Risk Of Oral Diseases Research Articles

Using self‐management strategies to improve toothbrushing for adults in supported community living

AbstractHygiene is an important area related to personal health and socialization. Regular toothbrushing can prevent painful procedures related to tooth decay and gum disease and reduce bad breath and plaque that may interfere with social and professional acceptance. Unfortunately, many individuals with disabilities do not engage in regular and thorough preventative dental hygiene, placing them at risk for oral disease. Using a multiple baseline design, three participants who independently brushed their teeth but did not brush frequently or thoroughly were taught to self‐evaluate and record using a self‐management (SM) checklist. The findings of this study suggest that SM may be a helpful method for improving the frequency and quality of toothbrushing. Outcomes regarding supporting individuals to achieve maximal independence in these essential life skills are discussed.

Oral Microbiome and Cognition Among Black Cancer Caregivers

Abstract Background Despite known links between oral health and dementia and the growing understanding of the role of the human microbiome in health, few studies have explored the relationship between the oral microbiome and cognition. Additionally, there is a notable absence of research on how the oral microbiome is associated with cognitive function in Black adult caregivers of cancer patients despite their elevated risk for both oral disease and cognitive impairment. Objectives This study aimed to characterize the oral microbiome of Black caregivers of people living with cancer and explore the association of the oral microbiome with cognitive performance. Methods Thirty-one self-identified Black or African American caregivers of cancer patients in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area participated in the study. They provided oral microbiome samples. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), depressive symptoms with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and individual race-related stress with the Index of Race-Related Stress–Brief. Salivary microbiome diversity was analyzed using alpha and beta diversity metrics, and taxa associated with cognition were identified through differential abundance testing, adjusting for potential confounders. Results The mean age of participants was 54.8 years. MoCA scores ranged from 18 to 30, with a mean of 25. Participants were categorized into normal cognition (MoCA ≥26, n = 12) and low cognition (MoCA <26, n = 16) groups. Education level and individual race-related stress were associated with cognition group and were controlled for in the oral microbiome analysis. Alpha and beta diversity analyses showed no significant overall differences between cognition groups. Differential abundance testing suggested 48 taxa were associated with cognition status, many of which are known to be associated with periodontal disease and cognition. Discussion This study revealed associations between cognition status and specific oral bacteria, many of which are known to be associated with periodontal disease and cognitive impairment. These findings underscore the complex relationship between oral health and cognitive function, suggesting a need for further research to develop oral microbiome profiles capable of identifying individuals at risk for cognitive decline and guiding targeted interventions for promoting overall well-being and cognitive health.

California School Nurses' Knowledge in Identifying Common Dental Conditions and Making Appropriate Dental Referrals.

In 2011, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended a minimum of 4 clinical oral health competencies for nondental professionals to promote optimal oral health, including (1) recognizing risk for oral disease through competent oral examinations and (2) making and tracking referrals. We determined whether California school nurses (SNs) knew about specific components of the 2 IOM competencies mentioned above using 3 clinical case scenarios following the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors Basic Screening Survey Methodology. In this cross-sectional study, a 23-item pilot-tested online survey was completed by 358 active California School Nurses Organization members between April and June 2023. We conducted univariate, bivariate, and multivariable linear regression analyses. For the first scenario, 61% of SNs correctly identified the condition as "root tips," with 93% indicating correctly that such a case should be referred immediately. In the second scenario, almost 77% of SNs correctly identified "untreated tooth decay," with 50% correctly suggesting that a child with untreated tooth decay without dental pain should visit a dental office within several weeks. In the third scenario, almost 50% correctly identified an abscessed tooth, with 75% indicating that a child with this condition should be referred immediately. Multivariable adjusted linear regression analysis showed that SNs with a bachelor's degree or lower had significantly lower overall knowledge in accurately identifying dental conditions and choosing appropriate dental referrals (P = 0.02). At least half of the participating SNs accurately identified the dental conditions and chose the appropriate dental referrals. The educational status of SNs was a strong predictor of SNs' overall knowledge of identifying oral health conditions and appropriate dental referrals. SNs, when adequately trained, can assess oral health needs and make appropriate dental referrals as part of school-linked dental programs. SNs can identify common dental conditions in children and appropriately refer them to a dental professional. When adequately trained, they can be a valuable resource in implementing school-linked dental programs.

Exploring the Interplay: Oral–Gut Microbiome Connection and the Impact of Diet and Nutrition

AbstractThe intricate interplay between the oral and intestinal microbiota holds increasing fascination within the context of health and nutrition. Serving as the gateway to the gastrointestinal tract, the oral microbiota hosts a diverse array of microbial species that significantly influence well-being or contribute to various diseases. Dysbiosis in the oral microbiota has been linked to conditions such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, and systemic disorders, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and colorectal cancer. This review aims to comprehend the nuanced relationship between oral and intestinal microbiotas, exploring the pivotal role of diet in developing strategies for wellness promotion and disease prevention. Drawing insights from a myriad of studies encompassing both animals and humans, we examine the implications of microbial dysbiosis and its impact on health. A bibliographic search of 78 scientific articles was conducted across PubMed Central, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Saudi digital library from January 2000 to August 2023. Following a rigorous screening process, the full texts of selected articles were critically reviewed to extract relevant information. Articles not meeting the inclusion criteria—specifically focused on oral–intestinal microbiota interaction and diet and nutrition—were meticulously excluded. Diet emerges as a key player in influencing both oral and intestinal microbiotas. Various dietary components, such as fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, and bioactive compounds, have demonstrated significant effects on the diversity and function of microorganisms in these ecosystems. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats correlate with dysbiosis and an elevated risk of oral and gastrointestinal diseases. Understanding the intricacies of this interaction is paramount for the development of innovative approaches fostering a balanced oral–gut microbiota axis and improving overall human health. The implications extend to preventive and therapeutic interventions, emphasizing the practical importance of unraveling these complexities for public health and clinical practice. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate relationship between gut and oral microbiota, shedding light on their roles in various diseases, particularly focusing on oral diseases. Key findings are summarized, and implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed. In conclusion, the review underscores the urgent need for special attention to key microbiota in developing targeted interventions for promoting oral and gut health.

Correlation Between ABO Blood Grouping and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) in Periodontal Diseases.

This study investigates the relationship between erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and ABO blood grouping in the context of periodontal disorders. Periodontal diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions that damage the tissues supporting teeth, can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. ESR, a common hematological test indicating systemic inflammation, has been linked to the severity of periodontal disease. ABO blood grouping, a hereditary trait, is linked to a higher risk of various oral and systemic diseases. By synthesizing existing research, this study explores the potential of the connection between blood type ABO and ESR levels in individuals with periodontal disorders, examining studies that assess the distribution of ABO blood types and corresponding ESR values among periodontal patients.

Oral Health Care for Children and Youth With Developmental Disabilities: Clinical Report.

Oral health is an essential component of overall health for all individuals. The oral health of children and youth with developmental disabilities (CYDD) involves unique characteristics and needs of which pediatricians and pediatric clinicians can be aware. Risk for oral disease in CYDD is multifactorial and includes underlying medical conditions, medications, and ability to participate in preventive oral health care and treatment, and lack of access to providers is common for this population despite being eligible for Medicaid. Pediatric clinicians are uniquely positioned to support the oral health needs of CYDD and their families through the medical home. This clinical report aims to inform pediatric clinicians about the unique oral health needs of CYDD. It provides guidance on assessing caries risk and periodontal status using structured screening instruments; understanding dental trauma, the role of diet and caries risk, trauma prevention, and malocclusion; and providing anticipatory guidance on oral hygiene that includes tooth brushing, use of fluoridated toothpaste, assessing community water fluoridation, advocating for a dental home by 1 year of age, and transition to adult dental care as part of adolescent health care. It also highlights special considerations for dental treatment rendered under sedation or general anesthesia that CYDD may need. Pediatric clinicians can help reduce risk of CYDD developing dental disease by understanding the unique needs of their patients and their barriers to accessing oral health care in their community, communicating with the child's dental home, and advocating for safe and accessible dental procedures.

Awareness Regarding Periodontal Health Among Diabetic Patients Visiting A Tertiary Care Centre In Eastern Nepal

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis have a bidirectional relationship, each exacerbating the other’s complications. Periodontal disease is considered as the ‘sixth’ complication of diabetes. The adverse relationship between the two diseases is bidirectional. Raising awareness about oral hygiene and treating periodontal issues are essential to mitigate diabetes-related complications and improve overall oral health. Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study among a total of 403 diabetic patients visiting out-patient department of Internal Medicine at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, a questionnaire was used to assess awareness of periodontal health among diabetic patients. Results: The results indicated that the general public is less aware of the increased risk of oral diseases in diabetes. Only a minority of the respondents, 127 (31.43%), were aware of the link between poor oral health and the development of disease. 178 (44.05%) believed that diabetic patients are more likely to have swollen/tender gums, and 89 (22.02%) believed that diabetics are more prone to developing fungal infections in their mouth. Furthermore, only 70 (17.32%) of the respondents thought that diabetic patients have gum problems more often if their blood sugar remains high and only 76 (18.81%) believed that gum disease can negatively affect blood sugar control in diabetic patients. Conclusion: These data reveal a lack of knowledge about the oral manifestation of Diabetes Mellitus. Health professionals in dentistry and medicine must collaborate on educational programs to raise awareness about these oral manifestations, aiming to improve oral health and reduce the risk of oral diseases effectively.

Assessment of COMMUNITY Pharmacists' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Oral Health Care in Jordan

Background Community chemists now provide more professional and public health care, which is beneficial to the community, in addition to traditional medication distribution. While community pharmacists play a vital role in maintaining and promoting health, further research is required to accurately evaluate their knowledge, attitude, and practice toward oral health care among Jordanian pharmacists in northern Jordan. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire in Arabic language, targeting 250 community pharmacists in four cities (Irbid, Jerash, Ajloun, and Al-Mafraq) in northern Jordan. The questionnaire comprised four domains: socio-demographic, knowledge, attitudes and practice concerning oral health care. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0 was used to analyze the collected data, and the significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results A total of 198 respondents returned the survey form, returning a response rate of 79.2%. Community pharmacists showed a good knowledge score of 58.2%. Only 40.9% said periodontal disease was the most frequent cause of tooth loss. The majority lacked knowledge of the optimal fluoride levels in toothpaste. The average attitude score was 71.05%. The most common oral health issues raised by patients were gingivitis and toothache (43.4% and 38.9%), respectively. Conclusion Community pharmacists have the general knowledge and attitude needed to play a significant role in providing dental care counselling to patients dental care. Nonetheless, community pharmacists stated they needed education and training to improve their practice. Continuing education courses related to oral health are recommended to reduce the risk of oral diseases and improve quality of life.

Propolis as a functional food and promising agent for oral health and microbiota balance: A review study.

Bee Propolis has been used for its therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and immune-stimulating properties, for centuries as a functional food. This study reviewed the effectiveness of propolis as a functional food on oral-related diseases as a rich bioflavonoid produced by honey bees. A literature search was conducted to identify studies published that investigated the effects of propolis on oral health and its ability to treat related diseases. The search was performed in electronic databases using relevant keywords. Initially, 3429 studies were identified through database searching, and based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22 articles were eligible to be included. Reviewing the articles, propolis was recognized as a functional food and promising agent to balance oral microbiota and prevent oral diseases due to its effectiveness on related bacteria, its anti-inflammatory properties, and its activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinomyces Oris allowed it to be an effective substance to prevent periodontal diseases. Based on our findings, Propolis is a desirable preventive option for various oral health conditions, including dental caries and periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to be consumed as a functional food in our daily diet, which can reduce the risk of oral disease and improve oral health.

Denture Hygiene Awareness, Practices and Instructional Guidance among Patients in Punjab, Pakistan: a Cross-Sectional Survey

<p><strong>Background and Objective:</strong> Dentures require regular cleaning and without proper guidance on how to clean and care for their dentures, patients may experience discomfort, bad breath, and an increased risk of oral diseases. This study explored the level of awareness, hygiene practices, and the guidance received regarding denture care among individuals wearing dentures in Punjab.<br /><strong>Methods: </strong>This survey was conducted with the agreement of the IRB, using systematic sampling, from November 2021 to August 2022 using a questionnaire developed by the authors, validated through expert review, and administered through interviews. The questions were asked in English language and in Urdu with those who did not understand English language. The survey instrument had 18 items targeting demographics, denture hygiene awareness and practices amongst private and public dental hospital patients. <br /><strong>Results: </strong>There was a statistically significant difference between private and public dental hospitals regarding instructions given for denture hygiene awareness. Most respondents received instructions verbally (83.3%), followed by practical demonstration (20%) and written instructions (9.3%). The majority agreed that unclean dentures have an association with oral (56%) and systemic (70.7%) health and may act as a source of infection (57.3%). A total of 56% of the respondents cleaned their dentures once daily while 16.7% reported halitosis. A significant proportion of the patients had the habit of wearing dentures overnight. <br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Approximately half of the patients were aware of the optimal denture hygiene and the implications of wearing unclean dentures. The majority received instructions from dentists verbally and were wearing dentures overnight.</p>

Effect of 15 days -6° head-down bed rest on microbial communities of supragingival plaque in young men.

The microgravity environment astronauts experience during spaceflight can lead to an increased risk of oral diseases and possible changes in oral microecology. In this study, we aimed to assess changes in the microbial community of supragingival plaques to explore the effects of spaceflight microgravity environment on oral microecology. Sixteen healthy male volunteers were recruited, and supragingival plaque samples were collected under -6° head-down bed rest (HDBR) at five-time points: day 1 before HDBR; days 5, 10, and 15 of HDBR; and day 6 of recovery. Bacterial genomic DNA was sequenced using gene sequencing technology with 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid V3-V4 hypervariable region amplification and the obtained data were analyzed bioinformatically. Alpha diversity analysis showed a significant increase in species richness in supragingival plaque samples on day 15 of HDBR compared with that at pre-HDBR. Beta diversity analysis revealed that the community composition differed among the groups. Species distribution showed that, compared with those at pre-HDBR, the relative abundances of Corynebacterium and Aggregatibacter increased significantly during HDBR, while those of Veillonella, Streptococcus, and Lautropia decreased significantly. Moreover, compared with those at pre-HDBR, the relative abundance of Leptotrichia increased significantly on day 6 of recovery, whereas the relative abundances of Porphyromonas and Streptococcus decreased significantly. Network analysis showed that the interaction relationship between the dominant genera became simpler during HDBR, and the positive and negative correlations between them showed dynamic changes. Phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states analysis showed that the amino acid metabolism function of plaque microorganisms was more enriched during HDBR. In summary, in a 15-day simulated microgravity environment, the diversity, species distribution, interaction relationship, and metabolic function of the supragingival plaque microbial community changed, which suggests that microgravity may affect the oral microecosystem by changing the balance of supragingival plaque microbial communities and further leading to the occurrence and development of oral diseases.

Maxillofacial Morphology as a Predictive Factor for Caries Risk in Orthodontic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the correlation between maxillofacial morphology and caries risk, assessed using salivary tests, in orthodontic patients. Despite enhancing the oral health-related quality of life, orthodontic treatment may adversely affect oral hygiene and increase caries risk. This study included 1071 patients all of whom underwent orthodontic examinations and salivary tests before starting orthodontic treatment at a hospital. Salivary tests were performed to assess the secretion rate, pH, buffering capacity, and counts of cariogenic bacteria. The maxillofacial morphology was evaluated using cephalometric X-rays and dental models. Statistical analyses revealed significant correlations among salivary characteristics, bacterial scores, and maxillofacial morphology. Notably, the facial angle and Y-axis values were associated with salivary secretion (p < 0.001), pH (p < 0.001), buffering capacity (p < 0.05), and cariogenic bacterial scores (p < 0.01), respectably. In conclusion, assessing the maxillofacial morphology before orthodontic treatment may aid in predicting the risk of bacterial oral diseases, offering valuable insights into personalized preventive measures. These findings underscore the potential for comprehensive evaluations to enhance caries risk assessment in orthodontic patients.

The experience of dry mouth and screening for Sjogren’s syndrome by the dentist: patient-reported experiences

BackgroundOne of the main clinical features of Sjögren’s Syndrome is oral dryness, which is associated with an increased risk of oral diseases and a lower oral life quality. Dentists have a key role to play in the Sjögren’s Syndrome diagnosis and specific management. In parallel, many patients rely on patient associations, which offer opportunities for members to seek information about their disease and share their experiences. We aimed to evaluate patients experience with dry mouth and the importance of dentists in Sjögren’s Syndrome diagnosis and its management.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional survey in 2020 based on a questionnaire drafted in collaboration with clinicians specializing in Sjögren’s Syndrome and patient members of a patient association. The survey consisted of 27 questions divided into the six sections: the patient’s profile, their experience with dry mouth and treatments used to manage, characteristics of experienced oral-health problems, effects of dry mouth and its consequences on the quality of life, evaluation of the dentist role in the screening of Sjögren’s Syndrome, and its management by the dentist. Recruitment was carried out via the patient association’s newsletter, website, and social networks. Sjögren’s diagnosis was self-reported.ResultsOne thousand four hundred fifty-eight patients fully responded to the survey. Most respondents were women over 50 and were mainly concerned with primary Sjögren’s Syndrome. Overall, 86.97% of respondents reported experiencing frequent or constant dry mouth and 69.01% declared having had oral problems (candidiasis, oral pain, loss or alteration of taste, bad breath, gastro-esophageal reflux). We found a positive correlation between the frequency of dry mouth and each of these disorders and between the frequency of dry mouth and alterations in life quality dimensions. Finally, 74.9% of patients did not report having dry mouth to their dentist prior to being diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome and 58% had not been informed about the oral risks associated with it by their dentist and sought information themselves or from their physician.ConclusionsWe confirm the significant consequences of dry mouth on oral quality of life, as well as its association with oral health problems. Sjögren’s Syndrome screening by dentists should be increased, as well as prevention of the associated oral health risks.

Interprofessional survey on knowledge and attitudes of midwives regarding oral health, in France.

Oral health is essential for psychosocial well-being and general health. For expectant mothers, pregnancy increases the risk of oral diseases and has a subsequent impact on the oral health of a child once born. Midwives are in charge of pregnancy monitoring, childbirth and newborns' first days of life. They could have an important role in prevention. However, limited studies evaluating the knowledge, attitudes and practices on oral health among midwives have been conducted in Europe. We performed a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire. Two local midwifery associations sent out the questionnaire by email and social media networks to all registered midwives and practicing in the department of Herault (n=613), between April and May 2022. Statistical analyses on quantitative data and descriptive analyses of qualitative free-text responses were performed. In total, 167 midwives were included. We found a lack of knowledge on many oral health topics and this was stated as the main reason that only 29% of midwives provided oral health information to their patients. Only 30% of the midwives had a training module on oral health during their initial training, and less than half of them considered the training adequate. To improve their lack of knowledge, participants expressed a preference for digital communication methods for themselves; however, they favored in-person interaction for public interventions. This study showed a lack of training and knowledge about oral health among midwives and a lack of oral health discussion with expectant mothers who are a high-risk population for oral diseases.

FAMILY AWARENESS OF THE METHODS OF ORAL AND DENTAL HEALTHCARE FOR 5-16 -YEAR-OLD CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Introduction: Over half of disabled children (53%) suffer from oral and dental health problems (Alwadi et al., 2022) due to poor attention from healthcare providers. Aims: Determine the level of family awareness of oral and dental healthcare methods for 5-16-year-old disabled children in Saudi Arabia. Methods: To achieve the study objective, the descriptive method by the social survey method was used. The required ethical approvals of centers and associations caring for people with disabilities in the region were obtained. These centers cooperated in publishing the study tool through social media applications; the questionnaire link was distributed to a sample of (312) parents of children aged 5-16 years with disabilities in Najran region, south of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in October and November of 2022. Results: There was a weak level of family awareness of the methods of oral and dental healthcare for children aged 5-16 years with disabilities. Also, statistically significant differences at α = 0.05 were found in the level of family awareness of the methods of oral and dental healthcare for children aged 5-16 years with nature of the relationship with the child disability in favor of mothers and the academic qualification in favor of the university academic qualification. Nevertheless, the respondents’ answers did not differ by their child’s type of disability. Conclusion: The study recommended developing a comprehensive national strategic plan supervised by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Development to reduce the risk of oral and dental diseases.

Do we need to improve the general oral health of our population to reduce the risk of Infective Endocarditis?

Abstract Background Emphasis is placed on the link between oral health and Infective Endocarditis (IE), particularly around odontogenic infections and specific dental procedures. The Adult Dental Health Survey in 2009 showed 45% of adults in the UK required dental intervention typically associated with developing IE. Antibiotic prophylaxis in this context is not without controversy. With gum and periodontic disease endemic, is the modern issue one of generalised poor oral health as a risk factor for IE? Purpose To determine the impact of oral health on risk and outcome in IE. Terminology SDCEP published dental guidelines of when to consider AP against IE for dental procedures. It identifies dental procedures that can cause transient bacteraemia. Methodology Data were collected from October 2020-Januaury 2023 in 123 patients with confirmed IE at a central London cardiac surgical centre. Patients had a focussed dental assessment with history, intraoral examination and dental panoramic radiograph to determine the risk and extent of oral disease. Results Average age was 54.2years. 77/123 (63%) had native IE (NVE) and 46 (37%) prosthetic (PVE). 17 (37%) cultured oral organisms from blood (Table 1); 8 (47%) of these organisms are associated with active dental disease (decay, periodontal disease, dental infection). Organisms can be found in Table 2. However, 93/123 (76%) had oral caries requiring dental treatment, irrespective of typical portal of entry for that organism. The proposed dental treatment posed a high risk for causing IE in 70%. 93/123 (76%) needed further dental treatment within six months rendering only 12% of patients orally stable. Oral organisms were seen more frequently in NVE (41/77) vs PVE (17/46). There was no difference in the incidence of dental disease requiring treatment (77% NVE vs 74% PVE). Whilst 27% of PVE had had recent (within 4 months) dental treatment compared to 73% NVE, only 1 PVE patient grew an oral commensal compared to 82% of NVE patients. Conclusion Prevention of IE is key to reducing the morbidity and mortality of this disease. We see oral commensals causing IE in 47%, with only 12% of this modern IE cohort dentally stable. Despite this, there was no difference in rates of dental disease requiring invasive treatment when stratified by oral vs non-oral organisms. A robust public health strategy is required to reduce the risk of oral disease driving IE.

PREVALENCE OF CARIES AND THE NEED FOR URGENT DENTAL TREATMENT AMONG CHILDREN WITH NEUROLOGICAL IMPAIRMENT IN NORTHEASTERN BULGARIA

Introduction: Oral health is extremely important for the quality of life and well-being. Findings reveal that people with special needs have difficulties in getting dental care, which increases their risk of oral diseases. The recommendations for dental examination are identical for patients with and without neurological impairment. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of caries and overall dental health among children with motor and mental disabilities in Northeastern Bulgaria. Methods: A total of 53 children with neurological impairment under the age of 18 were selected from Varna and Ruse from April to October 2017. Data on age, gender, height, weight, caregiver education level were collected. Information on oral hygiene behavior and diet was gathered as well. The 2013 World Health Organization standards for dental caries were used to assess the oral health status. The data were analyzed with the statistical package Jamovi v.2.2.2.0. Results: Children were divided into two groups – with predominantly motor or mental impairment. Both groups had high rates of caries and need for urgent dental treatment with no significant difference observed. The CPITN correlated positively with motor impairment (Spearman's rho= 0.393; p= 0.043). It was discovered that children with motor impairment had a higher prevalence of malocclusion than children with mental impairment (rho= -0.331; p= 0.016). The number of caries correlated as well with the type of occlusion (Spearman's rho=0.378; p=0.005), the dentition type (rho=0.343; p=0.012) and the age (rho= 0.372; p= 0.006). Conclusion: The study findings indicate that both types of neurological impairments were associated with a high frequency of caries and a significant need for urgent dental care. More frequent dental examination is thought to improve oral health. Nevertheless, more studies are required to substantiate this theory.

Supragingival mycobiome of HIV-exposed-but-uninfected children reflects a stronger correlation with caries-free-associated taxa compared to HIV-infected or uninfected children.

Highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) has greatly reduced opportunistic infections in HIV-infected individuals. However, even with the use of HAART, HIV-infected individuals are still at an increased risk of oral diseases, including dental caries. Dental caries development is associated with microbial community shifts leading to community dysbiosis. HIV infection can significantly alter the bacteriome and mycobiome composition in the oral cavity; however, these impacts have not been assessed for caries initiation and progression. The aim of this study was to characterize the mycobiome for supragingival plaque samples from HIV-infected (HI), HIV-exposed-but-uninfected (HEU), and HIV-unexposed-and-uninfected (HUU) children with and without caries. To accomplish this, ITS1 amplicons of 127 samples were sequenced. We found that HIV infection and exposure resulted in changes to the supragingival plaque mycobiome for both health and caries. Overall, a reduction in community diversity as caries progressed was observed, with HI children having the lowest diversity and HEU children the highest. Candida albicans was the most abundant species identified, with 177 different amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Two C. albicans ASVs dominated the data (53.0% and 38.5% of all taxonomic assignments). The more frequent ASV dominated HI and HUU communities, whereas the second dominated HEU communities. HEU children also had the lowest abundance of C. albicans and the highest number of health-associated taxa (taxa statistically associated with caries-free teeth).IMPORTANCEGlobally, caries is among the most frequent chronic childhood disease, and the fungal component of the microbial community responsible is poorly studied despite evidence that fungi contribute to increased acid production exacerbating enamel demineralization. HIV infection is another global health crisis. Perinatal HIV exposure with infection are caries risk factors; however, the caries experience in the context of perinatal HIV exposure without infection is less clear. Using high-throughput amplicon sequencing, we find taxonomic differences that become pronounced during late-stage caries. Notably, we show a stronger correlation with health-associated taxa for HIV-exposed-but-uninfected children when compared to unexposed and uninfected children. This aligns with a lower incidence of caries in primary teeth at age 6 or less for exposed yet uninfected children. Ultimately, these findings could contribute to improved risk assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies such as biofilm disruption and the informed design of pro-, pre-, and synbiotic oral therapies.

Comparison of Low-Intensity and High-Intensity Exercise in Salivary Nitric Oxide Response: A Pilot Study

Background: Excessive production of salivary nitric oxide (s-NO) is a risk factor for oral diseases such as Sjögren syndrome and periodontal disease. Although s-NO is known to be affected by exercise, it is unclear how the difference in exercise intensities affects the s-NO response. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of different exercise intensities (high vs. low intensity) on s-NO production using a cross-over design. Methods: Five healthy male young adults (21.6 ± 0.9 years) performed two ergometer exercises for 30 min at different exercise intensities: 50% heart rate (HR)reserve (low-intensity condition) and 80% HRreserve (high-intensity condition). Saliva samples were collected before (pre) and after (post 0-h and post 1-h) exercises. Results: The s-NO concentration significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05) after the high-intensity exercise (∆changes in post 0-h; +244 ± 53 µmol/L, post 1-h; +352 ± 58 µmol/L), but the s-NO concentration did not change after the low-intensity exercise (∆changes in post 0-h; +11 ± 37 µmol/L, post 1-h; +64 ± 69 µmol/L). Conclusions: This study reveals that s-NO production is dependent on exercise intensities, suggesting that low-intensity exercise can be possible without increasing the risk of oral diseases.

Identification of the causal relationship between sleep quality, insomnia, and oral ulcers

BackgroundMultiple epidemiological studies have posited a potential association between sleep quality and the risk of oral diseases, yet the resulting conclusions have remained contentious, and the presence of a causal link remains equivocal. In this study, we aimed to investigate the causal relationship between sleep duration, insomnia, and common oral diseases.MethodsWe utilized genetic correlation and two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses based on summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of sleep duration (N = 460,099), insomnia (N = 462,341), mouth ulcer (N = 385,026), oral cavity cancer (N = 4,151), and periodontal disease (N = 527,652).ResultsOur results revealed a negative genetic correlation between sleep duration and mouth ulcer (genetic correlation: -0.09, P = 0.007), while a positive genetic correlation between insomnia and mouth ulcer was observed (genetic correlation: 0.18, P = 2.51E-06). Furthermore, we demonstrated that longer sleep duration is significantly associated with a reduced risk of mouth ulcers (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54–0.83, P = 2.84E-04), whereas insomnia is nominally associated with an increased risk of mouth ulcers (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.01–1.95, P = 0.044). In contrast, no significant association was detected between sleep quality and periodontal disease or oral cavity cancer.ConclusionsThis work provides robust evidence to support the notion that enhanced sleep quality may confer a decreased risk of oral ulcers, thereby bearing considerable clinical relevance.