Oral Health Behavior Research Articles

Apply the information-motivation-behavioral model to explore the relationship between oral health literacy and oral health behaviors among community-dwelling older adults.

Oral health is a critical area in healthy aging. Oral health literacy (OHL) plays an important role in improving oral health behaviors and oral health status. However, few studies have investigated OHL among community-dwelling older adults and the influential mechanism of OHL on oral health behaviors has not been clarified. The aim of this study is to explore the interaction pathways through which OHL influences oral health behaviors among community-dwelling older adults. This is a cross-sectional study. 429 community-dwelling older adults were recruited by a convenience sampling method from the activity service center in Zhenjiang, Southern China. The data were collected between September and November 2021 using the Oral Health Literacy Adult Questionnaire (OHL-AQ) and other sophisticated scale assessments. A theoretical model based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills model (IMB model) and previous research was developed and then validated using a structural equation model with AMOS v24.0. The proposed model revealed a good fit to the data (χ2/df = 3.349, goodness of fit index = 0.957, adjusted goodness of fit index = 0.921, root mean squared error of approximation = 0.074, comparative fit index = 0.955, normed fit index = 0.938). Oral health information (β = 0.23) and motivation (β = 0.56) positively affected OHL. OHL (β = 0.20) and motivation (β = 0.25) positively affected self-efficacy; self-efficacy (β = 0.98) had a direct effect on oral health behavior. OHL had an indirect effect on oral health behaviors through self-efficacy (β = 0.19). Motivation can both directly influence oral health behavior (β = 0.18) and indirectly influence oral health behavior through OHL and self-efficacy(β = 0.35). The study findings make a valuable contribution to the influential mechanism of OHL on oral health behaviors. OHL improved oral health behaviors through self-efficacy among community-dwelling older adults. Oral health information directly affected OHL. Motivation directly affected oral health behaviors as well as influence oral health behaviors by changing OHL.

A case-control study on oral health knowledge and dental behavior among individuals with developmental delays in Jordan: caregiver perspective

Aimthe aim of this study is to assess oral health knowledge and dental behavior among individuals with developmental delays intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in comparison with individuals without (IDD) in Jordan.MethodsA case–control study was conducted among 317 caregivers of individuals with IDD (n = 168) and control (n = 149) groups, which involved the completion of the questionnaire. A closed-ended, validated self-designed questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaire included questions addressing participants’ oral health knowledge and behavior. Convenience sampling was used to select the caregivers from centers associated with IDD by collecting data from nearby locations. Using SPSS® software Version 22 with a 0.05 level of significance data were analyzed. A Chi-square test and contingency-table analysis were performed on the data.ResultsCaregivers for individuals with IDD in Jordan were less knowledgeable about different oral health aspects than control group (P value < 0.05). Fewer individuals in the IDD caregiver group brushed their teeth once or twice daily (83.2%), compared to the control group (93.3%). Only 22.6% of the IDD participants could brush their teeth without assistance. On the other hand, the IDD group consumed significantly less sugary foods and soda than the control group (P value < 0.05).ConclusionThe lack of knowledge among IDD caregivers in Jordan is critical which can result in poor oral health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Increasing the knowledge level for the IDD caregivers on the specific needs for IDD individuals is highly important to enhance their understanding of oral health and improve their quality of life. Caregivers with IDD should receive training programs given by oral health professionals about the need for regular dental check-up and effective oral hygiene care reduce the risk of having dental problems and oral disease.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions Targeted to Parents for Improving the Oral Health of Children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Backgrounds.

A high prevalence of dental caries is a significant health problem, especially in the pediatric population. Low-income minority groups, including the refugee and immigrant populations, are at higher risk of compromised oral health. It has been suggested that migrant parents do not have enough understanding of oral health, risk factors associated with dental caries, or the progress of dental decay. This systematic review aims to study quantitative literature on oral health interventions, health promotion programs, or behaviour change interventions targeting the parents/ caregivers of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children. A systematic search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, CINAHL, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, COCHRANE, and PROQUEST, was conducted until August 2023. Randomised (RCT) or non-randomised controlled trials (NRCTs) were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. Meta-analysis was performed as appropriate. The initial search from the databases retrieved 2073 articles. After the removal of duplicates, 1683 articles remained. Finally, 69 articles were reviewed in full text, and 15 articles were considered eligible in this review. The RoB assessment for RCTs rated three as low-risk and three as high-risk. The serious RoB in these NRCTs mostly pertained to measurement bias based on self-reporting oral health behaviours. The meta-analysis pooling of results (for RCTs and NRCTs) favoured interventions for CALD parents' oral health knowledge [0.73 (95% CI, 0.08 to 1.38) for RCTs, 1.73 (95% CI; 1.45 to 2.02) for NRCTs] and attitudes [0.86 (95% CI, 0.31 to 1.42)]. Relatively high heterogeneity was observed. Oral health educational interventions can be effective in improving the oral health literacy of CALD parents' oral health knowledge and attitudes, especially when facilitated by lay health advisors. However, the low quality of evidence due to high heterogeneity and high RoB further highlighted the need for well-designed RCTs targeting CALD parents.

Comparison of the Short Time Effect of an Oral Hygiene Education in Four Sessions via Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence Technology Versus Disclosing Agents in Children: A Randomized, Crossover Clinical Trial

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Qscan plus™ (AIOBIO, Seoul, Korea) based on quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology and disclosing agents in oral health programs in children. Methods: A randomized crossover study was conducted for Korean children aged 6–11 years. Fifty-eight participants (29 to use Qscan plus™ first and 29 to use the disclosing agent first) were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group was assigned to brush with Qscan plus™, while the other group brushed with disclosed plaque visualization. One month later, the groups switched procedures. A total of 39 participants were analyzed, excluding those lost during the trial. There was no adverse event during the trial. The patient hygiene performance (PHP) index was used to assess oral hygiene status, and questionnaires about oral health behavior and attitude were completed. The data were analyzed using repeated-measure analysis of variance, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The PHP score decreased significantly on post-brushing and follow-up compared to baseline in both methods (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the two methods. After oral hygiene education, participants’ brushing time increased, and their oral care attitudes improved. More participants preferred the Qscan device to the disclosed plaque visualization because it is more easily noticeable. Conclusions: The Qscan device has a similar educational effect as disclosing agents, and can be used as a supplementary tool to encourage children in oral hygiene education.

Selfies, narcissism and oral health a cross - sectional study among adolescents and young adults in Mangaluru - India.

Background Selfies have been defined as “a photograph that one has taken of oneself, and are a continuing growing trend among Millennials and Gen Z”. Narcissism refers to a personality trait of an extraordinary self-awareness and adoration. Studies have shown a close relationship between selfie-taking behavior, narcissism and oral health. Hence, a study was conducted with aim of assessing correlations between perceived health, perceived oral health, selfie-taking behavior, narcissism and oral health behavior in an adolescent population. Methods An analytical cross-sectional questionnaire study was designed using relevant literature for collating information on sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of dental visits, selfie-taking behavior and perceived oral health. Oral health examination was performed to assess decay and plaque using DMFT index and Plaque index. Narcissism was assessed using The Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory Short Form. Results The study included a sample of 163 participants. The associations between selfies taken per day and perceived oral health was statistically significant (p value 0.047*). Binary logistic regression models were constructed, which were significant for perceived oral health and grandiose fantasy. Plaque Scores showed significant corelations between indifference, manipulativeness, thrill seeking and age. Step forward binary regression demonstrated a significant odds ratio for grandiose narcissism followed by selfie-taking behavior Conclusion This study revealed a correlation between perceived oral health and selfie-taking behaviour. Further studies are required to assess selfie-taking behaviour and oral health.

Dental Hygienists' Influence on Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavioural of Patients and Effectiveness on Improving Patients' Periodontal Status-Evaluations of a Hospital Based Oral Hygiene Training Program in China.

To evaluate the possibility of integrating dental hygienists (DHs) into the dental field in China, and investigate its effectiveness on improving patients' knowledge, attitudes, self-care behaviours as well as their periodontal status. A hospital-based oral hygiene training program was developed at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital's (SRRSH) Dental Clinic with the support of two registered DHs from Loma Linda University in California. A questionnaire evaluating oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours was conducted in patients who visited SRRSH's Dental Clinic. Scores of oral health knowledge and proportions of positive oral health attitudes and favourable self-care behaviours were estimated between patients treated and not treated by DHs (DH group and NDH group). The improvements in patients' periodontal conditions following non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) administered by DHs at the Dental Clinic of SRRSH, as assessed through the measurement of periodontal pocket depths and the incidence of bleeding upon probing. Patients in DH group exhibited relatively better results in several aspects of oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, compared to those in NDH group. Moreover, NPST performed by DHs significantly improved the periodontal status of the patients, with a remarkably reduction in periodontal pocket depth and bleeding on probing. Integrating DHs into SRRSH's Dental Clinic showed effectiveness in enhancing patients' oral health knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and succeeded in improving patients' periodontal status. This program demonstrated that incorporating DHs into dental care team is not only practical but also enhances the value of the dental workforce in China.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oral Health Behaviors Among Children in Iran.

Parents are responsible for their children's oral health. This study evaluated parents' knowledge, attitudes, and performance on their children's oral health before and after an educational intervention and the impact of COVID-19 on these variables. This quasi-experimental study included 227 children aged 6-8 years who were referred to 11 Shiraz medical centers from July to December 2021. Data were collected from questionnaires and interviews. After completing the questionnaire, oral health education was provided immediately and then monthly thereafter using dental models and pamphlets. After 3 months, a questionnaire assessed the education's effectiveness. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired t-tests, and Pearson's correlation. A total of 163 participants (71.80%) completed all phases, including the second questionnaire. Participants showed moderate knowledge (77.30%), attitude (89.00%), and performance (80.40%). Neither knowledge nor attitude before the intervention had a significant association with demographic characteristics. Parents' education, number of children, and maternal employment were significantly associated with performance (p = 0.002, p = 0.040, p < 0.001, respectively). The intervention significantly enhanced these variables (p < 0.001). In terms of COVID-19, 72.40% of participants expressed good knowledge about transmission, 52.80% showed moderate concern, and 54% had poor performance. Parental knowledge, attitude, and performance changed significantly following the intervention (p = 0.030, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Educational intervention significantly improved parents' knowledge, attitudes, and performance toward children's oral health. Because of the poor performance of parents during the COVID-19 pandemic, we recommend the implementation of continuing education and preventive oral health programs.

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

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

Association of Demographic Disparities in Maternal Oral Hygiene Status, Caries Experience, and Oral Health Behavior Toward Children in Chengalpattu District, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Association of Demographic Disparities in Maternal Oral Hygiene Status, Caries Experience, and Oral Health Behavior Toward Children in Chengalpattu District, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Oral health behavior associated with cardiometabolic outcomes: A nationally representative cross-sectional study in Portugal

BackgroundOral diseases are associated with the development of cardiometabolic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between oral health behaviors (tooth brushing and oral health appointments) with cardiometabolic diseases. MethodsData from the First National Health Examination Survey were used. Participants aged 25–74 years and diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (n = 4442), stroke (n = 4441), hypertension (n = 4450) and diabetes (n = 4327) were analyzed. A fifth subsample (n = 2555) included participants aged 40–69 for calculating cardiovascular risk. Poor oral health behavior was defined as brushing once a day or less and having the last oral health appointment at 12 months or more. Poisson regression models assessed the relationship between poor oral health behavior and these cardiometabolic outcomes. ResultsAmong 4.450 participants, 20.5 % had poor oral health behavior. A statistically significant association was found between poor oral health behavior with diabetes (PR: 1.44 [95 % CI: 1.10–1.98], and high/very high cardiovascular risk (PR: 1.42 [95 % CI: 1.25–1.62]). In the sensitivity analysis the association with diabetes and high/very high cardiovascular risk persisted when considering only brushing behavior but not when considering only oral health appointments at 12 months or more. ConclusionsIndividuals with poor oral health behavior had a higher prevalence of diabetes and high/very high cardiovascular risk. Sensitivity analysis suggested that regular tooth brushing may be the main behavior for preventing diabetes and cardiovascular risk. The results suggest that regular tooth brushing may act in prevention for diabetes and cardiovascular risk.

Adolescents smartphone screen time and its association with caries symptoms experience from the Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey 2020–2021

Adolescence is a time when important changes occur in behavioral development, and previous studies have confirmed the relationship between excessive Internet use and decreased oral health behavior. Our purpose is to identify the indirect effects and behavioral factors of smartphone screen time on the caries symptom experience of adolescents. Using data from the 16–17th Korea youth risk behavior web based survey (2020–2021), we investigated the smartphone screen time of 109,796 students in middle school 1st to high school 3rd. Adolescents who used smartphones more than 6 h per week were 28% more likely to experience caries symptoms than those who used smartphones less than 2 h (odds ratio = 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–1.35). Those who consumed cariogenic drinks more than once a day were 25% more likely to experience caries symptoms, and those who brushed their teeth less than once a day were 26% more likely to experience caries symptoms (odds ratio = 1.25, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.46, 1.06–1.51). Excessive smartphone screen time is associated with addictive eating habits and reduced physical activity that increase cariogenic dietary behaviors, and decrease oral health behaviors. It suggests that excessive smartphone use indirectly related to the experience of caries symptoms.

Analysis Of The Relationship Between Knowledge, Attitude And Oral Health Behavior And Numbers Dental Caries

Background: Dental caries is an oral health problem that is of global concern, where dental caries is a dental disease characterized by damage to the tooth surface and if left untreated, the infection will spread to the pulp. The impact is changes in tooth structure, pain and infection and death of the pulp. There are 57 students out of 83 new undergraduate students in 2023 at the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business experiencing dental caries, this case has always been a common dental problem, but it must be reduced to a very low number of cases. Objective: to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and oral health behavior and the rate of dental caries in new students at the Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business, UIN North Sumatra, Medan. Methodology: The research method is observational analytics with a cross sectional approach, a sample of 287 respondents, data collection methods using observation and questionnaires. Results: there is a relationship between knowledge and the number of dental caries (? = 0.000), there is a relationship between attitudes and the number of dental caries (? = 0.000), and there is a relationship between behavior and the number of dental caries (? = 0.000). Discussion: behavior is the most dominant factor influencing the rate of dental caries ? = 0.002, OR value 26.903, and C.I 95% (3.250 – 222.684). Conclusion: Faculty to create a joint policy with university clinics in the form of an oral health program. Students are expected to know, behave well, and apply oral health behavior.

Periodontal and Caries Status in Relation to Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Medical and Dental Students in Taxila, Pakistan

Periodontal and Caries Status in Relation to Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Medical and Dental Students in Taxila, Pakistan

Factors Associated with Dental Care Utilization for Oral Disease Prevention Among Adolescents in Multicultural Families in Republic of Korea.

This study utilized data from the 2022 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey to examine the utilization of preventive dental care among adolescents from multicultural families and analyze the associated factors. The number of adolescents from multicultural families, based on parental nationality, was 1361. The dependent variables were asymptomatic dental visits, sealant experience, and scaling experience. The independent variables included health perception factors (subjective health status, subjective oral health status), health behaviors (fruit consumption frequency, vegetable consumption frequency, sugary drink consumption frequency, drinking experience, smoking experience), and oral health behaviors (daily tooth-brushing frequency, tooth brushing after lunch, use of oral care products, oral symptom experience). Confounding variables included demographic variables (age, grade) and socioeconomic variables (academic performance, economic level, parental education level, mother's nationality). Statistical analyses were conducted using a complex samples cross-tabulation and complex samples logistic regression. Asymptomatic dental visits were significantly associated with subjective oral health status and sugary drink consumption. Those who perceived their oral health as "Healthy" had an odds ratio (OR) of 3.34 (CI = 1.76-6.32; p < 0.001), and those who perceived themselves "Normal" had an OR of 2.03 (CI = 1.08-3.82; p = 0.029). A sugary drink consumption of less than three times per week was linked with an OR of 1.68 (CI = 1.05-2.70; p = 0.031). Sealant experience was associated with brushing before bedtime (OR = 2.27, CI = 1.18-4.35; p = 0.014) and using more than one oral care product (OR = 1.97, CI = 1.27-3.07; p = 0.003). Scaling experience associated with oral symptoms (OR = 1.94, CI = 1.21-3.11; p = 0.006). To enhance access to preventive dental care utilization for adolescents from multicultural families, efforts are needed to raise subjective oral health awareness, improve oral health behaviors, and develop strategies that ensure timely preventive dental care.

Socio-behavioural associates of Early Childhood Caries among preschool children aged three to four years in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka: a cross sectional study

BackgroundEarly Childhood Caries (ECC) is a highly prevalent disease among preschoolers in Sri Lanka, with stagnated prevalence over the decades. Therefore, it is important to determine the socio-behavioural associations of ECC among preschoolers to reduce the country’s ECC burden.MethodsA cross-sectional study with a multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 3 to 4 year-old preschoolers/mothers dyads in Gampaha district in 2019. Preschoolers who completed third birthday and had not completed fifth birthday on the day of data collection were selected. The dependent variable was the presence (dmft ≥ 1) or absence (dmft = 0) of ECC. Independent variables were sex, monthly family income, mother’s educational and occupational status, child’s birth order, family type, frequency of consumption of sweets and sweetened drinks, time of sweet consumption during the last 24 h, toothbrushing frequency, supervision of toothbrushing, dental visit, and maternal dental caries. A pre-tested validated questionnaire was used. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used.ResultsTotal of 1038 preschoolers were selected. There were 529 females (51.0%) and 509 males (49.0%). The prevalence of ECC was 56.3% (95% CI: 53.1–59.3). Consuming sweets between meals had a higher odds ratio than consuming sweets after main meals (OR = 1.72, 95% CI:1.25–2.35), consumption of sweets every day had a higher odds ratio than consumption of sweets several times a week or less (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 2.02–4.13), consumption of sweetened drinks every day had a higher odds ratio than consumption of sweetened drinks several times a week or less (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.07–2.79), and the presence of maternal caries had a higher odds ratio than the absence of maternal caries (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.12–2.69). The use of adult fluoridated toothpaste than not using adult fluoridated toothpaste (OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.48–0.85), tooth brushing twice per day than not brushing twice per day (OR = 0.67, 95% CI:0.51–0.89), and supervised toothbrushing than unsupervised toothbrushing (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41–0.93) was negatively associated with ECC.ConclusionsECC is highly associated with sweet consumption and oral hygiene behaviours among preschoolers in Gampaha District. Interventions should focus on the oral health behaviours of preschoolers to reduce ECC burden.

Determinants of oral health among Iranian soldiers: a structural equation modeling study

BackgroundMilitary personnel often face unique challenges in maintaining optimal oral health. This study investigated the oral health status, caries experience, and associated factors among a sample of Iranian soldiers, employing a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to explore the complex interplay of socioeconomic and behavioral determinants.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 658 male soldiers aged 18–30 years from three military barracks in Fars province, Iran. Data were collected through a structured instrument and clinical oral examinations. The study employs the DMFT index, which measures caries experience based on decayed, missing, and filled teeth, along with the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) to assess overall oral health status. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the complex relationships between socioeconomic factors, oral health behaviors, and oral health outcomes.ResultsThe mean DMFT score was 3.57 ± 5.91, and the mean OHIS score was 0.56 ± 1.42. SEM analysis revealed that socioeconomic status (SES) indirectly influenced DMFT and oral hygiene scores, mediated by drug use, oral hygiene practices, dietary sugar consumption, and dental visit frequency. Lower toothbrushing frequency was significantly associated with higher DMFT (Estimate = -0.064, p < 0.001) and OHIS scores (Estimate = -0.637, p < 0.001). Drug use (smoking, qalyan, alcohol) was linked to poorer oral health outcomes, while more frequent dental visits were associated with lower DMFT and OHIS scores.ConclusionThis study reveals the complex interplay between socioeconomic conditions, oral health behaviors, and oral health outcomes among Iranian soldiers. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address modifiable risk factors and improve access to preventive dental care within military settings. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate further the causal pathways between these factors and oral health outcomes in military populations.

The effect of educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory on promoting adolescent oral health behaviors through mobile application: a randomized controlled trial study

BackgroundOral health is so important for the adolescent age group that the World Health Organization has listed oral health as a lifelong prerequisite for maintaining public health; Therefore, this research was carried out with the aim of the effect of educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory on the promotion of behaviors related to oral health of adolescents through mobile application.MethodsIn this clinical trial, 80 adolescents aged 13–15 years from Shushtar city were selected using a random cluster sampling method and assigned to either the test or control group. The data collection tools included a standard questionnaire for measuring Oral health behavior (awareness, attitude, behavior) and a standard questionnaire for measuring self-efficacy (self-efficacy in brushing teeth, self-efficacy in using dental floss, and self-efficacy in visiting the dentist), as well as demographic characteristics. Training was provided to the test group via a mobile application for 3 weeks. During the intervention, the control group did not receive any training. Questionnaires were distributed in both groups immediately after the intervention, as well as one month and three months post-intervention, and data were collected. In accordance with research ethics, at the end of the study, the educational content was provided to the control group. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and Mann-Whitney and Friedman non-parametric tests.ResultsThe findings showed that the educational intervention through the mobile application was effective in improving the average scores of awareness, attitude, self-efficacy in brushing teeth, flossing, visiting the dentist, and the behavior of adolescents regarding oral health behaviors, and this statistical difference was significant compared to before the educational intervention (P < 0.05), while no change was observed in the control group (p > 0.05).ConclusionConsidering that adolescents aged 13–15 years are the age of starting behavioral habits, including oral health behaviors, and on the other hand, their interest in using technology and virtual spaces is high, it is suggested that part of the education of this age group should be designed and implemented in the platform of mobile application.Clinical TrialRegistration in Iran Clinical Trial Center with ID code (IRCT20200120046204N1) Date of.Registration: 2018-02-25.

Association Between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Periodontal Conditions According to Sleep Duration Using Data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and periodontitis according to sleep duration in a representative sample of Korean adults. A total of 3535 subjects who participated in the sixth (2013-2014) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were examined. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum concentration of 20 ng/ml. Periodontal status was assessed with the community periodontal index (CPI). A high CPI was defined as a score ≥ 3. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic variables, oral and general health behaviors, and systemic health status. All analyses used a complex sampling design, and a subgroup analysis was performed to determine estimates following stratification for sleep duration (≤ 5, 6, 7-8, and ≥ 9 h per day). Multivariable regression analysis indicated that among participants who slept for ≥ 9 h per day, those with vitamin D deficiency were 5.51 times (95% confidence interval = 2.04-14.89) more likely to have periodontitis than those with sufficient vitamin D levels. This association was not statistically significant in the other sleep duration groups. The findings of this study indicate that people with vitamin D deficiency who sleep 9 h or longer may also be statistically significantly more likely to have periodontitis.

Impact of oral health literacy on oral health behaviors and outcomes among the older adults: a scoping review

BackgroundOral Health Literacy (OHL), defined as an ability to obtain, understand, and apply information related to oral health, plays a crucial role in promoting effective oral health outcomes and behaviors. Given the pressing need to enhance oral health among older adults, this scoping review aims to summarize the impact of OHL on oral health behaviors and outcomes in this population.MethodsThe authors performed an electronic search up through July 22, 2024. Among the 2,226 articles identified, the authors included studies in which the investigators evaluated the association between OHL and oral health behaviors or outcomes restricted to individuals aged 60 years and older. Thematic analysis was used to develop the domain for oral health behaviors or outcomes.ResultsAmong the 10 studies analyzed, significant correlations were identified between OHL and various oral health indicators, including periodontitis, the number of remaining teeth, dental prosthesis use, oral hygiene, oral health-related quality of life among men, as well as dissatisfaction with oral health (p < 0.05). However, the results were conflicting across the studies, indicating variability in the strength and nature of these associations. Additionally, OHL was shown to significantly influence oral health-related behaviors, especially the tooth brushing frequency (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis review highlights a scarcity of studies addressing OHL in older populations, suggesting that OHL has been deprioritized in efforts to improve oral health for this vulnerable group. Key gaps include the need for age-appropriate OHL assessment tools, stronger evidence linking OHL to specific oral health behaviors and outcomes, and the integration of OHL into broader health initiatives and research in older group. These areas are critical to advancing our understanding and improving oral health outcomes among older adults.

Association between oral health and hyperuricemia in Korean adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2019.

Hyperuricemia plays an essential role in the gout. Despite the clinical significance of hyperuricemia, a direct relationship between oral health and hyperuricemia has not been established. We aim to investigate the association between oral health and hyperuricemia. We selected 17,557 subjects from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database for the years 2016-2019. Oral health-related variables included the number of dental caries, regular tooth brushing, use of secondary oral products, and regular dental examinations. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hyperuricemia were calculated using a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model. Oral health status with dental caries and oral health behaviors, including tooth brushing, secondary oral products, and regular dental examination, were significantly associated with hyperuricemia in all participants. The adjusted OR and 95% CIs for hyperuricemia comparing more than three dental caries with no dental caries were 1.28 (1.08-1.52). The adjusted OR and 95% CIs for hyperuricemia in regular tooth brushing, use of secondary oral products, and regular dental examination were 0.78 (0.67-0.91), 0.91 (0.83-1.00), and 0.86 (0.78-0.95), respectively. Notably, the association between oral health and hyperuricemia was more prominent in male subjects. In addition, when subjects were grouped by the oral health scoring system, the prevalence of hyperuricemia was lower in groups with better oral health scores. We demonstrated that oral health status and behaviors are associated with hyperuricemia, particularly in males. Further studies are necessary to confirm the association between oral health and hyperuricemia.