Oral Health Index Research Articles

Assessment of oral health status in chronic headache patients and its comparison with healthy control

Introduction: Headache is a common problem with intense side effects on quality of life. Dental and maxillofacial problems, including dental infections and temporomandibular disorders may trigger the onset of headache or have direct impact on the intensity of headache. The purpose of this paper is assessment of oral health indexes in chronic headache patients and compare it with a healthy control group. Material & Methods: Thirty chronic headache patients based on diagnosis by a neurologist were enrolled in our study and thirty healthy volunteers were recruited into the control group. Dental and periodontal examination were carried out in order to evaluate of the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, the assessment of community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) index and determination of tooth wear status and oral health status. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS statistical package (version 20, IBM). Results: Mean age, educational level, tooth brushing, using dental floss and DMFT index was not statistically different between chronic headache patients and control group. There was no statistically significant difference in CPITN index between cases and control group (p-value=0.538). Conclusion: This study suggest that chronic headache patients have an acceptable oral hygiene which may be attribute to their attempts to omit pain from head and oral region. Considering high prevalence of chronic headache, planning a protocol for oral hygiene instruction is necessary. In this regard, coordination between neurologists and oral medicine specialists can be very effective.

Simplified Individual Oral Health Index Estimated by Use of Excel Program

Simplified Individual Oral Health Index Estimated by Use of Excel Program

Number of teeth and masticatory function are associated with sarcopenia and diabetes mellitus status among community-dwelling older adults: A Shimane CoHRE study.

We aimed to examine the number of teeth and masticatory function as oral health indices and clarify their roles in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and diabetes mellitus in community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 635 older adults in Ohnan, Shimane Prefecture, in rural Japan. The number of teeth and masticatory function (measured by the number of gummy jelly pieces collected after chewing) were evaluated by dental hygienists. Sarcopenia status was assessed using handgrip strength, skeletal muscle index, calf circumference, and a possible sarcopenia diagnosis based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. Diabetes mellitus status was defined as a hemoglobin A1c level ≥6.5% or self-reported diabetes. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between oral health, sarcopenia, and diabetes mellitus after adjusting for confounders. After adjusting for all confounders, logistic regression analysis showed that the number of remaining teeth was negatively associated with a low level of handgrip strength (odds ratio [OR], 0.961; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.932-0.992) and possible sarcopenia (OR, 0.949; 95% CI, 0.907-0.992). Higher levels of masticatory function were also negatively associated with a low level of handgrip strength (OR, 0.965; 95% CI, 0.941-0.990) and possible sarcopenia (OR, 0.941; 95% CI, 0.904-0.979). Logistic regression analysis showed that the number of remaining teeth and a higher level of masticatory function were negatively associated with diabetes mellitus (OR, 0.978; 95% CI, 0.957-0.999; OR, 0.976; 95% CI, 0.960-0.992, respectively). Our findings suggest that improvement in oral health, including the maintenance of masticatory function and remaining teeth, may contribute to the prevention of sarcopenia and diabetes mellitus in older adults.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about Oral Health in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases - An Original Study.

Background:Lack of exercise and change in diet habits and urbanization had led to the rapid increase in the case of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about oral health in patients with CVDs.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted among 172 CVDs patients. Oral health indices (OHIs) such as OHI, decay-missing-filled, and periodontal disease index were recorded. KAP components were categorized into poor, moderate, and good.Results:Out of 172 patients, males were 102 and females were 70, age group 30–60 years had 46 and >60 years had 126 patients. Thirty-four were illiterate, 72 had up to primary and 46 had up to secondary and 20 had degree, 104 were married and 68 were unmarried. Resident was urban in 110 and rural in 62 and financial status was very good in 26, good in 50, and moderate in 96. Females had higher KAP score than males; however, the difference was nonsignificant (P > 0.05). As the age advanced, KAP score increased (P < 0.05), patients living in urban area had significantly higher KAP score than living in rural area, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Patients with very good financial status had significantly higher KAP score than living in rural area (P < 0.05). As the education level increased, KAP score increased, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Authors found that patients with CVDs had moderate knowledge and attitude, but the practice was poor. There is need to educate the people about the importance of oral hygiene and their subsequent effect on general body.

Comparison of dental caries (DMFT and DMFS indices) between asthmatic patients and control group in Iran: a meta-analysis

BackgroundThe association between caries index, which is diagnosed by Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT), and asthma has been assessed in several studies, which yielded contradictory results. Meta-analysis is the statistical procedure for combining data from multiple studies and reducing the differences among parameters due to the increased number of studies involved in the analysis process. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between dental caries using decayed, missing, filled teeth indices (DMFT, dmft, and DMFS indices) and asthma using meta-analysis.MethodsDatabases were searched using such keywords as “Asthma,” “Caries,” “DMFT,” “DMFS,” “Iran,” and OR operators, AND, and NOT. After the elimination of duplicate documentation, the articles which met the inclusion criteria were selected. Quality assessment was performed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Checklist (NOS). After that, standardized mean difference (SMD) of DMFT, dmft, and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surfaces (DMFS) indices were estimated.ResultsThe number of 10 evidence was extracted out of nine studies in which mean oral health indices were compared between asthmatic patients and the control group. Out of 10 evidences that examined the association of DMFT, dmft, and DMFS with asthma, these indices were higher in asthmatic patients than the control group in seven cases. In three cases, these differences were statistically significant. The SMD of DMFT, dmft, and DMFS indices between asthmatic patients and the control group at the confidence level of 95% were reported as 0.29 (− 0.05, 0.62), 0.48 (− 0.20, 1.17), and − 0.05(− 0.30, 0.21), respectively.ConclusionAccording to the results, the prevalence of dental caries is higher among patients with asthma than in the control group. Therefore, having asthma could be considered a risk factor for the development of dental caries.

Association between Oral Health and Body Mass Index among Schoolchildren

Association between Oral Health and Body Mass Index among Schoolchildren

Oral health status and risk determinants in adult Syrian refugees in Jordan.

Lack of data regarding the oral health of Syrian refugees represents a crucial gap in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the oral health status of Syrian refugees and related socio and behavioral factors. Cross-sectional study from June to September 2019 at Zaatari refugee camp, Jordan. An experienced, calibrated field investigator performed an oral clinical examination of 505 Syrian refugees (18-60 years) using the WHO criteria. DMFT, SiC, oral health indices and socio-demographic variables were recorded. A total of 264 males and 241 females were included. The prevalence of caries was 96.0%, of which 76.0% had 4-17 carious lesions. The mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth was 5.76, 2.55 and 1.88 respectively. The mean DMFT score was 10.19 (100% had DMFT⟩0), SiC was 17.09, and the mean simplified Oral hygiene index score was 2.18. The most common chief complaint was pain (92.7%). Nearly half of the participants were smokers (45.7%). There was a negative association between level of education and oral health (P=0.011). Most participants did not brush their teeth regularly (87.5%). Females had better oral hygiene practices than males (P=0.015). Syrian refugees had a high prevalence of caries, high unmet dental treatment needs and poor oral hygiene practices. Preventive programs and focused interventions may reduce the burden of disease in this underprivileged population, on funding agencies and host countries as well.

Volatile sulphur compounds in people with chronic kidney disease and the impact on quality of life.

The objectives are to identify volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and to relate quality of life and oral health. A case-control study with 32 individuals with CKD in haemodialysis in the study group (SG) and 32 healthy individuals in the control group (CG) was performed. The VSCs were identified by gas chromatograph before (BC) and after cysteine (AC) mouthwash and an organoleptic test. For oral health assessment, oral health index was used. For quality of life, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survery (SF-36) were used. The hydrogen sulphide AC, methyl mercaptan AC, tongue coating, dry mouth, plaque index, and DMFT were significantly higher in the SG. VSCs did not negatively affected the impact of oral health on the quality of life in the SG but did in the CG. As for the impact of general health on quality of life, methyl mercaptan BC and AC worsened overall health in vitality and mental health, respectively. Individuals with CKD have more halitosis than healthy individuals, and it is more related to methyl mercaptan. The halitosis worsened the general quality of life of individuals with CKD. The diagnosis and identification of the origin of halitosis is important to prevent one more factor that it worsened the global quality of life of patients with CKD.

The use of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289 on oral health indexes in a school population: A pilot randomized clinical trial.

To assess the effects of a probiotic upon oral health indices in adolescents and to establish relationships between these indices and dietary habits and oral hygiene. Twenty-seven adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age were randomized into two groups. The study group received tablets containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938/ATCC 5289 for 28 days, while the control group received tablets without any bacteria. Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus sp., and salivary pH were assessed at baseline and at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 45 days. The plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding indices were recorded at baseline and at 14, 28, and 45 days. Dietary and oral hygiene habits were also evaluated by means of a questionnaire. A less marked rise in S. mutans was recorded in the study group. Improvements were observed in terms of plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding, though statistical significance was not reached. Oral pH increased in the study group, though not to a significant degree. Poorer eating habits were significantly correlated to increased plaque. The study parameters decreased with the two strains of L. reuteri DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289, though the results failed to reach statistical.

Oral health of prosthetic rehabilitated patients with schizophrenia

Introduction/Objective. Factors such as nature of psychiatric disorder, length of hospitalization and oralside effects of psychotropic medications may considerably contribute to high prevalence of oral diseases among people with schizophrenia, and a consequent need for prosthetic rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to ascertain the oral health level of prosthetic rehabilitated patients with schizophrenia and to consider their needs for future improvement of prosthetic rehabilitation. Methods. The study group comprised 52 patients with schizophrenia, hospitalized at the Dr Laza Lazarevic Clinic for Mental Disorders, Belgrade. The control group comprised 52 patients with no psychiatric medical history, treated at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade. The oral health indices (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth Index ? DMFT, Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs ? CPITN, and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index ? OHI-S), socio-demographic characteristics, smoking habits, oral hygiene habits, and previous dental visits were registered in both groups, as well as medical characteristics of the primary disease in the study group patients. Results. Fifty percent of the study group patients had partial mobile dentures, while almost 30% had fixed dentures, in contrast to the control group patients, who prevalently had fixed dentures. In both groups of patients, a statistical significance was observed between partial mobile and fixed dentures wearers, in terms of DMFT index, carious teeth, CPI modified, and OHI-S. Similarly, a statistically significant difference between the groups was observed concerning fixed dentures in terms of carious teeth, filled teeth, CPI modified, and OHI-S. Conclusion. Multidisciplinary approach is needed for complete oral and prosthetic rehabilitation of this group of psychiatric patients.

Oral Health, Nutritional-Related Patterns and Body Mass Index in Children.

Regarding the influence of obesity on general health of children, scientific literature showed the importance of early management of children's overweight. In terms of oral health, overweight and obese children were shown to have accelerated dental development and increased prevalence of caries. Objectives. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of Body Mass Index (BMI) and dietary behaviors on the oral status, eruptions and hygiene in children. Material and Methods. Ninety-two children aged 6-12 years were investigated about the oral hygiene habits, nutritional related behaviors, presence of systemic diseases. Values of BMI and oral status were noted. Statistical analysis was performed. Results. Significant moderate correlations between the values of BMI with tooth eruption and weak but significantly with dental lesions were determined. Conclusions. The dietary behaviors and BMI could influence the oral status, eruptions and oral hygiene in children.

Subjective Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Objective Oral Health in People with Ectodermal Dysplasia.

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) refers to a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases of the skin, skin appendages, and teeth. People with ED experience a poorer oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to examine the OHRQoL of people with ED and to measure their objective physical oral health to confirm or disprove evidence of poorer oral health in this population. To determine OHRQoL, the German version of the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14G) was used. All the participants in the study were clinically examined, and the measured parameters were recorded using the Physical Oral Health Index (PhOX). In total, 10 male and 11 female participants, with an average age of 22.0 ± 9.0 years, were included in this study. The OHIP-14G summary score was 23.9 (±15.2) points (range: 0–56 points). The PhOX summary score was 61.2 (±5.1) points (range: 22–80 points). The findings indicated that both the OHRQoL and physical oral health of the participants were highly impaired and that their objective and subjective oral health were worse than those of the general population in Germany.

Self-rated oral health and frailty index among older Americans.

To assess the association between self-rated oral health and frailty index among older American adults aged 60years and over. Data from the National Health and Nutrition and Examination Survey from 2011 to 2014 were used. Self-rated oral health was assessed based on a single question "rate the health of your teeth and gum". A frailty index of 49-items covering multiple systems was created. Age, gender, ethnicity, poverty-income ratio, education, poor nutritional intake and smoking were used as covariates. Weighted negative binomial regression was used to test the association between self-rated oral health and frailty index adjusting for the covariates. A dose response relationship was observed between self-rated oral health and frailty index. The rate ratios (RR) of frailty index were 1.03 (95% CI 0.95-1.13), 1.15 (95% CI 1.05-1.25), 1.30 (95% CI 1.17-1.45) and 1.41(95% CI 1.28-1.54) for participants who rated their oral health very good, good, fair or poor, respectively, compared with those who rated their oral health excellent after adjusting for covariates. Poorer self-rated oral health is associated with higher rates of frailty index. This highlights the importance of oral health as a predictor of frailty and the adequacy of using self-rated oral health in health surveys and clinical practices when conducting a comprehensive clinical oral examination is not feasible.

Assessment of Oral Health Status and Oral Health Education Programmed in Community Living in Rural Area of Jahangirabaad of Multan

Objective: To investigate the role of oral health education programme in oral health status in peoples living in rural areas of Multan. Study Design: Study design was cross sectional survey. Place and Duration: This study was done to record the initial assessment of oral health status of Jahangirabad community in Multan from November 1, 2014 to December 1, 2014. Results: The results of the study revealed the occurrence of dental caries to be 53.1 %, while mean DMFT was 1.5. the results from recording the periodontal conditions showed that about 50% of the sample population had healthy gums, reflecting good oral hygiene. in term of virulence, the mean number of healthy sextants, bleeding, and calculus, were 5.2, 0.4 and 0.2 respectively. Total of 42.9% of the sample population had gingival bleeding and calculus. the study found that there was a statistically significant association between high education and better oral health index namely DMFT and CPITN [pvalues= 0.036 and 0.012, respectively]. In this study, no significant association was found between average monthly incomes versus oral health status.

Correlation between Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Objectively Measured Oral Health in People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes.

It is a well-known fact that people with Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) report a worse oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) than the general population. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is a correlation between the subjective OHRQoL and the objectively measured oral health in people with EDS. To determine the subjective OHRQoL, the German version of the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire was used. Furthermore, all participants in the study were clinically examined, and the measured parameters were recorded using the Physical Oral Health Index (PhOX). Altogether, records of 46 participants were collected. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) of the OHIP-14 was 17 (23) points and the median of the PhOX was 73 (16) points. However, a statistically significant correlation could not be demonstrated (r = −0.240, p = 0.108). In the observed cohort, for participants who reported having pain often or very often, the OHIP score (median = 24, IQR = 18, p < 0.01) was higher than the score of the group given by participants who never or intermittently experienced pain (median = 8, IQR = 18). In conclusion, patients with EDS showed a reduced OHRQoL, although it was not possible to observe an association between the subjective OHRQoL and the objective oral health. However, participants who often or very often suffer from pain in their tooth, mouth, and jaw areas showed a reduced OHRQoL.

Effects of the professional oral care management program on patients with head and neck cancer after radiotherapy: A 12-month follow-up

Background/purposeBecause oral health of patients with head & neck cancer is prone to disease after radiotherapy, effective and long-lasting oral care program is necessary. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the oral care management program, which lasted up to 12 months after radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer. Materials and methodsSixty-eight patients who visited a dental clinic prior to the initiation of radiotherapy were recruited and categorized into either a “healthy” or a “vulnerable” group. The vulnerable group was made of patients with dental caries or periodontal attachment loss. Professional oral hygiene care, including tooth brushing instructions, professional mechanical tooth cleaning, and fluoride varnish application, was conducted once every week for a month during radiotherapy and once every 3 months after radiotherapy. Oral health, including dental caries, plaques, gingival index, and periodontal attachment loss, was examined at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months after radiotherapy. Results; Twenty-nine and 16 patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months after radiotherapy, respectively. Oral health indices, such as the number of decayed teeth, amount of plaque, and gingival index, did not significantly change in either group. However, the periodontal pocket depth significantly decreased in both groups at 6 months after baseline, and this decrease continued in the vulnerable group up to 12 months after baseline. ConclusionPeriodic dental visits and professional oral hygiene care during and after radiotherapy were effective in maintaining oral health for over 12 months after radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer.

Association between oral health and sarcopenia: A literature review.

Sarcopenia has recently been attracting attention as an early sign of the need for nursing care in older adults. Some studies have reported that oral health is related to sarcopenia and its diagnostic factors (hand grip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle mass). However, the relationship between oral health and sarcopenia remains poorly investigated and no review to date has compiled the available research on this relationship. The aim of this review was to summarize the current evidence describing the association between oral health and sarcopenia. The internet database PubMed was searched using various combinations of related and synonymous keywords for "oral" or "dental" or "oral health" or "oral function" and "sarcopenia" or "walking speed" or "hand grip strength" or "skeletal muscle mass." A total of 27 studies found to be eligible were critically evaluated and their key findings were summarized. Most of the studies were cross-sectional and conducted in Japan. A wide range of oral factors, including number of teeth, occlusal support, periodontal state, occlusal force, mastication, tongue pressure, and swallowing, were covered. The overall findings were that oral health indices could be significantly associated with sarcopenia and its diagnostic factors. Relationships may exist between aspects of oral health and sarcopenia or its diagnostic factors. However, reports showing associations between oral health and sarcopenia are scarce, and definitive conclusions could not be drawn. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm these relationships.

Oral health promotion apps: an assessment of message and behaviour change potential.

Oral health worldwide needs improving: untreated dental caries is the most common health condition affecting people globally. Mobile applications (apps) have potential to provide preventative oral health interventions. This study aimed to investigate the quality of available oral health promotion apps, assessing information provided and the barriers to oral health addressed using psychological frameworks. A content assessment of oral health promotion apps targeted at adults in the UK iTunes store was conducted. The quality of 22 apps was assessed against 3 objective indices derived from the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit, Theoretical Domains Framework and Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy. Index scores were calculated and descriptive analyses were completed. On average, four Delivering Better Oral Health messages, seven Theoretical Domains Framework components and eight Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy components were addressed per app. The most common components were: 'take at least two minutes to brush' for the Delivering Better Oral Health index, 'goals' and 'intentions' for the Theoretical Domains Framework index and 'goal setting (behaviour)' for the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy index. The quality of information available in oral health apps requires improvement with the majority addressing only a few barriers to oral health. Currently, there is no recognized scale for evaluating oral health apps: this study provides a suggested method for future app evaluation. There is opportunity for a new app to be created based on health behaviour change theory which includes all the Delivering Better Oral Health messages.

Evaluation of oral health indices in people referring to outpatient addiction treatment centers in Yazd

Evaluation of oral health indices in people referring to outpatient addiction treatment centers in Yazd

Oral health indices predict individualised recall interval.

ObjectivesThe individualised recall interval (IRI) is part of the oral health examination. This observational, register‐based study aimed to explore how oral health indices DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth), DT (decayed teeth), CPI (Community Periodontal Index, maximum value of individual was used) and number of teeth are associated with IRI for adults.MethodsOral health examination includes an assessment of all oral tissues, diagnosis, a treatment plan and assessment and a determination of the interval before the next assessment. It is called the IRI. This cross‐sectional study population included 42,533 adults (age range 18–89 years), who had visited for an oral health examination during 2009, provided by the Helsinki City Social Services and Health Care. The recall interval was categorised into an ordinal scale (0–12, 13–24, 25–36 and 37–60 months) and was modelled using a proportional odds model. ORs less than one indicated a shorter recall interval.ResultsRecall interval categories in the study population were 0–12 months (n = 4,569; 11%), 13–24 months (n = 23,732; 56%), 25–36 months (n = 12,049; 28%), and 37–60 months (n = 2,183; 5%). The results of statistical models clearly showed an association between the length of recall intervals and oral health indices. In all models, higher values of DMFT, DT and CPI indicated a shorter recall interval. The number of teeth were not so relevant. The association was not influenced when different combinations of other predictors (age, gender, socioeconomic status, chronic diseases) were included in the model. The severity of periodontitis predicted a short recall interval, for example, in the Model 1, CPI maximum value 4 was OR = 0.35 (95% confidence interval 0.31–0.40).ConclusionsThe oral health indices showed a clear association with the length of the IRI. Poor oral health reduced IRI. The indices provide information about the amount of oral health prevention required and are useful to health organisations.