Tooth Mobility Research Articles

Frenectomy for supporting diastema closure correction in orthodontic patients

Introduction: The maxillary frenulum can cause aesthetic problems or jeopardize orthodontic results in cases of central diastema, causing relapse after treatment. One of the etiologic factors of central diastema persistence is an aberrant frenulum. The most common way to diagnose frenulum attachment is with the blanch test. One of the treatments for aberrant frenulum is frenectomy. Frenectomy can reduce the risk of relapse from central diastema closure. The purpose of this case report is to describe the stages of frenectomy in a case of maxillary central diastema. Case report: A 24-year-old woman came to the Periodontics Specialist Clinic due to a referral from the Department of Orthodontic, Dental Hospital Universitas Airlangga with complaints of loose maxillary front teeth and planned to be treated using fixed orthodontic devices at Department Orthodontic. The blanching test examination showed that the labial frenulum was in the high frenulum category. Case management: Frenectomy was performed using a scalpel. After extraoral and intraoral asepsis, infiltration anesthesia was performed on the labial and palatal sides of tooth 11,21. Clamp the maxillary labial frenulum using a hemostat and then incise the frenulum using blade no 15c in a V shape, then incise the frenulum attachment on the interdental to the palatal region with an elliptical incision. Interrupted suturing using Nylon thread size 4.0. The surgical area was closed using a periodontal pack. Suturing was removed on day 14. Follow-up at 19 months showed no diastema in the anterior maxilla, the patient wore a retainer in the maxilla and a fixed retainer in the mandible. There were no further complaints after the treatment. Conclusion: Frenectomy before orthodontic treatment helps accelerate the treatment progress to correct the central diastema.

Huge calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor of the mandible and management with a teeth preserving surgical approach: a case report

BackgroundCalcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor is a rare benign tumor that predominantly occurs in posterior sites of the mandible in adults.Case presentationThis case report describes a case of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor in a 37-year-old Iranian female with the chief complaint of swelling in the anterior region of the mandible and tooth displacement. This paper summarized the pathological findings, radiographical features and clinical management of the patient. Clinical examinations revealed a bony hard swelling ~ 3 cm × 4 cm in size with tenderness in the chin area. Radiography revealed an expansile mixed radiolucent and radiopaque lesion with cortical borders. A minimally aggressive surgical approach is used to remove the lesion.ConclusionThis case report outlines the successful outcomes of this surgical approach and the positive outcome associated with the restoration of lost functions of displaced mobile teeth in an arranged and nonmobile way after treatment.

Periodontal status after autologous tooth transplantation (ATT) of premolars and wisdom teeth.

This study explored the clinical and radiological outcomes after autologous premolar and wisdom tooth transplantation, with a focus on periodontal status. A systematic search was conducted using all relevant databases up to April 5, 2024. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a) human participants, b) a sample size of at least five autotransplanted teeth, c) molar or premolar transplants, d) English language use, and e) at least 1 year of follow-up. The following parameters were assessed: probing pocket depth, recession, tooth mobility, ankylosis, bone level, and tooth loss. Our search identified 466 records, and after our selection process, 25 articles were suitable for analysis, with a total of 3732 teeth (569 premolars and 350 molars) with a mean follow-up duration of 6.1 years. The 10-year survival rate of autologous tooth transplants ranged from 33.8% to 100%, and the mean complication rates of root resorption and ankylosis were 8.9% (13 studies) and 14.0% (10 studies), respectively. Periodontal complications such as periradicular radiolucency, periodontal defects, and attachment loss occurred in less than 10% of patients. The premolars exhibited superior clinical and radiological outcomes compared with the molars. In conclusion, the survival rate and periodontal status after autologous tooth transplantation (ATT) of premolars and molars were consistent with those of traditional dental implants. Therefore, autotransplantation may be considered in cases where dental implants are indicated. As specific reports on periodontal complications are scarce, further research is warranted to identify the specific factors associated with periodontal complications in autologous transplant recipients.

Clinical Efficacy of CBCT and 3D-Printed Replicas in Molar Autotransplantation: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

To evaluate the efficacy of the combined cone-beam (CBCT)/3D-replicas protocol on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of autotransplanted molars. Controlled clinical trial registered ISRCTN13563091 from August 2019 to September 2022. Patients aged 13-22 years requiring permanent premolar extraction and having at least one non-erupted third molar were enrolled at the Institute of Stomatology, Stradins University, Riga, Latvia. Patients in the 3D-replicas (n = 30) underwent maxillary CBCT scans and had 3D-printed replicas of the third molar fabricated, while the control group (n = 28) did not. The clinical outcomes included tooth mobility, bleeding on probing, and periodontal pocket depth assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The radiographic outcomes included root development, obliteration, periapical status, and crown changes at 12 months. Of the 55 patients assigned to interventions, 46 completed the study. No significant differences in survival and radiographic outcomes were found between the control (n = 22) and 3D-replica group (n = 24): root development (p = 0.3), root resorption (p = 0.057), periapical status (p = 0.7), and crown/root ratio change (p = 0.4). Logistic regression showed no significant associations between radiologic predictors (root resorption: p = 0.4; periapical status: p > 0.9; root development: p = 0.8). Significant clinical outcome predictors included total operative time (β = 0.0043, p = 0.049), Moorrees' stage (stage 4: β = -0.31, p < 0.001; stage 5: β = -0.39, p < 0.001), and four donor placement times (β = 0.93, p < 0.001), but group assignment was not a significant predictor. The CBCT/3D-replica protocol showed no significant differences in the clinical or radiological outcomes. The high success rates in both groups suggest that the protocol is valuable primarily for optimizing surgical efficiency and as a training tool for clinicians.

Advances of Oxidative Stress Impact in Periodontitis: Biomarkers and Effective Targeting Options.

Periodontitis is the most common inflammatory oral disease that affects around 15% of adults and contributes to severe periodontal tissue destruction with subsequent tooth loosening and loss. Among the main pathogenic mechanisms underlying periodontitis, excessive reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress play a predominant role in inducing both local and systemic damage. Current therapeutic approaches have expanded the conventional methods combined with herbal antioxidant compounds to free radical-scavenging nanomaterials and infrared laser therapy, offering promising pre-clinical evidence in periodontitis management. Herein, we review the pathogenic mechanisms of reactive oxygen species tissue damage, along with recent advances in oxidative stress biomarkers and novel targeting options.

Evaluating Clear Aligners Versus Fixed Appliances for Periodontal Patients: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Current Evidence

Periodontal patients may face orthodontic problems because of bone support loss, such as maxillary incisor proclination, spacing, rotation, extrusion, pathologic tooth migration (PTM) or traumatic occlusion. Orthodontic treatment is therefore an element within the comprehensive treatment of periodontitis after the periodontal condition has stabilized. The presence of fixed appliances (FAs) promotes the accumulation of bacterial biofilm and impedes hygiene procedures. The increasing popularity of clear aligner (CA) treatment is due to the convenience of use, less discomfort, better esthetics, easier hygiene, lower failure rate, and shorter, less frequent visits. Therefore, the question arises whether treatment with aligners is a good solution for periodontal patients. To answer this question, the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were searched using the following keywords: periodontitis, orthodontic treatment, clear aligners, multibracket orthodontic appliances, fixed appliance, root resorption, gingival recession and pathologic tooth migration. The search strategy identified 18 relevant studies. A total of 1090 participants took part in the analyzed studies. The available literature was analyzed in terms of the occurrence of root apex resorption, the possibility of treating pathologic tooth migration, the occurrence of gingival recession, periodontal health status and occlusal stability in patients treated with CAs and FAs. Despite statistically significant differences in terms of Plaque Index (PI), probing depth (PD), apical root resorption and gingival recession favor the use of CAs. However, these values are mostly of no clinical significance. It is possible to treat PTM with CAs, but it is limited by the high degree of tooth mobility and incisor inclination. Obtaining perfect occlusion is comparably difficult in both CA and FA treatment. When planning orthodontic treatment in patients with reduced periodontium, the use of both CAs and FAs should be considered. The choice of method would ultimately depend on the patient’s dental condition.

Oral health related cardiovascular disease risk factors: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and hypercholesterolemia represent significant public health concerns. This research presentation examines the impact of various oral health indicators, such as bleeding gums, untreated dental decay, loose teeth, and missing teeth, on these conditions within Hungary. Materials and methods This study utilized data from 5,603 individuals participating in the 2019 Hungarian European Health Interview Survey. Predictor variables were chosen using elastic net regularization and k-fold cross-validation to enhance the performance of weighted logistic regression models. Sensitivity analysis underpinned the robustness of the results. Results Significant associations emerged between deteriorating oral health and the prevalence of various cardiovascular conditions. An increased likelihood of hypertension was observed in individuals with multiple tooth removals, showing an odds ratio (OR) of 1.67 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of [1.01-2.77]. The use of dental prosthetics presented an OR of 1.45 [1.20-1.75]. Additionally, presence of gum bleeding corresponded to elevated odds for both cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.69 [1.30-2.21]) and hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.40 [1.09-1.81]). Conclusions enhancing oral health could potentially mitigate chronic cardiac conditions, highlighting the importance of integrating dental care in comprehensive disease management strategies. Key messages • Poor oral health is linked to higher hypertension and heart disease odds. • Dental care is crucial in cardiac disease prevention and management.

The association between low serum vitamin D level &amp; periodontal diseases in Bangladeshi population- An observational study

Aims: Bangladeshi population (20-45 age) presents early loss of tooth without any history of systemic disease. Low serum vitamin D level is one of the factors of early tooth loss. The aim of the study is to assess the significance of low or insufficient serum vitamin D level as a factor of early tooth loss in Bangladesh perspective. Materials and Methods: An observational study was performed in dental unit of TMSS Medical College from January 2021 to December 2022 after ethical clearance of IRB of this institute. Total number of patients was 70 selected by non-random sampling (judgment sampling) who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We assessed the variable like gingivitis, periodontal pocket &amp; tooth mobility clinically. The depth of the periodontal pocket &amp; gingivitis was assessed by the periodontal probe &amp; the mobility by using a blunt instrument &amp; feel with the fingers before &amp; after Vit D supplementation. Data were processed and analyzed using computer software SPSS version 26.0. Results: Deficiency of low serum vit D level has significant effect on periodontal bone resorption and after correction of serum vit D level resulted clinical improvement on periodontal health. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency may place subject at risk of developing chronic periodontitis. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2024; 42: 363-367

Diagnostic Approaches of Palatogingival Groove: A Systematic Review

Palatogingival Grooves (PGG) constitute developmental anatomical irregularities primarily situated along the palatal aspects of the roots of maxillary incisors. Literature is sparse on diagnostic approaches of PGG. Our study aimed to alleviate clinicians the process of recognizing anomaly. Systematic electronic searches of scientific literature without publication date or language restriction were undertaken in 2023.11.03 research was conducted in PubMed, Willey Online Library, Science Direct and Medline Ovid. Using specific keywords 54 articles with 67 cases were included in our study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre-made Cochrane data extraction templates were used for frequency evaluation, nonparametric Spearman’s, Kendall rank correlation coefficients, Mann-Whitney U Test and Odds ratio was assessed by statistic to evaluate significant correlations. Most quantitively expressed symptoms of PGG included increased tooth mobility, appearance of purulent discharge, sinus tract and periodontal pocket with an average mean of 9,14 ± 2,30 mm along with painful vertical per-cussion. However, statistical assessment showed inverse correlation between in-creased mobility and painful percussion. Furthermore, quantitively, deeper perio-dontal pockets were accompanied by more prominent gingival alterations, however only one opposing significant correlation was noted between the depth of per-iodontal pocket and existence of additional root. Frequency evaluation revealed that IPR was the main diagnostic tool used in majority of cases. Deeper periodontal pocket was assessed by conjunction of two or three tools. CBCT was used most with deeper periodontal pocket averaging 9,75 ± 1,02 mm. In conclusion, quantita-tive data suggest that periodontal pockets averaging 9,14 ± 2,30 mm, I or II-degree mobility, painful percussion and purulent discharge are the main PGG characteristics, with sparce significant correlations between them. IPR was noted as the main roentgenological modality as should be used firstly when suspecting PGG, yet both quantitative and statistical data suggest that CBCT is ought to be used to alleviate the assessment.

Extraction of teeth in dogs

The article is devoted to the problems with the dental apparatus, indications and techniques of tooth extraction in dogs. Tooth extraction is an operative intervention in which the gum and periodontal tissues are separated in order to extract a tooth or root from the alveolar well. Various dental pathologies in dogs are very common. Dentistry has recently become a popular specialty among veterinary specialists. Mostly owners go to the veterinary clinic with complaints about the presence of an unpleasant odor from the oral cavity of their pet. It is much rare for owners to notice soreness in the animal during feed consumption, hypersalivation, the presence of blood and pus impurities, and a violation of jaw closure. There are certain indications for tooth extraction, which are divided into urgent and planned. Indications for urgent extraction include tooth mobility with an acute pain reaction, inability to take food, periapical abscess, etc. The planned tooth extraction includes: temporary teeth, teeth that injure soft tissues, dental pathologies that are not amenable to therapy, the presence of granulomas, cysts, and tumors on the roots of the tooth.

Multifactorial analysis of factors influencing premolar mobility in stage III/IV grade C periodontitis patients ≤ 35 years of age: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested a potential link between the crown-to-root ratio (CRR) and root morphology in patients with mild chronic periodontitis, which may be associated with tooth mobility. However, these findings have not been thoroughly investigated. Our previous study found that 76% of patients with aggressive periodontitis, particularly those with premolar involvement, exhibited abnormal root morphology, severe alveolar bone loss, and increased tooth mobility, leading to poor clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the specific correlations among alveolar bone resorption, root morphology, CRR, and periodontal clinical indicators with premolar mobility in stage III/IV grade C periodontitis patients aged ≤ 35 years.Materials and methodsA total of 1,064 premolars from 151 stage III/IV grade C periodontitis patients aged ≤ 35 years were included in the study. Clinical periodontal parameters and radiographic measurements were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationships between these indicators and tooth mobility.ResultsSignificant variations in premolar root lengths were observed, ranging from 6.80 mm to 20.96 mm. Teeth with shorter roots (mean length: 10.22 mm) exhibited grade I mobility with only 28% alveolar bone resorption, whereas those with medium-length (mean length: 12.67 mm) and longer roots (mean length: 14.91 mm) exhibited mobility at 34% and 37% bone resorption, respectively. Regression models incorporating the bone-level CRR, average probing depth, and root length demonstrated strong predictive accuracy for tooth mobility (P < 0.001, AIC = 1700.574).ConclusionPremolar mobility is influenced by variations in root length, alveolar bone resorption, and probing depth. The bone-level CRR is an effective predictor for assessing tooth mobility, especially when there are differences in root length and alveolar bone resorption.

TREATMENT OF TOOTH AVULSION: A CASE REPORT

Dental trauma (DT) refers to injuries caused by impacts to the teeth and/or the hard and soft tissues within or outside the oral cavity. Among the various types of DT, avulsion, characterized by the complete displacement of the tooth from its socket. The success of treatment depends on timely management and proper professional care during and after reimplantation in preserving the tooth in the oral cavity. This study describes a case report of an avulsion of the upper left central incisor (21) that underwent reimplantation. The patient, a 10-year-old boy, had a history of bicycle fall, presenting with extraoral injuries to the cheek and chin, lip abrasions, and avulsion of tooth 21. The tooth was stored in milk and reimplanted 30 minutes after the accident. Clinical and radiographic examinations showed no bone fractures but revealed mobility of teeth 11 and 12 and avulsion of tooth 21. Treatment included cleaning, repositioning of the avulsed tooth, stabilization with a semi-flexible splint, and administration of antibiotics and analgesics. Endodontic therapy with mechanical instrumentation was successfully initiated after 20 days. This case highlights the importance of proper tooth storage and timing of reimplantation, leading to the restoration of patient’s aesthetics, chewing function, and self-esteem.

Immediate Loading and Implant Placement With Bone Grafting in Severely Proclined Anterior Mobile Teeth in the Esthetic Zone: A Report of an Intriguing Case

Immediate Loading and Implant Placement With Bone Grafting in Severely Proclined Anterior Mobile Teeth in the Esthetic Zone: A Report of an Intriguing Case

The seasonal occurrence of periodontitis – a retrospective cohort study from a practice-based research network

ObjectiveMany diseases are characterised by their seasonal appearance due to circannual changes in immune defence and a lifestyle that changes over the seasons. However, there is a lack of studies regarding the influence of seasonality on periodontitis. Therefore, the aim of this non-interventional, retrospective, observational study was to investigate the influence of seasonality on periodontitis.Materials and methodsPeriodontal parameters of 5,908 patients of a practice-based research network (PBRN) were analysed. Probing pocket depth (PPD), Bleeding on Probing (BOP) and tooth mobility were assessed for seasonal fluctuations.ResultsWithin the PBRN patient data, seasonality was significantly associated with PPD of the individual months in patients with periodontitis. Pairwise comparison between the months showed significantly higher PPD in July compared to several months. PPD appeared significantly lower in December compared to June and November. Regarding season, the proportion of deep PPDs (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:\\ge\\:$$\\end{document}6 mm) was significantly higher in summer compared to autumn (p = 0.024). Concerning BOP, a significant difference between winter and autumn could be observed (p = 0.016). No seasonal influence was found for tooth mobility.ConclusionThis practice-network based study indicated a tendency for seasonal variations in periodontal parameters among periodontal patients. However, the differences did not achieve clinical relevance.Clinical relevanceRegarding the seasonality of several diseases there might also be an influence of seasons on the periodontium, which would have a potential influence on periodontal studies and daily periodontal examination.

Oral Health Epidemiological Investigation in an Urban Homeless Population.

The purpose of this clinical epidemiological investigation was to examine the oral health conditions of homeless people in the city of Rome, Italy. A total of 157 homeless subjects were subjected to a first dental visit, during which anamnestic information was recorded in a digital medical record. A diagnosis of dental disorders was performed by assessing oral hygiene conditions, periodontal health, the presence of caries and/or root residues, and the presence of partial and/or total edentulousness. Caries and missing teeth were evaluated by the DMFT index. The first major criticality was represented by poor or absent oral hygiene. The examined sample showed a major percentage of high DMFT (63.0%); the most common clinical condition was the presence of numerous root residues. Regarding periodontal health, 73.2% of patients had gingivitis, 21.6% periodontitis, while 11 patients had periodontal pathologies with tooth mobility (7%). Finally, 8.9% of patients had one or two missing elements, 22.9% had partial edentulousness, and 8.9% of the sample had total edentulism. This analysis provides an important basis for strengthening health promotion and the importance of accessible and effective care for this population. It will therefore be necessary to continue to adopt a patient-centered approach geared towards addressing the demands that this population faces in maintaining their oral health.

A Rare Case Of Desmoid Tumor In The Lower Mandibular Sector Of An Adolescent: Surgical Intervention And Outcomes

Introduction: Desmoid tumors are rare, benign neoplasms known for their locally aggressive behavior and high recurrence rates. They arise from fibroblasts and are characterized by their infiltrative growth, making surgical management challenging. This report presents a case of a desmoid tumor in the lower mandibular sector of a 16-year-old male, focusing on surgical intervention and molecular insights. Case Report: A 16-year-old male presented with a growing mass in the lower right mandible, causing pain and mobility of tooth 47. Imaging revealed an infiltrative lesion eroding the mandibular bone. Histopathological analysis confirmed a desmoid tumor with spindle-shaped fibroblasts and nuclear β-caténine expression. Molecular testing identified a CTNNB1 gene mutation, confirming the diagnosis. Discussion: Desmoid tumors, despite being benign, are challenging due to their aggressive local behavior. Surgical excision with clear margins is the primary treatment, as these tumors are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This case highlights the importance of precise surgical planning and the role of β-caténine and CTNNB1 mutations in diagnosis and prognosis. Conclusion: Effective management of desmoid tumors in adolescents requires thorough surgical intervention and comprehensive diagnostic analysis. Long-term follow-up is crucial to monitor for recurrence. The molecular characteristics of the tumor, such as CTNNB1 mutations, play a significant role in guiding treatment and predicting outcomes.

Temporary splinting in periodontally mobile teeth: review before application

Introduction Temporary splinting of mobile, periodontally compromised teeth is an important stage in the complex treatment of periodontitis, used to improve mastication, aesthetics, and the prognosis for teeth with pathological mobility. It helps prevent this phenomenon and consolidate the success of conservative and surgical treatment, which also has a positive effect on the patient's psycho-emotional state. Material and methods 12 patients (6 female and 6 male), aged 26–60 years, with pathological teeth mobility due to chronic generalized periodontitis, were included in the study. Temporary splinting was performed using fiberglass threads braided with polyester microfibers, polyethylene fibers, and aramid fibers, and in all clinical cases, it was secured with photo-composite material designed for teeth splinting. Results Temporary splinting is a very important step in periodontitis treatment, and dynamic monitoring is necessary throughout the entire period of splinting. The interval between visits is determined based on the type of splinting, the risk of complications, the severity of periodontitis, systemic and local factors, the level of individual oral hygiene, and the patient's motivation. The interval can be 6 months, 4 months, or, in aggressive forms of periodontitis, 2 months. Conclusions Temporary splinting contributes to the effectiveness of pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy.

The Effect of Selenase on Inflammatory and Cytoprotective Markers in Experimental Chronic Generalized Periodontitis

Epidemiological studies in recent decades have revealed a significant increase in the number of patients with periodontal diseases leading to tooth loss. Modern realities require improvement of drug treatment of periodontitis. The antioxidant Selenase, selenium derivative, is an interesting treatment strategy for periodontitis. The study was carried out with the aim to evaluate the healing effectiveness of Selenase in rats with chronic generalized periodontitis (CGP) by its effect on markers of inflammation and cytoprotection. Experimental CGP was modulated in Wistar rats by a calcium-deficient diet with the inclusion of a prooxidant. Selenase (50 mcg/kg) and Mexidol (ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate, 250 mg/kg) were administered intragastrically for 30 days. Levels of IL-1β, HIF-1α, HSP70, and TNF-α were determined in the blood after treatment using the enzyme immunoassay method. Experimental CGP was characterized by the development of hyperemia, swelling, and bleeding of the gums; mobility of teeth; and gingival pockets up to 8 mm against the background of increased inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α), and molecular markers of cytoprotection (HIF-1α, HSP70) in the blood, indicating a homeostatic response of the periodontium in response to inflammation and subsequent hypoxia. Administration of Selenase to rats with CGP produced pronounced healing effects: the reduction in the depth of periodontal pockets by 42.55 %, cessation of bleeding, and disappearance of swelling against the background of a decrease of inflammatory markers: IL-1β – by 44.6 %, and TNF-α – by 65.9 % (p &lt; 0.05). HIF-1α increased by 36.8 %, and HSP70 – by 71.1 % compared to those of the control group, which was not given the treatment (p &lt; 0.05). The results obtained suggest a significant influence of Selenase on HSP70-dependent mechanisms of endogenous cytoprotection. The results of the study found that the use of Selenase in experimental CGP is more effective than Mexidol.

KNOWLEDGE &amp; ATTITUDE OF GENERAL DENTIST, REGARDING PERIODONTAL DISEASE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT PROTOCOL AND PERIODONTAL SPECIALIST REFERRAL

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general dentists regarding periodontal disease diagnosis, treatment strategies, and referrals to specialists.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 185 dentists in Peshawar, utilizing a pre-customized, closed-ended questionnaire through convenience sampling technique. The survey included practitioners from dental government and private teaching hospitals as well as independent clinics, encompassing both genders and any age. Informed consent was incorporated into the questionnaire. Exclusion criteria were undergraduate students, house surgeons, and periodontists. Data were collected using the questionnaire based on participants' understanding of periodontal diseases, diagnostic frequency, referral practices, and treatment approaches.Results: Most dentists favored scaling as the primary treatment for bleeding on probing (n=149, 80.54%) and identifi ed loss of attachment as the cause of tooth mobility (n=158, 85.41%). The study revealed a significant association between years of experience and various aspects of periodontal care, including referral practices (p=0.047), diagnostic accuracy (p=0.018), and treatment strategies (p=0.05). Despite a recognized link between poor oral hygiene and periodontal diseases, the referral rate to periodontists was notably low (10.27%). Conclusion: General dentists exhibit defi ciencies in knowledge concerning the causes, referral processes, and the importance of specialized care in periodontology.

Oral Health Literacy and Patient Education Practices Among Non-Dental Professionals in Chongqing, China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND Preventing oral diseases is a critical aim in maintaining general health. Non-dental professionals (NDPs) should understand oral health-related knowledge to help patients maintain oral and general health. We investigated the oral health knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes of NDPs regarding patient education and intersectoral collaborations for oral health. MATERIAL AND METHODS For this cross-sectional study, a web-based questionnaire of 36 questions was designed to collect characteristics, oral health knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes of spreading oral health knowledge. A total of 406 NDPs, including 166 doctors and 240 nurses, at 3 randomly selected hospitals in Chongqing, China, were included. Data were collected electronically and statistically analyzed using the chi-square test. RESULTS Only 35.96% and 39.41% of respondents disagreed with "extraction can cause loosening of adjacent tooth" and "tooth loss is a natural part of aging", respectively. Of the respondents, 92.12% were aware of oral healthcare needs before pregnancy; 67.48% agreed with cleaning the gums before the eruption of children's teeth; only 57.14% and 56.16% knew the start time of dental cleaning for children and the relatively safe period of dental treatment for pregnant women, respectively; 73.40% of respondents were interested in oral health knowledge, and they mainly consulted dental professionals; 95.56% agreed with intersectoral collaborations for oral health; and 68.47% thought to conduct oral health education in the future. CONCLUSIONS NDPs knew about common oral health knowledge; however, the oral healthcare knowledge for special groups was insufficient. NDPs should improve their ability to educate the public on oral health and establish intersectoral collaborations.