Oral Hygiene Frequency Research Articles

A Relation between Oral Hygiene Frequency and Presence of Visible Biofilm in Permanent Dentition among School-going Children in Bhopal, India

Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to associate oral hygiene frequency and presence of visible biofilm in the permanent dentition. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaires survey was conducted among 300 school children in Bhopal located in central zone of Madhya Pradesh in India during the period of January 2015. Two biofilm indices, one simplified (BF1) and other conventional (BF2), were used. BF1 classifies biofilm as absent, thin or thick, in anterior and/or posterior teeth, and provides scores for the subject, whereas BF2 classifies, biofilm as absent or present, provides scores for three sufaces of each tooth and the final score is the percentage of tooth surfaces with biofilm. Chi-square and Spearman's correlation tests were applied by using Statistical Package of Social Science software. Results: 10% of subjects clean their teeth twice a day or more, whereas 1% subject never clean their teeth. Maximum 84% subject clean their teeth once a day. BF1 reveals that 7% (21) of the children had no visible biofilm, 80% (240) had thin biofilm in anterior or posterior teeth, 12% (36) had thick biofilm in anterior or posterior teeth and 1% (3) had thick biofilm in both anterior and posterior teeth. BF2 revealed a mean value of 31.141%. Conclusion: A significant correlations were found between oral hygiene frequency and presence of visible biofilm expressed by the simplified and the conventional indices.

Association between body mass index and caries among 13-year-old population in Castelo de Paiva, Portugal

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between dental caries and body mass index-for-age (BMI-for-age) in a 13-year-old population. MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with a birth-cohort of 181 voluntary 13 year-old adolescents belonging to a grouping of schools in Castelo de Paiva. BMI-for-age, DMFT and oral hygiene habits were recorded. The Z-test, Mann–Whitney and the Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for univariate comparisons. Multivariate association between independent factors and DMFT>0 or DMFT>6 was assessed using backward stepwise binary logistic multivariate regression analysis (0.05 for covariate inclusion and 0.10 for exclusion). ResultsThe mean DMFT was 4.04 (±2.79) with caries experience affecting 90.1% of adolescents and the majority had normal BMI-for-age (69.1%), 3.3% below normal and 27.6% had weight over normal. DiscussionNo significant differences were found for DMFT according to gender, school attendance, oral hygiene frequency or BMI-for-age. In multivariate analysis the oral hygiene frequency was shown to be significantly associated with DMFT higher than zero (p=0.041). For a more severe DMFT value (DMFT>6) this frequency was not statistically important, whereas the lack of performing oral hygiene at night showed to be a significant risk factor for severe DMFT (p=0.006). The oral hygiene habits showed to be a better predictor than BMI-for-age for the development of caries disease prediction. ConclusionThis study confirms that no association could be assigned between BMI-for-age and dental caries in children especially in permanent dentition.

EVALUATION OF PERIODONTAL TISSUES CONDITION IN CHILDREN WITH BLOOD COAGULABILITY PATHOLOGY

Background. Actuality of the problem is determined by the high prevalence of periodontal tissues inflammatory diseases in children with blood pathology (100%). Primary prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases has the exceptional importance in the dentist’s work with children who have blood coagulability disorders. Prevention of dental diseases of the oral cavity in this category of patients has a number of features because there is risk of bleeding during both home oral hygiene and professional hygiene. Exogenous prevention (fluoride-containing gels, varnishes, solutions, sealants) also has its own peculiarities in these children. On the other hand, the impossibility of preventive measures implementation is the significant factor in the pathogenesis of gingivitis and subsequently periodontitis in children with disorders of blood coagulability.Aim. To examine the status of oral hygiene in children with blood coagulability disorders. To examine the severity of inflammatory and destructive changes in the periodontal tissues in children with disorders of blood coagulability. To investigate timing and frequency of oral hygiene implementation in children with disorders of blood coagulability. To reveal the interrelations between the intensity, prevalence of periodontal tissues disorders in children with blood coagulability pathology and the periods of tooth development, taking into account the influence of risk factors and frequency of oral hygiene.Materials and methods. 120 children between 2 and 18 years old with blood coagulability disorders (hemophilia A, B, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopathy) were examined. Children were divided into following age groups: I – 2-5 years old (40 children), II – 6-10 years old (40 children), III – 11-18 years old (40 children), according to the periods of tooth development, with an equal number of children in groups according to diagnoses. Hygiene index value was determined according to Fedorov and Volodkina, PMA index (papillary-marginal-alveolar index) was determined by standard methods. Visual presence of inflammation clinical signs and periodontal tissue condition was determined in each group. During interviews with parents the timing and frequency of oral hygiene were studied on the proposed scheme.Results. During clinical examination of children with pathology of blood coagulability unsatisfactory level of oral hygiene was revealed. When evaluating PMA index in different age groups it should be noted that mild gingivitis is observed in all groups (5%). The most numerous group was one with gingivitis of moderate severity (71%) and severe course (24%). Diffuse catarrhal gingivitis dominates in the structure of inflammatory diseases of gums, gingival papillae and gingival margin. Analysis of the data of PMA index and visual examination shows that diffuse inflammation prevails in 99% of cases. It was found out that everyday teeth cleaning was carried out by 25% of children in group I and 40% of children in group III. Obviously, the obtained data indicate the untypical inflammatory process and the high prevalence of gingival and periodontal inflammation in the examined children.Conclusions. It was found out that low indicators of the oral hygiene level are registered in all groups of examined children; oral hygiene in these children was not carried out because of the risk and fear of bleeding. Prevalence of inflammatory diseases of periodontal tissues in examined children was 100%. Treatment of gingivitis or visit to the dentist due to gingival bleeding were not carried out. Search and use of adequate oral hygiene products for children with pathology of blood coagulability, development of hygiene programs and supporting activities taking into account the underlying disease were put on the agenda by this fact.

Socio-behavioral factors influence prevalence and severity of dental caries in children with primary dentition

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of socio-behavioral variables on the prevalence and severity of dental caries in 4- to 6-year-old children. A cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 1993 children enrolled in 58 public preschools from Araçatuba City, São Paulo State, Brazil, during 2010. The exams were made using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (World Health Organization methodology) and detection criteria for non-cavitated lesions. A tested, self-administered questionnaire was sent to parents to obtain information about their socio-behavioral characteristics. Standardization was performed to verify concordance among examiners (kappa = 0.84). The prevalence of cavitated caries lesions was 41.2% (821), and the prevalence of both, cavitated and non-cavitated caries lesions, was 43.9% (875). The means ± standard deviations of the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index for children aged 4, 5, and 6 years were 1.18 ± 2.45, 1.65 ± 2.67, and 1.73 ± 2.77, respectively. Caries were significantly more prevalent in children from families with low incomes and low educational levels. The presence of dental caries was associated with access to dental services (p < 0.05). The associations between both, cavitated and non-cavitated dental caries lesions, and the frequency of oral hygiene were statistically significant. The prevalence of dental caries in preschoolers was strongly associated with factors related to the children's parents. Therefore, information about parents' socio-economic status, behaviors, and attitudes in relation to oral health should be considered when planning prevention and educational programs for the oral health of preschool children.

Ansiedade frente ao tratamento odontológico: prevalência e fatores predictores em brasileiros

Considering the negative impact anxiety can exert over dental treatment, the scope of this study was to determine the prevalence of predictors of anxiety regarding dental treatment among Brazilians. A cross-sectional study was carried out using the Corah dental anxiety scale to assess the degree of anxiety regarding dental treatment among 3000 patients. The results reveal that two out of every eight Brazilian patients manifest moderate to severe anxiety regarding dental treatment. In this sample, the degree of anxiety was higher among females (p=0.007), over 20 years of age (p=0.006), without access to the Internet and/or newspapers (p=0.016), with a low frequency of oral hygiene (p=0.001), for whom the reason for the dental appointment was curative treatment, pain or another problem rather than a check up (p=0.047) and those suffering from toothache (p<0.001). Fear and anxiety regarding dental treatment indeed exist in the Brazilian population and the findings of this study suggest that, besides the lack of economic resources, negligence with respect to oral health, gender and age may increase the degree of anxiety.

Oral hygiene measures and the periodontal status of school children

Tooth brushing and other mechanical cleaning procedures are considered the most reliable methods of effective plaque removal, which is essential for prevention of periodontal diseases. To investigate the relationship between oral hygiene practices, socioeconomic status and gingival health in a group of Nigerian children. Our study population consisted of 242 randomly selected school children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Participants completed a questionnaire on oral hygiene measures, their gingival health was assessed using oral hygiene index (OHI), plaque index (PI) and index of gingival inflammation (GI). Toothbrushing once daily was the most common practice (52.1%). Toothbrush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste was the most common tooth cleaning aid, while the up and down brushing technique was predominantly used. There was no statistically significant gender difference in toothbrushing frequency; however, significant gender differences were observed in PI and OHI scores (P<0.05). Gingivitis was absent in 28.9% of the children,, while 50.8% had mild, 13.6% moderate and 6.6% severe gingivitis. There was a weak but significant negative correlation between oral hygiene frequency and GI (P<0.05). Socioeconomic status had no relationship with oral hygiene frequency, however it had low but significant correlation with OHI and GI (P<0.05). A logistic regression analysis of the predictors on gingivitis showed that male gender and medium textured toothbrush had significant association with gingival health. Gingival health was influenced by gender, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene frequency and toothbrush texture. Motivation to apply instructions given on oral health care and regular reinforcement are essential.

Dental caries and related factors in Brazilian children from fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas

Purpose: To compare the caries prevalence, saliva buffering capacity (SBC), oral hygiene (OH), dietary habits, family income (FI) and frequency of visits to a dental office (Do) between Brazilian children living in areas with and without fluoridated public water supply. Methods: Forty-six 5-7-year-old preschoolers were selected in Itatiba, SP, Brazil; 19 were from a fluoridated area, and 27 were from a non-fluoridated area. The caries index was determined according to the World Health Organization criteria, and the SBC was assessed by titration with hydrochloric acid. The FI, frequency of OH and visits to Do were estimated by questionnaire. The dietary habits were assessed with a diet chart. The differences between the groups were analyzed with Mann-Whitney-U tests (α=0.05). Results: Children from the non-fluoridated area showed significantly higher dmft/DMFT than those from the fluoridated area, but they showed significantly lower SBC, OH frequency and FI. No significant differences were observed between the areas for dietary habits and visits to Do. Conclusion: Children from fluoridated areas showed higher salivary buffering capacity, family income and oral hygiene frequency as well as lower caries prevalence, supporting the beneficial effect of fluoride in the tap water for caries prevention.

Poor Dental Status and Oral Hygiene Practices in Institutionalized Older People in Northeast Brazil

In this study we describe the dental status and oral hygiene practices in institutionalized older people and identify factors associated with poor dental status. A cross-sectional study was performed in a nursing home in Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará State (northeast Brazil). The number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) was assessed in the residents of the nursing home (n = 167; mean age = 76.6 years). The mean DMFT value was 29.7; the mean number of missing teeth was 28.4. Ninety-three (58.1%) were edentulous. Almost 90% practiced oral hygiene, but only about half used a toothbrush. Only 8% had visited a dentist in the preceding three months. Most of the variables regarding oral hygiene habits (such as the use of toothbrush, frequency of oral hygiene per day, regular tooth brushing after meals) did not show any significant association with the DMFT. In multivariate regression analysis, age, general literacy level, and practice of oral hygiene were independently associated with the DMFT (R2 = 0.13). Institutionalized older people in northeast Brazil have poor dental status, and oral hygiene practices are insufficient. Dental health education is needed focusing on the special needs of this neglected and socioeconomically deprived population to improve their quality of life.

Oral hygiene frequency and presence of visible biofilm in the primary dentition

The purpose of this study was to associate oral hygiene frequency and presence of visible biofilm in the primary dentition. The sample consisted of 90 children, aged up to 4 years old, outpatients of the University Hospital of the Rio de Janeiro State University. The examinations were carried out in a dental office by a single trained examiner who was aided by an assistant. The parents answered a structured questionnaire about oral hygiene methods and frequency. Two biofilm indices, one simplified (BF1) and the other conventional (BF2), were used. BF1 classifies biofilm as absent, thin or thick, in anterior and/or posterior teeth, and provides a score for the patient, whereas BF2 classifies biofilm as absent or present, provides scores for three surfaces of each tooth and the final score is the percentage of tooth surfaces with biofilm. More than half of the parents (51 - 56.7%) reported they cleaned their child's teeth at least twice a day, while 7 (7.8%) had never cleaned their child's teeth. BF1 revealed that 12.2% (11) of the children had no visible biofilm, 37.8% (34) had thin biofilm in anterior and/or posterior teeth, 27.8% (25) had thick biofilm in anterior or posterior teeth and 22.2% (20) had thick biofilm in both anterior and posterior teeth. BF2 revealed a mean value of 21.8% (s.d. 16.5). No statistically significant correlations were found between oral hygiene frequency and the two biofilm indices (p > 0.05), indicating that oral hygiene frequency was not associated to oral hygiene quality in the evaluated sample.

A self-reported survey of Alzheimer's centers in Southwestern Pennsylvania

Directors of nursing at 23 nursing homes with Alzheimer's units in Southwestern Pennsylvania completed a self-reported survey of 12 questions. Responses from the self-administered questionnaires (100% response rate) revealed a wide variation in the staff categories assessing the oral health status of newly admitted residents with AD. The respondents described oral examinations that were incomplete when compared to the oral indicators listed in the Minimum Data Set. All nursing homes reported that oral hygiene was provided each day. The number of residents in a facility had a significant effect on the frequency of oral hygiene provided. Only 52% of the facilities reported yearly oral examinations for this population. According to the respondents, dental treatment was typically performed on-site. The oral health care costs were paid by Medicare, Medicaid, the residents/family members, or by other undescribed resources. Insufficient time, staff, and training, as well as uncooperative behavior, were identified as barriers to optimum oral health care for residents with AD. Additional staff, specialized training, and increased government reimbursement were suggested to improve the oral health care for this group of older adults. For future studies, review of medical records and on-site evaluation of the oral health care at these facilities should be required to verify the reported practices.

Caries prevalence and risk factors among children aged 0 to 36 months.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of caries and risk factors in outpatients of the Pediatric Ambulatory of the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital aging up to 36 months. After signing informed consent forms, the parents answered a structured questionnaire in order to evaluate risk factors for dental caries, including socioeconomic status, oral hygiene and dietary habits. A single investigator carried out the dental examination which assessed the presence of caries, biofilm and gingival bleeding. The data were analyzed by means of the Epi Info program, utilizing the chi-squared test. The children's mean age was 22.9 months. The prevalence of caries, including white spot lesions, was 41.6%, and the mean def-s was 1.7 (+/- 2.5). The most affected teeth were the maxillary incisors, and the most common lesion was the white spot. No significant associations were found between the prevalence of caries and socioeconomic status, frequency of oral hygiene, nocturnal bottle- and breast-feeding or cariogenic food and beverage intake during the day. However, the association between caries and oral hygiene quality (dental biofilm) was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The results suggest that the presence of a thick biofilm was the most important factor for the occurrence of early childhood caries in the evaluated sample.