Oral Hygiene Index Research Articles

Oral Health Status of Healthcare Workers in Ilembula/Tanzania during the COVID-19 Condition.

The challenge of reduced dental treatment and education infrastructure in the Tanzanian highlands affects the oral health situation of both the general population and local healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health status of healthcare workers at Ilembula Lutheran Hospital (ILH), Tanzania, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 134 healthcare workers (62 women, 72 men; mean age 36.48 ± 9.56 years, range 19-59 years; median age 35.00 years) participated in this cross-sectional study, conducted from 12 February to 27 February. A dental examiner trained in oral health screening performed the oral health data collection. Data collection was performed by probability sampling using the Ilembula Data Collection Form-Oral Health (IDCF-Oral Health) questionnaire distributed in paper form. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Institute for Medical Research/Tanzania. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMF/T) index proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) was used with the associated caries measurement method and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). Details regarding edentulism, nutritional habits, and socio-economic factors were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression (α = 0.05). The average DMF-T index was 3.33 ± 0.82, with age, gender, meal frequency, and soft drink consumption significantly influencing the index. No evidence of dental plaque was detected in 43.3% of the participants. Of the participants, 32.8% required prosthetic treatment (Kennedy Class III), while 16.4% needed it for acute malocclusions. Oral hygiene products were used in 97% of cases. A total of 35.8% of the participants had an OHI-S score of up to 1.0, with (p < 0.001) age and (p < 0.001) sex having a significant influence on the index. The current oral health situation of healthcare workers at ILH shows a moderate need for restorative and prosthetic treatment in rural Tanzania. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no change in the need for dental treatment, which may be explained by the generally restricted access to dental healthcare in the investigated region. The development of an interdisciplinary oral health prophylaxis system could help to reduce the need for future treatments.

Association between dental clinical measures and oral health-related quality of life among Iraqi schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to assess the association between dental clinical measures and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) together with the potential mediating role of sociodemographic factors and oral health behaviours on this association in a group of Iraqi children. The target population for this cross-sectional study consisted of 372 primary school children aged 8-10 years in the city of Kut, Iraq, during the year 2022. The participants were selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Detailed information about the children was collected through a comprehensive questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, oral health-related behaviors, the Arabic version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire for 8-10-year-olds (CPQ8-10), and parental knowledge regarding oral health. Additionally, clinical dental evaluations were conducted, which included assessments of decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS, dmfs) as well as teeth (DMFT, dmft). Simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), bleeding on probing (BOP), and the community periodontal index (CPI) were also recorded for each participant using the recommended methodology by the World Health Organization (WHO). The statistical analysis included the Chi-square test, independent t-test, and simple and multiple linear regressions. The mean age of the children was 9.0 (± 0.82) years. About one-third of children reported brushing at least two times per day and consuming a sweet snack once a day. Visiting a dentist during the past year was reported by 21% of children. Oral health behaviours demonstrated a significant association with the total CPQ8-10 scores (p < 0.001). Based on adjusted effects (β and 95% CI) from the multiple linear regressions, untreated dental caries (dt > 0, DT > 0) had a negative impact on the total CPQ8-10 score (adjusted β = 2.3 (95% CI: 0.67 to 3.91) and 3.4 (95% CI: 2.14 to 4.56), respectively). Decayed surfaces (DS), and teeth (DT) were associated with the total score of the CPQ8-10 and all its subscales (adjusted β range = 0.1 (95% C.I.: 0.03 to 0.19)-1.0 (95% CI: 0.72 to 1.26) and 0.2 (95% CI: 0.004 to 0.40)-1.2 (95% CI: 0.91 to 1.67), respectively). There was an association between oral hygiene index and total CPQ8-10 scores (adjusted β = 1.8 (95% CI: 0.62 to 3.02)), especially the functional limitations and emotional well-being subscales. Findings of this study emphasizes the negative impact of dental caries and poor oral hygiene on children's OHRQoL. This association is highlighted more when considering that over two-thirds of these children do not comply with favourable levels of oral health behaviour. Enhancing the level of OHRQoL among these children, therefore, necessitates comprehensive programs for decreasing the volume of unmet oral health needs and improving children's adherence to recommended oral health behaviours.

Periodontal Health among Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Living in a Saudi Institutional Rehabilitation Centre.

The aim of this study was to explore periodontal health among intellectually disabled individuals living in an institutional rehabilitation centre in the Al-Baha Region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024. Clinical oral examinations were carried out using the World Health Organization criteria for bleeding sites and the presence of periodontal pockets. Simplified oral hygiene and community periodontal indices were employed to evaluate participants' oral health. A total of 89 participants, comprising both males and females with intellectual disabilities, were included in this study. Gender, severity of intellectual disability, type of additional physical disability, tooth brushing habits and oral hygiene status were significantly associated with the presence of periodontal disease. Additionally, poor oral hygiene, not brushing teeth and periodontal pockets of 4-5 mm and 6 mm or more were significantly more prevalent among individuals with severe and moderate intellectual disabilities (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The prevalence of periodontal disease among the studied population was 54%. The odds of having periodontal disease were significantly higher in the severe intellectual disability group compared to the mild intellectual disability group (OR = 2.328, 95% CI = 1.430-3.631, p = 0.03). It was also found that intellectually disabled participants with additional physical disabilities suffered more from periodontal disease than those without additional physical disabilities (OR = 0.971, 95% CI = 0.235-4.023, p = 0.025). Overall, individuals with intellectual disabilities had a significant demand for periodontal care. This study highlighted the need for more organised preventive programmes for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Dentists should be vigilant about improving periodontal health, focus on preventive programmes and provide comprehensive dental care with an emphasis on periodic recall and monitoring.

Oral health status of 916 children in Tibetan settlement (Bylakuppe, India): A cross-sectional descriptive study.

Dietary and oral hygiene habits among integrated migrant cultural minorities can vary and could impact susceptibility to caries. This study aimed to assess and compare the oral health status of Tibetan schoolchildren living in the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe, India, stratified by type of residence. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Tibetan schoolchildren attending nine schools in the Bylakuppe region. The study population consisted of 916 children aged 5-17: 702 (76.6%) living in secular houses (LSH) and 214 (23.4%) living in monasteries (LM). The prevalence of dental caries was 70.9%, and the mean value of decayed, missing, filled teeth for mixed and primary dentition (DMFT*; dmft) of LSH children (1.56 ± 2.34/1.74 ± 2.66) was higher than of LM ones (1.14 ± 2.34/0.83 ± 2.80; p < .001). DMFT for LM children (1.46 ± 2.04) was slightly higher than for LSH children (1.38 ± 1.96; p > .05). Among the sample, 99.1% had a good simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) and LM children showed higher rates of good values (99.5% vs. 98.2% in LSH children). Most children needed preventive/routine dental treatment, whereas 16.6% needed urgent dental treatment. In 4.5% of children, oral mucosal lesions were present. This study confirms the high need for dental treatment in the children of the Tibetan settlement investigated.

Assessment of jaw bone mineral density, resorption rates, and oral health in patients with severe hemophilia: a case-control study.

Knowledge about oral hygiene, gingival bleeding, mineral density, and resorption of jaw bones in patients with hemophilia is limited. We evaluated the periodontal and bone status in such patients. Material and methods: Forty-eight patients with severe type A/B hemophilia and 49 age- and sex-matched controls were included. Assessments included simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), calculus index, debris index, gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding time index (GBTI), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFTI). Bone resorption was evaluated using panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mental index (MI), and alveolar crest ratio (ACR). Mineral density in the condyle, angulus, and premolar areas was assessed using fractal analysis, with fractal dimensions denoted as condyle fractal dimension (CFD) for the condyle, angulus fractal dimension (AFD) for angulus, and premolar fractal dimension (PFD) for premolar region. The mean scores were DMFTI = 11.77, OHI-S = 2.44, PMI = 0.268, MI = 5.822, GI = 3.02, GBTI = 2.64, ACR = 2.06, CFD = 1.31, AFD = 1.31, and PFD = 1.17 in the hemophilia group and DMFTI = 11.449, PMI = 0.494, MI = 7.43, GI = 0.67, GBTI = 0.98, OHI-S = 1.45, ACR = 2.87, CFD = 1.35, AFD = 1.35, and PDF = 1.23 in the control group. Differences were significant for all parameters (p < 0.005) except for the DMFTI index. Conclusions: Because of poor oral hygiene, high bone resorption, and low bone mineral density in these patients, clinicians should consider potential bone changes when planning to treat these patients.

The Effect of Oral Care Foams and a Spray on Salivary pH Changes after Exposure to Acidic Beverages in Young Adults.

Soft drinks may have a deleterious effect on dental health due to a high titratable acidity and a low pH that could be sufficient to induce tooth demineralization. The use of oral care products immediately after acidic challenge may diminish the erosive potential of soft drinks. We assessed the effect of oral care foams and a spray on salivary pH changes after exposure to Coca-Cola® in young adults. Thirty-three consenting eligible patients were recruited in this double-blind, randomized, crossover study performed in six visits. Baseline examination included unstimulated salivary flow rate, stimulated salivary buffer capacity, and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) assessment. Salivary pH and time for pH recovery were registered after exposure to Coca-Cola® alone or that followed by the application of each of the studied products (an oral foam containing hydroxyapatite and probiotics, an oral foam containing amino fluoride, an alkaline oral spray, and tap water). Thirty-two patients completed the entire study protocol and were included in the final analysis. The mean minimum salivary pH and the mean oral clearance rate after rinsing with Coca-Cola® were 6.3 and 27 min, respectively. Further rinsing with any one of the tested solutions, including tap water, resulted in a significant improvement in these parameters. When the pH curves were plotted, the oral care products demonstrated a lower area under the curve that differed significantly from the area under the curve for Coca-Cola®; tap water did not differ significantly from Coca-Cola® and oral care products. Minimum salivary pH correlated positively with salivary buffer capacity and salivation rate, while salivary clearance correlated with OHI-S plaque scores. In conclusion, the effect of oral care foams and a spray on minimum salivary pH and salivary clearance after exposure to Coca-Cola® did not differ significantly among the tested products and tap water. Trial registration NCT06148662. Funding: none.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in Elderly Patients with and without Alzheimer's Disease - An Evaluative Study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the loss of intellectual functions. The disorder is usually seen after the age of 60 years, and these elderly patients tend to experience a progressive decline in their cognitive and behavioural abilities. The present study was carried out to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in elderly patients suffering from AD as compared to subjects without the disease. One hundred elderly subjects with AD and 150 subjects without AD were included in the study. The subjective assessment of OHRQoL was done using the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Demographic and oral characteristics were assessed for dentition status with the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, Oral Hygiene Index (OHI), prosthesis use, xerostomia and presence of oral pathologies. GOHAI values were found to be statistically higher ( P = 0.0003) in the subjects with AD. The subjects with AD were found to have a higher DMFT (mean difference = 4.11), Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) scores (mean difference = 1.54), xerostomia ( P = 0.0128) and number of oral pathologies. However, the educational level ( P = 0.2603) and number of natural teeth ( P = 0.0006) were found to be lower in the group with AD. The present study reported that the elderly subjects suffering from AD had poorer OHRQoL than those without the disease. There is a need to comprehensively evaluate the oral health conditions of elderly patients with AD and actively provide management to improve their OHRQoL.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity in saliva among young adults having diverging food habits and its relation to oral health: A pilot study.

Saliva enables the maintenance of oral and systemic health. Evaluation of saliva is very valuable for multiple parameters to be evaluated as they are easy to collect, allow easy and safe sample collection, are non-traumatic, can be repeated with ease, and are non-invasive in nature. Salivary enzyme systems have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and similar functions which aid in the maintenance of homeostasis in the oral cavity. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from cells and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation. In the present study, the pH and antioxidant capacity of the saliva were evaluated. Subjects were categorized as GROUP A: Vegetarians: Diets were entirely devoid of eggs or meat of any type (for more than 20 years). GROUP B: Non-vegetarians: Diets included both red and white meat, consumed either daily or frequently. GROUP C: Eggetarians: Otherwise vegetarian diets which includes eggs, consumed frequently. Ten samples of each group were collected. The pH profile and antioxidant activity of the samples were analysed. Each of the individuals was subjected to oral examination for grading of the status of oral hygiene, caries teeth, missing and extracted teeth, and the health of gingiva. For the same Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHIS), Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Gingival Status indices were used and the observations were noted. The average salivary pH for the vegetarians was 7 ± 0.5, that for eggetarians was 7.1 ± 0.5, and in the non-vegetarian group, the average pH was equal to 7.3 ± 0.5. Using the DPPH method, the percentage antioxidant activity of saliva in vegetarians was 20.9 ± 2.1%, while those of eggetarians and non-vegetarians were equal to 5 ± 0.6% and 11.4 ± 2%, respectively. Each individual was subjected to oral examination for grading of the status of oral hygiene (OHIS); decayed, missing, extracted teeth, filled teeth index (DMFT); and the health of gingiva (gingival status index). Overall, eggetarians had a high OHIS index (mean 1.08). The DMFT index was high in non-vegetarians with values ranging from 1 to 8. Statistical analysis using the T-test revealed that the antioxidant potential of the vegetarian group was significantly higher than those of the eggetarian and non-vegetarian dietary groups (P < 0.001). However, the eggetarian and non-vegetarian dietary groups did not significantly differ from each other with respect to this parameter. The antioxidant capacity is markedly high in vegetarians, 20.9+/- 2.1%, as compared to non-vegetarians, 11.4+/- 2.1%, and was the lowest in eggetarians, 5+/- 0.6%.

Periodontal Abscess Occurrence Post Wire Splint Therapy on Mobile Teeth

Tooth mobility is one of the cases of periodontal disease caused by the destruction of the bone that supports the teeth. Stabilization of loose teeth using splinting wire can be one of the treatment options. The use of splinting wire may increase plaque accumulation and is sometimes difficult to clean. Plaque accumulation will cause bacterial invasion into the surrounding tissues of the periodontal pockets which will eventually develop into an inflammatory process. As time goes by, connective tissue destruction and pus formation will occur which eventually leads to a periodontal abscess. Periodontal abscess is a localized accumulation of pus in the gingival wall of a periodontal socket with periodontal tissue destruction. The purpose of this case report is to report the incidence of periodontal abscess after wire splinting application in a case of tooth unsteadiness. A 76-year-old female patient came to RSGM with complaints of feeling uncomfortable because some of her teeth were loose. The complaint has been felt approximately 1 year ago. The complaint was accompanied by pain when used to eat and toothbrushing. Objective examination showed reddish gingiva, rounded interdentals, soft consistency, and unstippling texture on the labial and lingual side of teeth 33, 32, 31, 41, 42 and 43 with BOP (+) at all points. The patient's Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) was 2.16 and PI was 18.67%. Probing depth average was 3 mm, recession was 3 mm, and tooth decay was grade 2. Supportive examination showed horizontal bone destruction in the anterior region of the mandible. The first visit was carried out wire splinting on the lingual part of the loose tooth, at the time of control there was a periodontal abscess on the labial side so the splinting was moved to the labial side. The increase in socket depth and the appearance of periodontal abscesses are caused by plaque accumulation which eventually makes bacteria invade the periodontal tissue. Periodontal therapy really needs to pay attention to the patient's OHI, therefore plaque control and removal of bacterial deposits must be carried out by scaling and root planning regularly and carrying out other periodontal therapies such as curettage if tissue destruction is severe enough

INDEX ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF THE ORAL CAVITY IN PATIENTS WITH GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

It has been established that diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, namely gastroesophageal reflux disease, affect the oral cavity. It should be noted that GERD is one of the most common diseases of the digestive tract in the world. The close relationship of the oral cavity, due to the similarity of functions, the common blood supply, innervation, and the morphological structure of the gastrointestinal tract leads to a violation of immunological reactivity, physical and chemical changes in saliva. SORP is a powerful receptor field that perceives the receptor influences of the whole organism. Numerous studies by clinicians confirm that 75% of patients with ENT pathologies are examined for gastrointestinal tract diseases. With increased acidity of gastric juice, there is hypersalivation, hypertrophy of the filiform papillae of the tongue in combination with foci of desquamation, pallor and swelling of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, catarrhal gingivitis. With reduced acidity of gastric juice, there is a large number of plaques on the tongue, atrophy of filiform papillae, decreased salivation, dry lips, and angular cheilitis are observed. This is due to the weakening of the pharyngeal and cardinal valves of the stomach, as a result of which the contents of the stomach with its secretory component are thrown into the oral cavity, thereby affecting the taste buds. The index evaluation of the state of the oral cavity based on the index of plaque on the back of the tongue, the index of oral hygiene -OHI-S, the determination of the acidity of the oral fluid in patients with GERD indicates a dependence on the level of acidity of gastric juice. Gastroesophageal reflux disease negatively affects oral hygiene, the acid-alkaline balance of oral fluid, which leads to the formation of pathological processes in the oral cavity. Homeostasis of the oral cavity is maintained due to the acid-alkaline balance, the main indicator of which is the pH of the oral fluid. Oral fluid is considered an integral environment of the human body, therefore metabolic processes affect its composition.&#x0D; Aim. To study the indexes of the state of the oral cavity according to the indicators: index of plaque on the tongue according to (WTS); pH of oral fluid; hygiene index - OHI-S.&#x0D; Materials and methods. To achieve the goal, 60 patients aged 25 to 55 years were examined. Of them, 30 are practically healthy people, 30 are patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (of which 15 have increased acidity of gastric juice, and 15 have been examined with reduced acidity). IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS, WE STUDY INDICATORS index of plaque on the tongue according to (WTS); pH of oral fluid; hygiene index - OHI-S.&#x0D; Results. At the initial examination, plaque (W.T.C INDEX) was noted in patients with GERD. Thus, in the main group, the preference for a thick plaque on the back of the tongue was noted. Evaluating the state of oral hygiene (according to the Green-Vermillion index), it should be noted that, in general, hygiene was satisfactory in the main group of the examination. With increased acidity of gastric juice, at the age of 25-35, the satisfactory condition of the oral cavity according to the Green-Vermillion index was noted and was 1.4±0.1, and the group of female patients of the same category had an unsatisfactory state of oral hygiene and was 1.76±0 ,06. With low acidity, the hygienic index of the oral cavity in men aged 25-35 years was 1.3±0.1 and was satisfactory, while in women of the same age it was 2.0±0.4, which was unsatisfactory. Thus, in the 2nd group of women with reduced acidity aged 45-55 years, the indicator was 2.7±0.2, and in men of the same age, it was 2.3±0.3. Thus, when studying the pH of oral fluid in the main group, we noticed that the lower the pH level, the more acidic the environment. The acid-alkaline balance of the oral fluid is important for metabolism. Normally, the acidity of a person varies from 6.8-7.4 pH, and with a high rate of salivation it can reach 7.8 pH. With gastroesophageal reflux, which reaches the oral cavity, a decrease in the pH of saliva leads to pathological changes in the mucous membrane.&#x0D; Conclusion. So, the studied indices make it possible to assess the hygienic condition of the oral cavity, acid-alkaline balance in accordance with the level of acidity of gastric juice in GERD.

Is poor oral health a risk factor for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis?

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare inflammatory breast disease that can be clinically and radiologically mistaken for carcinoma. Although its etiology remains uncertain, potential associations with pregnancy, lactation, hormonal imbalances, autoimmunity, smoking, and various microorganisms have been suggested. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between IGM and oral health. We included 42 female patients diagnosed with IGM based on histopathological evaluations conducted between September 2018 and October 2023. The reference group consisted of 47 female patients with clinically, radiologically, and laboratory-proven non-specific mastitis and 36 healthy female individuals. The oral health of all participants was evaluated by an experienced dentist using the "Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth" (DMFT) index and the "Simplified Oral Hygiene Index" (OHI-S). The ages of IGM patients included in this study ranged from 29 to 51 years, with a mean age of 34.88 ± 4.87 years. The most common clinical findings were pain (n = 38), palpable breast mass, erythema, induration, and dermal sinus. Comparison of the OHI-S and DMFT index values among participants revealed that those diagnosed with IGM had significantly higher values than those in the reference group (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest a potential involvement of poor oral health in the etiology of IGM. Future studies should consider oral health as a factor in IGM etiology and explore the oral microbiota in samples obtained from the affected tissue.

Mobile Application-Based Support for Periodontal Treatment Improves Clinical, Cognitive, and Psychomotor Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study.

This study aims to evaluate the clinical, cognitive, and psychomotor changes that emerged among patients with gingivitis and patients with periodontitis via mobile application assistance. Forty subjects were randomly and evenly distributed into test and control groups and were administered a professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) procedure. The clinical parameters examined were bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and the oral hygiene index (OHI-S). The test group was administered a mobile application intervention, namely PerioUICare, which provided users with continuous education and motivation and served as a daily dental hygiene reminder. The comparative results of the mean values of all parameters between the groups (inter-group) and within the groups (intra-group) after one- and three-month evaluations were analyzed. A one-month inter-group evaluation uncovered significant differences in the BoP, PPD, cognitive, and psychomotor scores of subjects with gingivitis and the BoP, OHI-S, cognitive, and psychomotor scores of subjects with periodontitis. A three-month inter-group evaluation revealed significant differences across all parameters except for PPD in subjects with periodontitis. The results of the intra-group comparison demonstrated statistically significant differences in all parameters in the test group but no significant differences in the cognitive and psychomotor scores of the control group. This study revealed that mobile application-based support for periodontal treatment can be considered effective.

Evaluation of the Influence of Consanguinity and the Role of IFN-γ in Autistic Children, as well as Disease Severity and Oral Health Status

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting children, characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behavior. Consanguineous marriages increase the likelihood of discovering recessive conditions and promoting gene expression, leading to autosomal recessive disorders. Immunity also plays a vital role in autism development, with changes in pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations or synthesis indicative of aberrant cellular immunity. This research aims to determine the effects of consanguinity on autism, measure interferon-gamma salivary levels, and examine the relationship between autistic subjects’ dental health condition and caries occurrence. Materials and Methods: Forty autistic children were divided into mild, moderate, and severe categories according to their symptoms and social impairments. The oral investigation involved calculating decayed, missing, and filled teeth and simplified oral hygiene indices. Salivary samples were collected via the drooling technique, and salivary interferon-gamma levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Consanguineous marriage was significant in the patient group, and salivary interferon-gamma levels were considerably elevated. A higher occurrence of dental caries was detected in autistic individuals. As disease severity increases, dental caries and oral health conditions also worsen. Conclusion: Consanguinity increases the incidence of autism due to the likelihood of recessively inherited congenital abnormalities. Autism has higher levels of interferon-gamma, which play a role in the condition’s pathophysiology. Additionally, inadequate oral health was noticed in autistic children.

Dental caries, oral hygiene status and deleterious habits among migrant construction workers of Belagavi, India.

Occupation significantly influences oral health, with factors like the work environment, stress levels, access to dental care, and job-related habits playing crucial roles. The oral health of construction workers, especially migrant workers, is a noteworthy concern. Understanding the oral health of this population is crucial for enhancing their quality of life through various means. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dental caries, oral hygiene status, and deleterious habits in this occupational group of Belagavi district, Karnataka. Study design was cross-sectional in nature. Before commencement of the study a pilot study was conducted. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed, and 610 participants were recruited for the study. Trained and calibrated examiners recorded WHO dentition status and treatment needs (2013) and Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S). Collected data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi-square, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis. The prevalence of dental caries among construction workers was significantly high (81%), and poor oral hygiene was observed among 36.9% of them. The prevalence of smoking, the tobacco chewing habit, and alcohol consumption among the construction workers was found to be 21.6%, 59.9%, and 37.3%, respectively. The dependence of OHI-S and DMFT on predictors (age, gender and deleterious habits) was found to be 21.5% and 39.6%, respectively. Migrant construction workers in Belagavi had a high caries prevalence, poor oral hygiene status, and a high prevalence of deleterious habits such as tobacco use. These results emphasize the necessity of awareness and dental health education programs to improve the oral health of construction workers.

Dental caries management by risk assessment among children

Dental caries is the highest-frequency oral disease. The purpose of this study is to assess the risk of developing dental caries for groups of children aged three to six in the city of Varna, Bulgaria, taking into account clinical risk factors. The population of this study included 300 children aged 3 to 6 years. Hence, as many 30 children for the experimental and 30 children for the control groups were included in the study with saliva tests. After that, standardized means of decayed, filled surfaces (DFS) index was estimated. The teeth of the children in the experimental group were covered for three months with Clinpro™ White Varnish. The Research Ethics Committee at the MU-Varna University approved the study. We applied the Greene and Vermillion oral hygiene index. Biostatistics was conducted with a specialized package for statistical analyzes was used StatSoft, STATISTICA manual (Software system for data analysis STATISTICA 10.0, 2010. The results in our study show the strong influence of carbohydrate nutrition and poor oral hygiene on the development and progression of the caries process. The results of the study of the frequency of caries lesions on surfaces show a value of 6.35±0.65. Caries lesions on 1 and 2 surfaces predominate (23.75%). Almost 100% of the children in the control group had Streptococcus mutans and a high risk of caries. From the risk assessment results obtained for each child patient, individual prevention programs are prepared for children.

Oral hygiene practices and status of stroke patients attending an outpatient clinic in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Background: There may be an impairment of oral self-care post-stroke which may compromise oral hygiene and health. However, there is paucity of information on oral hygiene and oral health status of stroke patients in Nigeria.&#x0D; Objective: To assess the oral hygiene and health status of stroke outpatients.&#x0D; Method: A cross-sectional study of stroke patients attending the neurology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in North Central Nigeria was conducted. Data on sociodemographic variables and oral health behaviour was obtained. Each patient was examined to determine the oral hygiene status using the Simplified Oral Hygiene index, DMFT index for the status of caries, Modified gingival index for the presence or absence of gingival disease and Modified Rankin score for functional impairment&#x0D; Results: There were 120 participants with a mean age of 60.30±13.21 years. Poor oral hygiene status was found in 29.7% while 28.8% had good oral hygiene status. The mean DMFT was 1.37±2.672. Dental caries was seen in 48/120 (40%) while 28 (23.3%) had gingival diseases. A modified Rankin score of 3-5 was independently associated with poor oral hygiene status (OR 1.367; 95% CI 1.020-1.832; p=0.036).&#x0D; Conclusion: Poor oral hygiene status is common in patients with stroke and the risk of this is higher in those with poor functional status. Oral health status should be considered in the holistic rehabilitation of stroke patients.&#x0D;

Comparative evaluation of novel tooth brushing with reminder therapy with conventional brushing techniques in children

Background: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are the most prevalent oral diseases in the children. Dental plaque is the main contributing agent for these oral diseases. Tooth brushing is considered to be one of the most efficient ways of maintaining the oral hygiene. Often, it is noted that certain areas of oral cavity and surfaces of the teeth are brushed more, while the other areas are neglected. With this background, we have designed a novel technique of tooth brushing with reminder therapy. Methods: Oral examination of 180 children aged between 6-12 years was done and Oral Hygiene Index Simplified, Turesky-Gilmore-Glickman modification of Quigley-Hein Plaque Index, Modified Gingival Index were recorded. The children were randomly divided into three groups; Control group; Tooth brushing using Fones technique; Tooth brushing along with a reminder therapy (dantharaag: the tooth tune). Each group was taught their respective techniques and follow up was done at 15 and 45 days interval and all the indices were recorded. The data, thus collected was tabulated and subjected to analysis. Results: The results showed a reduction in the scores of OHI-S, TMQH and MGI in all the three groups during follow up visits. However, this difference was statistically significantly between the groups where, Group 2 was better than Group 1 and Group 3 was better than Group 1 and 2 by 45 days. Conclusions: In conclusion, Dantharaag: the tooth tune was readily accepted by children and showed better results in plaque reduction and oral hygiene improvement.

487 - Adult atopic dermatitis is associated with impaired oral health and oral dysbiosis - a case-control study

Abstract Background Previous studies linked chronic oral diseases to skin disorders such as psoriasis. However, data about oral health and oral microbiota in atopic dermatitis (AD) is sparse. Objectives To compare the oral health status and oral microbiota of AD patients and healthy controls. Methods This was a prospective sex and age- matched case-control study comparing adult participants with and without dermatologist-verified AD. Exclusion criteria included recent use of oral, topical, or systemic medication that could affect oral health or microbiome assessment. Oral health indices including Gingival Index, Plaque Index, Oral Hygiene Index, Caries Severity Index and prosthodontics status, were assessed by a dentist. Samples of oral flora were collected and subjected to high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis for microbiome analysis. Results Forty-five AD participants and 41 non-AD controls were recruited. The two groups had no significant differences in terms of their demographic and clinical characteristics, except for the higher rate of atopic co-morbidities in the AD group (p&amp;lt;.001). Compared to the control group, participants with AD had significantly poorer plaque (p=0.04) and oral hygiene indices (p=0.04) and a trend towards higher gingival index (p=0.05). The results of the Faith phylogenetic diversity (FDR) test indicated that the oral microbial diversity in the AD group was significantly higher (α-diversity, FDR-adjusted p=0.0007) when compared with the control group. Characterization of the similarities and differences in the composition of the microbial communities between the samples (β-diversity) from the AD patients and controls indicated that they clustered separately. The groups showed significant dissimilarity and distinct clustering of microbial abundance (FDR-adjusted p=0.001). Importantly, higher community diversity was previously linked to periodontitis and gingival disease. Furthermore, AD patients had a significantly increased abundance of taxa correlated with oral diseases and decreased abundance of oral health-associated bacteria. Conclusion AD appears to be associated with poorer oral health and oral dysbiosis, and thus, there is a need to increase the awareness of both patients and physicians about oral health.

Assessment of gingival recession in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Objective: To assess the gingival recession in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Orthodontic, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Science Jamshoro and Department of Orthodontic, Civil Hospital Hyderabad. Period: 05-01-2021 to 04-06-2021. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 183 patients aged 18–35 have been included in this descriptive cross-sectional research study. After the history was taken, the study participants went through a clinical examination, but for those patients with ongoing fixed orthodontic treatment, at least three to six months of orthodontic treatment have been completed. Gingival recession was assessed using Millers’ classification and oral hygiene index. Results: The average age of 183 individuals was 22.75+2.29 years. Women outnumbered men 65.5% to 35.5%. According to the oral hygiene index, 28.4% of patients scored exceptional (0-0), 39.3% acceptable (0-0.6), 25.7% fair (0.7-1.8), and 6.6% bad (1.9-3.0). Marginal gingival tissue recession categorization showed that 66.6% of patients had no recession, 21.8% had class I, 10.9% had class II, 0.5% had class III, and 0% had class IV. According to oral hygienic index, marginal tissue recession categorization was significant (p=0.001). At 0.035 significance level, marginal tissue recession and oral hygiene score were positively linked (r=183). Conclusion: Most of the cases with fixed orthodontic appliances had no gingival tissue recession, only few cases seen class I and class II. However, this mild gingival tissue recession was significantly associated to oral hygienic index.

Self– reported oral health and oral health– related quality of life among patients with diabetes mellitus in a tertiary health facility

BackgroundConsidering the inter-relationship between Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and oral tissues, assessment of oral health status in relation to glycemic control might be informative about the disease condition, which might be pivotal to appropriate management and ultimately improve life satisfaction. This study therefore aimed to assess the pattern of self-reported diabetes related oral conditions and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients with DM at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria.Materials and methodsA cross- sectional study using an interviewer administered questionnaire was conducted among in- and out- patients being managed for DM by the Endocrinology unit of the hospital. Data collected included bio-data, medical history, self-reported oral conditions and dental service utilisation. The impact of oral health related quality of life was measured using OHIP-14. Oral examination was done to assess oral mucosal lesions and their oral hygiene status. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.ResultsEighty-four patients with diabetes consisting 23 (27%) in-patients and 61 (63%) out-patients were enrolled. Males were 26(31%) and females 58(69%); their ages ranged from 22 to 88 years with a mean of 60.9 ± 12.8 years. Most (67%) of the participants had one or more self-reported oral complaints, dryness (20.4%) being the most common and bad breath (4.6%) as the least reported. Poor glycemic level was found to be higher among the in-patients (82%) with random blood glucose > 200 mg/dL during admission, compared to the out-patient participants (51%) who had fasting plasma glucose > 110 mg/dL. Their oral hygiene status was assessed using simplified oral hygiene index and documented as fair (65%), poor (25%) and good (10%). About two-thirds (61%) had ever visited a dentist, majorly due to toothache. Only the pain (21.9%) and physical disability (26.3%) components of OHIP-14 were mainly found to affect the participants’ OHRQOL.ConclusionsThis study found high rate of self- reported DM related oral conditions notably oral dryness, and periodontal diseases particularly as teeth mobility and spontaneous exfoliation. Nonetheless, most of the study participants had fair OHRQoL while its physical pain, functional limitation and psychological disability components were most reported.