Dental Health Research Articles

The Effect of Music Distraction on Dental Anxiety During Invasive Dental Procedures in Children and Adults: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Dental anxiety and odontophobia are common issues, leading to challenges with oral hygiene and dental health. Music distraction offers an effective and side effect-free solution to alleviate pain and increase the acceptability of dental treatments. Our meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of music distraction in reducing patient anxiety during invasive dental procedures in children and adults. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched for clinically controlled trials, using the keywords "music" and "dental anxiety". The main outcome measured was the anxiety score. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to estimate the standardized mean differences (SMDs). The subgroup analyses were conducted based on age groups, music preferences, and music styles. The research protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD42022357961). Results: A total of 24 controlled clinical trials involving 1830 participants met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Music distraction significantly reduced dental anxiety during invasive procedures under local anesthesia (SMD, -0.50; 95% CI, -0.80 to -0.21; p = 0.0009; I2 = 83%). Our subgroup analysis revealed that music distraction was more effective in adults (SMD, -0.51; p = 0.0007) than in children (SMD, -0.47; p = 0.13) in reducing dental anxiety. Regarding music selection, music chosen by the participant (SMD, -1.01; p = 0.008) demonstrated more anxiolytic effects than by the author (SMD, -0.24; p = 0.02). Regarding music styles, classical music (SMD, -0.69; p = 0.009) was associated with better anxiolytic effects in adults. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis supports the use of music to alleviate dental anxiety during invasive procedures. Listening to classical or customized music can serve as an effective adjunct to outpatient surgical care in dental clinics.

Understanding dental pulp inflammation: from signaling to structure.

The pulp is a unique tissue within each tooth that is susceptible to painful inflammation, known as pulpitis, triggered by microbial invasion from carious lesions or trauma that affect many individuals. The host response involves complex immunological processes for pathogen defense and dentin apposition at the site of infection. The interplay of signaling between the immune and non-immune cells via cytokines, chemokines, neuropeptides, proteases, and reactive nitrogen and oxygen species leads to tissue reactions and structural changes in the pulp that escalate beyond a certain threshold to irreversible tissue damage. If left untreated, the inflammation, which is initially localized, can progress to pulpal necrosis, requiring root canal treatment and adversely affecting the prognosis of the tooth. To preserve pulp vitality and dental health, a deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of pulpitis is imperative. In particular, elucidating the links between signaling pathways, clinical symptoms, and spatiotemporal spread is essential to develop novel therapeutic strategies and push the boundaries of vital pulp therapy.

Global insights of AMR education within One Health

Abstract Introduction Amidst rising concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), traditional educational models fall short in addressing the complexities of AMR which spans environmental, animal, and human health. Education plays a key role in equipping students with skills to combat AMR effectively. We analyzed the difference in knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding AMR across medical, dental, and veterinary students, in relation to the quality of AMR education they receive. Methods Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched for articles related to KAP and education until 3 August 2023. The inclusion criterion was the presence of KAP data related to AMR, and details on the AMR education curriculum. Meta-analysis is currently being performed. Results We retrieved 1301 articles, and 90 articles met inclusion criteria for final analysis. Articles spanned 42 countries, first to final year, sample sizes ranging from <100 to > 3000 participants. Across medicine and dentistry, 79% of studies were done, compared to 17% in the veterinary sector and 5% that adopted a One Health approach. HICs prioritize improving current educational frameworks with practical skills and innovative teaching methods. LMICs deal with challenges like raising awareness about AMR and addressing educational deficiencies at a basic level. Findings indicate a wide variance in AMR knowledge levels, with some studies reporting as low as 32.4% of participants having “good knowledge” on AMR. Attitudes towards antibiotic use and resistance were casual, with a significant number of students expressing the need for more education. Practices varied widely, from high rates of self-medication to better-informed antibiotic use in regions with more comprehensive AMR curricula. Conclusions Enhancing the quality of AMR education across medical, dental, veterinary, and environmental health is imperative to equip future health professionals with the knowledge and attitudes necessary to combat AMR. Key messages • Traditional educational models are insufficient for addressing the complexities of AMR which crosses multiple health sectors. • Improving AMR education quality is crucial to equip future health professionals to effectively combat AMR.

Use of intraoral mobile photography for screening of oral health in children

Abstract Background The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of intraoral mobile photography to assess caries intensity (DMFT/deft), simplified oral hygiene index (S-OHI) and modified gingival index (MGI). Methods Children aged 7-12 were included in the study. The clinical doctor evaluated the oral health indicators by visual examination: DMFT, deft, S-OHI, MGI were calculated. Dental students independently captured photos with a mobile phone (iPhone-11) in 8 predetermined projections. Dental images were kept in coded folders for research anonymity. Another professional calculated index based on the photos. Variables were used with binary values (DMFT/deft = 0/≥1; MGI=0/≥1; S-OHI≤1.2/>1.2). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) of dental photography were evaluated and Cohen’s Kappa was calculated to measure the level of agreement between two independent observers. Results 2864 photographs were evaluated for 358 participants. The sensitivity and specificity of intraoral mobile photography for DMFT index is 95.8 (95% CI: 93.4-98.3) and 89.2 (95% CI: 83-95.5); For deft index: 100.0 (95% CI: 100-100) and 88.6 (95% CI: 79.3-98); For MGI: 89.7 (95% CI: 85.8-93.5) and 91.4 (95% CI: 86.3-96.5); For S-OHI: 77.6 (95% CI: 67.6-87.6) and 93.8 (95% CI: 91-96.6); The PPV value for DMFT, deft, MGI and S-OHI is 96.2; 97.7; 95.6 and 74.3 and the NPV value is 88.3; 100.0; 80.9 and 94.8 respectively. It was achieved substantial and perfect agreement between two independent raters: For DMFT, deft, MGI, S-OHI indices Cohen’s Kappa =0.85; 0.93; 0.78; 0.70 correspondingly. Conclusions Intraoral mobile photography, if applied within appropriate guidelines is reliable for assessing caries intensity, simplified hygiene index and modified gingival index as well as visual screening and may become a priority for dental public health. The involvement of dental students in studies of similar design is appropriate. Key messages • Intraoral mobile photography can be used for oral health screening in children. • The involvement of dental program students in screening studies conducted with intraoral mobile photography is appropriate.

9.C. Round table: The Global Oral Health Action Plan – Integrating Oral Health into the global health agenda

Abstract Oral diseases (OD) are a global public health problem affecting 3.5 billion people, with a global prevalence of 45%, higher than the prevalence of any other non-communicable disease (NCD). Recognizing the global public health importance, the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA) (May 2023) adopted the WHO’s Global Oral Health Action Plan (GOHAP) 2023-2030; a crucial step to bring momentum and mobilise all actors to address the burden of OD and common risk factors for all NCDs, while integrating oral health (OH) as part of general health and promoting cross-sectoral cooperation on good OH worldwide to reach UHC. Drawing insights from other successful global health action plans, this roundtable (RT) will explore key lessons learned in implementing effective strategies to improve OH outcomes at European and global levels, ensuring access to quality care for all. The objectives of the RT are: 1.To present the GOHAP 2023-2030, incl. challenges and opportunities; 2. To draw insights from other global health action plans; 3. To present good examples of civil society organization (CSO) actions supporting the GOHAP’s implementation - The Manifesto of the Platform for Better Oral Health, calling for policy actions by EU policymakers; 4. To present findings from the EU DELIVER (DELiberative ImproVEment of oRal care quality) and PRUDENT projects, funded by the European Commission, aiming to provide and implement a blueprint model for ensuring access to quality OH care for all; 5. To inform follow-up actions and collaboration across EUPHA sections, its strategy, as well as that of European Member States (MS), CSOs and other institutional partners, and to raise awareness across the European public and global health communities. The structure of the RT will include brief interactive presentations with real-time polling to maximize participant engagement and to consolidate key messages to present at the end of the session, incl. to inform follow-up actions across EUPHA. The first brief presentation on GOHAP will highlight the aims and evidence-informed actions, followed by: 1. Insights from other global health action plans, exploring lessons learned in implementing effective strategies, examining the approaches, opportunities, challenges and outcomes; 2. Good examples of actions taken by CSOs; 3. Preliminary findings from the EU DELIVER and EU PRUDENT will be presented, incl. key co-creation tools of deliberative dialogues and the development of a set of quality indicators for applicability on the practice, community and policy levels. Guided discussion will focus on opportunities and challenges in GOHAP implementation, with the targeted questions to panellists on: What can countries learn from other global health action plans? What should be the priorities of EU MS? What is the role the public health community can play? What are key steps needed to eliminate common NCD risk factors to drastically reduce the prevalence and burden of ODs? Key messages • There is an urgent need in the global and public health communities to better understand the processes involved in implementing the GOHAP, incl. challenges and opportunities. • Interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration is key to address the common risk factors of NCDs, to inform concerted action and evidence-informed policymaking to improve oral health care. Speakers/Panelists Pauline Vassallo European Association of Dental Public Health, Valletta, Malta Benoit Varenne Dental Officer, Prevention of Non Communicable Disease Department, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland Dympna Kavanagh Chief Dental Officer, Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe, Dublin, Ireland Neville Calleja Department of Health Information and Research, G’Mangia, Malta

What does international evidence tell us about the health of people with childhood social care (CSC) experiences?

Abstract International research into the health of people with childhood social care (CSC) experiences has found evidence of worse mental health and emotional-behavioural wellbeing, higher rates of substance use, neurodevelopmental conditions, and avoidable mortality. Lower vaccination rates and worse dental health among those in care has also been reported in few countries. However, research results have been more mixed with regard to some physical health conditions, with higher prevalence of asthma and respiratory ill health among foster children reported in the US but no obvious differences found in the UK. Are there countries where these inequalities are less pronounced, and can we draw such conclusions based on available evidence? When making international comparisons or aiming to give policy advice, we also need to consider the quality of our evidence. Has this been based on small sample sizes or without comparison to other children and adjusting for relevant (socioeconomic) confounders? Most of our current knowledge is also cross-sectional and we do not know if some health conditions precede entry to care and may even be risk-factors for entering social care. Recent longitudinal and cross-sectoral data linkage programmes in many nations (Australia, UK, Canada) have a potential to change this and provide a foundation for evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice.

An epidemiological update on infective endocarditis: a two-decade retrospective longitudinal analysis

Abstract Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare yet serious condition affecting the heart valves and the endocardium. Despite advances in management, IE's incidence is on the rise, maintaining a mortality rate similar to that of the late 20th century. Notably, there has been a notable shift in the risk-factor profile, transitioning from traditional factors such as rheumatic heart disease and poor dental health to more iatrogenic causes such as prosthetic heart valves, cardiac devices, foreign body implants, haemodialysis, and immunosuppression. This shift impacts microbiological and imaging diagnosis. Purpose While IE has been extensively studied in the past, the evolving landscape prompts an epidemiological re-evaluation of vulnerable patient populations and the challenges in current diagnostic parameters. Our primary objective is to examine the trends in microbiological and imaging diagnostics over two decades and to compare them across native valve endocarditis (NVE), prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), and cardiac implantable electronic device-related IE (CIED-IE). Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of longitudinal data encompassing 912 patients admitted with either a possible or definite IE diagnosis between 2001 and 2023. Results The incidence of IE increased over the study duration (p<0.01) with octogenarians most affected (21%). Iatrogenic risk factors were associated with nearly two-thirds (63%) of patients diagnosed with IE, while traditional risk factors were evident in almost one-eighth (13%). Blood culture-negative endocarditis increased over the study duration (81% versus73%, p<0.01) and Staphylococcus aureus (29%, p<0.01) became the dominant pathogen over Viridans Streptococcus (14%, p=0.001). Imaging with transthoracic (56% in 2004 versus 75% in 2023) and transoesophageal echocardiography (57% in 2004 versus 79% in 2023) had an increasing contribution in the diagnosis of IE over the two decades. The subgroup analysis found PVE and CIED-IE were more likely to have negative blood cultures (OR=3.7, CI [1.2-6.8] & OR=4.9, CI [1.3-8]) compared to NVE (OR=0.04, CI [0.02-0.8]). PVE and CIED-IE were more likely to have inconclusive imaging (OR=3.7, CI [1.2-6.6] & OR=2.2, CI [0.07-7.8]) compared to NVE (OR=0.63, CI [0.3-3.2]). Complications of stroke were higher in PVE (OR=3.5, CI [0.89-10]) compared to NVE which also had a lower stroke rate (OR=.16, CI [.04-.73]). PVE had more valvular insufficiency (OR=2.1, CI [0.6-4]) compared to NVE (OR=1.2, CI [0.9-6]). The 12-month mortality was no different across the entities (OR=0.3, CI [0.5-7.7] & OR=.49, CI [0.14-1.8] & OR=0.85, CI [0.3-2.4]). Conclusion Our study underscores the evolving nature of IE, now predominantly a healthcare-related disease. Diagnostic challenges persist due to the heterogeneity of the disease, with the emergence of distinct entities such as PVE and CIED-IE.Graphs: Blood culture & echocardiographyForest plot: NVE vs PVE vs CIED-IE

The role of regulatory focus types in the improvement of perinatal oral health knowledge among dental residents.

This study aims to assess dental residents' perinatal oral health (POH) knowledge and Regulatory Focus Types' (RFT) impact on their knowledge before and after education. A total of 53 dental residents from upstate New York participated from 2019 to 2021. A validated questionnaire collected demographic data, resident's POH knowledge, RFT, and self-reported burnout levels. In the wave 1 cross-sectional setting, 22 residents participated; while in the wave 2 longitudinal setting, 31 residents completed the questionnaire at the baseline and an 1-hour POH lecture. Multiple linear regression assesses factors related to baseline and post-education POH knowledge and burnout, and logistic regression examined factors related to the RFT types (high-on-promotion and high-on-prevention). Overall, 43.40% of the dental residents were high-on-promotion focus, and 47.17% were high-on-prevention focus. Baseline POH knowledge was relatively low, with an average score of 2.57±1.05 out of the maximum score of 5. Residents with high promotion-focus had statistically significant lower scores on the baseline POH (p<0.05), while high prevention-focused residents demonstrated less improvement of POH following perinatal oral health education (p<0.05). Residents who were high on-promotion appeared to have a lower burnout rate (p<0.001). The study revealed that education effectively enhanced POH knowledge among participating dental residents. RFT significantly influenced knowledge improvement, with high promotion-focused residents showing more substantial gains. To encourage adherence to perinatal oral health policies and guidelines among dental practitioners, future educational approach should consider practitioners' RFT to improve knowledge adoption.

Effect of malocclusion severity on oral health and its correlation with socioeconomical status in Iranian adolescents

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the effect of malocclusion severity according to the Index of Treatment Need (IOTN) on oral health (dental caries and gingivitis), and its correlation with socioeconomic status (SES) in Iranian adolescents.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents between 10 and 16 years in Tehran city, who underwent clinical dental examination. The Dental Health Component (DHC) of the IOTN was used to assess the severity of malocclusion. The DMFT index was calculated to assess dental caries, and the gingival index (GI) was calculated for gingival health assessment. For oral hygiene assessment, the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) was calculated, and a questionnaire was used.ResultsTotally, 306 adolescents participated in this study. The frequency of IOTN grades was 88 (28.8%), 89 (26.1%) ,49 (16%), 60 (19.6%), and 29 (9.5%) for grades 1 to 5, respectively. The multinomial logistic regression showed that by an increase in OHI-S score, the odds of having IOTN grade 4 compared to grade 1 increased. Postgraduate parental level of education decreased the odds of having IOTN grade 4 compared to grade 1. Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between oral hygiene practice and the odds of having IOTN grade 5 compared to grade 1.ConclusionsMalocclusion may hinder oral hygiene practice, and resultantly increase plaque accumulation. This risk may be amplified in children with lower SES, highlighting the need for preventive and educational oral health programs.

Refraining from seeking dental care among the Sámi in Sweden: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWhile equity in health care is the core of the Swedish health system, social inequalities in accessing health care, particularly regarding dental care, exist. There is however no information on how the Sámi population is affected. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors for refraining from seeking dental care among the Sámi in Sweden.MethodsA Sámi sample was constructed from three pre-existing registers. Among the 9,249 invitations for individuals aged 18–84 years old, 3,779 answered the survey during February–May 2021. We first calculated frequencies and proportions of the independent variables in terms of socio-economic, socio-demographic, and cultural-related factors as well as the outcome, refraining from dental care. Then, we summarized the magnitude of the association between the independent variables and self-reported refrain from dental care with the prevalence difference (PD) using the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for inferential purposes.ResultsOverall, 17.5% of the participants refrained from seeking dental care despite self-reported need in the last three months, with almost the same proportion between men and women. Among the socio-demographic factors, being in the 30–44 years group (PD = 8.0; 95% CI: 3.59, 12.48), in the 45–64 group (PD = 7.3; 95% CI: 2.96, 11.61) and in the 65–84 group (PD = 5.4; 95% CI: 0.92, 9.78) as well as being divorced/widow-er (PD = 6.7; 95% CI: 2.73, 10.70) and unmarried (PD = 3.1; 95% CI: 0.23, 6.04) were statistically significantly associated with refraining from seeking dental care. Among the socio-economic variables, those in the middle-income quintile (PD = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.28, 9.35), in the poor (PD = 8.1; 95% CI: 3.64, 12.51) and poorest (PD = 8.0 95% CI: 3.48, 12.50) quintiles, and especially those experiencing economic stress once (PD = 9.2; 95% CI: 2.93, 15.48) and several times (PD = 26.5; 95% CI: 19.50, 33.43), were strongly associated with refraining.ConclusionsApproximately one in six of the Sámi participating in this study refrained from seeking dental care despite self-reported need in the last three months. Those who experienced economic difficulties were the most affected group. To achieve equity in dental health care in Sweden, policies removing economic barriers to access dental health care should be implemented.

Maintenance of Dental and Oral Health of High Class Students Using Virtual Reality Box Media (Study at SDN Rejosopinggir Tembelang Jombang)

Dental caries is one of the problems related to oral health that can affect overall health. The state of oral and dental health can be ascertained using the initial dental and oral examination data from the Jatiwates Tembelang Jombang Health Center. Specifically, the number of dental caries among high school students at SDN Rejosopinggir Tembelang Jombang, which shows an average DMF-T index of 5.9, can be used to inform this determination. A high DMF-T index falls between 4.5 and 6.5, according to the WHO. The problem in this study is the high school students in SDN Rejosopinggir Tembelang, Jombang Regency, had a high rate of dental cavities in 2023. The purpose of this study is to find out the difference in oral and dental health maintenance between high school students at SDN Rejosopinggir before and after using Virtual Reality Box material. The type of research is called a quasi-experiment, and it aims to enroll 43 students. The data collection method used is a questionnaire. Data findings are summarized and presented in tabular form as part of the data analysis technique. The results of the study is analysis of the Wilcoxon test showed that the ρ value was 0.000&lt;0.05 with a pretest value of Mean±SD 57.67±12.216, and a posttest value of Mean±SD 77.91±11.032, then H1 was accepted and H0 was rejected, meaning that Students' understanding of maintaining their oral and dental health can be improved by the Virtual Reality Box media.

Parental awareness and dental health behavior of children with congenital heart disease, with diabetes mellitus, or undergoing anti-cancer treatment, compared to healthy children.

Children with chronic diseases tend to experience a considerably higher burden of oral disease compared to their healthy peers. Low awareness of the impact of systemic diseases on oral health, lack of motivation, and discomfort may render the maintenance of good oral hygiene challenging. We conducted a study of four groups of parents: of children with congenital heart disease (CHD), with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM), and undergoing anti-cancer treatment (ACT); and a control group of healthy children (C). We aimed to compare between the groups, parental attitudes and knowledge of their children's oral health, and their reports of their children's dental habits. Parents who arrived with their children for routine check-ups at three main clinics: cardiology, endocrinology, and hematology-oncology were asked to respond to a questionnaire regarding their children's oral and dental health. A total of 287 questionnaires were collected from 76 parents of children with CHD, 100 parents of children with DM, 50 parents of children undergoing ACT, and 61 parents who comprised group C. Compared to the CHD and DM groups, the ACT group demonstrated significantly more awareness of the importance of maintaining oral and dental health following diagnosis of their children's medical condition. Mothers' education was found to correlate with dental health knowledge. Most children in the DM and C groups had previous dental examinations, compared to only half in the CHD and ACT groups. A higher proportion of the children in the C than the other groups brushed teeth twice daily. The groups were similar in their consumption of sugary drinks, and of sweets and snacks. The children's specialist physicians were the main source of information on oral health, especially in the ACT group. Although most of the parents reported awareness to the oral health aspects of their children's disease, only part of them reported that their children visited dentists, and brushed their teeth twice daily. For the parents of children with CHD, DM, and ACT, their children's treating specialists were the primary source of information regarding oral health. This highlights the importance of clear and continuous communication between pediatric specialists and dentists.

Knowledge, Attitudes Regarding Dental and Oral Health With The Number of Funtioning Teeth: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Elderly people are expected to have a minimum of 20 functioning teeth so that mastication, speech, and aesthetic functions are assumed to be normal. However, in reality, tooth loss still occurs in some elderly people, so they only have less than 20 functioning teeth. Problem: Low percentage of functioning teeth in the elderly. Research Objective: To determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes about dental and oral health with the number of functioning teeth in the elderly at Integrated Service Post Melati VI, Karanglo Village, Mojowarno District, Jombang Regency. Method: This type of research is cross-sectional analytical research. The sample of respondents was 52 elderly people. The research instrument to measure knowledge and attitudes about dental and oral health in the elderly uses a questionnaire sheet and a dental examination sheet to identify the number of functioning teeth. The data obtained were analyzed using non-parametric tests with chi square. Results: There was no relationship between knowledge about dental and oral health and the number of functioning teeth. There is a relationship between attitudes about dental and oral health and the number of functioning teeth (study at the Melati VI Integrated Service Post for the Elderly, Karanglo Village, Mojowarno District, Jombang Regency, 2024)

Virtual Multiple Mini Interviews: Implementation and evaluation for undergraduate medical, dental, and oral health degrees

Introduction The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) is a widely used method for evaluating non-cognitive skills of applicants to health professions training programs. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a swift transition to virtual MMIs (vMMIs), with initial indications of their feasibility and acceptability. This novel study describes the implementation and evaluation of a large-scale vMMI model for selection into undergraduate medical, dental, and oral health degrees within an Australian university. Methods A vMMI process was implemented in November 2022, comprising onsite interviewers (n = 450) and remote applicants (n = 1001). Using the online platform Zoom, applicants rotated through six to eight 10-min virtual stations. Acceptability of the virtual process was evaluated using online surveys, completed by interviewers (n = 396) and applicants (n = 255). Results Overall, interviewers (98%) and applicants (96%) reported the vMMI as a positive experience, citing clear information, suitable interview questions, Zoom use, diversity of interviewers, and lack of gender and cultural bias as strengths of the process. Challenges included difficulties with rapport building and the disturbance of background noise. Conclusions A large-scale vMMI for three health programs was successfully implemented and positively evaluated. As the uptake of virtual interviews are likely to increase, this study can provide guidance for institutions planning to implement comparable vMMI processes.

The Effectiveness of Counseling Using Dental Puppets in Improving Knowledge of Dental and Oral Health Maintenance

Children may have a high debris index because they do not know enough about maintaining oral hygiene. The high debris index in grade II students of SDN Bendul Merisi Surabaya is a problem in this study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how well the response of grade II students of SDN Bendul Merisi Surabaya to counseling using tooth dolls to improve their understanding of maintaining good oral health. Quantitative research was used in this methodology. 52 students registered in grade II of SDN Bendul Merisi Surabaya were the focus of this study. The tool used to collect data was a questionnaire. The survey sheet was the tool used to collect data. The data analysis technique used was the Wilcoxon test. The results of students' knowledge before counseling using tooth dolls were in the poor criteria, after counseling using tooth dolls it was in the good category, in addition, P &lt; 0.05 which was indicated by the Wilcoxon test effectiveness test showed that tooth dolls had an impact on improving students' understanding in maintaining oral health. The study concluded that the counseling of tooth puppet media is a very good way to improve the understanding of grade II students about maintaining oral health at SDN Bendul Merisi Surabaya. INDEX TERMS Knowledge, Tooth Doll Media, Dental and Oral Health Maintenance.

Effectiveness Of Gardening Using 10% And 15% Lemon Solution On Reducing Dental Plaque Index (Grade 11 students at SMA Negeri 1 Porong)

Efforts to overcome dental and oral health problems and improve oral hygiene can be done by preventing and eliminating plaque accumulation. Efforts to prevent the appearance of plaque are called plaque control. The results of examining the PHP index in class 11 of SMA Negeri 1 Porong showed that 5 out of 10 respondents had a bad plaque index with a prevalence of 50% with an average PHP index of 3.54. High PHP index. The aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of gargling using lemon solution with levels of 10% and 15% in reducing the dental plaque index in class 11 students of SMA Negeri 1 Porong in 2024. This type of research is Pre-Experimental research with One Group Pretest Posttest with a sample of students Class 11 of SMA Negeri 1 Porong, totaling 52 students. The data collection instrument used was an examination sheet to measure the PHP index. The analysis technique uses an unpaired T test (Independent T-Test). The test results from the research obtained a ρ value of 0.108 or a significant ρ score above α (0.05). The conclusion from this study is that there is no difference in the effectiveness of gargling using lemon solution with levels of 10% and 15%.

The Effect of Brushing Teeth on the Debris Index in Elementary School Children

The average debris index in grade II students of SDN 225 Gresik is included in the bad category. The poor level of debris index for grade II students of SDN 225 Gresik is caused by several factors, including the way they brush their teeth. Debris is food debris that sticks to teeth and gingivas. Brushing your teeth is one of the easiest and cheapest preventive efforts to prevent tooth decay. Good brushing skills can also affect dental and oral hygiene and health, including in reducing food debris, plaque, and other dental problems. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of brushing teeth on the debris index of grade II students of SDN 225 Gresik. This type of research is an analytical research with a cross sectional design, with a sample of 30 grade II students at SDN 225 Gresik. The data collection instruments used are observation sheets and examination sheets. The data analysis technique uses the Chi-Square test. The results of the research on how to brush the teeth of grade II students at SDN 225 Gresik are in the bad category, which is 53%. The debris index of grade II students at SDN 225 Gresik is in the medium category, which is 47%. The results of this study obtained a p value of 0.000 or a p value of significance below α (0.05). There is an effect of brushing teeth on the debris index of grade II students of SDN 225 Gresik. There is an effect between the way you brush your teeth on the debris index of grade II students of SDN 225 Gresik.

The prevalence of dental caries in children with iron deficiency anemia in the Karaganda Region

Aim of the study. To assess the prevalence of caries in children with iron deficiency anemia.Materials and methods. A study was conducted on 1500 children and adolescents in 3 areas of the Karaganda region, of which 54% suffer from IDA. Study examined children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 years, who were classified into three age categories: preschool children (3-6 years), primary school age (7-11 years), and high school age (12-17 years). The analysis was aimed at identifying the connection between iron deficiency anemia and the prevalence of caries among children and adolescents in the Karaganda region. To achieve this goal, statistical methods were applied, including correlation analysis and analysis of variance, considering age groups and regional characteristics.Results and discussion. All study participants examined showed a direct connection between the degree of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the prevalence of caries, amounting to 67.98%, which is a significant correlation. This effect is especially noticeable among children aged 7 to 11 years. It was also found that with an increase in the severity of iron deficiency anemia, an increase in the number of cases of decompensated caries is observed.Conclusions. Children and adolescents with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) exhibit higher rates of caries activity. In severe iron deficiency anemia, there is a high prevalence of caries, which indicates a significant impact of iron deficiency on dental health. Such figures indicate the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia to improve overall health and prevent possible complications in the form of oral diseases, including caries.

The Bidirectional Effects of Periodontal Disease and Oral Dysbiosis on Gut Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares can lead to excessive morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine whether oral dysbiosis/periodontal disease (PD) is common in IBD and is associated with disease activity in IBD. This single-center, prospective, cross-sectional, proof-of-concept, observational study assessed the frequency of periodontal inflammatory disease and interrogated oral and stool microbiota using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of active-IBD (aIBD), inactive-IBD (iIBD), and healthy controls (HC). Questionnaires assessed diet, alcohol usage, oral hygiene behavior, and disease activity. A subset of participants underwent comprehensive dental examinations to evaluate PD. PD was severer in aIBD subjects than in HC, as aIBD had poorer quality diets (lower Mediterranean diet scores) than iIBD and HC. Significant differences in microbial community structure were observed in unstimulated saliva, stimulated saliva, gingiva, and stool samples, primarily between aIBD and HC. Saliva from aIBD had higher relative abundances of putative oral pathobionts from the genera Streptococcus, Granulicatella, Rothia, and Actinomyces relative to HC, despite similar oral hygiene behaviors between groups. Our study suggests that patients with aIBD have severer periodontal disorders and higher relative abundances of putative "pro-inflammatory" microbiota in their oral cavity, despite normal oral hygiene behaviors. Our data are consistent with the potential presence of an oral-gut inflammatory-axis that could trigger IBD flare-ups in at-risk patients. Routine dental health assessments in all IBD patients should be encouraged as part of the health maintenance of IBD and as a potential strategy to decrease the risk of IBD flares.

Barriers to oral health care for persons with disabilities: An overview of systematic reviews.

Nearly one billion individuals globally live with disabilities, facing greater risk of dental issues. Systematic reviews have identified barriers to oral health care for persons with disabilities (PWDs), but a comprehensive synthesis to inform health-policy guidelines is lacking. This overview addresses this gap by summarizing the key barriers to oral health care access for PWDs. (1) summarize key findings on the barriers PWDs encounter in seeking dental and oral healthcare, (2) evaluate the influence of disabilities on accessibility to dental and oral health services, and (3) identify facilitators to improve access and inform future health policy. Systematic review of systematic reviews of both cross-sectional and evaluative studies that identified barriers to oral health care access for PWDs. A comprehensive search of databases was conducted from inception to 24 February 2024, using specific keywords and Boolean operators. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using AMSTAR 2 to ensure transparency and reliability. Five systematic reviews were included. These reviews highlighted financial constraints, provider reluctance, access difficulties, systemic barriers, and patient-related factors as major obstacles. Methodological variations across reviews were noted, affecting the transparency and reliability of findings. Barriers to oral health care access for PWDs include financial, provider-related, access-related, systemic, and patient-related factors. Addressing these barriers, particularly in developing countries, should be a priority for future research and interventions.