Oral Health Issues Research Articles

Depression Symptoms Linked to Multiple Oral Health Outcomes in US Adults.

Individuals with mental illness have poor oral health compared to those without mental health conditions. However, the literature is still lacking regarding the specifics of this relationship. This study aims at examining the relationship between depression and oral health problems such as oral conditions, access to dental care, and oral hygiene measures. A cross-sectional study using a secondary data analysis of 9,693 participants from the 2017 to March 2020 prepandemic National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The independent variable was severity of depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Proportional odds and binary logistic regression were used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) between depression and 8 oral health outcomes and oral hygiene-related behaviors. After adjusting for sociodemographics, health conditions, and behaviors, individuals with depression were significantly more likely to have dental aches in the past year (AOR = 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.56), difficulty getting dental care when needed (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.45-2.58), and difficulty at their jobs due to a problem in their mouth (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.07-2.49) compared to individuals without depression. Individuals with depressive symptoms often neglect oral hygiene and self-care practices and are less likely to seek medical care for oral health problems, making them at increased risk of poor oral health outcomes. These findings can be applied by dentists, psychologists, and therapists to increase awareness of links between depression and oral health and to encourage patients with depression to seek oral hygiene preventative care. Health care professionals can be on the frontline in creating awareness in the general public about the links between depression and oral health and hygiene. Applying the findings from this study can help communicate about the relationship between depression and poor oral health and relieve some burden on the American health care sector, which often struggles to provide medical care to patients with depression and oral health issues.

Leveraging Dental Stem Cells for Oral Health during Pregnancy: A Concise Review.

Pregnancy induces significant changes in oral health because of hormonal fluctuations, making it a crucial period for preventive measures. Dental stem cells (DSCs), particularly those derived from the dental pulp and periodontal ligaments, offer promising avenues for regenerative therapies and, possibly, preventive interventions. While the use of DSCs already includes various applications in regenerative dentistry in the general population, their use during pregnancy requires careful consideration. This review explores recent advancements, challenges, and prospects in using DSCs to address oral health issues, possibly during pregnancy. Critical aspects of the responsible use of DSCs in pregnant women are discussed, including safety, ethical issues, regulatory frameworks, and the need for interdisciplinary collaborations. We aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of leveraging DSCs to improve maternal oral health.

Herbal Dentistry: Nurturing Oral Health with Natural Remedies.

Herbal dentistry, also known as natural or holistic dentistry, is a field of dental care that utilizes natural remedies and herbal medicine to prevent and treat oral health issues. This approach focuses on the use of herbs, plant extracts, and other natural substances to promote oral hygiene and address dental problems. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in herbal dentistry as an alternative to conventional dental treatments. This comprehensive review aims to explore the use of herbal remedies in dentistry, their potential benefits, and their limitations.

SARS-CoV-2, periodontal pathogens, and host factors: The trinity of oral post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

COVID-19 as a pan-epidemic is waning but there it is imperative to understand virus interaction with oral tissues and oral inflammatory diseases. We review periodontal disease (PD), a common inflammatory oral disease, as a driver of COVID-19 and oral post-acute-sequelae conditions (PASC). Oral PASC identifies with PD, loss of teeth, dysgeusia, xerostomia, sialolitis-sialolith, and mucositis. We contend that PD-associated oral microbial dysbiosis involving higher burden of periodontopathic bacteria provide an optimal microenvironment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. These pathogens interact with oral epithelial cells activate molecular or biochemical pathways that promote viral adherence, entry, and persistence in the oral cavity. A repertoire of diverse molecules identifies this relationship including lipids, carbohydrates and enzymes. The S protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to the ACE2 receptor and is activated by protease activity of host furin or TRMPSS2 that cleave S protein subunits to promote viral entry. However, PD pathogens provide additional enzymatic assistance mimicking furin and augment SARS-CoV-2 adherence by inducing viral entry receptors ACE2/TRMPSS, which are poorly expressed on oral epithelial cells. We discuss the mechanisms involving periodontopathogens and host factors that facilitate SARS-CoV-2 infection and immune resistance resulting in incomplete clearance and risk for 'long-haul' oral health issues characterising PASC. Finally, we suggest potential diagnostic markers and treatment avenues to mitigate oral PASC.

Perceptions of Oral Health-Related Care for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review

Objective: This review aimed to seek insights into the challenges faced by caregivers and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when performing and accessing oral care and their recommendations to overcome the matter. Methods: Six electronic databases were used to search for published English full articles using a standardised strategy and grouped using thematic analysis as findings to the study’s goal. Results: The initial screening found 46 relevant articles, but 21 were deemed eligible. Studies were mostly observational (18 crosssectional surveys and 3 case-controls), retrieving data from online or face-to-face surveys and insurance health info. The perceptions and potential solutions made by parents, teachers, doctors, and individuals with ASD were diverse but mostly consistent in most studies with a focus on issues of oral health as low priority, incompetency in oral health care performance at home, children’s cooperation and involuntary behaviours in dental settings, and constraints in related resources. Conclusion: Carers’ lack of awareness and prioritisation of treatment for children with ASD, challenges in performing oral care at home, concerns over oral health care provided by caregivers in educational institutions and dental clinics, and challenges in accessing more supportive oral health care services were highlighted as barriers to oral care.

Exploring the link between hair elemental composition and oral and general health of children in Northern and Central Dagestan Russia

Relevance. This article presents data on the level of trace elements in hair and oral and general health among various age groups of children (from 2 to 17 years) in Northern and Central Dagestan. It also reports findings on the relationship between oral health indicators and the content of such macro- and microelements as Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, Zn, As, Fe, F. Identifying concentrations of macro- and microelements in hair proves to be a promising diagnostic method and aids in creating personalized prevention programs.Objective. To investigate the correlation between the elemental composition in children's hair and their oral and general health conditions in the cities of Kizlyar and Makhachkala, situated in Northern and Central Dagestan, Russia.Materials and methods. Established methods and physicochemical techniques were utilized for oral health evaluations to determine the quality indicators of drinking water, levels of elemental composition in hair, and methods to assess the general health of children (questionnaires, analysis of medical records of children).Results. A correlation was established between the levels of specific chemical elements in hair, the dental hard tissues, and mixed saliva with the oral and general health complications observed in children. Water analysis in Makhachkala, central part of the Republic of Dagestan, revealed an unbalanced presence of essential chemical elements such as fluoride, iron, manganese, zinc, and sulfates. In 74–84% of the examined water samples, the fluoride content was below 0.5 mg/l, and only 13–25% were within the normal range. The levels of fluoride and iron in hair and mixed saliva indicate shifts in mineral metabolism in children's bodies. Fluoride is crucial for iron absorption, and its deficiency results in significantly decreased absorption rates. A substantial reduction in water fluoride levels, compared to standard values, correlates with high rates of dental caries and iron deficiency anemia in children from Makhachkala, occurring in about 87% of cases (P < 0.05). This relationship is substantiated by the analysis of medical records from children aged 2 to 17 from hospitals in both Northern and Central Dagestan, highlighting the connection between iron deficiency anemia and the low fluoride levels in drinking water. Further studies into the oral health of children have shown that the incidence and severity of caries in deciduous teeth are greater in the Northern than in the Central Zone of Dagestan. Moreover, conditions such as cheilitis, aphthous stomatitis, and desquamative glossitis are frequently observed in children during the stages of temporary tooth occlusion, affecting on average 38.5% of cases, and this prevalence increases to 78.2% during the mixed and permanent occlusion stages.Conclusion. The conducted studies revealed that the drinking water supplied to the Dagestan population has elevated permissible levels of iron and arsenic. Additionally, there is a noted deficiency of fluoride, zinc, and copper, as well as low water hardness. Research into the quality of drinking water and the health impacts on the pediatric population of Dagestan established a correlation (R = 0.593) between unbalanced water, dietary intake, the severity of dental caries, and reduced immunity in children. High levels of arsenic, germanium, and molybdenum in the water and children's hair contribute to cumulative health effects. Environmental pollution is also linked to a rise in oral health issues, iron deficiency anemia, and broader health problems. Analyzing the chemical composition of children's hair serves as a diagnostic tool for detecting and preventing diseases related to deficiencies and excesses of macro- and microelements.

Prescribed Treatment Options for Gag Reflex

The gag reflex represents a crucial protective mechanism preventing the entry of foreign objects into the pharynx, larynx, or trachea. Impairment of this reflex can have adverse effects on an individual's oral health and overall well-being. An abnormal gag reflex can be detrimental and potentially impact social integration and comfort in social environments. Avoidance of treatment due to an exaggerated gag reflex in patients may lead to more severe oral and dental health issues. Complications such as intensified aesthetic concerns and halitosis, arising from aggravated oral and dental health problems, can contribute to patients withdrawing from social interactions. Consequently, individuals may find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle. The gag reflex can be triggered by a variety of physical or psychological stimuli. Its causes are multifaceted, encompassing iatrogenic effects, as well as local and systemic disorders, anatomical factors, and psychological factors such as classical and operant conditioning. Symptoms of an excessive gag reflex are not limited to specific age groups and can affect both pediatric and adult patients with varying degrees of severity. Treatment methods range from universally applicable approaches to those requiring specialized training due to the multifactorial nature of the condition. Given the multifactorial nature of the causes of an excessive gag reflex, exploring and implementing diverse therapeutic strategies may be necessary."

Effects of eating disorders on the oral cavity

This article focuses on bulimia, also known as an eating disorder disease, but it is not just an eating problem, but a type of preventative compulsion that can have a significant impact on the tissues and symptoms that worsen the entire oral cavity.. It is very important to know these pathologies so that the dentist can manifest these symptoms early and the clinical picture can be treated with an adequate and correct treatment plan depending on the patient. There are poor dietary patterns in the world, one of which is eating disorders (EDs), which cause severe malnutrition with consequences for the development of dental, psychological and social health. Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, are serious illnesses that arise from both the physical and oral health of sufferers. These disorders can have a significant impact on the tissues and symptoms persist throughout the oral cavity. It is essential that health professionals, including dentists, become more familiar with these pathologies in order to develop symptoms early and provide an appropriate and specific treatment plan for each patient. Next, this study will be deepened, we will address the issue of oral health in people who suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia; The most important manifestations that have caused these diseases in budental disease are: dental erosion, caries, periodontal, mucosal alterations, etc. For each one we can find a definition, what are their causes, what sign or symptom they cause.

Leveraging Large Language Models for Improved Patient Access and Self-Management: Assessor-Blinded Comparison Between Expert- and AI-Generated Content.

While large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Google Bard have shown significant promise in various fields, their broader impact on enhancing patient health care access and quality, particularly in specialized domains such as oral health, requires comprehensive evaluation. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Google Bard, ChatGPT-3.5, and ChatGPT-4 in offering recommendations for common oral health issues, benchmarked against responses from human dental experts. This comparative analysis used 40 questions derived from patient surveys on prevalent oral diseases, which were executed in a simulated clinical environment. Responses, obtained from both human experts and LLMs, were subject to a blinded evaluation process by experienced dentists and lay users, focusing on readability, appropriateness, harmlessness, comprehensiveness, intent capture, and helpfulness. Additionally, the stability of artificial intelligence responses was also assessed by submitting each question 3 times under consistent conditions. Google Bard excelled in readability but lagged in appropriateness when compared to human experts (mean 8.51, SD 0.37 vs mean 9.60, SD 0.33; P=.03). ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4, however, performed comparably with human experts in terms of appropriateness (mean 8.96, SD 0.35 and mean 9.34, SD 0.47, respectively), with ChatGPT-4 demonstrating the highest stability and reliability. Furthermore, all 3 LLMs received superior harmlessness scores comparable to human experts, with lay users finding minimal differences in helpfulness and intent capture between the artificial intelligence models and human responses. LLMs, particularly ChatGPT-4, show potential in oral health care, providing patient-centric information for enhancing patient education and clinical care. The observed performance variations underscore the need for ongoing refinement and ethical considerations in health care settings. Future research focuses on developing strategies for the safe integration of LLMs in health care settings.

Hidden dangers: Does multisensory impairments accompanying visual impairment increase dementia risk

BackgroundGrowing evidence suggests that sensory impairment, particularly in the form of visual impairment, may contribute to the development of dementia. However, it remains unclear whether experiencing concurrent visual impairment in combination with other types of multisensory impairments may further increase this risk. MethodsThe study used data from the UK Biobank cohort study, which recruited 500,000 adults. With meticulous screening procedures in place, individuals with visual impairment, hearing impairment, and oral health issues were identified for further follow-up evaluations. A multivariable regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between multisensory impairments concurrent with visual impairment and cognitive function. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the association between multisensory impairments concurrent with visual impairment and dementia risk. ResultsSubjects experiencing multisensory impairments concurrent with visual impairment demonstrated a negative association with cognitive function. Notably, individuals who have both vision and hearing impairments had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia (HR 1.28, 95% CI [1.01–1.63]). Additionally, individuals who experience vision impairment and oral health issues simultaneously were also at higher risk for dementia (HR 1.61, 95% CI [1.32–1.97]). Furthermore, the risk of dementia among individuals with vision impairment, hearing impairment, and oral health issues further escalated to an even higher level (HR 1.63, 95% CI [1.19–2.24]). ConclusionsThe correlation between the presence of multisensory impairments concurrent with visual impairment and cognitive decline is highly significant. Those with multisensory impairments concurrent with visual impairment are at a significantly increased risk of developing dementia.

The two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender identity curriculum in Canadian Dental Schools: What are the gaps and proposed next steps?

This study aimed to investigate gaps in the delivery of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender identity (2SLGBTQ+) curricula and identify curricular challenges within Canadian dental schools. A 21-item closed-ended questionnaire was distributed to curriculum experts across 10 dental schools in Canada. The survey questions were organized into three sections: institution characteristics, current 2SLGBTQ+ content and delivery, and opinions on the improvement of the 2SLGBTQ+ curriculum. Microsoft Excel (2020) was used to perform a descriptive analysis of the survey responses. Nine dental schools participated in the survey. All participating schools reported the offering of undergraduate, graduate, and degree completion programs. The most reported methods of teaching 2SLGBTQ+ content were 'lecture-based teaching' (n=5), 'small-group teaching' (n=4), and 'case-based discussions' (n=4). The most common topics taught were 'gender identity' (n=7) and '2SLGBTQ+ discrimination in healthcare care settings' (n=7). The topics of 'sex reassignment surgery,' 'alcohol, tobacco, or other substance use by 2SLGBTQ+ people,' '2SLGBTQ+ pediatric and adolescent oral health issues,' 'coming out,' and 'sex reassignment surgery' were not included or were unknown by the majority of dental schools (n=8). Overall, participants were unsatisfied with the level of 2SLGBTQ+-specific content covered at their institution and reported a 'lack of space within the curriculum and time constraints' as a barrier to implementation (n=8). Community-based research is needed to identify the unmet oral health needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ population, which can be translated into the development of a risk-based oral health curriculum within Canada and beyond.

The Impact of Vitamin Deficiencies on Oral Manifestations in Children.

Vitamins play a vital role in human health, particularly in the development and maintenance of oral health in children. These nutrients are broadly categorized into fat-soluble and water-soluble types, crucial for children's well-being. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of vitamin deficiencies on the oral health of children, focusing on how these deficiencies contribute to various oral health issues and determining the relationship between specific vitamin shortages and oral diseases. Findings indicate that shortages in vitamins A and D lead to enamel issues and a higher susceptibility to dental diseases, vitamin E assists in treating oral mucositis, and vitamin K is essential for blood clotting in dental surgeries. Deficits in B-complex and vitamin C result in enamel hypomineralization and soft tissue ailments, including aphthous stomatitis and gingival petechiae. Additionally, a lack of vitamin B7 compromises the immune response, increasing oral candidiasis risk. Therefore, vitamin deficiencies markedly affect children's oral health, highlighting the need for joint efforts between dental professionals and caregivers for effective pediatric care. Addressing vitamin deficiencies through supplementation and tailored dental care emphasizes the significance of nutritional health in children's overall and dental well-being, advocating for a collaborative approach to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Nursing home residents’ perspectives on oral health: An in-depth interview study

BackgroundOral health is associated with general health and care dependency, but is often neglected in nursing homes. Integration of oral care into general care is necessary, but is hampered by multiple barriers at different levels. This study is part of research into the implementation of the new Oral Health Section for use within the interRAI Long-Term Care Facilities instrument, which is used to assess care needs of nursing home residents. This new Oral Health Section evaluates nine aspects of oral health and results in two Collaborative Action Points. ObjectiveTo identify residents' perspectives on oral health, oral care, and on the assessment of their oral health using the new Oral Health Section DesignQualitative design using in-depth interviews. Setting(s)Three nursing homes ParticipantsResidents were selected using purposeful sampling in nursing homes participating in research evaluating the use of the new Oral Health Section. The selection was based on their oral status for maximum variation and on their cognitive performance score. Twenty-two residents from three Flemish nursing homes agreed to participate. MethodsResidents’ oral health was assessed using the new Oral Health Section and dental indices. In-depth interviews were conducted, including the validated short-form Oral Health Impact Profile to evaluate the impact of oral conditions on residents’ well-being. The interviews were coded and analysed by three researchers and mapped into a model to understand participants’ oral health behaviours. ResultsLow Oral Health Impact Profile scores indicated a low impact of oral health issues on participants’ lives. However, despite 77.3 % of the participants reporting satisfaction with their oral health, 86.4 % had poor oral hygiene and 68.2 % required referral to a dentist, suggesting a tendency to overestimate their oral health. Their oral health behaviour was determined by a lack of oral health knowledge (Capability), positive attitudes towards oral health and autonomy (Motivation), upbringing and social support (Opportunity). Participants considered assessments with the new Oral Health Section acceptable. ConclusionsThis study shows how older people perceive their oral health and oral healthcare. Understanding their wishes and needs will not only facilitate their involvement in their oral care, but is also likely to enable the improvement of their oral hygiene and the development of effective oral care strategies for the future. Policy makers and managers of care organisations may use these results to foster integration of oral care guidelines into care protocols within nursing homes, including collaboration with dentists and dental hygienists. Tweetable abstractOral health assessments with the new Oral Health Section for use within interRAI were positively perceived by nursing home residents.

γδ T cells in oral diseases.

γδ T cells are a distinct subset of unconventional T cells, which link innate and adaptive immunity by secreting cytokines and interacting with other immune cells, thereby modulating immune responses. As the first line of host defense, γδ T cells are essential for mucosal homeostasis and immune surveillance. When abnormally activated or impaired, γδ T cells can contribute to pathogenic processes. Accumulating evidence has revealed substantial impacts of γδ T cells on the pathogenesis of cancers, infections, and immune-inflammatory diseases. γδ T cells exhibit dual roles in cancers, promoting or inhibiting tumor growth, depending on their phenotypes and the clinical stage of cancers. During infections, γδ T cells exert high cytotoxic activity in infectious diseases, which is essential for combating bacterial and viral infections by recognizing foreign antigens and activating other immune cells. γδ T cells are also implicated in the onset and progression of immune-inflammatory diseases. However, the specific involvement and underlying mechanisms of γδ T cells in oral diseases have not been systematically discussed. We conducted a systematic literature review using the PubMed/MEDLINE databases to identify and analyze relevant literature on the roles of γδ T cells in oral diseases. The literature review revealed that γδ T cells play a pivotal role in maintaining oral mucosal homeostasis and are involved in the pathogenesis of oral cancers, periodontal diseases, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), oral lichen planus (OLP), and oral candidiasis. γδ T cells mainly influence various pathophysiological processes, such as anti-tumor activity, eradication of infection, and immune response regulation. This review focuses on the involvement of γδ T cells in oral diseases, with a particular emphasis on the main functions and underlying mechanisms by which γδ T cells influence the pathogenesis and progression of these conditions. This review underscores the potential of γδ T cells as therapeutic targets in managing oral health issues.

Assessment of dental morbidity in school-going children (6–10-year-old): A cross-sectional study

Background Restricted activity days are prevalent in children with oral health problems. Oral health issues cause over 50 billion hours of education to be lost each year, which has an impact on children’s school performance and the potential for success. Mostly it is concluded that dental caries is the most common disease among individuals. In addition, it may create chronic systemic conditions in healthy individuals. In children, it may induce deformities in the growth of the unerupted teeth. This study will help identify the factors and causes of risk factors for morbidities associated with dental problems. It also includes the educational status and socioeconomic condition of their parents, which is conducted in the Wardha district of Maharashtra in the field practice of villages among children. Aim To Assess dental morbidity among schoolchildren in rural areas and their relationship with their socioeconomic status in rural areas of Wardha District. Methodology A questionnaire-based face-to-face interview was conducted in this community-based cross-sectional study to assess dental morbidity in school-going children. The study participants will be children aged 6–10 years in the rural areas of the Wardha district. The variables of this study were the sociodemographic profile, habits, and morbidities of the children.

Impact of Potassium Iodide Solution on Silver Diamine Fluoride Black Staining - In Vitro Investigation

Dental caries is a prevalent global oral health issue, necessitating effective preventive and treatment strategies. Silver diamine fluoride has emerged as a valuable tool for arresting carious lesions, but its drawback of causing permanent black staining raises concerns. This study explores the potential of potassium iodide to mitigate silver diamine fluoride -induced staining through repeated applications at different intervals. Sixty carious permanent teeth were divided into three groups: silver diamine fluoride alone, silver diamine fluoride with daily potassium iodide application, and silver diamine fluoride with weekly potassium iodide application. Color assessments were conducted using mean grey values at baseline, immediately post-application, and at 2 and 4 weeks. Results demonstrated that potassium iodide significantly reduced black staining when applied immediately after silver diamine fluoride. Daily potassium iodide application yielded the whitest color, surpassing weekly application. The findings suggest that integrating potassium iodide with silver diamine fluoride, particularly through daily application, offers a promising approach to minimize staining associated with silver diamine fluoride treatment, enhancing its acceptability and clinical utility.

Robotic Archwire Bending in Orthodontics: A Review of the Literature.

Malocclusion is a widespread oral health issue that adversely affects individuals' health and well-being. Currently, fixed orthodontics is considered the most efficient treatment for correcting malocclusion, with archwire bending playing a key role in orthodontic treatment. Traditionally, orthodontists manually performed archwire bending using various handheld pliers and other mechanical tools, requiring a significant amount of time, precision, and specialized training yet being unable to guarantee appliance accuracy. The process of shaping orthodontic wire is challenging due to its high stiffness and superelasticity, resulting in a time-consuming, laborious process that is prone to human errors. With advancements in orthodontics, traditional methods have taken a backseat, making way for innovative technologies that provide more accurate and personalized treatment options. The continuous efforts to enhance treatment efficiency, accuracy, efficacy, and patient experience have led to the integration of robotics into various orthodontic procedures. The use of robotics in archwire bending represents a breakthrough in orthodontics, offering unparalleled precision, consistency, and efficiency. This technology reduces treatment time and patient discomfort, overcoming the limitations of manual bending and enhancing orthodontic treatment overall. Hence, the present study aims to review the literature on robotic archwire bending in orthodontics, including their drawbacks and their impact on orthodontic treatment.

Covid-19 And The Level of Awareness of Vitamin D Among Saudi Population – A Cross-Sectional Study of Dental Public Health Perspective

Introduction: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin of importance necessary for calcium homeostasis, healthy bones, and prevention of fractures. It has also been linked to many metabolic, infectious and autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D levels are also being studied with respect to oral health issues such as dental caries, and periodontitis. Vitamin D deficiencies have been found to be relatively common among Covid-19 patients and who received supplements experienced less severe symptoms. The credible proposals for vitamin D supplementation to avoid infection and mortality due to Covid-19 validate the chance of raising public awareness on significance of its health benefits. Thus, we carried out this research to study the influence of Covid-19 on Saudi Arabian population's awareness of vitamin D with a dental public health perspective. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of the Saudi Arabian general population was undertaken with 240 subjects, including men and women chosen at random varying a range of age groups from 18 to 74 years after consent and institutional approval. Sample size was computed using G-power software. Pretested, validated questionnaire, translated to Arabic was disseminated through e-mails and all prominent social medias. Statistical analysis was done using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Bivariate analysis was performed using chi-square test at 5% significance level. Results: Out of 240 people participated; 57% were men, and 43% were women. Majority were between the ages of 18 and 30 years. 65% of the participants were aware that vitamin D is important for bone health, supports oral health, reducing tooth decay, and lowering the risk of heart disease. Half of the study population believe that the sunlight is the prime source of vitamin D and 80% assumed that the ideal time of sunshine exposure is in the morning. 88.3% of them projected the need to increase their knowledge about vitamin D. Conclusion: There was a lack of awareness and knowledge about vitamin D and its significance for the body and teeth, as well as its relationship to Covid-19. The pandemic had no significant impact on society's awareness about vitamin D. This study emphasises the importance of raising awareness among the public about vitamin D and ways to prevent its deficiencies. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.23 (Special Issue) 2024 p.S66-S72

Oral health v/s general health in the elderly – an interconnected nexus- a literature review

Introduction: Oral health and overall health have long been recognized as interconnected facets of human well-being, influencing each other in profound ways. This review highlights the essential relationship between oral health and overall health, shedding light on the bidirectional impact they exert on an individual's quality of life among the elderly group. Conversely, overall health significantly influences oral health. Chronic illnesses and immunosuppression can weaken the body's defence mechanisms against oral infections, leading to increased susceptibility to dental caries and gum diseases. Additionally, certain medications may cause dry mouth, further promoting oral health issues. Efforts to improve oral health not only enhance dental well-being but also contribute to better overall health outcomes. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene practices, and a healthy diet can positively impact systemic health, reducing the risk of certain medical conditions. Conclusion: Oral health and overall health are intricately connected, forming a dynamic interplay between the mouth and the body. Recognizing this intricate relationship is crucial for healthcare professionals and individuals alike to implement holistic approaches to maintain optimal well-being and improve health outcomes across various domains. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.23 (Special Issue) 2024 p.S60-S65

Effect of various educational methods on increasing parents’ awareness of their children’s preventive orthodontic treatments

Aim: Like other fields of health, the main focus in dentistry has shifted from treatment to prevention of diseases. Parents have a vital role in deciding about their children’s oral health issues. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of four educational methods (including printed pamphlets, digital pamphlets, faceto-face education, and educational films) in increasing the awareness of parents about preventive orthodontic treatments. Methods: The study samples were selected from patients who were referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Department. 150 parents of children between 4-12 years old participated in the study. They filled out a questionnaire including demographic data and knowledge about orthodontic problems and their early treatments. Then they were divided into five groups (control, printed pamphlet, digital pamphlet, face-to-face, educational films) and after one month they repeated the test. Results: A total of 102 fathers and 48 mothers were evaluated. There was no statistical difference between different ages, sex, or income in terms of their awareness, but the awareness score between educational groups was different. There has been observed a significant increase in the awareness level of all four groups (except the control group) (P < 0.05). The highest score was seen in the video group. The difference between printed pamphlets and digital pamphlets was not significant. Conclusions: The results indicate that educational films are the most effective way of increasing awareness about preventive orthodontic treatments.