Oral Health Outcomes Research Articles

Conceptualising the relationships between food sovereignty, food security and oral health among global Indigenous Communities: a scoping review.

Invasive colonial influences and continuing neoliberal policies have a detrimental impact on Land, health, food and culture for Indigenous Communities. Food security and sovereignty have significant impacts on Indigenous well-being and, specifically, oral health. Aspects relating to food security, such as availability of nutritious foods, are a common risk factor of oral diseases. This scoping review aimed to collate existing evidence regarding the relationship between food sovereignty and/or food security and oral health for Indigenous Communities, globally. Four databases were searched using keywords related to 'Food security' or 'Food sovereignty,' 'Indigenous Peoples' and 'Oral health.' Duplicates were removed, and two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts to identify articles for full-text review. Extracted data were summarised narratively, presenting a conceptual model which illustrates the findings and relationships between food security and/or food sovereignty and oral health. The search identified 369 articles, with forty-one suitable for full-text review and a final nine that met inclusion criteria. The impact of food security and food sovereignty on oral health was discussed across different populations and sample sizes, ranging from eighteen Kichwa families in Brazil to 533 First Nations and Metis households in Canada. Pathways of influence between food sovereignty and/or food security are explored clinically, quantitatively and qualitatively across oral health outcomes, including early childhood caries, dental caries and oral health-related quality of life for Indigenous Communities. Innovative strategies underpinned by concepts of Indigenous food sovereignty are needed to promote oral health equity for Indigenous Communities. The nexus between oral health and Indigenous food sovereignty remains largely unexplored, but has immense potential for empowering Indigenous rights to self-determination of health that honour Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.

How we can improve oral health education in patients with maxillofacial problems?

Patients with maxillofacial problems face a higher risk of developing oral health issues, which can worsen their existing condition and overall health. Therefore, providing tailored oral health education is essential to help these patients overcome challenges and maintain good oral hygiene. Educating patients about the connection between oral health and systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes can motivate them to prioritize their oral hygiene and prevent potential complications. Customizing educational programs to individual needs and offering practical advice, including brushing techniques and recommended products, can help patients with maxillofacial problems overcome challenges in maintaining good oral hygiene. By improving oral health education, patients with maxillofacial problems can experience reduced risk of oral health complications, improved overall health, enhanced quality of life, and empowerment in managing their oral health. Enhancing oral health education for patients with maxillofacial problems can lead to better oral health outcomes, improved overall health, increased comfort, and a higher quality of life. Specialized educational programs, tailored resources, and effective communication between healthcare providers and patients are crucial in achieving these positive outcomes.

Reliability of smartphone images to assess plaque score among preschool children: a pilot study.

This study assessed the reliability of smartphone images of plaque-disclosed anterior teeth for evaluating plaque scores among preschool children. Additionally, the reliability of plaque scores recorded from smartphone images of anterior teeth in representing the overall clinical plaque score was also assessed. Fifteen preschool children were recruited for this pilot study. The Simplified Debris Index (DI-S), the debris component of the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, was used to record the plaque score. A plaque-disclosing tablet was used to disclose the plaque before the plaque score recording. Following that, the image of the anterior teeth (canine to canine) of both the upper and lower arch was captured using the smartphone. Each child had three different DI-S recorded. For the first recording of the overall clinical DI-S, the plaque score was recorded clinically from index teeth 55 (buccal), 51 (labial), 65 (buccal), 71 (labial), 75 (lingual) and 85 (lingual). For the second recording, anterior clinical DI-S, the plaque score was recorded clinically from the labial surfaces of six anterior teeth only (53, 51, 63, 73, 71 and 83). Two weeks later, anterior photographic DI-S (third recording) was done using the smartphone images of the same index teeth used for the second recording. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to evaluate the reliability of smartphone images in assessing plaque scores. The results showed high reliability (ICC = 0.987) between anterior clinical and anterior photographic examinations, indicating that smartphone images are highly reliable for evaluating plaque scores. Similarly, high reliability (ICC = 0.981) was also found for comparison between overall clinical DI-S and anterior photographic DI-S, indicating plaque scores recorded from smartphone images of anterior teeth alone can represent the overall clinical plaque score. This study suggests that smartphone images can be a valuable tool for remote screening and monitoring of oral hygiene in preschool children, contributing to better oral health outcomes.

Practice and perception of dental practitioners in the Suva-Nausori area, Fiji on management of paediatric patients with dental anxiety.

Dental anxiety in children has been associated with poor oral health outcomes. Behaviour management and psychological interventions have been recognized as effective methods of reducing anxiety in children with positive long-term effects. So far, no information is available on how this issue is managed in the Fijian population. The aim is to investigate the practice and perception of dental practitioners in Suva-Nausori when managing paediatric patients with dental anxiety. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to dental practitioners in Suva-Nausori area, Fiji. The questionnaire focused on assessment methods for identifying anxious paediatric patients, management approaches, and challenges faced by practitioners. The response rate was 80% (n = 40), with almost an equal distribution between private and public practitioners of 47% and 53% respectively. Observation-based assessment was reported as the most commonly used method for identifying dental anxiety by 79% of participants. Behaviour management techniques, particularly communication and Tell-Show-Do, were widely used by 83% of practitioners. Additionally, 17% utilised both behavioural and pharmacological techniques, with oral sedation being the most common pharmacological method (71%). Local anaesthesia was identified as the most challenging procedure for anxious children. These findings indicate that dental practitioners in the Suva-Nausori area primarily utilise behaviour management techniques and oral sedation to manage dentally anxious children, indicating a limited range of techniques. There is a need for further education and training to ensure that anxious patients receive optimal management, including options such as conscious sedation tailored to individual needs.

Fluoride Application in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: An Overlooked Protocol for Preserving Radiant Smiles

Abstract This case report focuses on the rising incidence of oral and maxillofacial tumors, requiring multimodal therapy involving surgery and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy, integral to cancer treatment, poses oral health challenges, notably radiation-related caries. Severe complications such as mucositis, xerostomia, and osteoradionecrosis highlight the critical role of optimal oral hygiene practices in managing these conditions. The presented case involves a 38-year-old male with a history of verrucous carcinoma, undergoing composite resection, modified neck dissection, and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction. Adjuvant radiotherapy requires a comprehensive approach to minimize complications. Here, the focus is on fluoride treatment, specifically Fluoritop SR Dental Varnish, to prevent radiation-related caries. A multidisciplinary approach, including fluoride application, vigilant monitoring, patient education, and collaboration, is crucial for minimizing complications in oral malignancy radiotherapy. Emphasizing fluoride’s significance in preventing radiation-related caries, this care plan contributes to awareness and improves oral health outcomes in this patient population.

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.

Investigating the relationship between dental cavities and protective factors among children aged 0-5 years.

The purpose of this study was to determine the protective factors that contribute to the prevention of children aged 0-5 years from developing dental cavities. The oral hygiene practices of 266 children aged 0-5 years were assessed through surveys administered from 2019 to 2022 to identify clinical, dietary, social and parental factors. The Partial Least Squares (PLS) Regression and Artificial Neuron Networks (ANN) Models were used to determine protective factors associated with the prevention of dental cavities in children. The race distribution of the children as identified by caregivers is as follows: (1) Black or African-American (53.4%); (2) Asian (25.9%); (3) White (18.4%); and (4) Native American (2.3%). We found behavioral protective factors to significantly affect the oral health outcome (cavities) among children aged 0-5 years (p < 0.05). We also found that children whose parents/caregivers flossed their teeth were less likely to develop cavities. In addition, children were least likely to have cavities if their parents/caregivers used toothpaste and mouthwash, avoided sharing chewed food, and refrained from drinking 100% juice. In contrast, children were more likely to obtain cavities if their parents/caregivers had a lower education level, rarely cleaned their teeth, and often consumed marijuana, cow or goat milk, juice drinks and sugary beverages. The education level of parents, and on the contrary, oral hygiene practices of the family, play a significant role in influencing the prevalence of cavities in children aged 0-5 years.

Deep Learning-based Cavity Detection in Diverse Intraoral Images: A Web-based Tool for Accessible Dental Care

Dental cavities represent a widespread oral health issue on a global scale, impacting individuals across all age groups. The conventional approach to detecting cavities involves a visual examination by dentists, which is not only time-consuming but also subjective. Current methods for dental cavity detection heavily rely on subjective visual inspections, which may overlook early or concealed cavities. In this research paper, we present CatchCavity, a web application tool that utilizes deep learning for cavity detection in teeth. The diagnostic tool enables users to upload dental images, facilitating the assessment of dental cavity status. Furthermore, the web application functions as an online dental diagnostic service, providing the capability to securely store patients’ dental records and information in a dedicated database. The system is trained on a dataset of annotated images and employs a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture for accurate cavity detection. We evaluate the system's performance using metrics such as accuracy and loss. Our results showcase that the proposed system attains a high level of accuracy and efficiency in detecting dental cavities, achieving an overall accuracy of 98.7%. Additionally, our system surpasses traditional cavity detection methods, highlighting the possibility of deep learning approaches to enhance oral health outcomes.

Effectiveness of oral health interventions for schoolchildren from disadvantaged backgrounds: a systematic review protocol.

Disadvantaged schoolchildren from rural and low socioeconomic backgrounds face persistent oral health inequalities, specifically dental caries, and periodontal diseases. This protocol aims to review the effectiveness of promotive and preventive oral health interventions for improving the oral health of primary schoolchildren in these areas. We will search the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) via EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Dentistry and Oral Sciences databases for studies published from 2000-2023. The review includes randomised/nonrandomised controlled trials and community trials evaluating the effectiveness of promotive and preventive oral health interventions on at least one of these outcomes: changes in dental caries status, periodontal disease status, oral hygiene status/practices, sugar consumption, or smoking behaviours. Two reviewers will independently assess the searched articles, extract the data, and assess the risk of bias in the studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (ROB 2) for randomised controlled trials and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) for non-randomised controlled trials. Both narrative and quantitative analyses will be conducted. However, only narrative synthesis will be performed if the data are substantially heterogeneous. The synthesised evidence from this review can inform policymakers on evidence-based interventions to improve the oral health outcomes of schoolchildren from rural and low socioeconomic backgrounds. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42022344898).

Maternal and infant oral health benefits from mothers receiving prenatal total oral rehabilitation: a pilot prospective birth cohort study.

This study aimed to evaluate the maternal and infant oral health benefits from mothers receiving prenatal total oral rehabilitation (PTOR) before childbirth. Building upon our previous investigation, in which 15 expectant mothers received PTOR before their third trimester, achieving a state of oral health free from disease prior to delivery, we conducted a follow-up study to monitor these mothers and their newborns until they reached 2 years of age. We assessed the impact of PTOR on maternal and infant oral health, the utilization of dental care during the postpartum/early-life period, and the carriage of oral cariogenic microorganisms among mothers and their infants. Control groups consisting of 11 children and 17 mothers who did not undergo PTOR were included for comparative analysis. PTOR demonstrated a sustained improvement in maternal oral health outcomes by the end of 2 years postpartum, evidenced by a reduction in the Plaque Index and decayed surfaces compared with the control group (p < 0.05). PTOR was also associated with increased perinatal oral health literacy compared with the baseline of the mothers themselves (p < 0.05). In addition, PTOR led to a notable increase in maternal dental care utilization, rising from 26.7% before PTOR to 80% at 1 year postpartum and 70% at 2 years postpartum. Intriguingly, 40% of infants in the PTOR group had their first dental visit before reaching 1 year of age, in contrast to national data from the USA indicating a rate of less than 1%. Furthermore, a decrease in plaque Streptococcus mutans was observed in PTOR mothers 2 years postpartum, compared with both their baseline carriage and that of the control group (p < 0.05). Infants in the PTOR group also had a lower incidence of early childhood caries, with 18% in the PTOR group vs. 27% in the control group, although this difference was not statistically significant due to the small sample size. PTOR is associated with sustained oral health benefits and improves dental care utilization by mothers and their infants. Large-scale clinical trials are warranted to validate these study findings.

Loneliness and low life satisfaction associated with older adults' poor oral health.

To examine the association of older adults' loneliness, life satisfaction, and other psychological stressors and resources with oral health status. This study merged 2018 data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) CORE survey with the HRS-Dental Module, and Psychosocial and Lifestyle Questionnaire-Panel A "Leave Behind" surveys (HRS-LB)(N = 418). Dental Module outcomes of interest were self-rated oral health status (SROH), and oral health-related quality of life (OHQOL). Older adults reported on loneliness, life satisfaction, perceived age, social status, control, mastery, and chronic stressors. Three distinct profiles based on the distribution of loneliness and life satisfaction were previously identified in the combined HRS and HRS-LB study population (N = 4,703) using latent class analysis (LCA). Class A:"Not Lonely/Satisfied" adults had the fewest psychosocial risk factors and most resources; Class C:"Lonely/Unsatisfied" adults exhibited the opposite profile (most risk factors, fewest resources); Class B:"Lonely/Satisfied" adults exhibited loneliness with favorable life satisfaction. Regression models examined associations between LCA classes and fair/poor SROH and the OHQOL scale score and individual items, after adjusting for socio-demographics. About 13% of older adults experienced loneliness, and about 16% reported low life satisfaction. About one-quarter (28%) of older adults reported fair/poor SROH, and they experienced more psychosocial risk factors than their counterparts with better oral health status. Nearly half the older adults were categorized in Class A:"Not Lonely/Satisfied" (n = 201), and about one-quarter each in Class B:"Lonely/Satisfied" (n = 103) and Class C:"Lonely/Unsatisfied" (n = 112). In fully adjusted models, Class B older adults had 1.81 (1.11-2.96) times greater odds of fair/poor SROH, and Class C had 4.64 (2.78-7.73) times greater odds of fair/poor SROH than Class A. Fully adjusted linear regression model results indicated a gradient by LCA class. OHQOL varied; Class A older adults had the best (lowest) OHQOL score (mean = 8.22, 4.37-12.10), Class B scored in the middle (mean = 12.00, 7.61-16.50), while Class C had the worst (highest) OHQOL score (mean = 16.20, 11.80-20.60). Loneliness, as a defining characteristic distinguishing three latent classes of older adults, was associated with more risk factors and poorer oral health outcomes. Loneliness, life satisfaction, perceived age, social status, control, mastery, and chronic stressors vary widely for older adults and matter for oral health and OHQOL.

China's Urbanization: Impact on Oral Health in Major Cities

Urbanization in China has brought about significant changes in lifestyle, dietary habits, and healthcare access, profoundly influencing oral health trends and presenting new challenges in major cities. This paper synthesizes current literature and epidemiological data to explore the multifaceted impact of urbanization on oral health in China. Key trends include rising prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases among urban populations, linked to shifts towards high-sugar diets, inadequate oral hygiene practices, and lifestyle factors exacerbated by urban living conditions. Challenges posed by urbanization include disparities in oral health services distribution, with rural-to-urban migrants facing barriers in accessing quality dental care. This inequity underscores the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, enhanced oral health education, and policy reforms to promote equitable access to dental services and improve oral health outcomes in China's major cities.

Apical Periodontitis in Vital and Nonvital Teeth: Clinical and Radiographic Features.

Apical periodontitis (AP) is a common inflammatory condition predominantly caused by the response of the immune system to microbial invasion within the root canal system. Contrary to conventional perception, AP may occur in vital teeth with inflamed pulp; adding complexity to diagnosis and treatment. AP, due to its frequent lack of symptoms and reliance on radiographic evaluation for detection, often presents diagnostic challenges. In addition, AP pathogenesis involves complex interactions between microbial virulence and host immune response at the cellular and molecular levels. Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, including patient history, clinical examination, and radiographic evaluation, are essential for early detection and necessary intervention, with the recognition of clinical signs and symptoms underscoring the importance of regular dental evaluations. The current review primarily discusses the radiographic and clinical features of AP in vital and non-vital teeth; introducing a new taxonomic classification to improve diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes. Moreover, it proposes different treatment categories/options for the management of AP, based on pulp status as well as clinical and radiographic findings; emphasizing vital pulp therapy and root canal treatment for vital and non-vital teeth with AP, respectively. Furthermore, the global and regional epidemiology of AP is presented, along with its association with systemic health conditions; e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, future research directions are advocated to improve the efficacy and predictability of diagnosis and treatments; paving the path for clinicians in early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective management of AP to enhance oral health outcomes.

Analysis of Primary Tooth Extractions and Associated Factors in 3 to 5-Year-Old Children in Kabul, Afghanistan: A Retrospective Study.

Understanding the patterns and reasons behind the extraction of children's primary teeth is crucial for improving oral health outcomes. This retrospective investigation aimed to discern the patterns and factors contributing to primary tooth extraction among pediatric patients aged 3 to 5 years treated at the Pediatric Surgery Department of the National Curative and Specialized Stomatology Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan. Between January and May 2023, we conducted an extensive review of dental records, focusing on patients aged 3 to 5 years who had undergone primary tooth extraction. Data were collected on patients' age, gender, specif tooth extracted, and reasons for tooth extraction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 25. Among 150 subjects reviewed, 53.3% were male. Primary first molars were the most commonly extracted teeth (29.3%). Dental caries was the leading cause of extraction (50%), followed by periodontitis (31.3%) and root resorption (18.7%). Mandibular extractions (58.6%) were more frequent than maxillary extractions (41.4%). No significant differences were found based on age or tooth type. Weak correlations were observed between specific tooth extractions, age, and etiology. This study reveals a higher frequency of extractions in older children, primarily due to dental caries, periodontitis, and root resorption, with a slight male predominance. While no significant differences were noted in extraction patterns based on age or tooth type, understanding these trends is essential for improving pediatric dental care.

한국 노인의 소득 변화와 건강 지표 간의 관계: 2022년 지역사회건강조사를 중심으로

Objective : The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between income changes among the elderly and various health-related variables to provide fundamental insights into elderly welfare and healthcare management. Methods : This study utilized data from the 2022 Community Health Survey of the Republic of Korea, focusing on individuals aged 65 and above. Analytical methods included one-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation analysis to examine the associations between income changes and health-related variables. Results : The results revealed a significant relationship between income changes and several key health indicators among the elderly. It was observed that increasing income was associated with higher levels of overall health, lower stress, increased physical activity, improved oral health, greater happiness, and other positive health-related outcomes. In contrast, decreased income was linked to poorer health, higher stress levels, and lower overall well-being among elderly individuals. Conclusion : These findings emphasize the critical role of income levels in elderly welfare and healthcare management. Policy initiatives and programs aimed at supporting the elderly should consider income as a key factor, along with promoting physical activity, stress management, and overall happiness. These efforts can contribute to improving the quality of life and health outcomes among the elderly population.

Artificial intelligence in dentistry: It’s applications, impact and challenges

In dentistry, artificial intelligence (AI) has shown great potential in improving diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care. AI algorithms have been developed to analyze dental images, such as radiographs and intraoral scans, aiding in the detection of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral lesions. These algorithms can provide more accurate and efficient diagnoses, reducing the reliance on human interpretation. AI has also been utilized in treatment planning and helping dentists to determine the optimal approach for procedures such as dental implant placement and orthodontic treatment, and recently, AI has also been playing a significant role in forensic medicine as well as in forensic odontology. In addition, AI-based chatbots and virtual assistants have been developed to provide patients with personalized oral health information and guidance. Despite the numerous advantages, challenges remain in implementing AI in dentistry, such as ensuring data privacy and addressing ethical concerns. Nevertheless, AI has the potential to revolutionize dentistry by improving diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care, ultimately leading to better oral health outcomes. This review provides an overview of the current applications of AI and its influence on dental practice, along with future prospects.

Oral Hygiene Behaviors and Oral Health Literacy Among Informal Thai Workers in Rural Areas

Background: Informal Thai workers experience disparities in accessing health services. Improper oral healthcare behavior is the main cause of oral diseases. Promoting oral health literacy (OHL) is an essential strategy for achieving positive oral health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate OHL, oral hygiene behavior (OHB), and associated factors of OHB among informal Thai workers in a rural context. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted among 274 informal Thai workers aged 20–59 years. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews with questionnaires. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the OHL scale was 0.86. Data were analyzed using simple and multiple logistic regression with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The findings revealed that 138 of the participants (50.4%) had proper OHB, and 46.4% had proficiency in overall OHL. Seven factors were significantly associated with OHB, namely, educational attainment, the job sector, the sufficiency of family income, and three OHL dimensions, including understand, appraise, and apply. However, three predictors of proper OHB were those who attained secondary school and higher education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.31–3.85) and OHL proficiency in the understand and appraise components (AOR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.25–4.00 and AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.11–3.52, respectively). Conclusion: Therefore, public health dental care units should organize activities to improve workers’ capacity and ability to exhibit OHB. The OHL promotion program should be developed with an emphasis on providing the public with a detailed understanding of oral hygiene. Dental health education is enhanced by inquiring, verifying, and looking at skills to help them gain the skills and confidence to provide consistent oral care.

Association between maternal oral bacteria with early childhood caries development in their children

Objective: The objective of this prospective study was to investigate the association between maternal oral bacteria and the development of early childhood caries (ECC) in their children over a two-year period. Methods: A cohort of mothers and their children was recruited during the prenatal period. Maternal oral samples were collected to assess the presence and abundance of specific cariogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The children were followed up at regular intervals from birth until two years of age. Oral examinations were conducted to assess the presence and severity of ECC. Statistical analyses was performed to determine the association between maternal oral bacteria and ECC development in their children. Results: The study included 98 mother-child pairs, with an average follow-up period of 24 months. The results demonstrated a significant association between maternal oral bacteria and ECC development in their children. Maternal colonization of cariogenic bacteria, particularly S. mutans, was found to be a strong predictor of ECC development in their offspring, even after adjusting for confounding factors such as maternal oral hygiene, socioeconomic status, and child's diet. Higher levels of S. mutans in maternal oral samples were associated with an increased risk of ECC in children at two years of age. Conclusion: This prospective study provides evidence for an association between maternal oral bacteria and the development of early childhood caries in their children over a two-year period. Maternal colonization of cariogenic bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, was found to be a significant risk factor for ECC development. These findings highlight the importance of maternal oral health and the need for preventive measures targeting maternal oral bacteria to reduce the transmission and subsequent development of ECC in children. Early interventions, including oral hygiene education and preventive strategies, should be implemented to promote maternal oral health and improve oral health outcomes in children.

Maternal Oral Health Initiatives: Impact on Early Childhood Caries Prevention from Pregnancy to Postnatal Periods

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) poses a significant public health challenge, necessitating innovative preventive strategies. This prospective study investigates the impact of maternal oral health initiatives initiated during pregnancy and their sustained influence through the postnatal period on ECC prevention. Methods: A cohort of 312 pregnant women was randomly assigned to intervention (n=156) and control (n=156) groups. The intervention included structured oral health education during pregnancy. Postnatally, maternal oral health knowledge and practices were assessed. ECC outcomes in infants were monitored for 12 months. SPSS 26.0 was used for analysing data. Results: Maternal education during pregnancy resulted in a significant reduction in ECC incidence and severity among infants in the intervention group compared to controls. Sustained maternal oral health knowledge correlated positively with improved postnatal practices, including increased prevalence of breastfeeding, contributing to lower ECC rates. Conclusion: Maternal oral health initiatives, spanning from pregnancy to the postnatal period, demonstrate a substantial impact on ECC prevention. Targeted education during pregnancy and continuous support postnatally significantly reduce ECC prevalence. These findings advocate for the integration of maternal oral health programs into routine prenatal care to optimize oral health outcomes for both mothers and infants.

Gingival Enlargement with Marfan Syndrome: A Case Report

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant and multisystemic disorder affecting the connective tissues. Patients with MFS may exhibit characteristic oral features including maxillary protrusion, high palate, crowded teeth, and fragility of the temporomandibular joint. Periodontal manifestations may include a higher prevalence of gingivitis and/or periodontitis owing to the high concentration of elastic fibres in the periodontal ligament. This case report describes the management of gingival enlargement associated with MFS. The patient was successfully managed with non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy. In patients with oral manifestations of systemic disorders, patient motivation and effective treatment planning are able to achieve the optimum periodontal and oral health outcomes.