Regular Dental Check-ups Research Articles

P1216 Oral Health status in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) affect de gastrointestinal tract primarily as it occurs in oral Crohn´s disease (CD) or as an extraintestinal manifestation (EIM) as aphthous stomatitis either in CD or ulcerative colitis (UC). Moreover, data suggest that IBD patients have a higher prevalence of caries and periodontal disease. The aim of our study was the characterization of oral heath in a cohort of IBD patients compared with a control group without IBD and determine the need of oral health intervention in IBD population. Methods This was a collaborative transversal cohort study between an IBD medical appointment in a tertiary hospital and a faculty of dental medicine. Patients from IBD appointment were invited to participate and gave their informed consent. The only exclusion criteria were the incapacity to open the mouth or give a written informed consent. Data was collected regarding demographics, disease characterization, activity, previous IBD related surgeries and current and previous IBD treatments. The control group were heathy controls matched by age and sex. Oral health assessment was achieved by an intraoral clinical examination with the aid of artificial light, oral mirror and WHO periodontal probe. Periodontal diagnosis was achieved through an online periodontal chart (https://www.periodontalchart-online.com), and classified according to periodontal health, periodontitis (stage and grade) and gingivitis. Oral examination provided the Decayed, Missing due to caries, and Filled Teeth Score (DMFT Score) and need for dental treatment and/or prosthetic rehabilitation. Results Oral health status of IBD patients confirm the high incidence of PD, with a prevalence of 55.3% and 69.4% for CD and UC patients, respectively. It is important to refer most of the patients diagnosed with PD suffer from the most severe stage of the disease (III and IV), which is not observed for the control group. Poor oral health status is also evident due to the need for dental treatment, since 88.1% of IBD patients need dental treatment and 38.1% need prosthetic rehabilitation (table 1). Conclusion IBD affects mainly the digestive system, however there is growing evidence that it also has implications for oral health, namely in periodontitis development, as shown in this study. Thus, good oral hygiene practices, including regular dental check-ups and personalized protocol of periodontal therapy are essential for these patients. Moreover, the collaboration between gastroenterologists and dental professionals is crucial to providing comprehensive care for patients with IBD, addressing both their gastrointestinal and oral health needs.

COMMON ORAL HEALTH ISSUES AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN WESTERN TAMIL NADU, INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objectives: Oral health is a pivotal and underestimated domain, especially among the various facets of our health. From the wear and tear accumulated over decades of use to the interplay of chronic health conditions and medications, the elderly population faces a distinct set of oral health concerns that demand careful attention and proactive management. Understanding the complex relationship between oral health and aging is essential, not only for promoting healthy smiles but also for safeguarding the overall well-being and quality of life of older adults. To address this concern, we conducted a study to identify the common oral health problems for the elderly attending a tertiary care hospital in Western Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among 384 elderly adults and senior citizens who attended the Dentistry Outpatient Department (OPD) of a tertiary care center in Coimbatore, Western Tamil Nadu, India. A structured questionnaire was used to collect disease information and demographic data. Results: When assessed for common oral health conditions, 61.4% had periodontal diseases, 65% had dental caries, 13.8% had oral mucosal lesions, 55.5% had sensitive teeth, 13.3% had dry mouth, and 48.6% had edentulism. Conclusion: The data presented in the present study explains the significance of various dental conditions among the study population. It reinforces the imperative of providing comprehensive oral healthcare and prioritizing preventive measures. Taking proactive steps to address these dental concerns, including scheduling regular dental check-ups, instilling proper oral hygiene practices, and intervening early when necessary is paramount in fostering ideal oral health and overall well-being among older adults.

A comparative evaluation of the effects of respiratory diseases on dental caries

PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the susceptibility of patients suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to dental caries by analyzing the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of saliva, which are influenced by the medications they use.MethodsA cohort of 104 individuals, spanning from 18 to 70 years of age, underwent a meticulous categorization based on their unique medical profiles and prescribed medication routines. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to elucidate potential risk factors associated with dental caries. Alongside the assessment of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT index), decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS index), and Green and Vermillion Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (G&V OHI-S) values, measurements were performed to gauge salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and the presence of S. mutans, L. casei, S. aureus, and C. albicans. The acquired data were then inputted into the Cariogram software, enabling the derivation of personalized caries risk profiles for each individual.ResultsThe diseased group exhibited significantly elevated levels of DMFT, DMFS, and G&V OHI-S values in comparison to the control group (p < 0.01). Moreover, the caries risk levels derived from the Cariogram were found to be significantly higher in patients diagnosed with asthma and COPD (p < 0.01). Notably, no substantial distinction was observed between these two experimental groups. Furthermore, it was discerned that COPD patients utilizing two or three distinct medications did not display any discernible variation in terms of their susceptibility to dental caries (p > 0.05).ConclusionAsthma and COPD patients exhibit an increased susceptibility to dental caries as a result of their medication regimens. Hence, it is highly advisable for these individuals to demonstrate heightened vigilance in terms of oral hygiene practices and seek regular dental check-ups for continuous monitoring and preventive care.

Attitude, Practice, and Awareness of Oral Hygiene Care among Nursing Professionals of a Tertiary Care Center of Malda in West Bengal: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral hygiene care among nursing professionals of a tertiary care center of Malda in West Bengal. Background: Oral cavity is the reflector of our general health. The relationship between oral health and systemic health is well established, but a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding dental hygiene restrains people from proper oral care. Most of the people including health workers do only brushing as their daily oral care process, ignoring the other important aspects of oral hygiene including regular tongue cleaning, use of interdental cleaning aids, change of toothbrush in a periodic manner, and regular dental checkups. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. After evaluating for the content validity and reliability, a self-structured questionnaire comprising ten questions about their oral hygiene was distributed among nursing professionals of Malda Medical College in a printed format after obtaining informed consent. Total 261 responses were gathered. Informed consent was obtained from each participant, and data were collected anonymously to maintain participants’ confidentiality. The collected data were analyzed using the statistical software IBM SPSS for Windows, version 27.0. Results: Most of the participants use two times brushing as their regular dental care (77.4%) and use toothbrush and paste for the same (99.2%). Soft toothbrush is the most preferable choice (70.9%). Apart from brushing, other oral care methods are neglected, only 23.8% of participants use interdental cleaning aids, 79.3% use tongue cleaning, and only 8.8% have done regular dental checkups. Conclusion: The result of the present study depicts the limitation of knowledge and practice of oral hygiene care among nursing professionals of Malda Medical College. In spite of their health-care background, they have limited knowledge regarding regular oral hygiene care. Though most of them use two times brushing, but unaware about the importance of interdental cleaning and tongue cleaning habits.

Etiology of gingival recession - a literature review.

Gum recession is a common problem that in most cases does not cause any bothersome symptoms to the patient. They can affect people of any age and are most often diagnosed on the vestibular surfaces of the teeth. They are manifested by the exposure of part of the root through the apical migration of the gingival margin. Its etiology is not fully understood, but it is known that it consists of many factors. The authors discussed such factors as inflammation, gum biotype, patient's age, mechanical and chemical damage, smoking, presence of tartar, cervical defects and their reconstruction, orthodontic treatment, occlusal overload and iatrogenic factors. Additionally, important risk factors also include genetic predispositions and abnormalities in the immune system. In addition, certain hygiene habits, such as improper brushing techniques or lack of regular check-ups at the dentist, may also contribute to the development of gum recession. Understanding the comprehensive nature of these factors is crucial to the effective treatment and prevention of this common condition. It is also worth taking into account the importance of educating patients on proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to prevent gum recession.

Modificări gingivale în sarcină-manifestări clinice și recomandări practice

Fluctuations in female hormones have a complex infl uence on gum health. Pregnancy greatly infl uences the health of the whole body, including the gingival tissues, and correlates with a high degree of carious and gingival damage. Performing regular dental check-ups to keep plaque under control, along with maintaining personalized hygiene at home, can lessen the impact and risks of hormonal fl uctuations on the gums.

스케일링 교육경험 및 치과위생사의 태도가 치과공포에 미치는 영향

The incidence of chronic diseases such as oral diseases can be reduced through regular dental checkups and preventive procedures. However, some individuals are unable to visit dental clinics when necessary due to a fear of dentistry. A self-administered survey was conducted on 297 adults in their 20s to 60s living in Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do to measure dental fear, and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Dental fear increased with age however, it decreased with scaling education experience. In addition, the dental hygienist's friendliness and general explanation of scaling were important factors in lowering the subject's dental fear. Therefore, oral health education by dental hygienists is necessary to overcome the fear of dentistry, visit the dentist, participate in preventive treatment, and manage oral cavity and overall health.

Variations in morphology of permanent maxillary lateral incisors and its impact on oral hygiene and diseases

The permanent maxillary lateral incisors are of great importance from an aesthetic standpoint, as any variation in their shape can lead to an unfavorable visual appearance. Furthermore, morphological variations such as peg-shaped, barrel-shaped, shovel-shaped, and canine-shaped teeth can impact oral hygiene and lead to additional health problems. The etiology of these variations is multifactorial, including genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the most common morphological variations of the permanent lateral incisors, including their causes, associated dilemmas, treatment modalities, and the various health and hygiene issues associated with these diverse physical characteristics. By highlighting the potential health and hygiene issues associated with these variations, this paper aims to increase awareness among dental professionals and the general public about the importance of regular dental care and check-ups to maintain oral health and aesthetics. A comprehensive understanding of the causes, dilemmas, and treatment modalities of these morphological variations can aid dental professionals in providing effective and personalized care to their patients. In conclusion, the morphology of the permanent maxillary lateral incisors plays a critical role in dental aesthetics, hygiene, and health.

Oral health-related quality of life and depressive symptoms in adults: longitudinal associations of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA)

BackgroundLittle is known about the relationship between oral health status and depressive symptoms in adults in England. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal association between oral health parameters and depressive symptoms in adults in England.MethodsData were obtained from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), which included information on self-rated oral health, oral impairment in daily life (Oral Impacts on Daily Performances, OIDP), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, CES-D) in 6790 adults aged ≥ 50 years. Wave 3 data were used as baseline, while Waves 5 and 7 were used for follow-up assessments. Logistic regression was used to determine whether depressive symptoms at baseline anticipated self-rated oral health and OIDP and whether oral health status (at baseline) was associated with the development of depressive symptoms at follow-up assessment.ResultsParticipants with poor self-rated oral health were at higher risk of developing depressive symptoms, even after adjusting for behavioral, clinical, and sociodemographic characteristics (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.38–2.07). Similarly, having oral impacts on daily performances were associated with the development of depressive symptoms: The OR for developing depressive symptoms at Wave 5 or 7 was 2.19 (95% CI 1.62–2.96) after adjustment for all covariates. Participants with depressive symptoms at baseline were more likely to report poor self-rated oral health (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.52–2.44) or one or more oral impacts (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.45–2.40) at follow-up than those without depressive symptoms at baseline, even after adjusting for confounders.ConclusionsIn the present study, a bidirectional association was found between depressive symptoms and poor oral health in older adults. Maintaining good oral health in older adults may be a protective factor against depressive symptoms. Therefore, more attention should be paid to promoting oral health awareness in older adults, including encouraging regular dental checkups, proper toothbrushing and flossing techniques, and healthy lifestyles.

Factors Affecting the Seeking of Orthodontic Treatment of Turkish Adults

Objective The aim of this study is to determine the factors that are effective in seeking orthodontic treatment of Turkish adult individuals and to evaluate the effects of demographic characteristics such as gender, age, marital status, and educational status of the participants on these factors comparatively. Methods A questionnaire-based study was applied to participants who want to receive orthodontic treatment. In the first part, the participants were asked about demographic information such as gender, age, marital status, occupation, and educational status. A total of 542 people (330 female and 212 male) were included in our study. The age of participants included in the study ranged between 18 and 45. Questions about oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and the factors that affect in seeking orthodontic treatment were asked in the second part of the questionnaire. Results Young adults and females were found to have a higher rate of seeking orthodontic treatment. When the participants were asked what led them to orthodontic treatment, 72.1% of the participants stated that they thought it as a necessity such that they should receive orthodontic treatment. Material selection in orthodontic treatment shows statistical significance according to demographic characteristics ( p &lt; 0.05). While 48% of the participants in the 18ȓ24 age group preferred metal orthodontic brackets, 37.9% of the participants in the 25–45 age group preferred clear aligner. Moreover, 40.4% of the married participants preferred clear aligner, while 45.1% of the single participants preferred metal orthodontic brackets. Conclusion The factors in seeking orthodontic treatment of individuals vary according to demographic characteristics and social environment of individuals.

Types, accuracy, and efficacy of salivary biomarkers in periodontal diagnosis

Periodontal diseases primarily occur due, to infections and inflammation that affect the gums and bone structures supporting the teeth. In the stage, known as gingivitis the gums may become swollen turn red and bleed easily. These health issues not impact health but also have broader implications for overall well-being, including tooth loss, discomfort, bad breath and an increased vulnerability, to chronic illnesses. The main objective of this review is to examine aspects pertaining to diseases encompassing clinical indications, methods, for diagnosis, available treatment choices, and preventive strategies. This research meticulously examines the types of these diseases, their stages, and their causes. It also discusses the approaches and criteria used to diagnose these conditions. Additionally, the paper provides an evaluation of treatment alternatives and strategic frameworks, for managing pathologies. This includes both surgical approaches, well as supportive therapies. The paper emphasizes the importance of measures. Maintaining oral health through consistent dental hygiene practices, regular dental checkups, and necessary lifestyle adjustments. In conclusion, while periodontal diseases pose challenges in practice they can be controlled and prevented through collaboration, between dental practitioners, dental hygienists, and active patient participation.

Oral manifestations found among illicit drugs users

Illicit drug use is an intricate challenge that currently affects an individual's health and overall well-being. This review study provides insight into the availability of information regarding the examination of the signs, treatment approaches, and broader consequences related to health problems among individuals who use drugs. The clinical indicators of drug consumption on oral health encompass issues such as dry mouth (xerostomia), gum problems, teeth grinding (bruxism), and dental cavities. These manifestations contribute to immediate discomfort and elevate the risk of long-term dental complications, underscoring the pressing need for intervention and care. Effective management strategies involve a comprehensive approach, incorporating preventive measures, timely treatment, and a compassionate understanding of the unique challenges faced by drug users. Preventive efforts, such as education and regular dental check-ups, serve as critical components in mitigating the clinical manifestations. Treatment strategies, including restorative procedures and periodontal therapy, play a pivotal role in addressing immediate oral health concerns. However, the management of oral health issues extends beyond the dental chair. Acknowledging the hurdles faced by individuals who use drugs, including economic factors and social prejudice, underscores the significance of adopting a comprehensive approach to providing support and assistance. Integrating oral health services with substance abuse treatment presents a promising avenue for comprehensive healthcare. This collaborative approach addresses oral health issues and acknowledges the bidirectional relationship between substance abuse and oral health. In summary, it is essential to comprehend the relationship between illicit drug use and oral health. By implementing management strategies, we can potentially reduce suffering, improve quality of life, and enhance health for individuals affected by substance abuse. This holistic approach emphasizes the significance of acknowledging and addressing these population’s health requirements within a broader healthcare framework.

Prevalence of dental caries and oral hygiene practices among elderly people: a descriptive cross-sectional study from Nepal

Background: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases of public health concern affecting elder people. The main reasons for caries arise in elderly people are increase in sugar consumption, poor oral hygiene, microbial plaque, periodontal disease, dietary habits, low socioeconomic status and infrequent dental visits. The oral hygiene is essential to general health and quality of life. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 elder people. Systematic random sampling was used for data collection. The data collection was done between 15 April to 07 May 2017. Results: The overall prevalence of dental caries in study population was 88.57%. The mean DMFT of all study participants was 17.13 (SD=10.48; participants were allocated a DMFT of 32). Majority of elder people (56.33%) had experience of pain and discomfort in their teeth within 12 months. The gender, marital status, diet, socio-economic status, medication, method of cleaning, frequency of cleaning, dental visit and tobacco chewing were factors that determines dental caries. Regular dental checkup (11%) was very poor. Majority of respondents preferred tea with sugar, biscuits/cake, chocolate and soft drinks (64%). Conclusions: The study showed that the prevalence of dental caries among elderly people in Rajdevi Rural Municipality, Rautahat District, Nepal was high. The awareness should be provided to local residents regarding the importance of good brushing habits and regular dental visits. Oral health policies are needed revised and implemented focusing on the special needs of this population to improve their quality of life.

Tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and associated factors among Chinese adolescents: a nationwide cross-sectional study

BackgroundTooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste has become the most important way to provide the anti-caries effect of fluoride around the world. China has promoted the use of fluoridated toothpaste since 1989. However, there are few studies on the national profile of use of fluoridated toothpaste and related factors in Chinese adolescents. We carried out this study to investigate oral hygiene behaviours, especially the status of tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and its correlates among adolescents, based on data from the latest Nation Oral Health Survey in mainland China.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 118,601 participants aged 12–15 years using multistage stratified sampling. Questionnaires were completed by students at school. Data employed in analyses were extracted from the questionnaire, including information on tooth brushing, fluoridated toothpaste, dental floss, sociodemographic factors, fluoride knowledge and attitude towards regular dental check-ups. A binary logistic regression was performed to compute the odds ratios (OR). Tooth brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste was the dependent variable. Sociodemographic factors, fluoride knowledge, attitude towards regular dental check-ups, dental visit experience and perceived oral health were the independent variables. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 32.6% of participants brushed their teeth twice daily, 7.4% used fluoridated toothpaste, and 3.9% cleaned their teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste. The logistic regression showed the probability of twice-a-day tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste was higher among these groups: females (OR: 1.141; 95%CI: 1.072–1.214), 15-year-olds (OR: 1.786; 95%CI: 1.634–1.952), from urban areas (OR: 1.389; 95%CI: 1.288–1.497), without siblings (OR: 1.351; 95%CI: 1.259–1.450), with an educated father (OR: 1. 605; 95%CI: 1.442–1.788) and mother (OR: 1.706; 95%CI: 1.530–1.903), having dental visit experiences (OR: 1.702; 95%CI: 1.589–1.823), rating one’s oral health as good (OR: 2.341; 95%CI: 2.083–2.631), having fluoride knowledge (OR: 4.345; 95%CI: 4.034–4.678) and having a positive attitude towards regular dental check-ups (OR: 1.589; 95%CI: 1.460–1.729).ConclusionsThe oral hygiene behaviours of Chinese adolescents were undesirable. Twice daily tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste was significantly associated with sociodemographic factors, fluoride knowledge, and attitudes towards regular dental check-ups.

The impact of parental oral health behaviors on the oral health of children

This review underscores the crucial role of parental oral health behaviors in shaping the oral health of children. It highlights the significance of parental knowledge, attitudes, and actions in influencing children's oral hygiene practices and overall well-being. Mothers, in particular, play a pivotal role in guiding their children's oral health habits. Parental oral health behaviors encompass a wide range of practices, including regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene routines, diet choices, and the avoidance of harmful habits like smoking and excessive sugar consumption. Active parental involvement in their children's oral care routines during their formative years is instrumental in establishing strong oral hygiene habits. Parents serve as primary role models and educators for their children, leading by example in maintaining good oral health practices. Encouraging parental engagement in oral health promotion programs is crucial for better oral health outcomes in future generations. Public health initiatives should emphasize the importance of parental involvement and provide resources and education to help parents instill sound oral health practices in their children. Recognizing the interconnectedness of oral health with overall well-being, it becomes evident that parental involvement is critical, especially for children who are vulnerable to oral health issues. Parents not only nurture and educate but also shape their children's oral health habits and attitudes. Additionally, contextual factors such as social, cultural, environmental, and economic conditions significantly influence family life and, consequently, oral health attitudes and behaviors.

Balancing the bite: A comprehensive guide to temporomandibular joint disorder

This comprehensive article delves into temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), covering their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. The article highlights the TMJ's role in crucial functions like chewing and speech, underlining its anatomy with bony components, ligaments, muscles, and synovial cavity. TMD's disruptive impact on TMJ equilibrium, stemming from stress-induced habits, trauma, malocclusion, and joint conditions, is extensively discussed. The article unveils the diverse spectrum of TMD symptoms, including jaw pain, chewing difficulties, clicking sounds, headaches, earaches, and jaw locking. Diagnosis involves a detailed assessment, and treatments encompass lifestyle adjustments, orthodontics, medications, therapy, oral appliances, and surgeries. Emphasis is placed on prevention and regular dental check-ups. In conclusion, the article empowers readers to grasp TMD comprehensively, enabling informed decisions and effective management for a life free from TMD-related discomfort.

Video game playing and oral health in school-age children: A cross-sectional study in Turkey.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship of video game playing with oral/dental health and harmful oral habits in school-age children. The daily video gamer (n = 77) and occasional video gamer (n = 77) children between 6 and 12 years old were included in the study. A questionnaire inquiring socio-demographic characteristics, video gaming and abnormal oral habits of the children was filled by parents. The children were examined intraorally and decayed-missing-filled tooth, the International Caries Detection and the Assessment-II System scores, dental plaque and gingival indices were recorded. Of the children; 42.9% daily video gamers played video games for between 1 and 2 h and 57.1% played for ≥2 h while all of the occasional video gamers spent for between 1 and 2 h on video game per day. The daily video gamer and occasional video gamer children were not different in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, frequency of having daily tooth brushing habit, using children's toothpaste and having regular dental checkup (P > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was present between the groups in terms of frequencies of abnormal oral habits and having at least one abnormal oral habit (P > 0.05). Severe gingivitis and advanced caries lesions were more common in daily video gamer group (14.2% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.025 and 90.9% vs. 70.9%, P = 0.026, respectively). Daily video gaming time was weakly correlated with plaque index (r = 0.26, n = 77, P = 0.024). Daily video gaming for ≥2 h increased the risk for severe gingivitis (odds (95% confidence interval) = 4.53 (1.07-19.23), P = 0.041) while daily video gaming for between 1 and 2 h decreased the risk for having abnormal oral habit (odds (95% confidence interval) = 0.39 (0.16-0.93), P = 0.034). In school age, daily video gaming may worsen oral and dental health compared with occasional video gaming. Particularly, an excessive video gaming time seems to be associated with poor oral health in school children.

Maternal Factors in Relation to Early Childhood Caries Among Preschool Children in Myanmar.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3- to 5-year-old preschool children in Yangon City in 2016-2017 to investigate the association between their caries experience and maternal factors. Children's oral examination and questionnaire surveys to their mothers were conducted. Children's caries prevalence was 82.9% with mean dmft of 6.4 ± 4.9. Mean oral health knowledge score of their mothers was 8.5 ± 2.8. Mother's educational level and oral health knowledge were significant predictors of childhood caries. Third- or later-born children were twice more likely to have dental caries than first-born children (P = .022). Mother's regular dental check-up resulted in significantly lower odds ratios for caries development in her child. Children's caries experience was high and mother's oral health knowledge regarding the importance of primary teeth was unsatisfactory. It is, therefore, necessary to improve awareness and attentiveness for prevention of childhood caries among parents and guardians in Myanmar.

Assessing the Student Nurses' Knowledge of Oral Health Care.

Oral health is crucial for the overall well-being and quality of life, and nurses play a significant role in promoting it. This study assessed the oral health knowledge of fourth-grade nursing degree students. Seventy-two students completed a questionnaire covering sociodemographic variables, oral health-related factors, knowledge about oral health, and perceptions of its importance and learning experiences. The results showed that 83.3% of students attended regular dental check-ups for preventive purposes, and 55.6% had visited a dentist during the last year. Most of the students reported experiencing cavities (66.7%) and undergoing orthodontic treatment (54.2%). The average knowledge score in oral health was 6.4 out of 10, and students recognized the importance of oral health in the nursing role. However, their knowledge acquired during their nursing degree scored relatively low, being 2.5 out of 5. Notably, students who valued problem-based learning achieved higher knowledge scores (p < 0.05). Overall, fourth-grade nursing students demonstrated a moderate level of oral health knowledge. Improving oral health education within nursing curricula, particularly through problem-based learning, is essential to enhance their preparedness in addressing oral health issues effectively. This study was not registered.

Oral microbial dysbiosis in cardiovascular diseases

The most common diseases in humans are oral infections. Although modern research is mainly concerned with the role of the gut microbiota in systemic diseases, there are also reports indicating that oral infections, and especially periodontal infection, are one of the risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD).The composition of the oral biofilm is a community of several hundred species of bacteria, fungi, spirochetes, viruses and protozoa. It varies depending on the state of health and disease. Pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity can cause systemic disease by entering the bloodstream or by triggering immune responses at the cellular level. The discovery of the role of the oral microbiome in CVD is leading to new methods of prevention and their treatment. In this review, we discuss the various mechanisms by which oral dysbiosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of CVD as well as available options for their prevention and treatment. Oral dysbiosis, or the imbalance of bacteria in the oral cavity, has been linked to an increased risk of CVD. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how oral dysbiosis may contribute to CVD, including: The production of inflammatory molecules by oral bacteria. The activation of the immune system, which can lead to inflammation throughout the body. The entry of oral bacteria into the bloodstream, where they can travel to other organs and tissues. There are a number of things that can be done to prevent oral dysbiosis and reduce the risk of CVD, including: Good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing twice a day. Regular dental checkups and cleanings. Avoiding tobacco use. Eating a healthy diet. Conclusions. The evidence is growing that oral dysbiosis is a risk factor for CVD. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms involved and to develop effective interventions for prevention and treatment. The following are some other important points: The role of oral dysbiosis in CVD is likely to be complex and involve multiple factors. The effects of oral dysbiosis on CVD may vary depending on the individual's overall health status and other risk factors. More research is needed to determine the optimal methods for preventing and treating oral dysbiosis in order to reduce the risk of CVD.