Toothbrush Research Articles

Prevalence and associations of meeting adherence to 5-2-1-0 health guidelines with externalizing and internalizing symptoms and hygiene behaviour among school adolescents in the Philippines

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to look into the prevalence and associations of meeting adherence to 5-2-1-0 health guidelines (5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables/day (FV), ≤2 hours of recreational screen time/day (ST), at least 1 hour of moderate and/or vigorous physical activity (PA), and 0 sugar-sweetened beverages/day) among school adolescents in the Philippines. The 2011, 2015 and 2019 Philippines Global School-based Student Health Survey, a nationally representative survey of teenagers aged 11 to 18 provided the study’s data. Measures included self-reported demographics, peer and parental support, body mass index, six externalized and four internalized behaviours, and four hygiene behaviours, and 5-2-1-0 health guidelines. The relationship between behavioural outcomes and meeting the 5-2-1-0 health guidelines number was investigated using logistic regression models. The percentages of participants who adhered to none, one, and two, 5-2-1-0 health guidelines were 11.6%, 38.9%, and 41.8%, respectively, whereas 7.7% of participants met three (7.2%) or four (0.5%) guidelines. Compared to participants from study wave 2011, participants from study waves 2015 and 2019, and having obesity were negatively associated with adhering to 3 or 4 5-2-1-0 health guidelines, while school attendance, peer and higher parental support were positively associated with adhering to 3 or 4 5-2-1-0 health guidelines. Compared with meeting none of the 5-2-1-0 health guidelines, participants who met a higher number of recommendations were less likely to report externalizing behaviours (current alcohol use, history of intoxication, participation in physical fighting, sustained a physical injury, were physically attacked and had been bullied), internalizing behaviours (suicidal ideation, plan and attempt and psychological distress) and hygiene behaviours (inadequate tooth brushing, not always hang hygiene before meals, after toilet and with soap). Future behavioural and mental health interventions for adolescents should focus on improving their overall 5-2-1-0 behaviours while taking demographic differences into account.

Associations Between Lifestyle Factors, Oral Health Behaviors, and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Introduction: T2DM mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health issue associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. While the role of lifestyle factors in glycemic control is well-established, the influence of oral health behaviors remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the interplay between lifestyle habits, oral health behaviors, and glycemic control in patients with T2DM. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 132 patients (66 men and 66 women) with T2DM at the Pius Brînzeu Emergency Hospital in Timișoara, Romania. Data on smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, tooth brushing frequency, and dental visits were collected using structured questionnaires, and glycemic control was assessed through HbA1c measurements. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlations and linear regression, were performed. Results: Among men, HbA1c levels were negatively associated with exercise frequency (ß = −0.26, p < 0.05) and education level (correlation coefficient −0.27, p < 0.05), and positively associated with dental visits and tooth brushing frequency (correlation coefficient 0.26, p < 0.05). In the combined analysis, education level positively correlated with both dental visits (correlation coefficient 0.24, p < 0.01) and alcohol consumption (correlation coefficient 0.22, p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of integrating oral health and lifestyle interventions into diabetes management to optimize patient outcomes.

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.

Association between non-carious cervical lesions, dentin hypersensitivity and anxiety in young adults: A cross-sectional study.

To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with dentin hypersensitivity (DH) and non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). The analytical cross-sectional study included 157 participants aged between 18 and 45 years, who were clinically examined and answered a questionnaire related to their lifestyle and daily habits (diet, parafunctional habits, temporomandibular disorders, general and oral health) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. A descriptive analysis of the prevalence of DH and NCCL was performed, both at the individual level and considering the distribution among the teeth. Poisson regression models were used to investigate factors associated with hypersensitivity. The prevalence of DH and NCCL was 84.7 % and 49.7 %, respectively. The use of whitening toothpaste and brushing teeth immediately after meals were related to the presence of at least one tooth with DH, while the NCCL and anxiety factors were related to the presence of DH in both at least one tooth and more than four teeth per individual. On the other hand, individuals who used soft and extra soft toothbrushes, as well as those who had knowledge about oral health, had a lower prevalence of DH. DH and NCCL have a high prevalence in the population and are associated with each other and with the individual's lifestyle and habits. Individuals with signs of anxiety had a higher prevalence of DH, while individuals with knowledge about the etiological factors had a lower prevalence of the disease.

Toothbrushes made and adapted for patients with special needs

Introduction: People with special needs often have a high number of caries and periodontal diseases, related to difficulties in ensuring oral health care, access to dental treatment, and sometimes to the socioeconomic context. Objective: to argue the importance of making adapted toothbrushes for patients with special needs. Methods: a narrative bibliographic review was carried out through Google Scholar, of scientific articles published in the last ten years, in different digital databases such as: SciELO, Medline, Pubmed, digital libraries, in English and Spanish, using the following descriptors: "disability", "special needs", "oral hygiene", "mechanical and electric toothbrush", "bamboo toothbrush" "partial and/or total assistance". Development: the effectiveness of tooth brushing depends on the type of toothbrush, its use, the method and time of brushing, the use of mouthwash and/or dental floss. Although there are different methods for preventing plaque formation, the use of toothbrushes has proven to be the most effective way. This group includes patients with moderate or severe physical or mental disabilities and with significant motor limitations in the upper limbs. Many of them remain in wheelchairs or are bedridden for a large part of the time, need help to carry out any oral hygiene procedure and in this sense, with rare exceptions, cannot assume any type of responsibility in the process. Conclusions: the dentist must perceive the problem of the particular individual and formulate an individual plan, as well as inform the parents and the patient how to carry out such a program. Most patients with disabilities will require the supervision of parents or substitutes to carry it out

Effectiveness of oral health promotion in children and adolescents through behaviour change interventions: A scoping review.

To explore the interventions for change in oral health behaviour that are effective in improving oral health behaviours in 8 to 18-year-old children during oral health promotion. The Joanna Briggs Institute framework of evidence synthesis for conducting a scoping review was implemented for the methodology. Included studies related to the objective, measured clinical or non-clinical outcomes, were in English, 2011-2023, and were experimental, observational or reviews. PUBMED, Science-Direct, Scopus and Sabinet were systematically searched with predetermined search strings. Studies were selected by appraisal of the title, abstract and full text. Data were extracted using a standardised template and the key questions were addressed via a qualitative analysis. Searches yielded 407 articles from electronic databases. Of these, 290 articles were excluded, and 47 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility, with 23 studies and two systematic reviews finalised for inclusion. In addition, a PEARL search was conducted from the reference lists of other studies. Most studies (91.3%) focused on educating children directly; 8.7% indirectly influenced parents, guardians, and teachers. Interventions focused largely on traditional oral health education presented in diverse forms and via different platforms. Studies differentiated clinical outcomes (indices) from non-clinical outcomes (knowledge, behaviour). All included RCTs were of different quality regarding selection, performance and detection bias. But all studies indicated a low risk of bias in attrition and Reporting bias. Seventeen of the 25 studies (68%) were not based on any behaviour change theory. Oral health interventions based on motivational interviewing and the social cognitive theory have been shown to be to be effective. Interventions could also include practical tooth brushing activities, gamification, audio-visual components, as well as reinforcement and repetition in the longer term. Future oral health promotion in children should be designed to include these elements. There is a need for higher quality studies in this field, with future research being urged to provide detailed intervention descriptions and incorporate longer follow-up periods.

Frekuensi Menyikat Gigi dengan Status Karies Gigi pada Siswa SMP Negeri 1 Batipuh Kecamatan Batipuh Kabupaten Tanah Datar

Dental caries is a disease affecting the hard tissues of teeth, impacting overall health. Brushing teeth is a crucial effort to reduce the growth of caries-causing bacteria. This study aims to analyze the relationship between tooth brushing frequency and caries status among students at SMP Negeri 1 Batipuh, Tanah Datar. A descriptive study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted in January 2023, involving 186 students as the population through saturated sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire on tooth brushing frequency and DMF-T examination for caries status. Data analysis was performed using univariate and bivariate methods. Results indicate that 23% of students brushed their teeth once a day, 62% twice a day, and 15% three times a day. Regarding caries status, 64% had good criteria while 36% had poor criteria. Analysis revealed that students who brushed once daily had 2% with good status and 21% with poor status; those brushing twice daily had 48% good and 14% poor; and those brushing three times daily had 14% good and 1% poor. The conclusion of this study is that the most common brushing frequency is twice a day, and students with this frequency tend to have better caries status.

Perbedaan Angka Kebersihan Gigi dan Mulut (HI) Anak Umur 12 Tahun yang Menyikat Gigi dengan Teknik Kombinasi Fone’s Horizontal dan Roll Horizontal di SDN 06 dan 21 Taluak IV Suku

Dental caries is the most common oral health problem experienced by the public, with plaque being the main cause. Brushing teeth is an effective method for removing plaque, where the brushing technique plays a crucial role in oral hygiene. Elementary Schools (SDN) 06 and 21 Taluak IV Suku regularly receive visits from the local health center every six months for dental check-ups. SDN 06 has never conducted a mass tooth brushing activity, while SDN 21 does it routinely every Wednesday, guided by trained student health officers. Preliminary studies showed that 60% of the children from both schools brush their teeth once a day using a horizontal technique. This study aims to compare the oral hygiene of 12-year-old children who use the combination of Fone’s-horizontal technique and the combination of roll-horizontal technique. The research design is a quasi-experimental study with pretest and posttest. The population consisted of 50 children, with 48 samples taken using the saturated sampling technique. Dental hygiene was measured using the Hygiene Index, and data were analyzed using the independent t-test (α &lt; 0.05). The results showed an average improvement of 16% for the Fone’s-horizontal technique and 36% for the roll-horizontal technique, with a p-value of 0.000 (&lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the roll-horizontal combination technique is more effective, and children are advised to brush their teeth using this technique twice a day to prevent dental and oral diseases.

The ability of chlorhexidine oral rinse in prohibiting gingivitis in orthodontic patients: A literature review

Periodontal conditions, known as plaque-induced gingivitis, are one that dentists frequently deal with daily. One condition that often faces challenges in plaque control is fixed orthodontic treatment. Plaque control is generally carried out by mechanical methods, such as using dental floss, brushing teeth, oral irrigation, cleaning teeth with an interdental cleaner and professional tartar cleaning and polishing to remove plaque mechanically. However, the success of this method is highly dependent on the techniques used by each individual. As a complement, Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash is often used to support plaque control. This study purposed to analyze the role of chlorhexidine (CHX) on the gingivitis index in orthodontic patients as a control for plaque-induced gingivitis. This research method uses a literature review of nine articles using Google Scholar, PubMed and Elsevier databases from 2014-2024. CHX was proven to significantly reduce gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI) and inhibit the accumulation of microbial biofilm on the surface of orthodontic appliances. The conclusion is that CHX mouthwash effectively reduces gingivitis and plaque in patients with fixed orthodontic appliance, even though it has adverse effect such as tooth staining and irritation. Alternatives such as probiotics, propolis, and herbal mouthwash show similar potential with less severe side effects, so further research is needed to optimize formulations and evaluate their long-term effectiveness.

Evaluation of parents' attitudes and behaviors towards products and practices containing fluoride

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate parents’ attitudes and behaviors about fluoride-containing products and practices. Methods: The study was conducted between April 2023 and February 2024. Parents of children who applied to Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry voluntarily participated in the study and a total of 350 parents participated. A face-to-face questionnaire consisting of 2 sections and a total of 26 questions was administered to the parents. Results: Among the parents who participated in our study, 56.86% stated that they had never heard of fluoride before. Those who had heard of fluoride stated that they had heard about it from school screenings and dentists. 16.86% of the parents stated that fluoride is harmful, but 68% of them did not have any information about it. 78.8% of the parents stated that they did not know the effect of brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste on the prevention of dental caries and 76.57% stated that they did not look at the fluoride content when choosing toothpaste. 84% of the parents stated that they did not know the fluoride applications made by the physician and 74.57% stated that they would not have their children do it. The vast majority of those who would not have their children fluoridated (73.95%) stated that they would not do so because they did not have information about fluoride. We found that 92% of the parents did not know systemic fluoride applications, 90% did not know whether the drinking water they used contained fluoride, and 93.43% did not know whether fluoride in drinking water helps prevent dental caries formation. Conclusion: Considering the high caries risk and oral hygiene deficiencies in our country, the need to use fluoride in dental treatments is increasing. Therefore, the public’s lack of knowledge and concerns about fluoride should be addressed and the use of preventive treatments such as fluoride should be increased.

Impact of tooth wear on quality of life of patients attending a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria

Tooth wear is listed as one of the main oral health problems which affects a major part of the population. It may affect the physical, mental and social well-being of an individual, thereby impacting on the general health and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the impact of tooth wear on quality of life of patients attending a tertiary hospital in Lagos. Methods: 239 consecutive subjects with tooth wear who attended the Dental Centre of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja, Lagos within a period of 3months were recruited. Informed consent was obtained, and an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemography, diet history and tooth brushing techniques. All subjects also completed the oral health impact profile 14 (OHI-14) questionnaire. Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index was used to assess tooth wear. The association between tooth wear and OHI-14 was determined. Results: The age range was 18years to 80years with a mean of 56.21±14.3 years. A higher proportion of tooth wear was seen in males (52.3%). The most common BEWE index score was medium, 9-13 (130; 54.4%), followed by high, 14 and above (59; 24.7%) and the least was low, 3-8 (50; 20.9%). The physical pain domain had the highest mean score of 3.11±24 while social disability domain had the least which was 0.8±1.2 Conclusion: The most affected domain was physical pain followed by psychological discomfort and physical disability while the least affected domain was social disability.

Effect of Different Whitening Toothpaste on Surface Roughness and Discoloration of Universal Composite Resins

Aim: The aim of our study is to evaluate the surface roughness and color stability of two different universal resin composites colored with coffee after brushing with different toothpastes. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 samples (n=10) were prepared from 2 different resin composites (Zenchroma, and Neo Spectra ST). Color values(CIELAB) were measured with a spectrophotometer at baseline, after 6 days of simulated coffee immersion and after tooth brushing. After initial roughness (Ra0) measurements were performed with a profilometer, the samples were subjected to toothbrushing simulation, and final values (Ra1) were recorded. The effects of different materials and toothpastes on color and roughness variables were analyzed by the Two-Way ANOVA method. The significance level of the statistics was p

Periodontal Care Needs In Diabetic Patients: A Study Of The Prolanis Group In Banjarbaru City

South Kalimantan has seen a significant rise in dental and oral health issues, particularly periodontal diseases, which are prevalent among diabetic patients. This research aimed to analyze the periodontal status and the corresponding treatment needs of the Prolanis group, consisting of diabetic mellitus (DM) patients, at Sungai Ulin Health Center and South Banjarbaru Health Center, Banjarbaru City, during the second year of the study. A descriptive-analytical approach was employed to assess the periodontal tissue condition using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). A total of 65 respondents were examined, and the results indicated that 49.23% of the participants had tartar, while 30.78% displayed healthy periodontal conditions. Counseling on oral hygiene and scaling treatments were provided. The study emphasizes the importance of regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices, particularly in diabetic patients, to prevent further complications. Recommendations include brushing teeth twice daily and reducing the intake of cariogenic foods.

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTEGRATED TREATMENT IN ADOLESCENTS WITH CHRONIC CATARRHAL GINGIVITIS LIVING IN ENVIRONMENTALLY COMPROMISED AREAS

The challenging ecological situation in Western Ukraine, coupled with natural geochemical factors such as deficiencies in fluorine and iodine, contributes to the deterioration of children's somatic and dental health. This underscores the urgent need to develop comprehensive treatment and preventive strategies to mitigate pathological processes in periodontal tissues and enhance treatment outcomes. Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of treating chronic catarrhal gingivitis in children residing in environmentally polluted areas with iodine and fluorine deficiencies (the cities of Yavoriv and Zhydachiv). The study observed children aged 12–15, comprising 59 participants in the main group and 42 in the control group (from the city of Lviv, considered an ecologically clean region). Children in the main group were treated according to a specialized protocol developed for the study, while those in the control group received treatment per the Ministry of Health of Ukraine's protocols for “Therapeutic Dentistry”. Methods. The treatment regimen for chronic catarrhal gingivitis in the main group included: local measures such as Professional oral hygiene, traditional anti-inflammatory agents (tinctures of chamomile, St. John’s wort, calendula), applications of “Holisal” gel on the gingival surface, use of “Lacalut Aktiv Herbal” toothpaste and “Lacalut Aktiv” mouthwash; systemic treatment including “Kinder Biovital Lecithin” gel to enhance immune system function, “Ascorutin” to reduce capillary fragility and permeability. This multifaceted approach aimed to address both local and systemic factors influencing periodontal health in children from ecologically compromised regions. Results and discussion. The evaluation of the immediate results of the treatment was carried out visually, taking into account the change in clinical symptoms (on 5-6 days) and with the help of periodontal and hygienic indices, immunological indicators. Periodontal status was assessed by papillary-marginal alveolar indices, communal periodontal index and gingival bleeding index. Oral hygiene was assessed by the Fedorov-Volodkina index. In order to assess the adaptive capabilities of the body and determine the risk factors for periodontal tissue lesions, the content of leukocytes in the oral fluid of children was evaluated. In the initial period of the treatment course, we found a decrease in the values ​​of periodontal indices in both the main and control groups. On the 5-6th day after the start of treatment of chronic catarrhal gingivitis, the value of the papillary-marginal alveolar index in the main group was 20.16±1.95% that was significantly lower compared to the control group, 33.21±1.82%. Following the treatment, a decrease in the bleeding index was found in the children of the main group accounting 0.94±0.11 points versus 1.42±0.15 points in the control group. Analyzing the changes in the communal periodontal index, a more significant decrease was found in the children of the main group (1.09±0.15 points) compared to the control group (1.39±0.16 points). Along with the normalization of the clinical condition of the periodontal tissues in children with chronic catarrhal gingivitis who were under our observation, an improvement in oral hygiene was noted, which, in our opinion, can be due to the implementation of professional hygiene, quality control of tooth brushing, as well as conversations on hygiene education with children and their parents. This is confirmed by indicators of the hygienic index of Fedorov-Volodkina. Since local immunity is a sensitive indicator of the effect of external and internal environmental factors, we determined the concentration of leukocytes in the oral fluid 5-6 days after the treatment of chronic catarrhal gingivitis. It is worth noting that after treatment for 5-6 days, the number of leukocytes in the oral fluid of children with chronic catarrhal gingivitis in the study groups significantly decreased. Thus, in the children of the main group, the number of leukocytes was 205.14±4.28 × 106 /l and 220.40±4.21 × 106 /l in the control group, which was significantly lower than the corresponding values ​​before treatment (р&lt;0 ,01). Thus, the study results have demonstrated the described treatment course can significantly normalize and improve the condition of periodontal tissues and oral hygiene in the children of the main group with chronic catarrhal gingivitis that is confirmed by oral hygiene indices and laboratory findings.

Taste changes in paediatric oncology: longitudinal evaluation

ObjectivesChanges in taste is a common symptom in paediatric patients receiving cancer therapies. The primary objective was to describe the prevalence of taste changes longitudinally over a 6-month time frame...

Distal and Proximal Influences on Self-Reported Oral Pain and Self-Rated Oral Health Status in Saudi Arabia: Retrospective Study Using a 2017 Nationwide Database.

Oral health significantly influences overall well-being, health care costs, and quality of life. In Saudi Arabia, the burden of oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease, has increased over recent decades, driven by various lifestyle changes. To explore the associations between proximal (direct) and distal (indirect) influences that affect oral pain (OP) and self-rated oral health (SROH) status in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) using an adapted conceptual framework. This retrospective cross-sectional study used data from a national health survey conducted in KSA in 2017. The sample included adults (N=29,274), adolescents (N=9910), and children (N=11,653). Sociodemographic data, health characteristics, and access to oral health services were considered distal influences, while frequency and type of dental visits, tooth brushing frequency, smoking, and consumption of sweets and soft drinks were considered proximal influences. Path analysis modeling was used to estimate the direct, indirect, and total effects of proximal and distal influences on OP and SROH status. The mean age of adult respondents was 42.2 years; adolescents, 20.4 years; and children, 10.58 years. Despite OP reports from 39% of children, 48.5% of adolescents, and 47.1% of adults, over 87% across all groups rated their oral health as good, very good, or excellent. A higher frequency of tooth brushing showed a strong inverse relationship with OP and a positive correlation with SROH (P<.001). Frequent dental visits were positively associated with OP and negatively with SROH (P<.001). Sweet consumption increased OP in adolescents (β=0.033, P=.007) and negatively affected SROH in children (β=-0.086, P<.001), adolescents (β=-0.079, P<.001), and adults (β=-0.068, P<.001). Soft drink consumption, however, was associated with lower OP in adolescents (β=-0.034, P=.005) and improved SROH in adolescents (β=0.063, P<.001) and adults (β=0.068, P<.001). Smoking increased OP in adults (β=0.030, P<.001). Distal influences like higher education were directly linked to better SROH (β=0.046, P=.003) and less OP (indirectly through tooth brushing, β=-0.004, P<.001). For children, high household income correlated with less OP (β=-0.030, P=.02), but indirectly increased OP through other pathways (β=0.024, P=.003). Lack of access was associated with negative oral health measures (P<.001). Among the KSA population, OP and SROH were directly influenced by many proximal and distal influences that had direct, indirect, or combined influences on OP and SROH status.

Parental health belief model constructs associated with oral health behaviors, dental caries, and quality of life among preschool children in China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEarly childhood caries (ECC) is a prevalent health problem that negatively affects both overall health and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study investigated the association between health belief model (HBM) constructs and oral health behaviors, dental caries, and OHRQoL in preschool children in China.MethodsA total of 1562 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years were recruited from six public kindergartens in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, by using stratified cluster sampling. A questionnaire was administered to parents to collect information on demographics, HBM constructs, oral health behaviors, dental caries, and OHRQoL. Regression models were used to examine relationships between HBM constructs and the outcomes.ResultsParental perceived benefits [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.47 and 1.42], perceived barriers (AOR = 0.65 and 0.63), and oral health self-efficacy (AOR = 20.59 and 19.09) were associated with brushing teeth twice daily and brushing teeth with parental assistance. Perceived susceptibility (AOR = 6.62) and perceived severity (AOR = 0.49) were significantly associated with children’s ECC. Poorer oral health (β = 0.09), higher perceived susceptibility (β = 0.11), and greater perceived barriers (β = 0.30) were associated with lower OHRQoL. Brushing teeth twice daily (β = −0.19) and brushing teeth with parental assistance (β = −0.09) were associated with higher OHRQoL.ConclusionsParental HBM constructs were significantly associated with oral health behaviors, ECC, and OHRQoL in preschool children. These findings indicate the importance of incorporating parental HBM constructs into health education programs to promote positive oral health behaviors, reduce the prevalence of caries, and enhance OHRQoL in preschoolers.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Evaluation of self-perceived halitosis and effective conditions in periodontology clinic applicants: A cross-sectional study.

Halitosis is defined as an unpleasant odor emanating from the oral cavity and has social and economic effects. Halitosis is a common complaint in individuals with periodontal disease, but limited data are available. The aim of this study is to evaluate self-reported halitosis and related conditions. It is a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire consisting of 10 questions on the self-perception of halitosis in patients who applied to the periodontology clinic. Five hundred nine individuals were included in the study. The relationship between individual-reported oral malodor and sociodemographic, medical history and oral hygiene variables was examined. Periodontal clinical parameters (plaque index, gingival index, and bleeding on probing) recorded in the patient forms of the individuals included in the study were evaluated. The prevalence of halitosis reported by the patients participating in the study is 34.2%. Factors that are significantly associated with self-perceived halitosis, low frequency of tooth brushing, increased degree of periodontal disease, regular drug use of patients, and low education level. Halitosis remains one of the main issues facing people in today's world. As a result, dentists should play a bigger part in educating and alerting patients about oral malodor. There should be more public education regarding the causes of foul breath and potential treatments.

Oral Hygiene, Dietary Habits, and Saliva Properties in Relation to the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index of Dental Students: A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Caries development is associated with poor oral hygiene, inadequate dietary habits, quantitative and qualitative food content, and a high level of bacterial plaque. Physical and chemical changes in saliva composition and particularly changes in its buffering capability play a significant role in caries development. This study aimed to determine the predictors of poor oral health among a sample of second-year dental students. Materials and Methods: The oral health of students was estimated with clinical examination and the DMFT index. The interview included questions about demographics status (gender, age), a dietary habits questionnaire, questions about oral hygiene, and a demonstration of tooth brushing technique. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected to measure buffering capacity and pH. Results: Almost half of the students have a low level of caries experience (46.7%), followed by a slightly smaller number having a medium level (41.3%), while one in eight students (12.0%) demonstrates a high level of caries experience. Male students have a statistically higher DMFT index 5.7 ± 1.2 than female participants 4.5 ± 0.5 (p = 0.036). Significant predictors for the DMFT index score in students were milk [β-coefficient = −0.338, p = 0.011] and yoghurt [β-coefficient = 0.284, p = 0.040] consumption. All students brushed their teeth two or more times during the day, usually after waking up before breakfast and before bedtime. Most students (85.3%) apply the proper tooth brushing technique, with female students applying it more frequently (p = 0.038). The mean salivary pH was 6.9, while the mean buffer capacity was 5.8. Female respondents have a statistically lower buffer capacity (5.8 ± 0.5) than male respondents (6.1 ± 0.4) (p = 0.047). Conclusions: Dentistry students are introduced to good oral hygiene habits, especially female students, while dietary habits should be improved. However, one in eight dental students is at high caries risk. By assessing the level of caries experience, targeted strategies can be developed to promote, maintain, and enhance oral health among dental students.

Esterilización de la lesión y reparación tisular con Pasta CTZ en molar permanente con pulpitis irreversible.

advocates the use of an antibiotic mixture instead of root canal instrumentation. Case Report: A 9-year-old female patient sought consultation for spontaneous pain associated with tooth 36, with a sudden and pulsatile onset, which decreased with analgesics and increased at night, during chewing, with thermal and mechanical stimuli, hindering detailed tooth brushing. Clinically, the tooth presented marked opacities associated with an active and cavitated dental caries lesion and post-eruptive fracture. Radiographically, a radiolucent image was observed in the furcation region with open apices and radiolucent areas in the mesial and distal roots. Tooth 36 was diagnosed with severe Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) + symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis. LSTR therapy was performed using a triantibiotic paste based on chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and zinc oxide and eugenol (CTZ Paste). The tooth was restored with a preformed stainless-steel crown using the modified Hall technique. Over the 24-month follow-up, the patient reported no painful symptoms, and no signs of inflammation or infection were observed. Radiographically, there was an increase in root length, apical closure, and bone repair in the furcation and periapical regions. Conclusion: LSTR therapy with CTZ Paste was effective in the treatment of a first permanent molar with irreversible pulpitis.