Oral Health Of Individuals Research Articles

The impact of caregiver training on the oral health of people with disabilities: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of oral health training for caregivers of individuals with disabilities. A systematic review was conducted using five electronic databases: Medline (PubMed), SciELO, Web of Science, LILACS, and CAFe, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The PICO strategy was defined as follows: Participants:caregivers of individuals with disabilities; Intervention:training or education in oral health for caregivers;Control:no caregiver training; andOutcomes:evaluating whether oral health training for caregivers improves the oral health of people with disabilities. The study aimed to address the research question: "What is the impact of oral health training for caregivers of individuals with disabilities?" The study was preregistered in PROSPERO (CRD42023416760). A total of 14 studies were included, with trained caregivers being either staff members or parents, and various disabilities reported, with cerebral palsy being the most prevalent. Caregiver training methods varied, such as instructions on the importance of oral health care, supervised oral hygiene, and demonstration of toothbrushing techniques. Overall, the intervention groups showed an improvement in measures such as to the Gingival Index, Plaque Index, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, and Gingival Bleeding Index on upon probing. Additionally, improvements were observed in the quality, frequency, and duration of toothbrushing among intervention groups. The findings suggest that oral health training for caregivers has a positive impact on the oral health of individuals with disabilities, potentially leading to better oral health outcomes.

The Impact of Nicotine Patches on Gingival and Oral Health: A Narrative Review.

Smoking significantly impacts oral health, causing periodontal disease, oral cancer, tooth discoloration, halitosis, and impaired wound healing. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), particularly nicotine patches, is widely used for smoking cessation. This review evaluates the literature regarding nicotine patches and their implications for oral and gum health. Nicotine patches deliver controlled nicotine doses transdermally, alleviating cravings and withdrawal symptoms. While nicotine can negatively affect oral health through vasoconstriction and reduced salivary flow, the overall impact of patches is generally positive compared to continued smoking. The primary benefit is the elimination of exposure to harmful chemicals and heat from cigarette smoke, significantly decreasing oral cancer risk and periodontal disease progression. Nicotine patches are associated with improved periodontal treatment outcomes, better wound healing, and potential anti-inflammatory effects. They may also promote improved oral hygiene practices. However, limitations include uncertain long-term effects and potential side effects like xerostomia. In conclusion, while nicotine patches may have some oral health effects, their use generally leads to significant improvements compared to continued smoking, making them valuable for promoting better oral health in individuals quitting smoking.

Evaluation of the Association Between Sociodemographic Characteristics, Systemic Diseases and Oral Health in the Turkish Suppopulation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and systemic diseases with oral health in individuals aged 18-65 with the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 367 volunteers aged 18-65 years. The sixty seven people who reported that they ate completely sugar-free and received orthodontic treatment were excluded from the study and 300 people (170 female/130 male; average age:38.64±14.19) were evaluated. The patients’ sociodemographic information (age, gender, education, brushing), systemic diseases, medication use and DMFT scores were recorded by the specialist researcher. Data were analyzed by using Kolmogorov Smirnov, Man Whitney-U, Kruskall Wallis test and Post-hoc Tamhane’s T2 test in SPPS software (22.0). Results: The difference in DMFT score with sociodemographic information (age, education, brushing) other than gender was statistically significant (p< .05). DMFT score was found in asthma (12.39±5.17), cardiovascular disease (14.56±7.23) and diabetes (14.00±3.42); was significantly higher compared to healthy (9.39±3.67) people (p< .05). The difference between gastrointestinal disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease and healthy people wasn’t statistically significant (p> .05). However the mean DMFT score in kidney patients (9.00±2.85) was significantly lower compared to asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (p< .05). DMFT score was significantly higher in people using medication (13.77±5.58) than in people not using medication (9.42±3.70)(p< .05). Conclusion: Oral health may be negatively affected by some systemic diseases and drug use. In addition, sociodemographic characteristics have an important effect on oral health. The individual’s sociodemographic characteristics, systemic diseases and medication use should be evaluated in detail in treatment planning and oral health motivation.

A standard set of outcome measures for the comprehensive assessment of oral health and occlusion in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta

BackgroundOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders of varying severity characterized by bone fragility. The primary objective of this international multidisciplinary collaboration initiative was to reach a consensus for a standardized set of clinician and patient-reported outcome measures, as well as associated measuring instruments for dental care of individuals with OI, based on the aspects considered important by both experts and patients. This project is a subsequent to the Key4OI project initiated by the Care4BrittleBones foundation which aims to develop a standard set of outcome measures covering a large domain of factors affecting quality of life for people with OI. An international team of experts comprising orthodontists, pediatric dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and prosthetic dentists used a modified Delphi consensus process to select clinician-reported outcome measures (CROMs) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to evaluate oral health in individuals with OI. Important domains were identified through a literature review and by professional expertise (both CROMs and PROMs). In three focus groups of individuals with OI, important and relevant issues regarding dental health were identified. The input from the focus groups was used as the basis for the final set of outcome measures: the selected issues were attributed to relevant CROMs and, when appropriate, matched with validated questionnaires to establish the final PROMs which represented best the specific oral health-related concerns of individuals with OI.ResultsConsensus was reached on selected CROMs and PROMs for a standard set of outcome measures and measuring instruments of oral health in individuals with OI.ConclusionsOur project resulted in consensus statements for standardization oral health PROMs and CROMs in individuals with OI. This outcome set can improve the standard of care by incorporating recommendations of professionals involved in dental care of individuals with OI. Further, it can facilitate research and international research co-operation. In addition, the significant contribution of the focus groups highlights the relevance of dental and oral health-related problems of individuals with OI.

A Comparative Evaluation of Removable Partial Denture Prostheses and Dental Caries Status among Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients

Abstract Introduction Oral health is an integral part of general health. Systemic diseases such as diabetic condition and local factors have an impact on oral health of individuals. Dental caries is one of the most common oral health conditions affecting 60 to 90% of the population. Acrylic removable partial denture (RPD) is one of the most widely accepted means of tooth replacement. Its insertion in the mouth leads to altering the oral environment and increases plaque formation, particularly on tooth surface of those in contact with the acrylic partial denture facilitating the initiation of caries. Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of acrylic RPDs on caries prevalence in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Methodology This comparative study was performed on 400 patients of age between 20 and 64 years visiting JSS Dental College and Hospital in Mysuru. Patients participating in this study were explained regarding the survey analysis and informed consent was taken. It was a questionnaire-based clinical study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered for the selection of the study sample and categorize the patients into one of the following groups, with prostheses (Group A) and without prostheses (Group B) and subgroups diabetic patients with prostheses (Group A1) and nondiabetic patients with prostheses (Group A2). Diabetic patients without prostheses (Group B1) and nondiabetic patients without prostheses (Group B2). Sociodemographic information of each patient was recorded, and clinical examination was performed for decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) using DMFT index. Results A statistically significant high prevalence of dental caries was observed among nondiabetic patients with acrylic RPD (Group A2). Conclusion Acrylic RPD and diabetes had least role in caries prevalence.

Ayurvedic approach in Oro-Dental Care in Prameha

Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine that originated in India, offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, including oral care. In the context of diabetes, maintaining oral health is crucial because individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing dental issues such as gum disease and infections. Ayurveda emphasizes the balance of doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, proper diet, and lifestyle modifications to promote overall well-being, including oral health. Regular dental check-ups, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, and following the guidance of Ayurvedic principles are essential components of oral care for individuals with diabetes cases. Exploring the integration of Ayurveda into the oral care of diabetes cases involves considering the holistic principles of Ayurveda, the role of specific practices like oil pulling and herbal components, and the practical application of these principles in conjunction with conventional care. It's a fascinating intersection of traditional wisdom and modern healthcare, and ongoing research can shed more light on the efficacy and nuances of Ayurvedic approaches in managing oral health in individuals with diabetes.

Glycemic Control and Oral Health Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes: Insights From a Nationwide Korean Survey.

Diabetes is recognized as a risk factor for various inflammatory conditions, including periodontitis. There exists a bidirectional relationship between glycemic control and oral health in individuals with diabetes. This study aimed to analyze the link between glycemic control and oral health status among Korean patients with diabetes. Using data from a population-based nationwide survey conducted between 2007 and 2019, we identified 70,554 adults with diabetes-related information. The study population included 9,090 individuals diagnosed with diabetes and 61,164 healthy controls. The association between glycemic control, defined by mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, and various oral health measures, such as tooth brushing frequency, periodontitis, denture wearing, Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, number of remaining teeth, and past-year dental clinic visits, was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Compared to the control group, patients with diabetes exhibited a higher prevalence of periodontitis (88.6% vs. 73.3%), complete dentures (5.0% vs. 1.5%), and elevated DMFT index (33.2% vs. 26.7%) (all P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed significant associations between diabetes and several oral health factors: denture status (No denture: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.784; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.627-0.979), and having fewer permanent teeth (0-19) (aOR, 1.474; 95% CI, 1.085-2.003). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between higher HbA1c levels and the risk of having fewer remaining teeth (0-19) (HbA1c < 6.5%: aOR, 1.129; 95% CI, 0.766-1.663; 6.5% ≤ HbA1c < 8.0%: aOR, 1.590; 95% CI, 1.117-2.262; HbA1c ≥ 8%: aOR, 1.910; 95% CI, 1.145-3.186) (P for trends = 0.041). We found a positive association between diabetes and poor oral health, as well as a noteworthy relationship between reduced permanent teeth (≤ 19) and glycemic control. These insights emphasize the critical role of oral health management in diabetic care and underscore the importance of maintaining effective glycemic control strategies for overall health and well-being in patients with diabetes.

Complexities of Oral Health Management among Autism Patients: Strategies for Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents intricate challenges in managing oral and dental health, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its diverse manifestations and associated difficulties. Despite the absence of specific oral peculiarities directly linked to ASD, individuals diagnosed with ASD often experience poorer oral health outcomes compared to the general population. Factors such as sensory sensitivities, communication barriers, and behavioral challenges contribute to difficulties in maintaining optimal oral hygiene, resulting in a higher prevalence of teeth decay. Furthermore, children with ASD exhibit unique challenges during dental visits, including sensory aversions, communication difficulties, and behavioral issues, necessitating tailored interventions and accommodations by dental professionals. The collaboration between parents, dentists, and other healthcare providers is essential in addressing the oral health needs of individuals with ASD, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Despite ongoing research efforts to elucidate the intricacies of oral health in ASD, conflicting findings underscore the complexity of the topic and highlight the need for further investigation. By prioritizing oral and dental health management and fostering collaborative partnerships between caregivers and healthcare professionals, it is possible to enhance the quality of life and well-being of individuals with ASD. To achieve this, targeted interventions should be developed to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with ASD in oral hygiene practices and dental care settings. Ultimately, raising awareness among parents and healthcare providers about the significance of oral health in individuals with ASD is crucial for promoting preventive measures and ensuring access to appropriate dental care services.

Evaluation of antifungal activity of vanilla pods silver nanoparticles against various oral candidal species: An in-vitro study.

The oral health of individuals is undoubtedly affected by the fact that fungal microorganisms are currently resistant to the conventional antifungal drugs used. Still, there are numerous emerging therapeutic alternatives available like phytotherapy. The phytochemistry of various plant species has indicated that phytochemicals could be a better source of medicine with outstanding antifungal, healing, anti-inflammatory spectrum, and antioxidant properties. To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of silver nanoparticles of vanilla pods against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida krusei and to compare with Fluconazole. The vanilla pods were procured from the organic store. The aqueous extracts were prepared. Ten percent of the vanilla extract was utilized to generate the silver nanoparticles. The generated silver nanoparticles were characterized visually based on color change and confirmed by UV spectroscopy. Disk diffusion method was used to determine the antifungal activity of the vanilla pods reinforced silver nanoparticles at different concentrations (20 μl, 40 μ, 40n μ, and 80 μand 80ratioC. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. krusei. The antifungal efficacy of the produced nanoparticles was evaluated against a standard of ketoconazole (30 μ30. Vanillin silver nanoparticles exhibit commendable antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. glabrata which is equivalent to that of ketoconazole, and amplified activity against drug-resistant C. krusei was evident. Silver nanoparticles from vanilla pods were studied and their wider zones of inhibition indicated exemplary antifungal efficacy compared with conventional antifungal drugs like ketoconazole. Future research on vanillin nanocarrier systems might enhance their stability, bioavailability, and bioactivity. As an outcome, with some promising advances in this area, it would be captivating to pursue a systematic investigation into the potential effects of vanillin at the cellular and molecular levels. This will enable us to further assess its applicability as an active biopharmaceutical ingredient in mouthwashes, probiotic lozenges, and denture resin for use as an effective strategy against the biofilm growth of various Candida species.

Pain, dynamic postural control, mental health and impact of oral health in individuals with temporomandibular disorder: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionSome studies claim that functional changes in TMD affect the stomatognathic system (SS) and could contribute to the emergence of pain and changes in postural control. PurposeTo characterize and to compare pain, dynamic postural control (DPC), mental health and impact of oral health (QoL) in different types of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). MethodCross-sectional study with 116 participants evaluated by a validated TMD protocol and divided into three groups, muscle TMD (TMD-M, n = 32), joint TMD (TMD-J, n = 30) and muscle-joint TMD (TMD-MJ, n = 54).Chewing pain, DPC, anxiety, depression, sleep quality and impact of oral health on QoL were measured. One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson's Chi-square test and eta-square effect size were used to data analysis. ResultsTMD-J showed less subjective pain than TMD-M (p = 0.014) and TMD-MJ (p = 0.021).TMD-J also presented greater height (p = 0.022) and body mass (p = 0.041) than the TMD-MJ and TMD-M, respectively. The DPC evaluation with sensory organization test 1 (SOT1, open eyes, platform and cabin fixed) in the medio-lateral direction (ML) was higher (p = 0.027) for TMD-J than TMD-M. TMD-MJ had a higher level of depression (p = 0.041) than TMD-J, and a greater impact of oral health on QoL (p = 0.035) than TMD-M. ConclusionMasticatory pain was lower in the TMD-J. There was a reduction in DPC in the ML of SOT1 in the TMD-J owing to the greater height of the patients in this group. The TMD-MJ had higher levels of depression and negative impact of oral health. In general, poor oral health reduces QoL in patients with TMD.

The importance of preventive dentistry on the oral health of individuals and the economy in the United States

Oral problems are related to the general health of individuals. When not preventively cared for or not treated properly, caries lesions, pain, discomfort, risks of spreading infections throughout the body, which can even lead to hospitalization. The absence of preventive care in oral health increases the chances of tooth loss, reducing the person’s ability to chew and compromising their nutrition. In addition, there is the aesthetic issue, because the person with teeth problems avoids smiling and even avoids interacting socially. The dental problems of a population unable to afford them, economically affect the general health system, since oral diseases refer to the impairment of people’s health, who will resort to formal medical care at some point in their existence. This literature review article featured specialized materials in Oral Health on the reality of low-income North Americans and their oral problems, using articles obtained from Google Scholar. As an objective, it is intended to demonstrate the importance of preventive care for dental health, through educational actions in needy communities, covering people of all ages, especially children. There is a need for specialized care for patients of different ages who are already affected by oral problems, and also about the importance of the efforts and investments of the US government in massive campaigns related to preventive dental care for people of all ages that make up the its poorest population.

Prevalence of Dental Caries in Patients on Renal Replacement Therapy—A Systematic Review

Patients under renal replacement therapy (RRT) often show oral problems, including dry mouth, periodontal and dental diseases. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the caries burden in patients on RRT. Therefore, a systematic literature search based on the databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus was performed by two independent individuals in August 2022. Search terms were: "caries" AND "dialysis", "caries" AND "renal replacement therapy", "caries" AND "kidney". The systematic process was complemented by manual search. Studies on adult patients (age ≥ 18 years), treated by any form of RRT and explicitly reporting caries prevalence or incidence were checked for their eligibility and subsequently analyzed qualitatively. For all included studies, a quality appraisal was applied. From the systematic search, 653 studies were identified, of which 33 clinical investigations were included in the qualitative analysis. The majority (31 studies) of all included patients underwent hemodialysis (HD), with a sample size between 28 and 512 participants. Eleven studies investigated a healthy control group. Oral examinations were heterogeneous across studies; the caries burden was primarily assessed by decayed-(D-T), missing- and filled-teeth index (DMF-T). The number of decayed teeth ranged between 0.7 and 3.87 across studies. Only six out of these 11 studies found significant differences in caries prevalence/incidence between RRT and controls, whereby only four studies confirmed worse caries burden in RRT individuals. No information was provided on caries stadium (initial caries, advanced caries, invasive treatment need), caries activity or location (e.g., root caries) across studies. Most of the included studies were assessed to be of moderate quality. In conclusion, patients on RRT suffer from a high prevalence of dental caries. Alongside a need for further research in the field, improved, multidisciplinary, patient-centered dental care concepts are required to support dental and overall oral health in individuals on RRT.

Effect of the 2008 economic crisis on oral health in Spain: analysis of serial cross-sectional, population-based health surveys

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of the economic crisis on the oral health of individuals in Spain based on variables including sex, unemployment, social class and educational level.DesignThis was an analysis...

Impact of Endodontic Treatment on the Quality of Life of Individuals with Cleft Lip and Palate

Background: The root canal treatment can involve of teeth adjacent to the cleft area, either due to caries or for prosthetic purposes. Therefore, endodontic treatment could interfere with quality of life? Aims e Objectives: To assess the impact of endodontic treatment on the quality of life (QoL) and oral health of individuals with cleft lip and/or palate. Material and Methods: Sixty-five individuals meet the criteria, and this is a cross-sectional study. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire was applied before endodontic treatment; 30–90 days after treatment. More questions were applied: “Was there any improvement in your QoL after endodontic treatment?” The options were “yes”/”no,” and mention the reason, in case the answer was negative. Results: OHIP-14 revealed weak impact for functional limitation, physical handicap, social impairment, and disabilities. The questionnaire showed medium impact physical pain and psychological discomfort/disability. The answer to question “Was there any improvement in your QoL after endodontic treatment?” was positive for 94% of respondents. Among the respondents, complete unilateral cleft lip and palate was observed in 28 individuals (43.1%), and 31.6% of teeth submitted to endodontic treatment were adjacent to the cleft area. Vital pulp therapy for prosthetic purposes was predominant (36.7%), and 25 out of the 79 endodontically treated teeth were premolars. Conclusion: The endodontic treatment improved the QoL and oral health of 94% of participants, and the OHIP-14 was effective in assessing the influence of medium impact factors.

“Drilling Down”: psychiatry and dentistry in collaborative action

AimsPeople with severe mental health illnesses experience multiple adverse physical health outcomes, in part caused by difficulties accessing, engaging with health promoting behaviour, treatment and recovery strategies. As oral health is a major contributor to physical and mental wellbeing, obstacles to care, prevention, and therapy play an important role in the oral health of individuals with mental illnesses. Psychiatric medications are known to predispose to oral health pathologies, including sialorrhea and dental caries, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may rarely result in dental fractures, and substance misuse may contribute to poor dental health. Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 has been more acutely noticed by those already at risk of worse oral health outcomes, including people with mental health conditions.MethodsWe address the interplay between mental health and dental care, outline evidence behind the vital importance of collaborative working, and advocate for a joint approach between mental health and dental teams utilising harm reviews adapted to assessing the impact of delay dental care upon patients and families’ quality of life. As COVID-19 persists and winter pressures are experienced every year, these raise the question of what needs to be done to demonstrate the effects of poor oral health on patients with learning difficulties and mental illness.ResultsWith annual winter pressures in healthcare, many elective operations are postponed to allow capacity for increased demand. Dental general anaesthetics are amongst the first lists to be suspended, particularly since the arrival of COVID-19. During the first peak of the pandemic, limited access to personal protective equipment and concerns over viral transmission risked by aerosol generating procedures restricted the provision of community dental care to urgent cases, and dental general anaesthetics to life-threatening infections alone.These impacts were particularly acute for those with learning difficulties and mental illness, further exacerbated by social, geographical and financial inequalities. Waiting for patients to deteriorate to access dental care treatment seems in direct opposition to the mental health movement towards community and early management of mental illnesses.ConclusionAdapted harm reviews are a powerful tool for mental health and dental teams to demonstrate to hospital managers the multidimensional impact that poor oral health has and causing physical, behavioural and emotional deterioration on patients, families and supporting staff. Wider understanding of the dental needs of those with mental health conditions may foster research on the interplay between oral and psychological health, and remains vital to multidisciplinary, compassionate and holistic care.

Use of a powered toothbrush to improve oral health in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

The aim of the study is to investigate whether the use of a powered toothbrush could maintain oral health by reducing the dental plaque (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) ≥4mm in a group of individuals with MCI and also if changes in oral health affect various aspects of quality of life. People with cognitive impairment tend to have poor oral hygiene and poorer Quality of life. In the present study, the participants were asked to use a powered toothbrush for at least 2min morning and evening and no restrictions were given against the use of other oral care products. The participant survey conducted at each examination demonstrated that 61.2% of participants at baseline claimed to have experience of using a powered toothbrush, 95.4% at 6months and 95% after 12months. At the same time, the use of manual toothbrushes dropped from 73.3% to 44.7% from baseline to the 12-month check-up. This shows that several participants continue to use the manual toothbrush in parallel with the powered toothbrush, but that there is a shift towards increased use of the powered toothbrush. Removal of dental biofilm is essential for maintaining good oral health. We investigated whether using a powered toothbrush reduces the presence of dental plaque, bleeding on probing and periodontal pockets ≥4mm in a group of older individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Two hundred and thirteen individuals with the mean age of 75.3years living without official home care and with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between 20 and 28 and a history of memory problems in the previous six months were recruited from the Swedish site of a multicenter project, Support Monitoring And Reminder Technology for Mild Dementia (SMART4MD) and screened for the study. The individuals received a powered toothbrush and thorough instructions on how to use it. Clinical oral examinations and MMSE tests were conducted at baseline, 6 and 12months. One hundred seventy participants, 36.5% women and 63.5% men, completed a 12-month follow-up. The use of a powered toothbrush resulted, for the entire group, in a significant decrease in plaque index from 41% at baseline to 31.5% after 12 months (P<.000). Within the same time frame, the values for bleeding on probing changed from 15.1% to 9.9% (P<.000) and the percentage of probing pocket depths ≥4mm from 11.5% to 8.2% (P<.004). The observed improvements in the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 correlate with the clinical improvements of oral health. The use of a powered toothbrush was associated with a reduction of PI, BOP and PPD over 12months even among individuals with low or declining MMSE score. An adequately used powered toothbrush maintain factors that affect oral health and oral health-related Quality of Life in people with mild cognitive impairment.

Oral health assessment of urban and rural dwellers in Bafia-Cameroon

Background: The public health problems associated with oral health are a serious burden on countries around the world. Those problems are acute in developing countries which are hit by non-communicable chronic diseases, including oral diseases. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the oral health of individuals from both urban and rural areas in Bafia, Cameroon. Materials and Methods: A commnunity and descriptive cross-sectional survey with probability sampling was used in this study. 2,840 individuals, aged 5 years and older, were selected, using a two-staged simple random sampling technique. The study was based on a structured questionnaire completed by the participants, and on a clinical examination performed by the dentists. Statistical methods included bivariate analyses. Results: Among the 2,759 participants who successfully completed the survey, 53.4% were males and 46.6% were females. Majority of the participants i.e., 52.4 % belonged to 17 years and more vs 47.6 % who belonged to 05-17 years age group. Of the total individuals examined, 50.4% had a poor oral health level, of which 42.9% urban dwellers and 57% rural dwellers. Conclusion: There is a significant need for increased public awareness and regular surveillance of oral hygiene practices, as well as the complications associated with poor oral hygiene. In addition, development of guidelines, public health awareness programmess and dental community educational programmes are urgently needed.

Comparative study of B content and δ11 B in the enamel of isolated teeth from brothers in the same family.

The quantity of boron (B) and its isotopic ratios in tooth can provide information on dietary habits and oral health of individuals. These metrics are gradually being used in stomatology, environmental science and geochemistry. This study measured the B concentration and δ11 B in the enamel of isolated teeth from brothers in the same family living in high-B-exposure areas at different times using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and multicollector ICP-MS. The results demonstrate that B content in tooth samples of two brothers is related to the time of shedding. The earlier the time of shedding, the lower is the B content in tooth. The B content increased from 20.5μg/g of the central incisor (6-7years old) of the younger brother to 50.4μg/g of the second molar (10-12 years old). And B content for the elder brother increased from 28.7 to 58.3μg/g at the same positions. In the same family, the diet and environmental input of B is basically similar, and the B exposure is basically the same every year. The annual growth rate of B for the younger brother in this experiment is about 4.98 μg/g per year and that for the elder brother is about 4.93 μg/g per year. The δ11 B of shed teeth at different times from the same person is basically similar, but different from person to person. The δ11 B of shed teeth from the elder brother varies from 15.5‰ to 17.9‰ and from the younger brother varies from 5.2‰ to 6.7‰. The δ11 B is quite different for the brothers in the same family who had the same food and environmental intake of B. The experimental data confirmed the relationship between the information of B (B content and δ11 B) in shed teeth and B exposure. They provided an experimental basis using modern human teeth to apply B-isotope paleo-environmental significance.

Oral health of individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease: A review.

This paper explores the epidemiological evidence about oral health of individuals with neurodegenerative conditions of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify the relevant research papers published during January 2012 to June 2020. All cross-sectional, case–control, and cohort studies reporting oral and dental morbid conditions for status and association with AD and dementia were explored. The explored literature from 22 studies shows that oral health parameters of oral health and levels of oral inflammatory markers were deranged and exaggerated in patients suffering from AD and dementia. Many studies have observed poor oral hygiene as result of lack or irregularity in toothbrushing. Regarding decayed, missing, and filled teeth status in AD/dementia populations, no significant difference is reported. Periodontal diseases have been noted at raised levels in AD and dementia patients and shown progression with aggravation in neurological disorders. Both edentulousness and low chewing efficacies are associated with low cognition. Stomatitis and coated tongue and other oral pathologies are significantly higher in AD patients. AD patients have demonstrated higher bacterial load and inflammation levels than controls, and consequently, inflammatory biomarker levels are also raised. AD patients have reduced salivary secretions and with low buffering capacity. Evidence from the current literature update postulates that individuals suffering from AD and dementia have special oral health-care needs. Appropriate oral health management may thus significantly improve their oral health-related and general quality of life.

The oral health status of patients with peripheral vascular disorders: A systematic review.

ObjectivesPeriodontal disease and tooth loss were found to be associated with several peripheral vascular disorders. Nonetheless, an evaluation of the literature on the broader domains of oral health in individuals with peripheral vascular disorders is lacking. This systematic review aims to collate the current evidence on the oral health status of individuals with peripheral vascular disorders.MethodsFive electronic databases were searched for studies assessing oral health parameters in individuals with peripheral vascular disorders. Outcome measures considered were periodontal health, dentition status, caries indices, oral prostheses, oral pathologies and oral hygiene behaviours. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to appraise the quality of the studies.ResultsFrom 3025 records identified, 24 studies involving 1232 participants with peripheral vascular disorders were included in this review. In nine studies, periodontitis was significantly more prevalent in peripheral vascular disorders compared to non-peripheral vascular disorders participants. A further six studies reported individuals with peripheral vascular disorders also had significantly fewer teeth and increased rates of edentulism. Only one study reported a higher incidence of dental caries in peripheral vascular disorders participants. Other aspects of oral health such as oral prosthesis, oral pathology and oral hygiene behaviours were seldom assessed.ConclusionsThe scarcity of studies reporting on broader domains limited our ability to arrive at a conclusion regarding the oral health status of individuals with peripheral vascular disorders. Future studies ought to assess these domains in individuals with peripheral vascular disorders and controls to gain a more complete understanding of oral health and its potential association with peripheral vascular disorders.