Oral Conditions Research Articles

Do intraoral scanning technologies affect the trueness of dental arches with crowding, diastema, and edentulous spaces? A clinical perspective

ObjectivesTo evaluate the trueness of dental arches digitised by two intraoral scanning (IOS) technologies from patients presenting crowding, diastema, and bilateral posterior edentulous space with tilted molar. MethodsConventional impressions and dental stone models were generated from three patients presenting the aforementioned dental arch conditions. These models were digitised on a desktop scanner, and the resulting mesh was used as reference. Subsequently, the patients were scanned using confocal based (CF; iTero Element 2) and blue laser-multiscan (BLM; Virtuo Vivo) imaging IOS technology, totalling thirty scans. The meshes from the scans were exported in Standard Tessellation Language format and analysed using Geomagic Control X software. Root mean square (RMS) indicated deviation magnitude. Differences in IOS technologies were evaluated with paired t-tests, and dental arch conditions compared using ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests (α=0.05). ResultsDigital dental arch from blue laser-multiscan technology showed lower trueness compared to confocal based technology for crowding (p = 0.0084) and edentulous spaces (p = 0.0025) conditions. When the types of oral condition were compared, discrepancies were significantly different for both IOS technologies, featuring the arch with diastema showing the lowest trueness, followed by edentulous spaces and crowding. ConclusionDental arches presenting crowding and edentulous spaces digitised by blue laser-multiscan technology exhibited greater discrepancies compared to confocal based imaging technology. Furthermore, trueness varied among the dental arch conditions. Clinical SignificanceThe IOS technology and patient's dental arch condition can influence the trueness of dental arch digitisation. Being aware of these effects allows clinicians to take them into account during scanning procedures, digital planning and manufacturing.

Caffeine weakens the astringency of epigallocatechin gallate by inhibiting its interaction with salivary proteins

The astringency of green tea is an integrated result of the synergic and antagonistic effects of individual tea components, whose mechanism is highly complex and not completely understood. Herein, we used an epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)/caffeine (CAF)/saliva model to simulate the oral conditions during tea drinking. The effect of CAF on the interaction between EGCG and salivary proteins was first investigated using molecular docking and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Then, the rheological properties and the micro-network structure of saliva were studied to relate the molecular interactions and perceived astringency. The results revealed that CAF partially occupied the binding sites of EGCG to salivary proteins, inhibiting their interaction and causing changes in the elastic network structure of the salivary film, thereby reducing astringency.

Assessment of treatment needs, barriers, and self-perception regarding oral health among female university students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe study aimed to compare the self-perceived oral health status measured through a self-administered questionnaire with clinically determined oral health status measured by decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) and community periodontal index of treatment need (CPITN) indices in university going females. In addition, access barriers to treatment related to oral healthcare were also determined.MethodsA 3-month analytical cross-sectional study was designed for consenting university going females (aged 18–22 years) in Islamabad, Pakistan. The self-perceived oral health was recorded through a questionnaire requesting information regarding socio-demographics, self-perception of oral health, frequency of dental visits and barriers to seeking oral health. Seven independent examiners performed intraoral clinical examination and assessed the oral health status using globally standardized oral health assessment indices (DMFT and CPITN).ResultsA total of 400 students were included in the final sample. The study revealed a significant disparity between self-perceived oral health and clinical assessment. Although perceived oral health was considered “good” by 80.0% of the respondents, clinical examination revealed moderate DMFT scores (mean 2.95 ± 1.41) and periodontal disease requiring treatment in 89.5% of the individuals. The most common barriers in seeking dental care were lack of knowledge, dental phobia, affordability issue and false self-perception.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated a notable discrepancy between self-perception of oral health and clinically assessed oral health. These results emphasize the importance of focused educational programs and community outreach programs, especially directed towards this demographic. Prioritizing such initiatives will help individuals to recognize their actual oral health condition thus encouraging positive oral health behaviors and outcomes.

Cognition and Oral Health: Association Between Alzheimer's Disease and Periodontitis

A relationship between poor oral health conditions and cognitive decline has been clinically observed. A bidirectional association between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease has been repeatedly identified in clinical and pre-clinical studies. This association is supported by four major overlapped pathways and mechanisms, including the microbiota-gut-brain axis via the vagus nerve pathway, periodontopathogen-involved neuroinflammation via the trigeminal nerve pathway, proinflammatory cytokines, and trained immunity. Partly linked with periodontitis, increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and decreased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines can exacerbate the abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta plaques and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Periodontitis is considered an important environmental factor involved in Alzheimer's disease development. This review discusses the bidirectional relationship between Alzheimer's disease and periodontitis, focusing on the association between cognitive decline and poor oral health conditions. Thus, oral health intervention strategies have been proposed as potential therapeutic methods for the prevention and management of Alzheimer's disease. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(8):e230–e234.]

The Mediterranean diet and periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Periodontitis is a severe oral health condition that affects the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. The Mediterranean diet has been proposed as a potential contributor to reducing the risk of periodontitis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and periodontitis. A comprehensive literature search from 1992 to January 2024 was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The included studies were clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies that evaluated the impact of the Mediterranean diet on periodontitis. Data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies were performed using standardized protocols. A meta-analysis was conducted to combine effect sizes from multiple studies. This review included seven studies, comprising one cohort study, five cross-sectional studies, and one randomized controlled trial. While some studies reported a potential link between Mediterranean diet adherence and periodontitis, the overall analysis did not demonstrate a significant association. The meta-analysis revealed an Odds Ratio (95 % Confidence Interval) of 0.77 (0.58, 1.03) for the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and periodontitis (p = 0.08). This systematic review and meta-analysis found no statistically significant association between periodontitis and Mediterranean diet adherence. Future research should prioritize the implementation of rigorous clinical studies with longer follow-up periods to better understand the causal association between the Mediterranean diet and periodontitis. Observational studies with larger sample sizes are needed to establish more conclusive evidence regarding the impact of dietary patterns on periodontal health.

Mood Disorder and Oral Health

Mood disorders collectively represent one of the most common mental illnesses. Patients with mood disorders are more likely to have various physical illnesses compared to the general population. Of these diverse physical illnesses, poor oral health conditions are common, but they are often neglected in the care of mood disorders. This review examines the currently available evidence that altogether shows that oral disease both is common in patients with mood disorders and affects the course of mood disorders. In particular, oral disease is found to be common in patients with mood disorders, and patients with mood disorders put less effort toward oral hygiene than the general population. Symptoms of mood episodes, comorbid tobacco, alcohol, and substance use, diet, and pharmacological agents for mood disorder are all factors that could worsen oral health by worsening oral hygiene care. Etiological associations have also been suggested. Severe mood disorders can worsen oral health, and poor oral health could worsen mood disorder by increasing chronic low-grade inflammation. Mental health professionals should remain aware of the importance of oral hygiene in the clinical course of mood disorders and they should advise their patients to do regular dental checkups. [ Psychiatr Ann. 2024;54(8):e226–e229.]

Assessing the Color Stability of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Dental Restorations Polished With a Novel Polishing Agent Derived From Pulverized Old Alginate Impressions.

Interim restorations are essential in restorative dentistry, serving as temporary solutions until permanent restorations can be placed. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a promising solution for customizing teeth for removable dentures to match the exact requirements of patients. The color stability of these restorations is critical for patient satisfaction. PMMAis a widely used material for interim restorations due to its favorable properties. The study compares the color stability of PMMA interim restorations polished using traditional pumice versus Algishine, a novel polishing agent derived from pulverized old alginate impressions. The 3-D design software Geomagic Design X (3D Systems, Rock Hill, CA) created a standard tessellation language file of 2-cm radius circles. Sixty PMMA samples were milled and divided into two groups of 30 each. Group A samples were polished using pumice, while group B samples were polished with Algishine. Baseline color measurements were taken using a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V, VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany). The samples were then subjected to staining with coffee, tea, and red wine solutions for 30 days, simulating oral conditions. Post-staining color measurements were taken, and color changes (ΔE) were calculated at the seven-day (t1) and one-month (t2) mark. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed normality, followed by a two-way ANOVA testto compare color change values at different time points. At t1 (seven days), there were no significant differences between groups A and B in the coffee and tea staining groups. However, significant differences were observed in red wine staining, with group B exhibiting lower ΔE values (0.14 ± 0.067) compared to group A (0.38 ± 0.076) (p < 0.01). At t2 (30 days), significant differences were noted in all staining groups. Group B consistently showed lower ΔE values: coffee (0.125 ± 0.084 vs. 0.236 ± 0.015, p < 0.01), tea (0.254 ± 0.087 vs. 0.391 ± 0.015, p < 0.01), and red wine (1.174 ± 0.045 vs. 1.309 ± 0.074, p < 0.01), indicating superior resistance to staining compared to group A. The results suggest that Algishine is more effective than pumice in maintaining the color stability of PMMA interim restorations. The novel polishing agent derived from old alginate impressions enhances esthetic longevity and provides an eco-friendly solution for recycling dental material waste. Algishine performs superiorly in preserving the color of PMMA interim restorations against common staining agents. Its application can potentially improve patient satisfaction and contribute to sustainable dental practices.

SPECIAL CARE DENTISTRY FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILD

Special Care Dentistry (SCD) is a discipline focused on enhancing oral health for individuals with diverse impairments, including physical, sensory, intellectual, and medical conditions. It highlights the significant prevalence of disabilities in India and globally, as well as the complex nature of disability according to the WHO International Classification of Functioning. It discusses the extended lifespan of Children with Special Healthcare Needs (CSHCN) due to medical advancements, which necessitates tailored dental care to manage associated oral health challenges. Despite global efforts to improve oral health, disadvantaged and disabled populations continue to face disparities. It concludes by outlining the scope of a forthcoming library dissertation, which aims to review prevalent oral conditions among individuals with special needs and propose general care recommendations to address their unique challenges in accessing dental treatment.

Understanding the essentials of photodynamic therapy for dental practitioners: Shining a spotlight

Background: Oral disorders, including tooth decay, periodontal disease, and endodontic infections, are prevalent worldwide. The escalating issue of antibiotic resistance exacerbates the need for alternative treatment modalities. Aim: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of advancements in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for dental applications, highlighting its potential as a non-invasive local and adjuvant therapy for various oral infectious disorders. PDT, which originated in the early 20th century, involves three primary components: A photosensitizer (PS), light, and oxygen. The PS selectively targets unwanted eukaryotic cells, such as tumors in the oral cavity, or pathogenic microorganisms, while sparing healthy cells. The efficacy of PDT is significantly influenced by the type of PS utilized. Method: An electronic search was conducted using the PubMed database focusing on peer-reviewed articles up to November 2023 using the keywords “photodynamic therapy,” “photochemotherapy,” “antimicrobial photodynamic therapy,” “antimicrobial photodynamic therapy oral,” resulting in 2341, 1034, 389, 221, and 96 items, respectively. After appropriate review, relevant data from other electronic sources are also included for additional information. Results: Historical and recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of porphyrin PSs and temoporfin in treating premalignant and malignant intraoral lesions, particularly as palliative treatments when conventional therapies have failed. In addition, phenothiazinium PSs, such as methylene blue and toluidine blue, have shown substantial antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. PDT has been applied successfully to treat specific oral conditions, including caries, endodontic and mucosal infections, periodontal disorders, and periimplantitis. Notably, its antibacterial properties suggest that PDT could reduce the dependency on systemic antibiotics. Conclusion: PDT emerges as a promising alternative to conventional treatments for oral infections, offering a potential solution to the global challenge of antibiotic resistance. Continued research and development are essential to enhance the effectiveness and broaden the application of PDT in dental care.

Effectiveness of interventions on improving early-life dental care utilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although early-life dental care is crucial for preventing early childhood caries and has numerous benefits, the utilization rate of such care remains remarkably low worldwide, especially in families of low socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to systematically review the scientific evidence relating to the effectiveness of interventions on improving early-life dental care utilization of very young children. We reviewed scientific evidence relating to these positive changes, with 7 randomized controlled trials after qualitative evaluation. Interventions assessed included prenatal oral health promotion, motivational interviewing, intraoral camera use alongside social work consultations to aid in decreasing barriers to care, monetary incentives for tooth brushing, fluoride varnish applications, and probiotic usage. The intervention was significantly effective in reducing the incidence of dental caries among children, especially in caries risk. Caries reduction was significant when oral health information was provided at frequent intervals prenatally. Caries increment was also reduced when probiotics were introduced when administered daily. Interventions that attempted to increase parental involvement in oral health care by increasing motivation and decreasing barriers had inconclusive results within the study groups. Considering high rates ECC, early establishment and preservation of a dental home should be a focus in public health measures. Continuous monitoring and parental involvement are key components to maintaining healthy oral conditions. Future studies could explore and test various innovative strategies that utilize technological platforms to engage with parents and promote early-life dental care utilization among the underserved population.

Candidiasis and Oral Health

Candidiasis, primarily caused by Candida albicans, poses significant oral health concerns. This review highlights its clinical manifestations, diagnostics, and management strategies. Predisposing factors include poor oral hygiene and systemic conditions like HIV/AIDS and diabetes. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic colonization to symptomatic mucosal infections, with complications such as denture stomatitis. Diagnostics encompass clinical examination and various laboratory methods, guiding tailored treatment with topical or systemic antifungals. Prevention strategies targeting modifiable risk factors are crucial. Despite challenges like antifungal resistance, interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers is essential for the effective management of oral candidiasis and its impact on overall health. Keywords: Candidiasis; Candida albicans; Oral health; Diagnostics; Antifungals; Prevention strategies

INDEKS KESEHATAN GIGI SISWA TAMAN KANAK-KANAK DI KELURAHAN MERGOSONO, MALANG

Dental and oral health, especially for children, is often considered a trivial matter. In fact, a healthy oral cavity condition at an early age will support the health of the oral cavity as an adult. The high rate of tooth decay in children should be a concern for parents, teachers and medical personnel. When complex dental and oral abnormalities occur in children, medical treatment causes trauma to their psychological condition, so it is much easier to prevent tooth decay through efforts to improve dental and oral health from an early age. Based on the results of dental and oral screening conducted on kindergarten children in Mergosono, Malang, it was found that the def-t score in children aged 4 years old is in the criteria of high (4,5), 5 years old is very high (7,7) and 6 years old is very high (6,8). The cause of the high incidence of dental caries in kindergarten children is the lack of knowledge about oral health, which can be concluded from the wrong behavior or way of brushing their teeth and the right knowledge about when to brush their teeth. Efforts that can be made to improve this behavior are education which is included in promotive and preventive efforts.

Role of Food Texture, Oral Processing Responses, Bolus Properties, and Digestive Conditions on the Nutrient Bioaccessibility of Al Dente and Soft-Cooked Red Lentil Pasta.

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of food texture, oral processing, bolus characteristics, and in vitro digestive conditions on the starch and protein digestibility of al dente and soft-cooked commercial red lentil pasta. For that, samples were cooked as suggested by the provider and their texture properties were promptly analysed. Then, normal and deficient masticated pasta boluses were produced by four healthy subjects, characterised in terms of their oral processing, bolus granulometry, texture and viscoelastic properties, and finally subjected to static in vitro digestion, according to the INFOGEST consensus for both adults and the older adult population. Normal masticated boluses exhibited greater saliva impregnation and lower proportions of large particles, hardness, and stiffness than deficient masticated boluses. Likewise, insufficiently masticated al dente-cooked pasta boluses caused a delay in oral starch digestion owing to the larger particles attained during food oral processing, while reduced intestinal conditions in the elderly only interfere with the release of total soluble proteins in all samples. This work evidences the importance of considering the initial texture of products, oral capabilities, processing behaviour, and physical and mechanical properties of food boluses in digestion studies, opening new prospects in designing pulse-based foods that meet the nutritional requirements of the world's population.

MASCC/ISOO Clinical Practice Statement: Management of oral complications of targeted therapy.

A MASCC/ISOO Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) is aimed at generating a concise tool for clinicians that concentrates practical information needed for the management of oral complications of cancer patients. This CPS is focused on the management of oral complications of targeted therapy. This CPS was developed based on critical evaluation of the literature followed by a structured discussion of a group of leading experts, members of the Oral Care Study Group of MASCC/ISOO. Targeted agents were identified using the National Cancer Institute's list of Food and Drug Administration approved targeted therapy drugs. The information is presented in the form of succinct bullets and tables to generate a short manual about the best standard of care. Oral toxicities secondary to targeted therapy include various mucosal conditions, gingival conditions, jawbone disease, dysesthesia, taste change, and dry mouth. For the purpose of this CPS, we focused on oral mucosal conditions, gingival conditions, taste change, and dysesthesia. The treatment of oral toxicities depends on the symptom severity. Topical steroids and immunomodulators are often used as first-line therapy for oral mucosal toxicities. Treatment approaches for oral dysesthesia and taste change primarily revolve around symptoms management. Typically, therapy protocols align with the therapeutic algorithms employed for other neuropathic pain conditions, incorporating topical pharmacological interventions to achieve relief. Other oral toxicity requires a more specific approach. Management of oral toxicities from targeted molecular therapies is designed to alleviate patient discomfort and optimize treatment outcomes. Collaboration between medical and oral health professionals is necessary for best management practices.

Treatment strategy for patient with non-syndromic tooth agenesis: a case report and literature review

BackgroundNon-syndromic tooth agenesis (NSTA) is a type of ectodermal dysplasia (ED) in which patients with non-syndromic oligodontia may only affect teeth. No pathological findings were found in other tissues of the ectodermal. Herein, we report a case of a NSTA patient with severe dental anxiety and poor oral health.Case presentationA 5-year-old boy without systemic diseases presented as a patient with oligodontia, extensive caries, and periapical periodontitis. Molecular genetic analysis found a mutation in the Ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene, confirming the diagnosis of NSTA.ConclusionTooth agenesis (TA) is the most common ectodermal developmental abnormality in humans. Non-syndromic oligodontia patients often seek treatment in the department of stomatology. Because of their complex oral conditions, these patients should be provided with a systematic and personalized treatment plan.

Sex steroid hormones: an overlooked yet fundamental factor in oral homeostasis in humans.

Sex steroid hormones (SSH) are extremely versatile molecules with a myriad of physiological functions. Next to their well-known role in sexual development and reproduction, SSH play active roles in practically every tissue in the human body, including the oral cavity. It has long been demonstrated that periodontal tissues express SSH receptors and therefore are responsive to the presence of SSH. Interestingly, SSH not only interact with the periodontal tissues but also with other tissues in the oral cavity such as dental enamel, pulp, cementum, oral mucosa, and salivary glands. Questions concerning the possible physiological functions of these receptors and their role in maintenance of oral health, remain unanswered. The purpose of this scoping review was to gather and summarize all the available evidence on the role of SSH in physiological processes in the oral cavity in humans. Two comprehensive literature searches were performed. References were screened and selected based on title, abstract and full text according to our inclusion criteria. Both searches yielded 18,992 results of which 73 were included. Results were divided into four categories: (1) Periodontium; (2) Dental structure; (3) Mucosa; and (4) Salivary glands. The interaction of these tissues with progestagens, androgens and estrogens are summarized. Sex steroid hormones are an overlooked yet fundamental factor in oral homeostasis. They play important roles in the development and function of the periodontium, dental structure, mucosa and salivary glands. Dentists and healthcare providers should consider these hormonal factors when assessing and treating oral health conditions.

Effect of Using Mouthwash Containing Cibotium barometz J. Smith on Cariogenic Bacteria and Acid-producing Ability of Saliva: A Randomised Blinded Clinical Trial.

To examine the anti-caries effect of mouthwashes containing Cibotium barometz J. Smith (CB), a natural substance, and compare it with chlorhexidine and saline solution. A randomised, blinded clinical trial was conducted on 76 study participants. The differences between the 3 gargle groups (saline gargle: SAL; chlorhexidine gargle: CHX; CB gargle group: CB) and the differences over time (baseline, after 1 week, after 2 weeks) were compared. To this end, ANOVA was performed on caries-related clinical indicators (e.g. O'Leary plaque index, caries activity, and satisfaction). The O'Leary index, caries activity, and saliva tests, gradually improved in group CB at one and two weeks. In the case of bacterial tests, unlike SAL and CHX, only in group CB did the decrease occur one and two weeks later. The caries-related indicators decreased significantly over time in group CB compared to SAL and CHX groups, and there was also a statistically significant difference in interaction between groups and time (p<0.05). The mouthwash containing CB extract showed statistically significant improvement in biofilm adhesion as well as the saliva and bacterial tests compared to SAL and CHX. However, since there were differences in the initial oral conditions of the three groups, additional long-term research is needed through crossover clinical trials to supplement these.

Health utility attributable to oral conditions in Japanese adults.

Utility values enable relative comparisons across various health conditions, providing information for efficient allocation of healthcare resources. This study aimed to (1) quantify the utility values attributable to oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in Japanese adults and (2) develop models for converting the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) scores into EuroQoL 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L)-based utility values. This was a cross-sectional study. Data from a large-scale Internet survey of Japanese adults conducted in 2022 (n = 28 405; mean age 48.2 years) were analysed. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to investigate the association between OHIP-14 scores and EQ-5D-5L-based utility values, adjusting for confounders. Conversion models were developed using a random half of the participants, and the observed and predicted utility values in the other half were compared to evaluate the model performance. Among the participants, 55.2% scored 0, 20.9% scored 1-5 and 23.9% scored 6-56 on the OHIP-14, corresponding mean utility values of 0.93, 0.90 and 0.84, respectively. A one-point increase in the OHIP-14 score was associated with a lower utility value (coefficient: -0.0053; 95% confidence interval:health-related quality of life -0.0056, -0.0051). The estimated utility value attributable to OHIP-14 was -23.3 per 1000 individuals, greater than that for other prevalent chronic conditions, including hypertension and diabetes (-2.9 and -7.1 per 1000 individuals, respectively). The conversion model incorporated the OHIP-14 total score, age, sex and self-rated health, predicted utility scores on average and captured differences according to the number of teeth lost. However, there was a discrepancy between predicted and observed utility values in the lower utility value groups. OHRQoL substantially impacted utility values at the population level. The OHIP-14 holds the potential as a valuable tool for predicting average utility values based on oral health conditions; however, the prediction performance was relatively low for individuals with a lower health-related quality of life.

Oral condition at admission predicts functional outcomes and hospital-acquired pneumonia development among acute ischemic stroke patients

IntroductionOral care is crucial for the prevention of cardiovascular events and pneumonia. However, few studies have evaluated the associations between multidimensional assessments of oral status or functional outcomes and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP).MethodsConsecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated the modified oral assessment grade (mOAG) and investigated its association with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0‒2 (good stroke outcome) and HAP. The mOAG was developed to evaluate 8 categories (lip, tongue, coated tongue, saliva, mucosa, gingiva, preservation, and gargling) on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 to 3. We analyzed the effectiveness of the mOAG score for predicting stroke outcome or HAP using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsIn total, 247 patients with AIS were analyzed. The area under the ROC curve of the mOAG for predicting poor outcomes was 0.821 (cutoff value: 7), and that for HAP incidence was 0.783 (cutoff value: 8). mOAG (a one-point increase) was associated with poor stroke outcome (odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17‒1.48, P < 0.001) and HAP (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07‒1.38, P = 0.003) after adjusting for baseline clinical characteristics, including age and stroke severity.ConclusionsLower mOAG scores at admission were independently associated with good outcomes and a decreased incidence of HAP. Comprehensive oral assessments are essential for acute stroke patients in clinical settings.

Oral infections - a retrospective study of patients treated in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinic of the Emergency County Clinical Hospital in Sibiu.

The present study was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the Sibiu County Emergency Clinical Hospital and aimed to evaluate the oral health status of patients who refer to this medical unit, identifying the presence and frequency of dental infections among these patients. The study also aimed to identify and characterize the comorbidities present in patients with these oral conditions. Finally, the study aims to highlight the degree of concern regarding the oral health status of patients and provide relevant information for dental health services and for the development of appropriate prevention and intervention strategies. The study was conducted retrospectively and descriptively, using the hospital's electronic medical records. The total sample consisted of 1246 people, the inclusion criteria were: (a) patients admitted to the OMF Surgery Department; (b) outpatients who required hospitalization; (c) patients hospitalized under continuous hospitalization regime; (d) patients over 16 years of age; (e) patients diagnosed with infectious pathologies.After data registration, information on sex, background, distribution of diagnoses, associated pathologies of the patients and the existence of combined pathologies of the patients included in the study were taken into account. The duration of hospitalization of patients, the need and duration of antibiotic therapy, the frequency of use of combinations of antibiotics, and the number of antibiotics used in correlation with the duration of hospitalization were also analyzed.The data are presented as frequency and percentages. The combination of the most frequent associated pathologies was analyzed using an algorithm based on association rules and chord diagram was used for their visual representation. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS® (Statistical Package for the Social Science) version 20 and R software. The total sample consisted of a total of 1246 people. From the preliminary analysis, the majority of people in the sample, 68.5%, did not suffer from infectious conditions, while 31.5% were affected. Most of the patients came from the urban environment (61.73%) and were male (54.34%). Frequent comorbidities included cardiac pathologies (11.99%) and diabetes (4.08%).These data indicate the poor state of oral health among patients who call on the OMF Surgery services. It is not an isolated case, but it reflects a pattern observed globally. Based on the results of the study, the hypothesis is validated that there is a poor state of oral health among the population, manifested by the increased incidence of dental infections. International studies confirm that dental infections are often complicated by the presence of comorbidities. The study concludes that patients hospitalized in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery face a poor oral health state, characterized by a high prevalence of dental infections. The presence of comorbidities and seasonal factors contribute to the aggravation of these infections. These results emphasize the need for preventive and educational interventions to improve the oral health of the population in this region, as well as the development of personalized treatment strategies.