Dental Status Research Articles

Diagnosis and minimally invasive management of erosive tooth wear

Tooth wear is a very common dental condition. The extent of wear sometimes can be catastrophic with severe tooth tissue loss which may result in poor esthetics. Main three types of wear are attrition, abrasion, erosion. Attrition is wear of teeth by the opposing teeth. Abrasion is wear of teeth by faulty tooth brushing. Erosion is wear of teeth by some acids. The aim of this article is diagnosis and prevention to avoid loss of tooth tissue, structural damage and which may lead to extensive restorative treatment.

Development of a dental digital data set for research in artificial intelligence: the importance of labeling performed by radiologists

ObjectiveTo present the development of a database (dataset) of panoramic radiography images. Study DesignThree radiologists labeled an image set consisting of 936 panoramic radiographs. Labeling includes tooth numbering (including teeth present and missing) and annotation dental conditions (e.g., caries, dental restoration, residual root, endodontic treatment, implant, fixed prosthesis, incisal wear). The annotation process was performed in a Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) software customized for the study purposes, using a small bounding box to delimit the entire tooth and items for radiographic diagnosis, and a large bounding box to simultaneously delimit the 2 dental arches (maxilla and mandible). A Java Script Object Notation (JSON) file was generated for each annotation. ResultsThe database encompassing 23,619 annotations, disagreement between radiologists occurred in 0.7% of the notes. ConclusionsThis work aims to inform researchers about the importance of the labeling process, in addition to providing the scientific community with a bank of labeled images to implement artificial intelligence systems in clinical practice. Statement of clinical relevanceRadiologists are reference for generating accurate and reliable labels on images for training artificial intelligence systems. Accuracy of the labels are essential characteristics for learning and for the subsequent reliable use of the artificial intelligence system in the clinical area.

Caries prevalence and other dental pathological conditions in Vikings from Varnhem, Sweden

In a late Swedish Viking Age population dating from around 10th-12th century AD, the prevalence, distribution and location of dental caries were studied. Tooth wear, other dental pathology and anatomical variations were identified and recorded clinically and radiographically. A total of 3293 teeth were analyzed from 171 individuals with complete and partial dentitions, of which 133 were permanent and 38 deciduous/mixed dentition. The dentitions were studied clinically, using a dental probe under a strong light source, and radiographs were taken for 18 of the individuals to verify and complement the clinical caries registration. Almost half the population, 83 of 171 individuals (49%), had at least one carious lesion. All individuals with deciduous or mixed dentitions were caries-free. The number of teeth affected by caries among adults was 424 (13%) and the surface most susceptible to caries was the root surface. The tooth most commonly affected by caries was the first mandibular molar. Other findings included apical infections, which were detected clinically in 4% of the teeth, and one case of filed front teeth. The findings gave a unique understanding of life and death in this early Christian Viking community and indicated that it was common to suffer from dental caries, tooth loss, infections of dental origin and tooth pain. These Vikings also manipulated their teeth through filing, tooth picking and other occupational behaviors.

The influence of therapeutic physical factors on the dynamics of the clinical condition and quality of life of patients with peri-implantitis

BACKGROUND: The use of dental implants, being the gold standard in the dental rehabilitation of edentulous patients, is often accompanied by the development of inflammatory complications leading to loss of the implant. Common methods in dental practice for the prevention and treatment of peri-implantitis based on local antiseptic and antibacterial drugs and periodic measures of professional oral hygiene are limited and do not contribute to solving the existing problem.
 AIM: Assessment of the clinical effectiveness and dynamics of the quality of life of patients with peri-implantitis during complex therapy using mesodiencephalic modulation, ozone therapy and their combination.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: the study was carried out with the participation of 116 patients with peri-implantitis of classes I and II according to S.A. Jovanovic. All patients were divided into 4 groups using simple fixed randomization. The first group (control; n=28) received standard dental therapy, including professional oral hygiene and local use of antiseptics. In the second group (comparison group 1; n=29), in addition to standard therapy, a course of ozone therapy was performed, for which the peri-implant area was irrigated with ozonated saline solution with an ozone concentration of 2.5–5.5 μg/ml for 15 minutes. In the third group (comparison group 2; n=30), standard treatment was supplemented with a course of MDM therapy. Patients of the fourth group (main group; n=29), along with standard treatment, received complex treatment, including a course of ozone therapy and MDM therapy. The results were assessed after the end of therapy based on the dynamics of dental indices, the osseointegration parameter of the implant and the level of quality of life of the patients.
 RESULTS: A course of use of various treatment regimens was accompanied by a significant improvement in the clinical and dental status of patients, but the severity of the effect was different in the groups. To a lesser extent, positive changes were identified in the control group. Additional course use of therapeutic physical factors (ozone and MDM therapy) was accompanied by a significant increase in regression of complaints and improvement in objective indicators of dental status. Achieving the maximum positive result was clearly evident in the main group with the complex use of the studied physiotherapeutic factors. The use of the correlation adaptometry method to assess the clinical effectiveness of various treatment regimens for peri-implantitis made it possible to establish that under the influence of the integrated use of ozone and MDM therapy, the most pronounced decrease in mutual correlations between the studied parameters is observed. This indicates an increase in functional reserves and adaptive capabilities of patients in the main group.
 CONCLUSION: the results obtained convincingly prove the high effectiveness of the complex use of therapeutic physical factors in the implementation of a therapeutic strategy aimed at eliminating inflammatory manifestations in the area of dental implants and improving the quality of life of patients.

Molar and incisor hypomineralization: Challenge from diagnosis to therapeutic possibilities

The objective of the present study is to discuss, through a narrative literature review, the characteristics of MIH in order to demystify the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the affected dental elements. This is a narrative review of qualitative literature. To develop the study, searches were carried out for articles in the main health sciences journals, such as: PubMed, LILACS and Embase. The search filters were applied to studies published between 2019 and 2023. The inclusion criteria involved bibliographic reviews, cohort, cross-sectional, case-control studies, applied research and pilot studies. At the same time, exclusion criteria were established for books, book chapters, letters to the author, abstracts of annals, theses, dissertations, opinion articles and those studies that did not corroborate the proposed objective established for this research. The selected studies totaled 29 articles and were subdivided in order to develop a brief bibliographic review, thus the foundation allowed the development of subtopics: definition, etiology, diagnosis and treatment. It is concluded that molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a complex dental condition that affects permanent molars and incisors, presenting challenges in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Its etiology is multifactorial, and includes genetic, environmental and perinatal factors, resulting in variations in prevalence in different populations. Diagnosis requires a detailed examination due to its similarity to other dental conditions, while treatment ranges from preventative measures to invasive restorations, tailored to the patient's needs.

The consequence of the closure of primary care dental services on secondary care during the COVID-19 pandemic – A national outlook

BackgroundAfter the global pandemic of COVID-19 in March 2020, restrictions were implemented on all aspects of routine dental-care with a primary focus to urgent care only. AimTo investigate the impact on secondary care medical facilities and Emergency Department (ED) admissions for the management of severe dental infections as a result of restricted access to routine primary dental-care during the period of COVID-19 restrictions. DesignNational level Hospital Episode Statistics was used to describe the number of inpatient admissions for the drainage of a dental abscess and the attendance for dental related to ED. Data was stratified across ethnicity, sex and deprivation. ResultsThere was a decrease in admission to secondary care for dental infection and total admissions during the initial period of national lockdown due to COVID-19. Incidence of dental abscess drainage equalled 4.51 per100,000 person years from 2018 to 2021. There was a 209 % increase in admissions in patients with greatest deprivation. This was much more exaggerated compared to that of non-dental comparison conditions and total inpatient admissions. Using subsequent inpatient admission as a marker of severity, 4.2 % dentally related ED attendance required onward admission. ConclusionA large proportion of ED attendances with dental related conditions did not require inpatient admission, therefore a large proportion of ED attendances could be managed more appropriately in specific dental services. Dental infections requiring surgical admission disproportionality affects the most deprived communities of the population which is much more exaggerated compared to peri-anal and total inpatient admissions. This highlights the inequalities and links with deprivation that exist in oral and dental health in England, which is much greater than that of general health if total admissions are used as maker for this. This research highlights the need to improve access to primary dental-care services.

Inappropriate behaviours in a dental training environment: pilot of a UK-wide questionnaire.

Incivility and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace are topics of growing interest due to their impact on patient care and safety. Several surveys and campaigns have emerged highlighting the existence of a problem. However, the true scale is difficult to ascertain. The aim of this study is to determine the existence of inappropriate behaviours within the UK dental training environment.An anonymous pilot questionnaire was distributed across multiple platforms reaching out to dental professionals within training environments, inviting responses between July 2022 and October 2022. A total of 215 responses were received. The vast majority (73.2%) felt that inappropriate behaviour is a problem within UK dental training. Senior colleagues were identified as perpetrators in 88% of responses. Most respondents (66%) reported feeling uncomfortable raising the issue, and when raised, 30% felt unsupported. Only 9% felt confident that action was taken after the issue was reported. Belittling was experienced and witnessed most commonly.The feedback received reveals the existence of inappropriate behaviours within dental training environments. Qualitative feedback indicates that if left unaddressed, the impact of such behaviour may persist long-term. Further research is required to address this issue, improve dental training conditions and job satisfaction.

The most common types of nontraumatic dental conditions among emergency department visits in North Carolina before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify the most common types of nontraumatic dental conditions (NTDCs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the variations in the most common NTDCs by patient age groups and rural or urban locations and the impact of COVID-19 on emergency department (ED) visits for NTDCs in North Carolina. MethodsThe authors conducted a retrospective data analysis of ED data from the North Carolina Disease Event Tracking and Epidemiology Collection Tool. The authors estimated the proportions of NTDCs of all ED visits in 2019 and 2021 and ranked the proportions of the major categories of NTDCs by age groups and rural or urban locations. They used a multiple logistic regression model to assess the impact of COVID-19 on NTDCs. ResultsBy the first diagnosis, the proportion of NTDCs dropped from 1.1% in 2019 to 0.99% in 2021 (P < .001). Caries was specified as the third most common NTDC. Oral infection was the top NTDC among young (≤ 17 years) and older patients (≥ 65 years). No significant differences were found in NTDCs between rural and urban areas (P = .68). Children younger than 2 years (adjusted odds ratio, 4.36) and adults aged 18 through 44 years (adjusted odds ratio, 4.54) were more likely to visit the ED for NTDCs than those 75 years and older. ConclusionsThe proportion of NTDCs seen at the ED was lower during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 than in 2019. The common NTDCs varied by age group but were similar in rural and urban areas. The most common NTDCs were related to toothache, oral infection, and caries. Practical ImplicationsMore efforts are needed to reduce ED visits for NTDCs.

Mandibular Cortical Bone Evaluation in a Healthy Paediatric Population.

Changes in mandibular cortical bone have been documented in children with chronic diseases but not in healthy populations. We aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the mandibular cortical bone of a healthy paediatric population using dental panoramic radiographs (DPTs). The secondary objective was to assess the effect of dental status on cortical bone. The DPTs of 660 individuals, aged 6-18 years, were evaluated by two blinded examiners. Bone was qualitatively categorized according to the Mandibular Cortical Index (MCI), and its width was calculated using the Mandibular Cortical Width Index (MCW). Differences between gender and age were tested using Fisher's exact and correlation with dental status with the chi-square test. A significant correlation was observed between bone morphology and gender, with girls having more frequent even and sharp endosteal margins than boys, who showed semilunar defects. The degree of erosion increased with age, as did bone thickness. A positive correlation between thickness and type of dentition was recorded, with normal bone predominating in children in the mixed dentition stage. Νο correlation was found between bone morphology or thickness and the factors associated with dental status. Bone quality and quantity vary significantly between different genders and age groups. Dental needs and treatment characteristics did not seem to affect the above parameters.

Dental findings in wild great apes from macerated skull analysis.

Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being in both humans and nonhuman primates. Understanding the oral pathologies and dental conditions in apes can provide valuable insights into their evolutionary history, dietary habits, and overall health. The present study evaluates dental findings in wild great apes from museum specimens to gain insights into the influence of natural nutrition on dental health. Complete macerated skulls of wild, adult great apes from the collection of the Museum of Natural History, Berlin, Germany, were examined. We analyzed skulls of 53 gorillas (Gorilla gorilla), 63 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), and 41 orangutans (Pongo spp.). For each skull, we recorded wear of dental hard tissues (Lussi and Ganss index), carious lesions, and periodontal bone loss. Incisal and occlusal dental hard tissue defects were found in all skulls, as well as considerable external staining. In all species, incisors and canines showed the greatest loss of tissue, followed by molars. The wear of molars decreased from the first to the third molars, premolars showed the least pronounced defects. Some individuals had apical osteolytic defects along with severe dental hard tissue loss with pulp involvement or after dental trauma, respectively (n = 5). Our study did not observe any carious lesions among the examined great ape skulls. However, we did find evidence for localized or generalized periodontal bone loss in a subset of the specimens (n = 3 chimpanzees, n = 7 orangutans). The natural diet and foraging behavior of great apes induces abrasion and attrition of dental hard tissue but does not yield carious lesions. The occurrence of periodontitis in individual apes indicates that the natural circumstances can induce periodontal bone loss even in the wild, despite physiological nutrition.

Oral and dental conditions in winetasters and others in the wine trade

Oral and dental conditions in winetasters and others in the wine trade

Advances in dental management in the equine geriatric patient: strategies for improved welfare.

Geriatric horses have a high prevalence of dental disease, which is a culmination of age-related dental changes and dental disease throughout the life of the horse that may have long-term consequences. Wear abnormalities, diastemata with periodontal disease, pulpitis and endodontic disease, infundibular caries, and equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis become more prevalent with age. Recognition of age-related dental disease at an early stage can help to treat and possibly preserve teeth for longer. With a natural decrease in masticatory efficiency, it is even more important to preserve teeth where possible and prevent any painful dental disease. Regular routine dental examination and maintenance will help to prevent many dental conditions such as wear disorders and possibly secondary diastemata. Successful treatment and management of most dental diseases are possible even in older patients and will ensure that we are able to maintain a high standard of welfare as horses age.

Dentists' attitudes and prescription practices for analgesics and antibiotics in Kirkuk Governorate, Iraq.

The inappropriate use of analgesics and antibiotics is a widespread issue among dentists globally, leading to the risk of over-prescription that could negatively affect patient health and quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prescribing patterns of analgesics and antibiotics by dentists in Kirkuk City, Iraq, focusing on their attitudes, knowledge levels, and practices regarding these medications. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 280 dentists in Kirkuk City. The dentists were contacted via their work email addresses, and they responded to a survey. Descriptive statistics, including frequency analysis, were employed to evaluate the appropriateness of analgesic and antibiotic prescriptions for different dental conditions. The first-choice analgesic for 44.6% of dentists was mefenamic acid, followed by paracetamol (31.1%). Regarding antibiotic use, 56.8% of dentists in Kirkuk City reported using antibiotics for empirical and direct therapy. Other dentists (43.2%) revealed that they did not have enough information regarding antibiotic group preference in empirical therapy. 106 of the participants (37.85%) recommended the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections. However, most (45%) were unfamiliar with the group preferences in empirical therapy. Dentists in Kirkuk City showed variations in knowledge and awareness regarding using analgesics and antibiotics. This requires further education and training on proper analgesics and antibiotic stewardship guidelines.

IMPROVING THE TREATMENT OF PATHOLOGICALLY ALTERED DENTAL STATUS IN ELDERLY AND SENILE PEOPLE WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

This article aims to explore innovative strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing the management of pathologically altered dental status in elderly and senile individuals undergoing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. By examining emerging research, successful case studies, and evolving treatment modalities, we seek to shed light on promising avenues for improving the overall health outcomes and quality of life for this vulnerable population. By synthesizing insights from diverse perspectives, we aspire to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of this critical healthcare intersection.

Caries prevalence and molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) in children. Is there an association? A systematic review.

Molar incisor hypomeralisation (MIH) is a dental condition clinically characterised by the presence of morphological and qualitative enamel defects involving the occlusal and/or incisal third of one or more permanent molars or incisors. Its worldwide prevalence ranges between 2.4 and 40%. Several harmful conditions, such as genetic or medical problems during pregnancy, may act together and increase the risk of MIH. The main objective of this systematic review is to assess whether there is a correlation between MIH and dental caries in mixed or permanent dentition. An electronic search was performed on PubMed (Medline), Scopus and Cochrane Library for articles published from August 2022 to April 2023. Cohort, cross-sectional, retrospective and prospective studies were included. In vitro and animal studies, as well as clinical cases and systematic reviews, were excluded. Studies not differentiating between mixed and permanent dentition were excluded. The observed variables were DMFT (Decayed Missed Filled Teeth) score, DMFS (Decayed Missed Filled Surface) and DMF scores related to FPM (First Permanent Molar) and the clinical prevalence of MIH. DMFT, DMFS and DMFT on FPM scores are significantly different between the group of patients with MIH and the control group. The available evidence supports a correlation between MIH lesions and caries. Caries indexes scores increase proportionally to the severity of MIH.

Pathogenetic and associative relationships between the parameters of periodontal health and bone mineral density in women living in a megalopolis

Relevance. Osteoporosis and chronic periodontitis are serious issues of modern life. The hypothesis that these two diseases are associated is still open-ended and doesn’t allow setting the record straight for the lack of sufficient evidence.Purpose. The study aimed to detect the relationship between periodontal health parameters and mineral bone density characteristics in postmenopausal women.Material and methods. The study examined 109 female patients with diagnosed moderate chronic generalized periodontitis (К05.31). The participants formed two groups: the main group (76 women) and the control group (33 women). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, FRAХ® and CCI assessed the mineral bone density and patients’ systemic health. Dental status was evaluated using the OHI-S, CAL, PPD, PMA, PI, and PBI. X-ray assessment was based on the Fuchs index for upper and lower jaws, and the mandibular cortical index (MCI) was evaluated by CBCT scans in Galaxis Galileos software (Sirona), Orthophos SL CBCT scanner. The data were statistically analysed using licensed STATISTICA 13.3 software. In descriptive statistics for variables, the median was quartiles corresponding to the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile. The Shapiro-Wilk test and χ2 (chi-square) evaluated the normality of variables.Results. Periodontal pocket depth (PPD) was 4.44 (4.30:4.20:4.50) in the main group. The cumulative change in the clinical attachment level (CAL) was 5.53 (5.50:5.40:5.80), which was significantly higher than the control group parameters (р &lt; 0.001). Bone mineral density of L1-L4 vertebrae corresponded to osteopenia (g/cm2) -0.83 (-080: -0.78: -0.91), spine (Neck) Т-score was -1.70 (-1.7: -2.2: -2.0). In the patients of the control group, the CBCT did not show any signs of inf lammatory destruction, and the DXA test did not reveal any loss of bone mineral densit y.Conclusion. There are mean significant (less than 0.05) correlations between right femoral neck Т-scores and periodontal pocket depth parameters (R = -0.39) and between the same parameter and the clinical attachment level (CAL) (R = -0.37). A significantly high degree of negative correlation is between the spine Т-score of L1-L4 and PPD, correlation coefficient (R = -0.72).

Pathogenetic and associative relationships between the parameters of periodontal health and bone mineral density in women living in a megalopolis

Relevance. Osteoporosis and chronic periodontitis are serious issues of modern life. The hypothesis that these two diseases are associated is still open-ended and doesn’t allow setting the record straight for the lack of sufficient evidence.Purpose. The study aimed to detect the relationship between periodontal health parameters and mineral bone density characteristics in postmenopausal women.Material and methods. The study examined 109 female patients with diagnosed moderate chronic generalized periodontitis (К05.31). The participants formed two groups: the main group (76 women) and the control group (33 women). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, FRAХ® and CCI assessed the mineral bone density and patients’ systemic health. Dental status was evaluated using the OHI-S, CAL, PPD, PMA, PI, and PBI. X-ray assessment was based on the Fuchs index for upper and lower jaws, and the mandibular cortical index (MCI) was evaluated by CBCT scans in Galaxis Galileos software (Sirona), Orthophos SL CBCT scanner. The data were statistically analysed using licensed STATISTICA 13.3 software. In descriptive statistics for variables, the median was quartiles corresponding to the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile. The Shapiro-Wilk test and χ2 (chi-square) evaluated the normality of variables.Results. Periodontal pocket depth (PPD) was 4.44 (4.30:4.20:4.50) in the main group. The cumulative change in the clinical attachment level (CAL) was 5.53 (5.50:5.40:5.80), which was significantly higher than the control group parameters (р &lt; 0.001). Bone mineral density of L1-L4 vertebrae corresponded to osteopenia (g/cm2) -0.83 (-080: -0.78: -0.91), spine (Neck) Т-score was -1.70 (-1.7: -2.2: -2.0). In the patients of the control group, the CBCT did not show any signs of inf lammatory destruction, and the DXA test did not reveal any loss of bone mineral densit y.Conclusion. There are mean significant (less than 0.05) correlations between right femoral neck Т-scores and periodontal pocket depth parameters (R = -0.39) and between the same parameter and the clinical attachment level (CAL) (R = -0.37). A significantly high degree of negative correlation is between the spine Т-score of L1-L4 and PPD, correlation coefficient (R = -0.72).

Influence of disabilities on state-level disparity in dental care utilization and tooth loss: Findings from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of disparity in access to dental care and tooth loss between US adults with and without disabilities at the state level. This secondary analysis included data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a cross-sectional state-run annual telephone survey of noninstitutionalized US adults aged 18 years or older. The primary predictor, having any disability, was defined as reported difficulty in hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self-care, or independent living. The two dental outcomes used were reported time since last dental visit and missing teeth status. We conducted descriptive analysis and multinomial regression models on weighted data to report the prevalence and state-level disparity in dental outcomes between individuals with and without disability. Nationally, one in four adults reported a disability, with a disproportionately higher prevalence among females, Native Americans and lower education and income groups. The highest utilization of dental services within a year among individuals with disabilities was found in the Northwestern and Midwestern states. Western states had the highest proportion of individuals with disability to have had a recent dental visit and a complete dentition, while the Southern states had the lowest proportions. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, 59.1% of individuals with disabilities had dental visits within a year, which is 8.0% points less than those without disabilities. Similarly, only 50.8% of individuals with a disability had complete tooth retention, which is 10.1% points less than individuals without disability. Regardless of the type of disability, adults with a disability were less likely to have visited the dentist in the past year or to have retained all of their teeth. Those with self-care disabilities had the lowest rates of both. There were clear disparities in the utilization of dental care and dentate status among adults with disabilities at the state level. The findings from this study highlighted the necessity of finding local solutions to address the gap in dental care utilization and tooth loss between those with and without disability among the US population.

Odontogenic sinusitis: A literature review

AbstractAimTo present the most recent evidence about odontogenic sinusitis.Materials and methodsAn electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE via OVID, Embase via OVID and PubMed for odontogenic sinusitis.ResultsOdontogenic sinusitis originates from pathology of the dentition and surrounding structures. This disease differs from sinusitis of other causes in pathophysiology, diagnosis, microbiology and management. Symptoms of unilateral nasal obstruction and purulent discharge are highly suggestive of the disease. Computed tomography is considered the gold standard in assessing the relationship between dental conditions and sinus disease. Failure to eliminate the dental source of infection will often result in treatment failures. Collaboration and multidisciplinary management between dental surgeons and otolaryngologists is imperative for the successful identification and treatment of the disease, as either treatment in isolation may be inadequate leading to poor patient outcomes. Primary dental treatment may be effective in patients with lower sinonasal disease burden and similarly, patients suffering from minimal dental disease may recover from sinus surgery alone. Combined dental and sinus surgery results in disease resolution in 90%–100% of patients; however, controversy remains regarding the optimal sequence of interventions.ConclusionThis review describes the aetiological, microbiological, clinical findings and diagnostic methods, as well as clinical and patient factors influencing treatment modalities of odontogenic sinusitis. Furthermore, a management decision tree is provided.

Profiling oral health status, values, and related quality of life in patients with oral cancer: a pilot study

Patients diagnosed with oral cancer frequently exhibit an increased likelihood of experiencing common dental conditions, lower dental health literacy, and a decline in their overall quality of life. However, there is limited understanding on the impact of oral health values on these patients. This study aims to explore the oral health status and their oral health determinants and reported outcomes in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) at the Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil. This cross-sectional study included patients who were diagnosed with OSCC for the first time. These individuals were administered a questionnaire that collected sociodemographic data, as well as their scores on the oral health value scale (OHVS) and the short-form oral health impact profile. In addition, participants self-reported their experiences with periodontitis and caries using the decayed, missing, filled index. The final sample consisted of 46 OSCC patients, consisting of 34 males and 12 females. The average age of the participants was 70.0 years (±13.2), with most of them being retired (65.2%). There were no differences found between sex regarding age (p = 0.531), employment status (p = 0.114), presence of systemic conditions, smoking habits (p = 0.423), or alcohol consumption (p = 0.404). In the OHVS, there was a statistically significant difference between men and women regarding the retention of natural teeth (p = 0.021). Patients with self-perceived periodontitis exhibited worse functional limitation (p = 0.039) and physical pain (p = 0.049). Regarding dental caries experience, it was observed that a majority of patients had a higher incidence of missing posterior teeth (59.2%). This sample presented a significant decline in oral health, in addition to the diagnosed OSCC. The oral health value and quality of life were severely declined. There is a concerning lack of oral care and health that, consequently, impacts the quality of life of these patients.