Dental Issues Research Articles

Dental restorative materials and special consideration for the elderly

With the global population aging, the oral health of elderly individuals faces unique challenges, particularly concerning dental caries. Root caries, in particular, have become a growing concern due to the significant number of retained teeth in older adults. This review delves into the frequency of root caries among older individuals and examines the limitations of existing dental restorative materials, including amalgam, glass ionomer cement, and light-cured composite resin, in meeting the unique requirements of the elderly. It underscores the urgent necessity for improving the antibacterial, bonding, remineralization, strength, and durability characteristics of these materials. Additionally, the study discusses factors related to aging, treatment planning, and special considerations in geriatric dental care. The review also delves into the challenges associated with providing dental care to elderly individuals, including depression, postural hypotension, prescribed drugs, delayed healing, adaptive potential, mucosal quality, and poor plaque control. Moreover, it addresses the role of xerostomia, bruxism, and certain medical conditions in exacerbating dental issues in the elderly. It also introduces novel anticariogenic restorative materials, such as antimicrobial materials, remineralization materials, and self-healing/low-shrinkage materials, highlighting their potential to improve oral health in older individuals.

Evaluation of Oral Health Habits and Gingival Conditions after Covid-19 Lockdown

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on various aspects of health and healthcare practices, including oral health. With changes in daily routines and access to dental care services during lockdowns, there has been concern about the potential decline in oral hygiene and an increase in dental issues. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate oral health habits and the gingival condition of patients visiting a tertiary care dental hospital in the southern region of Sindh province after the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Bibi Aseefa Dental College, Larkana, from January 20, 2021, to July 20, 2021. Ethical approval was obtained, and participants gave written informed consent. A total of 278 patients were sampled using a convenience sampling method. The inclusion criteria were patients of both genders, above the age of 7, with permanent teeth. Exclusion criteria included lack of consent and cases with jaw fractures or limited mouth opening. Data collection involved clinical examinations using a dental mirror and probe, and oral health practices were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Results: The study comprised 57.2% male and 42.8% female participants, with a mean age of 30.67 ± 10.31 years. An 81% adherence to daily tooth brushing was noted, while only 9% of participants used dental floss. The use of medicated toothpaste was reported by 18% of the participants. The prevalence of gingivitis was found to be 48%, with a significant relationship between gender and gingivitis severity (p=0.009). Conclusion: Oral hygiene practices during the lockdown were found to be inadequate, with a substantial prevalence of gingivitis among the study population. The study emphasizes the need for improved oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, and suggests public health initiatives to promote oral health awareness.

Edukasi Pertolongan Pertama Kasus Gawat Darurat Gigi pada Remaja Wilayah Kayu Mas Jakarta Timur`1

Emergency dental issues such as throbbing toothaches, dental trauma (fractures, dislodgment from the gums), teeth pierced by orthodontic wires, and wires from dental braces causing injuries by piercing the gums, are some of the health problems that can result in prolonged suffering for those experiencing them. Every case has a different level of emergency. Although for some people it is not considered a real emergency, it is still a condition that urgently requires proper action before going to the dentist. Therefore, there is a need for increased knowledge to provide first aid before visiting a dentist. Collaborative efforts between medical professionals, alumni, and professional students from the Faculty of Dentistry at Trisakti University conducted an activity involving education for the adolescent community at the Integrated Child-Friendly Public Space (RPTRA) in Kayu Mas, East Jakarta, on March 16, 2023. Before and after the distribution of education, pre and post-tests were conducted, showing significant improvements in knowledge regarding dental emergencies. The conclusion drawn from this activity underscores the importance of knowing the initial steps to handle dental emergencies in order to receive appropriate medical care.

Association of nutritive value and cognitive performance in adolescent girls of eastern Uttar Pradesh

Introduction: Food insecurity (FI) is a pressing concern affecting millions globally, particularly adolescents, impacting physical and cognitive health. Studies highlight its association with poor cognition, emphasizing the critical need for understanding and addressing this issue. Materials and Methods: The study, conducted in urban slums of Saharanpur district, India, employed a community-based, cross-sectional design. Systematic random sampling was utilized, with 384 adolescent girls selected. Data collection included socio-demographic profiles, household food security assessment, cognitive performance evaluation, and morbidity analysis. Results: Findings revealed a significant prevalence of morbid conditions among adolescent girls, including anemia, dental issues, and respiratory problems. Household food insecurity correlated with socio-demographic factors and significantly impacted cognitive performance, manifesting in high levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Conclusions: Over 50% of adolescent girls in the study faced household food insecurity, with notable cognitive impairment and numerous morbidities. These results underscore the urgent need for public health interventions addressing food insecurity and socio-economic disparities, particularly in urban slum settings. Effective strategies should ensure access to nutritious food and promote socio-economic stability to mitigate the adverse effects of food insecurity on adolescent health and well-being. Keywords : Cross-sectional study, Household food insecurity, Cognition, Adolescent girl, Urban slum, ICD 11

Oral health knowledge is associated with oral health-related quality of life: a survey of first-year undergraduate students enrolled in an American university

BackgroundOral health knowledge forms part of oral health literacy that enables individuals to inform appropriate oral health decisions and actions. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) characterizes self-perception of well-being influenced by oral health. This study aimed to examine the relationship between oral health knowledge and OHRQoL.MethodsA random sample of 19-to-24-year-old first-year undergraduate students (n = 372) in Minnesota, United States of America was used. Each student was assessed with an online survey using the Comprehensive Measure of Oral Health Knowledge (CMOHK) and the OHRQoL items of the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults. Relationships between OHRQoL parameters and CMOHK together with other covariates were assessed using ordinal regression models. Associations between OHRQoL parameters were examined with the Kendall’s tau-b method.ResultsDry mouth (45%) was the most reported OHRQoL issue. The respondents showing good oral health knowledge were less likely to experience speech or pronunciation difficulty (β=-1.12, p = 0.0006), interrupted sleep (β=-1.43, p = 0.0040), taking days off (β=-1.71, p = 0.0054), difficulty doing usual activities (β=-2.37, p = 0.0002), or reduced participation in social activities due to dental or oral issues (β=-1.65, p = 0.0078).ConclusionsThis study suggested a protective effect of better oral health knowledge on specific OHRQoL issues. In addition to provision of affordable dental services, university-wide oral health education can be implemented to improve OHRQoL in undergraduate students.

Analysis of risky food consumption behavior among university students

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) and oral disease problems can arise in all age groups, including teenagers. Risky behavior is caused by a poor lifestyle and other factors. This study aimed to determine risky behavior and NCD incidence as well as oral problems in students at the Yogyakarta campus. This can lead NCD and oral problems. This research is quantitative descriptive-analytic research condected in a private university in Yogyakarta. The data was collected through an electronic questionnaire (Google form) and analyzed descriptively. Among the students' risky behaviors, 87.27% consumed excessive sweet food, 87.88% salty food, 82.42% oily food, 80% of seasonings, 57.58% consumed instant noodles, 84.85% consumed too little fruit and vegetables, and 87.27% did not participate in physical activity for 30 minutes. In the last 12 months, there was a high incidence of dental and oral health issues among students without symptoms. It was concluded that the most dominant risk behavior for non- communicable disease correlated with poor diet related to food consumption and lack of physical activity. All students had no symptoms or no doctor's diagnosis, but students experienced oral health problem within 12 months. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of NCDs and dental and oral diseases.

Advances in Preventive and Therapeutic Approaches for Dental Erosion: A Systematic Review.

The databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used for a thorough search. Studies on the prevention and treatment of dental erosion that were conducted in English and used in vitro were among the inclusion criteria. The search turned up 391 papers in total, with 34 of those publications matching the requirements for inclusion. Varnishes, toothpastes, and solutions containing fluoride and other substances were used as preventive measures. Dental erosion is a significant issue, and taking preventative steps is crucial to lessening the disease's spread and its effects. Interventions based on fluoride seem to be successful at halting erosion and encouraging remineralization. To effectively address severe tooth erosion, therapeutic methods, including composite restorations, prosthetic crowns, and veneers, are available. Dental erosion causes aesthetic and functional issues that are best addressed with less invasive treatments like direct composite restorations. To improve and broaden the range of available treatments for this common dental issue, additional research and development are required.

Association between Dental Scores and Saliva Uremic Toxins.

Dental health is frequently altered in patients with chronic kidney disease. We conducted a prospective study on dental health in CKD patients with a specific interest in the association between dental health issues and the accumulation of uremic toxins in the saliva. A total of 88 patients were included in the study, with chronic kidney disease stage 2 to 5 (without kidney replacement). We analysed the total concentrations of eight uremic toxins (trimethylamine N-oxide -TMAO-, Indoxyl Sulfate, P-cresyl-sulfate, Indole 3-acetic acid, 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoic acid -CMPF-, Kynurenine, Hippuric acid and Phenylacetylglutamine) and three precursors of uremic toxins (Tyrosine, Phenylalanine and Tryptophan) in the saliva using LC-MS/MS. We observed, for the first time, the association between various dental scores: DMFT, FST, CPITN, and OHIS, and saliva uremic toxins and precursors: TMAO, indoxyl sulfate, or hippuric acid. Further prospective interventional studies are required to confirm our results.

Treatment of Teeth with Root Resorptions: A Case Report and Systematic Review

Aim. This article presents an evaluation of different multidisciplinary treatment approaches to managing teeth with external and internal root resorptions.
 Methods. This study presents a clinical case of a 35-year-old female patient referred to Akdeniz University for dental issues. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, encompassing 21 articles sourced from PubMed and Web of Science over the past decade, including case reports and case series.
 Results. Case Report. A clinical case of a 35-year-old female patient seeking treatment for dental aesthetic concerns was reported and discussed. Intraoral examination revealed discoloration of maxillary anterior teeth and a sinus tract in the apical region of tooth #11. The resorption area was sealed with mineral trioxide aggregate. Afterward, the coronal part of the root was filled using the warm-vertical compaction method. During the final visit, non-vital bleaching was applied to teeth #11 and #21. After all these procedures, aesthetic coronal restorations were completed. Systematic Review. In the context of this clinical case, a literature review was conducted, encompassing an assessment of a total of 25 cases of external and internal resorptions. Among these cases, a combination of surgical and endodontic treatments was applied in 12 cases, while non-surgical endodontic treatment was performed in 13 cases.
 Conclusions. In the present case report, a patient who had both external and internal root resorptions was treated with mineral trioxide aggregate and flap operation, with no subsequent complications during the follow-up sessions. Among the 21 reports included in our review, 24 out of 25 treated teeth demonstrated successful outcomes, while only one tooth necessitated extraction.

Investigating The Correlation Between Socioeconomic Factors and The Prevalence of Childhood Dental Problems

Background: This study investigates the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the prevalence of childhood dental problems in the Indian context. Recognizing the importance of oral health in pediatric populations and the potential impact of socioeconomic disparities, the study aims to identify correlations between demographic and socioeconomic indicators and the occurrence of dental issues among children aged 5 to 12 years. Methods: A total of 150 children were recruited, representing various socioeconomic backgrounds. Demographic information, including age and gender, and socioeconomic indicators such as parental education, household income, and dental insurance access, were collected. Clinical examinations assessed the prevalence of childhood dental problems, including dental caries, gingivitis, malocclusions, and other conditions. Socioeconomic indicators were categorized for analysis, and statistical methods, including logistic regression, were employed to explore correlations. Results: In the Indian scenario, the study cohort exhibited diverse characteristics. Result outlines the prevalence of dental problems, with dental caries being the most prominent issue. Gingivitis and malocclusions also contribute to the overall burden of pediatric oral health issues in the Indian context. The study reveals significant correlations between specific socioeconomic factors and the prevalence of childhood dental problems. Notable associations include lower parental education levels correlating with higher rates of dental caries. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the correlation between socioeconomic factors and the prevalence of childhood dental problems in India. The multifaceted nature of this relationship underscores the need for targeted interventions that consider the unique socio-economic dynamics of the Indian population, ultimately contributing to improved pediatric oral health outcomes.

Examining The Relationship Between Children's Dietary Patterns and The Development of Dental Problems

Background: This cross-sectional study explores the relationship between children's dietary patterns and the development of dental problems in a sample of 200 participants aged 6 to 12 years. Recognizing the critical role of nutrition in pediatric oral health, the study aims to identify associations between dietary habits, nutrient intake, and prevalent dental issues. Methods: Dietary patterns were assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and nutrient intake was analyzed. Clinical examinations by trained dental professionals evaluated dental problems, including caries, enamel erosion, and malocclusions. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were employed to examine associations between dietary patterns and dental outcomes. Results: Demographic characteristics indicated a balanced sample with equal gender distribution and representation across age groups. Analysis of dietary patterns revealed mean values within recommended ranges for caloric intake, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and calcium. Significant associations were found between high sugar consumption and dental caries, low calcium intake and enamel erosion, and irregular snacking habits and malocclusions Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between children's dietary patterns and dental health. The identified associations provide insights for targeted interventions aimed at reducing sugar consumption, promoting adequate calcium intake, and addressing irregular snacking habits to enhance pediatric oral health.

Dental stem cells and their applications in pediatric dentistry

Regenerative medicine has garnered significant attention due to its transformative impact on disease management and the restoration of optimal bodily functions. Stem cells, a cornerstone of regenerative medicine, are particularly renowned for their remarkable capacity to facilitate tissue regeneration and repair, revolutionizing modern healthcare by offering diverse treatment avenues for multiple conditions. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), a subset of postnatal stem cells, are especially noteworthy for their extensive proliferation and ability to differentiate into various specialized cell types. In the realm of pediatric dentistry, there exists a pressing need for advancements in regenerative medicine. Thorough research in this domain has the potential to propel evidence-based pediatric dentistry, ensuring that children receive tailored, high-quality care. Stem cells hold immense promise in pediatric dentistry by offering less invasive and regenerative solutions for a range of childhood dental issues and congenital anomalies. This research, initiated on 04 October 2023, was instigated following an exhaustive review of existing literature utilizing databases like PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. The literature search encompassed a wide array of medical terminologies. Dental stem cells are categorized into four major types: DPSCs, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAP), and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Pediatric dentistry, encompassing endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and the treatment of craniofacial defects, stands to benefit significantly from the potential of dental stem cells. The preservation of dental pulp stem cells extracted from deciduous and permanent teeth through tooth banking offers a source for future regenerative therapies. The preservation process involves multiple comprehensive steps. In summary, dental stem cells present a promising avenue within pediatric dentistry, offering multifaceted applications ranging from pulpal regeneration and dentin repair to orthodontic support and the treatment of craniofacial anomalies.

Innovation and entrepreneurship in dental curriculum: from practice to creativity in the face of pandemic

COVID-19 virus spread has resulted in the most dramatic changes for all of us. The purpose of this article is to develop a curriculum and share teaching experience in innovation and entrepreneurship for dental students during the pandemic, in order to help train future dentists. This article made extensive use of the adaptive design thinking model, which included brainstorming, classroom presentation, reflection, and revision. Sixth year dental students from the academic years 2020 and 2021 attended, with 26 and 29 students, respectively. Students of both classes were divided into five groups. Each group was tasked with creating an innovative research proposal related to clinical dental issues encountered during the pandemic. After a 6 h team-based discussion that included a 2-time presentation, all dental students were able to develop an innovation research proposal and present it in front of the class. This study reveals the process of developing dental curricula and sharing teaching experiences in innovation and entrepreneurship with dental students during a pandemic. Future research should compare traditional study, online teaching, and blended learning in innovation-related topics among dental students. The application of this novel method to multidisciplinary student teams as well as clinical subjects is also a challenge.

Childhood Health and Growth Trends: A Cross-Sectional Study of School Children

Childhood is a pivotal phase of human development, entails rapid growth and evolving health requirements. This cross-sectional study examines the age and sex distribution of school children across five coastal localities. To address the unique health and well-being challenges faced by school children in different regions, this cross-sectional study explores the age and sex distribution of school children across five distinct localities: Koilpathu, Karaikalmedu, Nallathur, Varichikudy, and Kottucherry. It offers a comprehensive examination of school children, encompassing demographic profiles, anthropometric measurements, and a wide array of health-related data. Our analysis revealed shifting gender proportions across age groups, with females dominating in the younger years but males surpassing females as children grow older. Particularly intriguing were the 12-year age group's scarcity of females (0.3%) and the 13-year age group's exclusive female composition (6.07%). Regarding body mass index (BMI), boys generally exhibited values near reference standards in their early years, while girls displayed lower BMI values than the reference during pre-adolescence, signaling potential nutritional concerns. Malnutrition was less prevalent in younger age groups, but overweight and obesity became more common as children aged. Gender-specific health disparities were also evident, with females more susceptible to anemia, while males had a higher prevalence of color blindness and dental health issues. These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to address age and gender-specific health challenges among coastal school children.

Orthodontics For Children

Orthodontics for children is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the treatment of dental and jaw abnormalities in young patients. It is essential to address dental issues early in life to ensure proper jaw growth and tooth alignment. By using braces, retainers, and other devices, orthodontists can guide the development of a child's teeth and jaws, ensuring a healthy and functional smile for years to come

Curcumin's Role in Dentistry: A Review of Herbal Drugs

Before antiquated duration, seasonings had been a substantial wellspring of medication. Turmeric (diferuloylmethane) is a tangerine-brown part of Curcumin (Curcuma aromatica),a flavor frequently originated in powdered curry. Generally remembered for its calming impacts, Curcumin longa possess extended past of therapeutic usage in Ayurveda and frameworks ofmedication from China. Curcumin can be used as a mouthwash, pit and gap filler, and subgingival irritant in various combinations. It has also been connected to a variety of pharmacologicalactions such as cancer prevention, antimicrobial properties, and soothing effects. Haldi is the local drug delivery system in clotting structure. The following article presents with an elevatedperspective mostly on the organic exercises of the miswak and conceivable restorative and dental applications. Turmeric is one of the most well-known spices that has been used for a longtime and is an important component of ancient medicine. It's harmless and has a variety of restorative applications, including dental use. The purpose of this essay is to look at the other oralcavity uses of turmeric because of lack of data and study of the area. The motive of the following write-up is to assess the potency of Curcumin longa spice for maintaining dental wellbeingspecifically, as well as overall wellbeing. Haldi or Indian saffron, is a spice with therapeutic characteristics and is reliable and reasonable choice. It also shown cancer-prevention, antibacterial,germ-free activities. It is also highly useful in dentistry because of these qualities. It aids in the treatment of periodontal disease and other dental illnesses. Turmeric can be used in a variety ofways, including as a pit and crevice sealer, mouthwash, and subgingival irritant. It can be additionally used a topical application in a coagulant format. Turmeric (Curcumin) is a well-known spicewith ancient medicinal uses, particularly in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Its tangerine-brown component, Curcumin longa, has been extensively utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties.In dentistry, Curcumin has found various applications, including as a mouthwash, pit and gap filler, and subgingival irritant in different combinations. Additionally, it exhibits pharmacologicalactions such as cancer prevention, antimicrobial effects, and soothing properties. The present article provides an overview of the organic activities of Curcumin, particularly its potentialtherapeutic and dental applications. Turmeric has a long history of safe use and has been a crucial component of traditional medicine. However, research on its oral cavity uses is limited,warranting further investigation in this area. The focus of this essay is to evaluate the efficacy of Curcumin in maintaining dental and overall wellbeing. As Haldi or Indian saffron, it offersreliable and affordable therapeutic benefits. Its demonstrated cancer-preventive, antibacterial, and germicidal activities make it highly valuable in dentistry, aiding in the treatment of periodontaldiseases and other dental ailments. Turmeric can be utilized in various forms, such as a pit and crevice sealer, mouthwash, and subgingival irritant. Moreover, it can be applied topically in acoagulant format to address dental issues effectively. Given its extensive historical use and promising medicinal properties, Curcumin remains a valuable asset in the realm of dentistry.

Deep learning architectures in dental diagnostics: a systematic comparison of techniques for accurate prediction of dental disease through x-ray imaging

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to classify the radiographic images into three categories such as fillings, cavity and implant to identify dental diseases because dental disease is a very common dental health problem for all people. The detection of dental issues and the selection of the most suitable method of treatment are both determined by the results of a radiological examination. Dental x-rays provide important information about the insides of teeth and their surrounding cells, which helps dentists detect dental issues that are not immediately visible. The analysis of dental x-rays, which is typically done by dentists, is a time-consuming process that can become an error-prone technique due to the wide variations in the structure of teeth and the dentist's lack of expertise. The workload of a dental professional and the chance of misinterpretation can be decreased by the availability of such a system, which can interpret the result of an x-ray automatically.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses deep learning (DL) models to identify dental diseases in order to tackle this issue. Four different DL models, such as ResNet-101, Xception, DenseNet-201 and EfficientNet-B0, were evaluated in order to determine which one would be the most useful for the detection of dental diseases (such as fillings, cavity and implant).FindingsLoss and accuracy curves have been used to analyze the model. However, the EfficientNet-B0 model performed better compared to Xception, DenseNet-201 and ResNet-101. The accuracy, recall, F1-score and AUC values for this model were 98.91, 98.91, 98.74 and 99.98%, respectively. The accuracy rates for the Xception, ResNet-101 and DenseNet-201 are 96.74, 93.48 and 95.65%, respectively.Practical implicationsThe present study can benefit dentists from using the DL model to more accurately diagnose dental problems.Originality/valueThis study is conducted to evaluate dental diseases using Convolutional neural network (CNN) techniques to assist dentists in selecting the most effective technique for a particular clinical condition.

Risk factors and prevention of choking.

Choking (or foreign body airway obstruction) is a widespread phenomenon with serious consequences of morbidity and mortality. Choking (often also called suffocation) can be caused by food or inedible objects and leads to various degrees of asphyxiation or lack of oxygen in the blood stream. The incidence is very high in both young children and adults, especially seniors. However, since not all choking episodes end up in the emergency room or become fatalities, they often escape statistics. Although episodes of choking from non-edible bodies are infrequent, they affect mostly young children. Three of the most common risks for choking in general are neurological disorders, dysphagia and dental issues (few or no teeth, unstable or unsuitable prosthesis or orthodontic appliances). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of choking and ways to reduce/avoid this event. We reported data on a series of 138 patients admitted to the emergency department following a choking event, at a hospital in Rome, Italy. The age group of the analyzed population ranged from 1 to 88 years, with the most represented age group of these between 40 and 59, with a similar distribution between males and females. The types of foods on which people choked reflected the seasonal, traditional and local foods: 67% of patients reported choking on fish bones followed by meat bones (9%) and artichokes (3%). Three relevant non-food choking elements reported were: orthodontic items, toothpicks and pins (one occurrence each). We also reported on two clinical cases of patients choking on meat and a chicken bone. In conclusion, choking awareness and prevention are essential for implementing potential life-saving precautions. Prevention is the first tool to reduce the occurrence of this event, therefore it is necessary to analyze the risk factors and educate the population to eliminate them. Proper chewing and oral manipulation are paramount functions in preventing choking, along with meal-time supervision if little children and elderly. Then, it behooves the healthcare professionals to disseminate knowledge.

Food Is Medicine for Individuals Affected by Homelessness: Findings from a Participatory Soup Kitchen Menu Redesign.

Health disparities among people experiencing homelessness are likely exacerbated by limited access to healthy, fresh, and minimally processed foods. Soup kitchens and shelters serve as essential food safety nets for preventing hunger in this population, and community interest is growing in the potential of "food is medicine" interventions to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of people who receive meals from these providers. This study describes our two-phase approach to first identify and prioritize nutrition needs within an urban soup kitchen community and then test and implement new recipes and menu guidelines to help the standard soup kitchen menu better align with those priorities. We began by first conducting a nutrition needs assessment, including a collection of intercept surveys from a convenience sample of soup kitchen guests to better understand their nutrition-related health needs, dental issues, food preferences, and menu satisfaction (n = 112), as well as a nutrition analysis of the standard menu based on seven randomly selected meals. Most respondents reported at least one chronic health condition, with depressive disorders (50.9%) and cardiovascular diseases (49.1%) being the most common. Nearly all guests requested more fruits and vegetables at mealtimes, and results from the menu analysis revealed opportunities to lower meal contents of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars and to raise micronutrient, fiber, and omega-3 content. We then applied these nutrition needs assessment findings to inform the second phase of the project. This phase included the identification of new food inventory items to help support cardiovascular and mental health-related nutrition needs, taste test sampling of new healthy menu items with soup kitchen guests, and hands-on culinary medicine training to kitchen staff on newly-developed "food is medicine" guidelines to support menu transformation. All taste tests of new menu items received over 75% approval, which exceeded satisfaction ratings of the standard menu collected during the phase 1 needs assessment. Findings from this community-based participatory research project confirm the great potential for hunger safety net providers to support critical nutrition needs within this vulnerable population through strategic menu changes. However, more research is needed on the longitudinal impacts of such changes on health indicators over time.

Body Image and Psychological Impact of Dental Appearance in Adolescents with Malocclusion: A Preliminary Exploratory Study.

Body image and psychosocial functioning represent central challenges during adolescence and early adulthood. Malocclusion, defined as an irregularity in the alignment of the teeth, is known to negatively influence psychological outcomes. The current study aimed to elucidate the role of malocclusion, together with age, gender, and dental class, in body image and psychological functioning. A total of 126 participants aged from 12 to 19 years old (mean: 15.87, SD: 2.35, female participants: 52.4%, male participants: 47.6%) were recruited. Participants were visited at the University Hospital of Messina, Italy, and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Body Image Concern Inventory (I-BICI), and the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ). Significant correlations were found between age, dental class, the BICI, and the PIDAQ. In particular, age showed a positive and significant correlation with PIDAQ-total score. The correlations between occlusal status and the BICI variables were all significant and positive. All correlations between occlusal status and the PIDAQ variables were all significant and positive, except for dental self-confidence. The correlations between the variables of the PIDAQ and BICI instruments were all significant and positive, except for dental self-confidence, where the directions were significant and negative. Moreover, age, gender, and occlusal status predicted BICI and PIDAQ scores. Age was a positive predictor for PIDAQ self-confidence, gender for BICI and PIDAQ total scores, along with dysmorphic symptoms, social impact, psychological impact, and aesthetic concerns. Several significant gender differences were highlighted by the analyses, with higher scores in the female group on all the BICI variables, except symptom interference, and all the PIDAQ variables, except dental self-confidence. Malocclusion appeared to play a central role in the psychological, representational, and psychosocial life of the participants. This research suggests that malocclusion and dental issues influence the psychological, representational, and psychosocial life of adolescents. Further research is required to examine the psychological impact of dental problems.