Oral Health Practices Research Articles

ORAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG MBBS STUDENTS OF GOVT MEDICAL COLLEGE, KOZHIKODE: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Oral health plays an important role in the overall health of the body. Most of the patients with pain in the oro-facial region make their first make their first contact with a general medical practitioner. Medical professionals receive very little training in addressing oral health issues during their educational programs or elsewhere thus they display low levels of oral health knowledge and low levels of confidence in its applications.Thisstudy was carried out to assess the oral health knowledge, attitude and practice among medical undergraduate students of Govt Medical College, Kozhikode.

Effectiveness of Application of Oral Regimen, Practicing Oral Health, Health Education, Observation (APHO) Nursing Intervention in Preventing and Managing Oral Mucositis in Children Undergoing Chemotherapy: An Interventional Study in Central India.

Background The incidence of childhood cancer is rising worldwide, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia being the most commonly diagnosed form. These young patients are immunocompromised and susceptible to infections. In addition, chemotherapy and radiation therapy often cause oral mucositis as a side effect. Given these challenges, nurses playa crucial role in delivering special care to these vulnerable children. Material and methods A study design utilizing a one-group pretest-posttest approach was implemented on 45 children, aged one to 12 years, who were undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing oral mucositis. Demographic information, including age, gender, diagnosis, chemotherapy cycle, and length of therapy, was collected. A customized intervention, which involved the application of an oral regimen, oral health practices, health education for caregivers, and observation, was administered by nursing staff using the APHO (Application of an Oral Regimen, Practicing Oral Health, Health Education to Caregivers, and Observation) protocol for a period of seven days. Both pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the APHO nursing intervention. The assessment tool used toassess the effectiveness of APHO intervention was using a standardized scale given by the World Health Organization grading scale for oral mucositis. Result An analysis was conducted utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistics. Before the intervention, those children in grade 2 were in grade 1 after the intervention, and the childrenin grade 1 before the intervention were in grade 0 after the intervention. The health education provided to the caregivers was significantly effective. Notably, there was a significant decrease in the oral mucositis grade of the children by one level in all instances, indicating that the APHO nursing intervention was remarkably effective. Thus, promoting the use of APHO nursing intervention can lead to positive outcomes in children afflicted with oral mucositis. Conclusion APHO nursing intervention has shown remarkable effectiveness among children with mucositis. As a result, promoting continuous APHO intervention in children with mucositis can help enhance in prevention and management.

32-LB: Oral Care Behaviors among the U.S. Population with Diabetes

Diabetes self-care skills are necessary to control glucose in people with diabetes (PWD). The ADA recommends self-care behaviors including healthy eating, being active, monitoring, taking medication, consulting diabetes care professionals, and reducing risk for complications. Oral self-care is an important but often overlooked aspect of reducing risk in diabetes self-care. This study examined the relationship between diabetes self-care and oral care behaviors. Using NHANES 2011-2016, we analyzed data from 1,585 dentate adults (≥ 30yrs) with self-reported diabetes. Oral self-care was measured by use of preventive dental care in the past year and flossing frequency (never, 1-6day/week, daily). Descriptive analyses compared people reporting good diabetes self-care (score 4-7, summary score of 7 self-care recommendations) and those with poor diabetes self-care (score 0-3), an approximate median split. Sample weights were applied to derive US population estimates. Multivariable and multinomial logistic regression was performed adjusting for age, gender, race, education, income and health insurance. Among the US PWD, 35% report daily flossing and 29% report never flossing; 48% reported a preventive dental visit in the past year. PWD who performed good diabetes self-care were 47% more likely to report using preventive dental care compared to those with poor diabetes self-care (AOR=1.47, 95%CI 1.18-1.84), and they were 38% more likely to be flossing daily (AOR=1.38, 95%CI 1.07-1.79). PWD who practice good diabetes self-care are more likely to also engage in good oral self-care. However, the association cannot be attributed to diabetes self-management education because until 2023, the ADA standards for diabetes self-management did not address oral health practices or dental care. Continued efforts are needed to incorporate oral self-care practices into diabetes self-care education. Further research is warranted to determine possible disparities in diabetes self-management and oral care. Disclosure Y. Zhang: None. S. Leveille: None. K. Berger: None. S. M. Camhi: None. L. Shi: None.

Oral Health Perceptions And Practices Among Stroke Patients In Ghana And Nigeria

Oral Health Perceptions And Practices Among Stroke Patients In Ghana And Nigeria

Oral Healthcare Practices and Awareness among the Parents of Autism Spectrum Disorder Children: A Multi-Center Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of the parents of autistic children toward oral health and the practice of oral hygiene habits. A questionnaire was constructed, validated, and distributed to the parents of autistic children at different autistic centers. The questionnaire was divided into three parts: demographic information on the parents of autistic children, the knowledge and attitudes of parents toward oral health, and the practice of oral hygiene habits in the current population. A total of 206 responses were collected. Irrespective of the parents' educational and employment statuses, most second children were diagnosed with autism, and most of the parents have four or more children. In terms of knowledge and attitudes toward oral health, a total of 90.30% of the patients were aware of the oral healthcare of their child, and 55.80% of parents take them to the dentist for checkups. Moreover, the response to the practice of oral hygiene habits from the parents was positive, and most of the parents assist in the oral hygiene practices of their autistic children. This study showed that most of the parents appeared to have satisfactory knowledge about oral health practices for autistic children. However, additional studies should also be conducted.

Oral Candidal Carriage and its Correlation with Salivary Oxidative Stress in Smokeless Tobacco Users

Background: Smokeless tobacco use, particularly the consumption of Naswar, is prevalent in Pakistan and has been associated with various chronic diseases, including oral cancer. Naswar is known to contain toxic heavy metals, carcinogenic substances, and microbial contaminants. This study aims to assess the oral Candida carriage and biofilm formation in Candida albicans isolates from Naswar users and its association with salivary oxidative stress. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 participants, divided into Naswar users (n=75) and Non-users (n=75). Socio-demographic data, oral health, hygiene practices, and Naswar usage patterns were collected through a standardized questionnaire. Salivary samples were collected, and Candida strains were identified using culture techniques. Salivary oxidative stress was assessed using a DPPH solution-based free radical system. Results: The mean age of participants was 30 ± 7.3 years for Naswar users and 30.2 ± 7.1 years for non-users. No significant differences were observed in oral health and hygiene practices between the two groups. Among Naswar users, the most common type of product used was green moist Naswar (77.3%). Oral Candida carriage was significantly higher in Naswar users, particularly those with fungal infections of C. albicans, C. krusei, or both. These participants also exhibited elevated levels of salivary oxidative stress. Practical Implication: Public health interventions and oral health education programs should be implemented to raise awareness about the risks associated with Naswar and promote good oral hygiene practices among users. Conclusion: This study reveals significant differences in oral Candida carriage and salivary oxidative stress between Naswar users and non-users, indicating potential implications for the oral health of Naswar users. These findings underscore the need for larger prospective studies to validate the detrimental effects of Naswar use. Public health interventions targeting smokeless tobacco users should prioritize oral health promotion and emphasize the risks associated with Naswar consumption. Keywords: Candida species, smokeless tobacco, oral health, oxidative stress

Oral health inequalities-Developments in research, policy and practice over the last 50 years.

At times of major geopolitical conflict, macroeconomic crisis and the 'aftershocks' of the COVID-19 syndemic still having a global impact, it is the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in society who undoubtedly suffer the most. During these turbulent and uncertain times, it is essential that sufficient policy attention is given to tackling the persistent and stark health inequalities that exist both between and within countries. This commentary aims to critically reflect on developments in oral health inequalities research, policy and practice over the last 50 years. Despite often challenging political contexts, progress has undoubtedly been made in our understanding of the nature and underlying social, economic and political causes of oral health inequalities. A developing body of global research has highlighted patterns of inequalities in oral health that exist across the lifecourse, but less progress has been made in implementing and evaluating policy interventions to tackle these unfair and unjust inequalities in oral health. At a global level through WHO leadership, oral health is at a 'tipping point' with a unique window of opportunity for policy change and development. Transformative policy and system reforms co-produced with community and other key stakeholders are now urgently needed to tackle oral health inequalities.

Assessment of Young Mothers' Oral Hygiene Practices during Pregnancy and Their Knowledge of Children's Oral Health in Northern Greece.

The aim of the study was to assess maternal knowledge about oral health practices for children along with oral hygiene perceptions of mothers during pregnancy in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 newly delivered mothers who were admitted to the obstetrician/gynecological (OB/GYN) University Clinic in Thessaloniki, Greece, to give birth. A three-part, self-reported, 40-item questionnaire was designed, collecting socioeconomic data, perceptions, and practices regarding maternal oral hygiene during pregnancy and their knowledge in relation to children's oral health. Collected data were recorded, tabulated, and statistically analyzed with SPSS (Version 24.0), and p < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. The sample consisted of mainly Greek, married, university alumni mothers less than 35 years of age. Self-reports of oral hygiene practices during gestation were sufficient but an inadequate level of regular dental visits was recorded. Poor knowledge was equally noted, regarding children's oral health, in the domains of fluoride toothpaste usage, the age of the first dental visit, supervised toothbrushing, nighttime breastfeeding, potential hazards of pacifier use, and thumb sucking. All factors were significantly associated with the mothers' education level (p < 0.05). Newly-delivered mothers presented with a lack of knowledge regarding mother/caregiver-related risk factors associated with early childhood caries (ECC), the timing of establishing a dental home, and misconceptions about the safety of dental visits during pregnancy. Healthcare professionals interacting with pregnant women or young mothers are a vital element to bridge the existing gap in knowledge and assist those socially and educationally deprived.

The effectiveness of motivational interviewing on the oral health of leukemic children and oral health care knowledge, attitude and practice of their mothers: a hospital-based intervention

BackgroundSome studies suggest a higher effectiveness of motivational interviewing compared to common oral health instruction in healthy individuals. As regards to higher prevalence of dental diseases like early childhood caries, oral mucositis, and gingivitis are reported for leukemic children, the present study aims to compare the effectiveness of educating mothers through MI with the common instruction (CI) for the oral health of children with leukemia under six years old.MethodThis quasi-experimental study was designed in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Dentistry and conducted on 61 mothers with leukemic children under age six hospitalized in Mahak Hospital and Rehabilitation Complex which is a Pediatric Cancer Research and Hospital Center, in 2021. Mother and child pairs were allocated to MI or CI (using pamphlets) groups. Data was collected using a questionnaire of mothers’ knowledge, attitude, motivation, and practice concerning oral health care in leukemic children. The children underwent clinical examination to assess plaque index before and three months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) by ANCOVA test.ResultsThe preschoolers mean ages were 4.23 ± 1.41 and 4.32 ± 1.33 (ranged from 2 to 6 years old) in the MI and CI group, respectively. There were 16 girls (53.3%) and 14 boys (46.7%) in the MI group, and 15 girls (48.4%) and 16 boys (51.6%) in the CI group. Significant differences were observed in the amount of plaque index between the MI group and the CI group (0.20 ± 0.04, p-value < 0.001). A significant increase was observed in the mean of changes in scores of knowledge, attitude, motivation, mother’s practice concerning child’s oral health, mother’s practice concerning personal oral health in the MI group (p-value < 0.001).ConclusionsConsidering that instruction using MI showed to be effective in improving oral health adherence in mothers and reducing plaque in children with Leukemia, it may be recommended as a promising method to promote the oral health of such susceptible children in places that they are constantly present for treatment.Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) on 11.03.2021 (code: IRCT20131102015238N5).

Knowledge and practices regarding oral health and hygiene and its correlation with periodontal health in pregnant women, visiting hospitals of prime foundation

Objectives: To determine the periodontal health of pregnant women by using Community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN). To determine the oral health knowledge of pregnant women during pregnancy. To determine the correlation of knowledge and oral hygiene practices with periodontal health in pregnant women. To compare periodontal health, oral health knowledge and practices in different social classes during pregnancy. Methods and materials: A Cross-sectional study was carried out on 384 pregnant patients visiting gynea OPDs of Mercy, Kuwait, prime teaching hospitals and dental OPD of Peshawar dental hospital following inclusion and exclusion criteria and written consent was taken. Closed ended questionnaire was used consisting of 5 parts i-e age, trimester, oral health assessment (CPITN), oral health knowledge, oral hygiene practices and socioeconomic status. Results: Out of 384 patients 222 (57.8%) had healthy Periodontal status, followed by 75 (19.5%) having pocket depth between 3.5 to 5.5, calculus having 66 (17.2%), bleeding on probing were only 21 (5.5%) patients, whereas no patients were having pocket more than 5.5. 22(5.7%) had good oral health knowledge, 350 (91.1%) had satisfactory and 12 (3.1%) had poor oral health knowledge.

Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of Nursing Students on Children's Oral Health Practices in Preventing Early Childhood Caries- A Cross Sectional Study

Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of Nursing Students on Children's Oral Health Practices in Preventing Early Childhood Caries- A Cross Sectional Study

Oral Hygiene Knowledge, Practice, and Awareness among Jazan Population of Saudi Arabia

Abstract ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of oral hygiene among individuals of Jazan, Southern Saudi Arabia using a well-designed questionnaire. Materials and MethodsThis prospective study was conducted on 1,000 study subjects using a self-constructed 16-item close-ended questionnaire in English and the reply was recorded by a single investigator. Both the genders were compared in terms of awareness regarding their oral health by evaluating responses to the questions asked. Statistical AnalysisData collected was subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS 20.0 version. ResultsA total of 1000 study subjects were assessed, out of which equal distribution (50%) was seen among both the genders. Statistically a significant difference (p-value &lt; 0.05) was observed between both the genders in relation to most of the questions, with females being more aware as compared with males regarding oral hygiene practices. ConclusionThis study revealed that although females were more aware of maintaining oral health practices than males, still lack of knowledge and awareness was observed among both the genders in Jazan region. Thus, it is essential to implement various educational and awareness programs regarding oral hygiene practices, so that oral health-related quality of life can be improved.

Unlocking Modifiable Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease: Does the Oral Microbiome Hold Some of the Keys?

Advancing age is recognized as the primary risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD); however approximately one third of dementia cases are attributable to modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and obesity. Recent research also implicates oral health and the oral microbiome in AD risk and pathophysiology. The oral microbiome contributes to the cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative pathology of AD via the inflammatory, vascular, neurotoxic, and oxidative stress pathways of known modifiable risk factors. This review proposes a conceptual framework that integrates the emerging evidence regarding the oral microbiome with established modifiable risk factors. There are numerous mechanisms by which the oral microbiome may interact with AD pathophysiology. Microbiota have immunomodulatory functions, including the activation of systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines. This inflammation can affect the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, which in turn modulates translocation of bacteria and their metabolites to brain parenchyma. Amyloid-β is an antimicrobial peptide, a feature which may in part explain its accumulation. There are microbial interactions with cardiovascular health, glucose tolerance, physical activity, and sleep, suggesting that these modifiable lifestyle risk factors of dementia may have microbial contributors. There is mounting evidence to suggest the relevance of oral health practices and the microbiome to AD. The conceptual framework presented here additionally demonstrates the potential for the oral microbiome to comprise a mechanistic intermediary between some lifestyle risk factors and AD pathophysiology. Future clinical studies may identify specific oral microbial targets and the optimum oral health practices to reduce dementia risk.

Assessment of the Oral Health Care Practices and Basic Knowledge of Dental and Periodontal Diseases Among Dental Undergraduate Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Oral health plays a vital role in overall health and quality of life. Hence, it is professional dutyof undergraduate dental students to possess good knowledge of a pristine oral health,all the pros of maintenance of it, cons pertaining to poor maintenance of it and thus be able to invoke awareness and impact the masses of a developing country like Pakistan, in a positive way. Aim: The aim of the study wasto assess thebehavior, attitude and knowledge of 2ndand 3rd year dental undergraduate students regarding practices and maintenance of good oral health. Methods:A Questionnaire was designed to assess the routine practices of the students, their habits and methods used for maintenance of good oral hygiene along with testing their basic knowledge regarding its influence over the oral and systemic health of the patient. Results: It was noted that the undergraduate students needed improvement in their practices of maintainingoral hygiene. Although in their clinical years, Third Year undergrads showed adequate knowledge but inferior oral hygiene maintenance practices as compared to their Second Year counterparts. Results obtained from the questionnaires distributed among the undergrads showed that 49.5% of 3DS, and 58.5% of 2DS used Modified Bass technique for brushing whereas usage of dental cleaning aids like wooden toothpicks, interdental brushes, dental floss and oral rinses was found to be 15.5%, 14.2%, 42.3% and 50.7% among 3DS whereas 20.5%, 25.4%, 50.8%, and 60.5% in 2 DS respectively. Variations in the basic knowledge of theundergrads regarding causative agents leading to tooth decay, diseases involving the periodontium and other diseases involving various systems of the human body, are shown in Table 3. Conclusion: The cross-sectional study we carried out among our dental students provided us with a new insight into knowledge, practices, condition and maintenance of oral health among dental students, the results of which, may help to reshape dental undergrad education and thus establish a model for dentists to improve oral health care awareness, practices and services. Keywords: Knowledge of good oral hygiene, Oral hygiene maintenance methods, Dental undergrad students, Pakistan.

Oral health and cystic fibrosis in pediatrics: A survey of health professionals.

Children with cystic fibrosis(CF) are usually managed by hospital-based, multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). This study aimed to investigate oral health perspectives, training, and practices of health professionals working with children with CF. Data were collected through an online survey distributed to health professionals caring for children with CF by the CF Director in 12 Australian hospitals. The questions related to perspectives, training, and dental referral/advice relating to oral health for children with CF. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Forty-fourparticipants (26 physicians, 8 nurses, 6 physiotherapists, 2 dieticians, 1 psychologist, and 1 pharmacist) completed the survey. Most (n = 33, 75%) indicated they rarely/never check or discuss dental health. Of those who did, most reported lacking skills to inspect teeth and discuss dental health. Frequently reported barriers were lack of skills, training, knowledge, and time. Most respondents (n = 30, 68%) indicated they rarely/never recommend patients to see the dentist. The most frequently reported barrier to referrals was not considering it part of their role (43%). Closer working relations between CF units and dental teams may remove barriers that prevent non-dental clinicians from supporting patients with CF maintain oral health. Better integration of dental care within the MDT through improved professional training, increased referral practices, and availability of digital resources may help to improve dental care for all children, including children and adolescents with CF.

Oral Health related Knowledge, Practices and Quality of Life among School age Children

Oral Health related Knowledge, Practices and Quality of Life among School age Children

Assessment of dental caries among a group of institutionalized orphan children compared to parented school children: case–control study

BackgroundIt has been well documented that the absence of family support influences the general and oral health of children. Literature regarding the oral health status of institutionalized orphan children, who lost their families' support, especially in Egypt, remains vague. Therefore, the current study was carried out to assess dental caries among two groups of institutionalized orphan children, and compare their results with a group of parented school children in Giza, Egypt.MethodsA total of 156 children were included in this study, residing in a non-governmental orphanage, a governmental orphanage, and parented children attending private primary school. Written informed consent was obtained before the start of the study from the legal guardians or the child's parent. The dental examination was carried out as recommended by the WHO. DMF and def indices were used to assess dental caries for primary and permanent teeth. Also, the unmet treatment needs index, care index, and significant caries index were calculated.ResultsThe results revealed that mean values for DMF total score were 1.86 ± 2.96, 1.80 ± 2.54, and 0.7 5 ± 1.29 for, non-governmental, governmental orphanages, and school children respectively. While the mean def total scores were 1.69 ± 2.58, 0.41 ± 0.89, and 0.85 ± 1.79 for non-governmental, governmental orphanages, and school children, respectively. There was a high level of unmet treatment needs, especially among orphans. The significant caries index was 2.5, 4.29, and 2.17 for, non-governmental, governmental orphanages, and school children, respectively.ConclusionsWithin the limitation of this case–control study, the institutionalized orphanage children had a high prevalence of dental caries and worse caries experience compared to parented school children. Effective oral health preventive strategies are required to improve the oral health status and oral health practices of those children.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov (ID: NCT05652231).

Abstract 1951: Combining diverse data sources to examine disparities in stage at diagnosis among adults with oral cancer in the United States

Abstract Background: The objective of this study is to examine the effects of county-level socioeconomic and healthcare access factors on stage at diagnosis of oral cancer in the United States by combining data from disparate sources. Methods: We abstracted oral cancer data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 registries research database. These data included tumor characteristics, demographics, and county of residence of cases. We abstracted county-level socioeconomic variables from the American Community Survey (ACS), county-level smoking prevalence from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and county-level healthcare resource data from the Area Health Resource File (AHRF). The binary outcome was stage at diagnosis (distant versus localized or regional). The predictors were age category at diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity available for individual cases, and county-level variables. We used a multilevel mixed effects analysis to assess the correlates of patient-level and county-level factors on stage at diagnosis of oral cancer in cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2016 from 612 counties. Results: Among 54,099 patients diagnosed with oral cancer, 10954 (20.25%) had distant-stage disease. Multivariable analysis showed statistical difference in distant versus localized or regional stage at diagnosis between non-Hispanic Whites and Non-Hispanic Blacks (odds ratio [OR]: 1.872, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.743 - 2.0), Asians (OR: 1.762, 95% CI: 1.619 - 1.917), and Hispanics (OR: 1.380, 95% CI: 1.274 - 1.495), and between females and males (OR: 1.348, 95% CI: 1.282 - 1.427). The proportion of patients with distant stage disease also increased significantly with increasing age. In addition to patient-level characteristics, some county-level factors were also associated with distant stage at diagnosis. The proportion of patients with distant stage disease was significantly higher in counties with above-median percentage of foreign-born residents (OR: 1.157, 95% CI: 1.011 - 1.323) and above-median prevalence of ever smokers (OR: 1.123, 95% CI: 1.022 - 1.233). Of 2.18% total variability in stage at diagnosis, 0.4% was accounted for by patient-level characteristics and 0.32% by county-level characteristics, leaving 1.46% unexplained variation. Conclusion: We see significant roles of county-level smoking and foreign-born status on the risk of distant stage at diagnosis of oral cancer. This suggests a critical need to understand the oral health practices and behaviors of immigrant populations, including their tobacco product use and oral cancer screening uptake. Citation Format: Sana Chawla, Jaya M. Satagopan. Combining diverse data sources to examine disparities in stage at diagnosis among adults with oral cancer in the United States [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1951.

Digital Application for Promoting Evidence-Based Children’s Oral Health to Control Early Childhood Caries: Randomized Control Trial on Parental Acceptance and Efficacy

Early childhood caries (ECC) remains a major global health problem. Various measures to prevent it have been implemented in the past, including those using digital applications. To evaluate the acceptance and efficacy of a digital application (FU-APP) based on evidence-based caries control recommendations for parents of children aged 6-72 months. Part 1, prospective questionnaire-based survey to test FU-APP (usage, acceptance, content information, usefulness, and satisfaction) filled out by parents (n = 22); Part 2, two-armed (test n = 20; control n = 23) care-based, randomized controlled trial, where the test arm received instructions verbally and via FU-APP, and the control arm received them only verbally. At baseline and follow-up (4 weeks), intraoral clinical indices (plaque index-API and caries-dmft) were recorded. FU-APP was considered by parents to be a suitable tool for gaining knowledge about oral health practices for their children (all criteria >86%). No differences in the dmft levels were expected. However, API was significantly better at the follow-up in the test-arm (p = 0.01), with no differences in the control-arm (p = 0.72). A digital application can serve as an innovative tool to promote evidence-based oral hygiene recommendations among parents of children to control ECC. Its long-term usability and functionality should be tested.

Perception of Periodontal Health Among Patients with BPE Score 4 in Tawau, Sabah, and the Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Individuals’ perception of periodontal health is influenced not only by signs and symptoms of periodontal diseases but also by socio-demographics and oral health practices. This study aimed to determine the association between self-perceived periodontal health, sociodemographic characteristics, and oral health practices.