Simplified Oral Hygiene Index 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.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Caries among Children of Moroccan Schools

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to describe the oral health status of schoolchildren, while focusing on the relationship between carious prevalence and the two risk factors which are obesity and passive smoking. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in primary school of Casablanca, Morocco. A total of 1003 schoolchildren aged between 6 to 12 years old were examined in their classrooms in daylight. The questionnaire was used to collect information about socio-demographic status, oral health practice consumption of sweets and passive smoking. Dental caries was assessed using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft, DMFT) index, and oral hygiene status by the simplified oral hygiene index OHI. The obesity was defined based to the measurement of BMI index. Results: The caries prevalence was 57.7% in temporary dentition and 43% in permanent dentition. The caries index was dmft= 2.44 and DMFT= 1.3. Higher Caries prevalence was associated with poor oral hygiene, increased consumption of sweets; however, caries prevalence in temporary and permanent dentition was lower in children with obesity (5,5% and 4,9% respectively), and exposed to passive smoking (25,4%,31,8% respectively).

Use of intraoral mobile photography for screening of oral health in children

Abstract Background The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of intraoral mobile photography to assess caries intensity (DMFT/deft), simplified oral hygiene index (S-OHI) and modified gingival index (MGI). Methods Children aged 7-12 were included in the study. The clinical doctor evaluated the oral health indicators by visual examination: DMFT, deft, S-OHI, MGI were calculated. Dental students independently captured photos with a mobile phone (iPhone-11) in 8 predetermined projections. Dental images were kept in coded folders for research anonymity. Another professional calculated index based on the photos. Variables were used with binary values (DMFT/deft = 0/≥1; MGI=0/≥1; S-OHI≤1.2/&amp;gt;1.2). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) of dental photography were evaluated and Cohen’s Kappa was calculated to measure the level of agreement between two independent observers. Results 2864 photographs were evaluated for 358 participants. The sensitivity and specificity of intraoral mobile photography for DMFT index is 95.8 (95% CI: 93.4-98.3) and 89.2 (95% CI: 83-95.5); For deft index: 100.0 (95% CI: 100-100) and 88.6 (95% CI: 79.3-98); For MGI: 89.7 (95% CI: 85.8-93.5) and 91.4 (95% CI: 86.3-96.5); For S-OHI: 77.6 (95% CI: 67.6-87.6) and 93.8 (95% CI: 91-96.6); The PPV value for DMFT, deft, MGI and S-OHI is 96.2; 97.7; 95.6 and 74.3 and the NPV value is 88.3; 100.0; 80.9 and 94.8 respectively. It was achieved substantial and perfect agreement between two independent raters: For DMFT, deft, MGI, S-OHI indices Cohen’s Kappa =0.85; 0.93; 0.78; 0.70 correspondingly. Conclusions Intraoral mobile photography, if applied within appropriate guidelines is reliable for assessing caries intensity, simplified hygiene index and modified gingival index as well as visual screening and may become a priority for dental public health. The involvement of dental students in studies of similar design is appropriate. Key messages • Intraoral mobile photography can be used for oral health screening in children. • The involvement of dental program students in screening studies conducted with intraoral mobile photography is appropriate.

Effect of malocclusion severity on oral health and its correlation with socioeconomical status in Iranian adolescents

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the effect of malocclusion severity according to the Index of Treatment Need (IOTN) on oral health (dental caries and gingivitis), and its correlation with socioeconomic status (SES) in Iranian adolescents.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents between 10 and 16 years in Tehran city, who underwent clinical dental examination. The Dental Health Component (DHC) of the IOTN was used to assess the severity of malocclusion. The DMFT index was calculated to assess dental caries, and the gingival index (GI) was calculated for gingival health assessment. For oral hygiene assessment, the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) was calculated, and a questionnaire was used.ResultsTotally, 306 adolescents participated in this study. The frequency of IOTN grades was 88 (28.8%), 89 (26.1%) ,49 (16%), 60 (19.6%), and 29 (9.5%) for grades 1 to 5, respectively. The multinomial logistic regression showed that by an increase in OHI-S score, the odds of having IOTN grade 4 compared to grade 1 increased. Postgraduate parental level of education decreased the odds of having IOTN grade 4 compared to grade 1. Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between oral hygiene practice and the odds of having IOTN grade 5 compared to grade 1.ConclusionsMalocclusion may hinder oral hygiene practice, and resultantly increase plaque accumulation. This risk may be amplified in children with lower SES, highlighting the need for preventive and educational oral health programs.

Determinants of oral health among Iranian soldiers: a structural equation modeling study

BackgroundMilitary personnel often face unique challenges in maintaining optimal oral health. This study investigated the oral health status, caries experience, and associated factors among a sample of Iranian soldiers, employing a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to explore the complex interplay of socioeconomic and behavioral determinants.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 658 male soldiers aged 18–30 years from three military barracks in Fars province, Iran. Data were collected through a structured instrument and clinical oral examinations. The study employs the DMFT index, which measures caries experience based on decayed, missing, and filled teeth, along with the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) to assess overall oral health status. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the complex relationships between socioeconomic factors, oral health behaviors, and oral health outcomes.ResultsThe mean DMFT score was 3.57 ± 5.91, and the mean OHIS score was 0.56 ± 1.42. SEM analysis revealed that socioeconomic status (SES) indirectly influenced DMFT and oral hygiene scores, mediated by drug use, oral hygiene practices, dietary sugar consumption, and dental visit frequency. Lower toothbrushing frequency was significantly associated with higher DMFT (Estimate = -0.064, p < 0.001) and OHIS scores (Estimate = -0.637, p < 0.001). Drug use (smoking, qalyan, alcohol) was linked to poorer oral health outcomes, while more frequent dental visits were associated with lower DMFT and OHIS scores.ConclusionThis study reveals the complex interplay between socioeconomic conditions, oral health behaviors, and oral health outcomes among Iranian soldiers. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address modifiable risk factors and improve access to preventive dental care within military settings. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate further the causal pathways between these factors and oral health outcomes in military populations.

Oral Health Status of School-Going Children Aged 12-15 Years in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu- A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction and Aim: Oral health can have dire consequences on the physiological and psychosocial aspects of a child’s well-being. The prevalence of oral diseases among children varies with region and population subgroups. It is necessary to assess the oral health of children as this epidemiological data will serve as the foundation for developing appropriate preventive and treatment strategies. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of school going children aged 12-15 years in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, India. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted among 842 children aged 12-15 years who were chosen following a multistage random sampling technique. The oral health status of the children was assessed using Oral Hygiene Index- Simplified (OHI-S), Loe and Silness' Gingival Index (GI), Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index in permanent teeth, and the presence or absence of fluorosis &amp; oral premalignant lesions (OPML). The recorded data was then subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of gingivitis in the population was 53.4%. The highest mean DMFT was seen among males aged 12-13 years (3.20 +/- 3.102) and the least mean DMFT was seen among females aged 14-15 years (2.76 +/-2.67). 1.3% of the population had tobacco pouch keratosis and 10.8% of the population exhibited dental fluorosis. Conclusion: This study has established that the children of Tiruvallur exhibit poor oral health status. Data from this study can serve as a valuable contributor to the development of oral health initiatives with the ultimate goal being improvement in oral health.

The Effect of Acute High-Altitude Exposure on Oral Pathogenic Bacteria and Salivary Oxi-Inflammatory Markers.

Background: The environment can alter the homeostasis of humans and human microbiota. Oral health is influenced by high altitude through symptoms of periodontitis, barodontalgia, dental barotrauma, and a decrease in salivary flow. Microbiota and inflammatory state are connected in the oral cavity. This study aimed to explore the effect of acute high-altitude exposure on the salivary microbiome and inflammatory indicators. Methods: Fifteen healthy expeditioners were subjected to oral examination, recording the plaque index (PII), gingival index (GI), the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), and the number of teeth; unstimulated saliva samples were collected at an altitude of 1191 m (T1) and 4556 m (T2). TNF-α, sICAM1, ROS, and the oral bacterial species Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) were quantified. Results: At T2, slCAM, TNF, and ROS increased by 85.5% (IQR 74%), 84% (IQR 409.25%), and 53.5% (IQR 68%), respectively, while Pg decreased by 92.43% (IQR 102.5%). The decrease in Pg was greater in the presence of low OHI-S. The increase in slCAM1 correlated with the reduction in Fn. Individuals with high GI and OHI-S had a limited increase in TNF-α at T2. Conclusion: Short-term exposures can affect the concentration of pathogenic periodontal bacteria and promote local inflammation.

Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices for Optimal Oral Health among Adults in Benin City, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Oral health is crucial for overall well-being, involving the maintenance of good oral hygiene to prevent diseases. Despite global progress, gaps persist in developing countries, leading to higher oral disease prevalence. Factors such as awareness, access, cultural beliefs, and dental phobia significantly impact oral health. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices also play critical roles. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the oral health of adults in Benin City, Edo State. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 198 adults attending a dental outreach program in three local government areas (Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, and Egor) in Benin City, Edo State. A sample size of 200 was determined using the Cochrane formula. A researcher-administered proforma was used for data collection, assessing socio-demographics, oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A validated questionnaire was used for knowledge assessment, and a Likert scale was employed for attitude measurement. The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index were used for clinical examination. Data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 25. Results: The mean oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among respondents were 57.5%, 83.1%, and 55.0%, respectively. Conclusion: The study revealed fair knowledge and practices but good attitudes among respondents. Notable gaps exist in oral hygiene knowledge and practices, although the positive attitudes observed may support effective oral health promotion efforts. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2024; 14(2): 3-8

Oral health and chronic kidney disease: Findings from a descriptive survey in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem, characterized by a progressive and irreversible decline in renal functions, and affecting up to 22.3% of Nigerians. Oral diseases are increasingly recognized to have a bidirectional relationship with CKD, contributing to systemic inflammation, infections, protein-energy wasting, and atherosclerotic complications. Given this interconnectedness, we aimed to explore the relationship between CKD and oral conditions among LASUTH patients to better understand and address these co-occurring health issues. Methods: This descriptive observational study was conducted in the nephrology unit of LASUTH. Patients aged &gt;20 years with a diagnosis of CKD were enlisted and a validated questionnaire with the modified WHO oral health status proforma was utilized to record clinical data: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR), End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Creatinine and Urinalysis from medical records and oral examination findings, Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), Gingival Index (GI), Community Periodontal Index of Treatment needs (CPITN), oral malodour, and Oral lesions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted with adjustments for covariates like age, alcohol use, and BMI to determine the association between oral diseases and CKD. The significance level (p) was set at 0.05, with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results: A total of 200 patients at different stages of CKD were included. The age range was 22–83 years. The majority were aged 31-60 years (mean age 55.22 ± 14.35 years); 69% were males; 7% were current smokers while 12% currently drank alcohol; 27% had eGFR&lt; 15 mL/min/1.73m2 (ESRD); 27% had Creatinine values &gt;1.3mg/dl; prevalence of Gingivitis was 72%; periodontitis was 14% (CPI score ≥3: Pocket depth of ≥4 mm); and poor OHI was 22%. The commonest oral lesions were white lesions 2%, candidiasis 4.5%, hyperpigmentation 22%, oral ulcers 5%, hemorrhagic lesions 12.5%, and Oral malodor 74.5%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significantly increased odds of ESRD among uneducated respondents (OR 1.194; CI: 0.832-1.713); those &gt;60years (OR: 1.129; CI:0.436-2.923); current alcohol drinkers (OR:1.125; CI: 0.281-4.409); and smokers (OR:2.328; CI: 0.27-20.289). The odds of low stimulated saliva flow rate (OR: 1.181; CI:0.768-4.512), oral malodor (OR:1.093; CI: 0.763-1.565), and periodontal disease (OR: 1.242; CI: 0.698-2.209) were also significantly higher among those with ESRD. Conclusion: Individuals with CKD and ESRD may have a higher prevalence of oral diseases and conditions. There were significantly increased odds of ESRD among uneducated respondents, those over 60, current alcohol consumers, and smokers. Additionally, the odds of low stimulated saliva flow rate, oral malodor, and periodontal disease was also significantly higher among those with ESRD. This relationship may also be bidirectional, highlighting the need for appropriate oral self-care and regular dental-care utilization in patients with renal disease. The findings underscore the need for integrated healthcare approaches that consider both oral and renal health, providing a foundation for further research and targeted interventions.

The impact of caregiver training on the oral health of people with disabilities: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of oral health training for caregivers of individuals with disabilities. A systematic review was conducted using five electronic databases: Medline (PubMed), SciELO, Web of Science, LILACS, and CAFe, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The PICO strategy was defined as follows: Participants:caregivers of individuals with disabilities; Intervention:training or education in oral health for caregivers;Control:no caregiver training; andOutcomes:evaluating whether oral health training for caregivers improves the oral health of people with disabilities. The study aimed to address the research question: "What is the impact of oral health training for caregivers of individuals with disabilities?" The study was preregistered in PROSPERO (CRD42023416760). A total of 14 studies were included, with trained caregivers being either staff members or parents, and various disabilities reported, with cerebral palsy being the most prevalent. Caregiver training methods varied, such as instructions on the importance of oral health care, supervised oral hygiene, and demonstration of toothbrushing techniques. Overall, the intervention groups showed an improvement in measures such as to the Gingival Index, Plaque Index, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, and Gingival Bleeding Index on upon probing. Additionally, improvements were observed in the quality, frequency, and duration of toothbrushing among intervention groups. The findings suggest that oral health training for caregivers has a positive impact on the oral health of individuals with disabilities, potentially leading to better oral health outcomes.

Increasing mothers' knowledge, and attitudes, and children's oral hygiene index simplified (OHI-S): an experimental study on the “EKARINI” educational method

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The high incidence of dental caries in children is partly due to the lack of parental participation in estabilishing children's tooth-brushing habits. This research aims to see an increase in the variables tested in the EKARINI, an educational model on mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and children's OHIS. Methods: This study employs an experimental design, collecting pretest and posttest data from mothers and their children following the intervention. The intervention provided in this study involved the EKARINI educational model, which included a pre-test and post-test in the form of a questionnaire consisting of several questions about maternal knowledge and attitudes toward dental health, and the control group received standard education using media such as leaflets, videos, and phantom models. The sample consisted of two groups: an intervention group with 20 respondents and a control group with 20 respondents. Data analysis was conducted using either the independent t-test or the Mann-Whitney test. Results: The findings revealed a significant difference between the posttest scores of the intervention group and the control group The p-values indicate significant differences for each variable: knowledge (p = 0.006), attitude (p = 0.016), and OHIS (p = 0.010), showing that the EKARINI educational model effectively improved maternal knowledge, attitudes, and children's oral hygiene compared to the control group. Based on the average value, the group that received the educational model had a higher average value than the control group. Conclusion: The EKARINI educational model is in increasing mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and better OHIS values.

Developing a Prediction Model for Periodontal Disease Using Ordinal Random Forest

Background: Periodontitis, a common inflammatory disease affecting oral health, is a major public health concern. Early detection of this disease is highly important in order to achieve less invasive and less costly treatment. The ordinal nature of different levels of periodontitis is usually not considered in many studies. It is often recognized and used as a nominal variable, in which case some information related to the ordinal nature is ignored. The aim of this study was to use continuation ratio logistic and ordinal random forest (RF) models to predict the three stages of periodontitis. Methods: Overall, this study evaluated 300 patients referred to the Periodontology Department of Hamadan University, western Iran, between September 2016 and June 2018. The performance of continuous ratio logistic and ordinal forest models was evaluated using the same set of training and test data to predict different types of periodontitis (gingivitis, localized, and generalized periodontitis) based on input variables. Accuracy, kappa, gamma, Somers’d, and precision were utilized for comparison. Results: The results confirmed the higher predictive ability of the ordinal RF model compared to the logistic continuation ratio model for all scoring indices (accuracy of 0.87 vs. 0.80). Alveolar bone loss, attachment loss, probing pocket depth, simplified oral hygiene index, and plaque index were identified as the most important variables. Conclusion: Due to the ordinal nature of different levels of periodontal disease, the use of accurate prediction models such as ordinal RF is suggested since they can take into account the ordinal nature of the response in predicting and evaluating the effect of important variables. Ordinal RF is a well-suited machine learning technique for developing accurate predictive models of periodontal disease risk.

The Oral Health Status and Anthropometric Measurements of Children at Early Childhood Development Centers in an Informal Settlement in Pretoria, South Africa.

Early childhood caries (ECC) continue to increase, especially among low socioeconomic communities. This study was conducted in an informal settlement comprising mostly foreigners who have settled in the area. Given the limited dental and medical services available to these communities, this study aimed to determine the dental and medical disease profile of these inhabitants. The objective was to determine the oral health status and the body mass index (BMI) of children attending crèches in an informal settlement. Oral health data, including dental caries (DC), soft tissue lesions, fluorosis, erosion, and trauma, were recorded using the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended methods. The examiners were calibrated, and all examinations took place at the crèches under natural sunlight. The BMI was calculated by a team of dieticians who were blinded to the oral health status. The height and weight were measured by calibrated examiners under standardized conditions. There were a total of 169 participants; the mean age was 4.02 years (±1.13; 1-7) and there was an equal distribution of males and females (49.7% females and 49.3% males). The prevalence of DC was 39.1%, with 19% having 4 or more carious teeth. The mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) and plaque scores [Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S)] were 1.58 (±2.70) and 0.65 (±0.43), respectively, and the mean dmft score increased with increasing age. The mean d component contributed 99% of the total mean dmft score (1.56). The mean BMI was 15.44, and this decreased significantly (p = 0.009) while the OHI increased significantly (p < 0.001) as the number of carious teeth increased. The prevalence of caries was relatively high, and those with caries had multiple decayed teeth. The d component contributed almost 100% to the mean score, indicating a lack of access to dental care. The mean BMI score was inversely proportional to the number of carious teeth, which could imply that those with caries had difficulty eating. Bhayat A, Madiba TK, Beeforth M, et al. The Oral Health Status and Anthropometric Measurements of Children at Early Childhood Development Centers in an Informal Settlement in Pretoria, South Africa. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(8):903-906.

Intensive Oral Hygiene Interventions during Therapy of Acute Leukemia May Result in Detrimental Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives There are no standard guidelines on oro-dental care during induction therapy of acute leukemia (AL). This study aimed to assess the effect of intensive oral hygiene practice on oral mucositis, infection, and disease outcomes compared to standard clinical practice. Materials and Methods Newly diagnosed patients with AL were randomized to receive either standard oral hygiene protocol (group A, n = 92) or comprehensive oral hygiene protocol (group B, n = 91). In group A, the oral hygiene indexes were measured by the dentist at baseline and at the end of treatment. In group B, weekly monitoring of oral hygiene indexes by the dentist and interventions in the form of oral cavity inspection, probing for gum health, and use of a soft toothbrush and education on oral hygiene practices were carried out. Results The frequency of mucositis was higher in group B (60%) than in group A (40%; p = 0.09). There was no difference in the median Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S; 0.5 vs. 0.6) and Silness and Loe plaque index (0.4 vs. 0.25) between the groups. The local (11 vs. 1%; p = 0.005) and systemic infection rate (82.2 vs. 65.2%; p = 0.009) were higher in group B than in group A. Conclusion This study failed to show the superiority of a comprehensive oral hygiene protocol compared to standard protocol in reducing oral mucositis in patients receiving induction therapy for AL. We hypothesize that frequent intervention in the oral cavity may lead to the dissemination of infection.

Erosive Tooth Wear and Associated Risk Indicators in Schoolchildren from Rural and Urban Areas of the State of Mexico: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Limited access to health services and low educational levels are factors in the rural population that are associated with the development of oral pathologies. However, the specific risk indicators contributing to erosive tooth wear (ETW) in these populations remain unclear. The objective of this study was to identify risk indicators associated with the prevalence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) in schoolchildren aged 8-12 years from rural and urban areas in the State of Mexico. A cross-sectional study was carried out in public schools in rural and urban areas. The prevalence of ETW was evaluated using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE). The risk indicators studied were gastroesophageal reflux, vomiting, vitamin C, food, beverages, dental hygiene, bruxism, and hyposalivation. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of ETW was higher in the rural area (77.3%) compared to the urban area (51.2%) (p = 0.001). The odds of presenting ETW were more than twice in schoolchildren from rural areas compared to those from urban areas (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.11-3.98). Risk indicators varied between rural and urban populations, with different factors such as the consumption of fresh tomato sauce, orange, tangerine, atole (artisanal corn-based drink), and teeth grinding in the rural area, and lemon, soft drink, fruit juice consumption, and the simplified oral hygiene index in the urban area (p < 0.05). To prevent ETW, strategies offering tailored dietary and hygiene advice should be proposed, considering the specific conditions of each geographic area.

Association of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is inevitable. The increase in the occurrence of obesity all around the globe has proportionally increased the occurrence of comorbidities. Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammation of the periodontium attributed to dysbiosis in the subgingival microflora which may ultimately result in tooth loss. A triad between T2DM, periodontitis, and obesity is ascertained. Aim The present study focuses on investigating the association of obesity and T2DM with periodontal health. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of six months (September 2022 to February 2023) on 181 subjects, as per the sample size calculated by the statistician, who were previously diagnosed with T2DM and were either obese or overweight. The glycemic control was assessed on the basis of HbA1c values of the subjects. The subjects underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis along with an anthropometric examination. Full mouth examination including bleeding on probing, pocket probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) was also checked to assess the status of periodontal health, and periodontitis was classified according to the new classification of 2017. Results The obtained data was statistically analyzed and p-value≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The maximum prevalence of Stage III Grade C Periodontitis (34.73%) was observed in the diabetic obese group than in the diabetic overweight group. The overall anthropometric variable, abdominal circumference, waist-hip ratio, and basal metabolic index (BMI) were higher in the obese group as they displayed poor glycemic control. BMI and CAL also showed a positive correlation. Conclusion A significant association between obesity and T2DM with periodontitis was confirmed by this study. Hence, a syndemic approach needs to be formulated by the medical fraternity in collaboration with dental surgeons for the effective management of this triad.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Arabic version of the oral health values scale.

The study aimed to adapt the original English-language oral health values scale (OHVS) to the Arabic culture and to test its psychometric properties. The original OHVS was translated into Arabic language and pre-tested using cognitive interviewing. The psychometric properties of Arabic OHVS were examined in a sample comprising 416 Libyan adults aged 18-70 years, recruited from the main public and private dental clinics in Benghazi. The participants' demographic information, oral health behaviour, perceived oral health, the Arabic version of the OHVS (A-OHVS), dental neglect scale, oral health-related quality of life, oral health literacy, simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT) were collected. Psychometric properties were tested using content validity, construct validity, discriminating validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and floor as well as ceiling effects were examined. The Arabic OHVS was successfully and smoothly developed. It showed an acceptable level of equivalence to the original version, The A-OHVS presented an overall Cronbach's Alpha of 0.74 and the average score was 40.02, ranging between 26 and 54. All hypotheses predefined to test construct validity were confirmed. The bivariate correlation between A-OHVS and other health indicators shows a significant positive correlation between A-OHVS and oral health literacy (p = 0.000). On the other hand, statistically significant negative correlations were observed between A-OHVS and dental neglect and quality of life (p≤ 0.001) as well as DMFT and OHI-S (p ≤ 0.001). Floor or ceiling effects were not observed. The A-OHVS was shown to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing oral health values in the Arabic-speaking population.

Relationship between tooth brushing maintenance actions and OHIS status in schizophrenia patients at Aceh Mental Hospital

Patients with schizophrenia often neglect their oral and dental hygiene, resulting in poor oral health status. Tooth brushing as a maintenance practice is one of the efforts to improve oral hygiene in patients with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between tooth brushing maintenance practices and OHIS (Oral Hygiene Index Simplified) status in patients with schizophrenia at the Aceh Mental Hospital. This study used a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 60 schizophrenia patients at the Aceh Mental Hospital, selected using proportional random sampling technique. Data on tooth brushing maintenance practices were collected through a questionnaire, while OHIS status data were obtained through clinical examination. Data analysis used the chi-square test. The statistical test results showed a p-value of 0.013, which means the p-value &lt; 0.05, so there is a significant relationship between tooth brushing practices and OHI-S status in schizophrenia patients at the Aceh Mental Hospital.

Oral hygiene status and oral care motivation in children aged 7–9 years in a Vietnam primary school: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionOral hygiene is a crucial factor in oral health, especially in children. To increase the awareness of oral care behaviour among children, oral care motivation plays a critical role in daily dental practices. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the current oral hygiene status and evaluate the association between oral care motivation and oral hygiene index in 7–9-year-old children at Primary School in Hanoi, Vietnam. MethodsClinical examinations were performed on 200 randomly selected children to assess the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). Face-to-face interviews were applied to record students' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for oral care through a questionnaire, which consisted of questions regarding demographic characteristics and oral care motivation. Data were analyzed using STATA 15.0 software and a p-value < 0.05 was statistically significant. ResultsThe mean OHI-S score was 2.48 ± 0.72. Good and fair oral hygiene were observed in 7.5 % and 66 % of participants, respectively. Students' motivation for dental care was predominantly extrinsic, with a mean score of 15.87 ± 1.322. Higher motivation in dental care is statistically significantly associated with oral hygiene index score (Coef=-0.27). ConclusionThese results indicate that students with intrinsic motivation exhibit better oral hygiene practices. Consequently, strengthening oral health educational programs in primary schools based on intrinsic motivation could be helped improve the oral hygiene status and oral care behaviours of children.

Exploring the Implications of Cultural Dental Mutilation on Periodontal Health: A Study on Mentawai Women's Traditional Teeth Sharpening

Teeth sharpening is a part of the Mentawai tribe’s rich cultural legacy and is done by women upon reaching adulthood in Indonesia. However, it has been linked to negative impacts on oral health, particularly in the periodontal tissues. This paper studied the periodontal tissues of Mentawai women who have undergone teeth sharpening, considering potential specific implications. Employing a descriptive approach, this cross-sectional study was conducted across four villages in Mentawai Island, Indonesia. Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHIS) and the Gingival Index (GI) were used to assess the periodontal status of eight Mentawai women who had undergone teeth sharpening. The study revealed a notable absence of optimal periodontal tissue health among respondents with suboptimal oral hygiene practices (OHIS score 3.4) and considerable gingival inflammation (GI score 2.2). The presence of supragingival and infragingival calculus, alongside visible stains across the teeth of Mentawai women were due inadequate of oral health care behavior. In addition, the findings underscore the intricate interplay between cultural practices and gender-specific health outcomes. A deeper understanding of health behaviors, as influenced by culture, health beliefs, acculturation, and attitudes, is needed to formulate appropriate oral health promotion policies. A gender-informed perspective will encourage a broader dialogue about preserving cultural heritage as well as empowering the role of women in their family and community on oral health improvement. The implementation of this analysis would be developing the best strategy for modifying this custom in order to keep it while preserving oral health. Keywords: Cultural dental mutilation; Periodontal health; Mentawaians Women; Sharpening Teeth Tradition