Oral Health Challenges Research Articles

Dental treatment of children with special healthcare needs: A retrospective study of 10 years of treatment.

Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) often face oral health challenges. This retrospective cross-sectional study at a university hospital aimed to determine CSHCN's medical spectrum, dental treatment needs, and mode of treatment: general anesthesia (GA) or outpatient dental care (ODC). Data from the Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University Hospital, 2012-2022, were reviewed, considering age, gender, International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnoses, caries experience (dmft/DMFT), restorative parameters, and treatment under GA/ODC. For patients under GA, their American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification was considered. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U-test and logistic regression were utilized. Of 669 patients, congenital and chromosomal malformations (34.7%), diseases of the nervous system (19.1%), and mental and behavioral disorders (16.0%) were mainly diagnosed. Dentin caries prevalence was high at 79.1%, with treatments performed mainly under GA (51.4%). The odds of receiving treatment under GA decreased with patient age and increased with higher dmft/DMFT scores. Most under GA were classified as ASA 3 (51.7%), indicating high anesthesia risks. Children with special healthcare needs often have diseases that can lead to higher challenges related to cooperation. The high prevalence of dentin caries underscores the substantial need for dental treatments, which were consequently often performed under GA, despite the associated risks. These findings stress the need for trained dental professionals.

Oral health practices and challenges facing parents of autistic children in the Western Cape (2021)

BackgroundPeriodontal status and oral hygiene practices are found to be deficient in autistic children. This is attributed to challenges in oral health practices at home and the ability to provide dental treatment in the clinic. AimThe aim of this research was to identify and understand parental challenges regarding oral health practices of autistic children at home and to identify the barriers related to dental treatment. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 54 parents of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children attending autism support group centres in the Western Cape. Data collection was completed through a structured online questionnaire. The questionnaire was comprised of socio-demographics, pharmacotherapeutic treatment of the child, oral health challenges faced by parents at home, and oral health challenges in the dental clinic. ResultsParental assistance of children during daily tooth brushing was reported by 59% of participants and the absence of flossing was particularly evident (90.7%). In the dental clinic, 58% of the parents described the child's behaviour as uncooperative. The majority of parents reported irregular visits to the dentist with extractions being the most commonly performed procedure. Options for treatment under sedation or general anaesthesia were more readily acceptable among parents of autistic children. ConclusionFindings suggest that children with ASD require long-term assistance with daily oral hygiene practices. The clinical environment represents an anxiety-provoking space and the uncooperative behaviour of children with ASD is the main barrier to dental treatment.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Non-institutionalized Elderly in Malaysia: A Teaching Hospital-Based Survey.

Background In Malaysia, the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) has been recognized as a vital instrument for evaluating oral health-related quality of life among the elderly population. Its integration into the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) in 2018 demonstrates the country's dedication to understandingand addressing the unique oral health challenges faced by older individuals. The NHMS, led by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, serves as a crucial platform for identifying and addressing healthcare needs, while also working towards achieving sustainable development goals. This study aimed to provide valuable information for stakeholders and researchers by investigating the relationship between quality of life related to oral health and demographic factors, with the ultimate goal of enhancing oral healthcare for older individuals. Objective The objective of this research was to identify the variables that impact the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of non-institutionalized elderly individuals who visit the Klinik Pergigian Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM). By utilizing the OHRQoL, dental practitioners can gain insight into the elderly's oral health-related quality of life, which is crucial information for dental healthcare providers to effectively reach out to and cater to the elderly at the institution. Methodology A cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a non-probability sampling method to select eligible elderly individuals at the clinic. A validated questionnaire comprising 18 items covering sociodemographic details and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was distributed to individuals above 60 years via printed forms. One way ANOVA, unpaired t-test and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. Results The overall mean GOHAI score among non-institutionalized elderly attending Klinik Pergigian MUCM was 48.38±9.33, indicating poor OHRQoL. The psychosocial impact domain had a mean score of 19.33±5.21, surpassing the pain and discomfort domain with a score of 10.73±2.82, highlighting the significant impact of psychosocial factors on poor oral health-related quality of life. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significantassociations between OHRQoL and factors such asethnicity, living arrangements apart from spouse and family, or tertiary education among older individuals after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusions This study indicates that sociodemographic aspects have minimal impact on the OHRQoLof seniors. Further examination is needed to understand the economic aspects of tooth replacement options and preventive measures in this age group. To enhance the OHRQoLof older adults, especially those not living infacilities like nursing homes or assisted living centers,tailored oral healthcare plans and strategies arecrucial. Interdisciplinary collaboration among mental health professionals, geriatric experts, and oral healthcare providers is crucial for empowering both healthcare practitioners and seniors to maintain optimal oral health.

Impact of Bisphosphonate Therapy on Oral Health in Patients with Breast and Prostate Cancer and Bone Metastases: A Comprehensive Study.

This study investigates the impact of bisphosphonate therapy on the stomatognathic system in 80 patients with cancer of the breast and prostate with bone metastases. Bisphosphonates are integral for managing skeletal complications in these malignancies but are associated with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), affecting 0.8-18.5% of patients. BRONJ manifests with pain, neuropathy, tissue swelling, mucosal ulceration, tooth mobility, and abscesses, yet its pathogenesis remains elusive, complicating risk prediction. The research employed comprehensive dental and radiological evaluations. Dental status was assessed using DMFT and OHI-S indices, Eichner's classification, and clinical periodontal measurements like the pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mSBI). A radiological analysis included panoramic X-rays for radiomorphometric measurements and TMJ lateral radiographs. Results indicated a significant decline in oral hygiene in patients with cancer after bisphosphonate therapy, marked by increased DMFT and OHI-S scores. Periodontal health also showed deterioration, with increased PD and CAL readings. The incidence of BRONJ symptoms was noted, although exact figures are not quantified in this abstract. The study also revealed changes in radiomorphometric parameters, suggesting bisphosphonates' impact on bone density and structure. No substantial alterations were observed in TMJ function, indicating a need for extended observation to understand bisphosphonates' long-term effects on the stomatognathic system. These findings highlight the importance of continuous dental monitoring and prophylaxis in patients undergoing bisphosphonate therapy. Implementing meticulous oral care protocols is essential for mitigating BRONJ risk and managing the complex oral health challenges in patients with cancer.

The changes on salivary flow rates, buffering capacity and chromogranin A levels in adults after bariatric surgery.

This study aimed to investigate changes in salivary flow rates, buffering capacity, and salivary chromogranin A (CHGA) levels in adults undergoing bariatric surgery (BS) compared with a non-obese control group. Salivary analyses were performed on 62 participants aged over 50years, stratified into two groups matched for age and gender-individuals who had undergone bariatric surgery (BS) (n = 31) and a corresponding healthy control group (n = 31). Before saliva collection, participants completed a comprehensive 11-point visual numerical rating scale (NRS 0-10) xerostomia questionnaire, assessing subjective perceptions of two key aspects: dryness of the oral mucosa and resultant impact on oral functional ability. Three distinct saliva measurements were obtained: unstimulated whole saliva (UWS), stimulated whole saliva (SWS), and unstimulated upper labial saliva (ULS). The buffering capacity of unstimulated saliva was assessed using pH indicator strips, and concentrations of salivary Chromogranin A (CHGA) were quantified in stimulated saliva via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After BS, more than 40% of BS group patients reported xerostomia, with 16.1% experiencing only mild symptoms without significant functional impact (p = 0.009). The prevalence of xerostomia and tongue dryness was higher in the BS group compared to the control group (p = 0.028 and p = 0.025, respectively). The comparative analysis unveiled no statistically significant differences in flow rates of unstimulated upper labial saliva (ULS), unstimulated whole saliva (UWS), and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) between the control group and patients who underwent bariatric surgery. However, in patients undergone BS with xerostomia, both ULS and UWS flow rates were significantly lower than in controls with xerostomia (p = 0.014 and p = 0.007, respectively). The buffering capacity was significantly lower in patients undergone BS than in controls (p = 0.009). No differences were found between groups regarding CHGA concentration and output values, nevertheless, higher values of CHGA concentrations were significantly correlated to lower flow rates. According to the results, this study suggests that individuals undergoing BS may exhibit altered salivary buffering capacity and reduced unstimulated salivary flows in the presence of xerostomia. Additionally, the findings suggest that elevated concentration of salivary CHGA might be associated, in part, with salivary gland hypofunction. The clinical significance of this study lies in highlighting the changes in salivary functions after BS. The identified salivary alterations might be attributed to adverse effects of BS such as vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, and dehydration. Understanding these changes is crucial for healthcare professionals involved in the care of post-BS patients, as it sheds light on potential oral health challenges that may arise as a consequence of the surgical intervention. Monitoring and managing these salivary alterations can contribute to comprehensive patient care and enhance the overall postoperative experience for individuals undergoing BS.

Oral hygiene practices and dental care challenges in children with Microcephaly

At the university level, the academic community must understand that, for quality education, it is necessary to carry out extension activities to integrate the training of both teachers and students. But what would extension actions be developed for an extremely vulnerable population, such as children with microcephaly? What would be the oral health care protocol guidelines for these individuals? What would this exchange of knowledge be like between the two groups: university and this vulnerable population? Based on these questions, this article proposes to report the experiences of professors and students of the Dentistry course at the State University of Southwest Bahia about oral health practices and challenges in dental care for children with microcephaly based on the principles of universality, equity and integrality.

Evaluation of oral health services and challenges faced by oral health practitioners working in Nyarugenge, Rwanda.

Oral healthcare professionals encounter considerable challenges while providing services to curb the oral disease burden. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges faced by oral health practitioners providing oral health services in Nyarugenge, Rwanda and to appraise the availability and adequacy of oral hygiene equipment, instruments, and materials. This was a cross-sectional concurrent mixed methods study. The quantitative and qualitative parts were independent during data collection and analyses and merged during the interpretation phase. All seven public health facilities and 14 dental professionals working in Nyarugenge were included in the study. Data were collected using an audit checklist and an in-depth interview guide. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data. The interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Most of the dental health professionals were dental therapists (n = 11), women (n = 9), aged 31-40 years (n = 7), and with 11-20 years' experience as oral health practitioners (n = 6). There were five health centers and two hospitals that were audited for equipment, instruments, and materials. The audit of the facilities revealed that most facilities have dental equipment and instruments, but none have adequate preventive dental instruments and materials. Four broad themes emerged from the interviews with the oral health practitioners, namely human resources, supply chain management, patients' oral health awareness and service rendering, and strategic management and administration. The most significant challenges oral health practitioners faced included high dental practitioner/patient ratios, lack of adequate and appropriate equipment and materials, patients' lack of oral health awareness, and a lack of administrative support. Well-established community preventive interventions, such as a mobile oral health App, could reduce the patient/provider ratio by increasing population awareness of oral health and encouraging healthy behaviours. The management of the health facilities should address the human resource challenges and equipment supply chain issues.

Test of Oral Health Literacy in Adults (TOHLA): development and psychometric evaluation of a new scale.

This study aimed to develop and rigorously evaluate the Test of Oral Health Literacy in Adults (TOHLA) for the Iranian population, addressing the limitations of existing oral health literacy (OHL) measurement instruments and contributing to the literature on OHL assessment. The development of the TOHLA involved a qualitative approach, which included a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with a panel of 15 experts from diverse fields and 22 Iranian adults aged 18 to 64 years. The instrument was designed with 48 items categorized into four domains: cognitive skill, communication skill, media skill, and functional skill. Content validity was established through expert input and content validation indices. Construct validity was supported by factor analysis, and concurrent validity was assessed by comparing TOHLA scores with demographic variables. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability analyses were performed to assess the instrument's reliability. The psychometric evaluation of the TOHLA demonstrated strong content validity, construct validity, concurrent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. The instrument exhibited a high level of internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.81 for the entire scale. Test-retest reliability was satisfactory, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.83. Concurrent validity analysis showed statistically significant associations between OHL scores and demographic variables, supporting the instrument's overall performance. The TOHLA overcomes the weaknesses observed in existing instruments and offers a comprehensive tool with strong psychometric properties to assess the OHL of the Iranian adult population. Researchers, policymakers, and healthcare providers can utilize the TOHLA to address oral health challenges and enhance overall oral health outcomes among Iranian adults.

Nanochemistry of gold: from surface engineering to dental healthcare applications.

Advancements in nanochemistry have led to the development of engineered gold nanostructures (GNSs) with remarkable potential for a variety of dental healthcare applications. These innovative nanomaterials offer unique properties and functionalities that can significantly improve dental diagnostics, treatment, and overall oral healthcare applications. This review provides an overview of the latest advancements in the design, synthesis, and application of GNSs for dental healthcare applications. Engineered GNSs have emerged as versatile tools, demonstrating immense potential across different aspects of dentistry, including enhanced imaging and diagnosis, prevention, bioactive coatings, and targeted treatment of oral diseases. Key highlights encompass the precise control over GNSs' size, crystal structure, shape, and surface functionalization, enabling their integration into sensing, imaging diagnostics, drug delivery systems, and regenerative therapies. GNSs, with their exceptional biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, have demonstrated efficacy in combating dental caries, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and oral mucosal diseases. Additionally, they show great promise in the development of advanced sensing techniques for early diagnosis, such as nanobiosensor technology, while their role in targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapy, and immunomodulatory approaches has opened new avenues for oral cancer therapy. Challenges including long-term toxicity, biosafety, immune recognition, and personalized treatment are under rigorous investigation. As research at the intersection of nanotechnology and dentistry continues to thrive, this review highlights the transformative potential of engineered GNSs in revolutionizing dental healthcare, offering accurate, personalized, and minimally invasive solutions to address the oral health challenges of the modern era.

Fluoride Application in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: An Overlooked Protocol for Preserving Radiant Smiles

Abstract This case report focuses on the rising incidence of oral and maxillofacial tumors, requiring multimodal therapy involving surgery and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy, integral to cancer treatment, poses oral health challenges, notably radiation-related caries. Severe complications such as mucositis, xerostomia, and osteoradionecrosis highlight the critical role of optimal oral hygiene practices in managing these conditions. The presented case involves a 38-year-old male with a history of verrucous carcinoma, undergoing composite resection, modified neck dissection, and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction. Adjuvant radiotherapy requires a comprehensive approach to minimize complications. Here, the focus is on fluoride treatment, specifically Fluoritop SR Dental Varnish, to prevent radiation-related caries. A multidisciplinary approach, including fluoride application, vigilant monitoring, patient education, and collaboration, is crucial for minimizing complications in oral malignancy radiotherapy. Emphasizing fluoride’s significance in preventing radiation-related caries, this care plan contributes to awareness and improves oral health outcomes in this patient population.

Patterns and predictors of tooth loss among partially dentate individuals in Jordan: A cross-sectional study

AimThis study aimed to examine the patterns of partial edentulism and the associated risk factors in Jordan. MethodsA cross-sectional, epidemiological study was carried out across Jordan, and data was collected from adult partially dentate patients in various healthcare facilities. The data collected included sociodemographic data, dental and social history, and clinical examination findings for the jaw and teeth. Multivariate regression models were used to determine the predictors for the number of missing teeth. ResultsThe sample consisted of 467 partially dentate participants. The leading cause of tooth loss was dental caries (85.4 %), followed by periodontal disease (13.7 %), and trauma (7.5 %). The mean number of missing teeth was significantly higher in the upper jaw (2.5 ± 3.1) compared to the lower jaw (2.2 ± 2.6, p = 0.02). In both jaws, the most prevalent Kennedy classification was Class 3, followed by Class 3/Modification 1 and Class 2/Modification 1. Increased age, smoking, lack of daily tooth brushing, and low education level were significantly associated with high tooth loss. ConclusionsThis study contributes to the understanding of partial edentulism in Jordan, reflecting broader oral health concerns and the factors influencing tooth loss. The findings, vital for future research and interventions, offer insights applicable to global oral health challenges, particularly for at-risk groups.

Oral Health Statuses of Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Umbrella Review.

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the oral health statuses of children and adults within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population through an umbrella review approach. The prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and associated variables were investigated across selected studies. A systematic search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, Science Direct, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Wiley Online Library to identify relevant studies. The assessed variables included dental caries prevalence, periodontal disease prevalence, oral hygiene indicators, and the necessity of dental treatment. The pooled prevalence rates, odds ratios, and standardized mean differences were calculated where applicable. The pooled prevalence of dental caries among ASD individuals ranged from 60.6% to 67.3%, while the periodontal disease prevalence ranged from 59.8% to 69.4%. High rates of dental treatment under general anesthesia were reported. Heterogeneous dental caries and periodontal disease prevalence rates were identified, highlighting the need for collaboration and preventive care. Several studies also reported higher prevalence rates of dental trauma and self-inflicted oral injuries among individuals with ASD. However, the review also identified significant methodological limitations in the included studies, including inconsistency in oral health assessment methods and potential bias. The necessity for targeted policies due to high prevalence rates and the requirement for integrated care systems in high DMFT regions were also observed. The umbrella review synthesized diverse findings, revealing variations in dental caries and periodontal disease prevalence among ASD individuals. This review underscores the need for tailored interventions and policies to address oral health disparities. It highlights the necessity of integrated care systems, methodological improvements, and longitudinal studies to comprehensively address the multifaceted oral health challenges within the ASD population.

Oral micro-electronic platform for temperature and humidity monitoring

Intraoral theranostics, the integration of diagnostics and therapeutics within the oral cavity, is gaining significant traction. This pioneering approach primarily addresses issues like xerostomia (dry mouth), commonly resulting from cancer treatment, with a specific focus on monitoring temperature and humidity. This paper introduces the innovative Intra-Oral Portable Micro-Electronic (IOPM) fluidic theranostic device platform. It leverages conventional dental spoons by incorporating advanced sensors for precise measurements of oral temperature and humidity. Personalization options include a microfluidic chip and a tooth model, enabling targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to optimize treatment outcomes. The electronic control system simplifies the administration of fluid dosages, intelligently adjusted based on real-time oral cavity temperature and humidity readings. Rigorous experimental evaluations validate the platform’s precision in delivering fluid volumes at predefined intervals. This platform represents a transformative advancement for individuals contending with oral health challenges such as xerostomia (dry mouth). Furthermore, it has the potential to elevate oral healthcare standards by providing advanced diagnostics and tailored therapeutic solutions, benefiting both patients and dental professionals alike.

Oral health challenges in patients with chronic kidney disease: A comprehensive clinical assessment

Loss of kidney function causes oral manifestations and multiple complications that have implications for dental treatment and patients’ systemic conditions. We aimed to determine the clinical condition, epidemiological profile, and incidence of dental caries in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This was an observational, cross-sectional, field study using a quantitative and epidemiological approach. The sample consisted of 45 randomly selected patients with CKD from a total of 114 patients. Data were collected through oral clinical examination, anamnesis, and medical records compiled in a clinical file specially developed for this research. Clinical evaluation was performed, including a Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index examination. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, Mann–Whitney test, and Spearman's rho coefficient. All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 20.0, with a confidence interval of 95 % and significance level of 5 % (p < 0.05). The results indicated that CKD is more prevalent in the 5th decade of life, with a slight predilection for men. Oral cavity alterations were observed in 77.8 % of patients. The study population had a very high DMFT index, with a high number of missing teeth and a low number of decayed and filled teeth. Poor oral health in patients with CKD indicates a lack of care that supports the necessity of installing a preventive and therapeutic oral program and a regular follow-up aimed at this group of patients.

Exploring dental graduates' knowledge and attitudes towards maternal oral health and its relationship to maternal and child health

Introduction and Aim: Pregnancy is a critical period in women's lives and presents complex physiological changes that can influence oral health and vice versa. Integrating education on maternal oral health into dental curricula can help ensure comprehensive care for both pregnant women and their children by equipping dental graduates with the knowledge and skills to address the unique oral health challenges faced by expectant mothers. In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitudes of graduating dental students regarding maternal oral health and its impact on both mothers and infants. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a dental college in southern India. 100 graduating dental students completed a structured questionnaire. Results: 95% of students acknowledged the influence of maternal oral health on both mothers and infants, and 12% displayed a high level of knowledge. However, the average mean score obtained was 63.58% and knowledge gaps were observed in areas such as drug interactions, early childhood caries, and reducing oral bacterial load in expectant mothers. Despite this, 91% believed paediatric dentists should be part of perinatal care teams to promote maternal oral health awareness. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of education and integrating dental professionals in prenatal and antenatal care for improved oral health outcomes.

IMPROVING ORAL HYGIENE STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN BANDUNG THROUGH EDUCATION USING “TOOTH BRUSHING VISUAL PEDAGOGY” FLIPCHART

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communication deficits and restricted interests. Children with ASD face challenges in oral health, necessitating education. Education with visual pedagogy using “Tooth Brushing Visual Pedagogy” flipchart can be used to improve dental health in ASD children. Purpose: This study examined the effectiveness of the "Tooth Brushing Visual Pedagogy" flipchart in improving oral hygiene among children with ASD at Biruku Indonesia Foundation. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with 14 participants measured the Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) plaque index pre- and post-education. The flipchart was used, followed by a toothbrushing session Results: A significant improvement (p &lt; 0.05) was observed (p-value = 0.000071). Before education, plaque index varied from excellent (0.0%) to poor (21.42%). After education, excellent and good oral hygiene increased (0.0% and 71.42%, respectively), while fair and poor levels decreased (28.57% and 0.0%, respectively). Conclusion: The "Tooth Brushing Visual Pedagogy" flipchart effectively improved oral hygiene among children with ASD.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Oral Health Disparities Among the Indigenous Paediatric Population.

There is a knowledge gap in the literature regarding oral health disparities (OHD) in minority and indigenous (IG) paediatric cohortsthat needs to be addressed. Disparities in oral health among children are a pressing concern, highlighting inequities in access to dental care and meeting needs. The current systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the prevailing understanding of OHD in the minority and IG strata. A meticulous search strategy was formulated by a team of reviewers to identify pertinent studies fromdatabases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar and EMBASE. Data extraction and article selection strictly adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS)was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies included. Review Manager version5.4 was used to synthesise quantitative data. A total of five cross-sectional studies were included in the final analysis. The findings consistently demonstrated the existence of racial and socioeconomic disparities in oral health across varying age groups and geographical locations in the defined population. Significant disparities in oral health outcomes were observed between IG and non-IG populations, with IG and minority groups exhibiting a heightened vulnerability to oral health challenges. Through a meta-analysis of the compiled data, a statistically significant association was established between children (being a member of a minority group) and unmet oral health needs. Socioeconomic status (SES) and maternal education were factors that showed a significant impact on oral health disparity. All studies were graded to be of the low-risk category based on the NOS risk of bias tool. This review successfully identified several influential factors contributing to oral health disparities, such as cultural practices, dietary patterns and access to oral healthcare services. Additionally, discernible differences in oral health status were evident between IG and non-IG children, with IG children enduring a greater burden of oral health difficulties. These findings underscore the imperative for targeted interventions and policy measures aimed at addressing the specific oral health needs of minority and IG paediatric populations, with the overarching goal of mitigating the existing disparities.

A study to assess the unique oral health challenges faced by elderly individuals, including denture use, dry mouth, and periodontal diseases

Abstract Background: This study investigates oral health challenges among elderly individuals in India, focusing on denture use, dry mouth, and periodontal diseases. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involved 1000 elderly participants (aged 65 years and older) residing in various Indian communities. Data on demographic characteristics, denture use, dry mouth symptoms, and history of periodontal diseases were collected through interviews and oral examinations. Statistical analysis was performed to assess associations and differences among variables. Results: Among the participants, 65% did not use dentures, whereas 55% reported mild to severe dry mouth symptoms. Regarding periodontal diseases, 30% had gingivitis, and 20% had some form of periodontitis, with 10% experiencing severe periodontitis. Demographic factors such as age, education, and income showed significant correlations with oral health indicators. Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of oral health challenges among elderly individuals in India, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions. addressing denture-related issues, managing dry mouth symptoms, and combatting periodontal diseases are crucial for enhancing the quality of life and overall well-being of the elderly population.

Assessment of oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices among school teachers training visually impaired children

ABSTRACT Background: Visual impairment is a significant disability that affects a sizable section of the population worldwide. Children with sensory deficiencies are more likely to experience oral health neglect and challenges to receiving proper dental treatment. There is a major lack of information about the state of oral health and the treatments that are needed for this population in a growing nation like India. It is crucial to raise schoolchildren’s awareness of oral health issues. The dissemination of information on the causes and prevention of common oral disorders can be greatly aided by school instructors. A school-based program is most successful because it targets kids as they develop good health behaviors. Objective: The objectives were to determine the knowledge of school teachers training visually impaired children about the causes and prevention of dental caries and gingival diseases and to know about their interest and willingness to participate in oral health education programs. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 12 close-ended questions on oral health knowledge and practices was formulated and distributed among 100 school teachers in a blind school in Noida, India. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel. Results: The school had limited knowledge on oral health. Out of the total number of teachers interviewed, only 50% were aware of what does gum bleeding means and only 40% were aware that the health of the mouth and dentition impact the health of the body. Conclusion: Overall, school teachers have inadequate oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. It is imperative to improve school teachers’ attitudes and understanding about oral health, including their awareness of different oral cavity issues and strategies for preventing dental disorders.

Incidence of Candida Species Biofilms in Pediatric Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy Treatment

The oral thrush due to biofilms of Candida species is a common infection for the oral cavity of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, leading to oral infections. These biofilms, composed of Candida organisms, pose challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment due to their increased resistance and ability to persist in the oral environment. This study aimed to determine the frequency of Candida species biofilm colonization in the oral cavity of pediatric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. By examining the incidence of Candida sp. biofilms, this research provides valuable insights into the oral health challenges specific to children with cancer, emphasizing the need for targeted preventive and management strategies to address these infections effectively. In this study, a total of 100 oral cavity swabs were collected, with 50 swabs obtained from cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and suspected to have oral candidiasis, and the other 50 swabs collected from non-cancer healthy individuals serving as control. All swabs were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose agar (SDA) media, followed by microscopic examination of positive samples. The API identification candida system was utilized for the identification of Candida species, along with the implementation of biochemical tests to further study the characteristics of the identified species.The findings demonstrated that out of the 50 cancer patients, approximately 47% (23 patients) exhibited positive yeast growth on SDA agar. Among the 50 non-cancer control cases, approximately 30% (15 cases) showed positive growth on SDA agar. Furthermore, using the API candida system, we confirmed the presence of candida species in 25 cases. Candida albicans was identified as the most prevalent species, followed by Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which were detected less frequently.In conclusion, there were a significant increase in Candida species among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in comparison to non-cancer control individuals. This finding highlights the impact of chemotherapy on the prevalence of Candida infections in cancer patients, emphasizing the need for heightened attention and appropriate management strategies in this vulnerable population.