Preventive Oral Care Research Articles

Assessment of the oral health status of visually impaired students after oral care instructions given to them.

Good oral care and adapting to proper tooth brushing technique can be a difficult task for the visually impaired individuals. Unlike the normal individuals, visually impaired ones cannot suspect the early dental problem in their oral cavity till it is symptomatic simply because they cannot visualize the intricacies of it. Hence, assessment of the oral health status in the visually impaired individuals and teaching them preventive oral care are extremely important for them. Objective: The study was undertaken to compare and assess the oral health status of the visually impaired students before and after giving them oral care instructions. Materials and Methods: A group of 120 visually impaired students was selected. They were subjected to simple dental examination and were given oral care instructions verbally. Proper tooth-brushing technique was taught to them individually. The subjects were evaluated as per the need of dental restorations, extractions, orthodontic treatment, oral prophylaxis and good dentition subjects needing no dental treatment. The same subjects were re-evaluated after four months under similar guidelines. The data collected from both the phases of dental examination was compared and subjected to analysis. Results: The present study did not show much of improvement of statistical significance though it did not show much of worsening in the oral health status of the visually impaired subjects as well. Summary and conclusion: The study emphasizes the serious need for repetitive and collective efforts with multi-dimensional cross-involvement for the better oral health status of the visually impaired individuals in the society. Key Words: Visually impaired, oral health, instructions, tooth-brushing technique.

Calidad de vida durante el embarazo y su influencia en la salud bucal: una revisión sistemática

Objective: To perform a systematic review of scientific literature on the impact of oral health on the quality of life of pregnant women. Methods: A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines was carried out and 16 specific articles/studies on the subject were selected. Results: Pregnant women's quality of life (QoL) is related to age, number of pregnancies, pain, difficulty eating and presence of dental caries. Quality of life was directly related to oral health. Conclusions: It was found that most studies associating QoL and oral health during pregnancy were cross-sectional and observational; therefore, for a better understanding of these impacts, performing longitudinal studies from the beginning of pregnancy until postpartum is necessary. The need for preventive oral health counseling and dental care assistance during pregnancy is highlighted.

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards preventive oral care in early childhood among paediatricians in Trinidad and Tobago: findings of a national survey

To determine paediatrician's knowledge and attitudes about oral health in Trinidad and Tobago. A pre-tested questionnaire was sent out via survey monkey to 70 out of 75 paediatricians registered with the Medical Board of Trinidad and for whom email addresses were available. Hard copies of the questionnaires were delivered to the paediatric departments of the Eric Williams Medical Sciences complex. Paediatricians that were unable to complete the questionnaire online were asked to complete hard copies. Forty-nine paediatricians responded, yielding a response rate of 70%. Most (95.9%) of the participants had positive views about routine dental visits, but yet only 28.6% advised a first dental visit between the ages 6 months and 1 year. Although the majority (91.8%) had positive views on fluoride supplementation, knowledge of appropriate fluoride dosages was not in keeping with current guidelines. Mixed views on the role of breastfeeding as a risk factor for developing decay were seen among respondents; 63.3% of the paediatricians indicated that they did not receive any education on the oral health of young children during their specialty training, and most felt they required additional training in this area. Paediatricians in Trinidad and Tobago demonstrated positive attitudes toward oral health. However, their knowledge with respect to oral disease prevention including the use of fluoride, and timing of the first dental visit appear to be lacking. Paediatricians may benefit from continuing education with regards to the oral health of children.

Effect of photobiomodulation on the severity of oral mucositis and molecular changes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a study protocol for a cost-effectiveness randomized clinical trial

BackgroundOral mucositis (OM) is the most frequent and debilitating acute side effect associated with head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. When present, severe OM negatively impacts the quality of life of patients undergoing HNC treatment. Photobiomodulation is a well-consolidated and effective therapy for the treatment and prevention of severe OM, and is associated with a cost reduction of the cancer treatment. Although an increase in the quality of life and a reduction in the severity of OM are well described, there is no study on cost-effectiveness for this approach considering the quality of life as a primary outcome. In addition, little is known about the photobiomodulation effects on salivary inflammatory mediators. Thus, this study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of the photobiomodulation therapy for the prevention and control of severe OM and its influence on the salivary inflammatory mediators.Methods/designThis randomized, double-blind clinical trial will include 50 HNC patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. The participants will be randomized into two groups: intervention group (photobiomodulation) and control group (preventive oral care protocol). OM (clinical assessment), saliva (assessment of collected samples) and quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile-14 and Patient-Reported Oral Mucositis Symptoms questionnaires) will be assessed at the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st and 30th radiotherapy sessions. Oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine levels will be measured in the saliva samples of all participants. The costs are identified, measured and evaluated considering the radiotherapy time interval. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio will be estimated. The study will be conducted according to the Brazilian public health system perspective.DiscussionPhotobiomodulation is an effective therapy that reduces the cost associated with OM treatment. However, little is known about its cost-effectiveness, mainly when quality of life is the effectiveness measure. Additionally, this therapy is not supported by the Brazilian public health system. Therefore, this study widens the knowledge about the safety of and strengthens evidence for the use of photobiomodulation therapy, providing information for public policy-makers and also for dental care professionals. This study is strongly encouraged due to its clinical relevance and the possibility of incorporating new technology into public health systems.Trial registrationBrazilian Registry of Clinical Trials—ReBEC, RBR-5h4y4n. Registered on 13 June 2017.

Elevating Oral Health Interprofessional Practice Among Pediatricians Through a Statewide Quality Improvement Learning Collaborative.

Because of persistent effects of early childhood caries and impacts of dental health professional shortages areas, the integration of oral health in primary care settings is a public health priority. In this study, we explored oral health interprofessional practice (OHIP) as an integrative pathway to reduce oral health disparities. OHIP can include performing oral health risk assessments, describing the importance of fluoride in the drinking water, implementing fluoride varnish application, and referring patients to a dental home. To conduct a formative evaluation of how 15 pediatric primary care practices implemented the adoption of OHIP in their clinical settings. Using an ecological framework, we conducted a qualitative process evaluation to measure the factors that inhibited and facilitated OHIP adoption into pediatric settings. Document review analysis and qualitative interviews were conducted with pediatric practices to contextualize challenges and facilitators to OHIP adoption. A total of 15 Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act pediatric practices located in 13 South Carolina counties participated in this study. Outcomes of interest were the facilitators and challenges of OHIP adoption into pediatric primary care practices. Thematic analysis revealed challenges for OHIP adoption including limited resources and capacity, role delineation for clinical and administrative staff, communication, and family receptiveness. OHIP training for clinical practitioners and staff and responsiveness from clinical staff and local dentists were facilitators of OHIP adoption. Twelve key recommendations emerged on the basis of participant experiences within OHIP, with developing an active dental referral network and encouraging buy-in from clinical staff for OHIP adoption as primary recommendations. We demonstrated the effectiveness of a learning collaborative meeting among pediatric primary care providers to adopt OHIPs. This work reveals an actionable pathway to support oral health equity advancement for children through an additional access point of preventive oral care, reinforcement of positive oral health behaviors, and interaction between parent and child for overall health and wellness of the family.

Prevalence of malocclusion among the age group of 15-25 years in Bangladeshi population

Aims: A cross sectional study was carried out to explore the Prevalence of malocclusion among the age group of 15-25 years in Bangladeshi population.Material and methods: A total of 431 samples were purposively selected. Data were collected by oral examination, model and face to face interview using the structured questionnaire and a standard format was prepared to record the data.Results: The responded of the study were 17 to 25 years. Their mean ages were 20.64 ±1.61 years. Male 33% and female 67%. Among the respondent 82.6% have class I molar relation, 12.06% class II and 5.34 % class III molar relation. Among class I group 74% have malocclusion and 26% normal occlusion that is 78.42% respondent has malocclusion. In residential status 86% are urban. 96% of the respondent brushes their tooth two times and 4% once regularly. 13% of the respondent never visits dental chamber in their life time.Conclusion: Most common malocclusion was class I followed by class II and class III. The systemic implementation of preventive oral care and community oriented health programs are needed for the continuous promotion of oral health care of Bangladesh.Ban J Orthod & Dentofac Orthop, April 2014; Vol-4 (1-2), P.8-11

Preventive Dental Care: An Educational Program to Integrate Oral Care Into Pediatric Oncology .

Early childhood dental caries (dental cavities) is an infectious process. The development of oral problems during cancer care results in pain, fever, and delay in treatment. . The objective of this project was to integrate preventive oral care into pediatric oncology care. . This project consisted of an educational program for pediatric oncology providers who completed pre- and postprogram surveys assessing oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practice; attended an oral health education session; and performed oral assessment and fluoride varnish application on children during cancer treatment. . Three major outcomes resulted from this project.

Attitude of dental hygienists, general practitioners and periodontists towards preventive oral care: an exploratory study

Promoting oral hygiene and stimulating patient's responsibility for his/her personal health remain challenging objectives. The presence of dental hygienists has led to delegation of preventive tasks. However, in some countries, such as Belgium, this profession is not yet legalized. The aim of this exploratory study was to compare the attitude towards oral-hygiene instructions and patient motivational actions by dental hygienists and by general practitioners/periodontists in a context without dental hygienists. A questionnaire on demographics (six items), oral-hygiene instructions (eight items) and patient motivational actions (six items) was distributed to 241 Dutch dental hygienists, 692 general practitioners and 32 periodontists in Flanders/Belgium. Statistical analysis included Fisher's exact-test, Pearson's chi-square test and multiple (multinomial) logistic regression analysis to observe the influence of profession, age, workload, practice area and chair-assistance. Significant variance was found between general practitioners and dental hygienists (in 13 of 14 items), between general practitioners and periodontists (in nine of 14 items) and between dental hygienists and periodontists (in five of 14 items). In addition to qualification, chair-assistance was also identified as affecting the attitude towards preventive oral care. The present study identified divergence in the application of, and experienced barriers and opinions about, oral-hygiene instructions and patient motivational actions between dental hygienists and general practitioners/periodontists in a context without dental hygienists. In response to the barriers reported it is suggested that preventive oriented care may benefit from the deployment of dental hygienists to increase access to qualified preventive oral care.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of School Children's Caries Studies in Gulf Cooperation Council States.

Objectives:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of dental caries school children in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area, to help the development of systematic approaches for preventive oral care programs in the GCC states and to provide sound information for oral health promotion and public health care.Materials and Methods:A comprehensive search to identify both published and unpublished articles concerning relevant studies of dental caries in children aged 6–16 years for their permanent teeth published from 1992 to 2016 with no language and time limit was performed. The search strategies employed electronic databases and incorporated both dental subject headings and free-text term.Results:The overall mean decayed, missing and filled teeth in the permanent teeth was 2.57, and the prevalence was 64.7% in the GCC area.Conclusions:Most of the studies were conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results may not be a true reflection, and other countries in GCC are urged to study the prevalence and severity of caries in their children population.

WITHDRAWN: Community-based population-level interventions for promoting child oral health.

WITHDRAWN: Community-based population-level interventions for promoting child oral health.

Adverse Habits and Oral Mucosal Lesions in Prisoners of Lucknow

Objectives: Oral health is an integral part of general health. It has long been recognized that preventive oral care is important in the prevention of oral diseases, which also has significant impact on general health. The prisoners also deserve equal rights for their oral health attention. So this study was planned to assess the adverse habits and oral mucosal lesions of prisoners of Lucknow city. Basic research design: This is a cross sectional survey, with a sample size of 1011 (826 males and 185 females) prisoners. Prisoners who were in the jail for more than 3 years have been included in this study. Results: Almost all 98.6% inmates had adverse habits, exclusively use of tobacco (chewable + smoking). In male’s gingival condition and oral sub mucous fibrosis was present in 79.2% inmates. In female inmates leukoplakia was present in 1.7%. Most common location for oral mucosal lesion was alveolar ridge/ gingiva- 96.6% followed by buccal mucosa 40.9%. Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of tobacco use (chewable + smoking) and also high prevalence of oral mucosal lesions. A long term oral health education programme is required as a part of effective preventive dental programmes to increase in awareness of oral health among prisoners.

Community-based population-level interventions for promoting child oral health.

Community-based population-level interventions for promoting child oral health.

Long term bone alterations in aged rats suffering type 1 diabetes

Increasing duration of type 1 diabetes mellitus alters bone metabolism. Clinical studies and experimental studies in long bones of rats with experimentally induced diabetes have reported a decrease in bone density. Few studies have explored this diabetes related alteration in the maxillae. Given that this finding could indicate the possible development of osteopenia in the maxilla in the long term, the present study sought to analyze alterations in alveolar bone in aged rats, 12, 18, and 24weeks after inducing diabetes, and compare alveolar bone response to that of tibial subchondral bone at the same experimental times. Thirty-six male Wistar rats, 130g body weight, were divided into 2 groups: an experimental group (E) receiving a single i.p. 60mg/kg dose of streptozotocin, and a control group (C). Both the control and experimental groups were divided into 3 sub-sets, according to the time of euthanasia: 12, 18 and 24weeks. The alveolar bone and tibiae were examined histologically and histomorphometrically. The results were analyzed using Student's t-test; a value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Subchondral bone volume and bone activity/remodeling, mainly bone rest, were significantly lower in diabetic animals compared to controls, at both 12 and 18weeks. No differences in alveolar bone parameters were observed between diabetic and control animals at either of the experimental times. Animals surviving at 24weeks showed few trabeculae at rest and severe destruction of dental and periodontal tissues. The results of the present study show that diabetic osteopenia is evident in the tibia at 12 and at 18weeks, whereas its effects on the maxilla can be seen at 24weeks, with substantial destruction of alveolar bone and of the remaining periodontal and dental tissues. All the above observations highlight the need for preventive oral care in diabetic patients, before irreversible damage to dental and periodontal tissues occurs.

“Life with an incomplete bite” – Preventive oral care and findings of a child with pre-existing ‘Poland syndrome’

BackgroundPoland syndrome is a rare syndrome named by Patrick Clarkson in 1962 and described by Sir Alfred Poland in 1841. Case reportThe dental anomalies with pre-existing poland syndromic child were noticed by the parents during child's regular eating-chewing more obviously, after the appearance of his primary teeth. Follow-upThe patient is under oro-myofunctional therapy with other strict preventive regimen and is still being monitored every 6 months since last 2 years. ConclusionSpecific attention must be paid to children with pre-existing conditions with preventive measures and implementation of muscular training very early in life.

Adherence of preventative oral care products in the Syrian market to evidence-based international recommendations

No study has investigated the availability and adherence of preventive oral care products on the Syrian market to evidence-based international recommendations. Data were collected in 2012, and updated in 2016, in terms of availability, characteristics and adherence to evidence-based international recommendations. Few preventive products adhered to the recommendations. Despite the large decrease in the number of oral care products on the Syrian market, due to the Syrian crisis, nonadherence of some of the available products is still present. A multisectorial approach at a policy level is needed to address such important limitations. The Syrian Ministry of Health should reform regulations for fluoride products to become subject to drug monitoring systems; the Syrian Arab Committee for Measurements and Standards needs to update its standards; and the Syrian General Dental Association should distribute a preventive booklet to dental practitioners.

Restorative dentistry and oral rehabilitation: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines.

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK and provides recommendations on the pre-treatment oral and dental assessment, during and after treatment and oral rehabilitation. Restorative dentists are core members of the multidisciplinary team treating head and neck cancer patients, involved from the treatment planning phase through to long-term rehabilitation. Recommendations • Preventative oral care must be delivered to patients whose cancer treatment will affect the oral cavity, jaws, salivary glands and oral accessibility. (G) • Close working and communication between the surgeons, oncologists and restorative dental specialists is important in ensuring optimal oral health outcomes. (G) • Intensity-modulated radiotherapy has been shown to reduce long-term xerostomia and should be offered to all appropriate patients. (R) • If patients are deemed at risk of trismus they should be warned and its progressive and potentially irreversible nature explained. (G) • Where it is known that adjuvant radiotherapy will be given, extractions should take place at primary surgery to maximise the time for healing and minimise the number of surgical events for patients. (G) • Osseointegrated implants should be considered for all patients having resection for head and neck cancer. (G).

Improvement of Oral Environment Indices of Oral Preventive Care Program, and Change in Oral Health-related Behaviors based on Dental Hygiene Process

This study aims to ensure the autonomy of dental hygienists through an oral preventive care program based on the dental hygiene process, and to provide basic data to support systematic and professional oral care. It was intended to determine changes in patients’ oral-related knowledge, awareness, practice, OHB and other various oral hygiene care indices through the dental hygiene process. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 21.0), and statistical significance level was set at p<0.05. Frequency analysis was performed for general characteristics and two-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed to compare changes in the oral health care indices of the dental hygiene process. In addition, paired t-test was performed to compare differences in oral health knowledge, awareness, practice and OHB, and bivariate correlation analysis was performed to determine correlations between them. In the results of this study, it was found that there were significant decreases in S-0HI, PSR Score and BOP, O’ Leary through the dental hygiene process, showing that the oral preventive care program was effective (p<.001). Oral health knowledge, awareness, practice and OHB were also found to be significantly increased, revealing that there were positive changes (p<.001). It is expected that the clinical application of this dental hygiene program would be established as an effective manual to improve the oral environment.

Pattern of presentation and outcome of routine dental interventions in patients with halitosis.

The aims of this study were to describe the pattern of presentation of halitosis and to evaluate the success rate following routine dental intervention irrespective of the type of halitosis. This cross-sectional study was conducted among sixty consecutive patients who presented in our Oral Diagnosis and Oral Medicine Clinic, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, on account of halitosis from May 2015 to April 2016. Diagnosis of halitosis was made using the organoleptic method from a whole mouth breath test as described by Miyazaki et al., 1999. Halitosis was assessed before treatment, 2 and 6 weeks after treatment. The results were analysed with STATA statistical software version 11. Sixty out of 305 patients seen in the clinics during the study period had halitosis, with a prevalence of 19.5%. Fourteen (23%) patients had pseudohalitosis while 46 (77%) had genuine halitosis; no case of halitophobia was seen. Majority (71.6%) brush their teeth once daily. The predominant extra-oral etiologic factors were respiratory 2 (3.3%) and ear, nose and throat disorders 1 (1.6%). Twenty-nine (63%) patients with genuine halitosis who had organoleptic scores of ≥4 had no perceivable odour, following routine dental interventions (P < 0.001); the remaining 17 (37%) patients only had slight malodour. Similarly, all the 14 (100%) patients with pseudohalitosis had complete remission after the treatment. The prevalence of halitosis was 19.5%, with male predilection. Routine dental interventions achieved >90% success rate. Preventive oral care is recommended for all halitosis patients.

Senior Smiles: preliminary results for a new model of oral health care utilizing the dental hygienist in residential aged care facilities.

The aim of this study was to determine whether a qualified dental hygienist could improve oral health outcomes for residents living in residential aged care facilities on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. A qualified dental hygienist undertook a 24-week oral hygiene intervention in five residential aged care facilities to test the Senior Smiles, oral health model of care. The facilities were invited to take part in the research, which was funded by a grant from NSW Medicare Local, Erina. Residents were asked to consent to having oral health risk assessments, oral healthcare plans and to receiving referrals for treatment where needed. Pre- and post-intervention plaque scores were recorded for residents and P values calculated using a paired t-test. In addition, the number of residents examined, treated and referred for more complex dental care was recorded. The statistical analysis program, SPSS, was used to conduct a paired t-test to compare pre- and post-intervention plaque scores on residents from the 5 RACFs. A statistically significant result of P < 0.0001 showed the intervention of the dental hygienist was effective in reducing plaque scores in residents across the 5 RACFs. The Senior Smiles model of care provided residents with preventive oral hygiene care, referral pathways for complex dental treatment needs and established a formal management programme for ongoing oral health care within the RACFs. The Senior Smiles model of care is successful and transportable.

Effectiveness of professional oral health care intervention on the oral health of residents with dementia in residential aged care facilities: a systematic review protocol.

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to critically appraise and synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of professional oral health care intervention on the oral health of aged care residents with dementia. More specifically the objectives are to identify the efficacy of professional oral health care interventions on general oral health, the presence of plaque and the number of decayed or missing teeth. INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants This review will consider studies that include residents with a formal diagnosis of dementia currently residing in permanent care in Residential Aged Care Facilities. This review will exclude participants that have not received a formal diagnosis of dementia as well as those who are not living as a permanent admission in Residential Aged Care Facilities. Studies conducted on community dwelling individuals with a formal diagnosis of dementia will be excluded. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest This review will consider studies that evaluate the efficacy of professional oral health care performed by a dental hygienist. These studies involve professional oral health care performed by a dental hygienist using a toothbrush, interdental brushes, floss and hand scalers if necessary to remove plaque and food debris and in some instances hardened calculus or tartar. If there are studies involving the professional oral health care being performed by dentists or a combination of dentists and dental hygienists they will be included in the analysis. This review will exclude interventions involving staff training interventions and interventions performed by nurses/assistant nurses. TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS