On Oral Health-related Quality Of Life Research Articles

Skeletal Anchorage as a Therapeutic Alternative for Mandibular Second Molar Impaction: A Prospective Case–Control Study

Background: The treatment of mandibular second molar (MM2) impaction presents a challenge for orthodontists and requires a surgical–orthodontic approach. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two techniques for treating impacted MM2: a traditional technique using brass wire and a technique employing skeletal anchorage. Methods: Twelve MM2 with mesio-angular impaction, with an inclination angle between 25° and 40° and an impaction depth between 4 and 10 mm, were selected and randomly divided into two treatment groups. Patients in Group A were treated using the traditional brass wire technique, while those in Group B underwent treatment with a skeletal anchoring technique that utilized a miniscrew positioned in the retromolar region and an elastic sling chain. For both groups, treatment time and the influence of the disimpaction technique on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were evaluated using the short-form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Results: The results indicated an average treatment time of 168.67 ± 52.32 days for Group A and 76 ± 10.17 days for Group B, with a statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.0002). Regarding the impact on the patients’ OHRQoL, Student’s t-test did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the two groups at 3 and 7 days of follow-up. Conclusions: Both techniques are considered effective for the treatment of impacted MM2 (angulation 25–40°, depth 4–10 mm). The use of skeletal anchorage significantly reduces treatment times without negatively affecting OHRQoL. The results of this study should be confirmed by further studies with larger sample sizes.

Traumatic dental injuries and oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with special health care needs in Eastern India: A case-control study.

This matched case-control study aimed to investigate the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in hearing and/or visually impaired children attending government special schools in Eastern India. A two-step cluster analysis was performed to define cases and controls based on the Parental-Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire (PCP-Q) scores from the 228 parent/guardian responses. The cases included children with a higher negative impact on OHRQoL (89 subjects), whereas the controls were those with a lower negative impact on OHRQoL (139 subjects). Groups were matched for age and gender and researchers were blinded to case/control status. Binary logistic regression was performed. The prevalence of TDI among the study subjects was 24.12%. Compared to subjects in the control group (16.5%), a significantly higher proportion of cases (36%) reported a history of TDI. Children with TDI had considerably higher OHRQoL scores across all P-CPQ sub-scales. Falls were the most common cause of TDI, primarily at home or school and none received treatment. TDI significantly impacts OHRQoL in these children. Lack of treatment highlights the need for caregiver awareness and improved dental access for children with special needs. Further research with larger samples and specialized OHRQoL tools is recommended.

A comparison of oral health-related quality of life and satisfaction among patients undergoing root canal treatment or tooth extraction – A prospective controlled cohort study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of root canal treatment on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in general dental practice and compare it with tooth extraction. Additionally, patient satisfaction following tooth-preserving treatment was assessed. Material and methods: In all, 65 patients were recruited from 6 general dental clinics in Västra Götaland over 8 weeks, with 37 starting root canal treatment and 28 having extractions. Questionnaires, including Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and 9 questions assessing patient satisfaction, were administered at treatment initiation, and at 1, 6, and 12 months. The responses from both modalities were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Results: The response rate ranged from 73.8% to 92.3%. Regarding OHRQoL, differences between the groups were few compared to baseline. However, significant improvements were observed in the extraction group at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups, in the ‘total score’, and the dimensions ‘pain’, ‘discomfort’, and ‘handicap’. Patient satisfaction was generally high, with cost being the least satisfactory item. Pain intensity remained consistently low. Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study few differences were found between the two treatment modalities. However, significant improvements were observed in the extraction group in several dimensions. The patient satisfaction regarding root canal treatment was considered high.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Improvement After Treatment With Fixed and Removable Dental Prostheses.

Missing teeth negatively affect oral functions and masticatory efficiency, which in turn can reduce a person's quality of life (QoL). This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of dental prostheses on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adults. This is an observational study to measure patients' OHRQoL using a cohort study design before and after treatment with different dental prostheses (fixed and removable). Ninety-seven patients who received dental prostheses responded to a questionnaire before dental prosthetic treatment and then after the completion of the treatment. The conduction was face-to-face or via telephone interviews. The questionnaire is divided into two parts to verify the demographic and the patient's related factors and to measure OHRQoL using the Oral Health Impact Profile-5 (OHIP-5). Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and multivariable analysis were conducted using Stata Statistical Software: Release 14.2 (2016; StataCorp LLC, College Station, Texas, United States) and were at a 0.05 significance level. Data were collected from the 97 patients, of which 70% were male with a mean age of 39.5 and 30% were female with a mean age of 43. The educational level showed that only 15% of the patients received a bachelor's degree and that the remaining 85% stopped at a high school general educational level. The received prosthetic treatment consisted of 23% single crowns, 29% fixed partial dentures (FPD), 20% removable partial dentures (RPD), and 28% complete dentures. Self-reported overall health indicated that 64% of the patients had very good health and 36% had good health or a lower quality of health. There was a significant difference in OHIP scores before prosthetic treatment (M=5.4, SD=0.57) and after prosthetic treatment (M=3.2, SD=0.49) with no significant difference in the reduction in OHIP scores between fixed prostheses (M=-2.8, SD=0.64) and removable prostheses (M=-1.5, SD=0.74). The amount of improvement in OHIP answers after wearing a prosthesis was significant (p<0.0001). Linear regression indicated that having a history of discomfort from general oral health improved (decreased OHIP score) by 2.2 after prosthetic dental treatment compared to participants without a history of general oral health discomfort when all other variables are held constant. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that restoration of missing teeth with a dental prosthesis has an immense impact on individuals' QoL, regardless of the type of dental prosthetic restoration.

Comparison of oral health-related quality of life among endodontic patients with irreversible pulpitis and pulp necrosis using the oral health-related endodontic patient's quality of life scale.

This prospective cohort study aimed to clarify differences in the longitudinal effects on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients undergoing endodontic treatment for irreversible pulpitis and for pulp necrosis, using a newly developed oral health-related endodontic patient's quality of life (OHQE) scale. This study included 131 patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis and pulp necrosis. Comprehensive data regarding the patient's background, medical history, and dental history were collected. The OHQE was administered three times to each patient: before and after endodontic treatment, as well as 2weeks after endodontic treatment as a follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed model for repeated measurements of changes in the OHQE score over time in cases of irreversible pulpitis and pulp necrosis. The patients consisted of 48 (36.6%) males and 83 (63.4%) females with a mean age of 36.2 (standard deviation, 12.6) years. Of these, 62 (47.3%) had irreversible pulpitis, and 69 (52.7%) had pulp necrosis. Intragroup comparisons showed an improvement in the OHQE scores over time in both groups (p < 0.001). Group comparisons revealed no significant differences at any time point. No interactions or changes over time were observed between the two groups. No difference in the improvement of quality of life after endodontic treatment was seen in the two disease groups, and both groups improved over time. However, patients' expectations of receiving endodontic treatment remained unchanged after treatment. Therefore, dental providers should consider explaining the value of endodontic treatment to patients and address the measures that contribute to patient satisfaction.

Impact of orthodontic treatment with aligners on the oral health-related quality of life of patients with trisomy 21.

To assess the impact of treatment with orthodontic aligners (OA) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with trisomy 21 (T21) compared to non-syndromic patients. The sample consisted of 30 patients, both sexes, aged between 11 and 35 years, divided into two groups: T21 (n=10, patients with T21, treated prospectively) and CONTROL (n=20, control group, non-syndromic patients, from the Orthodontic Laboratory of UNOPAR). In both groups, patients were treated with Invisalign orthodontic aligners (Align Technology), following the same treatment parameters. Participants, assisted by their caregivers, when necessary, answered Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) instrument and the patient's guardians answered the Oral Health Scale for People with Down's syndrome (OHDS) instrument, before (T0) and after 30 (T1), 180 (T2), and 365 (T3) days from the start of treatment. Friedman tests with Bonferroni correction and Mann-Whitney tests were used (p<.05). For the OHDS instrument, it was observed that for the eating and communication domains and an overall score, the treatment with OA positively impacted the lives of T21 patients (p<.05). Regarding the OHIP-14 instrument, the intragroup evaluation showed that in the CONTROL group, there was no significant difference between the evaluated times; while for the T21 group, there was a significant positive impact (p<.05). The results showed that the treatment with aligners positively impacted the OHRQoL of T21 patients, and these results were perceived by caregivers, mainly in relation to issues related to eating and communication.

Impact of complete dentures treatment on Oral health-related quality of Life (OHRQoL) in edentulous patients: A descriptive case series study.

To evaluate the changes in oral health-related quality of life [OHRQoL] before and three months after complete denture oral rehabilitation using the Geriatric oral health assessment index [GOHAI] in Pakistani elderly edentulous patients. In this descriptive case series study a total of 80 edentulous patients were recruited from Islamic International Dental Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan from November 2021 to April 2022. The OHRQoL was evaluated twice by using the GOHAI- Urdu version. First, before getting the complete denture, and subsequently after three months of using a prosthesis. The data were analysed using SPSS-23. Pre and post-comparison were done by t-test. Moreover, the ANOVA test was utilized to assess the socio-demographic variables-GOHAI score and association. The mean GOHAI scores increased significantly from 22.9 (SD = 3.01) at baseline to 28.1 (SD = 5.59) after three months (P = 0.001), reflecting an overall increase of 5.2 points. At baseline, the ability of the patient to swallow comfortably was found to have the highest mean GOHAI score of 3.02 (SD= 1.24) and after three months of complete denture insertion, the same questionnaire item further improved with the highest mean GOHAI score of 3.43 (SD=1.05). The socio-demographic characteristics-based comparison of mean pre and post-insertion GOHAI scores suggested a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). The OHRQoL in elderly edentulous patients improved after complete denture delivery, and a significant improvement was noted in most GOHAI domains.

Competitive swimming and dental staining among Australian children.

Swimming has classically been associated with a distinctive type of extrinsic dental staining. However, its prevalence and characteristics have not been explored in Australia. This case controlled cross-sectional cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of dental staining among children who swim competitively compared to non-swimmers and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQL). Parents and children from Western Australian swimming clubs completed a survey assessing swimming routine, risk factors for staining and OHRQL. Intra-oral photographs were taken and staining of anterior teeth was assessed using a modified Lobene Stain Index. A Global Stain Score (GSS) was calculated and compared against age-matched non-swimmer controls. Maxillary anterior teeth from swimmers (n = 400) and non-swimmers (n = 400) were analysed. Staining prevalence was greater in swimmers (83%) than non-swimmers (44%). GSS scores were positively correlated with both the total lifetime swimming hours and practice time (P < 0.05), with a significant difference in GSS between swimmers and non-swimmers (P = <0.001, OR: 6.21). Dietary factors for staining were not significantly correlated with GSS. Swimmers had a greater risk of developing staining than non-swimmers, and this negatively impacted their OHRQL. The extent and intensity of staining were associated with the amount of swimming.

A cross-sectional study on dental anxiety and state anxiety related to removal of fixed partial dentures.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the clinical removal of fixed partial dentures on oral health-related quality of life and the anxiety values of individuals and to determine the clinical factors of high anxiety levels. In total, 300 participants were included in the study. Six different reasons for the clinical removal of fixed partial dentures (oral examination, denture renewal, endodontic treatment, tooth extraction, periodontal treatment, and composite filling restoration) were defined. The United Kingdom Oral Health-Related Quality-of-Life Measure (OHRQoL-UK), the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory- State (STAI-S) and Trait (STAI-T) were answered. The reason groups were compared using one-way analyses of variance. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors for high anxiety. There was no significant difference in OHRQoL-UK scores (P &#61; .279) among the reason groups, but there were significant differences in MDAS, STAI-S, and STAI-T scores (P &#61; .004, P .001, P &#61; .018, respectively) among the reason groups. Endodontic treatment, tooth extraction, and sex were determined to be risk factors, considering the anxiety scales. Females are 2.2 times more likely to have trait anxiety than men. Although the effect of the reason for the clinical removal of fixed partial dentures on oral health-related quality of life was similar among the groups, it is concluded that endodontic treatment and tooth extraction reasons for the clinical removal of fixed partial dentures could be risk factors for high anxiety regardless of fixed partial denture usage time.

A retrospective cohort study on 3D printed temporary crowns

In this retrospective cohort study the survival rate, clinical parameters, patient satisfaction with aesthetics and oral health-related quality of life of 3D printed temporary crowns were evaluated. Temporary crowns were 3D printed with a Form3B out of Permanent Crown Resin (Formlabs GmbH). Anonymized data for the restorations’ survival (in-situ) was evaluated retrospectively for 98 temporary crowns of 63 patients fabricated within 19 months. Among these restorations, further analysis was conducted for 42 temporary crowns of 24 patients regarding clinical parameters (modified USPHS criteria), patient satisfaction with aesthetics and impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) (OHIP 14). Descriptive statistical analysis (significance level of α = 0.05) included a Kaplan–Meier curve for survival analysis, a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for USPHS, aesthetics and OHIP data, followed by a Wilcoxon test for USPHS and OHIP data and Chi-squared test for aesthetics data. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated for OHIP data. The average observation period for survival analysis was 256 days. The survival rate was satisfactory at 98% and n = 2 catastrophic failures (i.e. fracture) occurred. Total OHIP scores, with good reliabilities, improved from 6.63 to 2.21 significantly (p = 0.005) and patient satisfaction with aesthetics (p < 0.001) as well. Clinical analysis with modified USPHS criteria revealed encouraging results.

Impact of Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment of Periodontitis Stages 2 and 3 on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life.

This study investigates the impact of nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with periodontitis stages (S)2 and S3, and the factors associated with the prediction of patient-reported outcomes. Periodontitis patients (n = 68) with moderately deep periodontal pockets were recruited. Responses to the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 questionnaire and clinical parameters including plaque index, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded. All patients received supra- and subgingival professional mechanical plaque removal. All clinical parameters and questionnaire responses were recorded again 3 months after NSPT. Clinical parameters and OHIP-14 scores for both stages of periodontitis were significantly improved 3 months after treatment. However, participants with periodontitis S3 had significantly higher total OHIP-14, physical pain, and functional limitation domains scores than periodontitis S2 cases. Baseline CAL, BOP, and the presence of PPD in anterior teeth were positively associated with increased OHIP-14 scores after NSPT. NSPT improved OHRQoL in participants with periodontitis S2 and S3. This was more pronounced in participants having periodontitis S3 than S2. Poorer OHRQoL could be anticipated in people having severe CAL, high BOP, and presence of pockets in the anterior teeth.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in an Institutionalized Population with HIV+/AIDS in the Northern Region of Mexico.

Approximately 39 million people worldwide live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved life expectancy for these individuals, with quality of life (QoL) being a crucial aspect. However, there is limited information on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) for institutionalized patients with HIV. This study used a cross-sectional design and included 43 residents of a non-governmental institution who had a confirmed HIV diagnosis and a history of intravenous drug use. The Spanish version of the Oral Health Index Profile-14 (OHIPsp) was used to assess the OHRQoL, with the 50th percentile serving as the cutoff for good or poor quality of life. All 43 patients had one or more oral lesions, with 44.1% having AIDS-related oral lesions (AROLs). Over half of the participants (48.8%) reported a poor OHRQoL, and females experienced worse quality of life in all dimensions compared to males. Subjects with AROLs were three times more likely to have poor OHRQoL than those without AROLs (p = 0.03; OR = 3.1 IC 1.04-9.6). These results highlight the need for a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with HIV that includes oral health, particularly for women living in precarious conditions or who are institutionalized. Improving oral health can significantly enhance quality of life.

Oral health status and oral health-related quality of life among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the age group of 11-14 years in Delhi-NCR Region.

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of oral health status (OHS) and sociodemographic indicators on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) aged 11-14 years and compare it with age-matched nondiabetic children. This cross-sectional study included 80 children aged between 11 and 14 years with T1DM and 80 age-matched nondiabetic children. The OHRQoL was measured using a validated structured Hindi version of the child perception questionnaire (CPQ11-14) questionnaire. The clinical OHS was assessed using the decayed, missing, or filled teeth index, plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI). Associations between OHRQoL and independent predictors were analyzed with the log-linear Poisson model regression method. CPQ11-14 scores were significantly lower in nondiabetic children than diabetic children, indicating better OHRQoL among nondiabetic children than diabetic children (P ≤ 0.05). The GI score exhibited a significantly lower value in nondiabetic children than in diabetic children (P = 0.014). In contrast, the mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth score showed a significantly higher value in nondiabetic children than in diabetic children (P ≤ 0.001). There was no difference in the mean PI of diabetic and nondiabetic children (P = 0.096). The result of the present study highlighted the detrimental effect of T1DM on OHRQoL in children.

A longitudinal pilot study examining the influence of the orthodontic system chosen in adult patients (brackets versus aligners) on oral health-related quality of life and anxiety

BackgroundIn recent years, the demand for orthodontic treatment with aligners has increased, led by patient need, as aligners typically provide them with improved aesthetics and less physical discomfort. In deciding with the patient on an appropriate orthodontic system, it is important to take into account the potential discomfort and the perceptions that patients have in relation to their treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of brackets or aligners on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and anxiety levels in a sample of adult patients during the first month of treatment.MethodsThe pilot study was carried out at the Dental Clinic of the University of Salamanca between November 2023 and February 2024. Eighty adult patients who initiated orthodontic treatment were selected and divided into two groups: the brackets group (Victory®; 3 M Unitek, California, USA) (n = 40) and the aligners group (Invisalign®; Align Technology, California, USA) (n = 40). OHRQoL was analyzed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire, and anxiety was analyzed using the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The follow-up time was one month, with scores recorded at the beginning (T0) and one month after starting treatment (T1).ResultsThe mean patient age was 33.70 (± 5.45) years old. The total sample (n = 80) consisted of 66.2% men and 33.8% women. In the brackets group, one month after starting treatment, the dimension with the highest impact was that of physical pain (5.62 ± 1.51). In the aligners group, where the dimension of psychological disability had the highest score (4.22 ± 1.02). In the brackets group the total OHIP score was higher at one month (T1) (33.98 ± 6.81) than at the start of treatment (T0) (21.80 ± 3.34); this greater impact on OHRQoL one month after starting treatment was not observed in the aligners group (T1 = 27.33 ± 6.83; T0 = 27.33 ± 6.22). The orthodontic system used did not influence participants’ anxiety (p > 0.05). Age and sex were not influential factors in either OHRQoL or anxiety.ConclusionsThe bracket system significantly influenced patients’ OHRQoL. In the sample studied, no influence of the orthodontic system (brackets versus aligners) on anxiety was observed.

UNMET PROSTHODONTIC NEEDS AND ORAL HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG TRADERS IN AN URBAN KANO MARKET: A PILOT SURVEY

ABSTRACT: Objectives: Prosthodontic needs may affect oral health quality of life among subsets of an urban population like traders in urban markets. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the impact of unmet prosthetic needs on Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) among traders in urban markets within Kano metropolis. Materials and Methods: Institutional Ethical approval was obtained. Study location was selected after a stratified sampling of available markets. A study proforma retrieving information on sociodemographic, prosthetic status and needs; and, the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was administered on consenting participants. Retrieved data were summarized as frequencies, percentages and means. Prosthetic needs were quantified and assessed to derive patterns and odds ratios across participants sociodemographic characteristics. Rank Correlation and subgroup analyses were to assess the relationship between prosthetic need and OHIP-14 scores and how this is influenced by gender and age. Results: A total of 360 individuals participated in the study. There were 274 (76%) males and 86 (24%) females. Their ages ranged from 18 to 85 years with a mean age of 35.9 ± 14.8 years. A comparable percentage of participants were either married (48%), or had never been married (44.1%). Participants who identified as Muslim (84.7%) predominated, and Hausa/Fulani (69.4%) were the predominant ethnic identity. Many (48.1%) of participants had at least a secondary school level of education. About a fifth (79 or 21.9%) of the participants had a prosthodontic need. Unmet needs were present in 51(64.6%) of this segment of the participants. Females were more likely to have a prosthesis (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 0.90, 4.74). Prostheses were more common among participants 50 years or older (OR=7.49; 95% CI:1.50, 37.29) and were about 3.5 times more likely to be found in individuals who had at least a secondary school education. Mean OHIP-14 scores was 1.3±3.9 in those without prosthetic needs and 13.1±12.7 for those with needs. Prosthetic need influenced OHIP=14 scores in all tested domains (p&lt;0.001). Prosthetic needs correlated with OHIP-14 scores (rs=0.64, p&lt;0.001). The correlation between prosthetic needs and OHIP-14 scores was stronger in females (p&lt;0.001) and with increasing age (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: There was a high level of unmet prosthetic need within the studied population. Prosthetic need was inversely related to Oral Health Related Quality of Life. Increasing age and female gender were directly related to prosthetic needs and prosthetic status.

Oral Health Impact Profile in Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) serves as a crucial tool in understanding the intricate relationship between oral health and systemic conditions like type 2 Diabetes. This study delves into the comparative analysis of OHIP in patients with and without type 2 diabetes, shedding light on the nuanced impact of this metabolic disorder on oral health-related quality of life (OHrQoL). By scrutinising factors such as oral discomfort, functional limitations and psychological well-being, this research aims to unearth valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by diabetic individuals in maintaining optimal oral health. Such findings hold immense significance in guiding tailored interventions and enhancing holistic healthcare approaches. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 232 diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Clinical examinations were conducted, and a validated Arabic version of the OHIP-14 instrument was used. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. Results: In total, 232 patients with and without diabetes were included in this study. A statistically significant effect was observed amongst diabetic compared to non-diabetic participants (P = 0.015). The overall OHrQoL across the seven domains of participants with diabetes was significantly lower than those without diabetes (P = 0.0001). Oral lesions were more common and showed statistically significant effects amongst diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes have shown undesirable oral health which impacted their quality of life compared to those without diabetes. Future research focusing on developing preventive interventional strategies for diabetic patients, in addition to enhancing the awareness of oral diseases and dental care amongst those patients, is highly encouraged. Developing a standardised protocol with a unified OHrQoL instrument and methodological statistical analysis approaches that could be generalised and used worldwide periodically amongst diabetic patients may also be advocated.

Impact of Pregestational Obesity on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Brazilian Pregnant Women: A Cohort Study.

The oral health-related quality of life of pregnant women and its effects on health conditions are important topics to be investigated in scientific research. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of pre-pregnancy obesity on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in pregnant women. A prospective cohort study was carried out with 93 pregnant women who were evaluated in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy (T1) and after delivery (T2). The following were analyzed: dental caries (DMFT), OHRQoL (OHIP-14), anthropometric data (BMI), socioeconomic, demographic, oral hygiene behavioral habits and the use of dental services. Unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression analyses were performed to determine the impact of predictors on OHRQoL. The results of the adjusted analysis showed lower education relative risk (RR) (1.37; 95%CI 1.02-1.83; <0.00), low income (RR 2.19; 95%CI 1.63-2.93; <0.00) and higher BMI pre-pregnancy (RR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.04; <0.00) were associated with worse OHRQoL in postpartum pregnant women. Flossing was a predictor of better OHRQoL at T2 (RR 0.73; 95%CI 0.57-0.93; <0.01). Higher BMI, low education, low income and inadequate oral hygiene habits were predictors of worse OHRQOL of pregnant women after the birth of the baby.

Dental pain in Brazilian preschool children: association with the severity of dental caries and impact on oral health-related quality of life.

This study aimed to verify the association between dental pain and severity of dental caries (caries morbidity stages) and the impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in preschool children. A cross-sectional study with 199 children (2-5years old) enrolled at preschools in Capão do Leão-RS, Brazil. The self-report of mothers of children with a history of dental pain in the last 6months and perception of their child's OHRQoL (ECOHIS) were obtained through a structured questionnaire. This questionnaire also collected independent variables. Children's oral examination was performed using the CAST instrument to determine caries morbidity stage. Crude and adjusted Poisson regression analysis was performed. The prevalence of dental pain was 14.57%. The chance of the occurrence of dental pain was higher among children diagnosed in morbidity [Prevalence ratio-PR: 5.29 (95% confidence interval-95% CI 1.91-14.61); p = 0.001] and severe morbidity [RP = 6.12 (95 CI% 2.25-16.64); p < 0.001] stages. Children with dental pain presented higher scores in the total ECOHIS [rate ratio = 7.11 (95% CI 4.55-11.09); p < 0.001] and in all of the domains of this instrument. Furthermore, children with a history of dental trauma [PR = 2.41 (95% CI 1.15-5.04); p < 0.001] and those whose reason for last visit to the dental office was for restorative/endodontic/extraction treatment [PR = 1.29 (95% CI 1.01-6.19); p = 0.049] had a higher prevalence of dental pain. A substantial prevalence of dental pain in the last 6months and negative impact on children's OHRQoL was identified in this sample. Children diagnosed with carious dentin lesions and abscess and fistula were more likely to have dental pain.

Are changes in malocclusion associated with adulthood psychosocial well-being?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal psychosocial effects of changes in malocclusion from adolescence to adulthood on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL), self-rated dental appearance, and overall life satisfaction. The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study is a longitudinal birth cohort study of 1037 children born at Queen Mary Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand, between April 1, 1972 and March 31, 1973. Data on their health and development, including dental examinations, has since been collected periodically. Malocclusion severity was measured using the Dental Aesthetic Index in participants aged 15 and 45 years (data collected at age 18 years was supplemented for data missing at age 15 years). Other data collected included clinically assessed oral health (dental caries and periodontal disease experience) and self-rated dental appearance, OHRQOL, life satisfaction, and personality traits. Malocclusion data were available for 868 participants in adolescence and 834 aged 45 years. For those with a severe handicapping malocclusion at 15 years old, 46.6% who received orthodontic treatment transitioned to a resolved (ie, mild-moderate) malocclusion when aged 45 years, whereas only 16.2% of those who did not receive orthodontic treatment made that transition. A transition to a worse malocclusion was associated with impacts on OHRQOL when aged 45 years in the subdomains of functional limitation, psychological discomfort, and physical disability as well as worse self-ratings of dental appearance, and these findings were held after adjusting for potential confounders. Malocclusion was not associated with overall life satisfaction. Maintenance of acceptable occlusion after orthodontic treatment requires a strong emphasis on achieving and maintaining excellent dental health and avoiding chronic oral conditions such as dental caries and tooth loss. The long-term benefits of orthodontic treatment may diminish by midlife unless good dental health is maintained. Orthodontists have the responsibility to raise awareness among their patients on how to maintain good oral health after orthodontic treatment.

Randomized controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of a novel antimicrobial chewing gum in reducing plaque and gingivitis in adolescent orthodontic patients

ObjectivesChewing gums containing antiseptics or other antimicrobial substances may be effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Therefore, the aim of this randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy of a novel antimicrobial chewing gum containing essential oils (cinnamon, lemon, peppermint) and extracts on reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis as well as on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adolescent orthodontic patients.Materials52 patients (11-22 years of age) were randomly assigned to use a test chewing gum (COVIDGUM, Clevergum) or a commercially available control chewing gum over a period of 10 days. Approximal plaque index (API), papillary bleeding index (PBI) and an OHRQoL questionnaire for children (COHIP-G19) were assessed at baseline (BL), after 10 days (10d) and 30 days (30d). In addition, oral health and oral hygiene related questions of the COHIP-G19 questionnaire were evaluated separately in subscales at each timepoint. Data were analyzed using non-parametrical statistical procedures (α = 0.05).ResultsAPI and PBI decreased significantly over time from BL to 10d and from BL to 30d in both groups, without significant differences between the groups. In both groups, the COHIP-G19 score, oral health subscale and oral hygiene subscale decreased significantly over time. Regarding the oral hygiene subscale, the test group showed significantly better scores at 30d (p = 0.011).ConclusionBoth chewing gums performed similarly effective in terms of reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation and improving OHRQoL.Clinical relevanceChewing gums without antimicrobial ingredients may be sufficient to decrease plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.