Oral Health Assessment Research Articles

Assessment of Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of School Teachers in Indore City, Madhya Pradesh, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Teachers are central to the well-being of a community. Being an influential part of society, their role can be broadened to promote oral health and healthy oral hygiene habits. This study was aimed at the assessment of the oral health status and treatment needs of school teachers in Indore City. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of five months on 470 school teachers working in various government schools ofIndore city selected through random sampling technique. The modified WHO Oral Health Assessment Form for Adults 2013 was used to record oral health status and treatment needs, while the WHO Questionnaire for Adults 2013 was used to document oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and deleterious habits.Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Chi-square test, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used. The gender distribution of the representative sample showed female predominance. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption was 5.1% among the study subjects. The mean number of Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) was 3.45 ± 3.10, and the mean number of 1.52 ± 2.40 teeth showed the presence of bleeding. Around 37.2% had shallow pockets of 4-5 mm. A mean number of 4.26 ± 1.97 sextants showed 0-3 mm attachment loss. There was a significant association between the frequency and technique of toothbrushing with a decayed number of teeth (p<0.001). High proportion of dental caries and periodontal disease was seen which could be related to their oral health care-seeking behavior and the impairment related to age changes.

The Association Between Seeking Urgent Dental Care and the Prevalence of Root Caries Among Patients in the United States, National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between seeking urgent dental care and the prevalence of root caries among patients in the United States, utilizing data from the Nutritional Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2017 and 2020.Our hypothesis is that patients who are seeking urgent dental care due to pain will have a high prevalence of root caries. The study utilized a cross-sectional design, analyzing data from NHANES 2017-March 2020 pre-pandemic data, a nationally representative survey. The sub-sample consisted of 6,186 participants aged 20 years and older who underwent oral health assessments, including the examination of root caries. Information on seeking urgent dental care was obtained through self-reported data. Statistical analyses, using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), were performed to assess the association between urgent care seeking and root caries prevalence while controlling the potential confounding variables. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used. Results: The study included a total of 6,186 participants. The mean age (SD) of the participants was 49.7 (17.2). Some 52% were females and 48% were males. Some 14% (849) of the samples had root caries and 28% (1739) of the participants were seeking urgent dental care due to pain. Findings indicated a significant association between seeking urgent dental care and the prevalence of root caries (odds ratio, OR = 2.72, 95% confidence interval, CI = 2.32-3.18). Individuals who reported seeking urgent care had a higher prevalence of root caries (26% vs. 9%) compared to those who did not seek urgent care. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty and education, and other factors such as age, gender, race, marital status, and alcohol intake were identified as potential confounders. This study provides evidence of the association between seeking urgent dental care and the prevalence of root caries among patients in the United States. The findings underscore the importance of promoting regular dental visits, preventive measures, and early interventions to mitigate the risk of root caries among individuals seeking urgent dental care. Addressing socio-economic barriers, improving access to dental services, and enhancing oral health education are crucial steps toward reducing the burden of root caries in this population. Further, longitudinal studies are recommended to establish the temporal relationship between urgent care seeking and root caries development.

Assessment of knowledge and awareness about the relationship between periodontitis with pregnancy outcome and preterm low birth weight infants among pregnant and nonpregnant women: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Periodontal diseases are risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm low birth weight infants. Lack of awareness and attitudes regarding oral health leads to neonatal mortality and preterm low birth weight among infants; hence, prenatal health care should include an assessment of oral health during pregnancy. Hence, it is essential to the assessment of knowledge and awareness about the relationship between periodontitis and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness among the female population using a questionnaire in S. B Patil Institute of Dental Science and Research Bidar in association with Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences Bidar, Karnataka. A total number of 100 patients (50 pregnant women and 50 nonpregnant women) aged between 25 and 35 years were selected. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Results: The responses of the patients regarding the knowledge and awareness about periodontitis have shown that both pregnant and non-pregnant women share similar results. About 55% of women know about the fact that periodontal disease occurs during pregnancy, and only 16% know about preterm low birth infants. A total of 74% of women agreed that counseling was necessary about periodontal disease during pregnancy. Conclusion: The study indicates a lack of awareness of the association, or it might reflect their disagreement with the association despite being aware of the evidence.

An Analysis of Gender Differences and Assessment of Oral Health Status among the General Population Residing in Kanyakumari District: A Pathfinding Scientific Study.

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence oral health status among the general population residing in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general public of index age groups to analyze the oral health status in the Kanyakumari district. A total number of 400 samples were selected and were equally divided among urban (200 samples) and rural areas (200 samples). The samples were further divided randomly based on the index age groups 5, 12, 15, 35-44, and 65-74 years using the multistage random sampling method. The data regarding oral health status was recorded using the World Health Organization's (WHO's) Oral Health Assessment Form 2013 and 1997. Collected data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-squared test. The prevalence of periodontal diseases (88.75%) was found to be highest in Kanyakumari district, followed by dental caries (63.7%) and malocclusion (63.1%). There was a statistically significant difference found between oral health status and index age groups. Oral disorders such as dental caries, periodontitis, and dental fluorosis are more prevalent among the Kanyakumari district population. Oral health policies should be targeted to the populations in the Tamil Nadu region.

Effect of Fluoride on Oral Health Status Among General Population Residing in High- and Low-Level Fluoride Blocks in Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride levels in groundwater and their effect on oral health status among the general population of Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of index age groups 5, 12, 15, 35-44, and 65-74 years. A total of 540 subjects participated in the study. High fluoride blocks of Erode district were selected based on the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, 2010, and the low fluoride were taken from the Groundwater Year Book (GWYB) of Tamil Nadu and UT of Puducherry, 2018. The Oral Health Assessment Form 2013 (adult and children) of the World Health Organization (WHO) was used to assess dental caries and enamel fluorosis. Clinical examination was performed using a mouth mirror and explorer under natural illumination by a single examiner. Data obtained were processed and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. A Chi-squared test was employed to analyze the difference between the high and low fluoride blocks. A P value of 0.05 was set to be statistically significant. The current study had a contrary finding with the CGWB on water quality analysis of fluoride levels in drinking water for high fluoride block, Ammapet (1.12 ppm) and Anthiyur (1.08 ppm). The prevalence of enamel fluorosis in high fluoride block Ammapet was 44.4% and Anthiyur was 54.8%. The prevalence of dental caries in high fluoride block Ammapet was 45.9% and in Anthiyur was 43%. The prevalence of enamel fluorosis in low fluoride block Bhavanisagar was 27.4% and in Gobichettipalayam was 28.2%. The prevalence of dental caries in low fluoride block Bhavanisagar was 61.5%, and in Gobichettipalayam was 54.8%. This study's contradictory finding emphasizes the importance of drinking water; sanitation staff should monitor and report water fluoridation data on a monthly basis in accordance with the Water Fluoridation Reporting System, and CGWB should plan and organize a team for the upgradation of water quality in India. The National Program for Prevention and Control of Dental Diseases should look on to the endemic areas for the prevention of dental fluorosis, which should be assessed, implemented, and monitored by the public health dentist who should be recruited as oral health program officers in both central and state governments.

The Predominance of Tobacco Propensities and Tobacco-Related Oral Lesions in Textile Mill Workers of Bhopal: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Low wages, long work hours, and stressful working conditions predominantly affect the oral and general health of industrial workers, which in turn resultin their tobacco consumption. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of tobacco use and its associated oral lesions among textile mill workers in Bhopal, India. Oral cancer and premalignant lesions are significantly increased by smoking and chewing tobacco. The study's objective was to assess and record the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions linked to tobacco use in different age groups among Bhopal textile industry workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 583 textile mill workers. Data were collected using a questionnaire and the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form 2013. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29 (Released 2022; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was used for the statistical analysis. Variables were compared using the mean, percentage, and standard deviation. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the distribution of gender, tobacco habits, and oral mucosal lesions in different age groups. Males made up 69.1% of the workforce. A clear male preference was noted (P ≤ 0.001). About 64.7% of the workers did not have any tobacco-related habits, 20.8% used smokeless tobacco, 7.9% used a smoking form of tobacco, and 6.7% used both. Older age groups, 31-45 and >46 years old, had a higher proportion of users of smokeless tobacco (P ≤ 0.001). The most commonly reported oral mucosal lesions were ulcerative conditions in 6.9%, followed by oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), keratotic lesions, and leukoplakia in 5.0%, 4.1%, and 3.6% of the study population, respectively. Leukoplakia and OSMF were prevalent in the 31-45-yearage group, while ulcerative lesions were more prevalent in the 18-30-yearage group (P ≤ 0.001). Workers at textile mills were more likely to use a smokeless form of tobacco. Older age groups had higher rates of smokeless tobacco use as compared to smoking, which was more prevalent in the younger age group. Oral mucosal lesions in older age groups frequently include OSMF and leukoplakia. The main reasons for engaging in the tobacco use habit were stress and a lack of awareness. Oral hygiene was a neglected entity among workers.

Baseline assessment of oral health needs among underserved populations in the United States

Introduction: There are numerous inequities in access to oral healthcare in the United States (US). Lower utilization of oral healthcare services, a higher burden of dental diseases, and poorer dental outcomes are more prevalent among US immigrants compared to US-born populations. Study Sample: A sizable population of people in Iowa are immigrants. These immigrants are from democratic republic of congo (DRC), Eritrea, Burma, Bhutan, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan. Iowa Refugee Assessment Report of 2018 shows that dental ailment is the second most prevalent condition among new entrant refugees. As a result, the Oral Health Programs targeted an oral health intervention at US immigrant populations. Objectives: This report aims to highlight significant findings from the baseline survey to further understand the needs for oral healthcare amongst immigrant and underserved populations in Iowa. This intervention utilized community peer educators to sensitize and mobilize immigrants to better access dental services. Training modules were developed for the volunteer peer educators and educational materials were translated into the native languages of the most populous refugees (French, Swahili, and Arabic). The Oral Health Program implemented a community health campaign, developing a questionnaire to capture demographic information, knowledge, awareness, barriers to uptake of dental check-ups/oral assessment,s and preferred sources of information. Preliminary findings indicated the need for increased awareness about oral health. Findings: There is a need to leverage existing social safety net programs to deliver oral health information and foster connections between dental service providers and their target populations. This study has shown the need for continued efforts towards increasing oral healthcare among underserved ethnic/minority and immigrant populations in Iowa. Future interventions need to focus on improving access and removing structural and social barriers to dental/oral care.

Utilization of dental services and encountered barriers among rural population of Rewari district

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the level of utilization of dental services and barriers to utilization of oral health services among rural population of Rewari district, Haryana. Materials and Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 participants in Rewari District. Oral health was assessed using 28-item and 22-item self-administered, closed ended, and structured questionnaires for adults and children, respectively based on oral health assessment proforma by the World Health Organization. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed using questions related to the last dental visit as dependent variables. Results: A total of 150 subjects participated in this questionnaire study. Utilization of dental services was limited to emergency and curative procedures. Only 34% of children and 19% of adults had visited the dentist in the past 1 year. Whereas, 30% of children and 34% of adults had never received dental services. The most commonly reported reasons for the last visit to dentist in 48.5% of children and 51.5% of adults is the pain or trouble with teeth, gums or mouth, followed by routine check-ups in 25.7% and 31.8% in children and adults, respectively, and results were found to be highly significant (P = 0.011). Conclusion: Majority of population assumes that visiting the dentist is simply for pain treatment. People were unaware of their dental problems and the number of self-reported dental issues was low.

Influencing factors associated with oral health among older hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke: A cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveTo investigate the oral health status of older patients with ischemic stroke and analyze the influencing factors, providing valuable insights for developing effective oral health management strategies tailored for this population. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to June 2022, selecting 350 older patients with ischemic stroke from two tertiary hospitals in Chongqing. The Barthel Index (BI), Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), and Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) were used to assess patients’ self-care ability, swallowing function, and oral health status, respectively. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, disease-related information, and oral health behaviors of the patients. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze related influencing factors. ResultsA total of 346 older patients with ischemic stroke were included, with 199 males and 147 females. The median total score of OHAT was 5 (total score range 0–16). Dental decay (91.7%, 278/303) and poor oral hygiene (92.2%, 319/346) were the main oral health problems in this population. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that sex, hyperlipidemia, stroke severity, stroke events, oral health behaviors, and care dependency were influencing factors for the oral health of this population (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe study revealed that healthcare professionals should strengthen the oral health assessment of older patients with ischemic stroke and implement individualized health education and management measures based on the characteristics of high-risk groups to promote their oral health.

Periodontal Status of Tuberculosis patients - Inter linked with each other

Background: Evidence suggests periodontitis may contribute to the development and progression of respiratory illnesses. However, few studies currently look at the coexistence of periodontitis and tuberculosis. The current study investigates the relationship between periodontal health and tuberculosis. Aim: To assess various clinical dental parameters of periodontal health among patients with and without TB. Methods: The participants in the present case-control study were individuals who obtained informed permission forms to participate when they were patients in the outpatient dentistry department. The current study included 585 patients in total. Three hundred-one individuals with normal pulmonary function were added to the control group, whereas 284 patients with tuberculosis were added to the cases group. The diagnosis of the pulmonary conditions was confirmed using spirometry. Using SPSS software 21, we evaluated the demographics &amp; clinical indicators such as plaque, different gingival parameters of periodontitis, Gingival bleeding, and gingival index (GI), and compared cases and controls. Results: The population comprised two hundred eighty-seven women (49.1%) and 298 men (50.9%). There was a significant association between tuberculosis and periodontitis, and it has been observed that 159 (56%) tuberculosis patients had 6.23 (4.2 – 9.1) times higher effects on oral periodontitis issues (P&lt;0.001*). Patients with gingivitis had a significantly higher number of bleeding, accounting for 241 (72.8), p&lt;0.001. Practical implication: The study suggests that healthcare providers, particularly those involved in the treatment of TB, should consider incorporating oral health screening and assessment as part of the overall care for TB patients. This could help identify and address periodontal issues that may exist, hence dental professionals can play a role in the early detections of TB Conclusion: This study suggest that important relationship between TB and periodontitis. TB patients should be educated about the potential impact of their disease on periodontal health and encouraged to maintain regular dental visit and oral hygiene. Keywords: Tuberculosis (TB), Periodontitis (PD), Gingival bleeding, and gingival index (GI)

Association of poor oral health with increased incidence of dysphagia and impaired improvement in nutritional status among patients with acute heart failure: a prospective cohort study.

This study aimed to clarify the association between oral health and the incidence of dysphagia as well as the recovery of nutritional status and improvement of dysphagia in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure. Hospitalized patients with AHF were prospectively enrolled. Oral health was evaluated using the Japanese Version of the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT-J) after circulation dynamics improved (defined as baseline), and participants were classified into good and poor oral health groups (OHAT-J 0-2 and ≧ 3, respectively). The primary outcome measure was the incidence of dysphagia evaluated using the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) at baseline. Secondary outcome measures were nutritional status and FILS score at discharge. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between oral health and the study outcomes. Of the 203 recruited patients (mean age, 79.5years; 50.7% female), 83 (40.9%) were in the poor oral health group. Participants with poor oral health were significantly older, had lower skeletal muscle mass and strength, lower nutrient intake and nutritional status, worse swallowing status, as well as lower cognitive level, and physical function than those with good oral health. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, baseline poor oral health was significantly associated with the incidence of dysphagia (odds ratio = 1.036, P = 0.020), as well as with the improvement in nutritional status (odds ratio = 0.389, P = 0.046) and dysphagia (odds ratio = 0.199, P = 0.026) at discharge. Poor baseline oral health was associated with the incidence of dysphagia, as well as with the lack of improvement in nutritional status and dysphagia in patients with acute heart failure.

Linking the demographic, socio-economic and oral health status to oral health-related quality of life of the sudanese older adults: a cross sectional study

BackgroundOral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is an important measure of patients’ needs and progress. Identifying the links between clinical and non-clinical factors with OHRQoL in a specific population will facilitate the development of effective preventive strategies. The aim of the study was to assess the OHRQoL of Sudanese older adults, and to identify the possible relations between clinical and non-clinical predictors with OHRQoL using Wilson and Cleary model.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults attending the out-patient clinics in Khartoum State’s Health Care Centers, Sudan. OHRQoL was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Two modifications of Wilson and Cleary’s conceptual model were tested using structural equations modeling including: oral health status, symptom status, perceived difficulty of chewing, oral health perceptions, and OHRQoL.Results249 older adults participated in the study. Their mean age was 68.24 (± 6.7) years. The mean GOHAI score was 53.96 (± 6.31) and trouble biting/chewing was the most commonly reported negative impact. Wilson and Cleary models showed that pain, Perceived Difficulty Chewing (PDC), and Perceived Oral Health had a direct effect on OHRQoL. In model 1, age and gender had direct effects on oral health status, while education had direct effects on OHRQoL. In model 2, poor oral health status is associated indirectly with poor OHRQoL.ConclusionsThe OHRQoL of the studied Sudanese older adults was relatively good. The study partially confirmed Wilson and Cleary model as Oral Health Status was related directly to PDC and indirectly to OHRQoL through functional status.

Association of oral status with frailty among older adults in nursing homes: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe oral status of an individual is a vital aspect of their overall health. However, older adults in nursing homes have a higher prevalence of frailty and poor oral health, particularly in the context of global aging. The objective of this study is to explore the association between oral status and frailty among older adults residing in nursing homes.MethodsThe study involved 1280 individuals aged 60 and above from nursing homes in Hunan province, China. A simple frailty questionnaire (FRAIL scale) was used to evaluate physical frailty, while the Oral Health Assessment Tool was used to assess oral status. The frequency of tooth brushing was classified as never, once a day, and twice or more a day. The traditional multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between oral status and frailty. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated while controlling for other confounding factors.ResultsThe study found that the prevalence of frailty among older adults living in nursing homes was 53.6%, while the prevalence of pre-frailty was 36.3%. After controlling for all potential confounding factors, mouth changes requiring monitoring (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.34–3.31, P = 0.001) and unhealthy mouth (OR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.61–4.06, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased odds of frailty among older adults in nursing homes. Similarly, both mouth changes requiring monitoring (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.20–3.06, P = 0.007) and unhealthy mouth (OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.39–3.63, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of pre-frailty. Moreover, brushing teeth twice or more times a day was found to be significantly associated with a lower prevalence of both pre-frailty (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.34–0.88, P = 0.013) and frailty (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.32–0.78, P = 0.002). Conversely, never brushing teeth was significantly associated with higher odds of pre-frailty (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.09–3.05, P = 0.022) and frailty (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.06–2.88, P = 0.030).ConclusionsMouth changes that require monitoring and unhealthy mouth increase the likelihood of frailty among older adults in nursing homes. On the other hand, those who brush their teeth frequently have a lower prevalence of frailty. However, further research is needed to determine whether improving the oral status of older adults can change their level of frailty.

Best Practices in Oral Care.

Best Practices in Oral Care.

Cross-sectional characterization of renal function in cats with caudal stomatitis.

The objective of the study was to compare renal functional biomarkers in cats and in caudal stomatitis (CS) and in age-matched control cats. A cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted on 44 client-owned cats with CS that were prospectively enrolled and evaluated for a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment at one of four institutions. Renal function was assessed with measurement of serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, serum symmetric dimethylarginine, urinalysis, urine protein:creatinine ratio and urine protein electrophoresis. Affected gingiva was biopsied to confirm the diagnosis of stomatitis. Renal biochemical analyses from the experimental group were compared with those of 44 age-matched controls without CS enrolled prospectively or retrospectively after presenting to the primary institution for routine healthcare. Control cats were included if they were clinically stable, their chronic illnesses were well managed and minimal dental disease was present on examination. Renal biomarkers were compared between groups using a t-test or the Mann-Whitney U-test. Frequency of azotemia, proteinuria and the clinical diagnosis of renal disease were compared using Fisher's exact test. Relative to the control group, cats in the CS group had significantly lower serum creatinine (P <0.001) and albumin concentrations (P <0.001), urine specific gravity (P = 0.024) and hematocrit (P = 0.003), and higher serum phosphorus (P <0.001), potassium (P <0.001) and globulin concentrations (P <0.001), white blood cell count (P <0.001) and urine protein:creatinine ratio (P = 0.009). There were no significant differences in serum symmetric dimethylarginine or urea nitrogen concentrations. No clinically significant findings were noted on urine protein electrophoresis. There were no significant differences in the frequency of azotemia, proteinuria or renal disease categories between the two groups. The present study does not demonstrate a significant difference in the frequency of kidney disease between cats with and without CS. Longitudinal evaluation is warranted to investigate the relationship between renal disease and CS.

Evaluation of clinical oral care outcomes according to nursing outcomes classification.

This research was planned to follow the healing process of the oral mucosa in patients in intensive care with an "Impaired Oral Mucous Membrane Integrity" nursing diagnosis based on the "NOC (1100) Oral Health Assessment" outcome criteria. This study, which was planned in a methodological and descriptive type of research, was carried out with 50 patients who were hospitalized in the intensive care clinic of a state hospital between June and December 2022, with a nursing diagnosis of "Impaired Oral Mucous Membrane Integrity." Data were collected using a Patient Information Form and the "NOC (1100) Oral Health Evaluation Scale" for the nursing outcomes classification. In the analysis of the data descriptive statistical methods, Pearson correlation test, Friedman test as well as Cohen's kappa test were used to evaluate the agreement between two independent observers. In the study, content validity index value of the NOC scale was calculated to be 0.90. The examination of the participants' mean scores on the NOC (1100) Oral Health Assessment Scale showed that there were statistically significant differences in terms of the repeated evaluations, except for the NOC indicators of "Oral mucosal integrity," "Gum integrity," and "Tooth integrity" (p <0.01). No statistically significant correlation was found between the mean NOC scale scores of the patients according to the variables of age, body mass index, mechanical ventilation time, and length of stay in the intensive care unit (p >0.05). The findings showed that the Turkish version of NOC (1100) Oral Health Assessment Scale was a valid tool for monitoring the healing process of the oral mucosa in patients in intensive care. With the use of NOC (1100) Oral Health Assessment Scale, a common language will be formed in the evaluation for monitoring the healing process of the oral mucosa in nursing care.

Barriers to prevention in oral health care for english NHS dental patients: a qualitative study of views from key stakeholders

BackgroundDespite significant progress in the control of oral diseases since the discovery of fluoride in the 1940s, dental caries and periodontal diseases continue to affect a significant proportion of the population, particularly socially disadvantaged and lower socioeconomic groups. The National Health Service in England provides preventive advice and treatments as part of an oral health assessment, and evidence-based guidance recommends the use of fissure sealants and topical fluorides in addition to dietary and oral hygiene advice. Although oral health promotion and education have become expected parts of dental care, the need for restorative treatments remains relatively high. We aimed to explore how barriers to preventive advice and treatment for NHS patients may be hindering the provision of prevention in oral health to patients from the perspectives of multiple key stakeholders.MethodsSemi-structured interviews and focus groups were undertaken between March 2016-February 2017 with four groups of stakeholders: dentists, insurers, policy makers and patient participants. The interviews were analysed using deductive, reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThirty-two stakeholders participated: 6 dentists, 5 insurers, 10 policy makers, and 11 patient participants. Four themes were developed: Perspectives on the clarity of oral health messaging and patient’s knowledge, The variability of prioritising prevention, Influences of the dentist-patient relationship on effective communication and Motivation to enact positive oral health behaviours.ConclusionsThe findings from this research indicate that patients’ knowledge of and priority placed on prevention is variable. Participants believed that more targeted education could be valuable in enhancing these. A patient’s relationship with their dentist could also influence their level of knowledge through the information shared with them, their receptivity to the preventive messages and the value they place on it. However, even with knowledge, prioritising prevention and a good patient-dentist relationship, without motivation to engage in preventive behaviour the impact of these is reduced. Our findings are discussed in relation to the COM-B model of behaviour change.

Association between self-reported oral health and cognitive function among the community-dwelling elderly in Jinan, China: the mediating effect of life satisfaction.

Deterioration of self-reported oral health and decline in cognitive function are two main adverse health outcomes experienced by the older adults. Little evidence was found on the psychosocial mechanism between self-reported oral health and cognitive function. This study explores the association between self-reported oral health and cognitive function and examines the mediating effect of life satisfaction among the community-dwelling elderly in Jinan, China. A total of 512 older individuals (60+) were included in the study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination scale (MMSE), and self-reported oral health was measured using the Chinese version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between self-reported oral health, life satisfaction, and cognitive function. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the possible effect of covariates. Structural equation modelling and Bootstrap analyses were conducted to verify the mediating role of life satisfaction. The mean MMSE score was 25.65 ± 4.42. Better self-reported oral health was significantly associated with a higher level of life satisfaction, and those with higher life satisfaction experienced better cognitive function. Age, educational level and source of living expenses were found to be cofounding variables. Life satisfaction partially mediated the effect of self-reported oral health on cognitive function (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.010 to 0.075). The mediating effect of life satisfaction accounted for 24% of the total effect. The level of cognitive function was relatively high. Self-reported oral health was positively associated with cognitive function, and the mediating effect of life satisfaction was proven to exist in the community-dwelling older individuals. Early screening for oral diseases and a greater focus on life satisfaction are recommended.

ORAL HEALTH STATUS AND TREATMENT NEEDS OF INDORE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION EMPLOYEES

To assess the oral health status and treatment needs of Indore municipal corporation employees. A descriptive study was conducted among the employees of Indore municipal corporation. 486 employees as per representative sample by hierarchy decision during the study period were all taken into account. The study was organized for the data collection of Municipal employees during the period of July 2022 to sept. 2022. World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Form for Adults (2013) was used for the examination of employees. descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Windows, version 25 (IBM Corp, Armonk, N.Y., USA). Categorical variables were analyzed by Chi-square test and continuous variables were analyzed using One -way ANOVA. The prevalence of dental caries was 80.4%. The prevalence of periodontal disease was signicantly more (54.4%). And the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was 9.9%. Oral health status presents alarming health care seeking mainly due to various risk factors commonly predominated. The imperative need to escalate awareness through oral health campaigns, and interdisciplinary dental clinics availability for self-reliant healthcare to frontline workers of the Indore Municipal Corporation

Knowledge and practices regarding oral health and hygiene and its correlation with periodontal health in pregnant women, visiting hospitals of prime foundation

Objectives: To determine the periodontal health of pregnant women by using Community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN). To determine the oral health knowledge of pregnant women during pregnancy. To determine the correlation of knowledge and oral hygiene practices with periodontal health in pregnant women. To compare periodontal health, oral health knowledge and practices in different social classes during pregnancy. Methods and materials: A Cross-sectional study was carried out on 384 pregnant patients visiting gynea OPDs of Mercy, Kuwait, prime teaching hospitals and dental OPD of Peshawar dental hospital following inclusion and exclusion criteria and written consent was taken. Closed ended questionnaire was used consisting of 5 parts i-e age, trimester, oral health assessment (CPITN), oral health knowledge, oral hygiene practices and socioeconomic status. Results: Out of 384 patients 222 (57.8%) had healthy Periodontal status, followed by 75 (19.5%) having pocket depth between 3.5 to 5.5, calculus having 66 (17.2%), bleeding on probing were only 21 (5.5%) patients, whereas no patients were having pocket more than 5.5. 22(5.7%) had good oral health knowledge, 350 (91.1%) had satisfactory and 12 (3.1%) had poor oral health knowledge.