Oral Health In Adolescents Research Articles

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.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Associated Oral Health in Adolescents: A Comprehensive Scoping Review.

The shift to processed foods in American diets has increased vitamin and mineral deficiencies among adolescents, impacting growth and health, often manifesting as oral lesions. This review study aimed to explore the link between nutritional deficiencies and adolescent oral health to improve guidance and prevent long-term issues. A systematic review of literature from 2013 to 2023 was conducted on adolescents aged 10-19 years, using PRISMA guidelines. Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source-Ebscohost, and Scopus included peer-reviewed articles, excluding reviews and non-empirical studies. Data were screened and extracted with independent reviews for accuracy. Malnutrition strongly correlates with poor oral health. Undernourished children have a 60% increase in dental caries, exacerbated by high sugar intake. Early malnutrition delays dental eruption, temporarily protecting against caries, while stunting and infections cause enamel defects. Chronic conditions like cerebral palsy and celiac disease worsen oral health, with risks persisting into adulthood. Nutritional deficiencies and oral health are interconnected, requiring integrated healthcare. Early interventions and holistic strategies can improve outcomes and reduce long-term burdens. Comprehensive health education and routine dental evaluations are essential for prevention and treatment, enhancing health across all demographics.

Effectiveness of the Education Program on Using Iodine Mouthwash on Dental and Oral Health in Adolescents: An Intervention Study in the Adolescent Community in Batusangkar City, Indonesia

Poor oral health in adolescents is a significant public health problem in Indonesia. Iodine-based mouthwash has been proven effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis, but its use is not optimal among adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program on the use of iodine-based mouthwash on dental and oral health among adolescents in Batusangkar City. This research is an experimental study with a pre-post test design involving 150 adolescents aged 12-18 years in Batusangkar City. Participants were randomly divided into an intervention group (receiving an educational program and iodine mouthwash) and a control group (receiving an iodine mouthwash). Plaque index, gingival index, and knowledge about dental and oral health were measured before and after the intervention for 6 months. Data analysis was carried out using paired t-tests and independent t-tests. There was a significant reduction in plaque index and gingival index in the intervention group after 6 months of intervention (p &lt; 0.05). The increase in knowledge about dental and oral health was also significant in the intervention group (p &lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups at the start of the study. The educational program on the use of iodine-based mouthwash is effective in improving dental and oral health among adolescents in Batusangkar City. This program can be recommended as part of efforts to prevent dental and oral diseases in adolescents.

The two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender identity curriculum in Canadian Dental Schools: What are the gaps and proposed next steps?

This study aimed to investigate gaps in the delivery of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender identity (2SLGBTQ+) curricula and identify curricular challenges within Canadian dental schools. A 21-item closed-ended questionnaire was distributed to curriculum experts across 10 dental schools in Canada. The survey questions were organized into three sections: institution characteristics, current 2SLGBTQ+ content and delivery, and opinions on the improvement of the 2SLGBTQ+ curriculum. Microsoft Excel (2020) was used to perform a descriptive analysis of the survey responses. Nine dental schools participated in the survey. All participating schools reported the offering of undergraduate, graduate, and degree completion programs. The most reported methods of teaching 2SLGBTQ+ content were 'lecture-based teaching' (n=5), 'small-group teaching' (n=4), and 'case-based discussions' (n=4). The most common topics taught were 'gender identity' (n=7) and '2SLGBTQ+ discrimination in healthcare care settings' (n=7). The topics of 'sex reassignment surgery,' 'alcohol, tobacco, or other substance use by 2SLGBTQ+ people,' '2SLGBTQ+ pediatric and adolescent oral health issues,' 'coming out,' and 'sex reassignment surgery' were not included or were unknown by the majority of dental schools (n=8). Overall, participants were unsatisfied with the level of 2SLGBTQ+-specific content covered at their institution and reported a 'lack of space within the curriculum and time constraints' as a barrier to implementation (n=8). Community-based research is needed to identify the unmet oral health needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ population, which can be translated into the development of a risk-based oral health curriculum within Canada and beyond.

Cultural factors and family influences on adolescent oral health: qualitative research in a socially disadvantaged population.

This qualitative study sought to assess the influence of cultural factors and family on oral health behaviour of 12- to 15-year-old adolescents from the socially disadvantaged population. A qualitative design was developed with focus group discussions (FGDs) among 12- to 15-year-old adolescents. Four focus groups (n = 32 participants) were created from a selected sample to capture oral health beliefs and practices, oral health-seeking behaviour along with other relevant information. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated. Data were analysed thematically and structural coding was applied. Three key themes that emerged from FGDs were importance of oral health; role of family in oral health behaviour; and beliefs influencing access, prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Cultural background, family values and beliefs were imperative in moulding the behaviour of adolescents towards oral health. The use of traditional oral hygiene aides was a norm in this population. Findings of the study provide greater insights into the authoritative role of family and cultural barriers in the uptake of dental services. The study also highlights the potential value of qualitative research and emphasizes the need to integrate oral health-associated cultural beliefs and attitudes of the adolescents towards a wider evidence base.

Global perspective on child and adolescent oral health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of oral impacts on daily performance.

Several prevalence studies have estimated the region-specific impact of oral diseases on oral health-related quality of life. However, none of them reported and compared the same from a global perspective. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate pooled epidemiologic data about child-oral impacts on daily performance (C-OIDP) globally. A search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, SciELO, Semantic scholar, and Cochrane databases upto January 2023. Studies evaluating OIDP among 11-18-year-olds were included in the review. Quality of the included studies was evaluated using the health states quality index for cross-sectional studies. The meta-analysis used R package software version 4.3.0. A common effect model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD-NIHR) database with Reference ID CRD42023393798. The systematic literature search yielded 257 unique citations. After screening titles and abstracts, 214 irrelevant citations were excluded, leaving 55 for full-text review. Overall, 43 studies from 23 countries were included. The meta-analysis reported a pooled prevalence impact C-OIDP of 53.36% (CI: 52.78-53.95, 43 studies, 16,622 participants). The prevalence of C-OIDP scores among South America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania was 83%, 63%, 58%, 33% and 47%, respectively. The maximum prevalence was reported in South America while the least prevalence was noted in the African population. Oral diseases affect the oral health-related quality of life of more than half of children and adolescents globally. Huge variations were noted in the prevalence of oral impacts across different regions. These findings can be utilized by policymakers to draft measures required for reducing impacts of oral diseases and improving the health-related quality of life.

Impact of Syrian Conflict on the Oral Health of Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The Syrian conflict has had a negative impact on the psychological and overall health of adolescents. However, little is known about the oral health of those who are internally displaced. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mental health state and self-reported oral health and habits in Syrian adolescents. A total of 99 adolescents living in Syria were included in the study. The participants were given four questionnaires: the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Questionnaire for Children (2013). The relationship between self-reported oral and mental health was evaluated. Adolescents with symptoms of mental disturbances or abnormal sleep conditions were statistically more likely to self-report the health of their teeth and gums as below average, less likely to brush their teeth regularly, and reported more frequent smoking (p<0.05). Moreover, symptoms of mental disturbances and abnormal sleep conditions were statistically more likely in adolescents living in rural areas and whose parents' education did not exceed secondary school (p<0.05). Syrian adolescents reported mental disturbances, which were reflected in their poor oral health and habits. These findings confirm the need for psychiatric and oral health care programs for Syrians who remain in areas of conflict.

Investigating hope in oral health promotion for adolescents: an exploratory study based on observations at the dental clinic.

Maintaining well-being is crucial, especially in challenging conditions, considering the common public health issue of dental caries. Within the context of adolescent oral health, this research explores the techniques employed by dental professionals to potentially foster hope -a positive manner that promotes well-being- in adolescents during consultations, opening a window into the realm of patient engagement and well-being. Data were collected through observations conducted at public dental clinics in Norway, with the participation of three dental professionals and four adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15 years. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Practices were observed from dental professionals in their interactions with adolescents, which align with features of hope. Three core themes were identified: (1) bonding strategies; (2) verbal and non-verbal strategies for creating positive relationships; and (3) adolescents' empowerment in dental consultations. Although a new concept within oral health promotion, it seems that dental professionals in this study were observed to be facilitating hope in adolescents when they were providing their dental care. Consideration should be given to the potential for future approaches to be developed for use in dental consultations to facilitate hope strategically. While these approaches are likely to contribute to improving patient-centredness, consideration is needed of challenges and barriers to their implementation.

Instruments validated in Brazil for assessing oral health literacy in adolescents: an integrative literature review

Adolescence is a stage of life where there are major physical and biological transformations concomitant with psychological and social ones, which occur with the development of sexuality and which influence the human being's personality and other aspects of life. Health literacy (HL) can be understood as an individual's ability to access, understand, evaluate and put into practice basic health information. Adolescent oral health literacy (OHL) is an area that is little explored, despite the importance of this formative stage in the individual approach to healthy lifestyles and behaviors. The objective of this study was to carry out an integrative literature review on research instruments validated in Brazil for OHL among adolescents. The search strategy was carried out in August 2023, with a broad search for studies that assessed OHL in adolescents, in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), US National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and Scientific Electronic databases. Library Online (Scielo). The keywords used were “health literacy” and “oral health” and “adolescents”. Inclusion criteria: free full texts; only: articles, books and documents, clinical trials, meta-analyses, controlled and randomized trials, analyzes and systematic reviews; without limitations of date or language. Exclusion criteria: studies without the three descriptors present in the text simultaneously, theses and monographs, abstracts, letters to the editor. 47 articles were found in VHL, 118 in PubMed and 13 in Scielo. Nineteen articles were analyzed and presented according to: author, title, year of publication, type of study, objectives, sample size and age group, sample recruitment, data collection tool, limitations and health outcomes. The only research instrument on adolescent OHL validated in Brazil was the BREALD-30 questionnaire, a Brazilian version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry, which measures literacy through word recognition. An important research gap in this field was revealed.

Oral health of adolescents in West Africa: prioritizing its social determinants

Oral health is a major public health issue in West Africa, yet it has gotten little attention. Individual and group disparities in health status are influenced by social determinants of health (SDH), which also affect oral health. Adolescence is a significant transition into adulthood, a time when the SDH can contribute to lifelong health status. This article explored the SDH associated with oral health behaviour, perception, and oral health development amongst adolescents in West Africa. This article engaged articles published in peer-reviewed journals relating to adolescents' oral health and West Africa. The authors undertook this desk review to determine the social determinants of adolescents' oral health in West Africa. The literacy levels and oral health awareness of adolescents, family and social circle influences, socioeconomic status, nutritional levels, and cultural and environmental factors have been identified as important social determinants. Adequate policy implementation with the integration of oral health in schools' curriculum, health systems reorientation with the adoption of oral health delivery in primary health care and expansion in oral health research with the assessment of cultural influences on oral health development have been recommended as interventions to reduce oral health inequalities in West Africa.

The Role of Behavioral Planning Interventions in Maintaining Dental and Oral Health Behavior among Students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Various efforts and methods have been developed to increase individual awareness of maintaining oral health. Behavioral planning interventions differ from interventions or counseling, which generally only prioritize aspects of knowledge. The theory of planned behavior states that a behavior is not necessarily born from mere knowledge; there are contributions of other factors, such as the role of peer groups and beliefs, which play a role in triggering a behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the role of behavioral planning interventions in maintaining oral health behavior in adolescents. This study is a quasi-experimental study with a pre and post-test design approach. The research was conducted on new students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The inclusion criteria for participants were new students (less than six months studying in college), 18 years old, and willing to participate. Participants filled out the initial questionnaire as a pre-test to assess aspects of knowledge related to dental health. Then the subjects were given behavioral planning interventions by creating a group community using social media for all research subjects. The intervention process was carried out for three months. A post-test evaluation was conducted to assess the success of the intervention. Data analysis was carried out using the SPSS version 25 program. The results of this study indicate an improvement in scores related to personal attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavior to maintain dental and oral health after conducting behavioral planning interventions (p &lt;0.05). In conclusion, behavioral planning interventions help improve individual behavior in maintaining oral health in adolescents.

THE CORRELATION OF FAMILY SOCIO-ECONOMIC, MAINTENANCE OF DENTAL HEALTH, AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT FACTORS WITH DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH

ABSTRACTBackground: Dental and oral health problems in Indonesia continue to increase. Dental and oral health is part of the overall health of the body. Dental and oral health in adolescents is an essential and integral part of general health seen in the wider community. Junior high school students are teenagers who experience significant development in their lives, both physically, emotionally, socially, and behaviorally. Purpose: To analyze the correlation of family socio-economic, dental health maintenance, and the physical environment factors with dental and oral health conditions in UPT SMP Negeri 1 Cempa students. Material and Methods: This study used an analytic observational method with a cross sectional research design The sample was determined using the sample size correlation formula. The population were students of UPT SMP Negeri 1 Cempa as many as 414 people and the sample used was 40 respondents. Results: Spearman correlation test to determine the correlation between dental health maintenance and oral health obtained the value of Sig. 0.005 means that there is a correlation between the level of dental health maintenance with dental and oral health conditions (p &lt;0.05). There was no significant correlation between the socioeconomic level of the family (Sig. 0.167; p&gt;0.05) and the level of physical environmental conditions (Sig. 0.710; p&gt;0.05) with dental and oral health condition. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between the level of dental health maintenance and dental and oral health conditions, while the socioeconomic level of the family and the physical environment does not have a correlation with dental and oral health conditions.Keywords: Dental and oral health, Dental health maintenance, Physical environment, Socioeconomic.

Adolescents and oral health service utilization in Canterbury, New Zealand: A geospatial cross-sectional study.

Non-utilization of dental care during adolescence can result in poorer oral health and subsequently higher expenditures on dental services. This study examined the geospatial and epidemiological factors associated with utilization of the publicly funded Adolescent Oral Health Services (AOHS) in Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). A secondary analysis of prospectively collected routine data from AOHS visits of adolescents in school Year 9 (13-14 years) for the financial year 2019-2020. Geographic information systems examined distance from home to dental practices. Multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression models investigated associations between geospatial, demographic and clinical factors and non-utilization of dental services. Models were adjusted for sex, ethnicity, area-level deprivation, rural/urban classification, previous caries experience and the distance from home address to dental practice referred. Dental practices were concentrated in large urban areas and in the least deprived neighbourhoods, with several service area gaps identified. Rural areas and the most deprived areas of Christchurch City had the highest non-utilization rates. After adjustment, adolescents residing in the most deprived areas had a higher risk of non-utilization (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.38; 95% CI 1.26-1.51) compared to adolescents in the least deprived areas. Adolescents in remote areas also had an increased risk of non-utilization (aRR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.20-1.54) compared to adolescents in urban core areas. Finally, Māori (aRR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.29-1.46) and Pasifika (aRR = 1.46; 95% CI 1.35-1.59) adolescents had significantly higher risks of non-utilization compared to their NZ European counterparts. Inequitable utilization of dental services exists among adolescents in Canterbury, NZ, and is associated with Māori, Pasifika and those living in rural and most deprived areas. Adolescents at the greatest oral health risk are geographically underserved by current oral health services. The current health system should also explore the possibility of partnering with Māori and Pasifika communities to provide services within culturally appropriate settings.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Adolescents' Caries Prevalence

Introduction: Policymakers and academics have explored the behavioral approach in their attempts to explain and address the socioeconomic disparities in adolescents' oral health. However, evidence regarding this issue is scarce in the Korean adolescent population. This study aimed to examine whether socioeconomic status is associated with dental caries and whether oral health-related behaviors (OHRBs) explain or moderate the hypothesized association in Korean adolescents. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2016 to 2019. Adolescents (n = 1062) aged 13–18 years were included in the analysis. The association between income and untreated decayed permanent teeth (DT) was investigated, focusing on the intermediary roles of OHRBs, using hierarchical negative binomial regression models. Results: Higher income (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.70, P &lt; 0.001), regular breakfast intake (IRR 0.64, P &lt; 0.001), higher fruit and vegetable consumption (IRR 0.93, P &lt; 0.001), preventive dental check-ups (IRR 0.84, P &lt; 0.001), and frequent toothbrushing (IRR 0.73, P &lt; 0.001) were associated with lower DT. The income-DT association remained significant and its magnitude was only slightly attenuated, after adjusting for OHRBs (IRR 0.74, P &lt; 0.001). Significant interaction effects were found between income and each OHRB on DT (all with P &lt; 0.001), and interaction patterns differed by behavior type: The income-DT association was stronger in the presence of unfavorable dietary-and favorable dental care-behaviors. Conclusion: The study findings suggested that adolescent oral health equity interventions should prioritize the structural approach and give more thorough consideration to the interactions between socioeconomic and behavioral factors.

Social Media as Promotion of Dental and Oral Health in Adolescents

Introduction: Adolescents often use social media in their daily activities, social media can potentially be a medium for delivering behavior change interventions and also has the potential to help improve dental and oral health for adolescents. Purpose: to conduct a literature review that examines the use of social media as a promotion of oral health in adolescents. Method: This literature study uses the Narrative Review method. References were collected in the form of journals through the online database and website of BMC Oral Health, PubMed, Wacana and Google Scholar. References were also selected through reference analysis in the form of research, articles and systematic reviews. Conclusion:. Social media is one of the educational tools used in knowledge about oral health in society, especially in adolescents

Peningkatan Pengetahuan Kesehatan Gigi dan Mulut pada Remaja: Siswa SMP St. Bellaminus Menteng Jakarta

This community health service aims to educate and to train St. Bellarminus Junior High School Students on the importance of dental and oral health for adolescents. The community health service program was initialized with situational analysis. Students' prior knowledge (pre-test) was assessed with 16 questions using Google form on 61 students. For the intervention, education and training was performed virtually. After the intervention, post-test was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness. Pre- and post-test questions were divided in 3 categories, which were A: general health, B: dental and oral health, C: advanced dental and oral health. Based on the pre- and post-test results, the community service program had increased the numbers of students answering correctly for each question. The percentage of students answering correctly was elevated from 57.58% (pre-test results) to 72.23% (post-test results). Meanwhile, based on knowledge category, the A and B categories were both markedly elevated after the program, suggesting the program has given positive impact for the St. Bellarminus Junior High students. Since the community health service program has given positive impact for students, hence the program should be conducted continuously.

A systematic review of medicinal plants and herbal products' effectiveness in oral health and dental cure with health promotion approach.

Medicinal plants and herbal drugs are being used increasingly as part of primary health care in most parts of the world. As important adjunctive and alternative treatments for oral health care, herbal products' use may continue to increase and become more widespread. The objective of this study is to present a comprehensive systematic review of the current published literature on the effectiveness of medicinal plants and herbal products employed to improve oral health in adolescents with a health promotion approach. The systematic review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The keywords "herbal medicine," "herbal extract," "herbal supplements," "plant extract," "natural drug," "pulpitis," "dental caries," "oral viral diseases," and "abscess" were used in combination with the Boolean operators OR and AND. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The search yielded 49 original research studies. A total of 22 studies had low or unclear risk bias. The geographical distribution of included studies was primarily concentrated on western countries. Overall, studies reported herbal product users' age, ranging from young adults aged 18 years to elderly people aged 75 years or older. Most studies reported multiple compounds, including herbal drugs and herbal extracts. Chamomile and Aloe vera were the most frequently reported herbal compounds. The most commonly described herbal products to treat oral diseases were gels, mouth rinses, and pastes. The studies included a range of people with oral diseases, including periodontal and gingival diseases, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral lichen planus, and oral candidiasis. Herbal product interventions were found to be effective and safe alternatives for oral health care. One of the most important goals of the World Health Organization (until 2015) is the oral health index, so it is important that dental services be followed up more seriously. Considering the problems in reaching this goal of the World Health Organization in our country, herbal products have the ability to improve clinical oral health outcomes in adolescents. Limited adverse side effects indicate the overall safety of these treatments for a wide range of oral diseases. Therefore, the use of medicinal plants as well as alternative medicine is one of the useful methods in achieving this important goal of public health.

Modelling Analysis on Dietary Patterns and Oral Health Status among Adolescents.

Adolescence is a crucial stage between childhood and adulthood during which an individual learns new behaviours and practices including dietary patterns. This study aimed to examine the diet and oral health status among adolescents, and employed a structured questionnaire with three sections, namely, demographic, Adolescents' Food Habits Checklist (AFHC) and the Kayser-Jones Brief Oral Health Status Examination (BOHSE). The AFHC was formulated consisting of 23 items to collect information about dietary patterns with respect to food purchase, preparation and consumption habits. Meanwhile, the BOHSE contained nine items to evaluate the oral conditions of adolescents. The relationship between dietary pattern and oral health in adolescents was investigated. A total of 160 adolescents were randomly selected in this study. The data analysis was presented in the form of tables. This study adhered to the STROBE checklist's Guidelines for Systematic Reporting of Examination. According to the findings, food consumption dietary patterns among adolescents had the highest mean score (4.475). This demonstrates that adolescents practiced healthy food consumption. A significant positive correlation was found between food purchase, food preparation, food consumption and dietary patterns. Moreover, females had a slightly higher mean score than males, showing that females have a healthier diet status than males. This study can serve as points of reflection and recommendations on dietary patterns and oral health status.

Associations between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and oral health symptoms in adolescents

BackgroundOral health condition in adolescence impacts the oral well-being throughout life. This study aimed to determine the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and oral health in adolescents, using nationally representative data.MethodsUsing data from the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, we assessed self-reported data on ETS exposure and oral health symptoms in 37,591 non-smoking adolescents. The dependent variables were self-reported oral health symptoms of adolescents (tooth fracture, dental pain, and gum bleeding). ETS exposure was the primary independent variable. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine these relationships.ResultsETS exposure was positively associated with oral symptoms compared to no-ETS exposure in adolescents [boys, odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–1.66; girls, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.41–1.60]; individuals with good oral health habits such as frequent tooth brushing [boys, three times or more a day, OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.24–1.53] and less soda consumption [girls, less than once a day, OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.29–2.33] had a weaker association. ETS exposure was positively associated with dental pain [boys, OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.45–1.66; girls, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.41–1.60] and gum bleeding [boys, OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.29–1.58; girls, OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21–1.44]; however, tooth fracture was significantly associated only in girls [OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13–1.45].ConclusionsETS in various environments is negatively associated with oral health in adolescents. This association could vary depending on health habits. Sophisticated policies to protect South Korean adolescents from ETS can be developed from these findings.

The Indigenous Adolescent Oral Health Partnership Study: A Co-Design Study Protocol.

Background: in this protocol we outline a method of working alongside Aboriginal communities to learn about and facilitate improvement in the oral health habits in Aboriginal adolescents. By facilitating positive oral health in Aboriginal adolescents, we hope to achieve lifelong improvement in oral health and general wellbeing. Methods: this paper outlines a co-design methodology through which researchers and Aboriginal communities will work together to create a custom oral healthcare program aimed at Aboriginal adolescents. Researchers, a youth advisory group, Aboriginal community-controlled health services and three regional NSW communities will together devise an oral health strategy focused on five components: application of topical fluoride, increasing water consumption, improving nutrition, daily toothbrushing, and enhancing social and emotional wellbeing. Capacity building is a key outcome of this program. Discussion: as the gap in health status between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people remains wide, it is clear that new approaches and attitudes are needed in Aboriginal public health research. This protocol is representative of this shifting approach; giving power to Aboriginal communities who seek to have sovereignty and self-determination over their healthcare. Trial registration: TRN: ISRCTN15496753 Date of registration: 20 October 2021.