Toothbrushing Frequency Research Articles

A study of oral health and quality of life in patients with dyslipidemia

Objectives: This study analyzed factors influencing oral health and quality of life in patients with dyslipidemia using raw data from the first year (2019) and third year (2021), where the quality of life was assessed using the HINT-8 tool from the 8th National Health and Nutrition Survey data. Methods: Frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, general linear model analysis, and linear regression analysis were performed on the collected data using SPSS program 26.0, and the data of 1,926 participants were analyzed. Results: The mean quality of life (HINT-8) score was 0.78 out of 1.00. Quality of life according to general characteristics, showed significant differences according to gender, age, household income, education level, lifetime smoking status, and lifetime alcohol consumption. In terms of oral health, it significantly differed according to chewing discomfort, speaking discomfort, oral examination history, toothbrushing frequency, toothache history, untreated dental care needs, subjective oral health status and use of oral care products. The predictors of quality of life were gender, household income, education level, lifetime alcohol consumption, chewing discomfort, speaking discomfort, toothache history, and untreated dental care needs. Conclusions: These results confirm that oral health influences the quality of life of patients with dyslipidemia and are expected to provide basic data for research on improving oral health and quality of life in these patients.

Toothbrushing habits are associated with self perceived stress

Abstract Background Personal self-care is one of the most important factors in maintaining and improving oral health. Public health guidelines are recommending tooth brushing at least twice daily, once before bed time and at least on one occasion. On the other hand, our regular routines and caring for our own health is influenced by different factors including stress. We wanted to research how much does daily stress influencing tooth brushing habits. Methods We analyzed data from 2020 CINDI nationwide cross-sectional survey in Slovenia. Tooth brushing once a day or less was assessed as inadequate. Stress was assessed with question >>How often in the last 14 days have you felt tense, stressed or under a lot of pressure? << Participants who chose often or always as an answer were assessed as persons under stress. Method of binary logistic regression was used for statistical analysis of association between tooth brushing frequency and self-perceived stress, modified for some socioeconomic factors. Results Prevalence of inadequate frequency of tooth brushing was present in 31,6 % of sample, 31,5% in participants who were not feeling tense and 31,8% in participants who often felt tense or stressed. At first it seemed stress is not associated with tooth brushing habits. We adjusted this association for gender, education level and age and this association became clearer. Participants who felt stress and/or under pressure had higher odds for poor tooth brushing habits, their odds ratio was 1,283 (p < 0,001; 95% CI 1,124; 1,464) when adjusted for aforementioned factors. Conclusions Oral health is integral part of general health. Association between oral and mental health is often overlooked even though psycho-social aspects are part of modern oral health definition. As personal self-care is cornerstone of maintaining and improving oral health, implementation of mental health aspects should be incorporated in public health advises and programmes for promoting oral health. Key messages • Self-perceived stress is associated with toothbrushing habits. • People who are under stress less regularly brush their teeth.

Factors Associated with Dental Care Utilization for Oral Disease Prevention Among Adolescents in Multicultural Families in Republic of Korea

Objectives: This study utilized data from the 2022 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey to examine the utilization of preventive dental care among adolescents from multicultural families and analyze the associated factors. Methods: The number of adolescents from multicultural families, based on parental nationality, was 1361. The dependent variables were asymptomatic dental visits, sealant experience, and scaling experience. The independent variables included health perception factors (subjective health status, subjective oral health status), health behaviors (fruit consumption frequency, vegetable consumption frequency, sugary drink consumption frequency, drinking experience, smoking experience), and oral health behaviors (daily tooth-brushing frequency, tooth brushing after lunch, use of oral care products, oral symptom experience). Confounding variables included demographic variables (age, grade) and socioeconomic variables (academic performance, economic level, parental education level, mother’s nationality). Statistical analyses were conducted using a complex samples cross-tabulation and complex samples logistic regression. Results: Asymptomatic dental visits were significantly associated with subjective oral health status and sugary drink consumption. Those who perceived their oral health as “Healthy” had an odds ratio (OR) of 3.34 (CI = 1.76–6.32; p < 0.001), and those who perceived themselves “Normal” had an OR of 2.03 (CI = 1.08–3.82; p = 0.029). A sugary drink consumption of less than three times per week was linked with an OR of 1.68 (CI = 1.05–2.70; p = 0.031). Sealant experience was associated with brushing before bedtime (OR = 2.27, CI = 1.18–4.35; p = 0.014) and using more than one oral care product (OR = 1.97, CI = 1.27–3.07; p = 0.003). Scaling experience associated with oral symptoms (OR = 1.94, CI = 1.21–3.11; p = 0.006). Conclusions: To enhance access to preventive dental care utilization for adolescents from multicultural families, efforts are needed to raise subjective oral health awareness, improve oral health behaviors, and develop strategies that ensure timely preventive dental care.

Socio-behavioural associates of Early Childhood Caries among preschool children aged three to four years in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka: a cross sectional study

BackgroundEarly Childhood Caries (ECC) is a highly prevalent disease among preschoolers in Sri Lanka, with stagnated prevalence over the decades. Therefore, it is important to determine the socio-behavioural associations of ECC among preschoolers to reduce the country’s ECC burden.MethodsA cross-sectional study with a multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 3 to 4 year-old preschoolers/mothers dyads in Gampaha district in 2019. Preschoolers who completed third birthday and had not completed fifth birthday on the day of data collection were selected. The dependent variable was the presence (dmft ≥ 1) or absence (dmft = 0) of ECC. Independent variables were sex, monthly family income, mother’s educational and occupational status, child’s birth order, family type, frequency of consumption of sweets and sweetened drinks, time of sweet consumption during the last 24 h, toothbrushing frequency, supervision of toothbrushing, dental visit, and maternal dental caries. A pre-tested validated questionnaire was used. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used.ResultsTotal of 1038 preschoolers were selected. There were 529 females (51.0%) and 509 males (49.0%). The prevalence of ECC was 56.3% (95% CI: 53.1–59.3). Consuming sweets between meals had a higher odds ratio than consuming sweets after main meals (OR = 1.72, 95% CI:1.25–2.35), consumption of sweets every day had a higher odds ratio than consumption of sweets several times a week or less (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 2.02–4.13), consumption of sweetened drinks every day had a higher odds ratio than consumption of sweetened drinks several times a week or less (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.07–2.79), and the presence of maternal caries had a higher odds ratio than the absence of maternal caries (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.12–2.69). The use of adult fluoridated toothpaste than not using adult fluoridated toothpaste (OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.48–0.85), tooth brushing twice per day than not brushing twice per day (OR = 0.67, 95% CI:0.51–0.89), and supervised toothbrushing than unsupervised toothbrushing (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41–0.93) was negatively associated with ECC.ConclusionsECC is highly associated with sweet consumption and oral hygiene behaviours among preschoolers in Gampaha District. Interventions should focus on the oral health behaviours of preschoolers to reduce ECC burden.

Determinants of oral health among Iranian soldiers: a structural equation modeling study

BackgroundMilitary personnel often face unique challenges in maintaining optimal oral health. This study investigated the oral health status, caries experience, and associated factors among a sample of Iranian soldiers, employing a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to explore the complex interplay of socioeconomic and behavioral determinants.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 658 male soldiers aged 18–30 years from three military barracks in Fars province, Iran. Data were collected through a structured instrument and clinical oral examinations. The study employs the DMFT index, which measures caries experience based on decayed, missing, and filled teeth, along with the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) to assess overall oral health status. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the complex relationships between socioeconomic factors, oral health behaviors, and oral health outcomes.ResultsThe mean DMFT score was 3.57 ± 5.91, and the mean OHIS score was 0.56 ± 1.42. SEM analysis revealed that socioeconomic status (SES) indirectly influenced DMFT and oral hygiene scores, mediated by drug use, oral hygiene practices, dietary sugar consumption, and dental visit frequency. Lower toothbrushing frequency was significantly associated with higher DMFT (Estimate = -0.064, p < 0.001) and OHIS scores (Estimate = -0.637, p < 0.001). Drug use (smoking, qalyan, alcohol) was linked to poorer oral health outcomes, while more frequent dental visits were associated with lower DMFT and OHIS scores.ConclusionThis study reveals the complex interplay between socioeconomic conditions, oral health behaviors, and oral health outcomes among Iranian soldiers. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address modifiable risk factors and improve access to preventive dental care within military settings. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate further the causal pathways between these factors and oral health outcomes in military populations.

Color Ranges and Distribution of Human Teeth: A Prospective Clinical Study.

This study investigated the in vivo color range of human teeth using a research-grade noncontact spectroradiometer, analyzing the effects of gender, age, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors, including diet, smoking, and oral hygiene. A total of 1004 participants were recruited at two research sites and stratified by gender, age, and ethnicity, and data on their dietary and oral habits were collected. Noninvasive color measurements of an upper central incisor were performed using a spectroradiometer and a fiber-coupled Xe-Arc light source. Color differences were computed using the CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color difference formulas, statistically analyzed, and interpreted through comparisons with 50:50% perceptibility (PT) and acceptability (AT) thresholds for dentistry. CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color coordinate values varied significantly. Female teeth appeared lighter and less yellow than men's. Age correlated with darker, more chromatic teeth, stabilizing only after Age 46. Significant ethnic differences were observed, particularly between African-American and Asian participants. Coffee consumption impacted teeth yellowness and chromaticity, while tea had no significant effect. Frequent tooth brushing led to lighter teeth, and tooth whitening considerably influenced color, emphasizing the effect of cosmetic dental treatments. Smoking showed minimal impact, with slight discoloration noted among light smokers compared to nonsmokers. Color coordinate values by gender, age, and ethnicity exhibited statistically significant differences and, in most cases, noticeable color differences. With exceptions, the dietary/oral habits of the patient had a significant impact on the color of human teeth. The findings from this study provide detailed information and understanding of the color range and distribution of human teeth, which can help enhance the esthetic outcome of dental care and, consequently, the patient's satisfaction.

Impact of oral health literacy on oral health behaviors and outcomes among the older adults: a scoping review

BackgroundOral Health Literacy (OHL), defined as an ability to obtain, understand, and apply information related to oral health, plays a crucial role in promoting effective oral health outcomes and behaviors. Given the pressing need to enhance oral health among older adults, this scoping review aims to summarize the impact of OHL on oral health behaviors and outcomes in this population.MethodsThe authors performed an electronic search up through July 22, 2024. Among the 2,226 articles identified, the authors included studies in which the investigators evaluated the association between OHL and oral health behaviors or outcomes restricted to individuals aged 60 years and older. Thematic analysis was used to develop the domain for oral health behaviors or outcomes.ResultsAmong the 10 studies analyzed, significant correlations were identified between OHL and various oral health indicators, including periodontitis, the number of remaining teeth, dental prosthesis use, oral hygiene, oral health-related quality of life among men, as well as dissatisfaction with oral health (p < 0.05). However, the results were conflicting across the studies, indicating variability in the strength and nature of these associations. Additionally, OHL was shown to significantly influence oral health-related behaviors, especially the tooth brushing frequency (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis review highlights a scarcity of studies addressing OHL in older populations, suggesting that OHL has been deprioritized in efforts to improve oral health for this vulnerable group. Key gaps include the need for age-appropriate OHL assessment tools, stronger evidence linking OHL to specific oral health behaviors and outcomes, and the integration of OHL into broader health initiatives and research in older group. These areas are critical to advancing our understanding and improving oral health outcomes among older adults.

Associations between oral health impacts attributed to malocclusion and normative and self-perceived orthodontic treatment need in Turkish adolescent patients.

In the socio-dental approach, the integration of normative oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and behavioral propensity measures should be considered when assessing treatment needs and planning oral services. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between oral health impacts attributed to malocclusion and normative and self-perceived orthodontic treatment needs in adolescent patients and to determine the clinical, sociodemographic, and behavioral factors affecting their OHRQoL. This cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample size of 105 adolescent patients aged 11-14 years who were referred to the Orthodontics Clinic in the Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul. Data were collected using clinical examinations and a self-reported questionnaire, including the condition-specific Child Oral Impact on Daily Performances (CS-COIDP) attributed to malocclusion and sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors. The index of complexity, outcome, and need (ICON), gingival index, and Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth index was used to assess oral health status. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used for the data analyses. A total of 70 patients (66.7%) reported at least one impact. Furthermore, 47% of the adolescents had very difficult and difficult complexity grades. The most affected performances were "emotional (52.4%) and smiling (40%)". No significant differences were found in the total CS-COIDP scores according to caries experience; however, the gingival status was associated with the total OHRQoL. Lower tooth brushing frequency, increased malocclusion complexity, and subjective treatment need were the most important predictors of worse OHRQoL, accounting for 39.3% of the variance in the scores. ( R2 = 0.422; p < 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Oral health professionals should consider oral behaviors, malocclusion complexity, and subjective treatment need when planning orthodontic treatment plans. Integrating ICON, CS-COIDP, and behavioral assessment will help identify adolescents who should be prioritized for treatment.

Bullying and oral health in Egyptian adolescents: the moderating role of sense of coherence and resistance to peer influence

BackgroundBullying is the intentional, repeated and prolonged aggressive behavior towards victim(s) who feel powerless to defend themselves. It could influence adolescents’ mental health. Some adolescents possess coping skills which enable them to overcome such adversities. The present study assessed the association between bullying, sense of coherence (SOC), resistance to peer influence (RPI) and oral health in Egyptian adolescents.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional survey that included 12–16 year old adolescents attending 6 schools in Damanhour, Egypt was conducted from March to December 2023. Data were collected through clinical examination and self-administered questionnaires. Clinical examination assessed dental caries (DMFT), oral hygiene (plaque index) and gingival condition (gingival index). Toothbrushing frequency and sugar consumption were assessed by (World Health Organization-child form), bullying (Revised Olweus Bully Victim Questionnaire), SOC (Sense of Coherence Scale-Short Form) and RPI (Resistance to Peer Influence Questionnaire). The independent variables were bullying, SOC and RPI. The dependent variables were untreated caries, gingival inflammation and toothbrushing frequency. Multivariable multilevel regression assessed the relationship between the independent and dependent variables after adjusting for potential confounders. Adjusted regression coefficients (B), adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Effect modifications by SOC and RPI were evaluated.ResultsThe response rate was 95.25% (N = 602), mean (SD) age was 14.01 (1.15). Half of the students (49.83%) were girls. About 42% had untreated caries, only 15.78% brushed their teeth twice daily and the mean (SD) gingival index was 1.57 (0.40). About 25% were victims, (9.30%) bullies and (18.60%) bully-victims. Victims showed significantly lower odds of twice daily toothbrushing (AOR = 0.52, p = 0.04). Bullies and bully-victims showed non-significantly higher odds of untreated caries (AOR = 1.42, p = 0.25), (AOR = 1.21, p = 0.42), respectively. Bullying was not associated with gingival inflammation. Higher SOC and RPI mitigated the impact of bullying on untreated caries and toothbrushing frequency.ConclusionBullying was associated with higher odds of untreated caries and lower odds of twice daily toothbrushing in Egyptian adolescents. Higher SOC and RPI alleviated this relationship, highlighting the importance of individual coping strategies to oral health.

Assessing Oral Hygiene Status of Children in an Urban Setting in Sub-Sahara Africa

Objectives: This study assessed oral hygiene status of children in Enugu metropolis and its association with age, sex, tooth brushing tools, frequency of tooth brushing, and past dental visits. Materials and methods: This was a secondary analysis of data. The primary study recruited children from primary schools in Enugu East Local Government Area in Enugu in 2020. Data on age, sex, level of education, tooth cleansing tools, frequency of brushing, dental visit, and oral hygiene status were collected. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Multivariate logistic regression for potential determinants of oral hygiene status of children was conducted. A model was developed to determine the potential determinants of oral hygiene status among children in Enugu metropolis. The effect of all significant factors on dental visit was inferred at P&lt; 0.05. Results: Children aged 5 to 12 years with mean age of 8.21±1.90 years participated in the study. There were 307 (48.3%) males and 329 (51.7%) female study participants. Many, 371 (58.3%), of the participants were aged 5-8 years and 540 (84.9%) had fair oral hygiene status. Males significantly had lower odds of having good oral hygiene (AOR: 0.154; CI: 0.035-0.687; P=0.014) when compared to the females. Conclusion: Many children had fair oral hygiene and sex was a risk indicator of oral hygiene status among children in this population.

The impact of caregiver training on the oral health of people with disabilities: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of oral health training for caregivers of individuals with disabilities. A systematic review was conducted using five electronic databases: Medline (PubMed), SciELO, Web of Science, LILACS, and CAFe, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The PICO strategy was defined as follows: Participants:caregivers of individuals with disabilities; Intervention:training or education in oral health for caregivers;Control:no caregiver training; andOutcomes:evaluating whether oral health training for caregivers improves the oral health of people with disabilities. The study aimed to address the research question: "What is the impact of oral health training for caregivers of individuals with disabilities?" The study was preregistered in PROSPERO (CRD42023416760). A total of 14 studies were included, with trained caregivers being either staff members or parents, and various disabilities reported, with cerebral palsy being the most prevalent. Caregiver training methods varied, such as instructions on the importance of oral health care, supervised oral hygiene, and demonstration of toothbrushing techniques. Overall, the intervention groups showed an improvement in measures such as to the Gingival Index, Plaque Index, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, and Gingival Bleeding Index on upon probing. Additionally, improvements were observed in the quality, frequency, and duration of toothbrushing among intervention groups. The findings suggest that oral health training for caregivers has a positive impact on the oral health of individuals with disabilities, potentially leading to better oral health outcomes.

Level of support/commitment and behavior during mealtime and dental care negatively impact the dental caries prevalence in autistic individuals: cross-sectional study.

To verify whether factors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would have impact on the dental-caries prevalence. All ASD-individuals receiving care in a specialized center with minimum of 4y old were recruited. Demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics, level of support/commitment (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), mealtime behavior (Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory) and medication use were answered by ASD-individual's parents. Behavior during dental care was evaluated from Frankl scale. Dental-caries prevalence was the primary outcome. Three examiners calibrated/trained collected the data. Chi-square test was used to compare the variables impact on the dental-caries prevalence. 61 ASD-individuals were potentially eligible, and the all parents/guardians consent to participate. Dental-caries prevalence was 42.9%, which was statistically associated with lower toothbrushing frequency, higher level of support/commitment, and worse behavior at meals and during in dental care. Dental-caries prevalence was approximately higher twice in ASD-individuals: (i) uncooperative with dental care when compared those cooperative (62% versus 32%, respectively); (ii) with severe level of support when compared to those with mild/moderate level (58% versus 28%, respectively); and (iii) with worse mealtime behavior when compared to those with better behavior (59% versus 28%, respectively). A medium statistical correlation was observed between support level and mealtime behavior (rS=0.39). The BAMBI component statistically associated with dental-caries prevalence was the food refusal (capture problem when a child rejects a presented food, crying, spitting out food). higher required level of support, worse mealtime behavior and uncooperative profile in dental care negatively affect the dental-caries prevalence. our findings provide evidence of the need of specialized, preventive and individualized dental care among ASD-individuals.

Screening for Systemic Diseases Associated with Dental Self-Care in Japanese Adolescents

Background: Toothbrushing is important for maintaining oral health and preventing periodontal disease. However, the association between toothbrushing and systemic diseases remains unclear in adolescence. In this study, the association between dental self-care (frequency and duration of toothbrushing) and systemic diseases/disorders in adolescents was examined. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of mandatory medical questionnaires administered during legally mandated freshman medical checkups between 2017 and 2019 at the University of Tokyo, Japan. Out of 9376 total responses, 9098 cases involving individuals under the age of 20 were included in the analysis. Respondents were classified into three groups based on their daily toothbrushing frequency: “1 time or less”, “twice”, and “3 times or more”. For the duration of each toothbrushing session, they were classified into three groups: “1 min or less”, “2–3 min”, and “4 min or more”. A statistical analysis was performed by Pearson’s χ2 test and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: Regarding frequency of daily toothbrushing: The χ2 test showed no significant relationship between frequency of toothbrushing and 17 systemic diseases/disorders. A multivariate analysis found that gingival bleeding and sex were independent factors. The risk of gingival bleeding decreased dramatically with increased frequency of toothbrushing (odds ratio (OR): 0.428; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.366–0.501; p &lt; 0.001). Regarding the amount of time spent on toothbrushing: The χ2 test showed atopic dermatitis and arrhythmia were significantly associated with the duration of toothbrushing (p = 0.032 and p = 0.016, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, atopic dermatitis, gingival bleeding, and sex were independent factors regarding the duration of toothbrushing; longer brushing time was associated with a lower risk of atopic dermatitis (OR: 0.731, 95% CI: 0.578–0.924, p = 0.009) and a lower risk of gingival bleeding (OR: 0.643, 95% CI: 0.567–0.729, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Dental self-care was most strongly associated with gingival bleeding, while the risk of atopic dermatitis was found to increase with shorter toothbrushing times. The results suggest that dental self-care during adolescence is important not only for oral health but also for general health.

Impact of COVID-19 health precautions on asymptomatic Streptococcus pyogenes carriage in palestinian children: a pre- and post-pandemic study

BackgroundStreptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a significant pathogen that causes diverse infections, ranging from pharyngitis to severe invasive diseases. Asymptomatic carriage in children is pivotal for transmission. The COVID-19 pandemic’s health measures, including mask wearing and enhanced hand hygiene, likely influenced GAS transmission dynamics. This study evaluated the impact of these precautions on the prevalence of asymptomatic pharyngeal GAS carriage among schoolchildren in the southern West Bank, Palestine.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases: pre-COVID-19 (November 2019–January 2020) and post-COVID-19 (November 2023–April 2024). Throat swabs were collected from 701 children (345 pre-COVID-19, 356 post-COVID-19) via cluster sampling. The samples were tested with the ABON Strep A rapid test and confirmed by culture. Sociodemographic, health, and household data were also collected. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of asymptomatic pharyngeal GAS carriage declined from 15.7% pre-COVID-19 to 10.4% post-COVID-19 (p = 0.038). Significant reductions were observed among urban residents (23.5–10.1%, p = 0.003) and those from medium socioeconomic backgrounds (16.0–9.1%, p = 0.008). Compared with urban residents, rural residents had lower GAS carriage rates (adjusted OR = 0.505, p = 0.023). Carriage rates also decreased among children with frequent sore throats (17.6–7.3%, p = 0.007) and those using private wells (52.5–14.9%, p < 0.001). Higher BMI was a significant risk factor (adjusted OR = 17.68, p < 0.001), whereas frequent tooth brushing (adjusted OR = 0.055, p < 0.001) and hand washing (adjusted OR = 0.367, p < 0.001) were protective factors.ConclusionsCOVID-19-related health precautions were correlated with a significant reduction in asymptomatic GAS carriage among Palestinian children. These findings suggest that public health measures, such as mask wearing and hand hygiene, can influence the transmission of respiratory pathogens. Ongoing surveillance and targeted interventions are essential for managing GAS infections, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Oral Health Behaviour, Care Utilisation, and Barriers among Students with Disabilities: A Parental Perspective

Background: Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being. However, students with disabilities (SWDs) face unique challenges in maintaining oral hygiene and accessing dental care. This study aims to explore oral health behaviours, dental care utilisation, and barriers to accessing dental care among SWDs in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, from the perspectives of their parents. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of SWDs in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire covering oral health behaviours, dental care utilisation, and barriers to care. The sample size was determined based on the SWDs population in the region. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics, with significant associations identified at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that 45.7% of SWDs brushed irregularly, with only 16.8% brushing twice a day or more. Dental flossing was reported by just 4.3% of SWDs. Emergency-based dental visits were common (51.9%), and 29.5% of SWDs had never visited a dentist. Significant associations were found between maternal education and tooth brushing frequency (p = 0.004) and between parental education and the frequency of dental visits (p = 0.035). The most reported barriers included fear of treatment (47.1%), difficulty finding willing dentists (45.5%), and long wait times for appointments (44.7%). Conclusions: The study emphasises the pressing need for targeted interventions to improve oral hygiene practices and enhance accessibility to dental services for SWDs.

Serum vitamin D level and female teenage caries experience: a cross-sectional study in Iran

Aims: This study aimed to assess Serum Vitamin D level and female teenage caries experience. Methods: This study evaluated 330 healthy female Iranian students between 13 to 19 years residing in Rey city. A questionnaire collected their demographic information. They underwent clinical dental examination to determine the number of decayed (D), missing (M) and filled (F) teeth (DMFT index). The nutritional status was evaluated using the food frequency questionnaire(FFQ) by assessing the consumption of cariostatic, cariogenic, remineralizing, sticky foods and carbohydrates. The serum samples were collected to measure the serum vitamin D level using high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression and independent samples t-test. Results: The mean DMFT was 5.34±3.94. Of all, 69.3% had severe vitamin D deficiency, 20.3% had moderate vitamin D deficiency and 10.4% had normal level of vitamin D. Cariostatic agents consumption had a significant inverse correlation with DMFT (P=0.006). An increase in serum level of vitamin D by more than 10.27 ng/mL was associated with a reduction in prevalence of dental caries by 22%. Increased consumption of cariostatic agents by more than 89.30 g/day decreased the prevalence of dental caries by 32%. No significant association was noted between the prevalence of dental caries and level of parent’s education, consanguinity of parents, level of income, place of residence, frequency of tooth brushing, dental flossing, and dental visits (P&gt;0.05). Conclusions: While the serum vitamin D level had no significant effect on DMFT, the nutritional regimen seemed to play a more important role in caries control.

Effects of Self-Perceived Oral Health and Stress Levels on Subjective Oral Symptoms and Lifestyle of University Students in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Self-perceived oral health is related to clinical and subjective oral factors, socioeconomic factors, perceived stress, and oral health behavior. However, limited studies have examined whether self-perceived oral health is related to dry mouth, salivary viscosity, or lifestyle factors. Accordingly, this study aimed to verify the effect of self-perceived oral health and stress levels on subjective oral symptoms and lifestyle. The responses of 644 university students who agreed to participate in the study were analyzed. A chi-square test was used to determine whether self-perceived oral health and stress levels showed significant differences based on subjective oral symptoms and lifestyle. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of subjective oral symptoms and periodontal disease diagnosis on self-perceived oral health. Subjective oral symptom factors that showed significant differences depending on self-perceived oral health included gingival bleeding or pain, dry mouth, and saliva viscosity, and depending on lifestyle factors included the frequency of tooth brushing and beverage consumption. Additionally, subjective oral symptoms influenced self-perceived oral health. Self-perceived oral health was negative when there was gingival bleeding, pain (odds ratio (OR)=0.594, p=0.002), and dry mouth (OR=0.577, p=0.001). This study's results showed that self-perceived oral health significantly impacts gingival bleeding, pain, and dry mouth. Therefore, government intervention must provide and manage innovative and efficient education programs that promote self-perceived oral health management habits and maintenance and improvement of oral health.

Multivariate analysis of oral mucosal ulcers during orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment can easily cause local soft tissue reactions in the oral cavity of patients under mechanical stress, leading to oral mucosal ulcers and affecting their quality of life. At present, only limited literature has explored the factors leading to oral ulcers in orthodontic treatment, and these research results are still controversial. To investigate the current status and related factors of oral mucosal ulcers during orthodontic treatment, aiming to provide a valuable reference for preventing this disease in clinical practice. A total of 587 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment at the Peking University School of Stomatology and Hospital of Stomatology between 2020 and 2022 were selected and allocated to an observation or control group according to the incidence of oral mucosal ulcers during orthodontic therapy. A questionnaire survey was constructed to collect patient data, including basic information, lifestyle and eating habits, treatment details, mental factors, and trace element levels, and a comparative analysis of this data was performed between the two groups. A logistic regression model with oral ulcers as the dependent variable was established. The regression results showed that age (≥ 60 years: odds ratio [OR]: 6.820; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.226-20.893), smoking history (smoking: OR: 4.434; 95%CI: 2.527-7.782), toothbrush hardness (hard: OR: 2.804; 95%CI: 1.746-4.505), dietary temperature (hot diet: OR: 1.399; 95%CI: 1.220-1.722), treatment course (> 1 year: OR: 3.830; 95%CI: 2.203-6.659), and tooth brushing frequency (> 1 time per day: OR: 0.228; 95%CI: 0.138-0.377) were independent factors for oral mucosal ulcers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Zn level (OR: 0.945; 95%CI: 0.927-0.964) was a protective factor against oral ulcers, while the SAS (OR: 1.284; 95%CI: 1.197-1.378) and SDS (OR: 1.322; 95%CI: 1.231-1.419) scores were risk factors. Age ≥ 60 years, smoking history, hard toothbrush, hot diet, treatment course for > 1 year, tooth brushing frequency of ≤ 1 time per day, and mental anxiety are independent risk factors for oral mucosal ulcers. Therefore, these factors should receive clinical attention and be incorporated into the development and optimization of preventive strategies for reducing oral ulcer incidence.

Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oral Health Problems among Children in Spain

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the association between symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oral health in a representative sample of the Spanish population aged 6–14 years. We also examined the contribution of several sociodemographic and behavioral determinants of children/adolescents and their family environment. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 3,402 subjects aged between 6 and 14 years from the Spanish National Health Survey. The presence of ADHD symptoms was determined using the self-reported hyperactivity/inattention subscale of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Oral health was assessed using five indicators: caries, extraction, restorations, gingival bleeding, and the presence of teeth in poor condition (e.g., broken or misaligned). Logistic regressions were used to examine the association between the presence of ADHD symptoms and oral health indicators. These models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle variables, and oral hygiene behaviors relating to both the children and their parents. Results: Compared to children without ADHD symptoms, children with ADHD symptoms had a higher risk of caries (fully adjusted odds ratio: 2.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.66–2.82), extraction (1.42; 1.09–1.85), restoration (1.47; 1.19–1.82) and gingival bleeding (1.64; 1.11–2.41). The increased risk of caries was maintained when the analyses were restricted to middle/high social class families and children with low sugar intake, good oral hygiene behaviors and regular dental visits. Conclusions: Children with ADHD symptoms in Spain had worse oral health indicators than those without ADHD symptoms. Our results suggest that the association of ADHD symptoms with caries was independent of socioeconomic level, cariogenic diet, frequency of toothbrushing, and dental visits.

Oral and dental health status in patients with chronic headache

IntroductionHeadache is an illness with high prevalence and adverse effects on quality of life. As oral or dental problems such as pain can trigger or aggravate it, we aimed to investigate and compare oral and dental health status in patients affected with chronic headaches and healthy individuals.MethodsThe present case-control study included 60 patients with chronic headaches (case) and 60 healthy individuals (control) in Rasht, Iran. The demographic characteristics and clinical examinations, including decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMF-T) and community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) indices, as well as bruxism, frequency of tooth brushing and flossing, and maxillary and mandibular tooth wear were recorded in a checklist. Data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS version 28 at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsThe case group consisted of 25 men (41.7%) and 35 women (58.3%) with an average age of 32.55 ± 6.62 years, while the control group had 27 men (45%) and 33 women (55%) with an average age of 30.95 ± 6.33 years. The study groups were not significantly different in bruxism, frequency of tooth brushing and flossing, DMFT, CPTIN, and maxillary and mandibular tooth wear.ConclusionIt seems that chronic headaches do not significantly affect the oral and dental health of the sufferers. Moreover, it appears that these patients are well aware of the role of oral and dental hygiene in triggering or aggravating the episodes of headaches.