Oral Health Status Of Patients Research Articles

Frequency and pattern of outpatient dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic at hospital and community clinics

BackgroundThe authors aimed to measure the frequency of dental visits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate whether dental visits can be predicted from demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, oral problem diagnoses, and dental service providers. MethodsParticipants for this retrospective study were patients visiting dental care providers at hospital- and community-based outpatient clinics in Alberta, Canada. Data were retrieved from electronic databases from March 12, 2020, through September 30, 2020, and from the same period for 2018 and 2019. The COVID-19 lockdown was declared for March 12 through May 14, 2020. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance test and multiple logistic regression at α = 0.05. ResultsFrom a total of 14,319 dental visits, 5,671, 5,036, and 3,612 visits occurred in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. The mean (standard deviation) frequency of daily visits was 36.69 (15.64), 32.09 (15.51), and 24.24 (14.78), respectively. Despite the overall decrease, the frequency of visits for infections, salivary problems, and temporomandibular disorders increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Dental visits during the pandemic were associated with more complicated oral diagnoses and dental services as well as higher economic status. ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the frequency of dental visits decreased specifically during lockdown. Patients with complicated problems requiring urgent treatments mainly visited dental clinics. Reduced access to care was observed primarily among socially disadvantaged groups. Practical ImplicationsAlthough guidelines and related recommendations have been effective in restoring the compromised dental system during the COVID-19 pandemic, additional modifications are needed to promote in-person visits to improve the oral health status of patients.

Effect of teledentistry on the oral health status of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment at the first three follow-up visits.

As the prevalence of such oral diseases as dental caries and periodontal problems increases during fixed orthodontic treatment, patient education is an essential aspect of any such treatment. Two methods have been proposed for this purpose: direct education in a clinic (the conventional method); and education using social media, such as the Telegram application (a type of teledentistry). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of teledentistry as an educational tool on the oral health status of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment at the first 3 follow-up visits. Sixty participants were enrolled from patients whose fixed orthodontic treatment was to begin at a dental clinic in Tehran, Iran. They were randomly assigned to one of 2 trial arms. At the end of the 1st appointment, one of the groups was educated in person about maintaining oral hygiene during treatment, and an educational clip was sent to the members of the other group via the Telegram application. During the next 3 follow-up appointments, plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and gingival color and consistency were analyzed for each patient to assess their oral hygiene compliance during treatment. There was a statistically significant difference in PI and BOP between the 2 groups at the 3rd and 4th appointments; however, gingival color and consistency did not differ significantly with regard to the manner of education (p > 0.05). Patient age did not have a considerable effect on the oral health status in either group (p > 0.05). Teledentistry is an effective and efficient method to improve oral hygiene in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Oral health status of patients with repaired cleft lip and palate: A prospective study

Purpose: To determine the oral hygiene habits, levels of dental caries, and periodontal condition of patients with repaired cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in Central Vietnam. Materials and Methods: A total of 78 patients (1–54 years old; median: 6 years) with CL/P were examined for dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index, gingival bleeding on probing and periodontal pocket depth. Data about dental visits, brushing habits and socioeconomic status were collected. Results: A majority of patients brushed their teeth at least once a day with fluoride dentifrice but did not floss. The caries prevalence was 87.2%. The dmft of patients aged ≤ 5 years and 6–12 years were 7.4 and 9.0. The DMFT of patients aged 6–12 years, and ≥ 13 years were 1.6, and 6.7; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The percentages of patients who had bleeding on probing and had periodontal pocket depth 3.5–5.5 mm were 57.7% and 5.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Patients with repaired CL/P in Central Vietnam had a very high level of caries and had signs of gingivitis but not periodontitis. It is recommended to implement dental care in the treatment protocol for patients with CL/P.

Oral manifestations of patients with systemic sclerosis: a meta-analysis for case-controlled studies

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem rheumatic disease. Orofacial manifestations are commonly in SSc but maybe usually ignored and overshadowed by other systemic complications. Multiple comparative studies have been conducted to investigate the possible links between SSc and oral manifestations. The present study aimed to investigate the oral health status in patients with SSc.MethodsPubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched up to July 2020. Following outcomes were evaluated: Probing depth (PD), Attachment loss (AL), Bleeding on probing (BOP), Number or percentage of Sites with PD ≥ 4 mm, Prevalence of periodontitis, Number of teeth, Decayed Teeth, Missing teeth, Filled teeth, DMFT index, and the interincisal distance. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) were applied for quality assessment. The statistical analysis was processed using the software STATA.Results11 eligible studies were included. The maximum interincisor distance was significantly restricted in SSc patients (SMD − 1.061; 95 %CI [− 1.546, − 0.576]; Z = 4.29, P = 0.000).The prevalence of Periodontitis (OR 7.007; 95 %CI [3.529, 13.915]; Z = 5.56, P = 0.000), PD (SMD 3.101; 95 %CI [1.374, 4.829]; Z = 3.52, P = 0.000), AL(SMD 2.584; 95 %CI [0.321, 4.846]; Z = 2.24, P = 0.025), sites with PD ≥ 4mm (SMD 2.071 ; 95 %CI [0.267, 3.875]; Z = 2.25, P = 0.024) and the number of decayed teeth (SMD, 0.186; 95 %CI [0.007, 0.365]; Z = 2.04, P = 0.041) were increased significantly in SSc population in comparison with the controls.ConclusionsSSc patients have limited mouth opening, higher periodontitis prevalence, and worse periodontal status, as well as an increased number of decayed teeth. Routinely oral hygiene instruction and initial periodontal treatment is recommended for SSc patients.

Association between Diabetes Mellitus and Oral Health Status in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to poor oral health. However, oral health among diabetic patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is scarcely studied. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of oral health complications and the relationship between DM and oral health status in diabetic patients with CVDs. This retrospective nationwide cross-sectional study evaluated 3495 patients aged ≥40 years with CVD, with DM (n = 847) and without DM (n = 2648). The participant’s characteristics between the two groups were compared using the Chi-square test and t-test. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between DM and oral health status. The prevalence of periodontitis (54.3% vs. 43.2%) and <20 number of remaining teeth (30.9% vs. 22.8%) was significantly higher in the DM than in the non-DM group. In the multivariate regression analysis, the incidence of periodontitis was 1.4 times higher in the DM group than in the non-DM after adjusting for confounders; however, the number of remaining teeth and active caries were not associated with DM. In conclusion, the oral health status of patients with coexisting CVD and DM should be assessed closely and actively. Healthcare professionals should provide accessible dental care services and develop strategies to improve patients’ oral health.

The relationship between psychosocial distress and oral health status in patients with facial burns and mediation by oral health behaviour

BackgroundThere is limited discussion on the influence of psychosocial factors on the oral health of patients with a facial burn injury. This report investigated the relationship between oral health and psychosocial distress in patients with facial burns and the role of oral health behaviour in mediating the relationship.MethodsThe data were part of a cross-sectional study that had systematically and randomly selected patients with > 10% total burn surface area from a burn centre in Pakistan. The oral health status (DMFT, CPI, OHI-S) and severity of facial disfigurement were assessed. Validated instruments in the Urdu language were self-administered and information relating to oral health behaviour (brushing and dental visits), oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14), satisfaction with appearance, self-esteem, anxiety and depression, resilience, and social support were collected. The statistical analyses included simple linear regression, Pearson correlation, t-test, and ANOVA. Mediation analysis was carried out to examine the indirect effect by oral health behaviour.ResultsFrom a total of 271 participants, the majority had moderate to severe facial disfigurement (89%), low self-esteem (74.5%), and moderate to high levels of social support (95%). The level of satisfaction with appearance was low, whereas anxiety and depression were high. Disfigurement and satisfaction with appearance were associated with lower self-esteem and social support (p < 0.05). Greater severity of disfigurement, higher levels of anxiety and dissatisfaction with appearance, and lower levels of self-esteem and social support were associated with greater DMFT and OHIP-14 scores, worse periodontal and oral hygiene conditions, and less frequent tooth brushing and dental visits (p < 0.05). The main barriers to oral healthcare utilization were psychological and social issues (p < 0.05). The indirect effect by oral health behaviour was not significant for anxiety but was significant for disfigurement, satisfaction with appearance, self-esteem, and social support.ConclusionThere is an association between the psychosocial factors and oral health of patients with facial burns through a direct effect and mediation by oral health behaviour.

Is an Oral Health Status a Predictor of Functional Improvement in Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Comprehensive Rehabilitation Treatment?

The study’s aim was a clinical observation concerning the influence of oral health on functional status in stroke patients undergoing neurorehabilitation. This pilot cross-sectional clinical study was performed in 60 subacute phase stroke patients during 12 weeks of treatment. The program was patient-specific and consisted of neurodevelopmental treatment by a comprehensive rehabilitation team. The functional assessment was performed using the Barthel index (BI), Berg balance scale (BBS), functional independence measure (FIM), and Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination III (ACE III) scales. Oral health was assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and it was presented using DMFT, DMFS, gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PlI). Significant improvement in many functional scales was noticed. However, important differences in most dental parameters without relevant changes in GI and PlI after the study were not observed. Reverse interdependence (p < 0.05) was shown between physical functioning (BI, FIM, or BBS) with GI and PlI results, and most dental parameters correlated with ACE III. Using multivariate regression analysis, we showed that ACE III and BI are predictive variables for DMFT, just as FIM is for DS (p < 0.05). The present research revealed that poor oral health status in patients after stroke might be associated with inpatient rehabilitation results.

Oral health status and dental treatment needs of psoriatic patients with different therapy regimes.

One hundred and twenty-seven patients diagnosed with psoriasis were enrolled in this study. All subjects completed a general medical history and a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. The severity of the disease was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scale and a DLQI questionnaire. In order to evaluate the oral health status, the following techniques were used: Approximal Plaque Index (API), the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Patients treated with biologicals presented a significantly lower mean CPI index and required no surgical interventions. Subjects managed with topical therapy had significantly more decayed teeth and higher treatment needs. Only 11.3% of patients did not require dental intervention. The study revealed a high need for dental interventions in patients with psoriasis. The type of treatment used may affect the oral health status of patients. However, further investigations are required to explain the significantly lower CPI value in the group treated with biologicals.

The Influence of Oral Hygiene Education on The Oral Health Status of Patients Suffering from HIV/AIDS

Introduction: Poor oral hygiene and dental care can affect oral intake which results in decreased endurance and increases the risk of opportunistic or systemic infections. Method: The research was carried out the RSUD dr. M. Haulussy Ambon, Maluku, Indonesia, using a quasi-experimental method, involving 30 nurses and 20 patients. The level of knowledge and skills is evaluated before and after oral hygiene education for nurses. Patients were measured with a Beck Oral Assessment Scale (BOAS) score, and C. albicans yeast culture before and after the intervention was given in the form of oral hygiene using a soft toothbrush and dental floss for one week. Result: The influence of oral hygiene education on nurses knowledge with median value of pre-education 36.00 and post-education 91.00 and nurse skills have median value of pre-education 67.00 and post-education 100.00 with a significant value of p = 0.001 &lt;0.05. There is an increase in knowledge and skills after educational activities. Before oral hygiene treatment was applied with a review of the BOAS score it had a median value of 11.00 after the intervention became 6.00 a significant value of p= 0.001&lt;0.05, which showed a decrease in scores after oral hygiene treatment. Examination of C. albicans fungus with a median value of 79.00 pre-intervention and 31.00 at post-intervention, a significant value of p= 0.001, showed a decrease in the number of post-intervention fungi. Conclusion: Nurses should conducted Oral hygiene regularly to improve oral health status of AIDs patiens.

Assessment of Oral Health Status of Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontics: A Clinical Study.

Background:The incidence of dental caries and gingival disease is at higher level in orthodontic patients. The present study demonstrated oral health status of patients undergoing fixed orthodontics.Methodology:A total of 168 patients age ranged 12–17 years who were undergoing orthodontic treatment for 2 years of both genders were recruited. The assessment of dental caries as Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score and plaque index was determined at first, second, and last visits.Results:Age 12 years had 22 males and 28 females, 13 years had 14 males and 22 females, 14 years had 8 males and 18 females, 15 years had 7 males and 15 females, 16 years had 6 males and 14 females, and 17 years had 9 males and 5 females. The mean DMFT score in age group 12 years was 1.74 and 2.24 at first and third visits, respectively, at 13 years was 1.60 and 2.04 at first and third visits, respectively, at 14 years was 2.38 and 2.72 at first and third visits, respectively, at 15 years was 1.74 and 2.08, at 16 years was 3.32 and 3.56 and at 17 years was 3.40, and 3.64 at first and third visits, respectively.Conclusion:There was significant higher dental caries and plaque index in age group 12 years.

Oral health status of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis in two hospitals of Yaoundé Cameroon: A comparative study

Background: Liver cirrhosis is an ultimate complication of all chronic liver diseases. The oral cavity especially the periodontium is affected by malnutrition, coagulation disorders, immunodeficiency which are some of the main features present in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of oral pathologies in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis in two hospitals of Yaoundé Cameroon. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and analytical study comparing the oral health status of decompensated liver cirrhotic patients in Yaoundé with sex and age (±3 years) matched healthy controls from the same area. We enrolled patients with liver cirrhosis (Child Pugh score greater than or equal to 7) and their corresponding healthy controls. For each participant, socio-demographic data, clinical data on liver cirrhosis and on oral examination were collected. Oral examination evaluated the level of oral hygiene, gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD) and Clinical attachment loss (CAL), determined and identified oral mucosal lesions. The mean Decayed-Missing-Filled-Teeth (DMFT) index and prevalence of dental caries were also determined. The groups were then compared with regards to periodontal oral mucosal and dental variables using chi square test and Mantel – Haenszel odds ratio was used to determine the strength of association between decompensated liver cirrhosis and oral pathologies. The student‘s T-test was used to compare mean values of quantitative variables. A p-value ˂ 0.05 was statistically significant. Results: We included a total of 80 participants among which 40 liver cirrhotic patients and 40 sex and age (±3 years) matched controls. The mean age was 50.0(±19.0) years for the cases and 52.4(±17.9) years for the healthy controls. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) were the main aetiology of liver cirrhosis representing 42.5% and 30% respectively and Child Pugh class B (65% of cases) was the most represented stage of the disease. A number of past bucco-dental consultations was significantly less frequent in the cases than the controls (09 versus 18, p = 0.03). Over 80% of cases used an inappropriate brushing technique compared to 60% of controls and 55% of cases used toothbrushes and toothpaste compared to 85% controls (p=0.09). A frequency of brushing at least twice daily was 42.5% in cases compared to 55% in controls (p=0.19). Patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis had a significantly greater prevalence of periodontal disease than the controls (95% versus 77.5%, p = 0.013). In addition, they had greater mean PI (1.8(±0.7) versus 1.6(±0.5), p = 0.182), mean GI index (1.9(±0.8) versus 1.3(±0.64), p = 0.004) and periodontal recession (77.5% versus 47.5%). Oral mucosal lesions and salivary lesions were more frequent in cirrhotic patients than in the healthy controls. These lesions include xerostomia (45% versus 17.5%, p ˂0.001), oral candidiasis (7.5% versus 0%, p = 0.120), lichen planus (17.5% versus 2.5%, p = 0.028), petechiae (57.5% versus 5%, p ˂ 0.001), halitosis (50% versus 7.5%, p ˂0.001) and sialadenitis (17.5% versus 0%, p = 0.006). Higher prevalence’s of dental and mean DMFT index were found in cases than in controls. Factors associated with the development of oral pathologies in decompensated cirrhotic patients were oral consultations (p = 0.046), presence of cytolysis (OR = 2.58, p = 0.042) and inadequate brushing technique (p = 0.004). Conclusion: The prevalence of oral pathologies is higher in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis than corresponding age-sex matched healthy controls.

Correlation of HIV-infection and HIV/HCV Co-infection with Oral Health Status of Inner-City Sub-population in Saskatchewan, Canada.

To identify the correlation of HIV-infection and HIV/HCV co-infection with the oral health status of patients accessing an inner-city dental clinic in Saskatchewan, Canada. A cross-sectional chart review of 2000 electronic patient records was performed from an inner-city community dental clinic. Utilizing Andersen and Newman framework of health service utilization, simple, bivariate and multivariate comparisons were conducted. More than half of the patients 53% (n=1,065) were within the ages of 36 to 65. The patient charts represented a mixture of ethnicities including immigrants to Canada (e.g., from Syria, Iran, Europe, China) and Indigenous people. Six percent (n=111) of patients were recorded positive for HIV/AIDS, while 3% (n=46) of patients recorded both HIV/HCV-co-infection. Forty-five percent (n=844) of patients had dental decay. In the bivariate analyses, smoking ([mean]: 3.0 vs. 2.1), being positive for HIV ([mean]: 4.1 vs. 2.6] and HCV ([mean]: 3.7 vs. 2.7) appeared to be associated with higher number of mean decayed teeth. Drug or alcohol addiction (p&lt;.0001), HIV-positive status (p&lt;.0001), and diagnosis of a mental disorder (p=.0037) were associated with the missing teeth. The multivariate analysis confirmed either HIV-positive or HCV-positive had a higher DMF rate compared with those without. Patients who were both HIV and HCV-positive had an estimated DMF rate almost double of those without either condition (IRR=1.84, p&lt;.0001). Several psychosocial factors, HIV-infection and HCV-infection were associated with higher number of decayed and missing teeth.

Oral Health Status of Patients with Ventilators in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit

Oral Health Status of Patients with Ventilators in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit

Oral health status in children with familial Mediterranean fever.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common hereditary autoinflammatory disease. We aimed to investigate the oral health status and oral hygiene habits in children with FMF. In this cross-sectional study, 199 children with FMF, aged between 3-18 years, were included. Demographic findings and oral hygiene habits of children were questioned by face-to-face interview. Oral health status of patients was evaluated using decay-missing-filled index [DMFT (decay-missing-filled teeth), DMFS (decay-missing-filled teeth) for permanent; dmft, dmfs for primary teeth], the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II) index, PUFA / pufa index [the presence of severely decayed teeth with visible pulpal involvement (P/p), ulceration caused by dislocated tooth fragments (U/u), fistula (F/f) and abscess (A/a)], gingival (GI) and plaque index (PI). In addition to these, occlusion, oral soft and hard tissues were examined. One-hundred-nine (54.8%) of children had at least one decayed permanent tooth and 81.2% of children had at least one decayed primary tooth. The mean DMFT was 1.91±2.45, DMFS was 3.1±4.49, dmft was 3.95±3.54, dmfs was 8.62±8.88, PI was 1.17±0.44, GI was 0.85±0.39. Aphthous mouth ulcer occurred in 19 (9.5%) patients. Recurrent aphthous mouth ulcers were more frequent among patients with one exon-ten and one exon-two mutations than patients with one exon-10 mutation, two exon-ten mutations, or two exon-2 mutations (61.1% vs. 47.9%, 26.1%, 20%, respectively p < 0.001). Tooth decay was more frequent among patients who had attacks in the last six months than those who did not have any attacks during the last six months (97.4% vs. 87.7%, p=0.017). Dental caries and periodontal disease, which are public health problems, were seen at a high percentage of children with FMF in our study.

Effects of coconut oil on oral health status of patients with poor oral hygiene: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Effects of coconut oil on oral health status of patients with poor oral hygiene: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Impact of polypharmacy on oral health status in elderly patients admitted to the recovery and rehabilitation ward.

The oral health status of elderly adults has implications for general health problems. Polypharmacy for elderly adults is associated with an increased risk of potentially inappropriate medicines and many adverse drug events; however, no report has shown that polypharmacy itself is associated with complex oral problems. This study aimed to determine the association between polypharmacy and oral health status in patients admitted to the recovery and rehabilitation ward. This cross-sectional study included 471 patients (age: 81.9 ± 7.7 years, women: n = 346). Oral health status was measured using the Oral Health Assessment Tool and poor oral health status was defined as a score of ≥3. Cases of patients taking six or more medications were defined as polypharmacy. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between polypharmacy and oral health status. Age, sex, body mass index, number of comorbidities, cognitive and motor functions, and potentially inappropriate medicines were set as confounding factors. Using the Oral Health Assessment Tool, 51.0% (n = 240) of patients scored ≥3. The prevalence of patients with polypharmacy was 56.9% (n = 268). Polypharmacy was significantly associated with poor oral health status (odds ratio = 1.65, 95% confidence interval = 1.14-2.39, P = 0.007; adjusted odds ratio = 1.65, 95% confidence interval = 1.12-2.43, P = 0.011). This study showed that polypharmacy was associated with poor oral health status. Focusing on the number of medications may be helpful in detecting oral problems. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 66-70.

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

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

Factors Associated With Oral Health Status and Oral Hygiene Behavior in Patients With Stroke

Studies have shown that oral health is closely related to systemic diseases. Poor oral hygiene may lead to dental caries and periodontal disease and also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients with stroke have a possibility of recurrence, and good oral health is expected to benefit their general health. Nevertheless, nursing research exploring the oral health and oral hygiene behaviors of stroke patients has been rare. To explore the factors significantly associated with oral health status and oral hygiene behaviors in patients with stroke. A cross-sectional research design with convenient sampling was used. Information on health promoting behaviors and oral health status was collected in a teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. A multivariate linear regression model was applied to explore the factors associated with oral health status in patients with stroke. One hundred and eight-five patients with stroke were enrolled in this study. The average number of real teeth was 11.3 and the average score for oral health status was 4. The univariate analysis showed that being 65 years of age or older, having an education level below primary school, having a lower Barthel index score, having a higher modified Rankin scale score, not brushing and flossing, not having a regular tooth cleaning, having a lower of health promotion score, and having insufficient water intake levels were all associated with a worse oral health status. The stepwise regression analysis showed that factors affecting oral health status include health promotion behaviors, age, tooth brushing, and water intake, which, together, accounted for 28.5% of the total variance. The findings indicate that oral health status, oral hygiene behaviors, and health promoting behaviors are inadequate among patients with stroke. Clinicians should promote health-related behaviors early to their patients with stroke, specifically in terms of implementing proper oral hygiene behaviors in daily routine care.

Oral health: something to worry about in individuals with acquired brain injury?

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate the oral health status in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) admitted at neurorehabilitation setting. Methods 132 individuals with ABI were examined within their first week of admission. Individuals’ socio-behavioral history, length of stay in acute care etc. were recorded. Comprehensive clinical oral examination consisting of acute conditions [dental plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP)] and chronic conditions [periodontal status, tooth loss] were recorded. Results The average length of stay in acute care was 41 days before admission at neurorehabilitation. It was observed that 42% and 50% of the patients with ABI had visible plaque and active BOP in >60% of all examined sites respectively. All patients suffered from periodontitis and 74% had severe periodontitis (Stage III), indicating a chronic inflammatory destruction of the supporting tissues. Each participant had at least two decayed teeth, five filled and five extracted teeth. Conclusions Presence of dental plaque and BOP, an acute condition, speculates that poor oral health worsened while patients were at acute care setting. Majority of individuals had severe periodontitis indicating chronic poor oral health. Thus, indicating the need of not only planning treatment strategies while hospitalization but also uplifting the prevention of oral diseases much earlier in life.

Oral Health Status and Attitude of Patients towards Dental Extraction in Karachi

Background: Oral health is considered the most important factor in determining general health of an individual, since it reflects the condition of the whole body. This study was outlined to demonstrate the oral health status and attitude of patients toward tooth extraction in case of non-affordability. Methods: A total of 350 dental patients who came to OPDs for dental extraction were included in this study. Dentist carrying out extraction were asked to fill a self-explanatory questionnaire having patient as the subject. Data tabulation and analysis was completed using SPSS software version 22. Odds ratios, Chi square test, p-value are used to determine oral health status and attitude of patients regarding extraction of teeth. Results: There were 193(55%) female and 157(45%) male patients in the study. Age of the respondents varied from 20 to 65 with a mean of 40.01+12.67. In addition, 202(57.7%) subjects were unemployed and 148(42.3%) were employed. In present study, teeth were found missing mainly in the age range 20-30. Among all teeth, First molar was the most commonly extracted tooth i.e. 109(31.1%). This indicated that patients wanted to save their teeth. They were willing to pay anything to save tooth in which 137(67.8%) were unemployed while 95 (64.1%) were employed. Conclusion: Oral health status of the patients who came to OPD for dental extraction was found poor 150(42.9%). Since, patients were suffering from dental caries and periodontal disease. As far as the attitude of patients is concerned regarding tooth extraction, more employed (45.3%) individuals were interested in saving their tooth than unemployed people.