Dental Patients Research Articles

A scoping review of patient safety checklists in dentistry.

Not much is known about safety checklists use in dentistry. We aim to examine, assess, and provide a comprehensive understanding of the current knowledge concerning the use of checklists to improve patient safety in dentistry. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using Medline and Embase for studies that use or describe the development of dental patient safety checklists. All study designs were included for citations published through December 2023. Following abstract and full-text screening, 27 studies remained for data extraction and analysis. Oral surgery emerged as the main dental specialty where the utilization and evaluation of checklists were primarily concentrated (n = 15). The majority of the included studies described either checklist development, their implementation, or both (n = 18). Only 6 studies assessed the effectiveness of checklists in improving patient safety outcomes. Of the effectiveness studies, five found a decrease in incidents and dental adverse events, along with an improvement in patient care and safety, associated with the use of checklists. This scoping review highlights the limited current knowledge regarding checklist use and effectiveness in reducing adverse events across dental practices; it demonstrates the need on how to best guide the profession towards implementing this important evidence-based patient safety tool. Checklists are effective tools to improve patient safety and have become integral to medical practice. Dentistry can also benefit from these tools to improve patient safety.

Diagnosis of auditory disorders in dental patients with altered occlusal relationships (Part 1)

Relevance. Recently, dental patients have been increasingly presenting with not only aesthetic, functional, and painrelated concerns, but also various otological symptoms, such as ear congestion, discomfort, and perceived hearing loss. These symptoms may be linked to underlying dental conditions, especially those involving a reduction in interalveolar distance (IAD), and must be carefully differentiated from ENT disorders and true hearing impairment.Objective: To evaluate the auditory function in dental patients with partial tooth loss and complaints of pathological otological symptoms.Materials and methods. The study included 357 dental patients aged 43 to 72 years, comprising 287 women (80.4%) and 70 men (19.6%) with partial tooth loss. The examination involved a functional-physiological method for determining the central relationship of the jaws using the Apparatus for Determining Central Occlusion (AOTSO) and tonal threshold audiometry.Results. A reduction in interalveolar height of varying degrees was confirmed in 325 (91%) patients with dental arch defects, while no decrease was observed in 23 (9%) patients. All patients with otological complaints exhibited a reduction in lower facial height. Of the 87 patients with otological complaints, 37 (42.5%) were diagnosed with significant hearing loss based on tonal threshold audiometry.Conclusion. The examination of this group of dental patients with dental arch defects, utilizing modern diagnostic methods, confirmed a reduction in interalveolar distance. Additionally, otological complaints were identified, and pathological auditory conditions, such as various forms of hearing loss, were verified through tonal threshold audiometry.

Assessing Oral Cancer Knowledge and Awareness among Dental Patients of Bengaluru City, India

Abstract Background Oral cancer (OC) is prevalent in India, with serious social and economic ramifications on the public, often resulting in poverty and societal imbalance. Knowledge of the risk factors and signs and symptoms may reduce the OC burden on the society. Objectives To assess the knowledge regarding risk factors and clinical indicators in early detection and prevention of OC among dental patients. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study, interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted among 540 adult patients attending the outpatient department of dental hospital. The questionnaire contained items about participants' characteristics, including demographics, education level, and knowledge about major risk factors: use of tobacco products, alcohol, diet/nutrition, family cancer history, oral hygiene habits and dental aspects, and clinical presentation of OC. The SPSS software was used to analyze the data, and the significance threshold was set at p = 0.05. The subjects were counseled immediately after completion of the questionnaire regarding tobacco cessation, and was given advice on diet, oral hygiene maintenance, and other lifestyle modifications. Results A solid understanding of signs and symptoms was demonstrated by 72%. However, two-thirds of this group were unaware of the symptoms associated with OC. As for OC risk factors such as tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption, 61.6% expressed good knowledge. Of the total, 38.3% reported visiting a dentist at least once a year for dental issues in the past 3 years, yet none of them had undergone OC screening. Additionally, less than 10% of the patients received OC counseling or tobacco cessation intervention from a dentist. Conclusion Knowledge of OC risk factors and signs and symptoms were average, which may adversely affect the practices regarding prevention and early detection.

Dental outpatient departments and patient safety: Priority for a safe care

Patient safety is an essential aspect of healthcare, including dentistry. Dental Outpatient Departments (OPDs) pose unique challenges, where the risk of infections, procedural errors, and patient discomfort can compromise safety. This review examines patient safety issues in dental OPDs, focusing on common hazards, preventive measures, and evolving strategies to ensure safer care. Infection control, medical emergencies, equipment sterilization, and patient data protection are key concerns. The complex interplay of patient management, dental procedures, and clinician awareness requires robust protocols to mitigate risks. Dental professionals must be vigilant in managing cross-contamination risks, such as through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict hand hygiene practices. Moreover, regular staff training in handling medical emergencies, such as allergic reactions or fainting, is crucial for effective management.This article also explores the role of technological advancements in enhancing patient safety, such as digital record-keeping, which minimizes documentation errors, and advanced diagnostic tools that reduce invasive procedures. Additionally, patient-centered approaches, including improved communication and informed consent practices, foster trust and reduce misunderstandings. The implementation of evidence-based guidelines and adherence to professional standards further contribute to a culture of safety. By synthesizing current research, this review aims to highlight best practices for improving patient safety in dental OPDs and underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement in these settings. Addressing these safety concerns is critical not only to improve patient outcomes but also to ensure that dental OPDs remain a safe and trusted environment for all.

Evaluation of Reliability and Validity of Different Thicknesses of Occlusal Contact Registration Strips Vs Conventionally used Articulating Papers – An Invitro Study

Aim: To compare and evaluate the reliability and validity of different thicknesses of Occlusal Contact Registration Strips (OCRS) under simulated occlusal load.  Settings and Design: In-Vitro Comparative Study  Materials and Methods: Articulated epoxy resin dental models obtained from completely dentulous patients were interposed with occlusal contact registration strip of various thicknesses and subjected to constant axial compressive load using universal testing machine. The photographs of consistent registration marks were subjectively assessed using a computer software.  Statistical Analysis Used: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post hoc mean multiple comparison using Dunnett T3 test.  Results: The thinnest occlusal registration strip used in this study registered the highest average number of markings with a borderline statistically significant difference (P=0.06). The highest average area of markings was registered by the thickest strip, which had a near marginal significance (P=0.09), whereas the lowest average area was produced by the thinnest strip which was statistically significant (P=0.03).  Conclusion: There exists a relationship between the thickness of an occlusal contact registration strip, the number and the area of the marks registered. The average number of marks registered was inversely proportional to the thickness of the occlusal indicator. Hence, the thinner the occlusal contact registration strip, the more reliable is the occlusal contact registration. The average area of occlusal contact registration mark varies proportionately to its thickness. Hence, the thickest occlusal contact registration strips were more valid for marking occlusal contacts.

PREVALENCE AND QUALITY OF RESTORATIVE STRUCTURES OF PERMANENT TEETH IN CHILDREN FROM LOWLAND AND MOUNTAINOUS AREAS OF THE TRANSCARPATHIAN REGION OVER THE COURSE OF OBSERVATION

Introduction: Treatment of invasive forms of caries involves the removal of demineralized hard tooth tissues and the restoration of anatomical integrity using various types of restorative materials. The choice and conditions of use of these materials have clear indications. However, the durability of restorative structures, even with strict adherence to the algorithm, is not always sufficient, especially among children living in areas with biogeochemical deficiencies. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of fillings made from different restorative materials in the permanent teeth of children living in lowland and mountainous geographical areas of the Transcarpathian region and to determine the percentage of defects in restorative structures over time. Methods: For the analysis, 525 medical records of dental patients (form 043) from two geographical areas of the Transcarpathian region were selected, specifically from Uzhhorod, University Dental Clinic LLC, and Rakhiv, the dental office of the Rakhiv District Hospital. The period of dental treatment covered was from 2018 to 2022. Paraclinical content analysis was performed to determine the number of direct and indirect restorative structures and to assess the occurrence of defects and their loss at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Statistical probabilities and errors were determined using the computer program STATISTICA 6.1. Results. The rates of patient visits for the restoration of indirect restorations of permanent teeth in children living in the mountainous zone differ from those in children from the lowland zone of residence significantly after 6 months (4.0%; 2.1%; p<0.05), and not significantly after 12 months (10.0%; 10.5%; p>0.05). Comparing the incidence of defects, impaired fixation, or loss of various types of restorative structures in permanent teeth in children living in lowland and mountainous areas of the Transcarpathian region, it was found that the most common defects or loss of fillings made of glass ionomer cements occurred both after 6 and 12 months. The percentage distribution of the appearance of defects or loss of restorative structures made in the permanent teeth of children living in the mountainous zone from glass ionomer cements, light-curing composites on indirect restorations is 6 months (7.2%, 6.0%, 4.0%, p>0.05) and 12 months (16.3%, 11.1%, 10.0%, p>0.05). The differences are not significant. In the permanent teeth of children living in the low-lying area, the percentage of defects or loss of restorative structures made of glass ionomer cements, light-curing composites on indirect restorations is 6 months (6.7%, 4.4%, 2.1%, p<0.05) and 12 months (20.0%, 9.6%, 10.5%, p<0.05). The differences are significant. Conclusions: Thus, when comparing the percentage of defects in various restorative structures and their loss in the permanent teeth of children living in the lowland and mountainous areas of the Transcarpathian region, no significant differences were found. Specifically, for glass ionomer cements, the defect percentages were 6.7% and 7.2% after 6 months (p > 0.05) and 20.0% and 16.3% after 12 months (p > 0.05). For direct composite restorations, the defect percentages were 4.4% and 6.0% after 6 months (p > 0.05) and 9.6% and 11.1% after 12 months (p > 0.05). For indirect composite restorations, the defect percentages were 2.1% and 4.0% after 6 months (p > 0.05) and 10.5% and 10.0% after 12 months (p > 0.05). This indicates that the differences in the percentage of defects between the lowland and mountain zones are not statistically significant for any of the types of restorative structures during the specified periods.

The Development of a Smart Electronic Cervical Headgear to Record Time of Dental Patients Log

The Development of a Smart Electronic Cervical Headgear to Record Time of Dental Patients Log

Effect Modification by Obesity on Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment.

Obesity is associated with increased periodontal disease prevalence and incidence. This retrospective cohort study examined whether body mass index (BMI) is an effect modifier of periodontal treatment outcomes in patients attending an urban dental school clinic. Data were extracted from electronic health records of 344 patients at a large urban dental school clinic who had at least 1 tooth with a probing pocket depth (PD) ≥5 mm at baseline and who subsequently received nonsurgical periodontal treatment. BMI was computed from self-reported weight and height and categorized as obese (≥30 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), or healthy (18-24.9 kg/m2). The primary treatment outcome of interest was defined as having no teeth with PD ≥5 mm in a quadrant on follow-up after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. That outcome was considered to represent treatment success in this study. Secondary outcomes included changes in mean PD and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Analyses included 879 treated quadrants among 344 patients (185 males, 159 females; mean age 49 ± 12 y at baseline; mean posttreatment follow-up of 6 ± 2 mo). Clinical outcomes in patients who were overweight or obese were compared to healthy-weight patients using generalized linear models for binary or continuous outcomes, accounting for clustering within patients. Covariates were age, gender, tobacco use, history of diabetes, insurance type, and number of baseline sites ≥5 mm. Obesity was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of successful nonsurgical treatment (odds ratio = 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.88) than healthy weight. Being overweight was not associated with treatment success. Posttreatment reductions in the percentage of sites with pockets ≥5 mm and CAL ≥5 mm were greater in patients with healthy weight as compared to those either overweight or obese. However, posttreatment changes in mean PD and CAL did not differ among the BMI groups. Obesity adversely modifies the effectiveness of nonsurgical periodontal treatment among dental school clinic patients. The results of this study may be used by dental providers to better understand and manage periodontal therapy in patients with obesity. Furthermore, patients will be better informed about their therapeutic options and outcome success.

Assessment of Computer-Controlled Starpen Device and Conventional Aspirating Cartridge on Pain Perception in Paediatric Dental Patients – A Split-Mouth Crossover Study

Abstract Background: Local anaesthesia (LA) is the cornerstone for pain management of invasive dental procedures, but the process of delivering it may itself induce anxiety, especially in paediatric patients that can affect the pain perception. Advances such as the computer-controlled LA delivery system have expanded the horizons of LA and can serve as an alternative for painless injections. Objective: To examine the pain perception and anxiety reduction along with patient preference between computer-controlled Starpen device and conventional aspirating cartridge in LA administration for inferior alveolar nerve block. Materials and Methods: The patients were randomly allotted into two groups: Starpen and Septodont syringe where the LA injections were given using both the methods in the 1st week. After a washout period of 1 week, the crossover was performed and the other mode of LA administration was performed in the 2nd week. Pain scores were objectively recorded by the observer using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability (FLACC) scale during LA administration and extraction. Patients were asked to record the pain scores using the Visual Analogue Scale at three phases: (a) mucosa perforation, (b) needle insertion and (c) solution injection. The effect of pain perception on the vital parameters and the preference between the two techniques were assessed. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0, Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp was used for statistical analysis, and Mann–Whitney U-test and unpaired t-test were utilised to compare the mean difference of two groups at significance level of 0.05. Results and Observations: Intergroup differences among the Starpen and Septodont syringe groups were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001) during both LA and extraction when pain was objectively assessed using FLACC. Conclusion: Computerised devices such as Starpen offer controlled release of local anaesthetics, effectively decreasing pain perception in paediatric patients and can form a mainstay for the behaviour management of young patients.

Incidence of Maxillary Sinus Disorders in Dental Patients Undergoing Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was quickly adopted in dentistry settings due to its compact size, low cost, and minimal ionizing radiation dose when compared to medical computed tomography. CBCT generates three-dimensional (3D) images that are useful in a variety of oral and maxillofacial circumstances, including diagnosis and assessment of disease severity, treatment planning and delivery, and follow-up. A significant advantage of CBCT lies in its capability to recognize incidental findings. In the realm of dental CBCT imaging, incidental findings often involve the maxillary sinuses, temporomandibular joints, or other craniofacial structures. Objective To demonstrate the incidental findings of maxillary sinus disorders in dental patients undergoing CBCTfor numerous indications. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out using data extracted from the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)of Pure Smile Dental Center and Dental College Teaching Hospitals in the Jazan regionfrom September to December 2022. The study sample included a total of 70 patients who underwent orthodontics CBCT, most of whom were female(76%). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA), along with descriptive statistics. Furthermore, chi-square tests and cross-tabulation were done to assess the relation between the study variables. A p-value <0.01 and <0.05was considered statistically significant. Results The most common dental CBCT findings were root invasion (18.6%), followed by gingivitis (7.14%), and dental caries (4.29%). Of the 70 patients, 42 (60%) had maxillary sinus findings, including opacification (50%), sinusitis (40%), mucosal thickening (34.3%), and polyps (7.1%). Female patients had more frequency of incidental findings related to males (41.43% and 18.57%, respectively). Conclusion A high percentage of dental patients exhibited incidental maxillary sinus findings in CBCT scans, confirming the utility of CBCT as a precise imaging method for detecting paranasal sinus disorders. A holistic documentation of incidental findings is crucial for improving patient outcomes and treatment plans.

Development and validation of the Thai Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (T-HALT): an evaluation of psychometric properties.

Halitosis appears to have significant impacts on quality of life, necessitating reliable assessment tools. The Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (HALT) has been validated in various populations, but not among Thai people. While HALT provides a valuable foundation, there is a need for a culturally adapted and expanded instrument for the Thai context. Consequently, this study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive questionnaire for assessing halitosis-related quality of life in Thai populations, incorporating a Thai version of HALT (T-HALT) as a core component. This cross-sectional study involved 200 dental patients at Mahidol University. The original HALT was translated into Thai using forward-backward translation. Cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of T-HALT were evaluated through multiple approaches. Content validity was ensured through expert reviews, while face validity was assessed by patient feedback. Reliability was examined via test-retest and internal consistency measures. Criterion and discriminant validity was evaluated by correlating T-HALT scores with self-perceived halitosis and volatile sulfur compound (VSC) measurements, respectively. VSCs were quantified using the OralChroma™ device, which analyzes breath samples collected directly from patients' mouths. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), providing insights into the questionnaire's underlying structure. T-HALT demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas = 0.940-0.943) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.886). Criterion validity was supported by a significant correlation between T-HALT scores and self-perceived halitosis (r = 0.503, P < 0.001). Discriminant validity was confirmed by the absence of a significant correlation between T-HALT scores and VSC levels (r = 0.071, P = 0.32). EFA revealed a four-factor structure, which was subsequently confirmed by CFA. However, Items 1 and 7 were excluded due to poor standardized factor loadings. T-HALT demonstrates good reliability and validity for assessing halitosis-related quality of life in Thai populations. It performs well as a unidimensional measure, but its multidimensional application requires modifications. Future research should validate a modified version excluding Items 1 and 7 across diverse Thai populations, potentially enhancing its cultural specificity.

The relationship between radiomorphometric indices and fractal dimension analysis: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between radiomorphometric indices and fractal dimension (FD) analysis in jawbone radiographic density using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The study included 87 CBCT datasets from dental patients aged 50-79. Four radiomorphometric indices (Computed Tomography Cortical Index (CTCI), Computed Tomography Mental Index (CTMI), Computed Tomography Index-Superior (CTI-S), and Computed Tomography Index-Inferior (CTI-I)) along with age, gender, remaining teeth, and mandibular bone height were evaluated. FD was assessed in trabecular bone near the mental foramen (ROI 1) and on the mandibular cortical bone (ROI 2). Relationships between indices and variables were analyzed using Pearson chi-square, Fisher's exact, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's rho tests. ANOVA showed significant differences in mandibular bone height (p = .004) and FD at ROI 2 (p = .000) across three mandibular cortex types (C1, C2, C3). Spearman's rho indicated significant correlations between FD at ROI 2 and CTMI, CTI-S, CTI-I (p = .000), and between mandibular bone height and CTMI (p = .010). The correlations of FD at ROI 2 ranged from strongest to weakest with CTCI, CTMI, CTI-S, and CTI-I. High-risk osteoporosis radiomorphometric indices are associated with FD analysis of cortical bone.

Electrosurgical Adjunct for Soft Tissue Management of the Paediatric Dental Trauma Patient

The interface between dental restorations and the neighbouring soft tissue is of key significance for restorative success and longevity. Trauma-related enamel–dentine fractures are frequently present with the restorative challenge of subgingival margins and little remaining tooth structure. This report looks at two paediatric dental trauma patients with extensive crown fractures resulting in subgingival margins, which posed a poor long-term tooth survival. Electrosurgery was used before definitive composite restorations to allow for supragingival margins and access. Each patient attended the Child Dental Health Department at the University of Manchester Dental Hospital for assessment and treatment provision. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article identifies electrosurgery as an increasingly useful adjunct to restorative management of traumatized permanent incisor teeth in paediatric patients.

3D evaluation of sagittal inclination of the maxillary dentition in relation to facial landmarks: A cohort study.

The determination of the maxillary occlusal plane presents a significant clinical challenge in the treatment of edentulous patients as well as it is critical for complex full-mouth reconstructions in dentate patients, including those with implant-supported rehabilitations. While the use of a Fox plane plate is standard in edentulous cases, its application in dentate patients lacks thorough documentation in existing literature. This clinical study assessed the sagittal position of the maxillary dentition in relation to facial landmarks using a digital three-dimensional analysis and evaluated the suitability and reliability of applying a simulated Fox plane plate, also known as an occlusal plane guide, in dentate patients. Eighty-one subjects were recruited at the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry of Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany, according to specific inclusion criteria. Intraoral and facial scans were obtained and analyzed using GOM Inspect Pro software (GOM, Braunschweig, Germany). The angles between the maxillary occlusal plane and three variations each of Camper's plane and ala-tragus line, relating to superior, middle, and inferior tragus points, were measured. These modified planes were then compared to a plane established by a simulated digital Fox plane plate, which was adapted to the maxillary anterior teeth and the lowest point of the posterior teeth in both quadrants. A total of 81 subjects (58 female and 23 male) with a mean age of 23.9 years were evaluated in this study. No significant angular difference was found between the angles of the maxillary occlusal plane compared with superior Camper's plane, middle Camper's plane, or superior ala-tragus line (p >0.05). The smallest angle occurred between superior Camper's plane and the maxillary occlusal plane on both the right (3.443°) and left (3.535°) sides. The application of a Fox plane plate resulted in two different occlusal planes in 70% of patients, significantly deviating from the digitally determined plane (p <0.05). Superior and middle Camper's planes, along with superior ala-tragus line, can be considered approximately parallel reference planes and are suitable for routine determining of the maxillary occlusal plane in restorative treatments. However, in contrast to digital evaluation methods, the application of a Fox plane plate in dentate patients showed high variability, indicating its low reproducibility due to its ambiguous positioning on the maxillary dentition. Clinical trial registration site: https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00030166.

Management of Gingivitis: Contemporary Approaches and Recent Therapeutic Advancements

Background: Gingivitis, commonly known as gum disease, refers to several types of inflammatory diseases that impact the connective tissues that surround the teeth. Gingivitis causes swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums in its early stages. Objective: This article aims to describe the standard gingivitis medication. It emphasizes recent advancements in the initial therapy, treatment, and healing mechanisms of gingivitis for achievement in the clinical testing of medicines that promise to enable disease modification in patients. Also, it aims to review recent advancements and emerging therapeutic developments in the management of gingivitis, including gene-based therapies, nanotherapies, anti-cytokine therapies, stem cell-based therapies, and probiotic therapies. Methods: The information for the review articles was acquired by using Google Scholar and PubMed as search engines, as well as a number of publishers, including Springer Nature, Ben-tham Science, Taylor &amp; Francis, Elsevier, and Frontier. Result and Discussion: Gingivitis is a gum disease and scaling root planning (SRP) is now the most common kind of periodontitis therapy available. It has the potential to deliver significant therapeutic success, but it can also have substantial problems that reduce the quality of life of a patient. Stem cell therapies, gingivitis genetic engineering, nuclear-based medicines, and other advances have given people hope that a wide range of illnesses, especially genetic disorders, can be cured. Conclusion: The current gingivitis therapies are successful and continually evolving, with sev-eral drugs currently in clinical trials. These innovative medicines, when combined, may alter gingivitis treatment in the next few years. Finally, gingivitis therapy requires professional dental care and patient education on oral hygiene. Nonetheless, further research and clinical studies are necessary to validate the efficacy, safety, and long-term benefits of these novel treatment modalities.

Explorative study of stimulated saliva proteome in head and neck cancer patients pre- and post-treatment

Objectivesto compare saliva proteome of patients before treatment of head and neck cancer and six months post-treatment with controls. DesignFive dentate patients and five age and gender-matched controls were included. The stimulated salivary secretion rate was determined, and saliva was stored at −80 °C. After thawing, 30 mg of each sample and a reference (aliqouts of all samples) was trypsin digested. The digested peptides were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The relative abundances were transformed to log2 and significant differences determined. Relative abundances of mucins were compared with patient's problems with dry mouth, sticky saliva and swallowing. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD047500. Results966 proteins with ≥2 unique peptides were found. Compared with controls, 30 proteins were found in significantly lower relative abundances and 65 in higher at pre-treatment and 38 proteins in significantly lower relative abundances and 34 proteins in higher post-treatment. Regarding proteins from the salivary glands, a significantly lower relative abundance of Cystatins was detected pre-treatment and significantly lower relative abundances of Cystatin, Cysteine-rich secretory protein 3, Lactoperoxidase, Prolactin-inducible protein and Proline-rich protein 4 post-treatment. No clear relation between relative abundance of mucins and dry mouth, sticky saliva and problems with swallowing was detected. ConclusionDecreases in several salivary gland proteins post cancer treatment might lead to a reduced defense against oral disorders. Knowledge about changes in saliva proteins in connection with oral cancer treatment is important for planning dental care for these patients.

MRONJ Risks in Bisphosphonate-Treated Dental Patients: a Population-Based Study

MRONJ Risks in Bisphosphonate-Treated Dental Patients: a Population-Based Study

A cross-sectional study of tongue disorders among dental outpatients

PurposeThe tongue is a complex organ that can provide insight into oral and systemic conditions. A variety of disorders, such as geographic tongue, hairy tongue, fissured tongue, macroglossia, microglossia, and others, can be observed. The objective of this cross-sectional study, conducted on a cohort of dental patients, was to examine the prevalence of tongue disorders and their relationship with factors such as demographic data, oral hygiene practices, history of systemic diseases, and bad habits. MethodThe tongues of 772 dental outpatients, comprising 355 males and 417 females, were examined in detail, and the factors associated with tongue disorders were noted. ResultsThe prevalence of tongue disorders was 32.6%. The remaining tongue disorders were as follows: fissured tongue (12.1%), macroglossia (7.1%), geographic tongue (3.4%), hairy tongue (3.6%), coated tongue (3.4%), median rhomboid glossitis (0.5%), ankyloglossia (0.4%), glossitis (0.4%), and microglossia (0.1%). The most prevalent tongue disorder observed in the study cohort was fissured tongue, while both bifid tongue and idiopathic burning tongue syndrome were absent. The prevalence of macroglossia, fissured tongue, and hairy tongue was significantly higher in males than in females (p<0.05, p< 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.005, respectively). A statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of macroglossia, furred tongue, hairy tongue, and glossitis between age groups. ConclusionThe findings of this study identified the most common tongue disorders and their relationship with factors such as systemic history, demographic factors, oral hygiene care, bad habits, and systemic diseases. The significance of tongue appearance in providing insight into the systemic and oral condition of the patient has once again been demonstrated.

Neurosurgical Risk Assessment of Dental Patients using Conebeam CT

Neurosurgical Risk Assessment of Dental Patients using Conebeam CT

EVALUATING PATIENT AWARENESS OF SMOKING - RELATED ORAL HEALTH RISKSAMONG BATHINDARESIDENTS: A SURVEY- BASED STUDY

Background:Smoking poses serious risks to oral health, contributing to issues like gum disease, oral cancer, and impaired healing. However, many patients are not fully aware of these dangers. Aim and Objective:The objective of this study is to assess the level of awareness among dental patients regarding smoking &amp; detrimental effects of smoking &amp; to explore patients perceptions of how smoking affects their overall oral health. Materials and Methods:A questionnaire based observational survey was carried out among 160 participants in the Bathinda district. The questionnaire was distributed through online platforms. The self-made questionnaire was used to assess the level of awareness among the patients Results: The study assessed participants awareness of smokings effects on oral health, revealing varied levels of understanding. High awareness was noted for teeth staining, oral cancer risk, and decreased taste, while gaps existed regarding gum disease, second-hand smoke risks, and the role of dental visits in preventing smoking-related issues. Educational efforts are needed to address these gaps. Conclusion: The study reveals gaps in awareness of smokings serious oral health risks. Increased education and smoking cessation efforts are needed to improve patient outcomes.