Oral Health Variables Research Articles

Oral health status, self-perceptions, and risk awareness among young adult users of electronic cigarettes in Pakistan.

The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has surged globally, particularly among young individuals. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of vaping-related oral health risks, clinical oral health status, and self-perceived dental and periodontal conditions among young adult users of ECs in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to March 2024, recruiting 142 young users of ECs. Intraoral examinations assessed Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), Plaque Index (PI), and dental stain. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviors, vaping habits, and perceptions of impact of vaping on oral health were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. Associations between EC use and various oral health variables were analyzed using the chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. Mean DMFT was 5.66 (SD=2.20). Poor oral hygiene (29.6%) and severe dental staining were prevalent. Most participants (76.1%) brushed once daily, while only 34.5% attended regular dental check-ups. Gingival bleeding and plaque accumulation were observed in 47.2% and 35.3% of participants. Around 66% reported daily EC use, with 80.3% initiating vaping before the age of 18 years. Most common reason for vaping was perception that ECs are safer than traditional smoking (31.7%). Participants' perceptions of vaping-related oral health risks were relatively low, with 45% associating vaping with tooth decay, 48% with gum disease, and 58.5% with tooth staining. Tooth brushing frequency, vaping frequency (per day), and time since vaping started, were significantly associated with oral clinical indicators (p<0.05). The education level was the only variable significantly associated with vaping-related risk perception (p<0.05). The study reveals that oral health awareness among young vapers is low, with many starting EC use at a young age and exhibiting poor oral health behaviors. Misconceptions about the safety of ECs compared to conventional cigarettes may contribute to increased vaping.

Predicting cognitive function changes from oral health status: a longitudinal cohort study

Recent studies indicate a potential link between oral health and cognitive function; however, long-term associations remain unclear. This study aimed to identify oral health factors that predict changes in cognitive function among older adults over time. The study included 583 independent older adults (201 male, 382 female) with a mean age of 72.7 years. Cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline and follow-up over two years, with relative change in MMSE (rMMSE) calculated. Baseline oral health variables included number of remaining teeth, masticatory performance, occlusal force, oral diadochokinesis and tongue pressure. Physical performance and confounding factors were also considered. The relationship between rMMSE and the variables was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, Mann-Whitney U test, and multiple linear regression analysis. Cognitive function declined in 196 subjects, with rMMSE significantly correlated with oral diadochokinesis. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between cognitive changes and oral diadochokinesis (p = 0.020) and knee extension strength as a physical performance (p = 0.047). Our findings suggest that cognitive decline may be indicated by declines in both physical and oral motor performance. Incorporating oral diadochokinesis testing into health screenings could aid early detection of cognitive decline, improving outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.

Impact of self-perceived oral health and socio-economic factors on oral health-related behavior in Estonian adults.

To identify which socioeconomic factors are affecting oral health-related behavior and to provide suggestions for improving the population's oral health. Materials and methods: The survey includes population groups from age 35 and older from all 15 Estonian counties and major cities (n = 2,376). The study is based on data from a nationwide Estonian Adult Oral Health Survey questionnaire. In addition to analyzing eight aspects of oral health-related behavior and self-perceived oral health variables, the survey also includes participants' socio-economic and demographic characteristics. The study utilizes frequency tables (including cumulative distributions), means, correlations, and regression analysis as its methods. The mean number of beneficial behaviors reported by the participant was 4.2 (SD 1.6). The value of the oral health-related behavior index (OHBI, the number of reported behaviors from the eight) is initially determined by the optimal timing between meals, abstinence from smoking, and the choice of drinking water or refraining from any intake between meals. Participants with higher OHBI tended to rate their self-perceived oral health better. Adherence to beneficial dental health-related behavior in Estonian adults is primarily influenced by gender, educational level, type of settlement, and household income level. In order to significantly improve oral health and related behaviors, it is imperative to integrate dental services into universal health coverage and deliver ongoing oral health education for adults.

Factors affecting the oral health of patients on maintenance hemodialysis and recommendations for standardized nursing care: a multicenter study.

To determine the oral health status of patients on maintenance hemodialysis and to identify the factors influencing their oral health. This observational study included 1,186 patients with chronic kidney disease who received maintenance hemodialysis across 33 hospitals in China. The patients were recruited for a questionnaire survey between April and August 2023 at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital using stratified sampling. Data collection tools included the General Information Questionnaire for Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients, the Oral Health Assessment Tool, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationships between the oral health of patients on maintenance hemodialysis and continuous variables such as sleep quality and emotional status. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to explore the relationship between oral health and various variables. The oral health scores of the patients ranged from 8 to 22, with a mean score of 12.54 ± 2.63. The final model of the multiple linear regression analysis indicated a goodness of fit of 22.19%. Independent factors affecting the oral health of patients included smoking, the proportion of medical expenses, water consumption, sleep quality, and anxiety scores (all P .05). High levels of smoking, substantial medical expenses, poor sleep quality, and elevated anxiety scores were risk factors for poor oral health (all P .05). Adequate daily water intake served as a protective factor for oral health (P .05). This study proposes targeted interventions to enhance the management and improvement of oral health in patients on hemodialysis, aiming to provide highly personalized and effective oral health care. These interventions are expected to improve oral health outcomes in future clinical practice.

Enhancing Oral Health via the Sense of Coherence Approach Among Adult Patients at University Dental Hospital.

The purpose of the study was to assess the sense of coherence and its relationship with oral health and other study variables among adult patients at university dental hospital. This cross-sectional study included adult patients visiting the Dental Hospital of the College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam. Sense of coherence was determined by Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13), which consists of 13 items on a 7-point Likert. DMFT index, plaque index, gingival index, and simplified oral hygiene index were used to evaluate the oral health of study participants. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed, and 0.05 level of significance was used in the study. The study included the data of 558 participants with a mean age of 32.19±10.11 years. The mean score of SOC was 52.77±13.11, which was significantly higher in high-income participants (P <0.001), participants without a medical condition (P=0.021), non-smokers (P <0.001), and those who visited the dentist in less than one year (P=0.028). Bivariate analysis showed statistically significant negative correlations between SOC and DMFT index (P=0.002), SOC and plaque index (P <0.001), SOC and gingival index (P=0.002), and SOC and simplified oral hygiene index (P=0.001). Multivariable analysis also showed that SOC was significantly correlated with DMFT index (P=0.001), plaque index (P <0.001), gingival index (P <0.001), and oral hygiene index (P=0.004) after controlling for age, gender, education, and monthly income. This study found that high-income and healthy participants, non-smokers, and those who visited the dental office during the last one year demonstrated significantly higher SOC. In addition, there was a statistically significant correlation between SOC and oral health. These study findings highlight the importance of raising awareness about SOC to improve oral health outcomes in adult patients.

The relationship between anxiety, quality of life, and oral health of children aged 4-6 years in kindergartens in Tehran, Iran

Background: Although oral health indicators have shown significant improvement in recent decades, oral diseases are still considered a common chronic disease with high prevalence in society. These diseases are considered important community health issues due to the effects they have on people›s lives and the effects their treatment may have. Numerous studies have shown an association between anxiety and decreased oral health indicators, with anxiety disorders being the most common childhood psychiatric disorders. This study attempts to determine the link between anxiety, quality of life and oral health in children. Methods: This study was performed on a random sample of 600 children aged 4–6 years in kindergartens in Tehran, and finally, 443 were evaluated. The Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) questionnaire measured children’s anxiety, and the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (F-ECOHIS) questionnaire was used for quality of life. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to evaluate the simultaneous effect of anxiety and oral health variables on the life quality related to oral health. The causal relationship between the variables were investigated and confirmed with this tool and the χ2 /df, GFI, CFI, NNFI (TGF), and RMSEA indices. Results: The reliability of the PAS and F-ECOHIS questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. SEM was used to investigate the concurrent effects of anxiety and oral health on oral health-related quality of life (OHQOL). Two SEM models were selected for our purpose. Both models were statistically suitable, but the model in which anxiety directly impacted dmft and directly or indirectly influences OHQOL was clinically justified and was selected as the final model. Conclusion: Anxiety directly affects oral health (DMFT) and has a direct and indirect effect on the quality of life related to the oral health of preschool children.

Decomposition Analysis of Socioeconomic Inequalities in Utilization of Oral Health Services: A Population-Based Study in Urban and Rural Households of Ahvaz.

Inequality in the use of dental services is a primary concern of global health, and few studies have been done in this field in Iran. Therefore, the present study aimed to conduct a decomposition analysis of socioeconomic inequalities in the utilization of oral health services. This was a cross-sectional study in which 715 households, including 2680 people living in Ahvaz, were included using a stratified-cluster sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire. For data analysis and estimating the elasticity of the influencing factors, the logistic model and Stata software were used. The social and economic disparities in oral health variables were broken down into determinant components using the Van Doorslaer and Wagstaff technique. The key factors determining social and economic inequalities in the utilization of these services were insurance status, education level, income quintile, and occupation. Nearly 31% of utilization inequalities can be attributed to the insurance status of households. In addition, the education level of household members (about 28%) was the second factor of inequality. The variables of income quintile and occupation are also considered as the third factor, and the age of household members had a negative role in the socioeconomic inequality. The utilization of oral health services can be improved by improving economic and social variables in society. Therefore, including oral health services in insurance plans and primary health care services and supporting people with low-income levels can play an important role in reducing these inequalities.

Coronary atherosclerosis and periodontitis have similarities in their clinical presentation.

Periodontitis (PE) and coronary heart disease (CHD) possess multiple mechanisms for a putative association. This case-control study compared the periodontal status among CHD subjects to controls without CHD, while also investigating atheroma invasion by known periodontal pathogens. 161 subjects participated in this study were divided into three CHD groups: No CHD, chronic CHD, acute CHD. Additional analysis involved grouping subjects according to number of atheromas: no atheroma, 1-4 atheromas, 5-18 atheromas. Data were collected from medical records, periodontal examinations, and questionnaires that included demographic, behavioral, and oral health variables. Angiographic catheterizations were analyzed according to the number of atheroma lesions, lesion size, lesion location, and atheroma lesion stability. Lipoprotein profile, inflammatory markers and cells were analyzed. The microbiological branch added 30 individuals who had their atheroma lesion and subgingival plaque analyzed using polymerase chain reaction probes against the 16 s region, red complex and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans' DNA. Subjects with CHD had high levels of systemic inflammatory markers and low levels of high-density lipoproteins compared to subjects without CHD. Subjects without CHD and clear coronaries had a prevalence of mild CAL, while individuals with more atheroma lesions had advanced CAL and more active PE. Subjects with more advanced CAL were 4 times more likely to have CHD compared to subjects with less, which is comparable to smoking. Only 4 subjects had the screened pathogens detected in atheroma, although these subjects also have the screened pathogens in subgingival plaque. However, 80% of atheromas had bacteria. CHD and PE showed similarities in progression while active PE led to more atheroma lesions that also tended to be larger in size.

Socioeconomic status in life course is associated with dental appearance dissatisfaction.

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dissatisfaction with dental appearance among 24-year-old Brazilian adults and the associated factors in life course. A subsample (n = 720) of the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort in southern Brazil was investigated at the ages of 15 and 24 years using clinical (caries and periodontal) examinations and interviews. The outcome was dissatisfaction with dental appearance at the age of 24 years. Covariate variables included socioeconomic factors, oral health, and dissatisfaction with general appearance collected during different periods of life. Poisson regression models with robust variance were applied. The prevalence of dissatisfaction with dental appearance was 43.5% (95%CI: 39.8-47.1). Individuals with downward income mobility (PR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.07-1.79) and those always poor (PR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.00-1.57) presented a higher prevalence of dissatisfaction with their dental appearance even after oral health variables and dissatisfaction with general appearance were controlled for. Moderate/severe malocclusion at 15 years (PR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.13-1.59), highest experience of untreated dental caries at 24 years (PR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.46-2.27), and dental pain experience at 24 years (PR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.22-1.75) were associated with the outcome. Also, the prevalence of dissatisfaction with dental appearance was 20% higher (PR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.01-1.43) among those dissatisfied with their general appearance. Our findings demonstrated a high prevalence of dissatisfaction with dental appearance among young adults. Lifetime economic disadvantage and dental problems (malocclusion at 15 years, untreated dental caries at 24 years, and dental pain at 24 years) were associated with dissatisfaction with dental appearance among young adults.

Risk Assessment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Symptoms and Its Correlation with Oral Manifestations: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder seen in all age groups. The aetiology is multifactorial, including factors such as obesity, aging, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle. Poor knowledge about diagnostic options, management, and consequences of improper treatment may contribute to morbidity and mortality. Berlin Questionnaires (BQ) are simple, low-cost, non-invasive tools that can be used to assess the risk of OSA. Screening subjects using questionnaires and oral examinations for a multidisciplinary approach to treat OSA is essential. Aim: To assess the risk of OSA symptoms and their association with oral manifestations among students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students aged between 18 and 24 years. Three hundred medical students (171 males, 129 females) willing to participate in the study were included. Responses to the Berlin and oral health questionnaires were collected, and oral examinations were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using Epi Info software. Kruskal-Wallis H test and one-way Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) were carried out to evaluate significance in different groups and to examine associations between OSA, oral health, and other variables. Results: The collected data were statistically analysed. In the present study, 35 subjects (11.67%) were classified as highrisk and 265 subjects (88.33%) as low-risk by the BQ. The prevalence of OSA in the present study was 12.87% in males and 10.08% in females. High-risk subjects were educated, motivated, and referred for confirmatory diagnostic tests and early treatment. Conclusion: The prevalence of OSA in the present study was 12.87% in males and 10.08% in females. Emphasis should be placed on highlighting the clinical aspects related to OSA and its relation to oral health. There is a great need to educate and motivate dental and medical students and professionals about OSA by conducting health education programs.

Impact of oral health on the quality of life of public servants: an analysis of associated factors.

Oral health encompasses functional and aesthetic aspects that directly impact an individual's daily activities. To analyze the impact of oral health conditions and related factors on the quality of life of public servants. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 89 public servants, both permanent and outsourced, from a federal public university in northeastern Brazil. Outcome was the impact of oral health on daily activities, determined by the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance indicator, and independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, normative oral health conditions, access to and use of dental services, self-reported oral morbidity, self-perception of oral health, and absenteeism because of dental reasons. All data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics, using the chi-squared test for heterogeneity and linear trend. The significance level used was set at 5%, with a 95% CI. Participants experienced at least one day of work impaired by dental problems in the six months prior to the survey. Prevalence of dental absenteeism was 7.9%. Variables associated with the impact of oral health on daily activities included gender, toothache, toothache intensity, self-reported oral health, awake bruxism, self-reported need for dentures, number of natural teeth in the upper and lower arches, and signs of temporomandibular dysfunction. Sociodemographic, clinical, and subjective oral health variables influence the impact of oral health on the daily activities of public servants.

Results of objective brushing data recorded from a powered toothbrush used by elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment related to values for oral health

ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate how the objective use of a powered toothbrush in frequency and duration affects plaque index, bleeding on probing, and periodontal pocket depth ≥ 4 mm in elderly individuals with MCI. A second aim was to compare the objective results with the participants’ self-estimated brush use.Materials and methodsObjective brush usage data was extracted from the participants’ powered toothbrushes and related to the oral health variables plaque index, bleeding on probing, and periodontal pocket depth ≥ 4 mm. Furthermore, the objective usage data was compared with the participants’ self-reported brush usage reported in a questionnaire at baseline and 6- and 12-month examination.ResultsOut of a screened sample of 213 individuals, 170 fulfilled the 12-month visit. The principal findings are that despite the objective values registered for frequency and duration being lower than the recommended and less than the instructed, using powered toothbrushes after instruction and information led to improved values for PI, BOP, and PPD ≥ 4 mm in the group of elderly with MIC.ConclusionsDespite lower brush frequency and duration than the generally recommended, using a powered toothbrush improved oral health. The objective brush data recorded from the powered toothbrush correlates poorly with the self-estimated brush use.Clinical relevanceUsing objective brush data can become one of the factors in the collaboration to preserve and improve oral health in older people with mild cognitive impairment.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05941611, retrospectively registered 11/07/2023.

Age-group-specific association of oral health and systemic health on cognitive function: a cross-sectional study of Korean elders

BackgroundAlthough the importance of oral and systemic healthcare for elderly people is increasing owing to the rapid ageing of the population in South Korea, studies on the relationship between oral health, systemic health, and cognitive function, as well as on the prediction of cognitive function by oral and systemic health depending upon age groups are lacking.MethodsWe included 5,975 out of 6,488 participants from the 8th wave of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) panel data, divided the participants into three age groups, and performed a hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis to explain cognitive function with four types of predictors: oral health status, sociodemographic factors, objective health status, and subjective health status.ResultsOral health status was positively correlated with systemic health status and cognitive function. Of all ages over 54, cognitive function was significantly predicted by oral health variables, such as the number of functional teeth, masticatory ability, and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI); sociodemographic variables, such as age, sex, education level, and residence; and systemic health variables, such as diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, cancer or malignant tumours, cerebrovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis, depressive symptom, and self-rated health status. Oral health variables explained cognitive function differently by age group; GOHAI appeared important predictor in the group aged < 75 years, whereas the number of functional teeth did in the group aged ≥ 75 years. Educational level, masticatory ability, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health status were pivotal factors age-independently.ConclusionsThe general and age-group-specific association between oral health, systemic health, and cognitive function were confirmed, suggesting that age-group-specific oral healthcare should be emphasized for the effective management of systemic and cognitive health in the elderly group.

Association between oral health and cognitive frailty in community‐dwelling older adults

AbstractBackgroundCognitive frailty indicates the presence of both physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and has been associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes (e.g., mortality). Poor oral health has been related to cognitive impairment and physical frailty, respectively. However, the association between oral health and cognitive frailty remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between oral health and cognitive frailty in community‐dwelling older adults.MethodThis 10‐year cohort study (2011‐2021) is a part of an ongoing prospective cohort study. At baseline (2011‐2013), 605 non‐demented community‐dwelling older adults (aged 65+) with four biennial follow‐ups. Cognitive frailty was defined as the coexistence of MCI and physical frailty. Extended definitions of cognitive frailty were also assessed and defined as the coexistence of impaired cognitive domains and physical frailty. Oral health variables included tooth defects, dentition, and periodontal status. The generalized linear mixed model was used to explore the longitudinal association between oral health and cognitive frailty, adjusting for age, sex, lifestyle, comorbidity, and so on.ResultThe mean age of the study participants was 72.7 at baseline, and 53.4% were female. We found that tooth defect was associated with worsening of impaired memory‐frailty [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03‐1.24] and impaired verbal fluency‐frailty (aOR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.00‐1.11) over time; Dentition was associated with worsening of impaired executive function‐frailty (aOR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.02‐1.18) over time; Periodontal status was associated with worsening of impaired memory‐frailty (aOR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.02‐1.13) and verbal fluency‐frailty (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.00‐1.11) over time. No significant associations were found for traditional cognitive frailty and impaired attention‐frailty.ConclusionCognitive frailty is associated with oral health after adjusting for covariates. Inspection of oral health is helpful to predict the risk of cognitive impairment at an early stage. Further research on this topic is warranted to validate our findings.

Oral Health Status, Behaviours and Oral Healthcare Utilization among Indian Migrants Compared to the Host Population in the Netherlands: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status, oral health behaviours and oral healthcare utilization among Indian migrants living in the Netherlands and how they compare with the host population. Based on a random sample from Dutch municipalities, cross-sectional data were obtained for the Indian migrants living in the Netherlands (n = 148) and the host population (n = 244). A questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic, self-reported oral health status, oral health behaviours and oral healthcare utilization. The distribution of self-reported oral health variables for both groups were tabulated and compared using logistic, ordinal and multinomial regression analysis. When adjusted for covariates such as age, gender, marital status, education, income, occupation and dental insurance, regression analysis for oral health status showed that the odds of reporting oral impact on daily performances (OIDP) was 5.87 times higher for Indians compared to the host population (95%CI:3.45;9.65). In contrast, the odds of Indians reporting bleeding gums [OR = 0.44 (95%CI:0.27;0.73)] and diagnosed with gum diseases [OR = 0.23(95%CI:0.13;0.39)] were lower than the host population. Also, the odds of consuming alcohol and cakes or chocolates was significantly lower among Indian migrants compared to the host population [(OR = 0.15(95%CI:0.09;0.25)] and [OR = 0.33(95%CI:0.21;0.52)], respectively. But the odds of consuming sugar in hot beverages were significantly higher among Indians [OR = 10.44(95%CI:5.99;18.19)]. The odds of Indians visiting a dental professional were 9.22 times (95%CI:4.62;18.40) lower compared to the host population. We found that oral health status and behaviours among Indian migrants were different in certain aspects compared to the host population. However, their oral healthcare utilization remained overall lower. The underlying determinants for such observations merit further research. Migrant friendly approach from both the dental professionals and policy makers can encourage dental visits and improve the utilization patterns among Indians migrants in the future.

Rural Zambian Oral Health Transition: A Long-Term Retrospective Examination of an Outreach Program's Progress and Impact.

This study aimed to (a) describe an annual prevention-focused, community-based oral health outreach program in rural Zambia, (b) assess its oral health outcomes using demographic and oral health variables, and c) identify milestones resulting from program activities. A retrospective analysis of demographic and oral health data from a single site between 2007-2014 and 2018-2019 was conducted. Demographic variables included sex and age, while clinical outcomes encompassed pain, untreated caries, and treatment urgency. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed, adjusting for sex and age categories. Information on community development was obtained from the Ministry of Health and local community representatives. Data from 5,791 subjects were analyzed. The prevalence of pain, untreated caries, and highest treatment urgency category decreased consistently across year categories. Both bivariate and multivariable analyses showed statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes between year categories (p < 0.001). In addition, the percentage of male participants and younger age categories increased during the study period. Key program milestones included the installation of two boreholes for clean water, the development of a local community oral health volunteer program, the establishment of an educational pipeline by the Dental Training School for residents, and the construction of a maternal/oral health center with district and ministry oversight. The observed decrease in treatment urgency scores, presence of pain, and untreated caries are consistent with the prevention-seeking behavior of program participants. The increasing participation and changing demographic patterns over time suggest a growing demand for oral health services among males and younger individuals. The positive oral health outcomes and development of a maternal child/oral health facility exemplify a program design aligned with community needs and appropriate care delivery.

Nutritional status of older adults in India: An exploration of the role of oral health and food insecurity factors

BackgroundIn this study, we attempted to generate insights into the determinants of nutritional status among older adults in India by exploring the role of factors including oral health, food insecurity, socioeconomic, demographic and health-related variables. The study also examined the moderating role of tooth loss with the association between chewing ability and nutritional status. MethodsThe data was obtained from Longitudinal Ageing Study India (LASI) – Wave 1 (2017-18). The sample consisted of 27,411 older adults (Male = 13, 232; Female = 14, 179) aged 60 years and above. In addition to descriptive and bivariate analysis, we employed multinominal logistic regression analysis. ResultThere was a significant association between the ability to chew solid food and tooth loss in the nutritional status of older adults. It was further revealed that tooth loss acted as a moderator (aRRR = 1.50, 95 % CI: 1.08–2.08) between the chewing ability and the risk of being underweight. The weight loss due to food insecurity increased the relative risk ratio of being underweight (aRRR = 1.58, 95 % CI: 1.25–2.00). Further evidence showed that self-rated health (SRH), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), morbidity status and socioeconomic factors had a significant role in determining the nutritional status among older adults. ConclusionChewing ability, tooth loss, and food insecurity determine nutritional status among older adults. It is suggested to care for oral and general physical health as these factors increase the risk of nutritional deficits. Also, policy measures should be strengthened to address the specific health and food security needs of older adults from vulnerable socioeconomic circumstances.

The Impact of the Socioeconomic Status(SES) on the Oral Health Status Among 15 Year-Old School Adolescents In Kerbala City/Iraq

Dental caries, plaque, calculus and gingivitis are the most common and widely spread oral health conditions affecting humans at different ages. Socioeconomic status was reported to be one of the factors affecting the severity of oral diseases. The aim of the study included studying the impact of socioeconomic status on oral health variables and investigating the prevalence and severity of dental caries, gingivitis, dental plaque, and dental calculus and an excellent data baseline for planning future preventive programs. The total sample was composed of 500 male students at 15 years old selected randomly from the secondary schools in Karbala city. Assessment of the socioeconomic status using a questionnaire; information about the student's socioeconomic status (SES) was obtained from the student's guardians. Diagnosis and recording of dental caries were according to the criteria described by WHO (2013). gingival index of Loe and Silness (1963) was followed for recording gingival health condition, the Plaque index of Silness and Loe (1964) was used for plaque assessment, and the assessment of calculus was done by applying the Ramfjord index (1959). A high prevalence of dental caries (95.60%) was found, and the caries-free students represented (4.40%); the caries prevalence and severity represented by (DMFT)(DMFS) respectively and the (FS) component of the DMF were significantly affected by the socioeconomic status (SES), Dental plaque and calculus are more in low SES group than other groups, with no significant differences, The mean of gingivitis of the total sample was(1.908), also finding gingivitis is more in low SES group than other groups with a Significant difference(0.011), and regarding the Gingival severity, all subjects have the moderate type of gingivitis (1.1-2). There is a clear and significant increase in the prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis concerning the socioeconomic status of this adolescent group of students. This requires good dental school health programs and improvement in the education level about the importance of oral health and more regular dental visits. Keywords: Dental caries, oral health, gingivitis, socioeconomic

Using machine learning to study the association of sociodemographic indicators, biomarkers, and oral condition in older adults in Colombia

BackgroundChronic health conditions and socioeconomic problems that affect the well-being and life expectancy of older adults are common. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the association between sociodemographic variables, oral conditions, and general health and the biomarkers of older adults using machine learning (ML). MethodsA total of 15,068 surveys from the national study of Health, Well-Being and Aging (Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento) data set were used for this secondary analysis. Of these, 3,128 people provided blood samples for the analysis of blood biomarkers. Sociodemographic, oral health, and general health variables were analyzed using ML and logistic regression. ResultsThe results of clustering analysis showed that dyslipidemia was associated with poor oral condition, lower socioeconomic status, being female, and low education. The self-perception of oral health in older adults was not associated with the presence of teeth, blood biomarkers, or socioeconomic variables. However, the necessity of replacing a dental prosthesis was associated with the lowest self-perception of oral health. Edentulism was associated with being female, increased age, and smoking. ConclusionsSocioeconomic and educational disparities, sex, and smoking are important factors for tooth loss and suboptimal blood biomarkers in older adults. ML is a powerful tool for identifying potential variables that may aid in the prevention of systemic and oral diseases in older adults, which would improve geriatric dentistry. Practical ImplicationsThese findings can help the academic community identify critical sociodemographic and clinical factors that influence the process of healthy aging and serve as a useful guide to enhance health care policies and geriatric oral health care services.

Are dental visiting patterns and oral pain associated with dental disease among Norwegian adults? A cross-sectional study based on the Tromsø study.

The present study aims to describe the dental visiting patterns in a Norwegian adult population and their associations with sociodemographic and oral health variables, including oral pain. We further explore if the utilization of dental health services and oral pain predicts caries and periodontitis, the most common oral diseases. We use data from the seventh wave of the Tromsø study performed in 2015-2016. In this cross-sectional survey, all residents 40 years or older in Tromsø municipality in Norway were invited, of whom 21,083 (65%) participated. All participants answered questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, use of health services, and self-reported health measures, including pain. Almost 4000 participants underwent a dental examination with registration of caries and periodontitis. Associations of dental visiting patterns and utilization of dental services the past 12 months with sociodemographic-, self-reported-, and clinical oral health measures were analyzed by cross-tabulation and Pearson's χ2 tests, as well as with logistic regression analyses with caries and periodontitis as outcomes. A regular, annual dental visiting pattern was the most common, but among respondents with severe dental anxiety and poor dental health, visiting for acute problems only or never (symptomatic visiting) was the most common. Intervals of more than 24 months between visits and a symptomatic visiting pattern were associated with caries, whereas shorter than 12-month intervals and a symptomatic visiting pattern were associated with periodontitis. Many characteristics were shared among respondents with the lowest and the highest utilization of dental services, including oral pain, a difficult financial situation and poorer self-reported and clinical dental health. Regular dental visits at 12-24 month intervals were associated with beneficial oral health parameters, compared with more frequent, rarer, and symptomatic dental visiting patterns. Oral pain was an unreliable predictor of caries and periodontitis.