Adult Oral Health Research Articles

Study of effects on oral health due to cultural belief among adult population of Srikakulam Town

Introduction: People have a strong belief in the myths and taboos related to oral health which has a huge effect in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. The objective of this study was to find the cultural beliefs and association between the taboos in dentistry and adult oral health behaviour in the population of Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: Adult study subjects who visited the OPD above the age of 20 years were included. Demographic details like age, gender, occupation was recorded. A 11-item pre-tested questionnaire was interviewer administered to assess the cultural beliefs, taboos and myths regarding oral health. Result: A total of 100 adults with a mean age of 38 years were included in the study. Majority (84%) of the respondent believed that teething causes fever. There was no significant correlation between the genders and the myths and taboos regarding oral health. Significantly higher unemployed (50%) and daily-wage workers (23.7%) believed that tooth cleaning causes sensitivity of teeth when compared to salaried (10.5%) and businessman (15.8%). (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study depicted high prevalence of myths and taboos regarding oral health. It is common not only among the unemployed but also among elite and working class.

Coping strategies of caregivers in performing oral hygiene care in adults with special needs: A qualitative study.

Basic and daily oral hygiene care is essential for maintaining oral health in adults with special needs. The caregivers act in this process and need to be understood about the difficulties and the resources they use to deal with this demand. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand the difficulties and strategies of caregivers regarding oral hygiene for adults with special health care needs (SHCN) METHODS: Twenty-one caregivers of adults with SHCN participated in an interview in which the following questions were asked: What are the greatest difficulties in performing oral hygiene for the adult with SHCN you take care? and "How do you overcome these difficulties?" The interviews were recorded and the qualitative data were analyzed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject technique RESULTS: All respondents were female with a mean age of 58.5 years (± 10.8) and the adults with SHCN presented mean age of 30 years (± 18). The greatest difficulty pointed out by caregivers regarding oral hygiene for adults with SHCN was their non-cooperation to do such activity. Regarding coping strategies, caregivers pointed out several strategies to perform oral hygiene in adults with SHCN, such as supervising their brushing, seek for a qualified dentist to assist with this task, performing oral hygiene during the bath, performing physical restraint, among others CONCLUSION: The caregivers' perspectives indicate feelings of failure, discomfort, but also the use of creative resources to deal with the task. The results bring up themes that refer to anxieties and are related to technical and dental issues, that could be explored and need to be recognized by the reference oral healthcare team, whose responsibility it is also to work for the empowerment of caregivers.

Effect of social isolation on oral health status - A systematic review.

To determine the magnitude of the association between social isolation and oral health in adults. Systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies and clinical trials were obtained by searching the electronic databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library electronic, SciELO, Science Direct and Embase. Hand searches and gray literature were included. Two researchers independently selected the studies, extracted data, and analyzed and assessed their methodological quality. The Rayyan QCRI web-based tool was used to manage and cite references, and the risk of bias was estimated according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Meta-analysis was not performed due to insufficient data. The search retrieved 2545 articles. Full texts of 14 articles were read, and 1 clinical trial and 3 cross-sectional studies were included. All the studies reported on oral function, but none assessed plaque or caries parameters. The cross-sectional studies presented high risk of bias. None of the studies associated social isolation with oral health. There is no strong evidence for an association between social isolation and oral health in adults. Regular oral hygiene practice should be encouraged, recommended and maintained at this time of social isolation, to maintain oral health.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Dietary Behavior Related to Oral Health in Teesside, United Kingdom

Diet is well established as a significant etiological factor in oral diseases, particularly dental caries, and dental erosion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the stay-at-home orders (lockdown) impacted people’s well-being. Emotional distress affects food preferences and consumption. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the dietary changes due to lockdown in Teesside and consequently its impact on oral health.
 Method: An online survey was developed based on the World Health Organization Adult Oral Health Survey. After obtaining ethical approval, the survey was distributed among residents ≥18y living in Teesside. The questions addressed dietary choices before and during the lockdown. Participants were also invited to a semi-structured interview to understand the influence of lockdown on dietary choices. 
 Results: The frequency of consuming daily fresh fruit decreased by 3.2%. Participants consuming cakes and biscuits 2-3 times daily doubled from 5.4% to 10.6%. The daily consumption of sweets increased from 8.6% to 14.9%. Drinking alcohol four or more times per week increased from 7.1% to 12.5%. The most common explanations were reliance on online grocery shopping, lack of social interaction, and working from home. 
 Conclusion: Support strategies are needed for communities to maintain healthy nutritional choices during periods of significant upheaval.

Obesity and Demographics Influence on Periapical Lesions, Dental Caries, and Oral Health in Adults

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 2 billion people around the world who are either overweight or obese, growing in numbers and also in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is a major public health issue. With the rising amounts of funds and dental expenditure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a financial and economic burden on 16.5% of Saudis who happen to spend over 10% of their income on costly procedures of those uninsured such as endodontic root canals or root fill

Social and racial inequity in self-rated oral health in adults in Southern Brazil.

This study aimed to estimate social and racial inequalities in self-rated oral health in adults from the Brazilian birth cohort study. This study belongs to 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study. Data from this study was collected for oral health conditions 31 years old (Oral Health Study). The outcome was self-rated oral health, dichotomized into positive (good/very good) and negative (regular/bad/very bad). Analyses were stratified by gender, racial/skin color groups, schooling level and income. For statistical analysis, the slope index of inequality (SII) and the concentration index (CIX) were used. The prevalence of negative self-rated oral health was 36.1%. Social inequalities were observed in self-rated oral health in both absolute and relative terms. A SII of -30.0 (95%CI: -43.6; -16.4) was observed for income, and -27.7 (95%CI: -41.9; -13.4) for schooling level. Both the individuals' income and the schooling level had negative CIX (CIXincome -14.6 [95%CI: -21.2; -8.0] and CIXschooling level -14.1 [95%CI: -20.7; -7.5]). Furthermore, the prevalence of negative self-rated oral health in black/brown/indigenous individuals from the highest income/schooling level was comparable to prevalence of the outcome in the white individuals belonging to the lowest income/schooling levels. This study results demonstrate racial disparities in oral health regardless of income and schooling levels. Furthermore, a higher concentration of negative self-rated oral health was identified among the most socioeconomically vulnerable individuals. Our findings reinforce the presence of racial and socioeconomic inequalities in oral health.

Applying World Dental Federation Theoretical Framework for Oral Health in a General Population

IntroductionThe World Dental Federation (FDI) has recently proposed a new definition and theoretical framework of oral health. The theoretical framework includes 4 main components and describes the relationships amongst them. In 2020, an international work group proposed the minimum Adult Oral Health Standard Set (AOHSS) of variables to measure oral health, which was mapped onto the FDI's theoretical framework. By using an empirical data set, the proposed variables in the AOHSS and the potential interactions amongst the components of the FDI's theoretical framework can be tested. The purpose of this research was to investigate structural relations of the components of the FDI's theoretical framework of oral health based on data from a general adult population. MethodsData from a previously conducted Swedish cross-sectional study focusing on oral health were utilised (N = 630; women, 55.2%; mean age, 49.7 years [SD, 19.2]). Variable selection was guided by the AOHSS. Structural equation modeling was used to analyse relationships amongst the components of the FDI's theoretical model (core elements of oral health, driving determinants, moderating factors, and overall health and well-being). ResultsThe Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14, xerostomia, and aesthetic satisfaction had statistically significant direct effects on overall health and well-being (p < .05). Driving determinants and moderating factors had statistically significant direct effects on all core elements of oral health (p < .05) except aesthetic satisfaction (p = .616). The predictors explained 24.1% of the variance of the latent variable overall health and well-being. Based on several indices, the proposed model showed acceptable model fit. ConclusionsThe FDI's theoretical framework can be used to describe different components of oral health and the relationship amongst them in an adult general population. Further research based on the FDI's theoretical framework in other populations and settings is needed to explore complex interactions and possible relationships that form oral health and to investigate other or additional important social determinants.

Self-rated oral and general health among Aboriginal adults in regional South Australia.

In Australia, Aboriginal adults experience higher levels of poor oral and general health than the non-Aboriginal population. This study compared self-rated oral and general health among Aboriginal adults in regional South Australia with participants in the National Survey of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH). Data were obtained from the Indigenous Oral Health Literacy Project (IOHLP) based in South Australia. Three sub-populations from the NSAOH were utilised for comparison: National Aboriginal, National non-Aboriginal and South Australian Regional Non-Aboriginal adults. All data were standardised by age group and sex, utilising Census data. Just over 70% of South Australian Regional Aboriginal participants gave a rating of 'excellent, very good or good' for general health, more than 17% lower than each of the other groups. Just over 50% rated their oral health highly, 20% fewer than the proportion for each other group. Stratifying by key socio-demographic factors did not account for all differences. Proportionally fewer South Australian Regional Aboriginal adults had high ratings of oral and general health than the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal adults from the national survey, indicating that national-level data might underestimate the proportion of regional Aboriginal Australians with poor oral health.

Oral Health of Australian Adults: Distribution and Time Trends of Dental Caries, Periodontal Disease and Tooth Loss.

This study was conducted to describe the distribution and trends in dental caries, periodontal disease and tooth loss in Australian adults based on the findings of the National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017–18. A cross-sectional study of a random sample of Australians aged 15+ years was carried out, employing a three-stage stratified probability sampling design. Data were collected via online survey/telephone interviews using a questionnaire to elicit self-reported information about oral health and related characteristics. Participants were then invited to have an oral examination, conducted by calibrated dental practitioners following a standardised protocol in public dental clinics. A total of 15,731 Australians aged 15+ years were interviewed, of which 5022 dentate participants were orally examined. Results showed that nearly one third of Australian adults had at least one tooth surface with untreated dental caries and, on average, 29.7 decayed, missing or filled tooth surfaces per person. Almost 29% of adults presented with gingivitis while the overall prevalence of periodontitis was 30.1%. Overall, 4% of adults were edentulous while, on average, 4.4 teeth were lost due to pathology. Poorer oral health was evident in Australians from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, indicating socioeconomic inequalities in oral health. Time trends revealed that dental caries experience and tooth retention of Australian adults has improved over 30 years, while periodontal health has deteriorated between 2004–06 and 2017–18. These findings can be used to assist policy makers in planning and implementing future oral healthcare programs.

Child Sexual Abuse-Challenging Conditions for Adult Oral Health: A Qualitative Study.

The aim was to analyze perceptions of oral health in adults who have been exposed to child sexual abuse. Eleven participants (10 women), 19 to 56 y of age, who had experienced sexual abuse as children were purposively selected and interviewed in-depth. The participants were encouraged to describe how they perceived the effect of the sexual abuse on their oral health as adults. The interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. The collected material was analyzed according to qualitative content analysis. The theme "challenging conditions for maintaining oral health" was identified, comprising 2 categories: first, "the emotional significance," with the subcategories 1) emotional barriers and 2) powerful relief, and second, "the obstacles to oral health," with the subcategories 1) daily self-care with complications and 2) dental appointments with difficulties. The findings indicate that the experience of sexual abuse during childhood can have a negative impact on oral care in adulthood. The informants stated that oral health was of utmost importance but also associated with strong emotions. There were obstacles to maintenance of oral health that were difficult to surmount.Knowledge Transfer Statement:The study provides access to the attitudes of survivors of child sexual abuse regarding oral health and the needs and obstacles that they experience. This is important knowledge for dental professionals to optimize dental care.

Quality of life related to oral health in adults in the city of Macas, Ecuador, 2021

To determine the quality of life related to oral health in 18-99-year-old people in the city of Macas-Ecuador 2021. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study following a quantitative approach. A total of 415 people over 18 years of age from Macas-Ecuador were evaluated. The instrument of measure was a OHIP-14 instrument composed of 7 dimensions, each of which had 2 questions. The study variables (sex, age, socioeconomic level, occupation) were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U statistical test, with p <0.05 being considered as significant. There was a predominance of 63% of women. The dimension of "psychological distress" had the highest overall impact of all the items answered. Comparison of the OHIP-14 dimensional scores between men and women showed statistically significant differences in functional limitation and handicap with p = 0.012 and p = 0.036, respectively. There is a relationship between quality of life and oral health among the inhabitants of the city of Macas-Ecuador. The OHIP-14 instrument showed the dimension of "psychological distress" to be the main factor of oral problems.

Dental attendance and behavioural pathways to adult oral health inequalities

BackgroundWhile inequalities in oral health are documented, little is known about the extent to which they are attributable to potentially modifiable factors. We examined the role of behavioural and dental...

Is obesity a problem that threatens oral health in adults?

Purpose: Obesity is one of the increasingly negative factors affecting oral and dental health directly or indirectly in many developed and developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between obesity and dental problems in adults and to investigate the effect of obesity on oral and dental health.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: 200 patients over the age of 18 who applied with various dental complaints were examined clinically and radiologically. They were classified as 50 healthy females, 50 healthy males, 50 obese females, and 50 obese males according to the body mass index determined by the World Health Organization (healthy individual &lt; 30.0 kg / m2 and 30.0 kg / m2 ≤ obesity individual). Sociodemographic characteristics, dental health status, and data of all patients were examined.&#x0D; Results: A statistically significant relationship was found between obesity and the number of tooth loss, the number of dental caries, educational status, and the frequency of applying to the dentist. Periodontitis was detected at a higher rate in the obesity group (58 %) compared to the control group, but the relationship between obesity and periodontal status was not statistically significant. &#x0D; Conclusion: Dental problems such as tooth loss, the number of dental caries, and periodontitis were higher in the obesity group, and this result showed that obesity threatens oral and dental health. To prevent these problems, there is a need for preventive strategies and increasing awareness of oral and dental health in obese patients.

The State of Oral Health and Dental Condition in Sindh's Rural Areas

Aims: To ascertain the prevalence of dental caries using DMFT scores, to characterize the oral health status and associated factors of patients attending the Nasirabad Rural Health Center Dental Clinic, and to develop tools and strategies for collecting data for rural oral hygiene statistics. The district collects baseline data to aid in the improvement of dental health initiatives in rural Sindh. Design: From August 2018 to May 2019, convenience sample research was undertaken. Patients aged 15 or older met the requirements. Adult Oral Health Assessment Form (WHO) was used to gather data on oral health examinations. The Nasirabad Rural Health Centre's Dental Unit used a basic mouth mirror and an explorer to interview and clinically examine all subjects. The tools are sterile. On proformas collected biographic and DMFT data. Microsoft Excel 2016 was used to enter and analyses data. The sample comprised both genders and ages. In this study, dentists calculated the mean DMFT score. Items from an adult oral health questionnaire were modified and categorized as Demographics and Clinical evaluation. Demographic data included the patient's age and gender. The dentition was examined for healthy, decaying, missing, and filled teeth (Ft). Results: Microsoft Excel was used to organize and analyses the data. Males made up 41% of the population, while females made up 59%. Caries prevalence was 96 percent overall, with 204(22%) having a low caries status, 250(26%) having a moderate caries status, and 451(48%) having a high caries status. The mean DMFT score was 11.1424017, the standard deviation was 8.0937, and the Significant Caries Index (SiC) was 20.99363057 based on the DMFT value and the number of participants. Conclusion: The research population had poor oral hygiene and dentition. The mean DMFT Score was 11.1424017 and the frequency of dental caries was 96%, with a female bias. Pakistan is a poor nation with little dental health resources and awareness. Providing public oral health education and motivation, water fluoridation, and adopting newer research-based treatments of remineralization of dental caries must be prioritized. It is a major job for the health profession and the government. This issue is critical for dental health and requires immediate care. Keywords: Dental Caries, DMFT Index, Oral Health, Prevalence, Rural Areas

Oral health-related quality of life outcomes in a randomized clinical trial to assess a community-based oral hygiene intervention among adults living in low-income senior housing

BackgroundQuality of life outcomes have been used frequently in clinical trials of oral health interventions. This study assessed the effects of a randomized trial on oral health related quality of life comparing an individual-based oral hygiene intervention to a community-based intervention.MethodsParticipants were recruited from six low-income senior housing residences. Buildings were randomly assigned to receive the individual-based intervention followed by the community-based intervention or to receive the community-based intervention followed by the individual intervention. Participants’ oral hygiene was assessed at baseline (T0), one month after the first intervention (T1) and one month after the second intervention (T2) and six months after the T2 assessment (T3). Oral hygiene was measured by the Gingival Index (GI) and Plaque scores (PS). Surveys collected data on beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and self-reported health status at T0, T1 and T2. Only oral hygiene and quality of life, measured by the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), was assessed at all time points. general linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to assess changes in GOHAI over time, the interaction of condition by time and the contribution of psychosocial, behavioral, health status and background variables to changes in GOHAI.Results331 people completed T0 assessments; 306 completed T1; 285 completed T2 and 268 completed T3. Scores on GOHAI at T0 ranged from 10 to 48 with a mean of 39.7 (sd = 7.8) and a median of 42. At T1, mean GOHAI was 40.7 (sd = 8.2), at T2 mean GOHAI was 41.1 (sd = 7.8) and at T3, GOHAI was 42.3 (sd = 8.2). GLMM showed that GOHAI improved significantly from T0 to T3 (p = 0.01) but the time by intervention interaction was not significant indicating that both interventions were effective in improving GOHAI but one intervention was not better than the other. Ethnicity, health status, worries, self-efficacy, number of missing teeth and symptoms of dry mouth were related to improvements in GOHAI. Neither GI nor PS were related to GOHAI.ConclusionsThe participants reported relatively good oral health related quality of life which improved significantly over time. Improvement occurred among all participants regardless of condition, suggesting that either intervention would be effective in future studies.Trial Registry: Clinicaltrials.gov, Clinical Trials ID #NCT02419144; Title: A Bi-level Intervention to Improve Older Adult Oral Health Status; Registered 04/07/2015 URL: https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0005H9X&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0000KBK&ts=2&cx=-rajj5q

Temporomandibular dysfunction experience is associated with oral health-related quality of life: an Australian national study

BackgroundThere are very few studies of the association between temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a representative sample from the Asia–Pacific region. Accordingly, we aimed to quantify the association of TMD with OHRQoL dimensions and overall measurement scores in a representative sample of Australian adults while accounting for a range of confounders, and statistically estimating whether TMD experience is meaningfully associated with OHRQoL.MethodAustralia’s National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004–2006 data were used. The outcome variables were the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) domains and overall scores while the main exposure was self-reported Diagnostic Criteria Question for TMD. The analysis accounted for confounders including oral health status obtained from the oral examination, demographics, socioeconomics, health behaviours and health including perceived stress subscales of the PSS-14. We conducted complex samples analysis while using Cohen’s f2 effect size to estimate whether the association is meaningful.ResultsTMD prevalence was 9.9% (95% CI: 8.4–11.6%) among 4133 Australian adults. TMD experience was associated with impairments to the seven OHIP-14 OHRQoL domains (P < .05) with higher impairments observed in physical pain (B = 0.82, 95% CI: .45–1.20, P < .001), psychological discomfort (B = 0.68, 95% CI: .29–1.06, P = .001) and psychological disability (B = 0.52, 95% CI: .20–.84, P = .001) in adjusted multivariate analyses. The difference in the mean OHIP-14 scores for those reporting TMD (Mean = 13.1, 95% CI: 12.0–14.0) and those who did not (Mean = 6.6, 95% CI: 6.0–6.8) was significant (t = 7.51, P < .001). In an adjusted multivariable model for OHIP-14 scores, TMD experience was associated with higher OHIP-14 scores (B = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.94–4.75, P < .001) where the Cohen’s f2 was .022. Further, perceived stress subscales: perceived distress and perceived control were associated with TMD experience and OHIP-14 scores (P < .05).ConclusionLower OHRQoL was observed in Australian adults who reported TMD experience but with small clinical importance which might support considering TMD in regular dental care. The higher impairments observed in physical pain, psychological discomfort and psychological disability domains of OHRQL can help clinicians and researchers focus their attention on these domains. The confounding effect exhibited by the perceived stress subscale might support their inclusion in future TMD and OHRQoL research.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FLOSSING TEETH AND ORAL HEALTH IN ADULTS

Background: In older people, the impact of oral habits is largely unknown. The goal of this study was to see if there was a link between flossing at home and the prevalence of periodontal disease in older people.&#x0D; Methodology: The incidence of tooth loss over a five-year period was also examined. Pearson chi-square tests and covariate-adjusted Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests were used to evaluate dichotomous and categorical variables. Clinical factors were compared using multiple linear regression depending on flossing practice. Molars exhibited the greatest benefit (&gt;40%) for flossing practice (P = 0.0005) among all teeth. In conclusion, flossers had much less oral illness than non flossers when it came to older people. Over a 5-year period, flossers had decreased periodontal disease, dental caries, and tooth loss. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that flossing is an important oral hygiene habit for older persons who want to avoid the progression of oral disease.&#x0D; Keywords: OHI, interdental cleaning, elderly, prevention, periodontal disease, caries.

Inequality and Inequity in the Use of Oral Health Services in Australian Adults.

Social determinants drive disparities in dental visiting. This study aimed to measure inequality and inequity in dental visiting among Australian adults. Data were obtained from the National Study of Adult Oral Health (2017 to 2018). Participants were Australian adults aged ≥30 y. The outcome of interest was dental visiting in the last 12 mo. Disparity indicators included education and income. Other sociodemographic characteristics included age, gender, Indigenous status, main language, place of birth, residential location, health card and dental insurance status, and individual's self-rated and impaired oral health. To characterize inequality in dental service use, we examined bivariate relationships using indices of inequality: the absolute and relative concentration indexes and the slope and relative indexes of inequality. Inequalities were depicted through concentration curves. Indirect standardization with a nonlinear model was used to measure inequity. A total of 9,919 Australian adults were included. Bivariate analysis showed a gradient by education and income on dental visiting, with 48% of those with lowest educational attainment/income having not visited a dentist in the last 12 mo. The concentration curves showed pro-low education and pro-poor income inequalities. All measures of absolute and relative indices were negative, indicating that from the bottom to the top of the socioeconomic ladder (education and income), the prevalence of no dental visiting decreased: absolute and relative concentration index estimates were approximately 2.5% and 5.0%, while the slope and relative indexes of inequality estimates were 14% to 18% and 0.4%, respectively. After need standardization, the group with the highest education or income had almost 1.5-times less probability of not having a dental visit in the previous year than those with the lowest education or income. The use of oral health services exhibited socioeconomic inequalities and inequities, disproportionately burdening disadvantaged Australian adults. The results of this study can be used by policy makers when planning a dental labor force in relation to the capacity of supply dental services to 1) reduce the inequality and inequity in the use of oral health services and 2) meet identified oral health needs across the Australian population, which is important for preventive dental care.

A systematic review of the quality and scope of decision modelling studies in child oral health research

BackgroundDecision analytic models are often used in economic evaluations to estimate long-term costs and effects of treatment which span beyond the time-frame of a clinical trial, therefore providing a better understanding of the long-term implications of decisions that conventional trial-based economic evaluations fail to provide. This is particularly relevant for considering oral health interventions in children as treatments may affect adult oral health. However, in the field of child oral health there has not been an evaluation of the quality and scope of decision analytical models which extend into adulthood. The aim of this review is to examine the scope and quality of decision modelling studies, with horizons extending into adulthood, within the field of child oral health.MethodsThe following databases were searched: NHS Economic Evaluation Database (CRD York), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Econlit. Full economic evaluations, in the field of child oral health, published after 1997 which included a decision model with a horizon that extended beyond the age of 18 years old were included. Included studies were appraised against the Drummond checklist and the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards by calibrated reviewers.ResultsFour hundred studies were identified, of which nine met the inclusion criteria. Of the nine, eight were cost-effectiveness models. The majority focussed on the prevention or management of dental caries. The mean percentage of applicable Drummond checklist criteria met by the studies in this review was 82% (median = 85%, range = 54–100%). Discounting of costs and performing an incremental analysis were noted as key methodological weaknesses. The mean percentage of applicable CHEERS criteria met by each study was 82% (median = 87%, range = 32–96%). Justifying the type of model, analytical methods used, and sources of funding were most commonly unreported.ConclusionsThere is a paucity of decision analytical models in the field of child oral health. Most of those that are available are of high methodological and reporting quality.

Caries Experience of Adults with Intellectual Disability in the Western Part of Germany.

Background: In Germany, there is limited evidence on the oral health of adults with intellectual disabilities (AwID). Methods: In 2017/18, dental examinations of AwID and a questionnaire survey of their legal guardians were carried out. The mean D3MFT values were calculated to describe the caries experience. The prevalence of AwID with at least one fissure sealant (FS) was determined and associations between caries experience and various sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, gender, living arrangements) were investigated. Results: The data of 132 AwID (mean age 35.2 years; range 18–69 years) could be included. For all AwIDs the mean D3MFT value was 9.5 (95% CI 8.1–11.0). The mean D3MFT value for the 35–44-year-olds was 10.9 (95% CI 8.4–13.4). All caries-free persons (n = 14) were younger than 45 years. Furthermore, the mean D3MFT value for AwID living with their parents was lower at a statistically significant level than that of AwID in independent living arrangements. Moreover, younger AwIDs (18–34-year-olds) with at least one FS had a statistically significantly lower mean D3MFT value compared to those without any FS (D3MFT: 3.0 vs. 6.7). Conclusions: The dental health of AwID has improved in Germany in recent years, but, on average, AwIDs still have more missing teeth than their peers in the general population. Oral epidemiological studies on AwID should include information on their living arrangements to assess potential associations between sociodemographic factors and oral health.