quality of life. It may also be associated with anumber of disorders. However, little is known about the epidemiology ofsleep bruxism and its risk factors in the general population.Cross-sectional telephone survey using the, Sleep-EVAL knowledge based system.Representative samples of three general populations (United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy) consisting of 158 million inhabitants.Thirteen thousand fifty-seven subjects aged≥15 years (United Kingdom, 4,972 subjects; Germany, 4,115 subjects; and Italy, 3,970 subjects).None.Clinical questionnaire on bruxism (using theInternational Classification of Sleep Disorders [ICSD]minimal set of criteria) with an investigation of associatedpathologies (ie, sleep, breathing disorders, andpsychiatric and neurologic pathologies).Grinding of teeth during sleep occurring at least weekly was reportedby 8.2% of the subjects, and significant consequences from teethgrinding during sleep (ie, muscular discomfort onawakening, disturbing tooth grinding, or necessity of dental work) werefound in half of these subjects. Moreover, 4.4% of the populationfulfilled the criteria of ICSD sleep bruxism diagnosis. Finally, subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (odds ratio [OR],1.8), loud snorers (OR, 1.4), subjects with moderate daytime sleepiness(OR, 1.3), heavy alcohol drinkers (OR, 1.8), caffeine drinkers (OR,1.4), smokers (OR, 1.3), subjects with a highly stressful life (OR,1.3), and those with anxiety (OR, 1.3) are at higher risk of reportingsleep bruxism.Sleep bruxism is common inthe general population and represents the third most frequentparasomnia. It has numerous consequences, which are not limited todental or muscular problems. Among the associated risk factors, patients with anxiety and sleep-disordered breathing have a highernumber of risk factors for sleep bruxism, and this must raise concernsabout the future of these individuals. An educational effort to raisethe awareness of dentists and physicians about this pathology isnecessary.

The dental awareness of nursing home staff in Singapore – a pilot study

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the oral health knowledge among staff working in a local nursing home managed by a voluntary welfare organisation. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 53 nursing staff working in a home with 270 residents. The questionnaire was structured to assess the staff's knowledge of dental caries, periodontal disease and the care and use of dentures. 99.6% of the respondents felt that oral health care of the elderly was very important. However, only 45.3% of them attributed the cause of dental caries to the frequent intake of sugar. Bacteria in dental plaque was identified by 88.7% of them as the main cause of periodontal disease while 96.2% of them indicated that dentures should be cleaned at least once a day and rinsed after every meal. The staff of this nursing home demonstrated positive knowledge of periodontal disease and denture care. However, their knowledge of dental caries revealed substantial room for improvement. This could signal an area for future staff training and development. Such efforts would help establish a team of caregivers who can improve the oral health and quality of life for residents in the nursing home.

ORAL HEALTH STATUS

Oral health, although an important aspectof the general health, unfortunately is an ignored aspect, by almost all population strata. Poverty, lack of education andlack of public awareness programs add to the dilemma. Aims & Objectives: Evaluation of the oral health, toothcleaning devices and at the top, awareness about such devices, among the most ignored and deprived group ofpopulation. The evaluation of oral hygiene of the poor railway coolies, was the objective of this study. Materials &Methods: A very simple proforma in Urdu was designed. It included some questions about personal data, tooth cleaninghabits, the devices used for the purpose and the reasons for not using the tooth brush. DMFT and the periodontalconditions were then noted in the same proforma. About 120 coolies agreed to participate in the study. Examinationwas made in day light with a mirror and a blunt probe. Results: The age varied from 15-60 years. There was about100% periodontal involvements, while DMFT increased with age (0.75 to 12.5). About 49.5 % used brush, 41.5%miswak, 5.3% tooth powder, while 3.5 % did not use any of these. Tooth brush users had least DMFT while powderusers had the maximum. Of the non brush users 50.9% of people could not buy brush, 33.9% did not like it while15.09% were ignorant of it. Conclusion: Poverty, illiteracy and lack of dental awareness are the major causes of dental/ periodontal problems. The tooth brushing techniques must be taught to the public.

Dental Awareness and Attitudes of Medical Practitioners of Davangere City, Karnataka

Dental Awareness and Attitudes of Medical Practitioners of Davangere City, Karnataka

Dental esthetics, orthodontic treatment, and oral-health attitudes in young adults

The aim of this study was to investigate whether young adults with varying dental esthetics and histories of orthodontic treatment also differ in oral-health attitudes, preventive behaviors, and self-perceived oral health. The sample comprised 298 young adults, 18 to 30 years old, with at least 13 years of primary and secondary school education. The subjects were asked to complete questionnaires dealing with various measures related to oral-health attitudes, preventive behaviors, and perceptions of oral health. Dental esthetics were assessed by means of the aesthetic component of the index of orthodontic treatment need. Dental plaque accumulation was assessed in a subsample of respondents. Subjects with high dental-esthetics scores reported more favorable oral-health attitudes, such as internal control, dental awareness, value of occlusion, and preventive behavior expectations than subjects with lower scores. Subjects with previous orthodontic treatment showed greater internal control and dental awareness than those who had not previously been treated. Subjects ranking high in dental esthetics and those with previous orthodontic treatment reported stricter oral-hygiene adherence than others. Self-perceived oral health was better in high scorers on dental esthetics. Less plaque accumulation was found in subjects with higher dental esthetic scores and in those with previous orthodontic treatment. These findings suggest that favorable dental esthetics and previous orthodontic treatment might be important variables in explaining individual differences in oral-health attitudes and behaviors.

The Practical Oral Care video - Evaluation of a Dental Awareness Month initiative

A collaborative effort for the Australian Dental Association's Dental Awareness Month in 2002 included the production of 'Practical Oral Care - a video for residential care staff'. This evaluation of the project aimed to profile the video purchasers, evaluate the usefulness and appropriateness of the video and accompanying booklet using a mailed questionnaire, and elicit appropriate and practical themes for future geriatric oral health promotion and research. A national mail-out of evaluation questionnaires was undertaken to all purchasers of the video. Of the 792 purchasers at the time of the project, 294 questionnaires were returned with 83.7 per cent from residential aged care facilities, 12.6 per cent from dental professionals and 3.7 per cent from health educators. The great majority of purchasers agreed or strongly agreed that the booklet was practical and useful, video was the best format, video length was appropriate, content was realistic, the video assisted staff to identify residents at risk for dental problems and better meet their oral care needs, and improved awareness about oral care issues. Analysis of purchasers' comments highlighted the need for the production of videos on more specific practical oral care issues with behaviourally difficult residents and residents with dementia, to be supplemented with a self-directed learning package. The Practical Oral Care video was a successful national collaborative geriatric oral health promotion initiative and provided the opportunity to increase awareness about oral care issues in residential care.

Attractiveness ratings of anterior open bites and reverse overjets using the aesthetic component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need

This study was carried out to determine the level of attractiveness of anterior open bites (AOB) and reverse overjets of varying severity. A sample of 180 non-dental students (101 females and 79 males; average age 20 +/- 0.75 years) and 45 dental professionals (12 females and 33 males; average age 35.5 +/- 5.07 years) was asked to complete a questionnaire to rate the level of attractiveness of AOB and reverse overjets of varying severity using the aesthetic component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Photographs of mild and severe AOB and reverse overjets were projected onto a white screen in a lecture theatre (15 seconds each with a 5 second interval between images). The participants were asked to record the AC grade at which they thought the projected picture of the AOB or reverse overjets had similar attractiveness. Dental awareness of non-dental students was determined by asking them their opinion on how important it was to have straight teeth (very unimportant, unimportant, important, very important), about their personal or close family members' orthodontic experiences and if they thought they were in need of any orthodontic treatment. A chi-square test was applied to record any differences between sexes and between the different groups. Backward stepwise linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the students' ratings of the photographs and their dental awareness. The majority of non-dental students rated a mild AOB (93 per cent) and mild reverse overjet (96 per cent) to be aesthetically acceptable. A mild AOB and mild reverse overjet were found to be acceptable by 40 and 58 per cent of dental professionals, respectively. The differences in the ratings between dental professionals and non-dental students were significant at P < 0.001.A severe AOB was considered unattractive by both students and dental professionals. However, dental professionals rated it at the more unattractive end of the scale (P < 0.001). A severe reverse overjet was rated by the majority of the subjects as aesthetically unacceptable (85 per cent of the non-dental students and 78 per cent of the dental professionals).

Dental Anxiety Among Patients Undergoing Various Dental Treatments in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the levels of dental anxiety among patients undergoing various dental treatments and to compare the anxiety levels with those of similar studies conducted with subjects from different socio-cultural backgrounds. Dental anxiety was evaluated by the administration of a questionnaire based on the Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). Student t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferoni correction was employed to compare the mean DAS scores. Females recorded higher total DAS scores than males (7.49 +/- 2.96 and 7.16 +/- 3.44, respectively). Patients in the 24-34 year age group showed the highest total DAS scores (8.25 +/- 3.20) followed by the <24 year age group. The total DAS scores for age groups 35-39 and >50 years differ significantly from those of age groups <24 and 24-34 years. The highest DAS score was recorded for root canal therapy (9.30 +/- 2.84) followed by extraction. The level of dental anxiety among this study population is lower than those reported elsewhere. The observed avoidance of dental treatment among Nigerians, despite the seemingly low mean DAS scores, may be related to dental anxiety. The authors are, however, of the opinion poor dental awareness may be a contributory factor.

Traumatic Dental Injuries Experience in Suburban Nigerian Adolescents

The aim of this study is to ascertain the prevalence and type of treatment received regarding traumatic dental injuries in Nigerian adolescents. The sample included 1,028 thirteento fifteen year old children attending secondary schools in Ife Central Local Government in Ile Ife , Nigeria. Dental injuries were clinically assessed as follows: 1) uncomplicated crown fracture, 2) complicated crown fracture, 3) crown discoloration, 4) intrusive luxation, 5) extrusive luxation, 6) exarticulation or extraction after trauma and 7) subluxaion. The prevalence of dental injuries was 9.1%. Boys sustained more injuries than girls with a ratio of 2:1. The dental injuries were almost entirely restricted to the maxillary central incisors (75 %). Single tooth injury was predominant in all age groups. The commonest type of injury was uncomplicated crown fracture (57.4%). The commonest cause of injury was fall (42.6%). 10% of the children who had their teeth traumatized attended the dentist and this was found to be statistically significant (p< 0.0001). The observed increase of dental injuries with age indicates accumulated treatment needs due to lack of dental awareness in the population examined. Health care promotions and education at health centres is called for to prevent dental trauma in children.

A comparative study in dental caries prevalence and treatment needs of pregnant women and single females in Mosul City, Iraq

An epidemiological study was carried out to compare the prevalence of dental caries and treatment need of pregnant women and single females in Mosul City, Iraq. A total sample of 666 women (399 pregnant women and 267 single females) selected randomly. Pregnant women were selected from four health care centers, when attending to periodic maternal check up with different stages of pregnancy in Maternal and Child Health Care Center. Single females were selected randomly as control group to compare with pregnant group from health centers. Each group subdivided into 4 subgroups according to the age. Caries experience and the treatment need were diagnosed and recorded according to the criteria suggested by WHO (1997). The results showed a significant difference in the mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Surfaces (DMFS) between pregnant and single females, and the prevalence of dental caries increase with advanced age. The mean DMFS value for pregnant women is 28.78 and for single females 19.09. The study demonstrated that the decay surface component was formed more than the half of DMFS value. Educational programmes to pregnant women through medical and dental centers as well as mass media are suggested to increase the dental awareness and prev-entive behaviour.

Making Prevention of Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness Green

Family violence encompasses child, spouse, and elder abuse and neglect and is viewed as a serious public health threat in our society. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect are commonplace in our society and are not limited to the civilian sector. The military community mirrors the civilian sector in the prevalence of abuse and neglect. Traditionally, identification and intervention of suspected cases of abuse and neglect was thought to be the role of the medical provider. Reports that up to 94% of family violence injuries have head and neck components, which is the very site that dental providers focus their attention, justifies the need for dental involvement. The U.S. Army Dental Command's Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program's newest initiative is a family violence awareness program called Prevention of Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness (PA.N.D.A.). The program augments the Army Family Advocacy Program and gives dental-specific knowledge to our providers. The goals of this article are to describe the new program of the U.S. Army Dental Command that focuses on providing education and awareness to the dental community regarding family violence and to report the results of a survey that has been administered during the family violence training. More than 71% of individuals attending the P.A.N.D.A. training claimed to have previous training in family violence, whereas only 44% were knowledgeable about military regulations governing abuse and neglect.

Family Violence Content in Dental Hygiene Curricula: A National Survey

Dental personnel are in an excellent position to recognize suspected abuse of dental patients because 65-75 percent of abuse occurs in the head and neck area. While most dental and dental hygiene curricula include the topic of child abuse, it has previously been unknown if other types of abuse, such as intimate partner abuse, elder abuse, and abuse of disabled persons, are addressed. This study was conducted to determine the extent to which dental hygiene programs have incorporated these family violence topics into the curriculum. Specific data on content, teaching methods, faculty, and resources were collected. Reasons for not including family violence in the curricula, attitudes on mandatory continuing education, and support services available for abuse victims were also examined. A fifteen-item survey was sent to all 229 U.S. accredited dental hygiene programs. Surveys were returned from 173 programs for a response rate of 77.5 percent. Child abuse was taught in most programs (N=122, 70.5 percent), while elder abuse (N=95, 54.9 percent), intimate partner abuse (N=81, 46.8 percent), and abuse of individuals with disabilities (N=80, 46.2 percent) were taught in fewer programs. Reasons for not including family violence in the curricula (N=31, 18 percent) varied. The need is critical for increased curriculum attention in U.S. dental hygiene programs to help stem the epidemic of family violence. Raising dental hygienists' awareness of the problem and potentially increasing the number of reports of and referrals for suspected violence may help more victims.

Risk Factors for Sleep Bruxism in the General Population

Sleep bruxism can have a significant effect on the patient's quality of life. It may also be associated with a number of disorders. However, little is known about the epidemiology of sleep bruxism and its risk factors in the general population. Cross-sectional telephone survey using the Sleep-EVAL knowledge based system. Representative samples of three general populations (United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy) consisting of 158 million inhabitants. Thirteen thousand fifty-seven subjects aged > or = 15 years (United Kingdom, 4,972 subjects; Germany, 4,115 subjects; and Italy, 3,970 subjects). None. Clinical questionnaire on bruxism (using the International Classification of Sleep Disorders [ICSD] minimal set of criteria) with an investigation of associated pathologies (ie, sleep, breathing disorders, and psychiatric and neurologic pathologies). Grinding of teeth during sleep occurring at least weekly was reported by 8.2% of the subjects, and significant consequences from teeth grinding during sleep (ie, muscular discomfort on awakening, disturbing tooth grinding, or necessity of dental work) were found in half of these subjects. Moreover, 4.4% of the population fulfilled the criteria of ICSD sleep bruxism diagnosis. Finally, subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (odds ratio [OR], 1.8), loud snorers (OR, 1.4), subjects with moderate daytime sleepiness (OR, 1.3), heavy alcohol drinkers (OR, 1.8), caffeine drinkers (OR, 1.4), smokers (OR, 1.3), subjects with a highly stressful life (OR, 1.3), and those with anxiety (OR, 1.3) are at higher risk of reporting sleep bruxism. Sleep bruxism is common in the general population and represents the third most frequent parasomnia. It has numerous consequences, which are not limited to dental or muscular problems. Among the associated risk factors, patients with anxiety and sleep-disordered breathing have a higher number of risk factors for sleep bruxism, and this must raise concerns about the future of these individuals. An educational effort to raise the awareness of dentists and physicians about this pathology is necessary.

Meeting oral health information needs of the Chinese community in the UK

Poor oral health and low dental awareness among Chinese people in the UK have been reported. The provision of oral health education for the Chinese appears to be inadequate. Existing materials fail to take their needs and demands into account. This study described a process in the production of dental health education materials acceptable to the Chinese community. To inform the development of the materials, a qualitative assessment using six focus groups was conducted separately according to age (teenager, adult, elderly) and gender. This was followed by a quota sample survey of 156 Chinese people using standardised semi-structured questionnaires. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses identified poor knowledge of dental disease; distinctive oral health beliefs; and negative attitudes towards dentists and obtaining dental care. In each case, however, there were marked variations between groups categorised by age and education. The most popular dental health topics requested included general dental care, causes of tooth loss and the use of dental services in the UK. Video and audio-tape media were preferred by the elderly group, while leaflet and poster were more popular in the other age groups. A set of materials, one poster, three leaflets and an audio-tape were produced, based on the findings and within available resources. Good health promotion practice had been employed in this study with ‘grass root consultation’ and target community involvement.