Mean Decayed, Missing, And Filled Teeth Research Articles

Oral health status, self-perceptions, and risk awareness among young adult users of electronic cigarettes in Pakistan.

The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has surged globally, particularly among young individuals. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of vaping-related oral health risks, clinical oral health status, and self-perceived dental and periodontal conditions among young adult users of ECs in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to March 2024, recruiting 142 young users of ECs. Intraoral examinations assessed Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), Plaque Index (PI), and dental stain. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviors, vaping habits, and perceptions of impact of vaping on oral health were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. Associations between EC use and various oral health variables were analyzed using the chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. Mean DMFT was 5.66 (SD=2.20). Poor oral hygiene (29.6%) and severe dental staining were prevalent. Most participants (76.1%) brushed once daily, while only 34.5% attended regular dental check-ups. Gingival bleeding and plaque accumulation were observed in 47.2% and 35.3% of participants. Around 66% reported daily EC use, with 80.3% initiating vaping before the age of 18 years. Most common reason for vaping was perception that ECs are safer than traditional smoking (31.7%). Participants' perceptions of vaping-related oral health risks were relatively low, with 45% associating vaping with tooth decay, 48% with gum disease, and 58.5% with tooth staining. Tooth brushing frequency, vaping frequency (per day), and time since vaping started, were significantly associated with oral clinical indicators (p<0.05). The education level was the only variable significantly associated with vaping-related risk perception (p<0.05). The study reveals that oral health awareness among young vapers is low, with many starting EC use at a young age and exhibiting poor oral health behaviors. Misconceptions about the safety of ECs compared to conventional cigarettes may contribute to increased vaping.

PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG SMOKERS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF LAHORE

Dental caries is a common chronic oral health condition globally, with an increased prevalence among smokers. Smoking contributes to caries risk by affecting saliva production, oral microbiota, and oral hygiene practices. In Pakistan, where smoking is prevalent. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of dental caries among smokers attending a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, from January to July 2024. The sample included 100 adult smokers aged 18 years and above. Data on demographics, smoking frequency, oral hygiene practices, and dental caries were collected using structured interviews and clinical examinations. Caries severity was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were conducted to explore associations between smoking habits and caries prevalence. Results: The majority of participants were aged 26-35 (30%), with 35% smoking 6-10 cigarettes daily. Oral hygiene practices were suboptimal, with only 25% brushing twice daily, and 15% reporting no regular hygiene routine. The prevalence of dental caries was strongly correlated with smoking frequency and duration. Participants smoking more than 21 cigarettes daily had an 80% caries prevalence, while those with a smoking history of over 16 years had a mean DMFT score of 7.6. These results align with previous studies linking smoking with higher caries risk and severity. Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of dental caries among smokers, with significant associations between smoking frequency, duration, and caries severity. These findings underscore the need for preventive dental health interventions, including smoking cessation programs and targeted oral hygiene education, to mitigate the burden of dental caries in this high-risk population.

Exploration of oral hygiene practices, oral health status, and related quality of life of individuals residing in the Rorya district of Tanzania, East Africa.

Oral health substantially impacts individuals' quality of life, making it an important target for global health interventions. This research describes oral health status, practices, and beliefs within the Rorya district of Tanzania to understand barriers to care. To quantify physical oral health status, intraoral examinations were conducted on adults, noting the Decayed Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Comprehensive Periodontal Inflammatory Burden Index (CPBI). Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand oral hygiene behaviors and beliefs. Data was analyzed via two-sample t-tests, Pearson's statistics, and NVIVO. A purposive sample (n = 139) of participants self-reported to reside in either Burere (n = 32), Nyambogo (n = 52), or Roche (n = 55) were assessed. A two-sample t-test revealed females (n = 67; x¯ = 7.1; SD = 5.4; p < 0.05) have a significantly higher DMFT score than males (n = 72; x¯ = 3.7; SD = 3.9). Moreover, the OHRQoL score of females (n = 67; x¯ = 12.10; SD = 14; p < 0.05) were significantly higher than males (n = 72; x¯ = 10.16; SD = 3). In contrast, males have significantly higher CPBI scores (x¯ = 3.8; SD = 1.5; p=<0.05) than females (x¯ = 3.0; SD = 1.3). Additionally, older age groups presented higher GI and PISA scores, while the younger group (20-30 years) displayed the highest mean DMFT score. The themes that emerged from semi-structured interviews were "pearls of laughter guarded by wisdom teeth," "whispered tales of oral tides and communal echoes," and "tales of the tooth fairy." In this community, proper oral health maintenance techniques are vital yet frequently disregarded, mainly due to disparities in access to resources, reflected in oral health scores. Addressing this is a crucial intervention, presenting an opportunity to uplift overall well-being. Moreover, gender and age disparities in oral health highlight the urgent need for tailored interventions.

Comparison of Oral Health Index and Salivary Levels of Calcium, Phosphorus, and Urea between Hemodialysis Patients and Control Group: Results of a Hospital-Based Case-Control Study

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease are at risk of dental and periodontal problems. The aim of this study was to compare the oral health index and salivary levels of calcium, phosphorus, and urea between dialysis patients and the control group. Methods: Hemodialysis patients and a control group of outpatients referring to the hospital clinics were selected for a case-control study. Socio-demographic data and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index were collected using a questionnaire and dental examination by a dentist, respectively. The calcium, phosphorus, and urea levels were measured in unstimulated saliva samples. Independent t test was used to compare the mean DMFT index, calcium, phosphorus, and urea levels between the two groups. Results: A total of 50 dialysis patients and 50 control individuals were included in the study. Compared to the control group, dialysis patients had higher mean DMFT index (mean difference [MD]: 7.7, standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.83; P&lt;0.001), calcium level (MD: 1.8, SMD: 1.22; P&lt;0.001), phosphorus level (MD: 18.9, SMD: 2.3; P&lt;0.001), and urea level (42.7, 2.81; P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis had worse dental and periodontal status compared to the control group. The oral and dental health status of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should be regularly evaluated and monitored.

The influence factors on pit and fissure sealing behavior of 12-year-old children: a cross-sectional study in Zhejiang, China

BackgroundIn the 21st century, dental caries remains a global burden, particularly severely affecting the growth and quality of life of 12-year-old children. Fortunately, pit and fissure sealing (PFS) procedures can effectively prevent molars from caries. Hence, this study focused on the relationship between PFS and oral epidemiological factors in 12-year-old children.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 12-year-old children from 11 cities in Zhejiang Province. Their dental conditions were collected through questionnaires, as well as basic information such as relevant family information, oral health knowledge and behavior. Then, logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors associated with PFS.ResultsA total of 1204 children were included, with 252 in the PFS group and 952 in the non-PFS group. There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score, first permanent molar DMFT score, residential area, educational level of parents, tooth-brushing frequency, use of dental floss, oral examination in a medical institution, having taken courses on oral health care, as well as having knowledge that tooth brushing could effectively prevent gingival inflammation, PFS could protect teeth, and oral disease may affect general health. According to further logistic regression analysis, the independent factors influencing PFS included use of dental floss [odds ratios (OR) = 1.672, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.235–2.263, P = 0.001], having taken courses on oral health care (OR = 0.713, 95% CI = 0.515–0.988, P = 0.042), having knowledge that tooth brushing is effective in preventing gingival inflammation (OR = 0.627, 95% CI = 0.389–0.987, P = 0.044) and having knowledge that PFS can protect teeth (OR = 0.589, 95% CI = 0.438–0.791, P < 0.001).ConclusionPFS can reduce the mean DMFT score of 12-year-old children. Independent influencing factors of PFS consist of use of dental floss, having taken courses on oral health care, oral health behavior and knowledge level.

Colombia's Armed Conflict and Dental Caries among Adults.

This study aimed to determine the association between residing in municipalities with armed conflict and dental caries among adults in Colombia. Data from 9,194 individuals aged 18-79 years, who participated in the Fourth National Oral Health Survey in 2014, were linked with information on the presence and intensity of the armed conflict experienced in their municipality of residence between 2000 and 2012 (extracted from the Resource Centre for Conflicts Analysis). Dental caries was determined through clinical examinations and summarised using the numbers of decayed teeth (DT), decayed and filled teeth (DFT), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT). Two-level negative binomial regression models were fitted, with adults nested within municipalities, to test the association between armed conflict indicators and caries outcomes after adjustment for covariates. The mean DT, DFT, and DMFT scores were 1.75 (SD = 2.36), 6.03 (SD = 4.53), and 10.27 (SD = 7.11), respectively. Of the 197 municipalities included in the analysis, 12.2% experienced conflict permanently and 18.3% experienced high-intensity conflict. In crude analysis, adults living in municipalities with more presence and intensity of armed conflict had lower DT and DMFT, but not DFT scores. After adjustment for covariates, only the (high) intensity of conflict was associated with lower DT (rate ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.87), DFT (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71-0.95), and DMFT scores (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74-0.89). This study found that Colombian adults residing in municipalities with high intensity of conflict had lower levels of untreated disease and caries experience.

The Association of Vitamin D Levels and Dental Caries in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Most research examining vitamin D and dental caries focuses on children and younger adults. This study investigated the association between vitamin D levels and dental caries in older adults using data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2016. Data were analyzed from 2723 participants aged 65 years and older who completed both dental examinations and serum 25(OH)D tests. Dental caries assessments included the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and the presence of untreated dental caries. Vitamin D levels were measured as serum 25(OH)D concentrations and categorized as severely deficient (<25 nmol/L), deficient (25-49.9 nmol/L), insufficient (50-74.9 nmol/L), and normal (≥75 nmol/L). Logistic regression and Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between vitamin D levels and dental caries, adjusting for demographic factors. The mean DMFT score was 17.73 ± 8.34, with 35.1% of participants having untreated dental caries. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with a 1.44 times higher likelihood of untreated caries (95% CI: 1.15, 1.81), which weakened after adjustment for demographic factors (adjusted OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.55). Severe vitamin D deficiency correlated with a 1.13 times higher DMFT score (95% CI: 1.06, 1.20), with the association remaining similar after adjustment (adjusted RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.20). Significant differences in vitamin D levels were observed across gender, race/ethnicity, and country of birth. This study suggests the potential importance of adequate vitamin D levels for maintaining dental health among older adults. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of poorer DMFT scores. Public health strategies that include vitamin D screening and supplementation, particularly for high-risk groups, may improve oral health outcomes in the older adult population. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which vitamin D influences dental health and the potential for vitamin D supplementation to reduce the burden of dental caries in older adults.

Exploring the Link Between Oral Health Factors and Hearing Impairments in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Hearing-impaired children may face challenges in communication, social interaction, academic performance, and emotional well-being, which can have a notable impact on their overall quality of life. Beyond these challenges, oral health can also be significantly impacted. The relationship between hearing impairment and dental diseases is an intriguing and interconnected aspect of overall well-being that merits attention and exploration. This study aimed to assess the relationship between various oral health factors and hearing impairments. Methodology This cross-sectional study involved 90 hearing-impaired children aged 6-12 years. To evaluate the children's hearing abilities, diagnostic tools such as pure-tone audiometry were employed. To measure dental health, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth (dmft) indices, as well as plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were calculated. The chi‑square test was used to identify significant differences between genders. Spearman's test was used to determine the correlation between variables. Results The severity of hearing impairment varied, with 5.6% having severe hearing loss, 8.9% having profound hearing loss, and 85.6% having complete hearing loss. The mean DMFT score was 2.5 ± 1.86, with no significant difference observed between males and females. The mean dmft score was 4.2 ± 3.12, with no significant difference between genders. However, there was a difference in the PI scores between males and females. Males presented a higher PI score of 2.6 ± 0.09 compared to 1.8 ± 0.08 for females. The overall mean PI was 2.1 ± 0.80. The mean GI was 1.5 ± 0.90, and no significant difference was observed between males and females. Spearman's test identified a significant positive correlation between the severity of hearing impairment and both PI scores (p = 0.000) and GI scores (p = 0.000). Conversely, the severity of hearing impairment showed a weak positive correlation with both DMFT scores (p = 0.487) and dmft scores (p = 0.229), but these correlations were not statistically significant. Conclusions The connection between oral health and severe hearing impairment in children is significant and has potential implications. Pediatric healthcare providers, including dentists and audiologists, need to work collaboratively to monitor the oral and aural health of young patients.

The Influence of Vitamin D Levels on Dental Caries: A Retrospective Study of the United States Population.

(1) Background: This study examines vitamin D's impact on dental caries to inform prevention strategies, given its critical role in bone and calcium regulation, vital for dental health. (2) Methods: Data from 18,683 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2016 were analyzed. NHANES collects U.S. population data through interviews, physical exams, and tests, including vitamin D levels and dental health assessed using both the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and the presence of untreated dental caries. Vitamin D levels were measured according to serum 25(OH)D concentrations, and the analyses adjusted for confounders such as body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status (SES) using Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis tests, as well as logistic and Poisson regression. (3) Results: This study found a mean DMFT score of 7.36 and a 33.2% prevalence of untreated dental caries. A higher caries prevalence was correlated with a lower SES (p < 0.001), the male gender (p < 0.001), and a higher BMI (p < 0.001). Severe vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) doubled the risk of dental caries, with odds ratios of 2.261 and 1.953 after adjusting for demographic factors and BMI. (4) Conclusions: Our study confirms a significant relationship between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of dental caries nationwide, even after accounting for sociodemographic factors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels for preventing caries.

Oral Health Status and Oral Health-Related Behaviours of Hong Kong Students with Vision Impairment

This cross-sectional epidemiological study aimed to describe dental caries and oral hygiene conditions among visually impaired students in Hong Kong. Students aged 6–21 years from two specialised schools for those with vision impairment were invited. Information on sociodemographic background and oral health-related behaviours was collected through an online parent-reported questionnaire. Dental caries and oral hygiene were assessed using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Visible Plaque Index (VPI), respectively. Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests were conducted to analyse the association between students’ background and oral health status. A total of 73 participants were recruited, of whom 57.5% were male. Their mean (SD) age was 12.9 (4.7) years. Their mean DMFT score (SD) was 1.0 (1.8), and 43.8% had caries experience. The mean VPI (SD) was 0.76 (0.30). Their caries experience was significantly associated with their snacking habits (p = 0.013). Male participants had poorer oral hygiene than females (p = 0.048). In summary, dental caries is prevalent among visually impaired students in Hong Kong and their oral hygiene condition is unsatisfactory. Caries experience is significantly associated with snacking frequency, whereas oral hygiene is associated with gender. More specially designed preventive oral health measures should be provided for visually impaired students and their caretakers.

Oral health in cancer palliative care: cross-sectional study

ObjectivesPatients on anticancer therapy attending palliative care services often have oral health problems, but not enough is known in this regard (in India). This cross-sectional study aimed to elucidate this...

Awareness of Nutrition Facts Labeling and Its Relation to Oral Health Practices and Caries Experience Among Adult Patients.

To investigate the relationship between the usage of nutrition facts labels (NFL) and oral and dietary practices and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a convenient sample of 150 adult dental patients attending the King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Electronic dental records were accessed to record each patient's DMFT score. Only 38% (N=57) of the participants read the NFL on their food. A statistically significant association was found between patients' DMFT scores and the NFL reading. Participants who said they read NFLs had lower mean DMFT scores than those who said they did not (8.4 vs. 10.5). The results of this study demonstrate that there is low usage of NFL among participants. A significant association was noted between the reading of the NFL and caries experience as measured using the DMFT index.

Prevalence and experience of dental caries among Singaporean schoolchildren: A time-trend analysis from 2007 to 2019.

This study aimed to describe caries prevalence and experience trends of permanent teeth among Singapore schoolchildren between 2007 and 2019. Anonymized records of all 6-year-old Primary 1 (P1), 11-year-old Primary 6 (P6) and 14-year-old Secondary 3 (S3) before the start of each school year were extracted from the Integrated Dental Electronic Assessment System (IDEAS) by school level, ethnicity and sex. Prais-Winsten regression was used to assess trends of mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and caries prevalence (% DMFT > 0) among the schoolchildren by school level, with reported Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) together with respective 95% confidence interval (CI). In total, 519 471 P1, 566 573 P6 and 548 138 S3 were included during the above period, and the majority were comprised of Chinese children (P1: 67.2%, P6: 68.8% and S3: 71.0%, respectively). Overall, the prevalence of caries dropped from 6.9% in 2007 to 3.5% in 2019 among P1, from 34.5% in 2009 to 20.3% in 2019 among P6 and from 41.5% in 2007 to 33.5% in 2019 among S3 schoolchildren. The mean DMFT reduced from 0.11 to 0.05 among P1, 0.72 to 0.35 among P6 and 1.05 to 0.76 among S3 schoolchildren during the same period. Caries prevalence and mean DMFT were consistently higher among girls. On average, caries prevalence decreased 5% per year in P1 (AAPC -5.0 [95% CI: -6.1, -3.9]) and P6 (AAPC -4.9 [95% CI: -5.7, -4.1]) and 2% among S3 (AAPC -2.0 [95% CI: -3.5, -0.4]) schoolchildren. Caries prevalence decreased approximately 4% ~ 5% annually among P1 and P6 schoolchildren regardless of ethnicity. The average decrease in caries prevalence was lower (about 2%) among all ethnicities at S3 school level. Dental caries in permanent dentition of Singaporean schoolchildren had decreased from 2007 to 2019. However, the decrease observed among primary school students was more than double that among secondary schoolchildren.

A multilevel analysis model for dental caries determinants in independently-living elderly

To evaluate the prevalence of untreated caries and its association with biological, individual, and environmental variables in independently-living elderly people. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 72 elderly (≥60 years) patients of a university dental clinic in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Sociodemographic data, systemic diseases, medications, and free sugar intake were collected. Visible plaque, Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT), and Decayed and Filled Root (DFR) indexes were assessed through clinical examination. Unstimulated saliva was collected to determine salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity. Descriptive analysis and multilevel logistic regression analysis were performed following a dental caries theoretical model (p &lt;0.05, 95% CI). Results: The mean DMFT and DFR were 24.44 (SD=4.59) and 3.21 (SD=2.93), respectively. The prevalence of untreated caries was 61.11%. In the adjusted multilevel regression model involving 1639 teeth, untreated dental caries was significantly associated with the presence of biofilm (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.24–2.74), salivary buffering capacity (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77–0.99) and per capita income (OR = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.004–0.74). Conclusion: The experience of dental caries was widespread among independently-living elderly patients, and its variability was best explained by the presence of biofilm, reduced salivary buffering capacity, and low per capita income. A comprehensive assessment is needed of the biological, individual, and environmental factors related to the presence of dental caries in independently-living elderly people.

Sex-based influential factors for dental caries in patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundSchizophrenia is a common mental disorder that seriously affects patients’ daily lives and brings heavy psychological and economic burdens to their families and society. The oral problems of patients with schizophrenia are gradually gaining attention, among which dental caries are among the most common oral diseases. Sex differences may be related not only to the various clinical symptoms of schizophrenia but also to different oral hygiene statuses; therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to investigate sex differences related to influencing factors for dental caries in patients with schizophrenia.MethodInpatients with schizophrenia over 18 years old were included in this study, and multidimensional indicators such as demographics, symptom and cognitive impairment assessments, medications, and the caries index of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) were collected. An analysis of sex-based influential factors for dental caries in schizophrenia patients was performed.ResultsFour-hundred and ninety-six patients with schizophrenia were included, with a mean age of 46.73 ± 12.23 years, of which 142 were females and 354 were males. The mean DMFT was significantly higher in males (8.81 ± 8.50) than in females (5.63 ± 6.61, p < 0.001), and the odd ratio of caries in males to females was significantly higher as well (OR = 2.305, p < 0.001). The influential factors of caries in male patients were independently associated with age and smoking status, in which current smokers were at the highest risk for developing caries, and different smoking statuses had various influencing factors for caries. The influencing factors for caries in female patients were independently associated with age, antipsychotic dose, PANSS-positive symptoms, and MMSE levels.ConclusionOur findings suggest sex differences exist among influential factors for caries in patients with schizophrenia. These risk factors may even be associated with and affect the treatment and prognosis of psychiatric symptoms in patients. Therefore, oral hygiene management of patients with schizophrenia should be enhanced. These differential factors provide new visions and ideas for formulating individual interventions, treatments, and care priorities.

Dental Caries, Tooth Loss and Quality of Life of Individuals Exposed to Social Risk Factors in Northeast Brazil.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dental caries and tooth loss on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in socioeconomically disadvantaged people. A population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in 28 cities at social risk in Northeast Brazil. All permanent residents aged 12, 15-19, 35-44, and 65-74 years were eligible, and 3063 were included. Participants answered a questionnaire on socioeconomic status, beliefs, and behaviors. Trained local dentists performed oral clinical examinations during home visits. Caries and tooth loss were evaluated using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and OHRQoL was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Poisson regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between individual domains, OHIP-14 scores, dental caries, tooth loss, and socioeconomic/demographic characteristics. Mean DMFT (standard deviation) scores were 2.68 (4.01), 4.84 (4.30), 15.35 (7.26), and 26.72 (8.03) for groups aged 12, 15-19, 35-44, and 65-74 years, respectively. Most participants (70%) were partially edentulous and 13% were completely edentulous. Caries and tooth loss significantly increased with age and impacted OHRQoL. Physical pain (5.8%) and psychological discomfort (5.8%) were the most commonly reported on the OHIP-14. Untreated caries (prevalence ratio (PR), 1.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.37-1.72) and edentulism (PR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.08-1.53) had a significant negative impact on OHRQoL. Income, level of education, sex, age, and oral hygiene habits were also related to OHRQoL. There was a high prevalence of dental caries and edentulism in all age groups except 12-year-olds. OHRQoL was negatively impacted by these oral conditions across the lifespan, with a trend towards more negative scores and higher impact in older adults.

Evaluation and relation of oral health-related quality of life and oral health status in Thalassemia Major patients, a cross-sectional study

BackgroundBeta-Thalassemia is the most common human inherited disease, directly impacting patients’ physical and psychosocial aspects. The present study evaluated oral health status, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and their correlation in Thalassemia Major patients.MethodsTwo hundred Thalassemia Major patients aged 12–49 participated in this cross-sectional study. Subjects were selected among the patients referred to the Faculty of Dentistry of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences using simple sampling. Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP 14) was used to assess OHRQoL. The decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index was used as an oral health index. SPSS 22 was used for analysis, using T and Pearson Correlation tests.Results53% of participants were female, and 47% were male. The mean OHIP-14 score (± SD) was 13.20 (± 7.01). The mean DMFT score was 9.54 (± 5.72). DMFT and total OHIP 14 scores correlated significantly (p < 0.001, r = 0.78). All domains of the OHIP-14 score were also significantly correlated with DMFT (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPoor oral health conditions might adversely affect OHRQoL in TM patients. It seems necessary to provide oral treatment needs in order to improve OHRQoL in patients suffering from this particular disease.

Salivary Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Capacity in Smokeless Tobacco (Naswar) Users.

Naswar, a smokeless tobacco product, commonly consumed in Pakistan, is associated with a 10-fold increase in the risk of oral cancer. However, little is known about Naswar's underlying toxicity mechanisms. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of Naswar use on oral health and salivary parameters. A case-control study was conducted among Naswar users (n=42) and age-matched healthy controls (n=42) in Pakistan in 2019. Participant data were collected using questionnaires. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores were computed during clinical examinations. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected to assess salivary flow rate, pH, and salivary total oxidative stress (TOS)/total antioxidant capacity (TAC) using commercially available kits. Participants' oral health parameters were compared between cases and controls using ANOVA. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, oral health, and hygiene practices and mean DMFT score. Mean salivary pH and the salivary flow rate was significantly (p<0.001) higher in Naswar users (7.7 and 0.71 mL/minute, respectively) than in non-users (6.95 and 0.52 mL/minute, respectively). Although TOS and TAC were not significantly different between the groups, Naswar users generally had a higher TOS (51.6±42 µmol/L) and lower TAC (0.55±0.18 mmol/L) than non-users (TOS 45.5±38.2 µmol/L and TAC 0.57±0.17 mmol/L). Correlational analysis also revealed a significant positive correlation between DMFT score andNaswar use duration (r=0.796, p<0.001)and the number of dips/units consumed each day (r=0.515; p<0.001). Habitual Naswar use is associated with increased salivary flow rate, pH, and TOS, and reduced TAC levels in Pakistani adults compared to non-users. The pro-oxidant changes may contribute toward deleterious effects of Naswar use including oral cancer.

Sports-related dental injuries and oral health status among Malaysian para-athletes: A cross-sectional study.

Athletes with disabilities may be at an even greater risk of orofacial trauma than their counterparts, and the risk may vary depending on the type of sports. This study aimed to assess the incidence of sports-related dental injuries and oral health status among Malaysian para-athletes. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess self-reported dental injuries and knowledge of their management. An intraoral examination was performed using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index following the World Health Organization guidelines. A total of 61 para-athletes (men=90.16%, n=55; women=9.84%, n=6) from different sports categories with different disabilities randomly participated in this study. The incidence of self-reported dental injuries was 18.0% (n=11), with the most common injury being crown tooth fracture (72.7%) and lip laceration (63.6%). However, the majority of the athletes (70.5%, n=43) did nothing after experiencing dental trauma, and 82.0% (n=50) were unaware of the immediate management of dental trauma. Based on the intraoral examination, only 9.8% (n=6) of the athletes had perfectly sound teeth. The mean total DMFT index was 3.49±2.371, while the mean DMFT index for decayed, missing, and filled teeth was 1.28±1.293, 0.74±0.705, and 1.48±1.120, respectively. The mean DMFT index for decayed, missing, and filled teeth and total DMFT index significantly differed among the types of disabilities (P<.05) but not between the sexes (P>.05). The most commonly reported injuries among para-athletes are crown tooth fractures and lip lacerations. The total DMFT index among para-athletes is moderate, emphasising the need for improvements.

Assessment of Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and DMFT Scores among Patients at King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa.

Background and Objectives: Oral health is one of the most significant issues in public health. The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index is a useful tool for assessing and measuring the state of oral health in a community. This study aimed to evaluate oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among participants who visited a dental clinic at King Faisal University and to evaluate their DMFT scores. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted at the King Faisal University dental complex, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire in English and Arabic. All statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS 20 software. A chi square and ANOVA test were used to assess the association. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were a total of 260 participants, of whom 193 (74.2%) were male and 67 (25.8%) were female. Most participants, 173 (66.5%), were between the ages of 18 and 28. The majority of the participants 191 (73.5%) believed that bad oral hygiene led to gum disease. Additionally, major issues while visiting dental clinics, the importance of routine dental clinic visits, the existence of a connection between oral and general health, brushing time and frequency of change of used brush were significantly influenced by gender (p < 0.05). In terms of the DMFT index, mean numbers of decaying teeth (D) were 4.82 ± 4.15, mean numbers of missing teeth (M) were 1.56 ± 2.94, mean numbers of filled teeth (F) were 5.17 ± 5.28 and mean DMFT score was 11.56 ± 6.32, with a statistically significant difference observed (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study concluded that, although some of the study participants neglected oral hygiene practices, the majority of participants had good knowledge and attitudes regarding the significance of oral hygiene. Owing to inadequate practices, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth scores increased with increasing age. Additionally, gender had no significant impact on the mean scores for decayed, missing, and filled teeth, although there were significant differences between age groups.