Dental Status Research Articles

The Association of Oral Processing Factors and Nutrient Intake in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Oral health and food oral-processing issues emerge with functional decline in the older adult population, potentially increasing the risk of malnutrition. Impairment of oral health is associated with poorer nutrition status; however, the relationship between oral factors and the intake of each nutrient remains poorly understood. The associations between different oral factors and nutrient intakes among community-dwelling older adults were investigated. A literature search from 5 databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Ovid [MEDLINE and Embase], and CINAHL) was completed on February 1, 2022. The search was limited to peer-reviewed articles published between the years 2012 and 2022. Six cross-sectional studies were included in the meta-analysis. Two authors independently completed the data extraction and summarized the study characteristics, factors adjusted for in the statistical analysis, the outcome, and summary statistics of the results. Meta-analyses showed evidence of a significant association between compromised oral factors (namely, denture status, chewing ability, and the number of teeth) with lower energy (weighted mean difference [WMD], -107 kcal d-1 (95% CI, -132 to -81), protein (WMD, -5.2 g d-1; 95% CI, -6.6 to -3.8), fat (WMD, -4.6 g d-1; 95% CI, -6.7 to -2.6), carbohydrate (WMD, -8.8 g d-1; 95% CI, -13.9 to -3.7), and vitamin C intakes (WMD, -12.9 mg d-1; 95% CI, -16.6 to -9.2) in older adults. Oral health can be an indicator of compromised daily energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and vitamin C intakes in older adults. However, the small sample size of the studies included in this review and the heterogeneity among macronutrient studies should be considered. Because of the lack of studies covering all aspects of food oral processing (eg, salivary flow rate, tongue pressure), the associations between oral processing and nutrient intake were not thoroughly explored. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022308823.

The association between smoking and smokeless tobacco use with dental caries among Pakistani patients

BackgroundTobacco use is widely recognised as a significant risk factor for oral cancer and periodontal diseases. However, the relationship between various types of tobacco use and dental caries has been inconsistent. This study aimed to determine the association between smoking and smokeless tobacco and dental caries among patients in a tertiary care hospital in Quetta, Pakistan.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021 among patients in a tertiary care hospital in Quetta, Pakistan. Oral examinations and interviews were performed according to the WHO Oral Health Survey basic methods (5th edition) to determine dental caries status, tobacco use, and oral health behaviours. The odds ratio and binary logistic regression were analysed to assess the association between the types (smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and use of both types), duration, and frequency of tobacco use and high caries level (DMFT ≥ 5).ResultsFour hundred participants aged 18–65 were included, and 67.8% were tobacco users. Use of both smoking and smokeless tobacco (aOR = 14.7, 95%CI = 1.87–115.96, p = 0.011), smokeless tobacco only (aOR = 5.90, 95%CI = 1.89–18.37, p = 0.002), and smoking only (aOR = 2.18, 95%CI = 1.23–3.88, p = 0.008) were associated with significantly increased risk of high caries. Using tobacco for longer periods and more frequently daily also significantly increases the risk of high caries.ConclusionSmoking and smokeless tobacco are significantly associated with high dental caries after adjusting for other factors. Due to the high severity of dental caries and the high prevalence of tobacco use among Pakistani patients in this study, it is highly recommended to strengthen policies aimed at reducing tobacco usage, including smokeless forms.

Dental caries status and related factors among 12‐year‐old Somali school children in Hargeisa

AbstractObjectivesThere is little data on the oral health conditions of Somali children. The aim was to assess the dental caries status and related risk factors of 12‐aged children in primary schools in Hargeisa, Somaliland.MethodsA school‐based survey was conducted in Hargeisa in December 2022. Using 2‐stage cluster sampling, 405 children (12‐aged) were randomly selected from 16 primary schools. Data collection involved WHO structured interviewer‐administered questionnaire and clinical examinations. The DMFT index was measured according to WHO criteria, and accordingly, the mean for the significant caries index (SiC) was calculated. The association between the DMFT and the relevant variables was analysed using negative binomial regression in STATA.ResultsThe overall prevalence of dental caries was found to be 62.7%, with a mean DMFT of 1.7 and a SiC score of 3.7. Non‐public school pupils showed significantly higher prevalence of dental caries and mean DMFT compared to public school counterparts (68.5% vs. 58.6%) and (1.91 vs. 1.48), respectively. Merely 14.7% of the participants utilized dental care services in the previous year. The multivariable analysis showed a significant positive association of the DMFT outcome with attending a non‐public school (95% CI 1.16–2.12) and having many previous dental visits (95% CI 1.22–2.83). In the adjusted model, fathers of low education had children with better dental caries status (lower mean DMFT) than their well‐educated counterparts. The mean DMFT was not significantly influenced by the factors sex, location, educational attainment (school class of the participants) and frequency of teeth cleaning.ConclusionAlthough the overall mean DMFT of school children in Hargeisa could be regarded low, the high levels of untreated caries especially in the one‐third most affected are a cause for concern. Children enrolled in non‐public schools formed the high‐risk group. Preventive oral public health programs targeting Somali school children are recommended.

Parental education level on the development of children's oral hygiene skills

Introduction. Dental caries is a significant public health issue due to its high incidence among the population. While modern scientific research highlights effective treatments for this condition, prevention remains crucial, directly impacting health and quality of life, especially when early preventive habits are instilled. This study aims to explore how parents' educational levels and other factors influence the acquisition, use, and proper application of oral hygiene knowledge among primary school children. Material and methods. The study surveyed 678 parents of primary school children across 9 administrative regions, including both urban and rural areas of the Republic of Moldova. It employed a randomized approach, involving respondents from all social groups. Results. This study found that parental education level is a crucial factor influencing the proper development of oral hygiene skills, which can prevent dental conditions. Higher parental education was positively associated with urban living environment and family income. Additionally, well-educated parents tend to visit dentists more regularly, which also reflects in better oral hygiene practices at home for their children. Conclusions. Children's oral hygiene habits are strongly shaped by socioeconomic factors and the care parents show. Increasing parental education levels, whether in urban or rural settings, plays a pivotal role in fostering correct dental hygiene practices early in life, thereby ensuring long-term oral health habits into adulthood.

Assessing the Use of Radiographs Alone to Determine Air Force Dental Readiness Classification.

The Air Force Dental Service is responsible for ensuring that airmen are dentally ready to support military operations worldwide by delivering top-tier dental care. As the military healthcare landscape undergoes significant changes, the Air Force Dental Service has explored innovative approaches to dental care delivery. One consideration involves the potential use of radiographs as the primary tool for assessing service members' dental conditions, specifically focusing on identifying nondeployable conditions and periodontal health. Providers who previously participated as examiners in the 2018 Air Force Recruit Oral Health Study were recruited to re-evaluate randomly selected de-identified records, this time making assessments exclusively based on radiographs. Their evaluations included Dental Readiness Classification (DRC) determinations, total caries counts, and Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) index scores, providers also rated their confidence in these conclusions using a 5-point Likert scale. The study then computed sensitivity and specificity to assess the diagnostic performance of providers using radiographs only compared to the original study results that use the gold standard of radiographs with a clinical examination. Providers exceled at ruling out most DRC 3 conditions, with specificities surpassing 70%. Positively identifying those with DRC 3, particularly radiographically identifying periodontal conditions posed challenges with computed sensitivity rates as low as 8%. Discrepancies in PSR scores also accentuated limitations in relying solely on radiographs, where provider's radiographically determined PSR scores that matched less than one third of the time. In general, providers had low to very low confidence in their assessments. The study strongly cautions against relying solely on radiographs for determining the dental health of U.S. Air Force personnel. While providers effectively ruled out the absence of certain conditions, the challenge of positively identifying DRC 3 conditions poses significant risks to oral health if such a workflow was utilized. Particularly, the high probability of false negatives would be detrimental to the operational readiness of military personnel. Therefore, results support the continued use of radiographic and clinical examinations for comprehensive dental exams.

SPECTRUM OF THE PERIODONTAL POCKET MICROFLORA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS OF MODERATE SEVERITY

AIMS:. to evaluate the dental status and quantitative composition of the microflora of the periodontal pocket in patients with periodontitis, taking into account gender differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The object of the study: 39 patients aged 40-60 years with chronic generalized periodontitis of moderate severity. Research design: observational, cohort, multicenter, prospective. The study scheme: examination of patients using basic and additional dental methods in order to make a diagnosis; patients diagnosed with chronic generalized periodontitis of moderate severity included in the study were divided into two groups: men and women. The following were carried out: assessment of the hygienic condition of the mouth (OHI-S index), the degree of gingival inflammation (PMA index), quantitative assessment of the microflora of periodontal pockets (DENTOSCREEN®, NPF Litech LLC, Russia). The results were statistically processed and their gender differences were analyze. Statistical processing of the research results was carried out using the Microsoft Office Excel 2016 program with the Data Analysis add-ons and AtteStat 12.0.5. RESULTS:. The quantitative composition of the microflora of the periodontal pocket in patients with moderate periodontitis had statistically significant gender differences in relation to an increase in the number of microorganisms Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia and the frequency of occurrence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the male sample compared with the female (φ*emf=1.736, p0.05). The index assessment of dental status confirmed the hypothesis of significant differences between the male and female samples in terms of plaque index (OHI-S) and the PMA index characterizing the degree of gingival inflammation. CONCLUSIONS:. The results of the study indicate the importance of oral hygiene in the prevention of chronic periodontitis, and can be used to optimize algorithms for complex treatment of patients with periodontal diseases. In particular, an increase in the frequency of dispensary examinations and professional oral hygiene in combination with training and control of individual oral hygiene in men compared with women.

Pengaruh Menyikat Gigi Terhadap Indek’s DMF-T, Status Kebersihan Gigi Dan Mulut (OHI-S) dan Jenis Makanan Kariogeni

According to the West Kalimantan Provincial Health Service, the individual DMF-T index for residents of West Kalimantan in 2017 recorded 6-7 cases of dental and oral health, the results of research by Rusmali, et al. in 2022 regarding the individual DMF-T index were greater than 3(30.9%). Dental and oral hygiene status (OHI-s) criteria were poor (27.6%) and moderate at 45.3%, while the type of cariogenic food frequently consumed was 45.9%. This type of quantitative is to analyze the effect of tooth brushing on the DMF-T index, OHI-s status and types of cariogenic foods that are often consumed every day, the tools used are survey sheets and questionnaires, the method used is Purposive sampling, univariate, bivariate analysis and multivariate with Regression test. The results are that on average residents brush their teeth twice a day (67.7%), their individual DMF-T index is 3-5 (32.3%), OHI-s status is medium criteria (48%), consume cariogenic foods (38 .9%), Adjt R2 value (0.9%), correlation number R (0.8) is close to 1.

Comparison of occlusal dental wear and degenerative alterations of the temporomandibular joint in two medieval populations from Central Europe

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease commonly identified in archaeological human remains. This condition primarily affects stress‐bearing joints, which include the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Comparing dental status and degenerative alterations of the TMJs of individuals is crucial for understanding the role of the former in increasing predisposition to temporomandibular OA. The combination of visual and radiologic observations allows for a more in‐depth assessment of TMJ‐OA in archaeological specimens. A comparative study between tooth wear and the extent of degenerative signs on mandibular condylar surfaces was conducted on individuals from two medieval cemeteries in central Europe (Früebergstrasse in Baar and Dalheim). OA, tooth wear, and AMTL were evaluated in 41 individuals comprising both adult specimens as well as those of a more advanced age. Condylar OA was diagnosed in 14 individuals (Baar, n = 7; Dalheim, n = 7). No specific sex predisposition for OA in TMJs was found in the study's sample. Tooth wear was more severe in individuals with condyles affected by OA than in individuals whose condyles showed no degenerative signs. Although dental occlusion could not be evaluated, tooth wear values seem to point to diverse mastication patterns when there is unilateral or bilateral manifestation of mandibular OA in the two medieval populations under study.

Dental antibiotic policies, stewardship, and implementation in India: A policy document analysis.

Dental antibiotic stewardship is crucial in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is high and antibiotic misuse is common. Given that India is the most populous country, the largest antibiotic consumer and has a large dental prescriber population, this study investigated the extent to which current Indian policy and practice for dental antibiotic prescribing and stewardship aligns with the global policy and best practice. The READ approach was used to identify and extract data and synthesize the findings. Policy documents on dental antimicrobial stewardship were identified using a systematic search strategy involving nine medical and grey literature databases (Medline, Global Health, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, Eldis, Global Index Medicus, Proquest and Opengrey), targeted websites (government organizations and dental regulatory bodies) and contact with experts. Framework analysis was used to code extracted data into themes related to dental antimicrobial stewardship. Of the 3039 records screened, 25 documents were included in the final analysis. The analysis showed a lack of guidelines or toolkits for appropriate antibiotic prescribing in dentistry in India. The treatment guidelines for antimicrobial use in common syndromes published by the Indian Council of Medical Research had no section or content for dental practitioners. Furthermore, the undergraduate dental curriculum developed by the Dental Council of India (DCI), included little content on appropriate antibiotic prescribing and no mention of AMR or stewardship. There were no educational resources either for dental practitioners or patients in the documents. This document analysis showed that there was little or no mention of dental antibiotic prescribing guidelines in key policy documents such as the National Action Plan on AMR. In addition, contradictory and subjective information provided in some policy documents could encourage dentists and other health professionals such as general practitioners to prescribe antibiotics for common dental conditions for which they are contra-indicated. There is an urgent need to develop relevant guidelines and include these in Indian policy documents on AMR particularly the National Action Plan on AMR.

Oral microbial dysbiosis in patients with oral cavity cancers

ObjectivesThe pathogenesis of oral cavity cancers is complex. We tested the hypothesis that oral microbiota dysbiosis is associated with oral cavity cancer.Materials and methodsPatients with primary oral cavity cancer who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Matching healthy individuals were recruited as controls. Data on socio-demographic and behavioral factors, self-reported periodontal measures and habits, and current dental status were collected using a structured questionnaire and periodontal chartings. In addition to self-reported oral health measures, each participant received a standard and detailed clinical examination. DNA was extracted from saliva samples from patients and healthy controls. Next-generation sequencing was performed by targeting V3-V4 gene regions of the 16 S rRNA with subsequent bioinformatic analyses.ResultsPatients with oral cavity cancers had a lower quality of oral health than healthy controls. Proteobacteria, Aggregatibacter, Haemophilus, and Neisseria decreased, while Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Lactobacillus, Gemella, and Fusobacteria increased in oral cancer patients. At the species level, C. durum, L. umeaens, N. subflava, A. massiliensis, and V. dispar were significantly lower, while G. haemolysans was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Major periodontopathogens associated with periodontal disease (P. gingivalis and F.nucleatum) increased 6.5- and 2.8-fold, respectively.ConclusionThese data suggested that patients with oral cancer had worse oral health conditions and a distinct oral microbiome composition that is affected by personal daily habits and may be associated with the pathogenicity of the disease and interspecies interactions.Clinical relevanceThis paper demonstrates the link between oral bacteria and oral cancers, identifying mechanistic interactions between species of oral microbiome.

Orthodontic findings and treatment need in patients with amelogenesis imperfecta: a descriptive analysis

Introduction: Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a genetically determined, non-syndromic enamel dysplasia that may manifest as hypoplasia, hypomaturation, or hypocalcification and can commonly be classified into four primary groups. In this retrospective analysis, specific orofacial characteristics are described and associated with each of the AI types based on a patient cohort from Witten/Herdecke University, Germany.MethodsData from 19 patients (ten male and nine female, mean age 12.27 ± 4.06 years) with AI who presented at the Department of Orthodontics between July 2011 and December 2023 were analyzed. Baseline skeletal and dental conditions were assessed, including the presence of hypodontia, displacements, and taurodontism. AI was classified into classes I–IV based on phenotype. Treatment needs were evaluated according to the main findings following the German KIG classification, while the radiological enamel situation was determined using panoramic radiographs.ResultsAn approximately equal distribution between classes II and III was found and a slight inclination toward a dolichofacial configuration (ΔML-NSL: 5.07 ± 9.23°, ΔML-NL: 4.24 ± 8.04°). Regarding orthodontic findings, disturbance in tooth eruption as well as open bite were the most prevalent issues (both 36.8%, n = 7). The most common AI classes were type I and II, which show an almost even distribution about the skeletal classes in sagittal dimension, while dolichofacial configuration was found most frequently in vertical dimension.ConclusionBoth clinical and radiological orthodontic findings in context with AI are subject to extensive distribution. It seems that no specific orofacial findings can be confirmed in association with AI with regard to the common simple classes I–IV. It may be more appropriate to differentiate the many subtypes according to their genetic aspects to identify possible associated orthodontic findings.

Analysis of the prevalence and structure of dental morbidity among applicants to the Military Medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov

AIM: To determine the qualitative structure of dental diseases and pathological conditions of the maxillofacial region and the level of their prevalence among young individuals entering higher military educational institutions in Russia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data obtained during the dental examination of applicants to the Military Medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov as part of a military medical examination to provide admission to a higher educational institution was comprehensively analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed a moderately high level of prevalence of diseases and pathological conditions of the oral cavity in the surveyed population. Among 589 applicants aged 16–25 years who arrived from different regions in Russia, the percentage of those in need of oral sanitation was 51.95%. The most common nosological form among the examined young people was dental caries, including recurrent and secondary forms, which ranged from 19 to 44% in various groups of examined people. Additionally, a low level of oral hygiene was identified, noted in more than 45% of applicants. CONCLUSION: The peculiarities of the obtained research results should be explained by unsatisfactory knowledge and skills in matters of individual oral hygiene (hereinafter referred to as IHPR), insufficient medical education, low level of compliance, and readiness to carry out activities to maintain dental health among young people.

Effect of Oral and Dental Health on Combat Fitness- A Study Conducted in Military Dental Centre Cumilla

Background: The effect of oral and dental diseases of the deployed troops can seriously impair the operational activity. Combat fitness on oral and dental aspect means keeping soldier’s oral health in such a state so that they can be quickly deployed, as well as military dental personnel staying in such a way that they can be moved in the front with all of their equipment and materials to treat patients. Objective: To figure out the present oral health status of Bangladeshi troops and to correlate it’s possible influence on combat situation. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in Military Dental Centre Cumilla from 01 March 2020 to 31 March 2022. All uniformed personnel reported to MDC with oral and dental issues were included in this study. Results: A total of 4597 uniformed personnel were evaluated and treated. Among them sainik and lance corporals were highest 2289(50%). Dental caries was mostly diagnosed condition 1410(31%). In case of acute dental condition irreversible pulpitis cases were most in number 420(35%). Dental restoration was mostly performed procedure 1293(48%) and glass ionomer restoration was done 830(64%) in most of the cases. The dental emergency rate was 230 per 1000 soldier per year. Conclusion: Disease non battle injury (DNBI) originating from dental pathologies obviously compromise the performance of high intensity missions. In this study, number of dental emergency rate (considering every dental visit) was found 230 per 1000 soldiers per year which is very similar to other countries. JAFMC Bangladesh, Vol 19, No 2 (December) 2023: 16-20

Medicaid Managed Care and Pediatric Dental Emergency Department Visits

Millions of economically disadvantaged children depend on Medicaid for dental care, with states differing in whether they deliver these benefits using fee-for-service or capitated managed care payment models. However, there is limited research examining the association between managed care and the accessibility of dental services. To estimate the association between the adoption of managed care for dental services in Florida's Medicaid program and nontraumatic dental emergency department visits and associated charges. This cohort study used an event-study difference-in-differences design, leveraging Florida Medicaid's staggered adoption of managed care to examine its association with pediatric nontraumatic dental emergency department visits and associated charges. This study included all Florida emergency department visits from 2010 to 2014 in which the patient was 17 years or younger, the patient was a Florida resident, Medicaid paid for the visit, and a primary or secondary International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code was used to classify a nontraumatic dental condition. Analyses were conducted between May 2023 and April 2024. The county of residence transitioning Medicaid dental services from fee-for-service to a fully capitated managed care program managed by a dental plan. The rate of nontraumatic dental emergency department visits per 100 000 pediatric Medicaid enrollees and the associated mean charges per visit. Nontraumatic dental emergency department visits are a well-documented proxy for access to dental care. Data on emergency department visit counts came from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Medicaid population denominators were derived from the American Community Survey's 5-year estimates. Among the 34 414 pediatric nontraumatic dental emergency department visits that met inclusion criteria across Florida's 67 counties, the mean (SD) age of patients was 8.11 (5.28) years, and 50.8% of patients were male. Of these, 10 087 visits occurred in control counties and 24 327 in treatment counties. Control counties generally had lower rates of NTDC ED visits per 100 000 enrollees compared with treatment counties (123.5 vs 132.7). Over the first 2.5 years of implementation, the adoption of managed care was associated with an 11.3% (95% CI, 4.0%-18.4%; P = .002) increase in nontraumatic dental emergency department visits compared with pre-implementation levels. There was no evidence that the average charge per visit changed. In this cohort study, Florida Medicaid's adoption of managed care for pediatric dental services was associated with increased emergency department visits for children, which could be associated with decreased access to dental care.

Comparative Analysis of Post-operative Pain Relief and Healing Outcomes between Single-Visit and Multiple-Visit Root Canal Therapy: A Tertiary Care Study.

Apical periodontitis and irreversible pulpitis are typical dental conditions treated with "Root Canal Treatment (RCT)". Single-visit RCT has become a viable alternative to the multi-visit RCT method used in traditional RCT. A total of 100 RCT participants were randomised to either the single-visit or multiple-visit groups at random. A "Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)" was used to measure post-operative discomfort at 24, 48, and 72 hours. At 6 and 12 months, peri-apical radiographs were used to assess the healing results. At all time periods, there were no discernible variations in post-operative discomfort between the single-visit and multiple-visit groups. In contrast to the multiple-visit group, the single-visit group had greater rates of full healing at both 6 and 12 months. Compared to multiple-visit RCT, single-visit RCT provides similar post-operative pain alleviation and may result in better healing results. This suggests that single-visit RCT is a feasible and effective management option for patients who need root canal therapy.

A rural teledentistry care experience: a geriatric approach to assessing oral health status and treatment needs in older adults from a Mapuche community in Chile.

Limited attention has been given to oral health challenges faced by older Indigenous populations, especially in rural settings, where disparities exist. This study aims to assess oral health in a rural Mapuche community in southern Chile, utilizing geriatric technology support, and exploring the connection between geriatric health and oral well-being to fill a gap in this context. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 76 independent older adults from a rural Mapuche community who required dental care. Assessments were in a remote care setting gathering extensive data including comprehensive geriatric assessments, medical and dental conditions using a geriatric teledentistry platform (TEGO®). Statistical analysis involved descriptive analysis, logistic regression, and both multiple correspondence analysis and k-means cluster analysis. The sample comprised individuals with limited formal education and a high degree of vulnerability. Geriatric assessments unveiled cognitive deterioration, frailty, depression risk, and multimorbidity. A distribution of the DMFT index, number of remaining teeth, number of occluding pairs, number of teeth with restorative needs and other relevant clinical findings was conducted based on sociodemographic, and medical-geriatric-dental characteristics, and additionally, a Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis of Dentition Variables in Relation to Geriatric Assessments was performed. The dental burden was substantial, with an average DMFT index of 25.96 (SD 4.38), high prevalence of non-functional dentition (89.3%), periodontal disease (83%), xerostomia (63.2%) and oral mucosal lesions (31.5%). Age, lower education, depression, daily medication number and sugary consumption frequency were associated with a decreased average number of teeth (p < 0.05). Multiple correspondence analysis and k-means cluster analysis identified 4 clusters, with the edentulous and functional dentition groups being the most distinct. This study uncovers a substantial dental burden and intricate medical-geriatric conditions interlinked among Indigenous older adults in a rural Chilean Mapuche community. The implementation of a geriatric technological ecosystem in the community enabled the resolution of less complex oral health issues and facilitated remote consultations with specialists, reducing the necessity for travel to health centers. This underscores the need for innovative dental public health initiatives to address health disparities and improve the overall well-being of older Indigenous adults.

Use of dental care services among adolescents living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment in Kampala, Uganda: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe primary purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and socio-behavioral determinants of ever-use of dental care services among adolescents aged 10–18 years, living with HIV, on Antiretroviral treatment (ART), and attending selected HIV clinics in Kampala, Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out between March and September 2020. The study conveniently recruited 154 adolescents between 10 and 18 years old from 4 specific HIV clinics in Kampala. Andersen’s behavioral model guided the selection of variables, with the ever-use of dental care services as the outcome and predisposing, enabling, need-related factors and personal dental health practices as exposure variables. Data were analyzed using Fischer’s exact test for cross-tabulation and modified Poisson regression for multivariate analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of ever-use of dental care services was 12.3%. The adolescents aged 14–18 had higher odds of using dental care services (Prevalence ratio (PR) of 3.35 than those aged 10–13 years. Fear of the spread of HIV was negatively associated with ever-use of dental care services (PR of 0.06). Participants who were afraid of going to the dentist had higher odds of using dental care services (PR of 2.98) than those not afraid. Failure to receive dental treatment because it was not part of the medical appointment had a positive association with the ever-use of dental care services (PR of 4.50). Those who were satisfied with their dental condition had lower odds of using dental care services. The bad oral odor was positively associated with the ever-use of dental care services (PR of 2.80). The use of soap for toothbrushing was positively associated with the ever-use of dental care services (PR of 2.51).ConclusionThe study found a low frequency of dental care use among HIV-infected adolescents in Kampala, Uganda, with age being a predisposing factor. Enabling factors included fear of HIV spread, medical-dental appointment incoordination, and satisfaction with the dental condition and bad oral odor while under personal dental health practices. The use of soap for toothbrushing was an important association with dental care. Nevertheless, these study results cannot be generalized to the entire HIV adolescent population in Uganda.

Two years outcome of an individualized oral health preventive program for preschool children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Limited data exist on the effectiveness of oral health preventive programs in children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized preventive oral health program for preschool children with NDD at a rehabilitation center, over a two years period. In this study, 102 preschool children with NDD were assessed for caries (dmft), oral hygiene status (Green & Vermillion Index) and presence of developmental dental defects. An individualized preventive program was applied based on caries risk and children were followed for two years. Effectiveness of the program was assessed for caries and dental plaque change and explanatory individual factors were used in multivariate models. After two years prospective, dmft increased significantly from 1.1 (SD=2.7) to 2.04 (SD=3.6), while GVPI was reduced significantly from 1.8 (SD=0.9) to 1.4 (SD=0.9). Children in the moderate and high-risk groups missed significantly more follow-ups compared to the low caries risk group (p<.001) while older maternal age (OR=1.38, 95%CI=1.057-1.808) and consumption of more than three sugary snacks/day (OR=0.005, 95%CI=0-0.0794) were significantly correlated with dental caries. The individualized preventive program for preschool children with NDD was effective in improving oral hygiene but not dental caries status.

Can systematic dental examinations or treatments in addition to routine multidisciplinary treatment in a palliative care unit (PCU) improve the quality of life (QoL) and symptom burden (SB) of patients (Pt) receiving palliative care (PC)?

e23163 Background: Pt with advanced cancer who require PC often experience not only common symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, or nausea, but also oral health and dental problems. In many PC teams, and even in dedicated PCUs, the inclusion of dentists in the Pt care team is rare, resulting in a lack of routine dental screening or treatment. Objectives:To investigate the extent to which Pt admitted to a PCU suffer from oral health or dental problems and to explore the impact of incorporating dentists into inpatient PC, with a focus on improving QoL and reducing SB. Methods: In this monocentric study, data were collected in one PCU over a period of eight months. At admission, T0, Pt underwent both a dental examination and interviews using established questionnaires, the EORTC QLQ-C30 (core, general) and OH 15 (oral health). One week later, at T1, Pt underwent a follow-up examination and interview. The QLQ-C30 is a widely accepted instrument developed to assess health-related QoL in cancer Pt. Results: A total of n = 103 Pt (48.5% women) were enrolled. The median time since the last dental visit was 1 year. The dental status at T0 was worse (Table 1). At T1, statistically and clinically significant changes in oral QoL and SB were observed. Notable changes were observed in OH-QoL score (mean 60.60 vs. 88.40, p &lt; 0.001), sticky saliva (mean 38.10 vs. 11.28, p &lt; 0.001), sensitivity to food and drink (mean 35.25 vs. 8.16, p &lt; 0.001), sore mouth (mean 23.87 vs. 4.98, p &gt; 0.001), and poorly fitting dentures (mean 38.63 vs. 8.07, p &lt; 0.001). Improvements in xerostomia, candidiasis and mucositis were also observed. A confidential survey was administered to both Pt and palliative care staff to assess their satisfaction with the addition of systematic dental care to routine multidisciplinary PC. 97% of respondents indicated a high level of satisfaction with this treatment program. Conclusions: The study underscores the powerful contribution of integrating a dentist into the PC, e.g. in a PCU, resulting in a notable reduction in oral symptom burden. This contributes to improved care status, alleviation of distressing symptoms and ultimately an improvement in QoL. The results strongly support the consideration of dental support (e.g. routine dental screening) as an integral part of PC. [Table: see text]

Assessment of Correlation between Genetic Taste Perception Hormonal Fingerprint and Dental Caries Incidence in Schoolgoing Children: An In Vivo Study.

Genetic predilection toward sweeter cariogenic foods mediated by the TAS2R38 gene, tested by phenylthiourea [phenylthiocarbamide (PTC)] compounds. Some individuals find it extremely bitter whereas some find it completely tasteless, being classified as a taster and a nontaster respectively. A majority of nontasters prefer foods with sweeter and stronger flavors, thus making them more susceptible to dental caries. Genetic taste perception is greatly influenced by prenatal androgen exposure represented by hormonal fingerprint, that is, ratio of second to fourth digit lengths (2D:4D ratio), thus making it a precise biomarker to quantify an individual's genetic taste perception and in turn their caries susceptibility. To find a correlation of genetic taste perception with the hormonal fingerprint and dental caries prevalence in children. A total of 96 children were selected at random for the study and divided into two groups based on their gender. A genetic taste perception test was carried out using PTC strips, and they were classified as tasters and nontasters. Then, the hormonal fingerprint was recorded by calculating the ratio of the index finger and ring finger. Following this, decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT) was recorded. A strong positive correlation was observed among nontasters, with a preference for sweeter foods associated with a high caries index. Conversely, no relationship was found between genetic taste perception and the hormonal fingerprint. The present study positively demonstrates an association of genetic taste perception and dental caries due to an increased preference for sweeter foods among nontasters. Although no correlation was found between the genetic taste perception, the hormonal fingerprint, and the dental caries status of an individual. Kulshrestha A, Shah P, Jagtap C, et al. Assessment of Correlation between Genetic Taste Perception Hormonal Fingerprint and Dental Caries Incidence in Schoolgoing Children: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(6):690-694.