Oral Health Outcomes Research Articles

Outcomes of nonsurgical endodontic treatment under general anesthesia in special health care needs: An observational study

Background and aimThe alarming rise in the number of people with special health care needs (SHCNs) necessitates a paradigm shift in how to approach their oral health needs. General anesthesia (GA) is a valuable technique for facilitating dental procedures in patients with SHCNs who may not be able to tolerate treatment without it. The aim was to assess nonsurgical endodontic treatment and outcomes in patients with SHCNs performed under GA.MethodSeventy-eight permanent teeth in 33 patients who received nonsurgical endodontic treatment under GA were included between 2018 and 2022 in SHCNs hospital clinics. The demographic data, types of SHCNs, pulpal and periapical diagnosis, type of treatment, and material used were analyzed. All patients were recalled for clinical and radiographic examinations. Pre-treatment and recall periapical radiographs were evaluated and scored using the Periapical Index (PAI).ResultsAutism and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were 39.4% of patients treated. Most treatments delivered were primary nonsurgical root canal treatment (95%). Warm vertical compaction of gutta-percha for obturation accounted for 88% of cases treated. Single cone obturation technique was used in 9 cases (12%) utilizing tricalcium silicate sealer. At the recall visits, 98.7% of teeth treated had survived. Twelve teeth have pre-treatment periapical lesions, and all healed except one. Female patients were found to have higher scores of PAI compared to male patients (23.7% vs 7.5%), yet insignificant. Only 10 patients with nonsurgical root canal treatment reported recurrent caries.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a high survival rate for nonsurgical endodontic treatment performed under GA in a cohort of patients with SHCNs. Interestingly, patients with social and communication disorders received the highest proportion of treatments under GA. These findings highlight the potential of GA-facilitated endodontics for this population. However, further research is warranted to explore additional methods for optimizing oral health outcomes in SHCNs.

Physiotherapy students’ oral health related knowledge, attitudes and practices at an identified institution of higher learning in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Background Oral self-care health is integral to general health. However limited studies reflect physiotherapy students’ dental practices such as frequency of toothbrushing, toothbrush replacement, use of oral rinses, dental flossing, use of interdental aids or knowledge of dental plaque. Study objectives This study assessed knowledge, perceptions and oral self-care practices among physiotherapy students. This descriptive cross-sectional survey recruited second- third-, and fourth-year physiotherapy students at an identified training institution in South Africa by means of a self-administered questionnaire ResultsA total of 137 students participated in the study with a response rate of 83%. Participants indicated that 58%(n=79) had good knowledge and 85% (n=117) reported oral self-care practices. Almost all participants (99%; n=136) used a brush with toothpaste; 76% (n=104) brushed twice daily; 53% (n=72) replaced their toothbrush every 3 months and 48% (n=66) rinsed their mouth after eating. More than two-thirds of the study sample (62%; n= 84) used an interdental aid and (37%; n=50) reported dental visits once a year with (74%; n=100) only when necessary. From these 96% (n=132) experienced barriers such as costs (54%; n=71) and inadequate time (42%; n = 55). The majority of participants (72%; n=98) supported oral self-care be included in the physiotherapy curriculum. ConclusionAlthough there were inconsistencies in physiotherapy students’ reported oral health-related knowledge, perceptions and self-care practices, the majority of participants supported the inclusion of dental health into the undergraduate physiotherapy curriculum. This will enhance interprofessional education and improve oral health outcomes for both students and patients.

Bridging the evidence-to-practice gap: exploring dental professionals' perspectives on managing oral health during pregnancy in Tasmania, Australia.

Poor oral health is associated with adverse health, social and economic consequences for pregnant women. While dental professionals promote good oral health within the dental practice context, more broadly, women in the antenatal period face poor oral health outcomes. Therefore, this study explored dental professionals' perceptions of their role in managing the oral health of pregnant women and identified the barriers and facilitators to improving maternal oral health. This study employed a descriptive qualitative method utilizing semi-structured interviews. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit 13 dental professionals from Tasmania, Australia, comprising dentists (n = 10), oral health therapists (n = 2) and dental therapist (n = 1). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Three major themes were constructed from the interviews: (1) dental professionals' oral health care of women during pregnancy; (2) perceived challenges to maternal oral health; and (3) proposed strategies to improve maternal oral health. Findings suggest dental professionals' competence in maternal oral health, but that several barriers, such as dental care access and maternal factors, hinder oral health outcomes. To address these barriers, oral health policies that support interprofessional collaboration, professional training and evaluation of existing community oral health programmes are needed. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.

Depression Symptoms Linked to Multiple Oral Health Outcomes in US Adults.

Individuals with mental illness have poor oral health compared to those without mental health conditions. However, the literature is still lacking regarding the specifics of this relationship. This study aims at examining the relationship between depression and oral health problems such as oral conditions, access to dental care, and oral hygiene measures. A cross-sectional study using a secondary data analysis of 9,693 participants from the 2017 to March 2020 prepandemic National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The independent variable was severity of depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Proportional odds and binary logistic regression were used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) between depression and 8 oral health outcomes and oral hygiene-related behaviors. After adjusting for sociodemographics, health conditions, and behaviors, individuals with depression were significantly more likely to have dental aches in the past year (AOR = 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.56), difficulty getting dental care when needed (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.45-2.58), and difficulty at their jobs due to a problem in their mouth (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.07-2.49) compared to individuals without depression. Individuals with depressive symptoms often neglect oral hygiene and self-care practices and are less likely to seek medical care for oral health problems, making them at increased risk of poor oral health outcomes. These findings can be applied by dentists, psychologists, and therapists to increase awareness of links between depression and oral health and to encourage patients with depression to seek oral hygiene preventative care. Health care professionals can be on the frontline in creating awareness in the general public about the links between depression and oral health and hygiene. Applying the findings from this study can help communicate about the relationship between depression and poor oral health and relieve some burden on the American health care sector, which often struggles to provide medical care to patients with depression and oral health issues.

Average DMF-T Index and Performed Treatment Index (PTI) Achievement of Class X High School Students in Tangerang City

The escalating prevalence of dental caries and other oral diseases in Indonesia underscores the urgency of targeted health promotion, particularly among school students who represent a critical demographic for such interventions. Recent findings from the National Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) highlight a concerning rise in dental caries, signaling a need for comprehensive strategies to curb this trend and improve oral health outcomes. This research aimed to measure the average DMF-T Index and achievement of the Performed Treatment Index (PTI) in class X high school students in Tangerang City. The research design used is to research a situation objectively to solve or answer the problems being faced in the current situation. The population in this study was class The data collection method is by examining the teeth that have these components using instruments, recording forms, and other equipment. The data analysis used in this research is an analysis of two variables. The results of this study found that the average permanent dental caries experience index (DMF-T) of respondents in this study was 2.32. This means that on average there are 2 to 3 teeth per person with tooth decay, while the indicators for achieving healthy teeth determined by WHO for the age category over 12 years include DMF-T ≤ 3. This shows that the average DMF-T index of respondents includes good criteria. The Performed Treatment Index (PTI) or a person's effort to maintain permanent teeth for class X students at Tangerang State High School was 11.11%; referring to the indicators and targets for achieving healthy teeth determined by WHO, including Good PTI if ≥ 50% and this shows that the respondent's PTI achievement rate includes poor criteria.

Prevalence and Comparison of Dental Caries of 6 to 12 Years Age in Government and Private School Children of Peshawar City, Pakistan

Background: Dental caries remains a significant public health issue globally, affecting both developed and developing nations. Studies have shown varying prevalence rates based on geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors, particularly among school-aged children. The city of Peshawar, with its diverse population, provides a unique setting to study these variables in relation to oral health outcomes among children. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries among school children aged 6 to 12 years in Peshawar, Pakistan, and to compare the rates between students from government and private schools. Additionally, the study sought to explore the association of dental caries with dietary habits, particularly the consumption of sweets, chocolates, and candies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 376 school children from both government and private schools in Peshawar. Participants underwent detailed oral examinations to assess for dental caries, and data on their dietary habits were collected through questionnaires. Informed consent was obtained from parents or guardians according to the Declaration of Helsinki. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22 was used for data analysis, employing descriptive statistics to calculate frequencies, percentages, and mean values. Results: The overall prevalence of dental caries among the participants was 55.05%. Boys exhibited a slightly higher prevalence (53.2% in males compared to 62.7% in females). The consumption of sugary snacks was significantly associated with the presence of caries; 95.6% of carious children regularly consumed sweets, chocolates, or candies. There was no significant difference in caries prevalence between children from government (53.2%) and private schools (57.5%). Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of dental caries among school-aged children in Peshawar, which correlates strongly with sugar consumption but not with the type of school attended. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce sugar intake and improve oral hygiene among children.

Teeth segmentation and carious lesions segmentation in panoramic X-ray images using CariSeg, a networks' ensemble

BackgroundDental cavities are common oral diseases that can lead to pain, discomfort, and eventually, tooth loss. Early detection and treatment of cavities can prevent these negative consequences. We propose CariSeg, an intelligent system composed of four neural networks that result in the detection of cavities in dental X-rays with 99.42% accuracy. MethodThe first model of CariSeg, trained using the U-Net architecture, segments the area of interest, the teeth, and crops the radiograph around it. The next component segments the carious lesions and it is an ensemble composed of three architectures: U-Net, Feature Pyramid Network, and DeeplabV3. For tooth identification two merged datasets were used: The Tufts Dental Database consisting of 1000 panoramic radiography images and another dataset of 116 anonymized panoramic X-rays, taken at Noor Medical Imaging Center, Qom. For carious lesion segmentation, a dataset consisting of 150 panoramic X-ray images was acquired from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Radiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca. ResultsThe experiments demonstrate that our approach results in 99.42% accuracy and a mean 68.2% Dice coefficient. ConclusionsAI helps in detecting carious lesions by analyzing dental X-rays and identifying cavities that might be missed by human observers, leading to earlier detection and treatment of cavities and resulting in better oral health outcomes.

Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Epidemiology of Early Childhood Caries in Nigeria

Abstract Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a prevalent dental condition among children under six years, characterized by tooth decay linked to microbial interaction with sugary substances. ECC poses significant health risks, including pain, infections, and tooth loss, impacting oral health and overall well-being. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the epidemiology of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in Nigeria. The study seeks to consolidate existing literature, assess study quality, and analyze data on ECC prevalence, distribution, and severity across different regions of Nigeria. Methods: Following Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines, databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, and African Journals Online were systematically searched. Inclusion criteria encompass cross-sectional and cohort studies reporting ECC prevalence in healthy Nigerian children under six. Data extraction will utilize standardized protocols, focusing on WHO criteria such as dmft scores and caries severity. Quality assessment will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies. Results: Initial searches identified a scarcity of comprehensive studies, predominantly from southern Nigeria, highlighting the absence of national-level data on ECC in Nigeria. Data synthesis will explore geographic and demographic factors influencing ECC prevalence and severity, aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the disease burden. Conclusion: This review addresses the critical gap in ECC epidemiology within Nigeria, aiming to inform targeted interventions and policy decisions. By synthesizing available data, the study aims to contribute towards improving oral health outcomes among Nigerian children.

All-On-4 Implant with Hybrid Prosthesis Opposing Implant Supported Overdenture- A Case Report

Implant-supported prosthetic solutions have revolutionized the field of dental rehabilitation, particularly for patients with extensive edentulism or failing dentition. Among these, the All-on-4 implant technique has gained popularity due to its ability to provide and aesthetic restoration with fewer implants and reduced surgical complexity. However, challenges such as insufficient bone volume or poor bone quality in the edentulous maxilla or mandible may necessitate alternative approaches to ensure long-term success and patient satisfaction. One such approach involves the integration of a hybrid prosthesis with All-on-4 implant concept opposing an implant-supported overdenture. This hybrid solution combines the stability and support of dental implants with the comfort and versatility of removable prostheses, offering a balance between fixed and removable options. Key aspects covered include the selection of appropriate candidates for this treatment modality, diagnostic imaging techniques for precise implant placement, surgical protocols for achieving optimal osseointegration and soft tissue management, prosthetic fabrication processes including material selection and occlusal considerations, postoperative care and maintenance strategies to ensure long-term success. Through a comprehensive examination of current literature, clinical case studies, and expert opinions, this case report aims to provide clinicians with valuable insights into the rationale, planning, execution, and outcomes of utilizing a hybrid prosthesis with All-on-4 implant concept opposing an implant-supported overdenture. By understanding the indications, advantages, limitations, and clinical nuances of this treatment approach, dental professionals can effectively address the diverse needs and preferences of edentulous or near-edentulous patients, ultimately improving their quality of life and oral health outcomes. Keywords: All-on-4 implants, hybrid prosthesis, implant-supported overdenture, prosthetic rehabilitation, bone quality, patient satisfaction.

Understanding the link between health literacy and oral health outcomes: Promoting oral health equity and raising awareness

Understanding the link between health literacy and oral health outcomes: Promoting oral health equity and raising awareness

Comparative Analysis of Dental Health Outcomes from Two Outreach Camps in Zanzibar, Tanzania: 2019 and 2023

Background: In low- and middle-income countries, oral health is frequently marginalized due to limited dental care access. This cross-sectional study assesses the outcomes of dental outreach camps in Zanzibar, Tanzania, organized in 2019 and 2023, to understand their impact on addressing local oral health needs over a four-year span. Methods: The study involved a thorough examination and analysis of clinical dental health data from both outreach camps. In 2019, 224 patients were examined, and in 2023, the number increased to 354. The assessment covered various dental health parameters, including dental caries, DMFT/dmft indices, enamel fluorosis, dental trauma, oral mucosa lesions, and non-carious tooth surface loss. Results: The analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in dental caries among adolescents and teens, decreasing from 62.5% in 2019 to 35.59% in 2023 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the prevalence of teeth missing due to caries showed marked reductions from 40.2% to 9.04% in adolescents and teens (p < 0.0001) and from 25.89% to 11.86% among preschool and school-aged children (p = 0.004). Moreover, a significant change was observed in the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) scores, with cases showing no erosive tooth wear (BEWE = 0) decreasing from 49.1% to 33.3% (p = 0.016), and cases with initial loss of enamel surface texture (BEWE = 1) increasing from 47.3% to 61% (p = 0.044). Conclusions: The outreach camps conducted in 2019 and 2023 showed tangible improvements in certain dental health metrics, particularly a reduction in dental caries and missing teeth due to caries among adolescents and teens. However, the uptick in non-carious tooth surface loss points to emerging dental health concerns. These results underline the importance of sustained and targeted dental health interventions to improve oral health outcomes in underserved communities such as Zanzibar.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Literature on the Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Oral Health (1987-2024).

This bibliometric analysis investigates the research landscape concerning the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on oral health through a comprehensive literature review. The study includes all English-language articles retrieved from the PubMed database, focusing on the relationship between RA and various aspects of oral health without any filter. The analysis of 261 publications revealed fluctuations in publication patterns from 1987 to 2024, with notable surges and declines in research activity. Collaborative networks among authors and institutions were identified, highlighting key contributors and prolific institutions such as Karolinska Institutet. The themes prevalent in the research included demographics, oral microbiota, biomarkers, treatment outcomes, and molecular mechanisms. Trend topic and thematic evolution analyses elucidated shifts in research focus from traditional concerns to emerging areas such as oral microbiology and immunological mechanisms. Key findings underscored the need for more clinical trials to comprehend the impact of RA on oral health, enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, exploration of emerging areas, and longitudinal studies. This analysis provides valuable insights into the evolving research landscape, informing future investigations and interventions to improve oral health outcomes in individuals with RA.

Ethnographic perspectives of mothers and professionals on including children with disabilities in oral health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Children with disabilities generally face poorer oral health outcomes compared with their non-disabled peers due to a range of factors including inadequate oral hygiene, infrequent dental visits and systemic barriers in accessing care. This ethnographic study explored the perspectives of caregivers and professionals to identify the ways that children with disabilities are included in oral health. A purposive sample of 10 caregivers, all mothers with disabled children aged 9-15 years, five healthcare providers and five educators in Saudi Arabia, participated. Data collection used participant observation and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings suggest that mothers lacked a supportive environment to develop their skills and knowledge about oral health care, preventing them from including their children in oral health. Inaccessible services added to the exclusion of both mothers and children. Some dental professionals exhibited poor communication skills and discriminatory attitudes towards the children and problematising mothers. Educators tended to discuss disabled children in terms of inability, displaying a deficit approach to impairment. The evidence suggests the exclusion of mothers from oral health. This has an impact on how they enable their children. Recommendations include adopting a social model of disability in dental education and policies in Saudi Arabia to address inequalities. Provision of support, education and focusing on societal barriers moves towards inclusion rather than conceptualising disability as an individual problem.

Primary care dentistry: An Australian perspective

IntroductionPrimary care dentistry is the first point of contact that someone has with the dental system and is predominantly focused on the treatment and prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease. The aim of this paper was to review the Australian primary dental care system. MethodsThis paper reviews the primary dental care system in Australia, drawing on data reporting on the dental workforce, funding sources for dental care, oral health outcome measures and dental visiting patterns. ResultsPrimary dental health care in Australia is predominantly provided by dentists working in private practice, with the number of dentists per 100,000 people in Australia increasing from 46.9 in 2000 to 65.1 in 2022. However, there has been a gradual shift over the past twenty years towards greater service provision by other members of the dental team who now represent one quarter of the dental workforce, and some expansion of publicly funded dental care. Despite this dentistry remains isolated from the rest of primary health care, and the lack of government funding means that many people continue to miss out of necessary dental care, particularly those living in regional and rural Australia and from low-income groups. ConclusionsAustralians should be able to access primary dental care services when and where they need it with adequate financial protection, from services that are well integrated into the broader primary health care system to ensure they are able to achieve optimal oral and general health. For many Australians, this is not currently the case. Clinical significanceAustralia is at a crossroads with respect to access to dental care, and there is a need for stronger advocacy from stakeholders to improve oral health outcomes and reduce inequalities.

Pocket money and the risk of dental caries and oral pain in children

BackgroundTooth decay affects 40–90 % of children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), contributing to adverse consequences, including oral pain, difficulty focusing in school, lifelong dental problems, and overall lower quality of life. Few studies have examined the relationship between pocket money given to children, their purchase of sugary snacks and drinks with that money, and the risk for tooth decay. MethodsThis secondary cross-sectional analysis utilized data which were collected in 2014 as part of an oral health promotion program in rural El Salvador. A convenience sample of 279 children and their mothers who participated in the program were recruited to complete an interview with trained community health workers, and children received a dental examination from trained and licensed Salvadoran and U.S. dentists. Only children with teeth (primary, mixed, or permanent dentition) were included in this analysis; as such, children ranged in age from 6 months through 14 years. Descriptive, multivariate logistic regression, and Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial analyses were used to identify associations between pocket money given to children and three oral health outcomes: number of decayed, missing/extracted due to decay, and filled teeth (dmft for primary teeth and DMFT for permanent teeth); presence of deep decay; and occurrence of oral pain. ResultsOverall, almost two-thirds of children received daily pocket money with which over 70 % purchased unhealthy snacks/drinks; 83 % of children had tooth decay, with a mean dmft/DMFT of 6.0. After adjusting for covariates, receiving pocket money was associated with 0.18 (95 % CI: 0.05–0.54) times the odds of having zero-dmft/DMFT (i.e., being cavity-free) (p = 0.002). Among children with at least one decayed tooth, receiving pocket money was associated with 1.22 (95 % CI: 1.01–1.53) times the expected dmft/DMFT count (p = 0.04), 3.39 (95 % CI: 1.59–7.22) times the odds of deep decay (p < 0.001), and 2.66 (95 % CI: 1.24–5.70) times the odds of oral pain (p = 0.007) compared to children who did not receive pocket money. ConclusionInterventions to reduce the prevalence and severity of tooth decay should include nutrition and oral health education for children and families—including addressing pocket money and healthy vs. unhealthy purchases—in schools, communities, and primary health clinics; school programs to provide healthy foods and beverages for children; and enforcement of policies to prohibit the sale of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks in and around schools.

Applying Social Practice Theory to Explore Australian Preschool Children's Oral Health.

Despite substantial research and provision of dental care, significant morbidity remains for children's oral health. Guided by social practice theory (SPT), this research moves away from the often-ineffective focus on changing individual behavior to rethinking the centrality of the social world in promoting or undermining oral health outcomes. We define social practice as a routinized relational activity linking and integrating certain elements (competence, materials, and meanings) into the performance of a practice that is reproduced across time and space. To investigate oral health in preschool children in Perth, Western Australia, using social practice theory. With no definitive methodology for investigating SPT, we chose focused ethnography as a problem-focused, context-specific approach using mainly interviews to investigate participants' experience caring for their children's oral health. The focus of analysis was the practice of oral health care, not individual behavior, where themes identified from participants' transcripts were organized into categories of elements and performance. Eleven parents, all of whom were married or partnered, were interviewed in 2021. Findings identified social practices relevant to oral health within parenting and family relations linked to routine daily activities, including shopping, consumption of food and beverages, and toothbrushing. Oral health literacy was reflected in integrating competence, materials, and meanings into performing oral health care, notably preferences for children to drink water over sugary beverages and information often being sourced from social media and mothers' groups rather than health providers. Focusing on social practices as the unit of analysis offers a more layered understanding of elements in young children's oral health care that can indicate where the problem may lie. Findings provide an opportunity to consider future research and policy directions in children's oral health. Examining social practices related to young children's oral health care identifies parents/carers' knowledge about, for example, toothbrushing, the resources required, and why toothbrushing is important. Analyzing these separate elements can reveal both enablers and barriers to oral health care. This provides researchers, clinicians and policymakers an opportunity to focus on not changing individual behavior but understanding how social context impacts parents/carers' capacity to make optimum decisions around young children's oral health.

Prevalence of early childhood caries post covid-19 pandemic in Mumbai among children aged 3-5 years: A cross-sectional pilot study

This cross-sectional pilot study aims to investigate the prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) among children aged 3 to 5 years in Mumbai City, Maharashtra, following the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 91 children were included in the study, with ECC prevalence assessed through standardized examinations and dmfs scoring. Simple random sampling was employed, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. The study found a high prevalence of ECC (63.74%) among the study population, with no significant gender-based differences observed in ECC occurrence or severity. Despite similar ECC prevalence rates between boys and girls, the overall burden of ECC underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and preventive measures. The findings highlight the pressing oral health challenge faced by young children in urban settings post-pandemic and emphasize the importance of comprehensive oral health promotion programs and equitable access to preventive oral healthcare. Addressing modifiable risk factors and integrating oral health services into primary healthcare systems are essential steps toward improving oral health outcomes for children in Mumbai and similar urban environments.

Effectiveness of Oral Health Education and Interventions in Improving Oral Health Outcomes in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Prospective Study.

Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health education and intervention in improving oral health outcomes in type 2 DM (T2DM) patients. Methods The present study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology between February 2023 and August 2023 at Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals in Chennai, India. All of the patients in the study had T2DM with oral manifestations. This study enrolled 105 participants, of whom 63 were female and 42 were male. A standard pro forma was given to all the participants, and the findings were recorded. The pro forma comprises different oral manifestations, blood glucose levels, the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, and Russell's periodontal index. The results were then statistically analyzed. Results This study of 105 individuals with T2DM (60% females and 40% males) revealed significant oral health challenges: 33% had periodontitis, 20% had gingivitis, 5% had lichenoid reactions, 23% had xerostomia, 11% had halitosis, and 8% had candidiasis, illustrating diabetes' impact on dental health. Following appropriate, tailor-made treatment for individual patients, such as scaling, root planning, oral hygiene education, pharmacotherapy, and post-intervention, the prevalence of complications notably decreased by 61%. A total of 7% of patients had gingivitis, 11% had periodontitis, 12% had xerostomia, 4% had halitosis, 2% had candidiasis, and 1% had lichenoid reactions, respectively. This highlights the importance of regular oral care positively impacting diabetes patients, with 61% experiencing improved oral health and 39% experiencing no improvement. Conclusion This study provides compelling evidence for the effectiveness of oral health education and interventions in improving oral health outcomes in T2DM patients. This approach offers a promising strategy for managing the oral health complications associated with diabetes and improving this population's overall health and well-being.

A global survey of national oral health policies and its coverage for young children.

There is no accessible information on countries with oral health policies. The purpose of this study was to identify World Dental Federation (FDI) member countries with oral health policies and their scope and extent of coverage of oral health care for young children. This international survey recruited chief dental officers, oral health advisors to national ministries of health, and other key informants of the 158 FDI member countries between December 2020 and December 2021. The survey tool was administered online to the study participants. Key questions explored the following outcome measures: countries with oral health policies; the thrusts of the oral health policies; policy thrusts targeting young children; and dental care plans as a component of a universal health care plan. Descriptive statistics were conducted to determine the number of countries with any of the study outcome measures and coverage per country. Sixty (38%) of the 158 FDI member-countries responded to the survey. Forty-eight (55.2%) of the 60 countries had a national oral health policy document or position statement on oral health; 54 (62.1%) countries had plans on universal health care, and 42 (48.3%) included dental care within their universal health care plan. The most common policy thrusts addressing the oral health needs of children were the promotion of oral hygiene (71.7%), provision of fluoride products for children (53.3%), collaboration with primary care providers (35%), and prenatal oral health education (50%). There were differences in the scope of oral health care coverage and the coverage for young children between continents as well as between countries. Europe had many countries with children-friendly oral health policy coverage. About half of the surveyed countries had a national oral health policy. There were variations in the scope of oral health care coverage, particularly for young children, both between continents and among individual countries. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the landscape of oral health policies globally. Such insights can help inform targeted interventions to enhance oral health policies, thereby contributing to improved oral health outcomes on a global level.

Exploring the Efficacy of Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Periodontitis: A Literature Review.

Periodontitis, a prevalent oral condition, is facing difficulties in therapeutic approaches, sometimes leading to failure. This literature review was conducted to investigate the diversity of other therapeutic approaches and their potential contributions to the successful management of the disease. This research scrutinized the alterations in microbial diversity and imbalances in crucial microbial species, which contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Within the limitations of this study, we highlight the importance of understanding the treatment plan's role in periodontitis disease, opening the way for further research and innovative treatment plans to mitigate the impact of periodontitis on oral health. This will aid both healthcare professionals and patients in preventing and effectively treating periodontitis, ultimately improving oral health outcomes and overall systemic health and well-being.