Oral Hygiene Behavior Research Articles

Quality of orthodontic care-Amulticenter cohort study in aGerman convenience sample : Part2: Cross-sectional patient-reported outcomes after orthodontic treatment.

In light of the growing interest in orthodontic care and its effectiveness in Germany, part2 of this multicenter cohort study evaluated patient-reported outcomes such as oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), oral hygiene habits, oral health beliefs, and potential influencing factors. Of 586 patients screened from seven German study centers, data from 343 patients were analyzed for this part of the study. At the end of their orthodontic treatment, study participants filled out aquestionnaire of either the German long version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G49) or the German short version of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP-19), depending on their age, as well as questions about their oral hygiene behavior and beliefs. Patient-, treatment- and occlusion-related factors were analyzed to account for potential influencing factors with regard to patients' OHRQoL after orthodontic treatment. In all, 222 study participants filled out the OHIP-based and 121 the COHIP-based questionnaire. The mean OHIP-G49 score was 12.68 and the mean OHIP-G14 score was 3.09; the mean COHIP-19 score was 6.52 (inverted score 69.48). For OHIP-G49 scores, anonsignificant trend towards ahigher score for male patients (14.45 vs 11.54; p = 0.061) was detected, while this trend was inverse for the COHIP-19 scores, i.e., female patients reported more impairment (total score 6.99 vs. 5.84; p = 0.099). Analyses suggested atrend towards better OHRQoL for patients who classified for the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index improvement rate group 'greatly improved' as well as for nonsmokers. Oral hygiene habits and beliefs after orthodontic treatment were estimated to be good. In this German cohort, OHRQoL proved to be good and was rather unimpaired after orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, self-reported oral hygiene behavior and oral health beliefs represented good health awareness.

Current Status and Family Factors Influencing Caries in the Deciduous Teeth of Children 3-6 Years of Age in Families Residing in Rural Heishanzui Township.

To determine the caries status in children's deciduous teeth and examine the influence of family oral health behaviours on the caries status. This cross-sectional study included 329 children aged 3-6 years in rural Heishanzui Township, Hebei Province, China, and used a completely random sampling method. These children underwent physical and oral health examinations. The questionnaires were given to the parents and caregivers of the examined children. The prevalence of caries in the deciduous dentition among children aged 3-6 years was 80.55%, with a dmft index of 4.93. Children in the caries group ate sweets, chocolates, and carbonated drinks more frequently than did children in the caries-free group (p < 0.05). Children in the caries-free group brushed their teeth more frequently, with parents helping their children brush, more often than did those in the caries-affected group (p < 0.05). The level of parental education and annual household income also had statistically significant effects on the prevalence of caries in the two groups (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the frequency of eating sweets was a risk factor for caries in deciduous teeth (odds ratio = 2.20; p < 0.05). The prevalence of caries in deciduous teeth among children aged 3-6 years in rural Heishanzui Township was high. Compared to children in the caries-affected group, the families and children in the caries-free group had better oral hygiene behaviours. Moreover, the frequency of eating sweets was shown to be a risk factor for caries in deciduous teeth in children aged 3-6 years.

The effect of individuals' oral hygiene habits and knowledge levels on peri-implant health and disease: a questionnaire-based observational study

BackgroundPeri-implant disease and health are associated with microbial dental plaque. Therefore, oral hygiene plays a role in preventing and treating these diseases. This study aimed to determine the relationships among knowledge of peri-implant status, oral hygiene habits, and peri-implant disease and health.MethodsA total of 144 implants in nonsmokers with controlled systemic disease were included in the study. Peri-implant disease and the conditions of the implants were determined with periodontal indices and radiographs based on the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions and The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline. Individuals were asked 66 questions regarding demographic information, oral hygiene habits and history, and knowledge of peri-implant diseases. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the three peri-implant disease and condition categories.ResultsThere was a significant difference between groups regarding toothpaste type (p < 0.05). Gum protection toothpaste was greater in the peri-implant health group. Patients' use of interdental products was very low; often, no products were used for implant prosthesis. There was no significant difference among the groups regarding oral hygiene product use or oral hygiene habits (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups regarding frequency of visit (p < 0.05). The frequency of visits to the dentist for pain was greater for individuals with peri-implantitis. There is a significant difference between the groups' answers for the causative and initiating factors of peri-implant disease (p < 0.05). The peri-implant health group answered that microbial dental plaque is the most crucial initiating factor of peri-implant diseases, and bleeding on probing is the most critical determinant of peri-implant diseases at a higher rate than the other groups.ConclusionsPatients' oral hygiene habits and knowledge levels are almost similar according to peri-implant status. Knowledge does not reflect a patient's oral hygiene behavior. Clinicians should ensure that individuals' oral hygiene practices align with their increased awareness regarding peri-implant illnesses.

Periodontal health literacy in Germany-Results of a telephone survey.

Assess the periodontal health literacy of German adolescents, adults and senior residents. The prevalence of periodontitis is high. One explanation for this may be that people lack periodontal health literacy (PHL). This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Former participants of the 5th German Oral Health Study (n = 333 16-year-olds, n = 307 39-48-year-olds, n = 332 69-78-year-olds) participated in a computer-assisted telephone interview. Open-ended questions (OEQs) were used to assess the participants' current knowledge. Corresponding single- and multiple-choice questions (SCQs and MCQs) supplemented the OEQs to allow detailed analyses of the nature of the knowledge gaps. Less than 10% of the participants in the three age groups could explain the term 'periodontitis' or select the correct answer in an SCQ. Responding to the OEQs, 89% of 16-year olds, 64% of 39-48-year-olds, and 59% of 69-78-year-olds, could not name any consequence of periodontitis, and 83%, 51%, and 60%, respectively, could not name any risk factors. The OEQs regarding proper oral hygiene behaviour revealed that participants lacked awareness regarding important aspects of oral hygiene (e.g., systematics) or areas to which they should pay attention to (e.g., interdental spaces and gingival margins). The survey revealed PHL deficits in German adolescents, adults, and seniors and a need for community-based measures to improve PHL in all age groups. Dental teams should be aware that their patients might lack the PHL necessary for understanding and adherence to professional dental advice, and that they might even lack PHL regarding the proper use of oral hygiene devices.

Potential Factors of Dental Health Behavior as a Predictor of Dental Caries Status in Visually Impaired Children: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to explain the potential factors of dental and oral hygiene behavior as a predictor of dental caries status in children with visual impairments. The prevalence of dental caries in visually impaired children was investigated through a cross-senal study conducted at a visually impaired special needs elementary school in Jakarta, Indonesia. The study included 25 visually impaired children aged 6-12 years, with dental caries status examined using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT)/dmft index according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Data were collected through comprehensive interviews involving the completion of 13 WHO Annex questions. The result showed that the overall prevalence of dental caries in visually impaired children was 64%, with an average dmft/DMFT of 2.24/0.96. Some of the factors that significantly influence the dental caries status in children with visual impairments aged 6-12 years include visiting the dentist [p = 0.029, 0.05, Pearson's Chi-square, confidence interval (CI) 95%] and the need for care (p = 0.002, 0.05, Pearson's Chi-square, CI 95%). In conclusion, the majority of visually impaired children have dental caries, which is influenced by factors, such as visiting the dentist and the need for treatment. Visiting the dentist regularly and knowing the need for the treatment are the important factors in preventing of dental caries. How to cite this article: Darwita RR, Mayasari Y, Danaswari PVS, et al. Potential Factors of Dental Health Behavior as a Predictor of Dental Caries Status in Visually Impaired Children: A Pilot Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(2):174-179.

Prevalence and risk factors of oral potentially malignant disorders in Indonesia: a cross-sectional study undertaken in 5 provinces

Detection of subjects with oral potentially malignant disorders in a population is key to early detection of oral cancer (OC) with consequent reduction of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for OPMD in representative provinces of Indonesia. This cross-sectional study was undertaken in five Indonesian provinces: West Java (WJ), Jakarta (JKT), West Papua (WP), West Kalimantan (WK) and Banda Aceh (BA). Respondents answered a previously validated questionnaire including information on ethnicity, occupation, socioeconomic status (SES), oral health practices, and behaviours associated with oral cancer. An oral examination was undertaken using WHO standardized methodology. Data were analysed using ANOVA, Chi-Square, and logistic regression to assess association between risk factors and mucosal disease. A total of 973 respondents between the ages of 17 and 82 years was enrolled (WJ 35.5%,JKT 13.3% WP 18.3%, WK 9%, BA 23.9%). Tobacco smoking (14.8%), Betel quid (BQ) chewing (12.6%) and alcohol drinking (4%) varied geographically. A well-established OPMD was detected in 137 (14.1%) respondents and 2 (0.2%) presented with chronic ulceration later diagnosed as OC. Leukoplakia was the most common OPMD found (9.7%), while the prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), not previously described in the nation, was 2.3%. Poor knowledge of OC risk factors, poor oral hygiene behaviours, low-income SES and ethnicity were significantly associated with the presence of an OPMD. There is a previously under-reported high prevalence of OPMD in Indonesia. Overall, we found a strong correlation between the presence of an OPMD and individual habituation to known risk factors.

Assessment of periodontal status in patients undergoing renal dialysis - A hospital-based study.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized chronic kidney disease as the 12th and 17th leading cause of death and disability in the world, respectively. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing dialysis are also often prone to gingival and periodontal tissue inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess and compare periodontal status among dialysis patients with age- and gender-matched controls in Hyderabad City, India. Cases (n = 165) included people who had been diagnosed with ESRD, while controls (n = 165) were subjects accompanying cases who were matched for age and gender. The oral hygiene behavior (OHB) was assessed using the OHB Index developed by Buunk et al. Periodontal status was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index modified and loss of attachment (LOA) based on the modified WHO criteria 2013. Significantly higher means of OHB were seen among cases. Higher means of bleeding, pocket depth (PD), and LOA were seen with increasing age among males, low level of education, and presence of systemic condition among both cases and controls. The mean number of teeth with pocket depth (PD) >4 mm and the mean number of sextants with LOA >3 mm were significantly higher among cases than controls. At the same time, the gingival bleeding was significantly higher among controls. Regression analysis revealed that subjects who underwent dialysis (cases) and the presence of the systemic condition were only the significant predictors for the presence of periodontal disease. The study concludes that patients undergoing hemodialysis are more prone to periodontal diseases, which are again influenced by systemic conditions.

Evaluation of oral health status in the population above 50: evidence from the ardakan cohort study on aging (ACSA)

BackgroundThe global population is undergoing rapid aging, and older individuals are more susceptible to various health issues, including oral health problems. Despite the increasing attention given to healthy aging, oral health has often been overlooked in discussions related to health problems. This study aims to assess the oral health status of middle-aged and older adults in Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed data from 4970 men and women aged 50 years and above, who participated in the Ardakan Cohort Study on Aging (ACSA) between 2020 and 2022. Trained personnel administered a questionnaire and conducted oral health examinations to determine the oral health status and oral hygiene behaviors of the participants.ResultsThe mean value (SD) of the total Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index was 21.3 (10.7). Approximately 46% of all participants were completely edentulous (without natural teeth). Moreover, 58.5% of the total sample wore dentures, and the mean age (SD) when they started using dentures was 48.5 (20.7) years. About 71% of participants with natural teeth reported brushing their teeth at least once a day, while about 63% of denture wearers cleaned their dentures daily. In the sample, 28% of individuals had visited a dentist in the last year. The prevalence of difficulty in biting and chewing food among the participants was 48.2% and 44.6%, respectively. Additionally, nearly 68% of all samples reported experiencing at least one difficulty in daily functioning due to oral/dental conditions. The study identified cutoff points of seven (sensitivity = 56.8 and specificity = 77.5) and 10 (sensitivity = 72.1 and specificity = 71.1) missing teeth, indicating the presence of at least one problem in daily functioning due to oral/dental conditions in middle-aged and older adults, respectively.ConclusionThe study reveals a high prevalence of edentulism and denture use among participants aged 50 years and above. The majority of samples reported difficulties in daily functioning due to oral and dental conditions, especially in biting and chewing food. These findings highlight the importance of proactive measures to address oral health issues in middle-aged and older adults, thereby enhancing their overall health and well-being.

Correlation of maternal parenting style with behavior in maintaining oral hygiene of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type-1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which management is complex and full of challenges, especially when it occurs during childhood and adolescence. Furthermore, with the presence of complications from type-1 diabetes mellitus, including complications related to dental and oral health, appropriate prevention and management strategies are needed. Parents, especially mothers, have an important role in children's lives, such as caring for and teaching children about oral health, maternal behavior in maintaining dental hygiene is a factor in shaping children's dental health, so that good parenting style can maintain the health of the oral cavity of type-1 DM children. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationship between maternal parenting style and maternal behavior in maintaining oral hygiene of type-1 DM children in Malang City. Methods: This study was a cross sectional analytic observational study consisting of 35 parents whose children had type-1 DM at Saiful Anwar Hospital. The instrument used was PSDQ questionnaire. Results: The correlation test between maternal parenting and oral hygiene behavior of children with type-1 DM obtained a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.560 with a significance value of &lt;0.001. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between maternal parenting variables and behavior in maintaining oral hygiene of children with type-1 DM in children with type-1 DM in Malang City.

A STEPwise Approach for Oral Hygiene Behavior of Schoolchildren in Romania.

This research analyzes the dental hygiene habits of schoolchildren from parents' perspectives, using the STEPS approach recommended by the World Health Organization. The key points of oral health care in children include the role of the family in encouraging and maintaining proper oral hygiene practices. This study aimed to assess the oral hygiene practices of schoolchildren with on-site dentists in Romania. Additionally, it sought to establish correlations between these behaviors and the educational levels of the adults with whom they live with. The participants were selected from the zero grade to the eighth grade, totaling 3843students. Statistical analysis involved the application of Fisher's Exact Test and Z-tests with Bonferroni correction. Multinominal and binominal logistic regression models were employed to predict the impact of parents' education on children's oral health status and behavior. The oral health status of children evaluated by parents as poor was more frequent in children whose parents had a primary or gymnasium education (p < 0.001). Female adults with a university education evaluated the gum health of their children as very good to a much greater extent (41.7%, p < 0.001). Regarding the use of auxiliary means, the majority of parents with a university education mentioned that their children use dental floss (26.4% females/27.4% males) (p < 0.001), compared to those with primary education, where the percentage was only (1.2% males/3.5% females) (p < 0.001). The results of this study highlight that the education level of the adults with whom the children live with influences the perception of the teeth and gums health status, the frequency of oral hygiene, the use of fluoride toothpaste, and auxiliary brushing aids.

Concordance and Clinical Outcomes Improvement Following Oral Hygiene Motivation: A Systematic Review and Report of the Workshop of the Italian Societies of Dental Hygiene.

Aim: A workshop on concordance and oral hygiene was held in February 2024. To address the topic, a systematic review aimed at investigating the effectiveness of motivational interventions in improving oral hygiene and focusing on periodontal clinical indices outcomes was designed. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed and Scopus electronic databases to identify relevant articles published up to 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies comparing motivational interventions targeting oral hygiene behaviours, with a focus on periodontal clinical indices. Twelve articles meeting the eligibility criteria were selected for analysis. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed systematically. Results: The synthesis of findings from the selected studies revealed a consistent positive effect of motivational interventions on periodontal clinical indices. These interventions encompassed various strategies, including educational sessions, personalized feedback and motivational interviewing. Improvement in indices such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and periodontal probing depth was observed following motivational interventions, despite the variety of motivational protocols employed. Conclusion: Motivational interventions are effective in enhancing oral hygiene practices and improving periodontal clinical indices. Tailored motivational approaches can serve as valuable tools in promoting oral health behaviours among individuals, potentially reducing the risk of periodontal diseases. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term sustainability and scalability of motivational interventions in diverse populations and settings.

Evaluation of Oral Hygiene Behaviors and Their Influence on the Dental Abrasion Severity

Background: Dental abrasion, a common issue, results from oral hygiene behaviors like aggressive tooth brushing or improper use of abrasive dental products. Objective: To evaluate the oral hygiene behaviors and their influence on the dental abrasion severity. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Settings: Dentistry Department of Watim Medical &amp; Dental College, Rawalpindi Pakistan. Duration: From November 2022 to April 2023. Methods: Total 175 individuals aged 18-65 years with varying oral hygiene practices were included in study. Exclusion criteria included those with significant dental anomalies, systemic conditions affecting oral health, and a history of extensive dental restorations. Informed consent was secured from all participants, emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation and confidentiality of their information. Clinical assessments were conducted by calibrated dental professionals using standardized criteria for dental abrasion severity. Dental impressions, intraoral photographs, and oral hygiene behavior surveys were utilized to collect comprehensive data. The severity of dental abrasion was graded on a standardized scale. Collected data was analysed in SPSS version 22. Results: In terms of age distribution, the majority were between 26-35 years old, constituting 37.1% of the total, followed by those aged 18-25 years (22.9%). Gender-wise, there were slightly more females (54.3%) than males (45.7%) in the study. Among those with abrasion, the severity varied, with 25.7% experiencing mild abrasion, 42.9% having moderate abrasion, and 31.4% exhibiting severe abrasion. For males, the prevalence of dental abrasion was significantly higher, with 17.1% experiencing mild abrasion, 14.3% having moderate abrasion, and 8.6% exhibiting severe abrasion, as indicated by a p-value less than 0.05. Conclusion: Our study reveals a considerable prevalence of dental abrasion among the study population, with 61.71% exhibiting its presence. Further categorization demonstrates varying degrees of severity, encompassing mild (25.7%), moderate (42.9%), and severe (31.4%) abrasion.

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

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

Correlation Between Teeth Alignment and Oral Diseases in New India

Systemic Health goes together with oral health. In India, Oral health remains a big challenge. It is connected tightly to overall individual’s health. Basic oral hygiene such as brushing teeth twice a day is still foreign to most, while such practices are widely practiced in the west. In India, economic factors, coupled with normally accepted behavior and acceptance of poor oral hygiene, prevention of awareness contributed to vast populace with dental issues, like cavities, gum diseases, premature teeth loss, and oral cancers in some cases. With almost 60% of 1.4 billion living in rural areas, initiatives like oral hygiene awareness, preventative care, lifestyle changes and increased dental facilities including universities, colleges and dental care facilities are needed today.&#x0D; We investigate whether there is an association between awareness of teeth alignment, good oral health to overall systemic health. We developed a questionnaire for dental patients falling between the age of 13 - 21 years. This range was selected as most of the patients are old enough to know their oral habits, and other health issues. The patient’s data was collected over a range of 8 months (April 2023 to November 2023) between two states in southern India. The research had 191 patients who were from rural areas, and their awareness on oral hygiene activities were found to be far worse than their urban counterparts (both genders). Based on the data collected, we establish a close relationship between awareness of teeth alignment, to gum bleeding, caries, and pollinosis in young Indians.&#x0D; Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 11(4): 209-216.

Hand and Oral Hygiene Practices of South Korean Adolescents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Only a few studies have examined the long-term trends of hand and oral hygiene, especially among adolescents. To investigate the 15-year trends in frequency of handwashing and toothbrushing and examine the factors associated with hand and oral hygiene, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study, performed from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2022, used general population-based data from 963 644 individuals in a national representative survey (Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey [KYRBS]). COVID-19 pandemic. Trends in hand and oral hygiene practices were measured by how frequently adolescents washed their hands and whether they fulfilled the recommended guidelines for toothbrushing. An interrupted time series analysis using linear and logistic regression models was performed to assess any associations with the COVID-19 pandemic. Hand and oral hygiene behaviors before and during the pandemic in each sociodemographic subgroup were also compared. In the 963 644 adolescents (495 697 [51.4%] male; mean [range] age, 15.01 [12-18] years) who participated in the KYRBS from 2008 to 2022, a 73.3% (95% CI, 59.4%-97.4%; P < .001) immediate increase was seen in overall hand hygiene behavior at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the prepandemic period, with a sustained decrease thereafter (β = -0.018; 95% CI, -0.022 to -0.015; P < .001). Meanwhile, no immediate increase was observed in terms of overall oral hygiene behavior (0.1%; 95% CI, -0.9% to 1.1%; P = .82); however, there was a sustained decrease during the pandemic (β = -0.018; 95% CI, -0.020 to -0.016; P < .001). Older age, female sex, nonsmoking status, alcohol use, low household economic level, and poor school performance were significantly associated with poor hand hygiene during the pandemic. In this cross-sectional study of South Korean adolescents, an increase in the prevalence of hand hygiene was observed during the early pandemic; however, this prevalence decreased over time. Meanwhile, the decrease in the prevalence of oral hygiene was more pronounced during the pandemic. This study recommends stronger guidelines for adolescent health coaches, such as teachers or public health advisers, regarding hygiene behaviors, even after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

The Use of Monitoring Cards is Effective In Improving Dental And Mouth Cleanliness and The Behavior of Deaf Children

Problem statement : The limitations that deaf children have in hearing, result in cognitive information processing disorders, namely limitations in receiving, storing, and re-disclosing information as an understanding, being able to explore and add information about something (especially about dental and oral health. The role of people Parents are very necessary in maintaining children's health, especially dental and oral hygiene because deaf children are still dependent on their parents. Method: Pre Test and Post Test Control Group Design. The study population was students of Prof. Dr. Sri Soedewi Mschjun Sofwan, SH and their parents as the intervention group and students of SLB Negeri 1 Jambi City and their parents as the control group. In the intervention group, counseling was given and Monitoring Cards, while the control group was only given counseling. The measuring instrument used is PHPM. Children's behavior is seen by using a questionnaire. Analysis of the data to see the status of oral hygiene and student behavior in maintaining oral health with a pair t-test. Scientific finding results: The results showed that dental health education using a monitoring card was more effective in improving the status of dental and oral hygiene and dental health behavior in SLB children than not using a monitoring card. A short conclusion: The recommendation from this study is for parents to be more active in motivating their children to maintain oral and dental health by using a monitoring card so that the way their children brush their teeth will be better and correct.

Saudi School Children's Oral Health and Hygiene Literacy and Behaviors

Background: Awareness, attitude, and routines greatly affect oral health. This survey examined Saudi schoolchildren's oral hygiene knowledge, attitude, and behavior in Al Qassim. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al Qassim region, focusing on school children. The study utilized a pretested online questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. The initial segment of the questionnaire documented the participants' age and dental background, while also capturing their respective experiences. The subsequent section addressed the topics of dental hygiene and dental appointments. The third section of the study was the assessment of students' knowledge on oral hygiene. Results: The study revealed that 39% of the students possessed a satisfactory level of oral hygiene knowledge. However, it was observed that students who brushed their teeth regularly or twice a day exhibited a considerably greater level of oral hygiene knowledge (p&lt;0.001). Approximately 56.8% of the student population indicated experiencing oral issues, whereas 20.7% disclosed never having sought dental care during their lifetime. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of dental visits seen among students aged 12 years and older last year (p=0.010). Conclusion: It is imperative for educational institutions in Saudi Arabia to initiate the integration of a comprehensive oral health education program that encompasses both students and their parents.

Development of Tooth Brushing Recommendations Through Professional Consensus

IntroductionDespite being a largely preventable disease, untreated caries of permanent teeth is estimated to affect almost 2 billion people worldwide, which is followed by severe periodontal disease. The aim of this work was to provide a professional consensus on tooth brushing methods and associated oral hygiene behaviours and develop evidence-informed recommendations. MethodsAn initial scoping search was undertaken to identify systematic reviews of relevance and key questions. This was followed by comprehensive evidence mapping of the literature focussing on systematic reviews and clinical guidelines. Electronic searches of several databases including MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase (via Ovid), Epistemonikos, and The Cochrane Library were undertaken from 2000 to May 2022, alongside a guideline repository search. Considered Judgement Forms were developed detailing the underpinning evidence, balance between benefits and harms, potential impact on the population, and feasibility of implementation. An online survey comprising 22 draft recommendations was distributed to international members of all FDI committees, including the FDI Council. Participants were asked to indicate to what level they agreed or disagreed with for each recommendation and to provide feedback. The Considered Judgement Forms were provided for reference. ResultsThree hundred ten records were identified and mapped to different aspects of tooth brushing methods and associated behaviours. Research literature informed 7 Considered Judgement Forms comprising 12 questions with draft recommendations. Twenty-five participants from Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Australia provided feedback on the recommendations. More than 70% of respondents showed agreement with 21 of the 22 draft recommendations. Final recommendations were drafted with associated strength of recommendation. ConclusionUsing a robust methodology and an international professional consensus, a set of evidence-informed recommendations was developed. These recommendations provide clinicians with practical guidance to facilitate communications with patients that may help to reinforce individual-level preventive strategies.

Determinants of Early Childhood Caries and their interactions: A Structural Equation Modelling approach.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) has been common among preschoolers in Sri Lanka over decades. A broad spectrum of determinants that act upon different levels is responsible for its development. Therefore, the relationships among these determinants should be studied extensively to control ECC. Descriptive cross-sectional study with multistage cluster sampling. Registered preschools in Gampaha District. A total of 1038 three to four-year-olds and their mothers. Direct, indirect, and total effects of the determinants of ECC in structural equation models. Sweet consumption had direct effects from permissive parenting (β=0.26, p=0.00) and the sweet consumption behaviour of the family (β=0.17, p=0.01). Oral hygiene behaviours had direct effects from permissive parenting (β=-0.46, p=0.00) and maternal oral health related self-efficacy (β=0.23, p=0.00). The dental attendance pattern had total effects from knowledge (β=0.18, p=0.00) and permissive parenting (β=-0.16, p=0.00). Parenting style, family sweet consumption behaviour and maternal oral health related self-efficacy were the most influential second-line determinants that affected oral health behaviours: sweet consumption, oral hygiene, and dental attendance pattern for the development of ECC.

Detection rates of norovirus gastroenteritis and factors associated with the infection before and during COVID-19 pandemic: a secondary analysis of surveillance data in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Southern China

ABSTRACT Background: Changes in oral and hand hygiene behaviors have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 which may be associated with the incidence of the norovirus infection, a common cause of gastroenteritis. Objective: To estimate the trends of detection rates of norovirus gastroenteritis and associated factors before COVID-19 in 2015–2019 and during the COVID-19 in 2020 in Guangxi, China. Methods: A secondary analysis of Guangxi surveillance data of gastroenteritis patients was conducted. The detection rate in 2020 was predicted using an autoregressive integrated moving average modeland associated factors were analyzed using multiple logistic regression adjusted for interaction effects. Results: Of 7,903 gastroenteritis patients, the overall detection rate of norovirus gastroenteritis was 12.8%, (14.3% before and 6.1% during COVID-19). Detection rates gradually decreased from 2015 to 2020, of which the slope of predicted line was slightly flatter than the actual line. The odds ratios of detection were double to triple increase during COVID-19 in the younger age group and having food intake outside their homes. Tourist city, season, and types of food were independent associated factors. Conclusion: The detection rates were higher during the COVID-19 year among the population aged 45 years or less and those who consumed food outside their home.