Oral Health Promotion Programs Research Articles

Psychosocial Determinants of Oral Health Related to COVID-19 Infection in Myanmar Older Adults.

This study aims to investigate and compare the psychosocial and oral health factors among Myanmar older adults with and without a history of COVID-19 infection and assess the association between psychological factors and oral health outcomes among those with a history of COVID-19 infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 participants in Yangon from 2023 to 2024 using face-to-face interviews and clinical oral examinations. Participants with a history of COVID-19 infection experienced greater psychological distress and poorer oral health outcomes than those without such a history. In those who contracted COVID-19, depression positively associated with decayed teeth; decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT); and oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14), whereas negatively associated with present teeth. Anxiety positively related to decayed teeth, DMFT, and periodontal pockets. Stress negatively associated with decayed teeth, but positively with OHIP-14. Implementing oral health promotion programs and providing mental support for this vulnerable population are essential to improve their oral health and well-being.

State of oral health in the Portuguese population and associated psychological and social aspects

Abstract Background Oral diseases are a global public health challenge and remain among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases. This study aims to characterize the self-assessment of oral health state, degree of edentulism, oral rehabilitation and the quality of life, namely chewing capacity, and the associated psychological and social aspects in the Portuguese Population. Methods Data were collected by telefone survey, on the 2nd half of 2018 and 1st half of 2019, using the Portuguese population representative, ECOS panel. Descriptive statistics, as well as prevalence estimates, were obtained with weighting for age, sex, region and sample design, for 95% confidence intervals. The modified F-statistic, a variant of the 2nd order Rao-Scott chi-square adjustment, was used to test the bivariate analyses. Results For 53% of the population, the health status of the mouth was perceived as Good or Very Good, for 37% Fair and, in 11% of cases as Bad or Very Bad. It is estimated that around 76% of the population has good oral hygiene habits, approximately 26% have all of their teeth and 8% the total absence of teeth. It is estimated that only around half (49%) underwent rehabilitation using, in the vast majority of cases (78,5%), removable prostheses. It is estimated that 32% of its users have difficulty chewing hard foods and, of these, around 20% have great difficulty or are unable to chew at all. Psychological discomfort due to oral health was higher in the Portuguese population when compared to the European population (17% vs 7 %), psychological limitations due to the appearance of teeth or dentures were equally higher (7% vs 4%), as were social limitations (8,8% vs 4%). Conclusions The oral health panorama in Portugal remains bleak, so strengthening the application and deepening of the national oral health promotion program should constitute a priority aspect in the development of public policies in the country Key messages • Integrating oral health into general health promotion strategies and assessing oral health needs to include psychological and social aspects in the Portuguese Population. • Strengthening the strategies that have been developed in the context of health promotion, prevention and early treatment of oral diseases in Portugal.

An inverse relationship between dental fluorosis and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in Mexican schoolchildren in an area with a high concentration of fluoride in drinking water: A cross-sectional study.

To evaluate the association between the frequency and severity of dental fluorosis and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in 8-12-year-old schoolchildren living in an area with a high concentration of fluoride in the drinking water. The present cross‑sectional study was conducted on Mexican children (n = 573) selected from one community presenting a drinking water fluoride concentration of 1.39 ppm/F. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was ascertained using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index (TFI). The presence and severity of MIH was evaluated using the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria. A multinomial regression model was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI), using the severity of MIH as the result. The prevalence of MIH was 37.7% and, by severity, was 16.1% mild, 14.3% moderate, and 7.3% severe. The prevalence of dental fluorosis in permanent dentition was 70.9% (TFI ≥1) and, by severity, was 29.2% (TFI = 0), 45.6% (TFI 1-3) and 25.3% (TFI ≥4), while 54.5% of subjects were found to have poor oral hygiene. Schoolchildren with fluorosis (TFI ≥4) were 49% less likely [OR = 0.51; p = 0.025] to present mild MIH than children with fluorosis (TFI <4). Similarly, children with fluorosis (TFI ≥4) were 53% [OR = 0.47; p = 0.019] and 62% [OR = 0.38; p = 0.036] less likely to present moderate and severe MIH than children with fluorosis (TFI <4). An inverse relationship between the presence of fluorosis and MIH was found. The results obtained by the present study may contribute to both the early identification of disorders affecting the enamel and the creation and implementation of long-term oral health prevention, promotion, and intervention programs in the affected population.

Changes in oral health status and function among older adults through professional oral care and rehabilitation exercises

Objectives: To develop a program that combines the oral health promotion program for the elderly and to investigate the effect of improving oral function by applying the oral health promotion program to elderly people using welfare facilities. Methods: From June to October 2022, a total of 29 elderly individuals utilizing welfare facilities in the Gyeongnam region were recruited. The control group underwent surveys and objective oral health assessments. The experimental group participated in an oral health promotion program, consisting of oral functional rehabilitation exercises and expert oral health management, conducted once a week for 8 weeks at the facilities. Objective oral health assessments were conducted before, during (at 4 weeks), and after (at 8 weeks) the intervention period for both groups. Results: As a result of the oral health promotion program, it was confirmed that there was an improvement effect in bad breath (p&lt;0.001), saliva secretion amount (p&lt;0.001), orbicularis oculi muscle (p&lt;0.001), and plaque index (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: A revitalization plan is needed so that the efficient oral health promotion program for the elderly can be reflected as a systematic and professional community care oral health management program.

A study on the association between electric toothbrush use on calculus formation and periodontal tissue condition in Korean adults: 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the relationship between electric toothbrush use and the presence of community periodontal index (CPI) code calculus among Korean adults. Methods: Data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analysis with a complex sampling design was conducted, adjusting for general characteristic factors. Analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics 29.0. Results: Among the participants, the prevalence of electric toothbrush users was 5.3%. Within this group, 4.7% had periodontal disease, whereas 5.9% did not (p=0.025). Even after adjusting for general characteristics factors in model Ⅱ of electric toothbrush use, the odds ratio remained statistically significant at 0.791 (95% CI: 0.631-0.992) in all cases. Conclusions: Electric toothbrush use appears to be associated with potential benefits in managing the CPI code calculus distribution; however, evidence supporting this notion remains insufficient. The study findings suggest that these results could be a basis for future studies related to oral hygiene products and the design of oral health promotion programs.

Parental perceptions of an oral health promotion program in early childhood education and care settings: A qualitative study.

Early Childhood Caries is a global health problem. The Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF) program seeks to equip educators, children, and parents with skills and knowledge about oral health promotion habits early in life. The aim of this study was to examine parental perceptions of the BSBF program and identify key facilitators and barriers for its implementation. Twelve mothers of children who participated in the BSBF program in five Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings in NSW, Australia were recruited in this qualitative study. Data were collected via focus groups and interviews, transcribed verbatim and coded to categorize for inductive thematic analysis. Five major themes emerged: Promoters of the BSBF oral health program, barriers to the BSBF oral health program implementation and participation, online resources, impact of the BSBF oral health program, and strategies for enhancing the BSBF oral health program. While participants reported that the program encouraged their children's toothbrushing, they found issues with the program's materials, ECEC center attendance, and communication about the oral health program with their children. The program improved message retention, attitudes, routines, and family perceptions toward oral health. Participants recommended oral health literacy, changed delivery formats, increased dental access, and inclusion of interactive elements to enhance the program. The findings from this study provide insight to improve parents' experiences and engagement in oral health promotion. This can help to raise awareness of the importance of child oral health among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to inform public health policy discussions.

Promoting Health Literacy in the Workplace Among Civil Servants: Cross-Sectional Study.

In 2022, the World Health Organization highlighted the alarming state of oral health (OH) worldwide and urged action to include OH in initiatives on noncommunicable diseases. The population needs improved OH skills and attitudes and an adequate level of OH literacy (OHL) and general health literacy (HL). The implementation of health promotion actions in the workplace, which is a part of most people's lives, appears to be an opportunity. In France, civil servants have several socioprofessional levels and represent an excellent model with results transposable to the population. This study aimed at determining the OHL and HL level of civil servants in France in order to implement specific prevention actions in their workplaces. A cross-sectional study of French civil servants was conducted in France from October 2023 to February 2024. Participants completed three validated questionnaires in French: (1) a questionnaire on OH knowledge, (2) the Oral Health Literacy Instrument, French version (OHLI-F; this is composed of reading comprehension and numeracy sections) to assess the OHL level, and (3) the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults, French version (s-TOFHLA-F) to assess the HL level. The scores for OH knowledge, the OHLI-F, and the s-TOFHLA-F were reported as means (SD) and the 95% CI. These scores were classified into 3 categories: adequate (75-100), marginal (60-74) and inadequate (0-59). ANOVA and binary logistic regression were performed. The OHLI-F reading comprehension and OHLI-F numeracy scores were compared using the Welch 2-sample t test and a paired t test (both 2-tailed). For the correlation matrix, the Pearson correlation and related tests were computed. A total of 1917 persons completed the 3 questionnaires, with adequate levels of OHL (n=1610, 84%), OH knowledge (n=1736, 90.6%), and HL (n=1915, 99.9%). The scores on the s-TOFHLA-F (mean 98.2, SD 2.8) were higher than the OHLI-F (mean 80.9, SD 7.9) and OH knowledge (mean 87.6, SD 10.5). The OHLI-F was highly correlated with OH knowledge (P<.001), but the OHLI-F and OH knowledge had a low correlation with s-TOFHLA-F (P=.43). The OHLI-F reading comprehension score was significantly higher than the OHLI-F numeracy score (P<.001). Age, education level, and professional category impacted the 3 scores (P<.001). The professional category was a determinant of adequate OHLI-F and OH knowledge scores. Some French civil servants had inadequate or marginal levels of OH knowledge (n=181, 9.5%) and OHL (n=307, 16%) but none had an inadequate level of HL. Results highlighted the relevance of implementing OH promotion programs in the workplace. They should be nonstandardized, adapted to the literacy level of professional categories of workers, and focused on numeracy skills. Thus, appropriate preventive communication and improved literacy levels are the means to achieve greater disease equity and combat the burden of noncommunicable diseases.

Special education teachers' involvement and perceived barriers to delivering oral health education for students with disabilities-A cross-sectional study.

Dental caries is prevalent among children, including those with disabilities. Although the World Health Organization recommends school-based oral health promotion (OHP) programmes involving teachers, limited research has explored teachers' roles and perspectives. To assess special education teachers' involvement and difficulties regarding oral health education (OHE), attitudes towards OHP and barriers to oral healthcare access for students with disabilities (SWDs). This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, involved 264 special education teachers using a validated, self-administered questionnaire, and descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data analysis. Only 39% of teachers incorporated OHE into their teaching, and just 20.8% received training for OHE delivery. Teachers showed strong support for integrating OHE into the curriculum (84.1%) and a no-sugar policy (78%). There was, however, less support for school-based toothbrushing (39%). OHE barriers included insufficient resources (56.1%), limited knowledge (29.2%) and misconceptions about primary teeth removal (47.4%). The three most common barriers to oral healthcare access were extended waiting lists (75.0%), long waiting times (73.1%) and fear of dental equipment (67.4%). This study highlights the need for collaboration between healthcare professionals, educators and parents to enhance OHE and reinforce OHP for SWDs within special education and beyond.

Assessment of Oral Health Promotion Programs in Schools and their Long-Term Effects.

School-based oral health promotion initiatives are essential for enhancing children's and teenagers' oral health outcomes. However, the long-term efficacy of these initiatives is yet unknown. Over the course of a year, 500 children between the ages of 6 and 12 years participated in prospective observational research. Two groups of 250 participants each-the intervention group and the control group-were created. While the control group only got basic oral health information, the intervention group participated in a full program aimed at promoting oral health. Over the course of 2 years, baseline data on the participants' oral health condition were gathered, and follow-up evaluations were carried out every 6 months. At the 12-month follow-up, the intervention group showed a substantial decrease in dental caries prevalence (15.2% vs. 23.6%, P < 0.001) as compared to the control group. In addition, the intervention group showed better oral hygiene habits than the control group (P < 0.001), such as decreased plaque index and more frequent brushing. In conclusion, school-based initiatives to promote oral health are successful in enhancing children's and adolescents' long-term dental health outcomes. These initiatives are essential in lowering the prevalence of dental caries and encouraging good oral hygiene habits. Ensuring the long-term dental health and well-being of future generations requires sustained investment in school-based oral health promotion efforts.

Knowledge of the health personnel involved in the fluoride varnish therapy programs of primary schools in Tehran, Iran

IntroductionThe World Health Organization (WHO) places great importance on oral health promotion programs in schools, given that approximately one billion people worldwide are students. This demographic not only includes the students themselves, but also extends to school staff, their families, and the broader community, all of whom are interconnected. The objectives of this study were firstly to assess the knowledge of health personnel conducting fluoride varnish treatment (FVT) in schools, and secondly to solicit their views on the effectiveness of their training methods.MethodsData was collected from health personnel involved in FVT in schools, supervised by medical universities in Tehran province, using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: demographic information, methods of receiving FVT training, respondents’ knowledge regarding FVT, and opinions about the effectiveness of FVT training methods. The questionnaire was distributed via social media, phone conversations, and email. The collected data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney in SPSS Version 26. A regression model was also fitted to the data.ResultsThe present study included 403 participants. Among various educational methods, it was found that participation in previous workshops (P = 0.001) and FVT workshops (P = 0.013) was significantly correlated with a higher FVT knowledge score. Additionally, participation in previous oral health promotion programs was significantly associated with a higher knowledge score (P < 0.05). Therefore, a history of participating in previous health promotion programs significantly contributed to the participants’ knowledge.ConclusionParticipation in previous oral health programs was found to be significantly correlated with a higher knowledge score. The effectiveness of training programs can be attributed to participation in previous workshops and FVT workshops. This study provided insights into potential strategies for enhancing personnel training in national oral health programs.

A review of oral health promotion programmes in Eastern Mediterranean Region

Background: Oral health conditions, such as dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss, dental fluorosis, dental trauma, and oral cancer, are prevalent in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, there has been no systematic review of oral health promotion interventions in the region. Aims: To review existing literature on oral health promotion programmes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and recommend improvements for the future. Method: We reviewed on PubMed and Google Scholar 61 articles published in the Eastern Mediterranean Region between 2010 and 2023. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using established criteria. We used the content analysis approach to create appropriate themes from the studies and to document meaningful conclusions about oral health promotion. Results: Majority of the studies were cross-sectional, a few were randomized controlled, quasi-experimental, longitudinal studies, or reviews. Oral health problems identified included poor oral health knowledge, dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss, dental fluorosis, and oral cancer. Although oral disorders were common in most of the countries, very few have implemented oral health promotion programmes. Conclusion: We recommend prioritization of oral health promotion programmes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to tackle the diverse oral health challenges. To be effective, such programmes should be region- and context-specific. More studies on oral health promotion are needed in the region.

A framework to guide oral healthcare at long-term care facilities in the eThekwini district

Oral healthcare is an important aspect of the general healthcare of individuals residing in long-term care (LTC) facilities. However, it is often neglected in these settings and contributes to oral health disparities and oral diseases among residents. The World Health Organization promotes the reduction of health disparities and diseases through health promotion as an ethical obligation. The utilization of frameworks to promote oral health provides a structured approach to the design, implementation, and evaluation of oral health promotion programs. This study proposed a framework to guide the development, implementation, and review of an oral health promotion intervention, so as to ensure that a systematic and evidence-based approach is used for the delivery of oral health promotion activities. The framework comprised three stages: needs analysis, implementation and review of an oral health intervention, which was guided by the Precede-Proceed model and Intervention mapping. The empirical aspect involved a 4-phased mixed method exploratory study, based on action research and the plan-act-observe-reflect cycle, which illustrated how the framework was operationalized. The oral health intervention indicated positive outcomes with regard to knowledge and attitudes among caregivers. ConclusionThe framework incorporated the key components that influenced oral health provision at LTC facilities.

Exploring the Threefold Viewpoint on Children's Oral Health in a Cross-Sectional Study.

Oral health is situated within the framework of the global health agenda, addressing facets pertaining to well-being and quality of life. The research is based on the need to address variables at the community level to improve schoolchildren's oral health and promote healthy behaviors and aims to carry out an in-depth analysis from the perspective of the factors that influence children's oral health. Step 1, designed by the World Health Organization, was utilized. An easy-to-use web interface was created for data collection. The statistical analysis consisted of using multinomial and binominal logistic regression models. The level of education of the adult has a high probability of influencing the consumption of unhealthy or healthy foods, it has a significant probability of exerting influence on social or medical problems and a correlation was found between the level of academic education and the pattern of dental visits. The development of health-promoting behaviors begins in childhood and involves parents, who have an essential role in the education of their children. Oral health promotion programs in schools need to target the child-adult-teacher-dentist relationships. Taking into consideration the aforementioned, a threefold viewpoint is necessary for the development of a national program aimed at promoting the oral health of schoolchildren in Romania.

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.

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.

Determinants of Oral Hygiene Status among Adolescents in Jember, Indonesia

Background: Oral health problems affected 55.6% of adolescents aged 10-14 in Indonesia. This can be prevented by maintaining oral hygiene. Many physical and psychological changes happen in the adolescent phase, and more attention is needed to maintain oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is influenced by various factors, including demographic and socioeconomic factors. Objectives: This study aimed to determine factors associated with oral hygiene among adolescents in Jember, Indonesia. Method: There were 409 students from eight different junior secondary schools in Jember Regency as participants in this study. The sample was obtained using the cluster random sampling method. Data on oral hygiene as a dependent variable was collected through the OHI-S examination. Data on sex, school, ethnicity, mother and father education, father and mother employment, monthly income, and number of children as independent variables was gathered from questionnaires and students' data from the school database. First, a univariate Spearmen test was run for all independent variables (p&lt;0.05). The significant variables were then analyzed using multiple regression to determine factors associated with oral hygiene (p&lt;0.05). Results: The average OHI-S score was 2.53, which was categorized as moderate. Multivariate analysis results showed that females were more likely to have better OHIS-S scores than males (B=-0.716; p=0.000); ethnic Javanese were more likely to have better OHI-S scores than Maduranese (B=0.293; p=0.004); and middle-income students more likely have better OHI-S than low-income students (B=-0.307; p=0.003). Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that adolescents' socioeconomic background is associated with their oral hygiene. This suggests the need to give more attention to a new model of oral health promotion programs targeting gender, ethnicity, and lower-income groups.

Evaluation of knowledge and practice of pediatricians about Early Childhood Caries in Tehran, Iran

background: Despite efforts for improvement of oral health in the world during recent years, dental caries remained one of the most common chronic diseases in the childhood. One of the most important factors that can play a significant role in the success of oral health promotion programs is the adherence and collaboration of non dental staff of pediatric health providers such as pediatricians.&#x0D; Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate pediatricians' knowledge and practice regarding oral health and its related factors.&#x0D; Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2020, 90 pediatricians that were working in Tehran city participated. A newly designed valid and reliable questionnaire comprised of three sections of demographics (8 questions), knowledge (30 questions) and practice (8 questions) was provided to the participants. The knowledge questions consisted of five domains about primary teeth (8 questions), dental visits (3 questions), dental caries determinants (8 questions), eating habits (7 questions), and fluoride (4 questions). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22. The significance level was considered to be less than 0.05 (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Results: The participants (n=90) had an average age of 45.96 ± 9.75 years (ranged 30-76 years) and 60 percent of them were women. The mean of their knowledge score was 20.10 ±4.45 (out of a maximum 30) and for the practice, it was 15.51 ± 3.49 (out of a maximum 24). Receiving oral health training courses during education period was significantly associated with the higher knowledge of the physicians (r = 0.20, p = 0.04). Furthermore, interest in learning (r = 0.20, p = 0.04) and presence of dentists among their relatives and friends (r = 0.21, p = 0.03) were significantly related to better oral health practice of the studied pediatricians. There was no difference in pediatricians’ knowledge and practice according to age and gender.&#x0D; Conclusion: In general, the knowledge and practice of pediatricians about oral health and prevention of dental caries for their patients was not satisfactory. The associations between higher knowledge and practice with recieving the oral health training courses during education period, interest in learning and other motivations such as presence of a dentist among relatives, casts light on the importance of training such professional health staff to promote oral health in the childhood.

A Qualitative Study of Preschool Children's Perspectives on an Oral Health Promotion Program in New South Wales, Australia.

In Australia, dental caries are observed in almost half of children starting school. Oral health promotion programs are being implemented in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings to promote oral health. This study examined children's perceptions of one such program, the Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF) program in ECEC settings in New South Wales, Australia. Data were collected using focus group discussions from 15 children aged 3-5 years, transcribed verbatim, and analysed through inductive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified as follows: (i) oral health knowledge of children, (ii) oral hygiene practices routine and skills development, and (iii) evaluation of the oral health promotion kit and opportunities for improvement. Children's perspectives highlight the BSBF program's success in communicating key messages to promote oral health. The integration of family-centric approaches, acknowledgement of children's preferences, and the use of interactive tools collectively enhance the overall effectiveness of the oral health promotion program.

Feasibility of an oral health promotion program among older people in geriatric care facilities, Shanghai, China: a pre/post-implementation study

BackgroundThe oral health of older people is closely related to their overall health. Timely and effective intervention in oral issues is necessary to maintain their overall health. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an Oral Health Promotion Program (OHPP) in Geriatric Care Facilities (GCFs).MethodsThe OHPP was implemented in two GCFs and evaluated using a pre/post-design. Questionnaires on self-efficacy and attitude for providing oral care were sent to 42 nurse participants before and three months after the implementation of the OHPP. Outcomes of 295 patient participants were assessed at four time points (T1-baseline, T2-one month, T3-two months, and T4-three months post-implementation) including Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT).ResultsThe oral health and daily activity ability of patient participants showed an improving trend at four time points pre/post-implementation of the OHPP. The proportion of patients with healthy mouths (OHAT: 0–3 points) increased from 29.8 to 67.8% and their scores of OHAT and ADL were significantly better at T4 compared to T1, T2, and T3 (p < 0.001). Self-efficacy (SE-PMC: T1 = 18.93 ± 3.18, T4 = 28.83 ± 6.56, p < 0.001) and attitude (A-PMC: T1 = 18.78 ± 3.09, T4 = 28.20 ± 6.03, p < 0.001) for oral care among nurse participants improved after the implementation of the OHPP.ConclusionsThis study highlights the feasibility of implementing OHPP within GCFs, potentially enhancing the oral health and daily living activities of older individuals. Integrating the OHPP into routine care in geriatric settings is not only practical but also widely acceptable, offering a proactive approach to address oral health disparities among older residents. Stakeholders can maximize the impact of the OHPP by fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, administrators, and residents, ultimately improving oral health outcomes and overall quality of life of older residents.Trial registrationChiCTR2000035236 (registration date: 04/08/2020).

Oral health promotion programmes in the Balkan countries: Part I

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the national oral health programmes in the Balkan countries, to compare key measures and activities in the implementation of the general and specific objectives of the programme, and to analyse the results achieved after the implementation of the programme. Material and Methods: The data were obtained through an electronic search of publicly available documents published by the relevant institutions in the field of dental health care in the Balkan countries. The search terms were: "national programme", "strategy", "action plan", "project", and "oral health". The search was conducted in English and in the native languages of the Balkan Peninsula countries. A comparative analysis of valid documents and those whose validity period has expired was carried out. Results: Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia have valid national preventive programmes. In Cyprus, a strategic plan for the provision of dental services is described. An oral health promotion programme for elementary school children and universal preventive programme for children ("dentist pass") have been implemented in Greece. Serbia has a national preventive programme that has expired, but the programme activities still apply. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Romania, and Turkey do not have national oral health preventive programmes. Countries in the region with no oral health promotion programmes have poorer oral health indicators compared to countries with existing programmes. Conclusions: While countries in the Balkan Peninsula have made progress in improving the oral health of their inhabitants, the absence of national oral health promotion programmes is striking in many countries in the region. Greater involvement of the community in activities to maintain and improve oral health is needed, as is more comprehensive dental care for vulnerable populations. This paper (Part I) compares national oral health promotion programmes of the Balkan countries, the key measures and activities, and general and specific objectives of the programme.