Oral Hygiene Research Articles

Biochemical properties of a Flavobacterium johnsoniae dextranase and its biotechnological potential for Streptococcus mutans biofilm degradation.

Cariogenic biofilms have a matrix rich in exopolysaccharides (EPS), mutans and dextrans, that contribute to caries development. Although several physical and chemical treatments can be employed to remove oral biofilms, those are only partly efficient and use of biofilm-degrading enzymes represents an exciting opportunity to improve the performance of oral hygiene products. In the present study, a member of a glycosyl hydrolase family 66 from Flavobacterium johnsoniae (FjGH66) was heterologously expressed and biochemically characterized. The recombinant FjGH66 showed a hydrolytic activity against an early EPS-containing S. mutans biofilm, and, when associated with a α-(1,3)-glucosyl hydrolase (mutanase) from GH87 family, displayed outstanding performance, removing more than 80% of the plate-adhered biofilm. The mixture containing FjGH66 and Prevotella melaninogenica GH87 α-1,3-mutanase was added to a commercial mouthwash liquid to synergistically remove the biofilm. Dental floss and polyethylene disks coated with biofilm-degrading enzymes also degraded plate-adhered biofilm with a high efficiency. The results presented in this study might be valuable for future development of novel oral hygiene products.

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

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

Assessment of oral hygiene and quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers: an observational clinical study.

This study aimed to evaluate the degrees of dependence and presence of bacterial plaque in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the quality of life (QoL) of children and their caregivers. This is a cross-sectional observational study. This study included one hundred and nineteen individuals with ASD and their caregivers. Data were collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire, WHOQOL-Bref, and Burden Interview to measure QoL and caregiver burden, respectively. The Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant Imagé questionnaire, adapted in game format, was applied to verify QoL in children with ASD. An oral clinical examination evaluated the visible plaque index. The collected data were tabulated and organized for statistical analysis with a significance level of 5%. It was observed that 52% of the children had a severity of ASD level 1, 70% were dependent on general activities, and 65% were dependent on oral hygiene. Of the 77 children who thoroughly answered the questionnaire about their QoL, 64.9% had good QoL, and 35.1% had scores below 48, that is, low QoL. In general, the caregivers generally presented QoL with a rate of 60.95 (good) points on the scale. It was observed that gingival bleeding greater than 30% is 2 (ASD 2 + ASD 3) to 3 (ASD 3) times more likely to occur in patients who have higher levels of ASD (p˂0.004). It was concluded that the QoL of individuals with ASD was good, that most children depend on their daily activities and oral hygiene, and that they showed reasonable plaque control. On the other hand, the caregivers presented low QoL and moderate burden.

Unique dietary and oral hygiene behaviors in a cohort with clinically severe obesity: A cross sectional study.

An association between increased risk of dental caries with increased levels of clinically severe obesity has been reported. Data linking body mass index (BMI) and dietary behaviors, including at-risk dietary factors and oral hygiene habits, are lacking in a cohort with clinically severe obesity. This study aimed to explore the dietary and oral hygiene behaviors in individuals with clinically severe obesity attending a hospital-based obesity service. Adult patients attending a hospital-based obesity service in Greater Western Sydney with clinically severe obesity were invited to participate in a self-administered survey, which collected data on their nutritional and oral hygiene behaviors. Demographic data (age, gender) and BMI were extracted from the participants' medical records. The primary outcome was the relationship between BMI and frequency of toothbrushing. RESULTS: Of the 82 individuals who consented to participate, 81 (98.8%) completed the study questionnaire. The median BMI of the cohort was 49.1 kg/m2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 43.2-57.3 kg/m2) and median age 51 (IQR: 39-63) years. BMI was not significantly correlated with individual oral health behaviors (p > .05). Many participants reported dietary risk behaviors, which have the potential to influence their oral health. While oral health behaviors were not associated with increasing BMI, patients with clinically severe obesity in this study reported unique dietary behaviors and mixed oral hygiene habits that may complicate nutritional and dental management. Awareness of these behaviors among clinicians including dental professionals is required in this cohort.

Assessment of the knowledge, attitude and practices of the informed consent process in oral healthcare among dental students in Makerere University Dental Hospital, Uganda

IntroductionInformed consent is an ethical and legal component of healthcare. It ensures patient autonomy and allows patients to make decisions regarding their treatment. In dental care, informed consent is particularly important because most dental procedures are invasive. Since dental students are future dentists, they need to learn about their ethical obligations and accountability through the informed consent process as this is critical to patients’ well-being. This study aimed to determine dental students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the informed consent process for oral health care in Makerere University Dental Hospital, Uganda.Study methodologyThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study using quantitative methods. It was carried out at Makerere University Dental Hospital and third, fourth, and fifth-year students (n = 102) pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery program took part in the survey. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices of informed consent for oral health care. Collected data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1, where it was cleaned, coded, and imported to STATA version 14 software for statistical analysis.ResultsAbout two-thirds 67 (65.7%) of the participants were males. The mean age was 25 (SD = 3.21) years. The majority (90%) of the students had a high level of knowledge of the informed consent process. About (80%) had a positive attitude towards informed consent and (85%) most often practiced the informed consent process. Based on bi-variate analysis, training on informed consent, year of study, age, and sex were significantly associated with the informed consent process. However, there was no significant risk factor associated with informed consent in multiple logistic regression analysis.ConclusionThe study findings highlighted high levels of knowledge, positive attitude, and practice of the informed consent process among the clinical dental students. Continuous training is necessary to remind dental students about the importance of informed consent in healthcare, not only for complex procedures.

Influence of Biofilm Maturity on the Antibacterial Efficacy of Cold Atmospheric Plasma in Oral Microcosm Biofilms

As biofilms mature, biomass and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) content increases, enhancing pathogenicity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) against oral microcosm biofilms and the influence of biofilm maturity on treatment. Oral microcosm biofilms were cultured on hydroxyapatite disks for 2 and 6 days. Based on the treatment and biofilm maturity, these were subsequently allocated into six groups (N = 19 each): Groups 1 and 2 were incubated with distilled water for 1 min; Groups 3 and 4 were treated with CAP for 2 min, and Groups 5 and 6 were treated with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate for 1 min. Groups 1, 3, and 5 represent 2-day biofilms, and Groups 2, 4, and 6 represent 6-day biofilms. Treatments were repeated daily for 5 days. Antibacterial efficacy was analyzed by measuring oral biofilms’ red fluorescence intensity (RatioR/G) and quantifying EPS content and bacterial viability. The RatioR/G was 1.089-fold and 1.104-fold higher in Groups 4 and 6 than in Groups 3 and 5 following antibacterial treatment, respectively (p < 0.001). EPS content increased by 1.71-fold in Group 6 than in Group 5 (p < 0.001). Bacterial survival rate was the lowest in Group 3 (p = 0.005). These findings underscore the relevance of CAP treatment in maintaining antibacterial efficacy regardless of the biofilm development stage, highlighting its potential utility in oral care.

3D intraoral scanning techniques support the effects of crown morphology on dental caries

BackgroundWith the development and utilization of three-dimensional (3D) intraoral scanning (IOS) technology, the morphological characteristics of teeth were quantitatively assessed. In this research, we aimed to explore the prevalence of dental caries in relation to each measurable morphological indicator of the tooth body via 3D intraoral scanning techniques.MethodsA hospital-based single-centre study was conducted at our hospital from Dec. 2021 to Apr. 2023. A total of 53 patients were involved in the study, providing complete morphological data for 79 teeth. Each patient completed an oral hygiene routine questionnaire and underwent examination by an experienced dentist to evaluate caries conditions before undergoing 3D intraoral scanning to obtain a digital dental model. Geomagic Studio 2014 was used to extract oral morphological data from the models. The acquired data were entered, cleaned and edited using Excel 2016 and subsequently exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression analyses were employed to test the associations.ResultsAmong the participants, 33 (61.1%) were female, with a mean age of 26.52 ± 10.83 years. Significant associations were found between dental caries and the vertical distance between the distal tip and the gum (OR 14.02; 95% CI 1.80-109.07; P = 0.012), the distal lateral horizontal distance of occlusion (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.18–0.90; P = 0.026), and the mesial horizontal distance of occlusion (OR 2.20; 95% CI 1.12–4.31; P = 0.021). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test indicated a P value of 0.33.ConclusionsThe vertical distance between the distal tip and the gum, the distal lateral horizontal distance of the occlusion and the mesial horizontal distance of the occlusion were the influencing factors for dental caries (identified as independent risk factors). We hypothesize that these factors may be associated with the physiological curvature of teeth and the role of chewing grooves in plaque formation over time. However, further studies involving larger population samples and more detailed age stratification are still needed.

The Impact of Digital Life on Oral Health: A Critical Review

The widespread adoption of digital technologies has transformed various aspects of daily life, including communication, entertainment, and work. This review examines the potential implications of digital life on oral health, focusing on behaviours such as increased screen time, sedentary habits, and altered dietary patterns associated with digital device usage. Additionally, the impact of social media on oral health perceptions and behaviours is explored. Furthermore, the role of digital tools, such as tele-health and mobile applications, in promoting oral hygiene and facilitating access to dental care is discussed. Understanding the multifaceted influence of digital life on oral health is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies and interventions to mitigate potential adverse effects and promote overall oral health and well-being in the digital age.

Oral health and nutritional status in care-dependent, community-dwelling older adults in Zurich, Switzerland

The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status (OHS), Oral health impact profile (OHIP-G-14), and the nutritional status (NS) in community-dwelling, dependent older adults. Information on OHS including DMF(T), plaque (PI) and gingival (GI) indices, community-periodontal-index-for-treatment-needs (CPITN), OHIP-G-14, maximum bite force (MBF), chewing efficiency [subjective (SA) and quantitative (VoH) assessments] were collected. NS was obtained by Mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) and body mass index (BMI). Cognitive status was evaluated by the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). 240 elders (mean-age = 81.5 ± 8.9y; men =85, women =155) were recruited. Average number of teeth, functional occlusal units and DMF(T), were 18.8 ± 8.9, 7.7 ± 3.5, and 22.3 ± 5.3 respectively. Mean PI, GI, CPITN and OHIP-G-14 were 1.8 ± 0.8, 1.2 ± 0.8, 1.9 ± 1.1, and 8.0 ± 12.0, respectively. MBF, VoH, SA were 219.6 ± 193.6, 0.3 ± 0.2, and 3.3 ± 1.4, respectively. MNA and BMI were 22.9 ± 4.7 and 25.5 ± 5.3, respectively. Number of teeth reduced significantly with age (P < 0.001), cognitive decline (P < 0.001). Oral hygiene significantly deteriorated with cognitive decline (P < 0.001). OHIP scores were negatively affected by increasing cognitive decline (P < 0.001). MNA deteriorated in women (P = 0.026), with increasing age (P = 0.015), and advancing cognitive decline (P < 0.001). BMI reduced with advancing age (P = 0.003) and in women (P = 0.016). Based on the findings of this study, it may be concluded that advancing age and cognitive decline, negatively impacted the oral health, oral function, oral health-related quality of life, and the nutritional state of care-dependent community-dwelling older adults.

The new system for classification of periodontal and peri-implant disease: A questionnaire study of implementation by Swedish dental hygienists.

To what extent do dental hygienists (DH) employed by the Public Dental Health Service (PDHS) in Sweden use the new classification system, their knowledge of it and their attitudes towards it. A web-based questionnaire was distributed to DHs in the PDHS in different regions of Sweden. A total of 197 registered DHs responded. The questions covered their knowledge, attitudes and possible barriers to implementation of the new classification system of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, and a question about their perceived need for a complementary digital tool to facilitate its implementation. Seventy per cent of the DHs stated that they used the new classification system. Twenty-nine per cent of the participants were confident in classifying periodontitis under the new system. Furthermore, 36% of the participants considered their knowledge of the new system to be good and 33% to be poor or non-existent. Several DHs stated that the new system was too time-consuming, that it caused stress, that their knowledge was inadequate and that they, therefore, considered it too difficult to use. Eighty per cent of the participants were positive to a digital tool as a complement and support to classify periodontitis and peri-implantitis. The present study showed that most of the DHs used the new classification system and one-third considered their knowledge to be good, although it was difficult and time-consuming. Furthermore, in general, the DHs were positive to a digital tool to facilitate application of the new classification system.

One-year clinical evaluation of bone-level and tissue-level implants

Aim: This study aimed to retrospectively examine and compare the clinical conditions of different implant levels at the end of 1 year. The clinical success is closely related to the loading time, the primary stability, oral hygiene, the features of the implant neck, and the bone structure. Methodology: A total of 41 implants were applied to patients with a mean age of 52.76±11.39 years. Among these patients, 10 (47.6%) were female, and 11 (52.4%) were male. Out of the total of 19 implants, 46.3% were placed in the left mandible. Specifically, 14.6% were placed in the premolar area and 31.7% were placed in the molar region. The 22 (53.7%) remaining cases were placed in the right mandible, with 10 (24.4%) in the premolar region and 12 (29.3%) in the molar region. In all, 21 implants (51.2%) were placed at the bone level, whereas 20 implants (48.8%) were placed at the tissue level. Out of the total of 41 implants, 25 (61%) had a diameter of 3.3 mm, whereas 16 (39%) had a diameter of 4.1 mm. X-rays were taken to detect bone loss in the mesial and distal regions, transferred to the computer, and evaluated via IBM SPSS Statistics V22 software. Results: In the study, 19 (46.3%) of the implants were placed in the left mandible and 22 (53.7%) in the right mandible. Approximately 51.2% of the implants were placed at the bone level, and 48.8% were at the tissue level. Initial Osstell values ranged from 72.88 ± 6.4 ISQ to 75.83 ± 5.92 ISQ. The initial X-ray results varied between 0.03 ± 0.09 mm and 0.38 ± 0.99 mm, whereas the final X-ray measurements were 0.15 ± 0.24 mm to 0.71 ± 1.54 mm. Conclusion: Bone loss was determined to be less than 2 mm in both groups. Plaque accumulation occurred in the lingual region; however, it was observed more at the bone level. Hygiene control is the key for success, which could easily be accomplished with the gingival level of implants or the gingival positioning height of the abutments.

Comparative Analysis of Plaque Removal and Wear between Electric–Mechanical and Bioelectric Toothbrushes

Effective oral care is important for maintaining a high quality of life. Therefore, plaque control can prevent the development and recurrence of periodontitis. Brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste is a common way to remove plaque; however, excessive brushing or brushing with abrasive toothpaste can cause wear and tear on the dental crown. Hence, we aimed to quantitatively compare the plaque-removal efficiency and tooth wear of toothbrushes using the bioelectric effect (BE) with those of electric–mechanical toothbrushes. To generate the BE signal, an electronic circuit was developed and embedded in a toothbrush. Further, typodonts were coated with cultured artificial plaques and placed in a brushing simulator. A toothpaste slurry was applied, and the typodonts were eluted with tap water after brushing. The plaques of the typodonts were captured, and the images were quantified. For the tooth wear experiment, polymethyl methacrylate disk resin blocks were brushed twice a day, and the thickness of the samples was measured. Subsequently, statistical differences between the experimental toothbrushes and typical toothbrushes were analyzed. The BE toothbrush had a higher plaque-removal efficiency and could minimize tooth wear. This study suggests that the application of BE may be a new solution for oral care.

Fissure Sealants or Fluoride Varnish? A Randomized Pragmatic Split-Mouth Trial.

This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of resin-based fissure sealants (FS) and fluoride varnish (FV) in children at high caries risk. A practice-based split-mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted at 9 Public Dental Service (PDS) clinics in Norway. In total, 409 children age 6 to 10 y at high caries risk (d3mft > 0) meeting inclusion criteria were recruited by dentists and dental hygienists during routine examination. Eligibility criteria were 2 fully erupted first permanent molars (FPMs) in the same jaw, with sound occlusal surfaces or with initial caries. Participation was voluntary, caregivers and eligible children were informed about the study, and written parental consent was obtained. FS and FV were randomly applied on contralateral FPMs in the same jaw, with each participant serving as their own control. FS was applied at baseline and thereafter maintained according to clinicians' conventional procedures, whereas FV was applied at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo. The study outcome was success, with no need for invasive treatment (caries control), while failure was defined as dentin carious lesion or restoration. Two-level mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used to compare FS and FV groups. Of 409 recruited children, 369 (90%) children/tooth pairs were examined after 36 mo. Intention-to-treat analysis showed 94.1% adjusted predicted probability (aPP) of success (95% confidence interval [CI] 91.7 to 96.4) in the FS group and 89.6% aPP (95% CI 86.5 to 92.7) in the FV group. In the adjusted analysis, the FV group had a lower OR for success compared with the FS group (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.87). In the population studied, the clinical effectiveness of FS was statistically significantly higher compared with FV but below the estimated minimal clinically important difference of 10%.

Assessment of dental and periodontal indices and Streptococcus mutans virulence in fragile X syndrome patients.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of hereditary genetic disorder in a single gene characterised by intellectual disability. Behavioural features such as autism, hyperactivity and anxiety disorder may be present. Biofilm development and pathogenicity of Streptococcus mutans may be altered because FXS renders the dental approach and oral hygiene more complex. The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of transcripts for VicRK and CovR of S. mutans isolated from FXS patients with the levels of transcripts for VicRK and CovR of standard strain ATCC, using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The caries experience index was assessed by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), Periodontal Condition Index (PCI) and Invasive Dental Treatment Need Index (INI). The clinical index findings revealed a high rate of caries cavities and bleeding on probing of FXS patients. When VicRK and CovR transcript levels were compared with the reference strain, Fragile X patients were found to have significantly higher values. The present study demonstrated that FXS patients have more adverse clinical conditions, with increased biofilm accumulation and virulence. When combined with behavioural abnormalities, these patients become even more vulnerable to dental caries.

Dentist Involvement in the Treatment of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis—A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study

Oral mucositis (OM) occurs in more than 95% of patients irradiated in the head and neck area. This paper aims to determine the occurrence and characteristics of OM in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), as well as the involvement of dentists/oral medicine specialists in treating such patients. Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Department of Oral Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, from April to August 2022, on patients irradiated in the head and neck area. A unique OM questionnaire was created on the incidence, characteristics, oral care, and involvement of dentists in the overall care. Results: Thirty patients filled out the questionnaire. Of the 22 patients who had developed OM, 14 had grade-three OM. Ten patients were treated for OM in line with the instructions of an oral medicine specialist, eight based on the instructions of a specialist responsible for monitoring of the underlying disease, and four were not treated at all. Sixteen patients had not been referred to a dentist before the start of RT. Conclusions: These results showed insufficient care and treatment of OM, as well as insufficient involvement of dentists in the oncology team.

What Are The Optimum Plaque Control Methods For Patients With Fixed Orthodontic Appliances?

Fixed appliance therapy is an integral facet of contemporary orthodontics. Despite the benefits of orthodontic care to the patient , fixed appliances, in the absence of effective and sustained oral hygiene, can result in deleterious effects to the dentition and supporting structures. The current evidence regarding the effectiveness of available methods for plaque control during fixed appliance therapy is considerable but with significant variation between studies. No review to date has summarised the available evidence for different oral hygiene interventions. The purpose of this article is to summarize the evidence for plaque control methods based on the best available evidence. In this way, our research may serve to assist clinicians in educating patients regarding optimum plaque control during fixed appliance therapy.

The role of telehealth in the delivery of oral and maxillofacial surgery services at a level 6 hospital in New South Wales Australia during COVID-19 - the John Hunter Hospital experience: a commentary, review and cautionary tale for the future.

The objective of this article is to understand the uptake in use of Telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to provide compelling impetus for further research and promotion of Telehealth in general. A data review of Outpatient Department data from 2020 to 2023, as compiled by the Surgical Outcomes improvement Unit. Telehealth was widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic for clinicians to provide healthcare to patients whilst adhering to strict lockdown guidelines aimed at limiting exposure and spread of the respiratory virus. There has been minimal analysis, however, of the ethical and legal implications of telemedicine. Whilst it seems that access to care is improved via telehealth, there are subtle, inherent barriers intrinsic to it. There was a significant increase in the use of audio and audiovisual aids in the delivery of Oral and Maxillofacial Outpatient care during the COVID-19 period. Further analysis and improvements need to be made to the system before it can be considered as sufficient and adequate. Where there is rapid adoption of Telehealth in the delivery of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services, there must be concurrent rigorous review and update of systems in order to address the key areas of patient safety and accuracy of treatment.

Acceptability of teledentistry use among residents and staff in aged residential care facilities in the Otago region of New Zealand.

To assess ARC residents' and staff perceptions of the benefits of, and comfort with, teledentistry use in ARC facilities in the Otago region of NZ, and identify end-user-level factors associated with its use. Difficulty in accessing oral healthcare services is a key barrier to aged residential care (ARC) residents' oral health and well-being. Teledentistry offers a possible solution, yet studies on its acceptability in ARCs are sparse, especially in New Zealand (NZ). This study assessed ARC residents' and staff perceptions of the benefits of, and comfort with, teledentistry use in ARC facilities in the Otago region of NZ and identified end-user-level factors associated with its use. Rest home-level residents and care staff in ARC facilities in the Otago region of NZ were surveyed to assess their awareness of teledentistry, perceptions of benefit and comfort using teledentistry, and end-user-level factors associated with the feasibility of using it in ARCs. One hundred residents and 77 care staff from 14 facilities participated. Three-quarters of resident participants thought that teledentistry was beneficial. Three in five resident participants were comfortable receiving remote dental consultations and care advice through teledentistry. Acceptability, as measured by perceived benefits and comfort, was lower among older participants. Staff participants were receptive to teledentistry use for residents and were comfortable facilitating remote dental consultations and care through teledentistry. No staff participants disagreed with the potential benefits of teledentistry for ARC residents. Teledentistry would likely be acceptable to residents and staff in ARC facilities in NZ, contributing to residents' improved access to oral health care and improved oral health and well-being.

Parental Reports of Children’s Dental Pain Experience and Associated Factors among Brazilian Children

Exploring children’s dental pain experiences helps to develop healthcare policies for improving oral health and quality of life. A cross-sectional study involved 300 parents/caregivers of four- to seven-year-old children using snowball sampling. Parents/caregivers self-completed an online questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, parenting styles, their child’s oral hygiene practices, free sugar consumption, and dental history. The questionnaire was created using Google Forms and was disseminated to parents/caregivers via E-mail and/or WhatsApp©. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses were performed (p < 0.05). Children’s dental pain experience was reported by 20.3% of the parents. The authoritative parenting style was predominant. The child’s mean age at the first consumption of sugar was 1.38 (±0.64) years, and 40.3% of the children had high-free sugar consumption. The mean age for the first dental appointment was 2.26 (±1.31) years, and 24.3% of the children never went to a dental appointment. The prevalence of dental pain experience was higher in children who attended their first dental appointment later (PR: 1.02; CI 95%: 1.01–1.03) and among those with high-free sugar consumption (PR: 1.90; CI 95%: 1.21–3.00). High sugar consumption and delay in the first dental appointment may increase the likelihood that children will experience dental pain.

Development of Oral Healthcare Plan for Children with Congenital Anomalies

Development of Oral Healthcare Plan for Children with Congenital Anomalies