Positive Oral Health Research Articles

Assessment of Oral Hygiene Status and Practices among a Sample of 12-Year-Old Chepang Children of Nepal

Introduction: Hygienic oral health practices are necessary from a young age to ensure positive long-term oral and general health. The oral hygiene status and practices among the underprivileged Chepang children of Nepal have not been adequately assessed.
 Objective: To assess the oral hygiene status and practices among the 12-year-old Chepang children of Nepal, and to identify the association of demographic variables and oral hygiene practices with the oral hygiene status of the children.
 Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study where a pretested questionnaire was used to assess the oral hygiene practices and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) to examine the status of oral hygiene among 160 Chepang children of central Nepal. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS v.17. Statistical significance was determined using an independent t-test and an ANOVA test.
 Results: The study showed that 68 (42.5%) of the 12-year-old Chepang children had good oral hygiene, 68 (42.5%) had fair oral hygiene, and only 24 (15%) had poor oral hygiene. The mean OHI-S score for them was 1.62±1.09. Most of the children (138, 86.3%) regularly brushed their teeth and rinsed their mouth after meals (117, 73.1%), but tongue cleaning was performed by only 36 (22.5%) of them.
 Conclusions: The study showed that oral hygiene intervention programs are needed for the Chepang children who do not go to schools and who do not stay at hostels.

Positive oral health outcomes: A partnership model improves care in a rural Indigenous community.

The purpose of this study was to explore the benefits of a partnership between a university dental school and a Community Controlled Health Service, specifically in relation to improving the oral health of an underserved rural Indigenous community. We sought community opinions on health and social outcomes arising from the service provided by the dental student clinical outplacement. In Dalby, Queensland. In total, 38 participants in five focus groups were representative of local Indigenous community Elders, community health support group members and management and staff. A descriptive qualitative study employing semi-structured audio-recorded focus group discussions conducted with purposefully selected Indigenous community groups to explore participant views and experience of the partnership model. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The Indigenous community representatives expressed positive benefit in both their general and oral health awareness, in improved access to dental care provided in their own safe space, while they were pleased to assist with students' learning. They viewed the partnership as mutually beneficial. Suggestions for enhancement of the oral health service were also offered. This partnership between a university and a Community Controlled Health Service provides sustainable positive social and health benefits for the targeted Indigenous community and for the wider local population, while simultaneously providing enhanced educational benefits for students on clinical outplacement. Translation and uptake of this successful model of care would benefit both underserved communities and dental and other health care professional educators worldwide.

Health professionals delivering oral health interventions in early childhood: A scoping review of Australian and New Zealand literature.

Dental caries is highly prevalent in very young Australian and New Zealand children. Health professionals other than registered dental professionals can help prevent early childhood caries, promoting oral health to assist families establish preventative oral health habits at a child's early age. This review identifies oral health promotion (OHP) delivered by nondental health professionals in Australia and New Zealand involving very young children. Databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, TROVE) and digital libraries were searched between 2001 and 2021 for eligible studies and grey literature. Studies with a focus on preventative oral health strategies in a primary health care context were included. The review identified 76 studies. Seven met the inclusion criteria, and were conducted in Australia across metropolitan, rural, and remote settings. Studies that successfully engaged nondental health professionals to promote oral health to families reported a positive change in oral health practices among very young children. Delivering OHP during a child's early life stage positively influenced their oral health outcomes. Integration of dental and primary health care increased access to oral health care and advanced positive oral health outcomes for children. With adequate training, resources, and support mechanisms, nondental health professionals can deliver oral health strategies that facilitate behaviour change in parents to improve children's oral health. So What? Health promotion generates enabling conditions that support and empower families to improve and maintain their oral health. Nondental health professionals can play a crucial role promoting oral health for very young children and improving equitable access to preventative oral health care.

Immigrants experience oral health care inequity: findings from Australia's National Study of Adult Oral Health.

Oral health service utilization contributes to positive oral health and indicates realised access to services. The study aimed to describe patterns of oral health service use among overseas-born and Australian-born populations and assess equity in access to services. The study used data from Australia's National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017-2018 and was guided by the Aday and Andersen framework of access to health and Australia's National Oral Health Plan. Descriptive analyses of service use by perceived need, enabling and predisposing factors were compared between four groups: Australian-born and overseas-born who mainly speak English and Australian-born and overseas-born who mainly speak a language other than English. Overseas-born who mainly speak a language other than English experienced greater oral health care inequity, largely driven by financial difficulty (avoided care due to cost: 42% vs 27%-28%; avoided/delayed visiting due to cost: 48% vs. 37%-38%; cost prevented treatment: 32% vs. 18%-24%). The most favourable visiting patterns were among the Australian-born population who speak a language other than English. The study shows clear inequity experienced among immigrants in accessibility as measured through indicators of oral health care utilization and factors related to inequity, such as the ability to pay for services.

SARS-CoV-2 TEST OUTCOMES AMONG DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS WITH COVID-19-LIKE COMPLAINTS - A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS FROM THE NETHERLANDS.

ObjectiveThis retrospective analysis aimed to evaluate, among individuals with COVID-19-like symptoms, the percentage of SARS-CoV-2 positive oral healthcare workers relative to healthcare workers in general and a non-close-contact occupation reference group in the Netherlands.Material and MethodsData was retrospectively analyzed based on data extracted from the CoronIT database. This contained mass testing data for those experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 recorded from June 2020 up to February 2021. The total number of tests taken and the number of SARS-CoV-2 positive tests were assessed. Sub-analyses were performed for oral healthcare and healthcare workers based in professional working locations, long-term care facilities, hospitals, or elsewhere.ResultsIn total, data from 1,999,390 tests were obtained. Overall, 9.4% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the three occupational groups. This was 9.2% for oral healthcare workers, 9.5% for healthcare workers, and 9.3% for the non-close-contact occupation reference group. For the three occupational groups the adjusted odds ratio with the month as covariate varied from 0.76 to 1.12. The odds ratio for oral healthcare workers compared to healthcare workers was 1 [95%CI:0.95;1.05] and 0.97 [95%CI:0.92;1.02] compared to the non-close-contact occupation reference group. Interpretation of the magnitude of the odds ratio indicates that the observed differences are none to very small.ConclusionDuring the pandemic oral healthcare providers were required to adhere to the COVID-19-specific amendments to the national infection control guidelines. Based on the data gathered, dentists and dental hygienists with COVID-19-like symptoms do not test SARS-CoV-2 positive more often than other healthcare workers or those with a non-close-contact occupation. This supports the assumption that working during the pandemic using the Dutch standard hygiene guideline supplemented with the COVID guideline for oral health care is adequately safe.

The Indigenous Adolescent Oral Health Partnership Study: A Co-Design Study Protocol.

Background: in this protocol we outline a method of working alongside Aboriginal communities to learn about and facilitate improvement in the oral health habits in Aboriginal adolescents. By facilitating positive oral health in Aboriginal adolescents, we hope to achieve lifelong improvement in oral health and general wellbeing. Methods: this paper outlines a co-design methodology through which researchers and Aboriginal communities will work together to create a custom oral healthcare program aimed at Aboriginal adolescents. Researchers, a youth advisory group, Aboriginal community-controlled health services and three regional NSW communities will together devise an oral health strategy focused on five components: application of topical fluoride, increasing water consumption, improving nutrition, daily toothbrushing, and enhancing social and emotional wellbeing. Capacity building is a key outcome of this program. Discussion: as the gap in health status between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people remains wide, it is clear that new approaches and attitudes are needed in Aboriginal public health research. This protocol is representative of this shifting approach; giving power to Aboriginal communities who seek to have sovereignty and self-determination over their healthcare. Trial registration: TRN: ISRCTN15496753 Date of registration: 20 October 2021.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Indian Immigrants in Australia towards Oral Cancer and Their Perceived Role of General Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Oral cancer is highly prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. With the increasing immigration of Indians to Australia, a potential rise in oral cancer cases can be expected if they continue engaging in oral cancer risk practices. Unfortunately, little is known on this topic in the Australian context. This study aimed to generate new insights into this area by examining Indian immigrants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding oral cancer in Australia and their perceived role of general practitioners in raising oral cancer awareness. Exploring these aspects could determine the oral cancer risk behaviours of Indians in Australia along with any contributing factors which could help identify potential preventative strategies. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken of 164 Indians across Australia. Data were analysed using SPSS software with descriptive statistics. Respondents had varying levels of knowledge about oral cancer (mean total score 61%), particularly around risk factors such as alcohol and areca nut use as well as oral cancer-related signs/symptoms. The majority (87.7%) had not received any information about oral cancer in a health care setting but were receptive (71–90%) to general practitioners playing a more active role in this area. Respondents were engaging in positive preventative oral health care though few were currently (6.7%) or previously (14.7%) chewing tobacco preparations. Further research is needed through larger studies to confirm the study findings and inform the development of culturally tailored strategies particularly involving general practitioners, to raise oral cancer awareness and provide early screening for Indian immigrants.

Evaluation of Perceived Possible Outcomes in Patients Treated with Mandibular Distal Extension Partial Removable Dental Prostheses

Objectives: This study evaluated the perceived positive and negative general and oral health outcomes of patients after using mandibular distal extension partial removable dental prostheses (PRDPs) and assessed the effect of recall procedures on the treatment outcomes. Methods: A questionnaire comprising 20 items, pertaining to perceived positive and negative outcomes related to the patients’ perception scores after using mandibular distal extension PRDPs, was designed. The patients were recalled 1 week and 3 months after the insertion of the mandibular distal extension PRDPs. The perception scores were obtained, and the mean values calculated at 1 week and 3 months were compared using the paired t-test. Results: A significant difference in the mean scores was observed for the perceived positive outcomes (p = 0.018) but not for the perceived negative outcomes at 1 week and 3 months. Most patients agreed or strongly agreed with the statements concerning the perceived positive outcomes and disagreed or strongly disagreed with those concerning the perceived negative outcomes after 3 months. Conclusion: Most patients were satisfied with their mandibular distal extension PRDPs in terms of the perceived positive outcomes and disagreed with the statements concerning the perceived negative outcomes. The questionnaire was deemed appropriate for measuring the patients’ perceptions about the possible outcomes of using mandibular distal extension PRDPs

Reducing Chronic Disease Risk through Positive Oral Health Practices: A Systematic Review of School-based Dental Health Programs

ABSTRACT Background Dental neglect results in dental caries, gum disease, and contributes to chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers. Poor oral health habits developed in childhood persist into adulthood and can contribute to chronic diseases. School settings are a practical platform for teaching oral health skills. Purpose The purpose was to assess the effectiveness of school-based, primary prevention oral health interventions for children and adolescents and to examine these programs for health behavior theory applications. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement and Checklist was used in reporting systematic review data. EBSCOhost database was utilized to search interventions by applying inclusion criteria. Data extraction occurred in four distinct phases to ensure all examined interventions met acceptable standards. Results Eight interventions satisfied the inclusion criteria. Each study utilized oral health knowledge as an outcome variable. Two of the eight interventions stated that they utilized a specific health behavior theoretical framework. Each study applied health behavior concepts. Interventions were efficacious for improving oral health knowledge. Translation to Health Education Practice Oral health education interventions in schools appear to be effective in providing dental skills and oral health knowledge.

Child-, Family-, and Community-Level Facilitators for Promoting Oral Health Practices among Indigenous Children.

Despite the preventive nature of oral diseases and their significance for general wellbeing, poor oral health is highly prevalent and has unfavourable ramifications for children around the world. Indigenous children in Australia experience disproportionate rates of early childhood caries compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. Therefore, this paper aims to collate parental experiences and generate an understanding of facilitators for Indigenous childhood oral health. This project aggregated stories from parents of Indigenous children across South Australia who were participants in an early childhood caries-prevention trial. This paper explores facilitators for establishing oral health and nutrition behaviours for Indigenous children under the age of three through reflexive thematic analysis. Fisher-Owens’ conceptual model for influences on children’s oral health is utilised as a framework for thematic findings. Child-level facilitators include oral hygiene routines and regular water consumption. Family-level facilitators include familial ties, importance of knowledge, and positive oral health beliefs. Community-level facilitators include generational teaching, helpful community resources, and holistic health care. Recommendations from findings include the following: exploration of Indigenous health workers and elder participation in oral health initiatives; inclusion of Indigenous community representatives in mainstream oral health discussions; and incorporation of child-level, family-level, and community-level facilitators to increase support for efficacious oral health programs.

The effectiveness of behaviour change interventions delivered by non-dental health workers in promoting children's oral health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectivesDental caries is the most common preventable childhood condition. Non-dental professionals and health workers are often well placed to support parents in adopting positive oral health behaviours for their children. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of behaviour change interventions and their individual component behaviour change techniques (BCTs), that were delivered by non-dental professionals and health workers.MethodsA systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, TRoPHI and PROQUEST from inception until March 2021 was conducted. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies for improving oral health outcomes in children were included. Quality assessment was carried out using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and ROBINS-I tool. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s regression intercept. Effect sizes were estimated as standardised mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio/risk ratio for proportions. Meta-analyses were performed for studies reporting mean decayed, missing, filled surfaces (dmfs) and mean decayed, missing, filled, teeth (dmft) indices. Behaviour change technique coding was performed using behaviour change technique taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1).ResultsOut of the 9,101 records retrieved, 36 studies were included with 28 showing a significant effect either in clinical and/or behavioural/knowledge outcomes. Most studies (n = 21) were of poor methodological quality. The pooled SMD for caries experience showed statistically significant result for caries prevention at surface level -0.15 (95% CI -0.25, -0.04) and at the tooth level -0.24 (95% CI -0.42, -0.07). In 28 effective interventions, 27 individual BCTs were identified and the most frequently used were: “Instructions on how to perform the behaviour” and “Information about health consequences”.ConclusionThere is low quality of evidence suggesting non-dental professionals and health workers may help improve oral health outcomes for children. To confirm these findings, further high-quality studies incorporating a variety of BCTs in their interventions for adoption of good oral health behaviours are needed.

Brazilian version of Positive Oral Health and Well-Being: cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric analysis.

Specific measures to evaluate positive oral health have been in a nascent stage in Dentistry, especially in developing countries. The present study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of Positive Oral Health and Well-Being (B-POHW). After forward-backwards translation to Brazilian Portuguese language, the cross-cultural adaptation of B-POHW was pretested, followed by the main study to perform psychometric analysis. We tested the model fit by Confirmatory Factor Analysis with categorical factor indicators in bifactor and simple structure models on a sample of 209 participants (mean age: 39.36 ± 12.26. Questionnaires about sociodemographic status, self-reported oral health-related outcomes, and general well-being were administered and used as external validation measures. Moreover, dental caries experience was clinically diagnosed. For test-retest reliability, 53 participants completed the B-POHW a fortnight later. The following results were found: a) the bifactor model presented the best model fit; b) the B-POHW demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω > 0.8); c) the intraclass correlation coefficient suggested good reliability for the Global Factor of B-POHW in the test-retest (ICC = 0.84); d) evidence based on other variables and construct representation was in line with the positive oral health framework. The B-POHW is psychometrically sound to be used in a Brazilian context, and evidence of its internal structure confirmed its theoretical framework for measuring positive oral health. These findings advance in holistic approaches, enabling to assess positive oral health in Dental practice in Brazil.

Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary healthcare workers of Lucknow district: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction:Oral diseases are considered a public health problem due to their high prevalence. It is the primary concern of oral health educators to impart positive oral health knowledge and behavior in the society. Health workers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) toward oral health to a great extent influence the community as they can extend health education at the first contact in the community. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of health care workers.Material and Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional survey was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards oral health among health care workers. The study was conducted among health care workers aged between 20 and 60 years working in Primary Healthcare Centres and Community Healthcare Centres of Lucknow district. Informed consent was obtained from health care workers before the start of the study. The data were collected via a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics-version 21.Results:The results of the study showed that 70.2% of the respondents ever visited the dentist due to somereason of which 19.2% visited once in a year. In addition, 38.9% of the respondents were daily smokers of which the majority belonged to the age group 20–40 years. A total of 63.9% of the respondents were daily chewable tobacco users, and 12.4% were routine users of alcohol.Conclusion:The present study gives a brief insight into the oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices of health care workers which were of fair degree.

Relationship between sense of coherence, OHRQoL, and dental caries among nursing students in South India.

Dental caries is one of the most common dental diseases that affect all population and is associated with the avoidance of care. Research has reported that sense of coherence (SOC) is related to many aspects of health including oral health. SOC determines the quality of health and might have a direct association with the development of subjective assessments of oral health. To find the association between SOC, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and caries status among nursing college students in southern state of India. Cross-sectional design using questionnaire and assessment of caries status. Nursing students from south India. Convenience sampling method was followed and students who were present on the day of the study and consented to participate were included in the study. The total study sample consisted of 494 nursing students. SOC and OHRQoL were measured by a self-administered questionnaire; caries status was assessed using Decayed, Missing and Filled Tooth (DMFT) index. Association between SOC and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) and caries status and OHIP was found to be statistically significant. Correlation between dental caries and OHIP was found to be statistically significant, with R-value -0.251 shows that OHIP is negatively correlated with caries status. SOC as a psychosocial resource is capable of facilitating the motivation for positive oral health behaviours. These resources along with socio-economic and demographic factors can create an environment that is partially responsible for the individuals' cognitive and physical functions that can express themselves as the individuals' well-being and positive health behaviours.

Dentistry, the press and a pandemic.

Introduction Newspapers are a valuable source of information for many people and report on a variety of topics including dentistry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, where there has been a considerable amount of information seeking from health professionals and the public alike, this study examines how dentistry has been represented in the media.Methods and materials Articles which involve dentistry were searched for between 23 March 2020 and 31 December 2020 across multiple newspaper websites. Qualitative analysis was carried out of the data obtained to identify themes.Results In total, 179 articles were included in the study and themes identified. These related to access to dental services, do-it-yourself (DIY) dentistry, dental pain and emergency care, financial concerns and practice closures, oral health, personal protective equipment, as well as the return to work in June. There were very few stories about dental misconduct.Conclusions Constructive collaboration between newspapers and dentists existed as many articles were promoting positive oral health messages, discussed problems facing dentists re-opening as well as issues many patients faced during the first lockdown period.

Cross-sectional study of oral health care service, oral health beliefs and oral health care education of caregivers in nursing homes

ObjectivesTo assess oral care beliefs and oral hygiene procedures among nursing home personnel to identify strengths and weaknesses in managing oral care. MethodsA cross-sectional study in two nursing homes using an oral health care questionnaire including the Nursing Dental Coping Belief Scale. ResultsA total of 109 health personnel participated. Oral care was seldomly achieved twice a day and dental supplies were not guaranteed. Registered nurses found the oral health of residents more acceptable than did allied health personnel with less oral care education, who mostly delivered daily care. Conversely, nursing staff with oral care education had lower dental coping beliefs, suggesting a lack of self-reliance in controlling oral health outcomes. ConclusionDental supplies should be part of nursing care equipment. Educational programs could increase positive oral health beliefs and enhance the quality of care in these settings, particularly among those who are accountable for oral care.

Oral Health and Patterns of Dental Visits Among Diabetic Patients in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

PurposeDiabetes is a big public health threat in Saudi Arabia. However, there is limited evidence about dental problems, oral hygiene practices, and dental visits among diabetic patients. The study aimed to evaluate self-perceived oral health status and patterns of dental attendance among diabetic patients in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study included 486 diabetic patients (mean age 50.14±13.59 years) registered with the Saudi Diabetes Society, Saudi Arabia (October–November 2020). The World Health Organization’s oral health questionnaire for adults was administered to collect information about oral health status, oral hygiene practices, and dental attendance, in addition to sociodemographic data. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed.ResultsMost participants (66.3%) reported having dental pain or discomfort during the last year. Bad breath (60.50%), tooth cavities (55.10%), difficulty in biting hard food (55.10%), tooth sensitivity (53.30%), and bleeding gums (52.90%) were common oral problems among participants. More than half the sample (55.1%) reported visiting the dental office during the last year. However, pain or trouble with teeth, gums or mouth was the most common (40.5%) reason for the last dental visit. Only 7.8% of participants visited the dentist for a routine dental check-up. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that Saudi nationality (AOR 2.68, P 0.008), family history of diabetes (AOR 1.88, P 0.022), and having pain during the last year (AOR 4.01, P <0.001) were the significant factors associated with the last dental visit due to pain.ConclusionThis sample of participants demonstrated a high prevalence of dental problems. Few participants performed routine dental visits and most visits were due to pain. Saudis and patients with family history of diabetes and dental pain were more likely to perform pain related dental visits. Multidisciplinary efforts are needed to develop and implement preventive educational and clinical care models for positive oral and general health outcomes.

Dental Visits for Autistic Children: A Qualitative Focus Group Study of Parental Perceptions.

Patient groups who pose behavioral challenges during dental attendance may be offered more restricted dental treatment options. Unsuccessful participation with dental visit tasks and demands has been commonly reported for autistic children. This study aimed to examine parental perceptions of difficulties associated with dental attendance and oral care for autistic children and young adults, to highlight reported challenges and potential adaptations, and to identify interventions that will encourage positive experiences of dental attendance. Qualitative data were gathered through 2 focus groups with parents of primary school and secondary school pupils with autism, interviewed in separate groups. Questions about parents' perceptions of dental attendance and oral care were asked. The groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analyzed and initial codes generated. Development of subthemes and themes followed a process of thematic analysis. Parental perceptions, which confirmed data from other studies, included the need for understanding and training, awareness of sensory issues, recognition of the individuality of autistic traits, time and clarity for communication, and factors affecting the confidence of parents to advocate in the clinical environment. Focus group participants identified the critical value of empathizing with an autistic perspective and highlighted the importance of positive oral health messages. They also noted the lack of understanding regarding the complexity of altering self-imposed, ritualistic dietary regimes and attempting to enact good dental preventive habits for their children. Analysis of data from parent focus groups provided a greater understanding of the needs and responsivity required for successful dental visits for autistic children and young adults. A range of potential interventions was identified and incorporated within a model of needs. Interventions based on Partnership Working, System Change, and Training of Dental Staff could be effective in reducing challenges posed by dental attendance for many children with autism. Sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, comorbid intellectual disability, and dental anxiety are barriers to successful participation during dental attendance for autistic children. This research proposes that interventions supporting Partnership Working, System Change, and Training of Dental Staff can reduce challenges posed by dental attendance. The model of interventions developed as part of this project can be used by oral care teams to help reduce barriers and improve the success of dental visits for autistic children.

Effectiveness of oral health education intervention among 12\u201315-year-old school children in Dharan, Nepal: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSchool-aged adolescents are in particular need of preventive program to ensure positive long-term oral health and hygiene. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an oral health education (OHE) intervention on oral hygiene knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP), plaque control and gingival health among 12–15 years old school children in Dharan sub-metropolitan city, Nepal.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted with parallel study groups, comprising 12–15-year-old school children, 120 in each group. OHE was given to the experimental group at baseline, third and sixth months and to the control group after completion of the study. Interview of the participants were done using a 23-item questionnaire for assessment of oral hygiene KAP. For each question, correct answer was scored as 1 and wrong answer was scored zero. An overall composite score was then created, by adding the individual scores. Oral examination was done using mouth mirror and WHO probe to record Turesky–Gilmore–Glickman modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index, Gingival index and Dentition status and treatment needs. Analysis was done using chi-square test for categorical data and independent t test, Mann–Whitney U test, repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s test for quantitative data. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsThere was 54.58% improvement in overall oral hygiene KAP in experimental group (P = 0.001) whereas no improvement was seen in control group at the end of the study. The mean plaque score was improved by 57.67% (P = 0.001) in experimental group in comparison to 4.56% in control group. Gingival index was improved by 49.90% (P = 0.001) in experimental group in comparison to 0.7% in control group. Caries experience was increased in both groups but no significant difference was seen.ConclusionsThe study concluded that oral health education was effective in improving oral hygiene KAP, plaque control and gingival health.Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered with Clinical Trial Registry India (CTRI) with identifier no. CTRI/2018/05/013985, registered on 05/21/2018. (http://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=23651&EncHid=&modid=&compid=%27,%2723651det%27). Institutional Review Committee, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan, Nepal provided the ethical approval (Ref. No.: 292/074/075-IRC).

Associations between dental care approachability and dental attendance among women pregnant with an Indigenous child: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOral health during pregnancy is vital for both mother and child. Indigenous Australians face many barriers in accessing dental care. Service approachability is one of the key domains in accessing health services. There is little empirical evidence of the association between service approachability and dental care attendance or oral health outcome. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between dental service approachability on dental care attendance and self-reported gum disease among South Australian women pregnant with an Aboriginal child.MethodsFour hundred and twenty-seven women pregnant with an Aboriginal child completed questionnaires in both metropolitan and regional health settings in South Australia in 2011. Four variables related to approachability of dental services: (1) perception of need; (2) service-related health literacy; (3) oral health beliefs and; (4) trust and expectation of dental service. The association between service approachability-related factors, dental utilisation and self-reported gum disease during pregnancy were assessed using Generalised Poisson regression models, after adjusting for age, remoteness, employment status and education. Estimates were presented as adjusted prevalence ratios (APR).ResultsMost participants (85.8%) reported a need for dental care, had positive oral health beliefs (88.3%) and had expectations towards dental care (86.2%). Dental service utilisation during pregnancy was low (35.7%). Many participants (78.0%) expressed knowing what to do if they needed dental care, while most (39.8%) doubted that dental care would be available the next day. Poor health service literacy was identified as a risk factor for non-optimal dental attendance (APR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.74–0.99). Perceived need for dental care was positively associated with self-reported gum disease (APR = 1.24, 95%CI 1.06–1.45).ConclusionInability to navigate the dental care system was a risk factor for poor dental attendance among South Australian women pregnant with an Aboriginal child. Perceived need for dental care was associated with gum disease.