Oral Health Factors Research Articles

Relationship between oral health factors and suicidal ideation in Korean adolescents : The 13th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2017

Relationship between oral health factors and suicidal ideation in Korean adolescents : The 13th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2017

A Study on the Influencing Factors of Smoking and Oral Health in Adult Males, and Necessity of Supporting Smoking Cessation in Dental clinics

A Study on the Influencing Factors of Smoking and Oral Health in Adult Males, and Necessity of Supporting Smoking Cessation in Dental clinics

Self Assessment of Oral Health and Risk Factors among Elderly in Tamilnadu, India

Self Assessment of Oral Health and Risk Factors among Elderly in Tamilnadu, India

The impacts of oral health symptoms, hygiene, and diet on the development and severity of psoriasis

Numerous studies have suggested a correlation between oral health, the oral microbiome, and various dermatologic conditions, particularly psoriasis. In this study, we utilize a specially designed questionnaire administered to 265 patients at The Ohio State University's dermatology clinics to explore the relationship between psoriasis and a combination of factors that included dietary habits, oral health, and oral hygiene practices. Age, family history of psoriasis, previous diagnosis of strep throat or rheumatoid arthritis, and oral pain or discomfort experienced within the last 12 months were all found to be significant predictors of psoriasis. Additionally, higher body mass index scores, poor gum health, and speech difficulties related to dental problems were all correlated with more severe psoriasis symptoms. Conversely, patients who reported consuming fresh fruit at least once a day experienced milder symptoms. Our goal is to develop a better understanding of how and why psoriasis incidence is correlated with some of the oral health factors under review.

Relation of Polypharmacy to Systemic and Oral Health Related Factors

To assess polypharmacy (i.e., multiple medication use, as synthetic chemical products) and its relationship to general, systemic health and oral health factors in adults over 50 years old. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of adult patients recruited from two medical centers from Bucharest, i.e. from the Clinic of Dental Prosthetics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and from Saint Luca Hospital for Chronic Diseases. Study sample included 126 patients, that used a mean of 5.2 drugs. Almost half of patients (43.65%) used more than five prescribed medications. There was a tendency to use a greater number of medications in the case of patients that were hospitalized at Saint Luca Hospital, were less educated, had a lower income, had a greater number of comorbidities, had untreated edentulism in both jaws, were unfrequently wearing removable prosthesis and were using denture adhesives. Both positive and negative effects of polypharmacy should be considered in mutimorbidity patients when establishing prescription medications, along with general and oral factors that may influence treatment conduct and outcome.

Serum cotinine, vitamin D exposure levels and dental caries experience in U.S. adolescents.

Epidemiologic studies of risk and protective factors for poor oral health have mostly been among children and adults, seldom focusing on adolescents. The aims of this study were to examine whether serum cotinine, a marker of tobacco exposure, and serum vitamin D are independently associated with dental caries experience among adolescents. Cross-sectional data from 2579 adolescent participants in the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey were analysed. The exposures, cotinine and vitamin D, were measured in serum while dental caries experience was determined by screening examination, and a case defined as having ≥1 decayed or filled teeth. Survey-adjusted logistic regression estimated prevalence odds ratios (POR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between the respective exposures and outcome. The overall median (IQR) serum cotinine level was 0.15ng/mL (0.04, 1.80) while the mean (SE) serum vitamin D concentration was 68.2nmol/L (1.36). In contrast to participants with serum cotinine ≤3ng/L, those with levels >3ng/L had covariate-adjusted estimate of 1.69 (1.16, 2.47) for caries experience. Each additional mean (ng/L) serum cotinine level was associated with an 8% (95% CI=1.01, 1.16) greater adjusted prevalence odds of having caries experience. In contrast to participants with vitamin D≥50nmol/L, those with levels of30-<50nmol/L and <30nmol/L had non-statistically significant adjusted estimates of 1.02 (0.72, 1.44) and 1.23 (0.70, 2.16) respectively for caries experience. Serum cotinine is associated with dental caries experience among adolescents and while deficient (<30nmol/L) levels of vitamin D appear to be associated with greater prevalence odds of caries experience, this association is inconclusive.

Risk factors for oral health in young, urban, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

BackgroundThe caries process follows a strong social gradient which can commence in the first years of life. Yet data on young children remain limited. This study reports the potential risk factors and indicators in urban, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged less than 5 and estimates the prevalence of caries.MethodsDemographic and risk factor and risk indicator data were collected at baseline in a cohort study of children attending a health clinic in north Brisbane. Dentulous children received a basic oral examination to explore the presence of decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft). Descriptive analyses were performed. A backwards stepwise logistic regression model was performed to identify potential associations with dmft status.ResultsIn this study, 180 children enrolled: 111 children received the oral examination, of whom 14 (12.6%) (mean age 35 months) were estimated to have dmft >0. There was a high prevalence of socio‐economic, dietary and behavioural risk factors/indicators present for children. Due to the small sample size, planned regression was not performed.ConclusionsOverall, the prevalence of risk factors and risk indicators for caries in the study population is high. More culturally appropriate resources that support preventive care need to be invested before children are school aged.

The influence of oral health and psycho-social well-being on clinical outcomes in Beh\xe7et\u2019s disease

This study was designed to investigate the association of oral ulceration and oral health factors, together with psycho-social well-being in Behçet’s disease (BD), and to clarify the importance of psycho-social support of patients in the overall management of BD. The study comprised of a cohort of 146 BD patients (mean age ± SD = 39.65 ± 13.20) and 20 recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients (mean age ± SD = 42.32 ± 11.32). Oral ulcer severity score (OUSS), Behçet’s disease current activities form (BDCAF), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and the work and social adjustment scale (WSAS) were investigated. Oral health risk factors were also included. The analysis of variance, regression, and factor analysis were used to scrutinise the data. Almost 73% of patients were at high caries risk in BD and RAS groups. Thirty-nine percent of BD and forty percent of RAS had a score of BPE3 (probing depth 3.5–5.5 mm). Regression analysis revealed that OUSS and WSAS had a positive impact to increase the BDCAF score in BD patients (β = 0.395, P = 0.001; β = 0.240, P = 0.019), respectively. Dental health, periodontal health, anxiety, depression, and WSAS variables had strong loadings by factor analysis based on gender and at the time of present and absent of oral ulceration. The main oral ulcer characteristics that had significant influences on the total of oral health quality of life by 68.6% were: size, duration, ulcer-free period, and pain. The results highlighted the significant influence of oral ulceration, patients’ oral health, diet, and psycho-social well-being as multi-factorial causes on increasing disease activity in BD patients.

Evaluation of a community based dental clinic for youth experiencing homelessness in Brisbane.

The relationship between homelessness and ill health is complex, and many risk factors for homelessness such as unemployment, low income, and substance abuse are also risk factors for poor oral health. In order to overcome barriers to access dental care, previous studies have recommended integrating dental care, referral pathways, and information within the overall care provided by support services available to people at risk of homelessness. This study aimed to evaluate a dental service developed and implemented to improve access to oral health care of disadvantaged youth in Brisbane. A mobile dental clinic run by volunteer dental professionals was implemented into a community organisation for disadvantaged youth. Participants were clients of Brisbane Youth Services who were disadvantaged youth, ≤25years and attended the dental clinic in a 1year period. A questionnaire collected demographic information, a self-assessment of oral health and an evaluation of their experiences with the dental clinic. Clinical data including DMFT, appointment attendance and items of service provided were collected. One hundred and twelve clients participated in the four dental clinic weeks and its evaluation. Cost was the greatest reported barrier to accessing dental care among participants. More than half (57%) of participants who pre-booked an appointment failed to attend. A total of 640 services were delivered, with an estimated value of $48,000. The majority (69%, n=444) of the services provided were preventative services. Almost all of the clients felt the service they received was suitable for them (97%, n=98) and would use the service again (98%, n=99). This dental clinic model is feasible and sustainable due to its integration into an existing homeless youth service, low running costs, acceptability to clients and an interest by dental practitioners to volunteer. It provides a useful model which could be scaled up and implemented in other regions.

Oral health and incident malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults

Rationale: Oral health might be a potential modifiable determinant of malnutrition in older age. Aim of this study was to investigate the associations of multiple oral health factors with incident malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults.

Oral Health Needs and Experiences of Medicaid Enrollees With Serious Mental Illness

Chronic dental diseases are among the most prevalent chronic conditions in the U.S., despite being largely preventable. Individuals with mental illness experience multiple risk factors for poor oral health and need targeted intervention. This study investigated experiences of Kansas Medicaid enrollees with serious mental illness in accessing dental services, examined their oral health risk factors, and identified oral health needs and outcomes. Survey data were collected from October 2016 through February 2017 from 186 individuals in Kansas with serious mental illness enrolled in Medicaid. Data were analyzed quantitatively (descriptive and bivariate statistics) and qualitatively (for major themes). Despite Medicaid coverage of dental cleanings, 60.2% of respondents had not seen a dentist in the last 12 months. Reasons included out-of-pocket costs, lack of perceived need, uncertainty about coverage, difficulty accessing providers, fear of the dentist, and transportation issues. High rates of comorbid physical health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and current or former tobacco use were also observed. Medicaid dental benefits that cover only dental cleanings and low levels of oral health knowledge create barriers to utilizing needed preventive dental care. Lack of perceived need for preventive dental services and lack of contact with dentists necessitates the development of targeted oral health promotion efforts that speak to the specific needs of this group and are disseminated in locations of frequent contact. The Medicaid population with serious mental illness would be an ideal group to target for the integration of chronic oral, physical, and mental health prevention services and control.

Radioactivity - Risk Factor in Oral Health and of Structural Dental Anomalies

The dentition goes through a complex process of development, a process that can be influenced by internal and external factors. Our study was perfomed on a group of 1673 children from different areas in Bihor county. The uranium mining exploitation in this specific area is very popular, but with an unfortunate consequence: pollution. This factor has had a great impact upon the workers, but also the surrounding areas. The aim of the present epidemiological study is to evaluate the incidence of dental anomalies upon the targeted group and to identify the correlation between the impact of the pollution upon the development of the dentition. All the data was obtained during a clinical examination, documented and afterwards statistically analyzed. Our study concluded that the examined subjects presented with a high percentage of structural dental anomalies, with an average incidence in the polluted areas that can be explained by the interactions that occur and the influence of the radioactive substances upon the development.

Associated factors for oral health problems in a sample of Saudi cancer patients.

PurposeOral health in cancer patients was known to influence the quality of life. However, the knowledge of possible factors associated with oral health in cancer patients is seriously lacking in Saudi Arabia. In this study, we aimed to determine the burden of adverse oral health in cancer patients and identify the associated factors for oral health problems.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study design was used to recruit a total of 375 cancer patients who attended oncology outpatient clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City – Riyadh (KAMC-R) by using a consecutive sampling technique. A self-reporting questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic information, clinical symptoms, and lifestyle factors of cancer patients. Furthermore, depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed by using Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. The authors assessed the oral health complaints based on seven common conditions (bleeding gums, toothache, mouth ulcers, bruxism, xerostomia, problems affecting speech, and satisfactory dietary intake). Unadjusted and adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% CIs for the factors associated with the number of oral complaints experienced were computed using Poisson regression model.ResultsThe prevalence of oral health conditions experienced by cancer patients was 86.1% (95% CI: 82.2%–89.5%). Female sex (aRR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.05–1.78), low income (aRR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.23–2.04), smoking (aRR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.02–1.64), anxiety (aRR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.36–2.24), and stress (aRR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.00–1.55) were associated with increased risk of oral health problems in cancer patients (p≤0.05), whereas breast cancer patients experienced reduced risk (aRR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.56–0.93).ConclusionOur study highlighted the significant burden of oral health problems in Saudi cancer patients at KAMC-R and identified several key associated factors for oral health to aid healthcare practitioners in improving cancer management practices.

Oral health-related quality of life of Portuguese adults with mild intellectual disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities are regarded as a highly vulnerable population group, particularly as far as oral health is concern. However, few studies have assessed the impact of the oral condition on the quality of life of these individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study is to expand knowledge on the oral health status of the Portuguese adults with mild intellectual disability, and to assess how the patient’s oral health is related to their quality of life. A sample of 240 adults with mild intellectual disabilities linked to the Portuguese Federation for Intellectual Disability, were interviewed using a previously validated version of the Oral Health Impact Profile. An oral health examination was also conducted using three oral health indexes: Clinical Oral Health Index (COHI); Clinical Oral Care Needs Index (COCNI) and the Clinical Oral Prevention Index (COPI). Sociodemographic characteristics and dental health factors were also collected, following statistical analysis. More than half of the individuals (54,9%) presented one or more problems of major to severe impact on health (COHI level 2); only 4,6% of the individuals do not need treatment or examination (COCNI level 0) and 85% of the study sample needs measures of educational or preventive action (COPI level 1). In 76,9% of the participants, oral health had impact on the quality of life. The most affected dimensions of life were physical pain with 61,9%, followed by psychological discomfort and psychological disability with 45,1% and 45%, respectively. With relation to oral health factors and sociodemographic variables it was verified that fewer teeth and higher self-perception of need for dental treatment had a negative impact on the quality of life. On the other hand, institutionalization and an increase in at least one category in the self-perception of the oral health status had a positive impact on the quality of life. Given the high burden of oral disease and the considerable impact on quality of life found in this study, the establishment of guidelines to improve the oral health and quality of life of these individuals should be regarded as imperative.

Commonality of Risk Factors for Mothers' Poor Oral Health and General Health: Baseline Analysis of a Population-Based Birth Cohort Study.

Objective The association between and commonality of risk factors for poor self-rated oral health (SROH) and general health (SRGH) among new mothers has not been reported. The purpose of this paper is to assess the commonality of risk factors for poor SROH and SRGH, and self-reported obesity and dental pain, among a population-based sample of new mothers in Australia. It also investigated health conditions affecting new mothers' general health. Methods Data collected at baseline of a population-based birth cohort was used. Mothers of newborns in Adelaide were approached to participate. Mothers completed a questionnaire collecting data on socioeconomic status (SES), health behaviours, dental pain, SROH, self-reported height and weight and SRGH. Analysis was conducted sequentially from bivariate to multivariable regression to estimate prevalence rate (PR) of reporting poor/fair SROH and SRGH. Results of the 1895 new mothers, some 21 and 6% rated their SROH and SRGH as poor/fair respectively. Dental pain was associated with low income and smoking status, while being obese was associated with low SES, low education and infrequent tooth brushing. SROH and SRGH was associated with low SES, smoking, and dental pain. SROH was also associated with SRGH [PR: 3.06 (2.42-3.88)]. Conclusion for practice There was a commonality of factors associated with self-rated oral health and general health. Strong associations between OH and GH were also observed. Given the importance of maternal health for future generations, there would be long-term societal benefit from addressing common risk factors for OH and GH in integrated programs.

Oral health and risk factors for dental caries of low-income scholars enrolled in a full-time educational program

Oral health and risk factors for dental caries of low-income scholars enrolled in a full-time educational program

Oral Health of Lipjan Convicts: Kosovo Prison House.

Objectives The oral health services of the prison population are considered more complex than those of the general population. The aim of this study was to examine the oral health status (the DMFT index and OHI index) and to evaluate the relation between the oral health and risk factors of inmates of this population, thus identifying the dental health status of inmates by gender, age, and the duration of their sentence. Materials and Methods Our study has included a total number of 150 inmates, of both genders, from Lipjan prison house in Kosovo. Results Oral health condition of inmates in Lipjan prison house is severe; the average value of DMFT is 8.44: for minors 6.22, while for adults 9.55. The assessment of DMFT index within the recruited inmates in our study shows that the mean rate of oral cure was 3.21, while the mean extraction value and caries were 3.55 and 3.58, respectively. The mean plaque test value was 1.44. Conclusion Based on this research, we have concluded that the oral health condition of the inmates in Lipjan prison is not good, due to the presence of different risk factors among them.

Impact of Oral Health and Sociodemographic Factors on Quality of Life: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of oral health and socioeconomic variables on the quality of life in a sample of low-income Brazilians. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 400 adults assisted by the Rescuing Smiles Social Program (Pernambuco University) in June 2014 in the town of Arcoverde, Pernambuco. Two 18+ physically and mentally healthy people were chosen to participate in the study per household. The data obtained were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: About 75% of participants were female, averaging 42.65 years; 59% had elementary schooling and 27% were illiterate; 63% of them needed dental restorative treatment, 59.5% periodontal, and 43.3% surgical procedures; and 68.2% of the respondents showed partial tooth loss, 22.8% were totally edentulous, and 9% had full dentition. Oral health impact profile (OHIP)-14 average score was 14.91, considered low. The highest averages were observed in low-income individuals (16.25). Individuals with total or partial tooth loss had an average 14.26 and 15.79, respectively, thus showing a statistically significant difference as compared with total dentate (9.86). Conclusion: Although low-income individuals with tooth loss showed the highest OHIP-14 averages, it could be concluded that oral condition did not affect the quality of life of most individuals in the population studied. Clinical significance: Thus, oral health did not have a significant impact on respondent health awareness. This study showed the need to better inform the public of the relevance of oral health to quality of life. Keywords: Oral health, Oral health impact profile-14, Quality of life.

Erratum: Oral health and related factors: An update

Erratum: Oral health and related factors: An update

Utilizing the caries risk assessment model (Caries management by risk assessment) in Ecuador

Objective: Although oral health is a preventable disease, it affects a good portion of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, low-income individuals, and certain racial and ethnic groups. Early childhood caries remains the most prevalent chronic childhood condition worldwide with 60%–90% of schoolchildren having dental cavities. We examined contributing and protecting factors that may have an impact on the oral health of the children in three rural communities in Ecuador. Materials and Methods: We conducted a minimally invasive clinical dental examination on 131 Ecuadorian children aged 6–12 years and used a modified caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) form to assess contributing and protecting factors for oral health. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 24). Results: Preliminary data show that about 80% of the mothers or primary caregivers had active decay in the past year and did not have a dental home. Almost half of the children had not seen a dentist within the last year, and some of them had never seen a dentist until the encounter with this study. The use of bottles or sippy cups with fluids other than water and frequent snacking was common in the communities. The results of the clinical examination indicated that the majority of the children had obvious dental decay, restorations, and dental plaque and a good proportion had also gingivitis. Conclusion/Implications: CAMBRA should become a standard tool of the comprehensive oral examination conducted by any health care professional and should be used as the basis for a preventive and treatment plan.