Preventive Dentistry Research Articles

Evaluation of Relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Dental Development in the Children in Age-group of 6-13 years of Malwa Region: A Cross-sectional Study.

To evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and dental development in the children in age-group of 6-13 years of Malwa region. A total of 250 orthopantomograms (OPGs) of children aged 6-13 years (130 males and 120 females) collected from the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, who came for their routine dental treatment. The chronological age, height, and weight were recorded, followed by calculating the BMI of each patient using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts. The dental age was calculated using Cameriere's method. The comparison of the dental and chronological age was done using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The dental age of underweight patients was significantly lesser than that of the normal, overweight, and obese patients (p-value of <0.05). The dental age of the obese patients were greatest and significantly greater than that of the underweight, normal, and overweight patients (p-value of <0.05). Dental age is significantly associated with the BMI of children aged 6-13 years. The dental age of obese and overweight children is significantly greater than the chronological age. Predicting the stage of dental development and eruption periods in children with mixed dentition can help with the sequencing and timing of orthodontic, prosthodontic, and surgical procedures. Selkari V, Saxena A, Parihar A, et al. Evaluation of Relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Dental Development in the Children in Age-group of 6-13 years of Malwa Region: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):333-337.

Quantitative analysis of remineralization of artificial carious lesions with commercially available toothpastes using EDAX: An in vitro study

Introduction: Noninvasive approach for treating demineralized teeth is gaining importance in preventive dentistry. Various fluoridated and nonfluoridated remineralizing agents are utilized for treating early enamel carious lesions. Aim: To quantitatively assess the remineralizing potential of various dentifrices quantitatively from the array of products available in the market. Materials and Methods: Enamel blocks were prepared from seventy sound permanent teeth. The baseline amount of calcium, phosphorous, and fluoride was evaluated. After those samples were transferred in Modified TenCate’s solution for demineralization for 96 h, the amount of demineralization carried out to detect change in mineral content. Following this, samples were randomly grouped into five – Group 1: Fluoridated sensitive toothpaste, Group 2: Fluoridated toothpaste with Anticay Technology, Group 3: Nonfluoridated natural extracts toothpaste, Group 4: Nonfluoridated ayurvedic toothpaste, and Group 5: De-ionized water. Remineralizing agents applied twice daily for 28 days. The final mineral content of remineralized enamel was evaluated. Intra-group and inter-group comparisons were statistically analyzed using independent and paired sample t-test and analysis of variance. Results and Discussion: The mean calcium, phosphorous, fluoride, and Ca/P ratio of fluoridated and nonfluoridated toothpastes showed statistically significant difference (significant at P &lt; 0.05). Intergroup comparison shows fluoridated toothpaste showing greater potential for remineralization (significant at P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Fluoridated toothpaste with anticay technology showed better remineralizing capacity followed by sensitive and nonfluoridated natural toothpaste. Nonfluoridated ayurvedic toothpaste showed the least remineralizing potential.

Olive Oil as a Transport Medium for Bioactive Molecules of Plants?-An In Situ Study.

(1) Caries and erosions still remain a challenge for preventive dentistry. Certain plant extracts have shown beneficial effects in preventive dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial, anti-adherent and erosion-protective properties of ellagic acid (EA) as a polyphenolic agent. The combination with olive oil was investigated additionally to verify a possible improved bioactive effect of EA. (2) An in situ study was carried out with six subjects. Individual splints were prepared with bovine enamel specimens. The splints were worn for 1 min (pellicle formation time). Thereafter, 10 min rinses were performed with EA in water/in oil. Bacterial adherence was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy (DAPI, ConA, BacLight) after an 8 h oral exposition time. Additionally, the splints were worn for 30 min to quantify demineralization processes. The ultrastructure of the pellicle was investigated after an oral exposure time of 2 h under a transmission electron microscope. Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskal-Wallis tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and Bonferroni-Holm correction. (3) Rinsing with EA led to a significant reduction of adherent vital and dead bacteria. The combination with olive oil did not improve these outcomes. The assessment of glucan structures after rinsing with EA in water showed significant effects. Significant differences were observed for both rinses in calcium release at pH 3.0. After rinsing with EA in oil, significantly less calcium was released compared to rinsing with EA in water (pH = 3.0). (4) Olive oil is not suitable as a transport medium for lipophilic polyphenols. EA has anti-adherent and antibacterial properties in situ. EA also shows erosion-protective effects, which can be enhanced in combination with olive oil depending on the pH value. Ellagic acid has a neutral pH and could be an opportunity in the treatment of specific patient groups (xerostomia or mucositis).

The importance of preventive dentistry on the oral health of individuals and the economy in the United States

Oral problems are related to the general health of individuals. When not preventively cared for or not treated properly, caries lesions, pain, discomfort, risks of spreading infections throughout the body, which can even lead to hospitalization. The absence of preventive care in oral health increases the chances of tooth loss, reducing the person’s ability to chew and compromising their nutrition. In addition, there is the aesthetic issue, because the person with teeth problems avoids smiling and even avoids interacting socially. The dental problems of a population unable to afford them, economically affect the general health system, since oral diseases refer to the impairment of people’s health, who will resort to formal medical care at some point in their existence. This literature review article featured specialized materials in Oral Health on the reality of low-income North Americans and their oral problems, using articles obtained from Google Scholar. As an objective, it is intended to demonstrate the importance of preventive care for dental health, through educational actions in needy communities, covering people of all ages, especially children. There is a need for specialized care for patients of different ages who are already affected by oral problems, and also about the importance of the efforts and investments of the US government in massive campaigns related to preventive dental care for people of all ages that make up the its poorest population.

ASSESSING THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE IN ROLE OF ROBOTICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ORAL HEALTH AND PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY AMONG DENTIST- A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY.

Introduction: Robotics is concerned with the connection of perception to action; in this to each other but serve very different purposes.AI is a branch of computer science which involves developing computer programs to complete tasks that would otherwise require human intelligence. To assess the knowledge and attitude of dentists the role of robotics (R) and artificial intelligence (AI) in oral health and preventive dentistry. Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study in which data was collected from dentist population. A total of 600 participants answered 15 closed-ended questions. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were evaluated for vetting and remarks. The questionnaire collected demographic data of participants and their knowledge and attitude about Robotics and Artificial intelligence. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared testwith statistical significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: The majority of the participants (n = 600; 57.5%/42.5%) were males and females. Dental students, dentist school graduates/ interns, and postgraduate dentists comprised of 56.6%, 23.3%%, and 20% respectively. Most of the respondents gave affirmative answers for knowledge and attitude of R and AI (56.6%,and 75%).These were significantly above the overall affirmative answers, as the corresponding point lies above 95% UCL (upper confidence limit). Conclusion: Most dentists were unacquainted with R and AI. Dentists had a positive attitude towards R/AI, but due to inadequate knowledge and understanding, its use and applications were very limited. There is significant need in the near future to increase awareness of this concept, as it may increase treatment efficiency and effectiveness

Impact of parent’s knowledge and attitude about pediatric dental treatment during the Covid-19 pandemic in Bhairahawa City, Nepal

A new type of coronavirus that causes pneumonia was first detected in December 2019, in Wuhan. It was first denoted as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, Wuhan in December 2019, referred to a new coronavirus capable of infecting humans as SARS-CoV-2. At the same time, the World Health Organization declared the official name of the disease caused by this virus as COVID-19.In this cross-sectional questionnaire survey, 180 participants out of 190 participants were included to evaluate the knowledge and attitude about the pediatric dental treatment during covid-19 pandemic among parents, who visited the department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, of Universal College of Medical Sciences, during covid-19 pandemic for three months (February 2021 to April 2021), in Bhairahawa, Nepal.In this study out of 180 participants, 105(58.33%) were male and 75(41.66%) were female. All parents were concerned and aware of COVID-19. Every child was explained about covid-19 viruses by their parents.Even though the parents were aware of the Covid-19 pandemic and had discussed it with their children, still they do not prefer any kind of dental treatment even in severe pain. As they thought that other places are less infectious than a pediatric dental clinic.Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of pediatric dental patients’ parents’ towards COVID-1 9 in Bhairahawa, Nepal.

Mapping out the bibliometric characteristics of classic articles published in a Taiwanese academic journal in dentistry: A scopus-based analysis

Background/purposeSince its inception, the Journal of Dental Sciences (JDS) has aimed to publish quality articles relevant to all fields in dentistry. The purpose of this study was to analyze the bibliometric characteristics and dissected associated factors correlated with citation counts of classic articles published in the JDS. Materials and methodScopus® database was used to search the qualified articles published in JDS from 2009 to 2021. The bibliometric parameters, including journal impact factor (JIF), self-citation, study design, research field, geographic, country and institute of origin, inter-institute, inter-nation collaboration, keywords hotness and associated factors correlated with citation counts of classic articles were analyzed. ResultsOne hundred and eight articles from Scopus® database were eligible for analysis. The citation counts of classic articles ranged from 12 to 192, the average citation was 22.02. The most common study design was the in vitro/in vivo, followed by the cross-sectional study, and the major research field were Dental Materials. The most productive country and institute is Taiwan, and Chung Shan Medical University, respectively. The trend of inter-institute (71.03%) and inter-nation (11.22%) collaboration steadily increased since 2009. By using the multivariable linear regression model, Preventive and Community Dentistry in the research field significantly increased the citation counts. ConclusionDespite its limitations, the escalating trends in JIFs, and JIFs without self-citations, and inter-nation and inter-institute collaboration of classic articles were noticed. Of all the dissected associated factors, Preventive and Community Dentistry in the research field significantly increased the citation counts of classic article.

Impact of Indium Oxide Nanoparticles Mouth Wash in Prevention of Human Dental Enamel Caries (In Vitro Study)

Background: Despite the fact that fluoride-based remineralization technologies have dominated preventive dentistry for the past century, new and innovative nanomaterials approaches are transforming the industry. A variety of unique metal nanoparticles (NPs) materials are now be easily available to assist remineralization of the dental enamel surface. Objectives: This study was reported to prevent and treat of dental caries using indium oxide NPs suspension solution application in comparison to de-ionized water and sodium fluoride on human tooth enamel by surface microhardness analysis for the surface dental enamel. Materials and Methods: Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet (UV)-visible absorption spectrophotometer were used to evaluate the physical characteristics of an indium oxide NPs suspension solution that was created by the laser ablation in liquid. Microhardness Vickers test was used to evaluate the microhardness of teeth. Teeth samples were 60 teeth that were divided randomly into two phases; each phase consisted of prevented and treated groups with indium oxide NPs, control-positive group was treated with sodium fluoride, and control-negative group was treated with deionized water. Each group was consisted of 10 teeth. Results: The results showed that there was an increase in microhardness be recorded for both preventive and treatment groups after the application of an indium oxide NPs suspension solution. Conclusion: Laser-prepared indium oxide NPs colloidal suspensions were found to be effective as a remineralizing agent to human dental enamel and thus can be considered as an alternative to sodium fluoride mouth wash.

BIOMIMETIC MATERIALS IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY: FROM PAST TO FUTURE

With the arrival of technology, during the last two decades, various changes have been made in the field of restorative dentistry. Hence, this article reviews the numerous biomimetic materials and its biological properties in the field of restorative and preventive dentistry and endodontics. Biomimetic materials, with their biocompatible nature and physio-chemical properties are widely used nowadays.1 They can function as long-lasting aesthetic and restorative materials, cements, root repair materials, root canal sealers and filling materials, which have the advantages of enhanced biocompatibility, high strength, sealing ability and antibacterial properties. Newer biomimetic materials have the ability to overcome limitations of earlier generation materials.1

Investigation of the Radiological Status of Permanent First Molars in a Turkish Subpopulation

Objective: Missing or filled first permanent molars (FPMs) affects occlusal status and oral health. This study aims to determine the prevalence of missing, restored FPMs (filling, root canal treatment, prosthetic restoration), and dental implants in the first molar region.&#x0D; Methods: In our study, panoramic radiographs of 1765 female and 1230 male patients were evaluated. Patients were divided into three age groups: 15-34 years old, 35-54 years old, and &gt;55 years old. The maxillary and mandibular FPMs status is divided into two groups presence (caries, filled, root treatment, prosthetic restoration, root treatment + prosthetic restoration, and healthy) or absence (empty, radix relicta, dental implant, and dental bridge).&#x0D; Results: In the evaluated images, 36.92% of maxillary FPMs and 27.39% of mandibular FPMs were healthy. FPMs on the right or left side of the jaws did not affect their clinical status, while their presence on the lower or upper jaw affected their clinical status.&#x0D; Conclusion: Most of the FPMs (67.85%) were with caries or restorations. The number of healthy FPMs decreases with increasing age. The study indicates an important result regarding protecting FPMs and preventive dentistry.

Association of Early Childhood Caries and Multiple Variable Factors in 3-6-year-old Children.

Dental caries is a globally prevailing condition. It is a common finding in all age-groups, whether it is young children or adults. Caries not only affects the oral health of an individual, but also the overall health of the individual. This article focuses on the association of ECC with BMI, SES status, maternal education, birth order, and number of siblings in age group of 3 to 6 year old children. The study was planned and conducted in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. The study consisted of 200 samples, including both groups. Group I included 100 patients with ECC and group II included 100 patients caries free. Children of age 3-6 years were randomly selected and evaluated for ECC and parameters like weight, height, number of siblings, birth order, SES status, and mothers' education. Body mass index (BMI) had no significant association with the occurrence of ECC. Statistical significant association was observed between the number of siblings and ECC. The "no caries" was significantly associated with "no sibling" or "one sibling". A significant association between SES status and ECC was observed. The upper and upper middle class had more number of caries free children, whereas the number of participants with ECC was significantly more in the upper lower class. There was a pronounced association between ECC and maternal education. Researches like these help us to broaden our aspects of understanding that caries is not caused by only one factor but a magnitude of factors. It's prevention should take into consideration not only the dietary habits but also on increasing awareness about importance of oral hygiene and how it can be affected by other social varients.This article focuses on the association of ECC with BMI, SES status, maternal education, birth order, and number of siblings in 3-6-year-old children. Sahu P, Agrawal A, Jain D, et al. Association of Early Childhood Caries and Multiple Variable Factors in 3-6-year-old Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):42-47.

Caries-related and Preventive Dental Care of 5-, 12-, and 15-year-old Syrians in Bursa, Türkiye.

Türkiye has implemented an open-door policy for Syrians since the beginning of the Syrian crisis in 2011 and has been providing medical and dental services for Syrian asylum seekers. Bursa, being the 5th largest city in the Western region of the Turkish Republic, hosts 1,83,355 registered Syrians. The present study was designed to analyze the caries-related dental services and preventive applications among 5-, 12-, and 15-year-old Syrian patients admitted to a state-affiliated dental hospital in Bursa, Türkiye. This study comprises retrospective data analysis. The data from 1st January 2016 to 1st September 2021 were derived from the Bursa Oral and Dental Health Training and Research Hospital. The dental records of Syrian patients aged 5, 12, and 15 years were reviewed for caries-related (restorations, extractions, and root canal treatments) and preventive applications (fissure sealants and topical fluoridation); others were excluded. A total of 3,388 dental records of 1,179 Syrian children aged 5 (N = 369), 12 (N = 498), and 15 (N = 312) years were analyzed. The highest percentages of dental services offered to 5-, 12-, and 15-year-old were "tooth extractions" (n = 369; 42.2%), "fissure sealants" (n = 555; 33.7%), and "restorative treatments" (n = 384; 44.4%), respectively (p < 0.001). Considering all years (2016-2021), male subjects [odds ratio (OR)-1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.85; p = 0.01] and 12-year-old (OR-1.87, 95% CI 1.31-2.66; p = 0.001) were more likely to visit a dentist more than once per year. Caries-related dental services, which are an indicator of poor oral health, are common in 5-, 12-, and 15-year-old Syrian patients. Elbek Cubukcu C, Celik ZC, Dinc Ata G, et al. Caries-related and Preventive Dental Care of 5-, 12-, and 15-year-old Syrians in Bursa, Türkiye. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):64-67.

COVID-19 Reflections on Restorative Treatments of Permanent First Molars.

It is important to provide appropriate dental care for newly erupted permanent first molars (PFMs) since they are susceptible to caries. As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to significant changes in the way dental services are provided to patients, the purpose of this study is to examine the procedure records assigned to PFMs of 6-15 year-olds during the pandemic and analyze the restorative material preferences of the residents of public dental hospitals. Procedure records of patients aged between 6-15 years were extracted from the Public Oral and Dental Health Center, Bursa, Türkiye. All teeth groups except PFMs were excluded, while extracted, survived (restorative/endodontic/prosthetic procedures), and prevented (fissure sealant application) PFMs were analyzed retrospectively. Furthermore, restorative material preferences were analyzed by arch location, cavity surfaces, and dentition types. Strong positive correlation was seen between age and PFM extraction (r=0.973; p<0.001) and age and PFM restorative treatments (r= 0.966; p<0.001); a negative correlation was detected between age and fissure sealants (r= -0.984; p<0,001) performed on PFMs of 8-15-year-olds. Amalgam was most often preferred as the restorative material (p<0.05). The distribution of treatments and dental restorations can vary based on many factors, and the pandemic conditions may have changed treatment preferences to favor preventive dentistry. The excess of multi-surface restorations may be related to the delay of treatment applications during COVID-19.

Behavioural patterns of children as risk factors of oral hygiene and dental caries- A short study

Oral health is an important aspect affecting general health and quality of life. All children have different health considerations including oral health. Children have their own basic nature and this behaviour variability may influence their understanding and acceptability towards maintenance of oral hygiene. Some children may not follow the proper oral hygiene regimes due to variable behaviour which can drastically affect their oral status. Thus, the behaviour of child can act as an obstacle in maintaining oral hygiene. The present study was aimed at finding the association of child behaviour with dental caries and oral hygiene status.: A convenient sample of 100 children aged 6-11 years visiting the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry were taken for the study. A questionnaire was designed to assess the behaviour of children. Oral hygiene Index and Caries Index of the samples to be studied were recorded. The obtained data was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis A statistically significant association was found between child behaviour and dental caries(deft). Also, different types of behaviour pattern showed difference in oral hygiene and caries index. a correlation between oral hygiene and child behaviour was also found.Oral health status has a multifactorial etiology with child behaviour as an influential factor. Especially in young children, it may directly or indirectly influence caries risk and oral hygiene status. If identified in initial phase, working upon it may help in promoting better oral health of children in the long run.

БОЛЕЗНЬ ШЕГРЕНА И ОСТЕОПОРОЗ В ПРАКТИКЕ ВРАЧА-СТОМАТОЛОГА: КЛИНИЧЕСКИЙ СЛУЧАЙ

Subject. The subject of this research is Sjogren's syndrome.&#x0D; Objective. The objective of this research is to report a clinical case of Sjogren's syndrome associated with osteoporosis under hospital outpatient care provided by a dental therapist.&#x0D; Methodology. The research design includes description of one clinical case. The study is conducted by the Department of Preventive Dentistry and Propedeutics of Dental Disease, and the Department of Intermediate Level Therapy and Geriatrics of Ural State Medical University. This paper presents clinical observations of the patient developing main symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome, as well it explores somatic/dental status and describes the framework for supervision during dynamic observation.&#x0D; Conclusion. The case study allows to explore one of the multiple cases leading to development of chronic Sjogren's syndrome. The patient experiences a worsening of symptoms associated with menopausal transition and with new signs brought on by osteoporosis shows specific symptoms. Clinical manifestations of Sjogren's disease are highly variable, complicating the diagnostic process. This creates a risk of delayed treatment and provokes the development of severe complications, especially against the background of osteoporosis. Rational selection of appropriate modern medical treatment (active general drug therapy) and dynamic observation of a reumatologyst are specially important. However, being an interdisciplinary problem Sjogren's syndrome requires involvement of dental professionals, training in professional oral hygiene procedure which is the initial step of comprehensive maintenance treatment (based on clinical recommendations) and dynamic observation of patients; based on systemic manifestations, other specialists such as a reumatologyst, a gastroenterologist, an endocrinologist, an ophthalmologist may be involved.

“Dental Health” preventive program as a stage of rehabilitating children with cognitive developmental disabilities

Relevance. One of the paramount directions of preventive dentistry is the development of the author's methods of organization and implementation of dental diseases prevention programs in children with cognitive developmental disabilities, allowing for prevention customization, taking into account the features of child development with disabilities, as well as the combination of many objective factors. The study aimed to increase the efficiency of mentally-retarded children's rehabilitation by improving the dental disease prevention program.Materials and methods. The study involved 140 children diagnosed with moderate mental retardation and comparatively analyzed two methods over three years. Group 1 included 71 subjects aged 8-11 years trained according to "Dental Health", the author's dental and hygiene education program, developed and adjusted to the psychophysical needs of the child development. Group 2 consisted of 69 subjects, trained according to the dental and hygiene education program provided only by the teachers during classes on household chores. We evaluated the effectiveness of the "Dental Health" prevention program introduced into the specialized educational process by the following indices DMFT, simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S); PMA index modified by Parma assessed the condition of the gums. Statistical data were processed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 18.0 application sof tware package.Results. The effectiveness analysis of the author's program for children with moderate mental retardation revealed that the level of oral hygiene in the children increased from "poor" to "good" (2.1 ± 0.3 points to good 0.2 ± 0.1 points); gingival inflammation decreased from 24.6 ± 0.5% to 14.4 ± 0.2%. Classes on dental education and hygiene training helped children with cognitive developmental disabilities to orient better in self, time and place; helped to improve memory, increase vocabulary, form new knowledge and skills, and gradually form effective communication based on the child's intellectual deficiency severity.Conclusions. The developed educational program "Dental Health" for dental diseases primary prevention in children with cognitive developmental disabilities allowed the formation of stable oral care skills, proved by a good score of oral hygiene indices.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Parents toward the Oral Health of their School-going Children in Faridabad City.

To determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of parents toward the oral health of their school-going children in Faridabad city. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 312 parents who reported in the outpatient department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry at Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences & Research, Faridabad, Haryana, India. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 18) software for descriptive and multivariate analysis, and the level of statistical significance used in this study was chosen at p < 0.05. The results of this study showed that the sample selected had relatively good knowledge regarding the number of teeth present in the mouth of their child, the importance of filling the primary teeth, and trauma-related knowledge. Parents were aware that excess sugar intake, germs/bacteria, and sticky food are responsible for causing caries. On the contrary, a few of the parents were not aware of the ideal time for the first dental visit. Parents showed a positive attitude regarding the importance of supervised brushing twice with fluoridated toothpaste. We concluded in the present study that the knowledge of parents regarding the oral health of their children in Faridabad city is relatively good, but in a few aspects, it's been observed that this knowledge is not implemented, and the attitude of the parents toward good oral health practices needs to be improved more. As pedodontists, we can help to bring this change to the present society as we can counsel parents to take appropriate care of their children's oral health. This article will help to assess the awareness of parents toward the oral health of their school-going children, which will further help in improving their knowledge, attitude, and practices, hence improving the oral hygiene of children. Singh R, Mendiratta P, Saraf BG, et al. Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Parents toward the Oral Health of their School-going Children in Faridabad City. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(5):549-553.

Role of Patient's Ethnicity in Seeking Preventive Dental Services at the Community Health Centers of South-Central Texas: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study was conducted to determine the impact of a patient's ethnicity on seeking preventive dental services at the Community Health Centers (CHCs) in South-Central Texas. Primary electronic health records (EHR) data were collected regarding each patient's medical and dental history, and comprehensive treatment planning. The researchers retrieved EHR from January 2016 to 2022. Bivariate analysis was completed to test the outcome with the predictor variable and covariates using the appropriate statistical tests. A multiple linear regression model was used to understand the association between the predictor and outcome variable while controlling for confounders. The study findings revealed significantly higher dental visits (2.26 ± 2.88) for Hispanic patients. The results from the multiple regression model indicated that non-Hispanic patients had a smaller chance of visiting CHC for preventive dental services, by eight percent, compared to the Hispanic population (p-value < 0.001) when all other variables were held constant. However, the study results were not significant, as the effect size was too small to conclude the effect of ethnicity on the patients visiting the dental clinic at the CHC for preventive services. The study concluded that there is no difference in the preventive dental services completed by Hispanics and non-Hispanics when all other variables are controlled.

Theory-based behavioral change interventions to improve periodontal health.

Periodontal disease is a significant global health burden affecting half of the world's population. Given that plaque and inflammation control are essential to the attainment of periodontal health, recent trends in preventive dentistry have focused on the use of behavioral models to understand patient psychology and promote self-care and treatment compliance. In addition to their uses in classifying, explaining and predicting oral hygiene practices, behavioral models have been adopted in the design of oral hygiene interventions from individual to population levels. Despite the growing focus on behavioral modification in dentistry, the currently available evidence in the field of periodontology is scarce, and interventions have primarily measured changes in patient beliefs or performance in oral hygiene behaviors. Few studies have measured their impact on clinical outcomes, such as plaque levels, gingival bleeding and periodontal pocket reduction, which serve as indicators of the patient's disease status and quality of oral self-care. The present narrative review aims to summarize selected literature on the use of behavioral models to improve periodontal outcomes. A search was performed on existing behavioral models used to guide dental interventions to identify their use in interventions measuring periodontal parameters. The main models were identified and subsequently grouped by their underlying theoretical area of focus: patient beliefs (health belief model and cognitive behavioral principles); stages of readiness to change (precaution adoption process model and transtheoretical model); planning behavioral change (health action process approach model, theory of planned behavior and client self-care commitment model); and self-monitoring (self-regulation theory). Key constructs of each model and the findings of associated interventions were described. The COM-B model, a newer behavioral change system that has been increasingly used to guide interventions and policy changes, is discussed with reference to its use in oral health settings. Within the limitations of the available evidence, interventions addressing patient beliefs, motivation, intention and self-regulation could lead to improved outcomes in periodontal health. Direct comparisons between interventions could not be made due to differences in protocol design, research populations and follow-up periods. The conclusions of this review assist clinicians with implementing psychological interventions for oral hygiene promotion and highlight the need for additional studies on the clinical effects of behavioral model-based interventions.

Improving oral health of children in four Balkan countries: A qualitative study among health professionals.

This qualitative study targeted experts in preventive dentistry and oral health promotion in four countries in the Balkan region. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants. Data were collected in 2021 using individual in-depth interviews with participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. The study applied the thematic analysis method. The experts reported four main challenges that hindered the implementation of a prevention program and regular patient attendance: (1) lack of knowledge, (2) the exclusion of oral health from overall health, (3) organization of services, and (4) skepticism of fluoride. The participants identified knowledge gaps among the general population, dental staff, and other health professionals regarding the prevention of oral diseases. The findings of this study may be used to promote and improve oral health among children in the identified areas and to benefit people in the region and elsewhere. This study sheds light on the existing barriers in a region where people lack information.