Hygienic Conditions Research Articles

Environmental Sanitation – A Therapy for Healthy Living for Sustainable Development. A Case Study of Argungu Township Kebbi State, North Western Nigeria

Environmental sanitation is the principle and practice of creating healthful and hygienic conditions in the environment to promote public health and welfare, improve quality of life and ensure a sustainable environment. However, environmental sanitation which remains a catalyst for achieving healthy living has been neglected in most developing countries. In Nigeria, it is common to see people defecating in the open. The ugly side of this is that street gutters are left untidy and filled with dirt, and marketplaces are covered with waste and discarded items. Worrisomely, the story remains the same in rural places where there is hardly any proper waste management technology. All types of waste are dumped into nearby bushes and forests while human faeces are discharged into streams and rivers from which people obtain their water. This is what motivated the researchers to investigate the level of sanitation in Argungu Township in Kebbi State. Data for this study was collected through a structured al interviewing method. The total number of households in five (5) metropolitan wards as contained in the national immunization house listing schedule is 16, 594. However, a systematic sampling method was applied to arrive at the sample. After every count of fifty households, one household was selected making a total of 313 households for the research. The study revealed that people have neglected the sanitation of their environment. In Conclusion, the study recommends the use of a community participation model of sanitation which outlines the role expected by each individual toward ensuring a free and hygienic environment.

Evaluation of Child Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Bleeding Disorders

Abstract Background Oral bleeding is a common symptom for many inherited and acquired bleeding disorders in children. Understanding oral health and treatment needs of patients with bleeding disorders is necessary for patients' primary oral health prevention. Aim of the Work To evaluate the oral health problems in children with bleeding disorders both clinically and with child oral health related quality of life questionnaire score. To assess the effect of intervention (education and any necessary dental procedure) on the child oral health related quality of life questionnaire score. Patients and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 70 patients aged from (2-18 years), males represent n = 47 (67.1%), females n = 23 (32.9%). Inherited bleeding disorders represent n = 37 (52.9%) and acquired bleeding disorders represent n = 33 (47.1%). ITP n = 33 (47.1%), hemophilia A n = 27 (38.6%), Von Willebrand’s disease n = 7 (10%) and Glanzmann n = 3 (4.3%) and all subjected to full history taking, examination, dental health estimation, oral health education, dental management and replacement therapy as needed at baseline and after 6 months of follow up from October 2021 to April 2022. ITP bleeding score (ISTH SSC bleeding assessment tool) used to assess severity of ITP patients. Child oral health related quality of life and child oral health impact profile questionnaires were filled by patients/parents at base line and after 6 months follow up. Results The current study revealed that (57.1%) of patients have dental caries. Regarding oral hygiene status, (10%) of patients have poor oral hygiene. Regarding gingival health, (50%) of patients have moderate gingivitis and (11.4%) have severe gingivitis. Oral symptomatology, Psychological domain for child, Psychological domain for family, Social domain for child and Total oral health score were significantly affected more with long duration of disease (p-value =0.0005, 0.0015, 0.010, 0.022 and 0.0045 respectively). There was statistically significant improvement in oral health related quality of life questionnaire score after 6 months of follow up with total oral health score (p-value = 0.000). Conclusion Oral health was significantly affected among patients with acquired and inherited bleeding disorders. Oral health education and management had significant impact on oral health related quality of life scores after 6 months of follow up.

Periodontal Health Among Pregnant Women in Sri Lanka: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe prevalence of periodontal disease among Sri Lankan women in the reproductive age group is considerably high. The present study aimed to assess the oral hygiene status, gingival status, and the associated factors among pregnant women attending community Antenatal Clinics (ANC) in Sri Lanka, against the challenging sociopolitical backdrop.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted among 576 pregnant women attending community ANCs within a specific Medical Officer of Health area in Sri Lanka. The clinics were selected using a two‐stage cluster sampling method with probability proportionate to size technique. Pregnant women were recruited from each clinic using a systematic sampling method. Data was collected with an interviewer‐administered questionnaire and an oral health examination form.ResultsPoor oral hygiene was detected among over 60% of pregnant women. Moderate‐to‐severe gingivitis was seen among 23.3% of them. Nearly 67% of the participants demonstrated limited knowledge of periodontal diseases. Approximately, 67% of them were unemployed, and 32.5% had a monthly income of less than 40,000 Sri Lankan rupees. Regression analysis revealed that the trimester, socioeconomic factors, frequency of dental visits, recency of full mouth scaling, and knowledge of periodontal diseases predicted the oral hygiene status, and age, trimester, frequency of brushing, recency of full mouth scaling, and knowledge of periodontal diseases were significant predictors of gingival health. Particularly, individuals with a lower socioeconomic status experienced both poor oral hygiene and gingival health.ConclusionThe suboptimal oral hygiene and gingival health, limited access to dental care, and inadequate periodontal health knowledge, highlight an urgent need for interventions such as empowering young women through educational and employment initiatives.

Prevalence and transmission of the most relevant zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens in the Yucatan peninsula: A review.

Habitat modification and land use changes impact ecological interactions and alter the relationships between humans and nature. Mexico has experienced significant landscape modifications at the local and regional scales, with negative effects on forest cover and biological biodiversity, especially in the Yucatan peninsula in southeastern Mexico. Given the close relationship between landscape modification and the transmission of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, it is essential to develop criteria for identifying priority zoonoses in the south of the country. We reviewed 165 published studies on zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in the region (2015-2024). We identified the most frequent vectors, reservoirs, and hosts, the most prevalent infections, and the factors associated with transmission risk and the anthropogenic landscape modification in urban, rural, ecotone, and sylvatic habitats. The most relevant pathogens of zoonotic risk included Trypanosoma cruzi, arboviruses, Leishmania, Rickettsia, Leptospira, and Toxoplasma gondii. Trypanosoma cruzi was the vector-borne agent with the largest number of infected vertebrate species across habitats, while Leishmania and arboviruses were the ones that affected the greatest number of people. Dogs, cats, backyard animals, and their hematophagous ectoparasites are the most likely species maintaining the transmission cycles in human settlements, while rodents, opossums, bats, and other synanthropic animals facilitate connection and transmission cycles between forested habitats with human-modified landscapes. Pathogens displayed different prevalences between the landscapes, T. cruzi, arbovirus, and Leptospira infections were the most prevalent in urban and rural settlements, whereas Leishmania and Rickettsia had similar prevalence across habitats, likely due to the diversity and abundance of the infected vectors involved. The prevalence of T. gondii and Leptospira spp. may reflect poor hygiene conditions. Additionally, results suggest that prevalence of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases is higher in deforested areas and agricultural aggregates, and in sites with precarious health and infrastructure services. Some hosts, vectors, and transmission trends of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in the YP are well known but others remain poorly recognized. It is imperative to reinforce practices aimed at increasing the knowledge, monitoring, prevention, and control of these diseases at the regional level. We also emphasize the need to perform studies on a larger spatio-temporal scale under the socio-ecosystem perspective, to better elucidate the interactions between pathogens, hosts, vectors, environment, and sociocultural and economic aspects in this and many other tropical regions.

Depression Levels in Relation to Oral Hygiene, Gingival Health Status, and Salivary Constituents in a Group of Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In this study, the effects of depression on oral hygiene, gingival health conditions, and some salivary components (total protein, magnesium, and calcium) were explored. A total of 207 dental students aged 20-21 years (third grade) in a College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, were examined. They were distributed into four groups (normal, mild depression, moderate depression, and severe and very severe depression) according to the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression Scoring. Oral examinations include oral hygiene (dental plaque and calculus) and gingival health status; samples were collected from 90 participants to serve as a sub-sample of the total sample and classified as follows: normal (22), mild depression (24), moderate depression (22), and moderately severe and severe depression (22) groups. Then, saliva samples were analyzed to determine the total protein, magnesium, and calcium. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 was used to analyze the data. The mean value of oral hygiene and gingival indices increased significantly with increasing severity of depression. For salivary calcium and magnesium, their values decreased with increasing severity of depression, whereas total protein values increased. Salivary calcium and magnesium were negatively correlated with oral hygiene and the gingival indices, and the highest correlations of total proteins with plaque index, calculus index, and gingival index were positive. Depressive feelings were observed in dental students. In reality, depression has a close link with oral hygiene and gingival health status, and normal constituents of saliva could be affected.

Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated factors of Streptococcus pyogenes among apparently healthy school children in Mekelle city primary schools, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundStreptococcus pyogenes is one of the major public health concerns causing human infections ranging from skin and throat infections to acute rheumatic fever and post streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Moreover, nowadays drug-resistant strains of S. pyogenes are emerging and can be transmitted through apparently healthy carriers to susceptible individuals. ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated factors S. pyogenes among apparently healthy school children in Mekelle city primary schools, Northern Ethiopia. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 504 apparently healthy school children from February to May 2018. We used structured questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data. Throat specimens were collected using sterile cotton Swab and transported for culture, antimicrobial susceptibility and identification of S. pyogenes according to standard operating procedures. Data were analyzed using Stata 13 for descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. P-value <0.05 was declared statistically significance. ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 11.5 years of which 55 % of them were females. The overall prevalence of S. pyogenes was 8.3 %. Being female, having low monthly income, weak personal hygiene, poor hand washing habit and crowded living style were significantly associated with the occurrence of S. pyogenes. The isolates of S. pyogenes showed resistance to Penicillin (69.1 %), Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid (62 %), Ampicillin (54.6 %), Ceftriaxone (47.6 %), Tetracycline (14.4 %), Cefoxitin (7.2 %). About 57.15 % isolates were multidrug-resistant. ConclusionsThis study revealed that some isolates of S. pyogenes among the apparently healthy school children were resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotic agents and associated with hygienic conditions and living style. Therefore, it is recommended to practice antimicrobial susceptibility test to maintain rational antibiotic use and improve hygienic and hand washing practices to decrease the likelihood of carriage rate.

The prevalence and factors associated with mastitis in dairy cows kept by small-scale farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania

Bovine mastitis is among the major diseases of economic importance in the dairy industry worldwide. Hygienic conditions during milking and housing are important determinants of mastitis infections. However, arid and semi-arid areas have a scarcity of water, which is an essential component of cleanliness. Thus, the study determined the prevalence of mastitis and associated factors in Dodoma, a semi-arid region in Tanzania. Three hundred and sixty-eight lactating cows were selected randomly from 114 farms in the Dodoma urban district for mastitis determination based on clinical signs and the California Mastitis Test. About 59.8 % of the cows had mastitis, and the subclinical type dominated. Factors associated with mastitis prevalence were cleanliness (hand and udder washing before milking), farmers' awareness of mastitis, the cow's parity and lactation stage, and herd size. Milk yield was not associated with the mastitis status of the cow but was related to the breed of the cow, whether warm or cold water was used to wash the cow's udder, parity, and lactation stage. Improvement in education on the importance of hygiene is necessary, as 38.6 % of the farmers were unaware of mastitis. Further detailed studies on microbiology, such as bacteriologic culture and polymerase chain reaction, are recommended to formulate interventions.

Oral Hygiene Practice of Geriatric Patients Attending Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Dental Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu: A Descriptive Study

Abstract Background: Increasing disease burden will elevate public health expenditures having an impact on the economy. Literatures confirm a low utilization rate of dental services and a high oral health disease burden among elders which is regarded as a heterogeneous population in India. There is long term existence of high prevalence of oral diseases. Oral health educational intervention is the most cost effective method as it has a positive impact on the oral hygiene status to prevent oral diseases. Successful oral health educational interventions need planning which requires information regarding oral hygiene practices of the population so that appropriate information education and communication content with mention about the pros and cons of the aids which are professionally recommended and those commonly used respectively could be developed to enhance oral health promotion. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to learn the oral hygiene practices among geriatric dental patients in Chennai. Materials and Methods: An interview was conducted for 250 consented patients aged ≥60 years selected on a convenient sampling technique. Results: The results were analyzed using frequencies from the coded data. Conclusion: Majority of the geriatric dental patients were found to be practicing insufficient oral hygiene with aids which are usually not professionally recommended. The reported dental problems of the elders could be attributed to inadequate and improper oral hygiene practices which necessitate transition in the oral health attitude as the need of the hour strategy through urgent comprehensive oral care educational interventions.

Comparative Evaluation of Herbal Versus Non-herbal Dentifrice in Maintaining Oral Health of Young Adults.

Dental plaque may be attributed as a precursor to various oral health problems like dental caries, periodontal disease, halitosis, etc. With an ever-increasing awareness about the adverse effects of chemical formulations, emphasis is now being laid on the usage of herbal ingredients, as they are safer for long-term use in addition to their medicinal benefits. The present study aims to assess the anti-plaque and anti-inflammatory efficacy of herbal toothpaste compared to synthetic toothpaste among 20-40-year-old patients in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. In this study, 130 subjects aged between 20 and 40 years with poor oral hygiene status and signs of gingival inflammation corresponding with chronic marginal gingivitis were selected. Subjects in Group 1 were prescribed herbal toothpaste (KUDOS Ayurveda), whereas patients in Group 2 were administered non-herbal toothpaste. Clinical parameters of gingival health specifically gingival index (GI), patient hygiene performance (PHP), and approximate plaque index (API) were recorded at baseline, 14 days, 28 days, and 42 days. Chi-square test, student-independent t-test, and paired t-test were performed to find significant differences in various variables between the two groups at different follow-up visits. At the end of the study, a significant reduction in GI and API scores was obtained, along with increased PHP scores.The p-value was set at 0.05, and the power of the study was set at 0.95. There was a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in GI and API and an improvement in PHP scores at various time intervals in Group 1 as compared to Group 2. Conclusion: Regular application of herbal extract dentifrices for 42 days provided a significant reduction of dental plaque and improvement in overall gingival health without any adverse effects. This instilled motivation in the patients to uphold proper oral hygiene. Hence, herbal dentifrices could be prescribed as an adjunct to periodontal therapy in the maintenance phase.

The Impact of Mouth Masks on Oral Hygiene Status, Seeking Dental Care, Esthetics, and Temporomandibular Joint Disturbances Among the Adult Population in Nellore District: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Despite preventing infection transmission, because of its prolonged use, the impact of masks on social life, behavior, and oral hygiene status and habits of everyday people are still unknown. The knowledge of the changes in patients’ esthetic complaints, perceptions, and habits with the use of masks is essential for clinicians. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the continuous use of face masks on oral hygiene habits; dental, smile and oral conditions, and self-perception; current reasons to seek dental care; and the importance attributed to teeth and smile esthetics among the adult population (students/employees) who wear masks 6 h per day for 6 months from August 30, 2021 to February 28, 2022. Materials and Methods: An electronic survey (Google Forms) was used to generate a web-based platform for the responses in the form of a questionnaire. A link to the structured questionnaire was posted on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp. The study considered all the individuals willing to participate, and the subjects were informed about the survey’s objectives. Data Analysis Method: The recorded data were analyzed using the SPSS software. Proportions were compared using the Chi-square test. P &lt; 0.05 was selected to denote statistical significance with the confidence level, and the significance level was set at 95% and 5%, respectively. Conclusion: The study gave the current status of participants and their motivational levels toward seeking dental treatment, suggesting further studies in planning preventive strategies for the participants.

The link between oral health status and psychological well-being among young adults

ABSTRACT Background: To live a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life, oral health is vital. The one who has a healthy oral cavity can engage with people, eat, and interact without feeling uncomfortable or ashamed. Oral illness has a subtle but significant effect on people’s daily lives, affecting social and professional duties. Aim: The purpose of the study is to investigate how young individuals’ psychological well-being is impacted by their oral health. Materials and Methods: Psychological Well-being Questionnaire by Goldberg (1972), Oral Hygiene-Simplified Index (OHI-S) by John C. Greene and Jack R. Vermillion (1964), Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire by Klages et al., (2005), and Decay, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index by the World Health Organization (1987) were the instruments utilized for this study. Eighty-four working young adults in and around Chennai made up the study’s entire sample, and a purposive sampling technique was used; oral health-care therapies were provided, increasing the degree of oral hygiene status, decreasing the amount of decay, and replacing missing teeth with filled teeth. After that, secondary data gathering was completed. The Pearson correlation, independent sample t-test, and paired t-test were used as the statistical analysis methods for this investigation to confirm the hypotheses. Results and Conclusion: According to the study’s findings, maintaining good oral health helps working young adults feel psychologically well and can change their lifestyles to improve workplace well-being.

Assessment of Oral Health Conditions Among Physically Disabled Patients in Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesThis study was undertaken to assess the oral health status among physically disabled Saudi patients. MethodsRecruitment took place in the Armed Forces Centre for Health Rehabilitation in Taif, Saudi Arabia. 124 patients living with a physical disability were enrolled and divided into three groups: hemiplegia, paraplegia and quadriplegia. Data was collected on demographics and different oral indices, including the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, the Mean Decayed Teeth score, the Community Periodontal Index (CPI), the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). ResultsHigh DMFT was observed among the hemiplegia group (mean = 22.61; P-value = .008) with no difference in the Mean Decayed Teeth. All groups showed signs of gingivitis in the form of gingival bleeding. The most compromised periodontal health in the form of pockets 6 mm or deeper was found in the hemiplegia group (53.7%; P-value = .001). This was also reflected in the CPITN (39.0%; P-value = .001), indicating the need for complex treatments in the same group. Regarding oral hygiene, all groups showed a “fair” oral hygiene condition (OHI-S < 3.0), with significantly poorer hygiene (mean = 2.49; P-value = .042) and greater debris accumulation (mean = 1.52; P-value = .024) among the quadriplegia group. In the regression analysis, both age and gender had significant effects on some indices, while disability type showed borderline effects. ConclusionThe findings indicate poor oral health in these individuals, mainly due to physical limitations, hindering effective self-care practices. Clinical significanceOral health is a critical aspect in people with physical disabilities, as it is intrinsically linked to overall health and well-being. Recognizing the clinical importance of oral health among physically disabled patients is essential to improve access and affordability of dental care for this vulnerable group of the population.

Analisis Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Rendahnya Capaian Pengelolaan Air Bersih dan Higiene Sanitasi di Puskesmas Selaparang Kota Mataram

The existence of infrastructure at the Public Health Center must be supported by governance including planning management, implementation, operational procedures, human resources, budgeting and infrastructure that have been determined so that the management of service units for the Public at the Public Health Center is in accordance with the standards set by the Ministry of Health. influencing the water and sanitation hygiene facility improvement tool (WASH FIT) assessment in public Health Centers throughout the city of Mataram in 2022 with the lowest results in the Selaparang public Health Center ( 63.05%). So it is necessary to analyze factors related to the low achievement of clean water management and sanitation hygiene at the Selaparang Public Health Center, Mataram City. This research is a qualitative descriptive method, namely providing a direct and comprehensive description at Public Health Center in Mataram City. Based on the research results, it shows that the condition of clean water management and sanitation hygiene from planning management, implementation, standard operating procedures, human resource guidelines, budget and infrastructure still has many deficiencies. Selaparang Public Health Center has not implemented planning management for clean water and sanitation hygiene in a truly open manner based on needs and has not involved sanitation and clean water officers, which has an impact on the implementation of WASH which is still lacking in operations, complete SOPs are not available, which impacts on poor compliance , sanitation and clean water program holders who are not involved in planning also result in inadequate budgets for the provision of adequate infrastructure, insufficient sanitation and clean water personnel do not meet needs due to transfers and permanent illness so that the workload becomes more and heavier. From these results, the implementation of sanitation and clean water at the Selaparang Public Health Center does not meet the standards in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 2 of 2023 concerning Implementing Regulations of Government Regulation Number 66 of 2014 concerning environmental health and Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 43 of 2019 concerning Public Health Centers, with the results of this research, the Regional Head needs to make a policy, the head of the Mataram City Health Service and the Head of the Public Health Center need to review planning, SOPs, meeting needs and increasing the capacity of officers, increasing the budget through more objective planning through guidance to environmental health program managers and officers sanitation.

Leadership Styles and School Performance: A Comparative Analysis of PEELI-Trained and Non-PEELI-Trained Head Teachers

This study explores the impact of PEELI training on head teachers in Multan, Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on their pivotal role in school performance. A sample of 416 participants, equally divided between trained and untrained head teachers, was selected through random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and checklists and analyzed using SPSS-11 software. This descriptive study found that PEELI training significantly enhances headteachers' awareness of children's right to education, barriers to accessing education, and effective resource utilization. Trained head teachers demonstratedbetter practices in using learning aids and maintaining hygienic school conditions, highlighting the importance of in-service training for educational leaders.

Enamel White Spot Lesions: A Review of Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment

Enamel White Spot Lesions (EWSLs) are a common dental condition characterized by being opaque or chalky white in appearance. In this review, an overview of the etiology, prevention, and treatment techniques for EWSLs is presented. Enamel demineralization caused by bacteria in dental plaque which releases acids upon the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates causing mineral loss is thought to be the main cause of those lesions, which could be predisposed through orthodontic treatment, poor diet, inadequate oral hygiene and certain medical conditions. So, sustaining an adequate carbohydrate consumption, proper fluoride exposure and good oral hygiene are some of the practices which aid in these lesions’ prevention. Although the success or failure of treatment of EWSLs depends on patient cooperation, depth of the lesion and lesion severity, treatment of those EWSLs should begin with the most conservative approach like remineralization and if failed then more invasive microabrasion, infiltration and maybe even restoration treatment strategies can be pursued. Further research is still needed in the prevention and treatment strategies.

تقيم التلوث الميكروبي في بعض المدارس الابتدائية في وادي جارف- سرت, ليبيا

Pathogenic bacteria pose a serious risk in schools, where students come into contact with a variety of microbes on a daily basis. Classrooms are thought to be ideal environments for young children to harbor germs. The current study sought to determine the extent of the spread of bacteria in different places in primary schools, as well as to determine whether the schools are sterile and clean for children or whether they are the real cause of their illness. Samples were taken from the primary schools. The schools are located in Wadi Jaref ,Sirte. 30 samples were collected from different classrooms and from places the student comes into contact with, such as door handles, desk, and children’s hands. The organisms isolated in this study, based on colonial morphological, and biochemical characteristics the results showed the presence of bacteria Staphylococci epidermidis(35%), Staphylococcus aureus (22%), Esherichia coli (13%), klebsiella pp, micrococcus and Streptococcus (9%), bacillus(4%). The study showed that the largest number of bacterial colonies (Colony Forming Units) (CFU) found on the hands (75 CFU), Desks(26 CFU) and Door handles (22 CFU). This study emphasized the wide range of possible diseases and demonstrated the presence of harmful bacteria in primary schools. This is related to the increasing number of students in primary schools which lack proper hygiene conditions and due to the failure to carry out routine cleaning and sterilization of schools and the lack of facilities. Keywords: Primary schools, Bacteria, Contamination, Microorganisms, Children, Colony, Wadi Jaref, Sirte.

Evaluation of the relationship between dental anxiety and oral health status of mothers and their children

BackgroundMothers usually have the primary role in raising children and developing health-related behaviors. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between dental anxiety and oral hygiene status of mothers and children’s dental anxiety and gingival health.MethodsThe study included 305 children, aged 4–12 years, who came to the dentist for the first time and their mothers. All the demographic and oral hygiene information were collected through a questionnaire. The dental anxiety of the mothers and children was assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Venham Picture Test (VPT), respectively. The oral examination of the mother and children was performed, and their PI, GI, and DMFT scores were recorded.ResultsWhile the correlation between MDAS and VPT was positive and strong in children aged 8–12, it was positive but weak in the 4–7 age group. A significant relationship was detected between the mother’s PI, GI, DMFT, and the child’s VPT score. According to the mothers’ dental anxiety, there were no statistically significant differences in PI, GI, and dmft values in children aged between 4 to 7. A moderately positive and statistically significant relationship between maternal dental anxiety and children’s DMFT was identified in children aged 8–12.ConclusionsChildren’s dental anxiety was significantly influenced by maternal dental anxiety, post-treatment complications experienced by the mother, and the oral health status of the mother.Trial registrationClinical Trials-ID: NCT05563532; Registration Date: 17.09.2022.

Oral Hygiene Profile of Schoolchildren from Bucharest, Romania-How It Can Be Used and Improved for Better Prevention of Oral Diseases.

Oral hygiene is essential for low caries or gingivitis prevalence in children. This study aimed to determine the oral hygiene profile of children from secondary schools (10-17 years) in Bucharest, Romania, and to explore options for preventing their future oral diseases. The study was cross-sectional, with a sample of n = 1595 pupils. The sample was stratified by clusters in city areas, grades, and the criterion of the presence/absence of in-school dental service. Dental check-ups were performed by using a commune dental examination kit. The oral hygiene simplified index (OHI; Silness and Löe) was used to assess the children's oral hygiene status. Five questions were used to determine oral hygiene habits. The mean value of the OHI was 1.04. Some differences in oral hygiene scores were found for different socioeconomic variables, such as parents' education (p < 0.05): parents with vs. without a university degree-0.95/0.94 (male/female) vs. 1.06. Most of the children used manual toothbrushes (88%). The analysis of objective data (OHI) revealed a good level of oral hygiene, with many socioeconomic disparities.

The Influence of Climatic and Geographical Conditions on the Volume and Spatial Solutions of Shopping and Entertainment Centers of the Republic of the Congo

The article examines the main climatic and geographic conditions of the Republic of Congo. It was revealed that design in the Republic of Congo is carried out in a warm and humid climate. Based on examples of analyzed construction experience in humid climates, the author made proposals for architectural techniques for organizing the space of shopping and entertainment centers at three hierarchical levels. At the urban planning level, the author proposed organizing the landscape of streets and park areas in such a way as to organize the natural drainage of water from the surface and from the upper balls of the soil. At the level of building formation, techniques are associated with organizing the collection of rainwater through the shaping of the building. The possibilities of protecting retail spaces from rain using canopies are also considered. At the spatial level, it is proposed to drain the swampy area on the territory of the shopping and entertainment center by creating canals. It is proposed to design public areas of shopping centers in such a way that public areas, using their shape, can collect surface water from rain. Further research by the author will be aimed at creating volumetric-spatial methods for organizing shopping center buildings, taking into account the warm, humid climate of the region. Also, further research will be aimed at studying the ventilation of internal open spaces of shopping and entertainment centers. These studies are aimed at creating comfortable urban hygienic conditions within the boundaries of public centers, which should become shopping and entertainment centers.

FLUORESCENT DIAGNOSTIC METHOD AS A TOOL FOR COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF THE HYGIENE OF NATURAL TEETH AND FIXED DENTAL PROSTHESIS CONSTRUCTIONS

This study focuses on the critical need for an oral care, especially when using fixed bridge prostheses. The analysis and impact of insufficient care for oral hygiene on the development of dental diseases and the need to develop effective methods for its assessment have been carried out. The research consists of the improvement of fluorescent diagnostics in orthopedic dentistry, as well as, in the development of an index for the assessment of the hygiene of natural teeth and fixed denture structures based on an in vivo experiment. This aims to improve the diagnosis of the condition of the oral cavity in patients with fixed prostheses, contributing to the improvement of the quality of their orthopedic treatment. Materials and methods: The use of fluorescent diagnostics with Rhodamine G dye allows to identify the presence of dental deposits under the influence of ultraviolet light. The technique involves treating teeth and dentures with a solution that enhances the visibility of dental plaque under ultraviolet light. Research results: The obtained research data confirm the high efficiency of the fluorescent technique in the detection of dental deposits, both on natural teeth and on the surfaces of fixed prostheses. Digital analysis allows you to visualize the specific graphic characteristics of the biofilm, which facilitates the adaptation of an individual approach. Conclusions: The conducted study demonstrates that the improved fluorescent method was extremely effective in determining the state of oral hygiene, effective both for the analysis of natural teeth and fixed prostheses. The proposed method allows you to determine the hygienic condition in detail, makes a significant contribution to the prevention of dental diseases and improves the optimization of medical interventions. The technique is easy to use, and the corresponding software is available for dentists. Further expansion of observations for the use of this technique in patients with a different orthopedic spectrum of needs is expected.