Lower Plaque Scores Research Articles

Reducing Dental Plaque Scores in Long-term Care Facilities Using a Checklist and Random Inspections: A Pilot Study.

The development and use of tailored interventions in overcoming barriers to optimum health in long-term care facility residents is of the highest importance. One successful approach to improving health outcomes is the use of a checklist by health care providers. Despite the evidence of the success of such checklists in nursing and medicine, there is little evidence on their use in improving dental outcomes. This study investigated whether an intervention comprising the daily use of a checklist for oral care by nursing staff supplemented by random inspections by a charge nurse resulted in lower dental plaque scores in patient participants at a long-term care facility (n=19) as compared with in those at another long-term care facility that did not receive the intervention (n=13). All participants received a dental cleaning at baseline. At a follow-up examination at 6 to 8 weeks post-baseline, significant differences were observed in the plaque scores between the participants at each location, with the median plaque scores in those undergoing the intervention being less than half of those in the patients that did not (20.8% vs. 52.8%, p<0.001). After adjusting for age in a linear regression model, this difference remained significant. The use of a daily checklist for oral care supplemented by random inspections by a charge nurse was associated with lower plaque scores (p<0.001). These results warrant further research, including prospective studies aimed at establishing how use of both clinical supervision and a checklist for oral health may influence plaque scores in geriatric patients in long-term care facilities over time.

Effectiveness of an oral health promotion program for the elderly in Khiri Mat district, Sukhothai province: A randomized control trial

Objectives:Oral disease is one of the most common health problems among the elderly, which impacts the quality of life. Applying the Health Belief Model (HBM) in oral health promotion is expected to improve the effectiveness of prevention and promotion that restricts oral health problems. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of an oral health promotion program on oral health behavior and oral status among the elderly in Khiri Mat, Thailand.Materials and Methods:A prospective randomized control trial was carried out among 162 elderly people for 6 months. They were interviewed to gather oral health behaviors and perception information, followed by an oral health examination. The experimental group received oral health education based on the HBM theory and tooth brushing practice in a small group of 4–5 persons, and then they were remotivated to support behavior change at 1 and 3 months. The control group received traditional oral health activity. All the elderly were followed up at 6 months. Data were analyzed using the t-test, Mann–Whitney test, Chi-square, and logistic regression.Results:The elderly in the experimental group had significantly higher oral health perception, lower plaque scores, lower gingival inflammation, and lower clinical attachment loss than those in the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:This oral health promotion program improved oral health perception, behavior, and oral health status of the elderly.

Clinical efficacy of nanosilver and chlorhexidine in the treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of nanosilver (NS) mouthwash and compared with chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash for the treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis. Materials and methods: Sixty-two (28 males and 34 females) plaque-induced gingivitis patients were allocated into two groups and asked to rinse with 10ml of NS or CHX, immediately after brushing, for 1 min, in the morning and evening. The plaque, gingival, and papilla bleeding indices were taken at baseline, two weeks, and finally at four weeks for each patient. The statistical analysis between and within groups were performed using Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test respectively. Result: Intergroup comparison by Mann-Whitney U-test showed no statistically significant differences in the investigated groups at the baseline for all studied parameters. At 2 and 4 weeks follow up, the CHX group showed statistically significant lower plaque scores than the NS group (p&lt;0.05). However, there is no statistically significant difference between NS and CHX groups for gingival and papilla bleeding scores (p&gt;0.05). Both groups showed statistically significant reductions in plaque, gingival and papilla bleeding scores after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of product use when compared to baseline (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Both mouthwashes decreased plaque, gingival and papilla bleeding scores, however the reduction in plaque scores was higher for the CHX group compared to the NS group.

Dental plaque disclosure as an auxiliary method for infants' oral hygiene.

This was to evaluate the effectiveness of plaque disclosure as an auxiliary method for early childhoods' oral hygiene. The study was performed with 20 mothers and their children (aged 6-36months), members of a preventive programme, which two groups used one of two approaches: conventional oral hygiene/group I (tooth brushing) and plaque disclosure with subsequent oral hygiene/group II (tooth brushing with prior plaque disclosure). Ten mothers started the study in group I and the other 10 in group II, after one month interval they changed to be in the alternate group. Each group consisted of baseline and three additional visits at weekly intervals. The effectiveness of oral hygiene was assessed in a blind fashion by plaque quantity estimation, using the Green Vermilion index for smooth surfaces and the plaque thickness index for occlusal surfaces. Statistical comparisons were performed using repeated measures ANOVA/Fisher's post hoc test and paired t-test (p < 0.05). For smooth and occlusal surfaces at first and second visits, group II recorded significantly lower plaque indices when compared with group I. Additionally, when considering the mean dental plaque index of all visits, group II also presented lower plaque scores than group I. Dental plaque disclosure before toothbrushing helps mothers to enhance the effectiveness of early childhood oral hygiene. RBR-7fyc7g; Avaliação do Treinamento e de Métodos Auxiliares na Efetividade da Escovação Dentária Materna em Bebês. Where the full trial protocol can be accessed: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov .

Effectiveness of Oral Hygiene Instructions Given in Computer-Assisted Format versus a Self-Care Instructor.

Background: This randomized, single-blinded, controlled study compares the effectiveness of two modes of delivering the same set of oral hygiene instructions: those loaded on a computer-assisted teaching format versus those given personally by a self-care instructor. Methods: 60 participants with mild to moderate periodontitis were randomized to either the computer-teaching format or the self-care instructor. Plaque score and bleeding indices were assessed at baseline and at 4 week re-evaluation to compare the instructional modalities. Results: At baseline, there was no difference in the parameters between the two groups. At re-evaluation, all parameters were significantly improved compared to baseline; however, there was no difference between any parameters in the computer group versus the instructor. Plaque score was significantly different between younger and older participants, such that participants under 50 years old had lower plaque scores when they received instructions using the computer format (72.5 ± 12.6 vs. 87.2 ± 10.4; p < 0.001). Additionally, in those under-50 year olds, plaque scores were significantly better in the group using the computer format (87.2 ± 10.4 vs. 78.3 ± 15.6; p = 0.03). Conclusion: Computer teaching formats and self-care instructors are both effective means of communicating oral hygiene instructions. Computer-assisted instruction format effectiveness may amplify as the population ages. Applications of computer formats teaching oral hygiene instructions and cost effectiveness comparison studies warrant significant future investigation.

Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease are associated with carotid plaque score and hemodynamics in intra- and extra-cranial arteries on ultrasonography

Carotid plaque score (PS) and hemodynamic abnormalities in intra- and extra-cranial arteries are related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression. As these parameters are measured conveniently and non-invasively by ultrasonography, we examined their association with cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers amyloid β (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau). Carotid PS, mean flow velocity (MFV) in multiple intra- and extra-cranial arteries, CSF Aβ42 and p-tau, neurocognitive function (assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale, Japanese version), and blood lipids (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride) were measured in AD patients (n = 42), mild cognitive impairment patients (n = 20), and cognitively normal controls (n = 18). The results were also compared among groups defined by PS range. After adjusting for blood lipids as covariates, Aβ42 was higher in the PS = 1.1−2.0 mm group than in the higher PS groups (2.1−3.0, 3.1−5.0, 5.1−7.0, and >7.0 mm). However, subjects with very low PS (<1.1 mm) also had a low mean CSF Aβ42. Alternatively, CSF p-tau181 did not differ between PS groups. In multiple regression analysis, Aβ42 was not associated with MFVs; however, CSF p-tau181 showed a significant association with the MFV of the internal carotid and basilar arteries. Findings suggest that carotid plaque formation may accelerate Aβ42 deposition, although it is not necessary for deposition. Hemodynamics abnormalities may cause increased CSF p-tau181. Ultrasonographic evaluation of PS and arterial hemodynamics may be a useful noninvasive method for estimating AD pathology.

Comparing the effect of 0.06% -, 0.12% and 0.2% Chlorhexidine on plaque, bleeding and side effects in an experimental gingivitis model: a parallel group, double masked randomized clinical trial

BackgroundChlorhexidine is the gold standard of dental plaque prevention. The aim of the present study was to compare the plaque and gingivitis inhibiting effect of commercial products containing 0.2%, 0.12% and 0.06% chlorhexidine in a modified experimental gingivitis model.MethodsIn three groups of healthy volunteers, experimental gingivitis was induced and monitored over 21 days and simultaneously treated with the commercial solutions containing 0.2%, 0.12% and 0.06% chlorhexidine. The maxillary right quadrant of each individual received mouthwash only, whereas the maxillary left quadrant was subject to both rinsing and mechanical oral hygiene. Compliance and side effects were monitored at days 7, 14, and 21. Plaque and gingivitis scores were obtained at baseline and day 21.ResultsThe commercial mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine resulted in statistically significantly lower plaque scores than the 0.12 and 0.06% mouthwashes after 21 days use, whereas no statistically significant difference was found between the effects of the two latter.ConclusionA commercially available mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine had statistically significant better effect in preventing dental plaque than the 0.12% and 0.06% solutions.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02911766. Registration date: September 9th 2016.

Vertical brushing versus horizontal brushing: a randomized split-mouth clinical trial.

The aim of this randomized, single-blind, splitmouth design, clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness in plaque removal of two brushing methods, the vertical and the horizontal, in a sample of healthy young adults. Forty-nine subjects were enrolled and 43 completed the study. All subjects abstained from oral hygiene practices for 48 hours. Plaque and gingival abrasions were recorded according to the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) and the van der Weijden method by one calibrated examiner before and immediately after the brushing session. A dental hygienist performed the two brushing methods using a randomized split-mouth design. The average plaque scores from the whole mouth, interproximal surfaces, and gingival margin were obtained before and after brushing, and the differences were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance. The differences in mean plaque scores between pre- and postbrushing were statistically significant for both methods. Considering the interbrushing differences, the vertical method produced lower plaque scores compared to the horizontal for the whole mouth (P=.02). In the interproximal surfaces, the vertical method removed more plaque compared to the horizontal one (P<.01). In the gingival margin no statistically significant differences in plaque scores were recorded. Only 10 gingival abrasions were registered, mainly produced by the horizontal method. RESULTS suggest that both toothbrushing methods are effective in plaque removal; nevertheless, the vertical brushing method has demonstrated to remove more plaque from the interproximal surfaces than the horizontal method.

Abstract T P145: Physiological Parameters and Radiological Findings of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Background and Purpose: Lacunar infarction and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are closely related. Although they are classified as different stroke subtypes, both are associated with cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD). Previous studies showed a positive correlation of CSVD with physiological parameters such as pulse wave velocity (PWV) or with radiographical findings such as cerebral microbleeds (CMB); however, the role of these parameters remains controversial. Therefore, we assessed whether there is a relationship between stroke subtypes and these potential CSVD-related parameters. Methods: In a multicenter, prospective study from 8 hospitals, we enrolled 342 patients with a history of cerebral infarction or ICH who underwent both carotid ultrasound and MRI examination between February 2011 and December 2012. Ischemic stroke subtypes were determined based on the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria, and patients with small vessel occlusion (SVO) or large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) were included in this study. We evaluated the PWV, ultrasonographic parameters [max-IMT, plaque score, pulsatility index (PI), and the diameter of common carotid artery (CCA)], and MRI findings [periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) and CMB]. The severity of PVH was determined according to the Fazekas classification. Results: Of 342 patients, 130 (38%) were classified into the LAA group, 64 (19%) into the ICH group, and 148 (43%) into the SVO group. There were no significant differences in the parameters between the SVO and ICH groups; however, the parameters of the SVO or ICH groups were different from those of the LAA group. After adjustment for vascular risk factors, the following parameters in both SVO and ICH groups were significantly different from those in the LAA group: lower plaque score, higher PI of the internal carotid artery (ICA), higher PVH grade, and greater CMB frequency. Conclusion: The SVO and ICH groups showed alterations in imaging parameters reflecting the underlying pathophysiology of CSVD, including lower plaque score, higher PI of ICA, greater CMB frequency, and higher PVH grade, compared with those of the LAA group.

Intakes of calcium, vitamin D, and dairy servings and dental plaque in older Danish adults

BackgroundTo investigate whether intakes of calcium and dairy-servings within-recommendations were associated with plaque score when allowing for vitamin D intakes.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, including 606 older Danish adults, total dietary calcium intake (mg/day) was classified as below vs. within-recommendations and dairy intake as <3 vs. ≥3 servings/ d. Dental plaque, defined as the percentage of tooth surfaces exhibiting plaque, was classified as < median vs. ≥median value (9.5%). Analyses were stratified by lower and higher (≥6.8 μg/d) vitamin D intake.FindingsIntakes of calcium (OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.31–0.92) and dairy servings (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.33–0.89) within-recommendations were significantly associated with lower plaque score after adjustments for age, gender, education, intakes of alcohol, sucrose and mineral supplements, smoking, diseases, number of teeth, visits to the dentist, use of dental floss/tooth pick and salivary flow, among those with higher, but not lower, vitamin D intake.ConclusionIntakes of calcium dairy-servings within-recommendations were inversely associated with plaque, among those with higher, but not lower, vitamin D intakes. Due to the cross-sectional nature of the study, it is not possible to infer that this association is causal.

Oral health patterns of independently living dentate older people: a cross-sectional survey of dental attendees in south-east London

The oral health needs of older adults present increasing challenges to dental services. To examine the clinical oral health status of dentate older people living in the community and attending dental services. One hundred and eighty-six dentate adults, aged ≥60 years, underwent clinical examination (DMFS, Plaque and Gingival Indexes), salivary analysis and completed a questionnaire. Participants had an average of 21.4 (±6.2) teeth present and 1.2 (±3.0) decayed, 51.0 (±28.8) missing and 32.6 (±20.5) restored surfaces. Individuals living in the most deprived areas had significantly lower numbers of teeth than those in the least deprived areas (19.1 ± 7.5 cf 23.8 ± 4.1; p < 0.001). Whilst there were no significant differences in DMFS score, residents in the most deprived areas had significantly more missing and fewer filled surfaces than those in the least deprived areas (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Participants with ≥21 teeth (64%) had lower plaque scores, fewer decayed root surfaces, higher stimulated saliva flow rates and lower salivary lactobacilli and yeast counts than those with <21 teeth (p < 0.05 for all). The findings highlight differences in clinical oral health by age and deprivation status and underline the importance of saliva and retaining a functional dentition.

The relationship between dental health behavior, oral hygiene and gingival status of dental students in the United Arab Emirates

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of knowledge acquired in preventive aspects of dental education on dental students' own health attitudes, oral hygiene and gingival status in the United Arab Emirates. To compare the self-reported oral health behavior of first year dental students in the University of Sharjah with their actual oral hygiene and gingival conditions, 93 volunteers who participated in the study completed the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI) questionnaire. Subsequently a clinical examination for their Plaque Scores (Modified Quigley Hein Plaque Index) and Gingival Bleeding Index was performed by a calibrated dentist. 29% of the participants reported bleeding gums; 83% were concerned by the color of their gums while 63% reported that it was impossible to prevent gum disease with brushing alone; and only 10% noticed some sticky white deposits on their teeth. However, approximately 92% were not in agreement that they would have false teeth when they grew older. 56% mentioned that they used dental floss regularly and 86% brushed twice daily or more. Male students had higher bleeding and plaque scores than female students. There appeared to be a significant relationship between plaque scores and HU-DBI responses; in addition to the significant relationship noted between recorded bleeding percentages and HU-DBI responses. Female students have shown better dental care behavior than male students. The dental students with better self-reported oral health attitudes were expected to have lower plaque scores but instead had moderate plaque and gingival bleeding scores. This indicates the need for more emphasis on preventive measures in oral health education.

Dental Implant Performance in Vertically Distracted Fibular Grafts After Mandibular Reconstruction: A Pilot Series of 12 Patients

To clinically and radiographically evaluate the performance of loaded dental implants placed in vertically distracted fibular grafts after mandibular reconstruction, and to evaluate patient satisfaction with implant function and esthetics after oral rehabilitation. This retrospective study involved patients who received implants in vertically distracted fibular bone after mandibular reconstruction between February 2006 and January 2008. Clinical assessments were performed 6 months after loading and annually thereafter. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with respect to function, phonetics, facial contour esthetics, and oral hygiene practices. The data were evaluated statistically. Thirty-seven dental implants were inserted in 12 patients (mean age, 42.9 ± 8.0 years). Three patients were completely edentulous and nine were partially edentulous. The low mean plaque score (< 20%) indicated a good level of oral hygiene during the mean follow-up period of 42.1 ± 4.1 months. Probing depths and modified Sulcus Bleeding Index increased slightly at follow-up, but there was no significant difference in either parameter at years 1 and 3. After 1 year, the average marginal bone loss was 0.8 ± 0.3 mm (range, 0.2 to 2.1 mm); this increased to 0.9 ± 0.4 mm (range, 0.5 to 2.4 mm) in year 3, which was not a significant difference. The cumulative survival rate was 100% and the cumulative success rate was 84.8%. Seven of the 12 patients were fully satisfied with the function and esthetics of the restoration. On the basis of the present study, implant placement in vertically distracted fibulae for mandibular reconstruction may be considered a predictable option in terms of mid- to long-term implant survival and success rates.

Oral hygiene and dental caries in 5‐ to 6‐year‐old children in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

To investigate the association between oral hygiene and dental caries in young children in the Emirate of Ajman, United Arab Emirates. A one-stage cluster sample was used to randomly select children. Clinical examinations were conducted by a single examiner. Parents completed questionnaires seeking information on child and family characteristics, dietary habits and oral hygiene practices. The total number of children sampled was 1297. Dental examination and questionnaire data were obtained for 1036 (79.9%). Frequency of eating per day and snack consumption level were both significantly associated with plaque score. Children who brushed their teeth more often had lower plaque scores. The observed association between mean plaque score and mean decayed, missing, filled teeth suggests that children with high plaque scores are more likely to experience caries. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste was under-utilized in Ajman. Tooth brushing therefore needs better promotion and reinforcement.

ADAM10 expression and promoter haplotype in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is confirmed at autopsy according to the accumulation of brain neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Neuritic plaques contain amyloid-β (Aβ) and lower levels of Aβ correspond to an increase in ADAM10 α-secretase activity. ADAM10 α-secretase activity produces a soluble amyloid precursor protein (APP) alpha (sAPPα) product and negates the pathological production of Aβ. In this investigation, it was hypothesized that genetic variation with the ADAM10 promoter is associated with ADAM10 expression levels as well as cerebrospinal fluid sAPPα levels. Results from this investigation suggest that the ADAM10 rs514049-rs653765 C-A promoter haplotype is associated with: (1) higher CSF sAPPα levels in cognitively normal controls compared with Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, (2) higher postmortem brain hippocampus, but not cerebellum, ADAM10 protein levels in subjects with low plaque scores compared with those with high plaque scores, and (3) higher promoter activity for promoter-only reporter constructs compared with promoter 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) constructs in the human neuroblastoma SHSY5Y cell line, but not in HepG2 or U118 cell lines. Taken together, these findings suggest that ADAM10 expression is modulated according to a promoter haplotype that is influenced in a brain region- and cell type-specific manner.

Relationship between plaque score and video-monitored brushing performance after repeated instruction—a controlled, randomised clinical trial

Aim of this prospective, randomised, controlled clinical trial was to use the modified bass technique (MBT) and a specific brushing sequence to investigate whether two types of instruction methods lead to differences in plaque reduction and whether plaque reduction is related to technique adoption. Ninety-eight participants were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) control, no instruction; (2) verbal instruction by means of a leaflet; and (3) verbal instruction supported by demonstration, no leaflet. Brushing performance was video monitored. Plaque score (Turesky modified QHI (T-QHI)) was measured at baseline, afterwards participants received instructions. After 2 weeks, T-QHI was measured for a second time, and participants were re-instructed. After another 2 weeks, T-QHI was measured for a third time. At baseline, T-QHI did not differ between groups ((1) 1.99 ± 0.51, (2) 1.90 ± 0.51, (3) 1.93 ± 0.56). The second measurement revealed an improvement of T-QHI in the instructed groups and in the non-instructed control group ((1) 1.80 ± 0.47, (2) 1.58 ± 0.58, (3) 1.64 ± 0.58; n.s. between groups); in the intervention groups, remotivation achieved no further improvement ((1) 1.72 ± 0.48, (2) 1.52 ± 0.58, (3) 1.50 ± 0.69; n.s. between groups and compared to second measurement). Improvement of T-QHI was not related to proper performance of technique or brushing sequence. Those who fully adopted the brushing technique, the sequence or both did not have lower plaque scores. Technical performance and effectiveness were not linked. Within the study setting, the MBT was not effective in reducing plaque scores. The general recommendation of the MBT should be re-evaluated in further studies.

Oral hygiene and periodontal status of teenagers with special needs in the district of Nalgonda, India

Objectives:To assess oral hygiene status, oral hygiene practices and periodontal status among 14-17-year-old visually impaired, deaf and dumb, intellectually disabled and physically challenged and normal teenagers in the district of Nalgonda, South India.Materials and Methods:Seven hundred and fifty teenagers in the age group of 14-17 years, constituting visually impaired, deaf and dumb, intellectually disabled, physically challenged and normal teenagers, were studied. Oral hygiene status and periodontal status were assessed using clinical indices and compared.Results:Among the five groups chosen for the study, the intellectually disabled group had the highest plaque scores and poor oral hygiene. The visually impaired and deaf and dumb had better oral hygiene compared with other disability groups. Physically handicapped showed higher loss of attachment scores and deleterious and parafunctional habits. Normal teenagers had good oral hygiene and lower plaque scores. Oral health status relied basically on proper use of oral hygiene aids and training of the groups by their care takers.Conclusion:Disabled groups showed poor oral hygiene and higher incidence of periodontal disease, which may be attributed to the lack of coordination, understanding, physical disability or muscular limitations. Hence, more attention needs to be given to the dental needs of these individuals through ultimate, accurate and appropriate prevention, detection and treatment.

Oral status, oral hygiene habits and caries risk factors in home‐dwelling elderly dependent on moderate or substantial supportive care for daily living

Elderly people with disabilities have an increased risk of developing oral diseases as compared with the healthy elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate oral hygiene habits, clinical variables related to oral self-care and caries risk in elderly individuals living at home with moderate and substantial needs of home care. A random sample of 151 elderly people with moderate needs and 151 with substantial needs of home care were examined. Data concerning general health, social conditions and oral hygiene habits were collected using a questionnaire. Data showing the prevalence of caries, plaque scores and gingival bleeding were obtained through clinical examinations. Elderly subjects with substantial needs of home nursing had more active caries (P < 0.01) and more often gingival bleeding (P < 0.05), as compared with elderly people with moderate needs. Forty-nine per cent of the elderly with moderate needs performed acceptable self-care, as compared with 25% of the individuals with substantial needs. Good self-care was associated with women, low plaque scores, less bleeding and less caries. Factors increasing the risk of having caries were low saliva secretion, high plaque scores and a large number of fillings, while having a dentist and good oral hygiene habits increased the chance of not developing caries. Good oral hygiene habits were associated with less prevalence of plaque and oral disease in the elderly irrespective of extent of needs of home nursing. However, the elderly with moderate needs more often performed good self-care, indicating that the possibilities of strengthening self-care and learning new routines are better when functions are less affected.

Measuring the Oral Health of Nursing Home Elders

The primary purposes of this descriptive and prospective pilot study was to test the feasibility of a nursing and dental hygiene team to measure specific oral health indices in a sample of older adults residing in nursing homes (NHs). The secondary purpose was to determine the relationship between plaque and dentate status. Oral health indicators, functional status scores, and behavioral scores were collected and analyzed from 38 female NH residents from two geographically, organizationally, and economically diverse NHs. Persons with dentures had significantly lower plaque scores than those with natural dentition. Rural NH residents and African American NH residents had fewer filled teeth, indicating a potential lack of access to dental care. Oral health indicators were collected safely and efficiently from NH residents using a nursing and dental hygiene collaborative approach. Nursing and dental hygiene collaborations hold promise for improving the oral health in institutionalized elders.

Oral-health Workshop Targeted at 0-5-yr. old Deprived Children's Parents and Caregivers: Effect on Knowledge and Practices

One-session oral-health workshop was targeted at 770 parents and 60 caregivers of 0-5-year-old low-income children. Lower plaque scores (Silness & Löe-modified index) were observed in test-group-(TG) children after 1 and 6-months (Median=0) than control-group-(CG) (Median=1)(p<0.05), with a significant improvement from baseline among the TG (p<0.05). The questionnaire showed improvement in the TG parents/caregivers' knowledge after 1- 6-months regarding white-spot lesion visual recognition; with respect to the practices, these improved after 1-6 but decreased after 6-months.