Self-reported Oral Health Problems Research Articles

Association Between Oral Health Complaints and Nutritional Status among Patients with Cancer: A Study Utilising the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form.

Oral health problems in patients with cancer can substantially affect their quality of life, treatment outcomes, and overall nutritional well-being. This study investigated the relationship between nutritional status and self-reported oral health complaints in patients with cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with cancer at the King Saud University Medical City Oncology Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients' nutritional status was assessed using the mini nutritional assessment short form (MNA-SF), and self-reported oral health problems were documented. Data were analysed using the Chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression. This study included 200 participants who completed both the MNA-SF assessment and self-reported their oral health complaints. Common oral health problems included xerostomia (81%), bleeding gums (60.5%), toothaches (35%), and mouth ulcers (24%). Malnourished individuals reported higher rates of all oral complaints, with 54% of them experiencing bleeding gums, 50% reporting toothaches, and 54% experiencing speech problems. Notably, 71% of malnourished patients reported mouth ulcers (P 0.05). Regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association (P 0.05) between xerostomia and the 'At risk of malnutrition' group, with an odds ratio of 1.004 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.411-2.449). In the 'Malnourished' category, mouth ulcers showed a statistically significant association (P 0.05) with an odds ratio of 1.402 (95% CI: 0.409-4.800). Our findings highlighted statistically significant correlations between nutritional status, as assessed using the MNA-SF, and oral health complaints in patients with cancer. Well-nourished individuals reported fewer oral complaints, whereas malnourished patients reported a higher prevalence of oral health issues.

Prevalence and associated factors of self-reported oral health problems among adults in the Fanteakwa districts in Ghana

BackgroundThere is a paucity of data on oral health problems among the residents of Fanteakwa districts (South and North) in the Eastern region of Ghana. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported oral health problems in the Fanteakwa districts of Ghana.MethodsThis community-based cross-sectional study targeted residents of the towns of the Fanteakwa districts, who have not had any dental care visit in the past six months preceding the study. The participants were enrolled from July – October, 2023. Socio-demographic study variables collected were sex, age, educational level, income level, ethnicity, area of residence, household size and frequency of brushing teeth in a day. Whereas the self-reported oral health problems were tooth ache, swollen gum, bleeding gum, sensitive tooth/teeth, hole in tooth/teeth, discoloured tooth/teeth and mouth odour. The chi-square statistical test was used to test the association between the presence of oral health problem(s) and other independent variables. Whereas, Modified Poisson regression was used to test the relationships among the variables.ResultsIn total, 400 community members were interviewed. The mean age of respondents was 31 years (SD ± 12.4, Min = 19, Max = 81). The majority were females (55.2%) and more than 96% had some form of formal education. The Akan ethnic group accounted for as much as 47% of the respondents. The overall prevalence of self-reported oral health problems was 58.5% (95% CI 53.5% – 63.4%). The commonly reported oral health problems were toothache (51.7%), swollen gum (38.5%), difficulty in chewing (33.3%), bleeding gum (32.1%), and mobile teeth (17.1%). About 98% (229/234) of the study participants who self-reported oral health problems, reported up to four different problems. Self-reported oral health problems associated with participants’ age (χ2 = 7.2, p = 0.027), income level (χ2 = 19.3, p < 0.001), ethnicity (χ2 = 21.2, p < 0.001), area of residence (χ2 = 26.9, p < 0.001), religious affiliation (χ2 = 15.7, p < 0.001) and frequency of brushing teeth in a day (χ2 = 6.85, p < 0.032). Despite the observed relationships, Modified Poisson regression identified that compared to the rural dwellers, the urban dwellers had lower odds of self-reporting oral health problems (aOR = 0.718, p = 0.032, CI: 0.531–0.971), after controlling for age and frequency of teeth brushing in a day.ConclusionHigh rate of self-reported oral health problems was observed in the study site. Participants from rural residence were disproportionately affected. Therefore, local health authorities are encouraged to leverage on the identified risk groups for enhanced oral health education towards reduction in the reported oral health problems.

COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND ORAL HEALTH MEASURES AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN INDIA: EVIDENCE FROM THE LASI, 2017–2018

Abstract Given the rising older adult population and related increase in the prevalence of cognitive impairment in India, the present study aimed to examine the association between cognitive function and oral health measures among the middle-aged and older adults in India. Data for the study were selected from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI, 2017-2018) and 56,723 respondents&amp;gt;=45 years were included. Oral health was measured by self-reported oral health problems including number of oral diseases, edentulism (i.e., losing some or all natural teeth), and dental care utilization (e.g., dental visit in the past 12 months). Our outcome measure was a composite score of cognitive function measured across five broad domains, specifically memory, orientation, arithmetic function, executive function, and object naming. Negative binomial regression models were used to analyze the relationship between the oral health and cognitive function. Our results showed that complete edentulism was associated with 3% lower cognitive scores [IRR=0.97, 95% CI 0.96, 0.99], while dental care utilization was positively associated with cognitive function. Those who had visited a dentist in the past 12 months reported 6% [IRR=1.06, 95% CI 1.03, 1.08] higher cognition scores than those who had not visited a dentist. The unadjusted univariate regressions demonstrated a negative association between the number of oral diseases and cognitive function. Our findings suggest an urgency for improving the existing oral health infrastructure, including expanding access to dental care and promoting oral health education in India, especially for adults at higher risk for cognitive impairment.

Examining Oral Hygiene Behaviors, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, and Attitudes Toward Oral Health Among Minority Students.

This study aimed to examine the association between oral hygiene behaviors, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), oral health attitudes, and self-reported oral health problems among minority undergraduate students attending a state university in Florida. Chi-square analysis was conducted to examine the differences in self-reported dental caries and bleeding gums by oral hygiene behaviors, daily habits, and past oral experiences. Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to compare OHRQoL and attitude items with self-reported oral health issues and demographics. A greater percentage of students (54.5%) who brushed for ≤1 minute experienced gum bleeding compared to 45.5% who did not report gum bleeding (p = 0.005). Median values for difficulty biting or chewing foods, took days off school, difficulty doing usual activities, and pain were significantly higher among those with self-reported dental caries and bleeding gums. Difficulty with speechsignificantly varied with the presence of bleeding gums and teeth insecurities (p =0.027 and p =0.011, respectively). Avoiding smilingexperienced pain was significantly different among with teeth insecurities (p =0.001, p =0.031). Of the various attitude statements, "I value keeping my mouth healthy"significantlyvaried with dental caries and bleeding gums (p =0.002; p =0.005). Attitude toward acceptance of age-related tooth loss was significantly different with age(p = 0.022). The results provide evidence of self-reported oral health problems affecting OHRQoL and attitudes toward oral health. Improving oral hygiene behaviors with resources available for regular dental visits to minimize dental issues and improve OHRQoL among minority students is warranted.

Self-reported outcomes on oral health and oral health-related quality of life in long-term childhood cancer survivors—A DCCSS-LATER 2 Study

PurposeThe present study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported oral problems and the oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in childhood cancer survivors (CCS).MethodsPatient and treatment characteristics of CCS have been collected in a cross-sectional study, part of the multidisciplinary DCCSS-LATER 2 Study. To assess self-reported oral health problems and dental problems, CCS filled out the ‘Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek’ (TNO) oral health questionnaire. OHRQoL was assessed by the Dutch version of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Prevalences were compared with two comparison groups from the literature. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 249 CCS participated in our study. The OHIP-14 total score had a mean value of 1.94 (sd 4.39), with a median score of 0 (range 0–29). The oral problems ‘oral blisters/aphthae’ (25.9%) and ‘bad odor/halitosis’ (23.3%) were significantly more often reported in CCS than in comparison groups (12% and 12%, respectively). The OHIP-14 score was significantly correlated with the number of self-reported oral health problems (r = .333, p<0.0005) and dental problems (r = .392, p <0.0005). In multivariable analysis, CCS with a shorter time since diagnosis (10-19 years vs. ≥30 years) had a 1.47-fold higher risk of ≥1 oral health problem.ConclusionThough the perceived oral health is relatively good, oral complications following childhood cancer treatment are prevalent in CCS. This underlines that attention to impaired oral health and awareness on this topic is mandatory and regular visits to the dentist should be a part of long-term follow-up care.

Moderating effects of resilience and self-esteem on associations between self-reported oral health problems, quality of oral health, and mental health among adolescents and adults in Nigeria.

There is an intersection between oral and mental health though the studies on these intersections are few. This study investigated associations between self-reported oral health problems, quality of oral health, and depression and general anxiety among adolescents and adults in Nigeria; and analysed the moderating effects of resilience and self-esteem on these associations. In this secondary analysis, data were extracted from the database of an online survey conducted among participants 13 years and older and living in Nigeria about their self-reported psychological wellbeing. The data was collected between September and October 2020. Dependent variables were self-reported presence of oral health problems (yes/no) and self-reported quality of oral health (using a five-item scale ranging from "very good" to "very poor"). Independent variables were depressive and anxiety symptoms. Moderating factors evaluated were resilience and self-esteem. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the associations between the dependent and independent variables after adjusting for confounders (age, sex, employment status and educational status). A path analysis was conducted to determine the moderating effects of self-esteem and resilience on associations between dependent and independent variables. We extracted data for 2,757 adolescents and adults aged 13 to 62 years, of which 2,062 (74.8%) reported having oral health problems and 925 (33.6%) reported poor quality of oral health. Higher levels of depressive symptoms were significantly associated with higher odds of oral health problems (AOR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.10; p<0.001). Higher levels of depressive symptoms (AOR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03-1.07; p<0.001), and higher levels of anxiety symptoms (AOR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.11; p<0.001) were significantly associated with poor quality of oral health. Resilience significantly moderated the association between anxiety symptoms and oral health problems (AOR = -0.004; 95% CI: -0.006 --0.001; p = 0.002). Depression may be a risk indicator for self-reported oral health problems, while depression and anxiety appear to be risk indicators for self-reported poor quality of oral health. These factors could be included as confounders in future studies on oral health problems and quality of oral health among adolescents and adults in Nigeria.

Influence of Dental Pain and Tooth Sensitivity on the Intention to Quit Smoking among Schoolchildren.

Objective To evaluate the association between oral health problems and sociodemographic factors with the intention to quit smoking and join the tobacco cessation program among schoolchildren. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included a sample of 10–12 grade male students from public high schools in different cities of the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Schoolchildren responded to a pilot-tested questionnaire about self-reported oral health problems and the intention to quit smoking. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Out of 587 schoolchildren, 199 were smokers with a smoking prevalence of 33.9%. Significantly higher proportions of smokers than nonsmokers had tooth sensitivity (P = 0.029) and dryness of the mouth (P = 0.001). Most smokers (75.9%) had a family history of smoking, and 51.8% started smoking within the last two years. Tooth sensitivity (56.3%), dental cavities (52.8%), and dental pain (44.7%) were highly prevalent among smokers. About one-third of smokers expressed their intention to quit smoking (38.2%) and join a smoking cessation program (33.7%). Tooth sensitivity (OR = 3.7, P = 0.004) and dental pain (OR = 2.84, P = 0.014) were significantly associated with quitting smoking. In addition, smokers with tooth sensitivity (OR = 3.22, P = 0.007) had higher odds of joining a smoking cessation program than those without tooth sensitivity. The smokers who started smoking within the last two years (OR = 3.97, P = 0.002) were more likely to quit smoking than those who initiated smoking for more than two years. Conclusion Oral health problems were highly prevalent among smokers. Tooth sensitivity was significantly associated with quitting smoking and joining a cessation program in children. The awareness about the adverse effects of smoking on oral health should be part of regional, national, and global tobacco prevention policies and programs.

Self-reported oral health problems and the ability to organize dental care of community-dwelling elderly aged \u226575\u2009years

BackgroundIt is unclear how many community-dwelling elderly (≥75 years) experience oral health problems (e.g. pain, dry mouth, chewing problems) and how they manage their dental care needs. This study aimed to assess self-reported oral health problems in elderly who are frail or have complex care needs, and their ability to organize dental care when reporting oral pain.MethodsThree thousand five hundred thirty-three community-dwelling elderly participating in the “Embrace” project were asked to complete questionnaires regarding oral status and oral health problems. Frailty was assessed with the Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI). Intermed for Elderly Self-Assessment (IM-E-SA) was used to determine complexity of care needs. Next, elderly who reported oral pain were interviewed about their oral pain complaints, their need for dental care, and their ability to organize and receive dental care. For statistical analyses Chi2-tests and the one-way ANOVA were used.ResultsOne thousand six hundred twenty-two elderly (45.9%) completed the questionnaires. Dry mouth (11.7%) and oral pain (6.2%) were most frequently reported. Among the elderly reporting oral pain, most were registered at a local dentist and could go there when needed (84.3%). Robust elderly visited the dentist independently (87%), frail (55.6%) and complex (26.9%) elderly more often required assistance from caregivers.ConclusionsDry mouth and oral pain are most reported oral health problems among community-dwelling elderly. Elderly with complex care needs report most oral health problems. In case an elderly seeks dental treatment to alleviate an oral pain complaint, most elderly in this study were able to organize dental care and transport to the dentist. Frail and complex elderly often need assistance from caregivers to visit the dentist. Therefore caretakers should keep in mind that when frailty progresses, visiting a dentist may become more and more difficult and the risk for poor oral health increases.

Sociodemographic Disparities and Self-reported Oral Health Problems Associated with Pregnancy: A Case-control Study in Morocco

Background: Dental and periodontal diseases are a public health problem over the world, however little is known about individual characteristics or behaviors associated with self-reported oral status during pregnancy. This cross-sectional study examines the relationships between pregnancy and Dental and Periodontal Health (DPH), socio-demographic factors and DPH, and health behavioral factors and DPH. Study design: This study adopted a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational research design to investigate the current oral health related health behavior, and socio-demographic disparities in pregnant and non-pregnant women in the MARRAKESH region in Morocco. Methods: Participants (n=539, 251 pregnant, and 288 non-pregnant women), recruited from two health centers in the Marrakesh region (urban and rural), completed questionnaires addressing: Education, economic status, dental insurance, self-reported DPH, oral hygiene practices, and dental care utilization. Results: 162 women were urban and 87 were rural in the pregnant group, while 226 women were urban vs 62 in the non-pregnant group. Also, 181 women were educated and 68 were illiterate in the pregnant group while 238 women were educated and 50 were illiterate in the non-pregnant women group. Moreover, pregnant women brush less frequently than non-pregnant women, dental visits were more important amongst non-pregnant women than pregnant women, and only 37 pregnant women visited a dentist while 82 pregnant women visited a dental quack. Conclusion: This study highlights the effect of pregnancy and sociodemographic disparities on self-reported DPH, and provides useful findings for preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Exploring Associations Between Oral Health and Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older People

BackgroundIn frail older people with natural teeth factors like polypharmacy, reduced salivary flow, a decrease of oral self-care, general healthcare issues, and a decrease in dental care utilization contribute to an increased risk for oral complications. On the other hand, oral morbidity may have a negative impact on frailty.ObjectiveThis study explored associations between oral health and two frailty measures in community-dwelling older people.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThe study was carried out in a Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in The Netherlands.ParticipantsOf the 5,816 persons registered in the PHC, 1,814 persons were eligible for participation at the start of the study.MeasurementsTwo frailty measures were used: 1. Being at risk for frailty, using Electronical Medical Record (EMR) data, and: 2. Survey-based frailty using ‘The Groningen Frailty Indicator’ (GFI). For oral health measures, dental-record data (dental care utilization, dental status, and oral health information) and self-reported oral problems were recorded. Univariate regression analyses were applied to determine the association between oral health and frailty, followed by age- and sex-adjusted multivariate logistic regressions.ResultsIn total 1,202 community-dwelling older people were included in the study, 45% were male and the mean age was 73 years (SD=8). Of all participants, 53% was at risk for frailty (638/1,202), and 19% was frail based on the GFI (222/1,202). A dental emergency visit (Odds Ratio (OR)=2.0, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=1.33;3.02 and OR=1.58, 95% CI=1.00;2.49), experiencing oral problems (OR=2.07, 95% CI=1.52;2.81 and OR=2.87, 95% CI= 2.07;3.99), and making dietary adaptations (OR=2.66, 95% CI=1.31;5.41 and OR=5.49, 95% CI= 3.01;10.01) were associated with being at risk for frailty and survey-based frailty respectively.ConclusionsA dental emergency visit and self-reported oral health problems are associated with frailty irrespective of the approach to its measurement. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the associations of oral health and frailty in daily practice.

Perceived Oral Health Status and Its Association with Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis - A Pilot Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects not only the joints, but also other organ systems including the oral cavity. Studies have demonstrated an association between RA and oral disease, in particular periodontal disease. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine self-reported oral health problems among RA patients and its association with oral health-related quality of life. A total of 67 RA patients attending the Rheumatology Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia participated in this study. Self-administered questionnaires including the Malay version of Short Oral Health Impact Profile [S-OHIP(M)] questionnaire were used to obtain the variables of interests. Most patients perceived their oral health status as good or very good (70.2%) although some reported having at least one oral health problem (40.3%). Commonly reported oral health problems were cavitated tooth (16.4%), swollen gums (16.4%), bad breath (14.9%), and bleeding gums (13.4%). Some patients have lost all upper teeth (32.8%) and all lower teeth (28.4%). The median S-OHIP(M) score was 3.00 (IQR 7.00). With regard to prevalence of impact, item discomfort due to food getting stuck has the highest prevalence of 13.4%, followed by avoided eating certain foods (7.5%). No significant association was found between median S-OHIP(M) score and self-reported oral health problem among RA patients, but a significant association was found between median S-OHIP(M) score and perceived oral health status (P=0.013). In conclusion, oral health problems were common in RA patients, and the association between patients’ oral health perceptions and severity of impact from oral problems was apparent.

Oral health and performance impacts in elite and professional athletes.

To measure dental caries, erosive tooth wear (ETW), periodontal health, self-reported oral health problems and performance impacts in a representative sample of UK elite athletes from different sports using standardized conditions clearly defined clinical indices and a measure of impact on performance with evidence of validity in sport. Cross-sectional study, with single, calibrated examiner, conducted in the local facilities of elite and professional UK athletes (UCL ethics number 6388/001). Main oral measures: dental caries (ICDAS), erosive tooth wear (BEWE), periodontal health (BPE) and athlete-reported performance impacts. We recruited 352 athletes from eleven sports. The mean age was 25years (range 18-39), and 67.0% were male. We found caries (ICDAS code ≥3) in 49.1% of athletes, ETW (BEWE score of ≥7) in 41.4%, gingival bleeding on probing/presence of calculus (BPE score 1 or 2) in 77.0% and pocket probing depths of at least 4mm (BPE score 3 or 4) in a further 21.6%. One in five athletes reported previous wisdom teeth problems. The odds of having caries were 2.4 times greater in team sport than endurance sport (95% CI 1.3-3.2). The odds of having erosion were 2.0 times greater in team sport than endurance sport (95% CI 1.3-3.1). Overall, 32.0% athletes reported an oral health-related impact on sport performance: oral pain (29.9%), difficulty participating in normal training and competition (9.0%), performance affected (5.8%) and reduction in training volume (3.8%). Other impacts were difficulty with eating (34.6%), relaxing (15.1%) and smiling (17.2%). Several oral health problems were associated with performance impacts. This is the first large representative sample study of oral health in athletes from different sports at elite level. Although experience of oral disease differs by sport, the prevalence, in UK elite and professional athletes, is substantial, with common self-reported performance impacts. Regular screening and use of effective oral health promotion strategies may minimize performance impacts from poor oral health.

Stress and its predictors in pregnant women: a study in Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundAlthough stress during pregnancy has negative effects on children’s development and pregnant women’s health, no study has assessed stress and its predictors among pregnant Saudi women. The aim of this study was to assess stress and identify its predictors in a sample of pregnant Saudi women.MethodsA correlational study was carried out at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 438 pregnant women who attended the obstetrics/gynecology clinic. We collected data on their sociodemographic and oral health status. Stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).ResultsThe sample mean age was 30.6±5.4 years, and 33.4% of the sample reported high stress levels (PSS ≥20). The study revealed significantly high stress levels in women with no or low income, chronic disease, sleep deprivation, no teeth brushing, irregular eating patterns, gestational diabetes, and no family support (P<0.05). Self-reported oral health problems were significantly associated with high stress levels (P<0.05). A multiple linear regression model showed that no teeth brushing, chronic disease, sleep deprivation, gestational diabetes, and gingival redness predicted an increase in stress by a score of 3.6, 2.4, 2.1, 1.4, and 1.4, respectively.ConclusionIt was estimated that three in ten pregnant women in King Abdulaziz Medical City reported high stress levels. Our study shed light on the relationship between healthy habits, oral health status, and perceived stress in pregnant women. This research may help health care practitioners who provide care to pregnant women, to educate them in regard to healthy habits, and to develop a program to reduce stress.

Comparison of oral hygiene practices and oral health problems among smoker and non-smoker male adolescents in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Comparison of oral hygiene practices and oral health problems among smoker and non-smoker male adolescents in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Pleuropulmonary staphylococcal infection in Senegalese children

Pleuropulmonary staphylococcal infection in Senegalese children

Utilização de serviços odontológicos e fatores associados: um estudo de base populacional no Sul do Brasil

The aim of this study was to estimate patterns of dental services use in a medium-sized city in southern Brazil. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 4,226 individuals aged 10 years and older. Poisson regression analysis was used to identify associated factors; 50.9% (95%CI: 49.3-52.4) of the sample had consulted a dentist in the previous year. Dental care attendance rates among adolescents, adults, and elders were 52.2%, 53.6%, and 37.2%, respectively. After adjusting for various confounders, the most important determinants of dental services use were: schooling >or= 9 years, high socioeconomic status, and self-reported oral health problems. In addition, adolescents and adults that rated their oral health as good showed 10% and 40% higher prevalence dental services use, respectively, when compared with those who rated their oral health as bad. Determining the prevalence of dental services use and users' characteristics can help policymakers plan future measures to make dental care available to population groups with low rates of dental services use.

Dental health behavior and self-reported dental health problems among hospitalized psychiatric patients in Denmark.

The purpose of the present study was to describe dental health behavior and self-reported oral health problems among hospitalized psychiatric patients. Two hundred and forty dentate patients were interviewed with regard to participation in school dental care, dental visiting habits, self-assessment of oral health, dental anxiety, and oral hygiene habits. Dental visiting habits were associated with gender, psychiatric diagnosis, duration of mental disorder, and fear of dental care. Moreover, toothbrushing habits varied with gender, status as inpatient or day-hospital patient, number of admissions, and psychiatric diagnosis. Constant regular dental visits were observed among 31% of the participants, whereas regular toothbrushing was reported by 55%. Compared with reference figures of the general population, these figures reflect a relatively poorer dental health behavior among the study participants. The study underlines the need for specific preventive dental programs, which aim at improving the poor dental health behavior among psychiatric patients.