Oral Health Considerations Research Articles

Oral Health Considerations for Adults Aged 18 Years or More Seeking Dental Care in the Past Year: A CDC Oral Health Data Analysis.

Oral health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, with regular dental care being fundamental to its maintenance. This study focuses on understanding dental care utilization among adults aged 18 and above who have visited a dentist or dental clinic in the past year, aiming to uncover patterns, disparities, and determinants of oral health practices within this demographic. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Oral Health dataset were utilized to conduct this analysis. The dataset encompasses a diverse and nationally representative sample of adults aged 18 and above. The study explored the proportion of adults who sought dental care between 2008 and 2020, further stratified by demographic variables including age, gender, income, education, and race. The analysis provides insights into the prevalence of dental care utilization and the role of demographic factors in shaping oral health behaviors. The study found that 64.8% (n =397,291; 95% CI: 64.4 - 65.2) of adults aged 18 and above visited a dentist or dental clinic in 2020. Subgroup analysis revealed variations in dental care use by age, gender, income, education, and race. Among genders, 67.4% (n = 150,510; 95% CI: 66.9 - 67.9) of females sought care in 2020, compared to 61.9% (n = 116,535; 95% CI: 61.4 - 62.4) of males. Those earning >$50,000 had the highest proportion, 75.3% (n = 13,363; 95% CI: 74.8 - 75.8), seeking care. Among racial groups, White adults had the highest proportion, 68.4% (n = 204,486; 95% CI: 68.0 - 68.8) in 2020. In education groups, college graduates or professionals had the highest, 77.3% (n = 121,800; 95% CI: 76.8 - 77.8) in 2020. Among ages, adults aged 65+ had the highest proportion, 67.1% (n = 96,012; 95% CI: 66.4 - 67.8) in 2020. However, as age decreased, dental visit proportion generally remained within the same range. This study enhances our understanding of dental care utilization patterns within the studied population, shedding light on disparities in oral health practices. Moreover, it provides insight into how demographic factors shape dental/oral healthcare-seeking behaviors. Ultimately, these insights guide efforts to improve oral health outcomes and well-being within this population.

Decarbonization of Transport and Oral Health

The decarbonization of transport is a global initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the risks of global warming. This article explores the potential connections between the decarbonization of transport and oral health, highlighting the need for further research in this area. Emissions from vehicle exhausts, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, may have a modest impact on the risk of early childhood caries and other oral health diseases like periodontal diseases, oral cancer, and dental caries. Active transportation, which promotes regular exercise, has beneficial effects on overall health, including stimulating salivary protein production and reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, both of which are linked to poor oral health. Transitioning to electric vehicles can also reduce noise pollution, positively impacting mental well-being, which is associated with improved oral hygiene practices. Furthermore, the development of sustainable infrastructure, including efficient public transportation systems, can enhance access to dental services. Further research is needed to establish stronger evidence for these connections and to explore how the global decarbonization of transport agenda can incorporate oral health considerations.

Embracing neurodiversity-informed dentistry. Part two: Oral health considerations

Embracing neurodiversity-informed dentistry. Part two: Oral health considerations

DIABETES AND ORAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: A REVIEW

Diabetes Mellitus is now a global epidemic. With the rise in oral complications associated with diabetes, the dentists are concerned about the morbidity related to these. Oral health considerations involve those relating to adverse effects on gums, teeth, tongue as well as the delay in wound healing. Many a times, diabetics suffer discomfort and are not able to maintain proper oral hygiene owing to these oral complications thereby leading to significant rise in morbidity and mortality. It is imperative that such patients be made aware of the relationship that exists between oral hygiene and diabetes.

Oral Health Considerations for the Management of Patients with Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

Oral Health Considerations for the Management of Patients with Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

‘Neuromuscular Disorders and Their Oral Health Considerations’-A Review

Neuromuscular disorders are a group of disorders that are associated with problems with the nerves and muscles in your body. The most common symptom among these disorders is the weakening of muscles. Moreover there is diminished functioning of major adaptive system that facilitates and controls major parts of the body. This article briefly reviews some of these disorders and highlights their clinical findings and oral health considerations.

Sickle Cell Disease: An Overview of Oral Health Considerations for Pediatric Patients

Aim: This literature review aims to update the evidence for orofacial manifestations and current treatment recommendations for children and adolescents with sickle cell disease.
 Background: Sickle cell disease is a frequent hemoglobinopathy and a life-threatening genetic disorder. The lifelong condition is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusive crisis that may occur in a variable range of clinical presentations in different regions of the body, including the oral cavity.
 Review results: This review explored the most common orofacial alterations of pediatric patients with SCD. Dental caries is a common finding in SCD pediatric patients, especially in those who are socio-economically vulnerable. Moreover, malocclusions occur in high prevalence in SCD pediatric patients. Other oral health complications seen in SCD patients include periodontal inflammation, bone changes, infections, mental nerve neuropathy, facial overgrowth, delayed tooth eruption, dental anomalies, pulp necrosis, soft tissue alterations and salivary changes. Dental infections may trigger a vaso-occlusive crisis leading the patient to a higher probability on arriving in hospital emergency departments and in need for further hospital admission to deal with the correlated complications. Thus, preventive dental care and non-invasive dental procedures are the principal focus in SCD patients in order to avoid possible subsequent complications.
 Conclusion: The review showed that in pediatric patients with SCD the risk for orofacial manifestations and complications depends not only on the presence of SCD but also on other confounding factors such as oral hygiene, diet habits and social conditions. Moreover, more well-designed epidemiological studies are necessary to assess the real link between SCD disease and its impact on stomatognathic health.

Oral Health Considerations of Children: Grandparent Caregiver Perceptions, Behaviors, and Knowledge.

In the United States, approximately 2.7 million grandparents have permanent custody of their grandchildren. Prevalence of primary dental caries has remained steady for those living in poverty, and among children of color. Children in the care of their grandparents frequently live in socioeconomically disadvantaged households, where dental disparities continue to exist. Research regarding the grandfamily dynamic as it relates to oral health, is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate oral health perceptions, behaviors, and knowledge of grandparents raising/caring for their grandchildren; and explore how a grandparent caregiver's oral health knowledge influences their perceptions/behaviors regarding their grandchild's oral health. This descriptive, cross-sectional survey research used non-probability sampling strategies to recruit grandparents who were the primary caregiver of their grandchildren, aged birth to eighteen years. A validated questionnaire was employed, both in-person and electronically. A total of 75 grandparents participated and answered 52% (SD = 27%) of oral health knowledge questions correctly. The study showed a correlation between low-income grandparents (M = 3.94, SD = 1.02) having higher pediatric oral health knowledge. Additionally, results indicated the greater the knowledge, the more positive intent to assist grandchildren with routine brushing and in checking their teeth for cavities. This study demonstrated that regardless of socioeconomic status, grandparent caregiver's oral health knowledge can positively affect their oral health-related behaviors and values, which could influence their grandchildren's' oral health. Further research regarding grandparent caregiver utilization of public health pediatric services and dental education programs, and the potential influence of these programs on pediatric oral health, should be explored.

Oral conditions in the community patient: part 1.

Oral health is essential to prevent pain, ensure adequate nutrition and promote optimum general and psychosocial wellbeing. The detrimental effects of poor oral health can often be overlooked, resulting in low prioritisation of oral care when compared to other care roles. A multidisciplinary approach to maintaining good oral health of dependent community patients must be established, with stakeholders including dentists, nurses, carers, and family members. This article aims to explore fundamental oral health considerations for community nurses to maintain oral health.

Incorporating Oral Health Considerations for Medication Management in Care Transitions.

Transitions of care involve multifaceted considerations for patients, which can pose significant challenges if factors like oral health are overlooked when evaluating medication management. This article examines how oral health factors should be considered in medication management of patients who may be at risk for hospital readmission. This article also explores successes and challenges of a pharmacy consult service integrated into a dental clinic practice, and the opportunities within that setting to improve overall patient outcomes including those related to care transitions.

Knowledge and attitude of dental interns about oral health considerations in patients with renal problems in davanagere city: A cross sectional survey

Knowledge and attitude of dental interns about oral health considerations in patients with renal problems in davanagere city: A cross sectional survey - IDJSR- Print ISSN No: - 2394-708X Online ISSN No:- 2278-3784 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.idjsr.2020.005, International Dental Journal of Student's Research-Int Dent J

Oral health considerations in geriatric patients -A review

Oral health is closely related to general health which needs special attention in elderly patients. In order to provide health care to elderly patients understanding their mental, physical and psychosocial needs is very important. In due course of old age many physiologic changes takes place in many organs of the body including teeth. Considering the oral changes the treatment strategies for elderly patients need to be modified. A thorough counseling is required to bring the change in their thought process that tooth loss is part of ageing process. Keywords: Elderly, Oral health, Tooth loss.

Oral Health Considerations in an Achondroplastic Child: A Case Report

Achondroplasia is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia and is typically characterized by short stature and disproportionate limb shortening. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with full penetrance and consistent expression. Here we report general and dental findings in a 12 year old boy with achondroplasia with emphasis on special considerations during dental treatment.

Juvenile dermatomyositis - A case report with review on oral manifestations and oral health considerations

Juvenile Dermatomyositis is the most common inflammatory myositis in children, distinguished by proximal muscle weakness, a characteristic rash and Gottron’s papules. The oral lesions most commonly manifest as diffuse stomatitis and pharyngitis with halitosis. We report a case of an 8 year old male with proximal muscle weakness of all four limbs, rash, Gottron’s papules and oral manifestations. Oral health professionals must be aware of the extraoral and intraoral findings of this rare, but potentially life threatening autoimmune disease of childhood, for early diagnosis, treatment, prevention of long-term complications and to improve the prognosis and hence, the quality of life for the patient.

Association of Systemic Conditions with Dental Implant Failures in 6,384 Patients During a 31-Year Follow-up Period.

Outcome research has become an increasingly important form of clinical evidence for making health care decisions, including oral health considerations in the field of dentistry. In oral reconstruction involving dental implants, the risk of implant failure may be influenced by a patient’s underlying medical condition. To identify associations, implant failure and systemic conditions or diseases were studied in a consecutive series of patients who received dental implants from October 1, 1983, to December 31, 2014, in the Department of Dental Specialties at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Data were abstracted from a prospective clinical database and electronic health records for patients’ demographic, implant-specific, and medical profiles to determine time to first implant failure. Survival free of implant failure at the patient level was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Associations of demographic and systemic characteristics with implant failure were evaluated by using Cox proportional hazards regression models and summarized with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The patient cohort consisted of 6,358 patients with a median age of 53 years at placement of the first implant. A total of 713 patients experienced implant failure at a median of 0.6 years. Among the 5,645 patients who did not experience implant failure, the median duration of follow-up was 5.8 years. More than 20 systemic diseases or conditions were identified for assessment, of which 15 comprised more than 50 patients and five comprised more than 500 patients. All associations were adjusted for age, sex, and era of implant, given the strong influence of these features on implant failure. After adjustment, no systemic disease or condition was shown to increase the risk for implant failure in the population and setting studied. Patients considering oral reconstruction involving implants in the medical setting studied do not appear to risk implant loss because of systemic conditions or diseases.

Oral and Dental Health Considerations in Feeding Toddlers

The oral condition is often overlooked and underappreciated as a crucial health risk factor, despite the fact that oral problems can have far-reaching effects on overall health and well-being. Dental caries (tooth decay) is the number 1 chronic condition among US children and is 5 times more prevalent than childhood asthma. However, oral healthcare is still the most common unmet healthcare need among children. Diet is the primary etiologic factor in the caries process. Unfortunately, the usual exhortation to “avoid sugar” or “avoid sweets” is meaningless because the dietary factors involved in the caries process are more complex than simply encompassing the general category of sweets. Thus, dietary guidelines must be provided to pediatric populations if dental caries is to be prevented. This article reviews the factors involved in dental caries—especially the dietary factors—in young children and provides strategies for preventing this serious disease.

Oral and dental management of leukemic children

Leukemia is the most common malignancy in children which constitutes approximately 30% of all childhood cancers. Leukemia is the malignancy of white blood cells precursors in which the normal marrow elements are replaced by the poorly formed blast cells. Bone marrow transplantation along with a high dose of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the most accepted treatment for acute leukemias. Leukemic patients suffer from acute complications in the oral cavity and long-term complications in dental and craniofacial development secondary to antineoplastic therapy. This review aims to provide an insight into clinical research evidence available for the management of leukemic patients in the dental office. For review, a search of PubMed and Google Scholar was made with the keywords acute leukemia AND dental management, oral health considerations AND leukemic children, chemotherapy AND acute leukemia, radiotherapy AND acute leukemia. It was supplemented with hand search to identify related published articles in the dental journals.

Oral health presentations and considerations in gastrointestinal diseases

Lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) run the gamut from the merely annoying heartburn that has affected many a partakers of a large and spicy meal to the highly lethal cancers. Distressing to the physician is that all disorders of the esophagus tend to produce similar symptoms, namely heartburn, dysphagia, pain, and/or hematemesis. The GIT plays a prominent part in the immune system. The pH (ranging from 1 to 4) of the stomach is acidic which proves fatal for a number of microbes which pass through it. Also, mucus in the stomach (containing IgA antibodies) and enzymes present in the saliva and bile neutralize many of these microorganisms. Lesions of the GIT also present with oral symptoms, which is of significance for an oral physician to recognize and treat them.

Geriatric dentistry in India: An oral medicine perspective

The fastest emerging component of the general population comprises geriatric people, which, in future, will have an impact on oral and systemic health considerations. As there is an increase in the elderly population, it has given rise to new challenges, of which the foremost and important challenge is to provide health care that is cost-effective, accessible, and of fine eminence. Oral health, which forms a major fraction of the general health, has its impact on the physical and mental status, which affects the quality of life of geriatric population. In order to provide excellent oral health care, it is mandatory to focus on the knowledge and education in the field of geriatric dentistry, which will aid in providing optimum health care. Geriatric dentistry has failed to evolve as a distinct, independent specialty at the postgraduate level of dental education. Even at the undergraduate level, there is a lack of training and the constituent aspects of geriatric dentistry are not included in the curriculum. Young graduates need to understand the socio-economic, physical, and psychological problems, and the complexity in treating the elderly patients suffering from chronic diseases and long-term medication, as part of their training in oral medicine. Also, specialized courses in the field of geriatric dentistry, such as oral medicine advanced education program and fellowship in geriatric dentistry, must be developed for the oral medicine specialists to address and meet the needs of elderly population in India.

Oral Health Considerations in HIV-Infected Children

Children with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a higher probability of hard and soft oral tissue diseases because of their compromised immune systems and socioeconomic factors such as poor access to medical and dental care and limited availability of fluoridated water or toothpaste. To improve health outcomes and help monitor the progression of HIV, a preventive, child-specific oral health protocol for children with HIV that is easy to use and appropriate for all different resource settings should be established. Further, both medical and dental health practitioners should incorporate such a protocol into their care routine for HIV-infected children. Using proactive oral health risk assessments complemented by scheduled follow-up visits based on individual risk determination can prevent opportunistic infection, track the HIV disease trajectory, and monitor the effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) while improving the quality of life and longevity of children living with HIV.