Oral Health Measures Research Articles

Association between oral health and physical performance in Brazilian older adults: SABE cohort study

BackgroundOral health is recognized as integral to general health and impaired dentition status may affect physical performance among older adults. This study evaluated the longitudinal association between clinical and self-reported oral health measures and physical performance (outcome) in Brazilian older adults.MethodsThis was a longitudinal study that used data from the second (year 2006), third (year 2010) and fourth (year 2015) waves of the Health Well-being and Aging Study conducted in Brazil. Physical performance, evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), was the dependent variable. Independent variables of interest were the number of teeth, presence of periodontal pocket, use of dental prostheses, and poor perceived oral health. The association between oral health measures and physical function was analyzed using generalized estimating equations with an ordinal regression model.ResultsIn the total sample, every additional tooth was associated with a greater chance of achieving a higher score on the SPPB test. Individuals wearing dental prostheses had higher chances of having higher scores than those not wearing them. In the analyses for the dentate sample, the presence of a periodontal pocket was not associated with SPPB and the increase in the number of teeth increased the chance of achieving a higher score.ConclusionA greater number of teeth, and using dentures, were associated with higher physical performance. Periodontal disease was not associated with the outcome.

Identifying Undiagnosed Diabetes and Prediabetes in the Dental Setting in an Asian Population-A Clinical Risk Model.

To assess the glycaemic status of Asian patients in a tertiary care dental setting and develop a risk model for undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM). A total of 1074 participants completed a diabetes risk test questionnaire, full-mouth periodontal examination and a point-of-care HbA1c finger-prick blood test. Univariable logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of potential factors to predict DM, with confirmed diabetes as the outcome. Subsequently, multivariable logistic regression analysis with stepwise variable selection was employed to develop the final models for predicting DM. Sixty-five (6.1%) and 83 (7.7%) of the 1074 participants were medically confirmed with T2DM and prediabetes, respectively. The 'best' predictive risk model for DM included body mass index (BMI), family history of diabetes, smoking and a diagnosis of Stage III/IV or severe periodontitis with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.717 (95% confidence interval, CI [0.689-0.744]) and 0.721 (95% CI [0.693-0.748]), respectively. Including the oral health measure marginally increased the AUC. Dental patients clinically diagnosed with advanced periodontitis in combination with high BMI, positive family history of DM and smoking are potentially at high risk for DM and should be screened for DM and referred for medical confirmation and management.

Tooth-loss related masticatory and aesthetic experiences among middle-aged and older adult Danes.

To determine whether tooth loss relates to patient experiences of masticatory or aesthetic problems and is a useful measure of oral health and treatment needs and to compare experiences of tooth loss among middle-aged and older Danes. Cross sectional online- and telephone interview questionnaire study. 1,060 Danish citizens aged 40 years or older. Experiences of difficulties eating/enjoying food or smiling/showing of teeth due to tooth related problems within the last 6 months. Data analysis used tests of proportions and ordinal logistic regression. Half the participants had a full or almost full dentition. Among those with tooth loss, 21-44% reported difficulties eating/enjoying food. In ordinal logistic regression, difficulties eating were associated with being younger, having fewer teeth and having visibly missing teeth. Being unwilling to smile or show one's teeth was associated with being younger, having fewer teeth, having lower socioeconomic position and having visibly missing teeth. Wearing a prosthesis did not ameliorate eating difficulties or unwillingness to smile. Tooth loss is a meaningful measure of oral health but cannot stand alone. Many adults with even substantial tooth loss did not experience functional or aesthetic problems. Tooth loss is associated with negative masticatory and aesthetic experiences among middle-aged than older adults. Removable prostheses were not associated with better functional or esthetic outcomes.

Validity of the Oral Hygiene Ability Instrument (OHAI).

To evaluate the validity of the newly developed Oral Hygiene Ability Instrument (OHAI), created to assess the cause of any inability of older adults to perform oral hygiene, and to revise the instrument based on the results. Good oral hygiene is among the most important prophylactic measures for oral health. This applies especially to older adults, among whom risk factors and physical and cognitive barriers are more common and can hamper oral hygiene. The OHAI contains (I) an interview, (II) clinical examination, (III) observation of oral hygiene activities and a summarising part. In the study, 149 older adults in three groups participated: stroke, cognitive disorder and general dental patients. Inclusion criteria were to be ≥65 years old, have at least one tooth and to manage oral hygiene without assistance. For criterion validity, sensitivity and specificity were calculated using eight reference instruments. To determine construct validity, we used known group validity, factor analysis and Rasch analysis. The criterion and construct validity of the OHAI were found to be acceptable to good. In the stroke group, balance and fine motor skills were assessed to affect oral hygiene most; in the cognitive disorder group, it was balance, coordination, spatial ability and cognitive functions. Analyses revealed that one item had no added value and that some response options were not optimal. The OHAI proved to be valid for the group it is intended for, with only minor revisions needed, resulting in a 32-item instrument. The OHAI could be a valuable person-centred tool in prophylactic work with older adults with failing oral hygiene.

New Age Parenting and Its Impact on Child’s Oral Health: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study

Abstract Background: With increased globalization, East culture is meeting West culture and parenting style has been completely changed. Children depend significantly on their parents for provision, instruction, and supervision of crucial preventive oral hygiene habits. The education level and awareness of parents regarding preventive oral health measures play a pivotal role in this aspect. Therefore, it becomes imperative to evaluate and educate parents about proper oral hygiene care for their children, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the child. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess an impact of new age parenting on oral health of their children. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 204 parents of children aged 5–10 years, consisting of 27-item questionnaires containing four domains of demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice, which was distributed among the participants. A descriptive analysis was done using IBM SPSS software (version 22.0 Chicago, IL, USA). Results: It was surprising to note that 32.84% of parents were unaware about the specialist dentist is available for children. About 65.69% of parents had low level of knowledge regarding oral health of their children. The correlation among knowledge, attitude, and practice was determined to be highly statistically significant (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Our study concluded that knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral health care of children are low among new age parents and there is a need to educate these parents regarding the same.

The relationships between unmet social needs, oral health measures, and dental service utilization in a pediatric population.

Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) have been linked to health, including oral health and oral health behaviors. Objectives of this retrospective records review were to evaluate the relationships between self-reported unmet social needs and (1) oral health measures and (2) dental service utilization in a pediatric population at a hospital-based dental clinic. Children 2-5 years of age whose families had completed a SDoH survey and who had an encounter with one United States (U.S.) urban children's hospital dental clinic within 6 months (± 3 months) of the survey date were included. A chart review was performed, and information was collected about the child's (1) oral health (e.g., plaque level, presence of caries) and (2) dental service utilization (e.g., no-show rates, number of dental surgeries). The data of patients with one or more parental/caretaker-reported unmet social needs were compared with that of patients with no unmet social needs. Inclusion criteria were met by 2646 children. Those with unmet social needs had significantly higher no-show rates at scheduled appointments than those without unmet social needs (p-value <0.001). Patients who identified as African/Black were more likely to report unmet social needs. There was no statistically significant difference in oral health measures of patients with or without unmet social needs. Children in this population demonstrated varying associations between unmet social needs, health measures, and health behaviors, suggesting a likely complicated association between unmet social needs and health.

8305 Assessing The Relationship Between Oral Health And Bone Disease Among Post-menopausal Women

Abstract Disclosure: N. Tahir: None. S. Ahmad: None. K. Batra: None. A. Gupta: None. K.E. Izuora: Research Investigator; Self; Novo Nordisk. Background: Menopause is associated with significant bone loss and worsening oral health, especially periodontal disease (PD). The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between oral health and bone loss and the factors that influence this relationship. This will help better understand their pathophysiology and provide guidance for more appropriate care. Methods: ​​This cross-sectional study included post-menopausal women undergoing routine bone density evaluation at a diagnostic radiology center. After participants signed informed consent, histories were collected via an investigator-administered questionnaire, the oral cavity was inspected for teeth loss and PD, and a bone density assessment, interpreted by a radiologist, was obtained. The significance level was set at 5% and data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression tests. Results: In a sample of 100 eligible participants, the mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 68.17 ± 8.33 years and 29.59 ± 6.13 kg/m2 respectively. Twenty-three participants (23.0%) had T2DM, 29 (29.0%) had &amp;lt; 20 natural teeth and 17 (17.0%) had normal bone mineral density. In an unadjusted simple logistic regression, age, BMI, race/ethnicity, number of natural teeth, history of PD, and history of osteoporotic fracture were associated with bone loss. However, in the binary logistic regression, the only significant predictors of bone loss included age (aOR 1.171, p&amp;lt;0.001), BMI (aOR 0.763, p&amp;lt;0.001), and the history of osteoporotic fractures (aOR 21.273, p=0.021). Conclusion: Clinical variables associated with bone loss in our study included older age, lower BMI, and history of osteoporotic fracture. These are established risk factors for bone loss. Although unadjusted results suggest a relationship between oral health measures and bone loss, these relationships were not present when other factors were included in a multivariate model. These findings suggest PD by itself may not be a risk factor for bone loss but may reflect the similarity in the risk factors for both conditions. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Psychometric Properties of Telugu Version of Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old Children.

Only a finite number of standard oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) measures are available for young children. However, instead of using parents as proxies to report a child's oral health status, children's self-reported oral health measures would be more accurate in providing their own perceptions of oral impacts. The study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Telugu version of the scale of oral health outcomes (SOHO-5T) for 5-year-old children in Telangana. The forward-backward translated SOHO-5T was pilot-tested among thirty children. The tested questionnaire was administered to 419 children, followed by a clinical oral examination using dentition status to evaluate dental caries (DC). Children (n = 30) were readministered the same questionnaire after a 2-week interval to test reliability. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were determined by Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation. Correlation with global ratings of oral health questions was done to assess construct validity. Discriminant validity was evaluated based on the presence or absence of DC. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean SOHO-5T score was 4.70, and the mean decayed teeth score was 2.48, with 49.16% of children having DC. Cronbach's α scores and the intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient for overall SOHO-5T were 0.90 and 0.91, respectively. SOHO-5T also demonstrated good construct validity with a significant positive correlation with global ratings of oral health. SOHO-5T showed good discrimination between the presence (9.43 ± 3.10), or absence (0.14 ± 1.01) of DC. This study shows good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. It also exhibited good construct and discriminant validity. Meghana D, Sukhabogi JR, Doshi D, et al. Psychometric Properties of Telugu Version of Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(8):933-937.

Self-perceived oral health and happiness

In recent years, studies investigating psychological states such as happiness in individuals’ health have increased. Aim: This study investigated a possible association between self-perceived oral health and happiness in university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in a cohort of university students who entered in the 2016 academic year at the Federal University of Pelotas, located in southern Brazil. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, psychosocial traits, and oral health-related questions. Happiness was measured through a question accompanied by the Faces Scale of Andrews and Whitey. Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to assess the association between the exposure variables (oral health measures) and the outcome (happiness). Results: The prevalence of happiness was 48.6%. A significant association between happiness and oral health, including satisfaction with dental appearance (PR 1.86; 95% CI 1.73-2.01), oral health-related to quality of life (PR 1.19; 95% CI 1.09-1.31), and halitosis (PR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01-1.20), was found. Conclusion: Individuals who reported dissatisfaction with dental appearance, an impact on oral health-related to quality of life, and halitosis perceived themselves as unhappy.

PSIX-11 Effects of black soldier fly larvae on the serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of healthy adult cats

Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) serve as an alternative protein source for pet food products. Even though BSFL are one of many insect species being added to dog foods and treats, knowledge of its effects in cats remains limited. Further investigations are imperative to delineate the effects of BSFL-based ingredients in cats. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of BSFL on serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of adult cats. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois IACUC prior to experimentation. Adult cats [n = 25; 17 females, 8 males; 6.28 ± 0.27 yr of age; 4.50 ± 0.18 kg body weight (BW)] were used in a completely randomized design. The study was composed of a 21-d baseline phase and a 70-d experimental phase. During the baseline phase, all cats were fed a control diet based on chicken meal (35% of diet). After baseline, cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental diets: control diet (n = 12) or BSFL-containing diet (20% whole BSFL meal and 24% chicken meal; n = 13). At baseline, teeth were cleaned by a veterinary dentist. Breath samples were analyzed for volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), salivary pH was measured, and blood samples were collected for serum chemistry and hematology at baseline and after 35 d and 70 d on treatment. At baseline and after 70 d on treatment, fecal samples were scored and collected for pH, dry matter, and metabolite measurement. Gingivitis, plaque, and calculus scores were performed by a veterinary dentist after 70 d on treatment. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Diet, time, and diet*time interaction effects were tested, with P &amp;lt; 0.05 being considered significant. Over time, VSC increased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) in all cats, but was unaffected by diet. Diet*time interactions were observed for fecal pH, fecal scores, and blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Blood cholesterol concentrations increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) over time in cats fed the control diet, but remained stable in cats fed the BSFL diet. The opposite effect was observed with blood triglycerides. Triglyceride concentrations increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in cats fed the BSFL diet over time, but were stable in cats fed the control diet. Cats consuming BSFL had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal pH, dry matter content, and protein catabolite concentrations, but increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations and fecal scores. Overall, 20% BSFL dietary inclusion had comparable effects as chicken meal, suggesting that it will serve as a suitable replacement in cat foods.

Impaired oral health associations with cognitive and motor decline in activities of daily living independence during hospitalization: insights from a post-stroke cohort

PurposeEvidence is scarce on the associations between impaired oral health and cognitive level related to independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) among hospitalized older patients. We aimed to evaluate the associations between baseline oral problems and changes in cognitive level in post-stroke patients. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted, encompassing consecutively hospitalized post-stroke patients. Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG) as a measure of oral health and function was assessed at admission. Primary outcomes included discharge scores for cognitive function assessed by the cognitive domain of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-cognition) and the corresponding change in FIM-cognition during hospitalization. Another outcome measure was the motor domain of FIM (FIM-motor). Multivariate linear regression analyses were employed to assess the association between baseline ROAG and the designated outcomes, adjusting for potential confounding factors. ResultsData from 955 patients (mean age 73.2 years; 53.6% men) were included in the analysis. The median ROAG was 10 [9, 12], with 811 patients (84.9%) presenting oral problems. After fully adjusting for confounding factors, the ROAG was significantly and negatively associated with FIM-cognition at discharge (β = -0.107, p = 0.031) and FIM-cognition gain (β = -0.093, p = 0.018). Further, the ROAG was independently and negatively associated with FIM-motor at discharge (β = -0.043, p = 0.013) and FIM-motor gain (β = -0.065, p = 0.013). ConclusionOral problems were associated with compromised cognitive levels and a decline in physical function during the hospitalization in post-stroke patients. These results underscore the critical importance of addressing oral health in this patient population.

Alveolar bone loss is a significant contributor to tooth loss in dentate HIV+ patients: A retrospective study.

The study objectives were to determine tooth loss prevalence and to investigate the relationship between tooth loss and potential risk factors among adult dentate HIV+ patients on newer antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens. Health records of 450 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals were surveyed. Eighty-eight records of dentate HIV+ individuals with full-mouth periodontal charting and intra-oral periapical radiographs were identified. We collected data on demographics, systemic risk factors, oral health, and HIV disease measures. Caries exposure and alveolar bone loss (ABL) were radiographically assessed. Eighty-eight percent of patients showed tooth loss. Patients with ABL ≥15% had a higher number of missing teeth (p<.01). Stepwise regression analyses indicated that tooth loss was positively associated with age (β=0.45, p<.01) and ABL (β=0.39, p<.01). By contrast number of years on ART was negatively associated with tooth loss (β=-0.28, p<.05). Tooth loss remains prevalent among HIV+ patients, and periodontal disease is a significant contributor. The number of years on ART seem to improve oral health behavior and reduce tooth loss.

Association between objective measures of oral health and salivary gland irradiation with patient-reported outcomes following head and neck radiation therapy.

To determine whether objective measures of oral health and salivary gland irradiation correlates with subjective measures of eating, drinking, and salivation in patients following head and neck radiation therapy (HNRT). This cross-sectional study included 112 patients following HNRT with a completed patient-reported outcome (PRO) scale. Objective measures at post-HNRT visit included decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) scores, periodontal disease condition, oral hygiene status, dental prosthesis use, and prescribed radiation dose to salivary glands. Data were collected and statistical analysis was performed. There was no significant association between PRO scales and dental prosthesis use, periodontal disease, and oral hygiene. Although some significant findings were seen with DMFT and prescribed radiation dose to salivary glands, this explained only very small amounts of the variation in eating, drinking, and salivation measures in these patients. PRO measures should be integrated in the routine care of patients with head and neck cancer.

The multifaceted impact of missing teeth on general health: A narrative review.

Tooth loss extends beyond oral health concerns, impacting overall well-being and quality of life. It is a global issue, with approximately 7% of individuals aged 20 years or older affected. Research reveals associations between tooth loss and cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and peripheral arterial disease, attributed mainly to chronic inflammation and altered dietary habits. However, tooth loss has also been associated with cognitive decline, depression, and certain cancers, including lung, head and neck, pancreatic, and esophageal, suggesting the involvement of complex pathophysiological mechanisms that are increasingly the subject of experimental research. In addition, there are psychosocial consequences, such as self-esteem issues and social discomfort. Therefore, it is indisputable that comprehensive oral care is of utmost importance. Recognizing the importance of oral health for overall well-being highlights the necessity for preventative measures and enhanced dental care. As the global population ages, it is increasingly important to comprehend and address the systemic effects of tooth loss. This review aims to summarize the complex pathomechanisms underlying tooth loss and emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to address its di- verse consequences. It advocates for preventive oral health measures to sustain general health and well-being.

Oral health literacy, knowledge, practice and beliefs among Asian Americans: A scoping review.

The Asian American (AsA) population is at high risk for poor oral health outcomes and remains an underserved and understudied community. Low oral health literacy could explain poor oral health behaviours, practices and outcomes in this population. The aims were as follows: (i) provide a scoping review of oral health literacy, knowledge, practice and beliefs among AsA individuals residing in the United States; (ii) identify any instruments or tools translated into participants' language and (iii) determine whether the translated instruments had been assessed for validity and reliability. The current study used a scoping review framework based on PRISMA-ScR that included rigorous eligibility criteria, search strategy, independent selection process with adjudication, and standardized reporting of outcomes. The search was conducted on March 14, 2022, and updated on February 25, 2023 and February 13, 2024, in the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL. Peer-reviewed original research on oral health literacy, knowledge, awareness, practice, and beliefs related to oral health care in AsA subgroups published in English were included. Two reviewers independently assessed whether titles and abstracts should be included for review, with discrepancies adjudicated by a third reviewer. Data extracted from articles used a standard template that included study design, and measurement tools of oral health, knowledge, awareness, practice and beliefs, as well as results and conclusions of the publication. In addition, the template captured whether the translated and original measurement tools were assessed for reliability and validity. Of the 367 papers identified, 10 studies that met eligibility criteria were included in the final review. Of these, four studies used previously validated tools to assess oral health measurements in AsA. Only five of the studies translated the tools into the participants' native language. Although AsA exhibited lower oral health literacy than Whites but higher than Hispanics and African Americans, none of the translated tools were assessed for reliability and validity. Acculturation and country of birth were factors influencing oral health behaviours related to good oral health practice and utilization, with AsA born in the United States exhibiting higher oral health utilization than those born in their country of origin. Oral health beliefs played a significant role in dental care utilization among AsA populations. The scoping review on oral health in Asian American communities identifies a significant research gap, particularly in the lack of validated tools for assessing oral health literacy, which varies across ethnic groups. It notes that AsA generally have lower oral health literacy compared to Whites, but higher than Hispanics and African Americans. AsA born in the United States shows better oral health practices, influenced by acculturation and birth country. The findings emphasize the need for more thorough and culturally adapted research methods to address oral health disparities in this diverse group.

Oral microbial dysbiosis in patients with oral cavity cancers

ObjectivesThe pathogenesis of oral cavity cancers is complex. We tested the hypothesis that oral microbiota dysbiosis is associated with oral cavity cancer.Materials and methodsPatients with primary oral cavity cancer who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Matching healthy individuals were recruited as controls. Data on socio-demographic and behavioral factors, self-reported periodontal measures and habits, and current dental status were collected using a structured questionnaire and periodontal chartings. In addition to self-reported oral health measures, each participant received a standard and detailed clinical examination. DNA was extracted from saliva samples from patients and healthy controls. Next-generation sequencing was performed by targeting V3-V4 gene regions of the 16 S rRNA with subsequent bioinformatic analyses.ResultsPatients with oral cavity cancers had a lower quality of oral health than healthy controls. Proteobacteria, Aggregatibacter, Haemophilus, and Neisseria decreased, while Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Lactobacillus, Gemella, and Fusobacteria increased in oral cancer patients. At the species level, C. durum, L. umeaens, N. subflava, A. massiliensis, and V. dispar were significantly lower, while G. haemolysans was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Major periodontopathogens associated with periodontal disease (P. gingivalis and F.nucleatum) increased 6.5- and 2.8-fold, respectively.ConclusionThese data suggested that patients with oral cancer had worse oral health conditions and a distinct oral microbiome composition that is affected by personal daily habits and may be associated with the pathogenicity of the disease and interspecies interactions.Clinical relevanceThis paper demonstrates the link between oral bacteria and oral cancers, identifying mechanistic interactions between species of oral microbiome.

Evaluation of oral health, taste perception, nutritional status and emotional well-being in post-menopausal women.

In postmenopausal women (PMW), vasomotor symptoms, emotional oscillations and sleep disturbances can affect physiological and psychological functioning. However, the effect of menopause on oral health-related parameters is not been thoroughly studied. To evaluate oral health, taste perception, eating habits, nutritional status and emotional well-being in PMW compared with a group of young and healthy pre-menopausal women (PrMW). Two groups (Group I: PMW and Group II: PrMW) with 30 participants each, participated in the cross-sectional study. The study proforma contained measures of oral health, taste perception, nutritional status and anxiety levels of the women in both groups using validated and previously used tools were designed and implemented. The data were analysed with student t, Mann-Whitney U, and chi-squared tests to evaluate the differences between the two groups. The cross-sectional study indicates no major differences in oral health, taste perception, nutritional and emotional status between PMW and PrMW. Nonetheless, there was a significant difference in perception of 'front teeth lengthening in size' and change in hot and cold sensations between the groups. Furthermore, the study group with PMW tends to have fewer natural teeth than the reference group. Overall, menopause does not appear to affect oral health, taste perception, nutrition or emotional health. It is suggested that oral health and taste perception, as well as nutritional and emotional status, are associated with gradual aging processes that may or may not be affected by menopause.

Oral anaerobe bacteria-a common risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality and some forms of cancer?

This review explores the results of research on oral health concerning cardiovascular diseases and some forms of cancer and is based on results from published systematic reviews and some studies. The research results will have a strong focus on exploring the relationship between different aspects of oral infections. The relationship between oral health parameters, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and certain cancers was examined from different angles, including prospective analyses, in a population-based health study in Oslo from the year 2000 (Oslo II study). A major finding was that low levels of antibodies to the oral anaerobe Tannerella forsythia predict both CVD mortality in men with a history of myocardial infarction and incidence of bladder cancer in a random sample of men in the study. Low levels of antibodies to Treponea denticola predict the incidence of bladder and colon cancer in a random sample of men in the study. Both anaerobe bacteria are part of the so-called red complex of bacteria in chronic periodontitis together with Pophyromonas gingivalis. These three bacteria have different properties and are causal in chronic periodontitis. They migrate into the local tissues by adhering to the oral epithelium, break down soft and hard tissues, and spread via the circulation to organs distant from the mouth. This paper will give an overview of which oral health measures have been explored and associated with different CVD and cancer diagnoses and what scientific literature supports or contravenes our hypothesis. The oral microbiome is described with the most relevant bacteria related to microbiology, serum, autopsies, and associated causes such as alcohol. There will be a mention of the possibilities and limitations of different study designs. There seems to be a causal relationship between oral anaerobe bacteria and systemic diseases regulated by the immune system. This is seen alongside other well-known risk factors, especially for CVD. The prospective finding of a relation to the incidence of certain cancers and CVD is particularly intriguing. However, further research is needed to determine the biological mechanisms underpinning these associations.

Self-perception of need to replace dentures and oral health-related quality of life

Aim: With the significant increase in life expectancy over the last decades, it is important to understand how oral health can impact the oral health-related quality of life of older adults. This study aimed to investigate the association between need to replace dentures and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older adults belonging to a Cohort in southern Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the 2019 Pelotas Elderly Cohort. The OHRQoL was assessed using the GOHAI. Need to replace dentures was self-report using a question dichotomized into yes/no. In the statistical analysis, unadjusted and adjusted models estimate from linear regression models were calculated. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: A total of 493 older adults were included. On the GOHAI questionnaire, the mean score was 32.74 (SD±0.16). Individuals considering need of prosthesis replacement were 47.89%. Report of need to replace dentures was associated to lowest mean on the GOHAI score (β -1.14; 95%CI - 1.80; -0.478, and on the physical (β -0.56; 95%CI - 0.94 -0.17) and psychosocial (β -0.48; 95%CI - 0.74; -0.22) dimensions. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of also considering subjective measures of oral health in the dental care of older adults, since reporting the need for denture replacement, regardless of the reason, was associated with a worse oral health-related quality of life, including physical and psychosocial aspects.

Oral health's role in diabetes risk: a cross-sectional study with sociodemographic and lifestyle insights.

Diabetes, a key chronic non-communicable disease, poses a substantial public health burden. The role of oral health as a determinant in the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus, particularly in the Central Eastern European region, remains underexplored. This research aims to examine the impact of specific oral health parameters, including gum bleeding, active dental caries, tooth mobility, and tooth loss, on diabetes prevalence. Additionally, it seeks to clarify the moderating effects of socio-demographic and lifestyle variables on this relationship. Data were extracted from the 2014 and 2019 datasets of the Hungarian European Health Interview Survey, comprising a combined nationally representative sample of 11,429 participants. Descriptive statistics were presented as weighted proportions and unweighted counts, and weighted Pearson's chi-squared tests were employed for assessing associations and goodness-of-fit. Significant predictors were integrated into weighted multiple logistic regression models for analysis. Sensitivity analysis was then conducted to confirm the robustness of the findings. The study identified 'Bad' self-perceived oral health as a diabetes risk (OR=1.35; 95% CI: [1.04-1.75]), with filled teeth being protective (0.65 [0.51-0.84]). Subgroup analysis revealed higher diabetes odds among individuals with primary education (1.41 [1.02-1.96]) and rural residents with tooth loss from decay (3.54 [1.36-9.19]). The bootstrap analysis with 1,000 iterations reaffirmed the model's stability and predictive accuracy for diabetes. Enhanced oral health is associated with lower risk factors for diabetes. This research highlights the importance of including oral health measures in comprehensive diabetes management approaches.