oral health

Dental diseases and disorders are reported to affect specific ages, genders, and races of patients. Therefore, epidemiological investigations are necessary for understanding dental diseases and disorders.

This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and periapical disease in adults seeking treatment at the Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin, a major referral center in the Northern region of China.

A total of 3,245 males and females visited the Department of Adult Dentistry and the Department of Endodontics of the Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin, China, for oral health concerns from January 17, 2020, to November 18, 2023. Among these patients, 615 (19%) were receiving treatment for chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and/or periapical diseases at the institute. Demographic parameters and clinical examination results of 496 patients (119 patients were excluded due to missing information) who were being treated for chronic pulpitis (long-term inflammation of the dental pulp), dental caries (a biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial, dynamic disease), and/or periapical disease (inflammation around the tooth root) with varying severity (moderate or severe) were included in the study.

Of the 496 patients, 300 (60%) were females, 328 (66%) were aged 60 years or older, and 295 (59%) had issues with mandibular teeth. Among the patients, 250 (50%), 301 (61%), and 151 (30%) were diagnosed with dental caries, chronic pulpitis, and periapical disease(s), respectively. Female gender (P = 0.041), age ≥ 60 years (P = 0.045), and issues with mandibular teeth (P = 0.046) were found to be associated with chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and periapical diseases in the patients.

The prevalence of dental diseases and disorders in Han Chinese adults is 19% in the Northern regions of China. Chronic pulpitis and dental caries are the most prevalent dental diseases, while periapical diseases occur less frequently among Han Chinese adults in the Northern regions of China. Females, individuals aged ≥ 60 years, and issues with mandibular teeth are independent risk factors for the development of chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and periapical disease in adult patients in Northern regions of China. Policymakers in China should consider the findings of this study to reduce dental diseases and disorders in Chinese adults, especially in the Northern regions of China.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition significantly impacting oral and dental health. Education plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for diabetic patients.

This study was performed with aim to investigate the effect of a self-management education program on self-efficacy related to oral and dental health in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

This experimental study was conducted on 70 type 2 diabetic patients referred to the Tarafa Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received 12-session (8 sessions and 4 follow-up sessions) self-efficacy training and standard care, while the control group only received the standard care. The participants completed the scales before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 22) and chi-square, independent t, and paired t-tests. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The control group showed a non-significant increase of 1.90±1.2 in self-efficacy related to oral and dental health (p>0.05). However, the intervention group experienced a significant increase of 4.77±0.5 in self-efficacy related to oral and dental health (p<0.05).

Implications for Practice: 

The present study showed that a multifaceted self-management intervention, consisting of face-to-face, participatory training with feedback opportunities, can effectively improve self-efficacy related to oral and dental health in type 2 diabetic patients. This approach is recommended to enhance the quality of life related to oral and dental health in these patients.

Context:

 This study aims to investigate the implementation and effectiveness of hospital dentistry (HD) in the Armed Forces, incorporating an integrative literature review and a detailed case report. It seeks to highlight the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to oral and systemic health in military patients, as well as identify significant gaps in current research that need to be addressed to achieve improved healthcare outcomes.

Evidence Acquisition:

 An integrative review methodology was adopted, with articles selected through the PubMed/MEDLINE and Scielo databases using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria focused on the practice of HD in military settings. This approach ensured a comprehensive understanding of the existing literature. Simultaneously, a case report of an elderly patient treated within the military context was presented, detailing the diagnosis, intervention, and outcomes of HD, thus providing a practical example of the concepts discussed in the review.

The literature review revealed a scarcity of specific studies on HD in military settings, despite evidence highlighting the crucial role of an interdisciplinary team, including dentists, for the effective treatment of oral conditions affecting the overall health of patients. This lack of research underscores the need for further studies to address these gaps. The case report demonstrated the positive impact of HD on the patient's recovery, emphasizing the critical need for its integration into military healthcare to achieve improved patient outcomes.

The integration of HD in military settings is essential but currently underutilized. The research emphasizes the need to develop and document HD practices that enhance both the oral and systemic health of military personnel, promoting a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary care approach. This integration can lead to better health outcomes, reduced hospital stays, and overall improved quality of life for military patients.

Patients with oral cancer often face significant side effects from both the disease and its treatments, such as tooth loss, speech difficulties, and changes in physical appearance. These challenges can profoundly affect their self-esteem.

To gain a deeper understanding of the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) in this population, this study examines the OHRQOL of individuals with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth in Khuzestan province.

This cross-sectional study focused on patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) registered in the Khuzestan province cancer registry system in 2023. Sampling was conducted using a census method. Participants were included if they had a confirmed diagnosis of OSCC and consented to participate. Those who withdrew or provided incomplete questionnaires were excluded. Data were collected using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) Questionnaire, administered by the researcher, allowing participants to select responses that best reflected their experiences. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 27 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA).

A total of OSCC patients, 47 males and 32 females, were included in this analysis. The findings of the current study indicated that the mean score of OHRQOL was 6.15 ± 31.45, which is at a moderate level. The highest mean score for OHRQOL dimensions was attributed to physical disability, while psychological disability had the lowest. Although in the current study, no significant relationship was observed between any of the variables with the total score OHRQOL, a significant correlation was found between the mean score of functional limitations and marital status, decayed teeth, dental restoration, and income (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between the mean score of psychological disability and education, job, and insurance types (P < 0.05). Additionally, handicap was significantly higher among single individuals compared to married individuals (P < 0.05).

To improve the oral and dental health of individuals with OSCC, public health initiatives should emphasize preventive dental interventions.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders. Its pathogenesis involves a combination of anatomical and biochemical abnormalities. Type 2 diabetes exhibits a genetic predisposition, while type 1 diabetes has an idiopathic, autoimmune background. Dentists can play a crucial role in the early diagnosis and identification of uncontrolled diabetes. Chronic inflammation and infections in the oral cavity can significantly impact disease management. Therefore, any dental lesions or gingival alterations, including periodontitis, must be treated promptly. After taking a thorough medical and dental history of suspicious cases, appropriate diagnostic tests should be conducted, or the patient should be referred to a physician. Early diagnosis of diabetes is instrumental in preventing both acute and chronic complications. Additionally, patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing severe illness if infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The aim of this article is to share the latest information about the two types of diabetes and to highlight how dentists can contribute to their management.

Method and Materials: 

This article provides a compact overview of relevant articles and books published from 2014 to 2024.

Dentists play a vital role in the early diagnosis of diabetes and in identifying uncontrolled or poorly controlled cases. Close cooperation between healthcare providers and dentists is essential for effective diabetes management. This collaboration was particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previous studies have shown that the dietary inflammatory index (DII) is associated with different health outcomes. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between DII and oral health. We aimed to assess the association between energy‑adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E‑DII) and periodontal disease.

This cross‑sectional study was conducted in 2019 on 213 Iranian participants. E‑DII was calculated based on the data obtained by the food frequency questionnaire. The plaque control index was measured by the O’Leary method. Gingivitis was evaluated based on the signs of inflammation in the gums. The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) are based on the number of decayed, filled, and missed teeth resulting from caries.

the score of E‑DII among subjects in the last tertile of the E‑DII was ≥ ‑0.33/. Therefore, participants of the present study did not consume a high proinflammatory diet. No significant correlation between E‑DII and dental plaque control index (r = 0.046, P = 0.518), gingival index (r = 0.001, P = 0.998), and DMFT (r = ‑0.021, P = 0.762) was observed.

In this study, inflammatory diet and plaque and gingival index were not associated; it should also be investigated in prospective studies.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of oral and dental health status on the self-esteem levels of Turkish university youth.

This descriptive cross-sectional study included a sample of 962 Turkish university youth, aged 16 - 24, who met all the study criteria during the 2020 - 2021 academic year. Data were collected using a questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). The data were analyzed with SPSS version 23.0. T -tests were used for pairwise comparisons, and one-way ANOVA was used for multiple comparisons.

Among the students who participated in the study, 56.7% were found to have high self-esteem, with a mean RSES score of 1.69 ± 1.62. Statistically significant differences were found between the RSES score and several factors, including decayed teeth (P < 0.01), presence of halitosis (P < 0.01), tooth color (P < 0.01), crooked teeth (P = 0.045), and toothache (P = 0.008). It was determined that dental crookedness, decayed teeth, bad breath, dark yellow teeth, the presence of tooth fillings, and extracted teeth were negatively associated with self-esteem. However, no statistically significant differences were found between self-esteem and factors such as the presence of tooth fillings, extracted teeth, tooth brushing habits, frequency of dental visits, or snack food consumption (P > 0.05).

The results of this study reveal that poor oral care negatively impacts individuals' self-esteem. Issues related to oral and dental health, particularly concerning the appearance and condition of teeth, affect young people's relationships and self-confidence in social environments. It is crucial to develop family and school education programs, as well as national policies, particularly during childhood and university years, when attitudes toward oral and dental health are being established.

Disadvantaged subjects are considered a high-risk group due to limited access, insufficient awareness regarding the importance of oral health, and lack of preventive behavior. This study explores oral health literacy (OHL), oral health behaviors (OHB), and factors associated with OHL among women living in Zahedan's slum areas in Iran.

In 2020, a cross-sectional study was carried out on 216 disadvantaged women in the slums of Zahedan City in Iran. The women's OHL and OHB data were collected using the Persian version of the previously validated Oral Health Literacy-Adult Questionnaire. Statistical analysis, including descriptive and analytical statistics, such as multi-variable linear regression analysis, was conducted using the STATA software version 14.2.

All 216 female subjects residing in the slum areas of Zahedan City completed the questionnaire (response rate: 100%). The mean age of participants was 26.7(±5.03) years old. The respondents' mean score of OHL was 7.6 (±2.47) out of 17. 18.98% reported brushing their teeth twice or more daily, 83.3% used fluoride toothpaste, 37.96% had visited a dentist within the past year, 50.93% consumed sugary snacks less than twice per day, and 87.96% did not smoke. In the regression analysis, there was a significant positive relationship between OHL with age (P<0.001), occupation (P=0.03), and educational level (P<0.001).

The level of oral health literacy among women in the slum area was insufficient. The significant positive associations between OHL and factors such as age, occupation, and education level suggest that targeted educational interventions and community-based programs may be needed to improve oral health knowledge and behaviors in this population.

Oral health is imperative for holistic well-being, transcending dental considerations. Analyzing hygiene practices in diverse areas facilitates strategic health planning. This study evaluated and compared oral health and behaviors among male students aged 13-15 years old attending both central and suburban high schools in Zahedan, Iran. This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted during the 2019-2020 school year on 260 male students aged 13-15 in Zahedan, Iran. The study had 130 students in the suburban (case) group and 130 in the central (control) group. Oral health status was measured using Decay, Missing, Filling, Teeth (DMFT) Index and the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). A questionnaire was used to assess behaviors. Statistical analyses included Independent Samples t-Test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test. The prevalence of dental caries was similar between the groups (P=0.31), but the case group had a significantly higher prevalence of periodontal involvement (P=0.03). The mean DMFT index was higher in the case group (P=0.05), and the distribution of DMFT scores differed significantly between the two groups (P=0.02). There was a significant difference in the CPI index of the two study groups (P=0.0001). Oral health behaviors revealed that the case group had a higher frequency of not brushing teeth and using alternative cleaning methods compared with the control group. Our findings indicated that students from the suburban area of Zahedan had poorer oral health status and weaker oral health behaviors compared with the students from the central city. These results underscored the importance of considering regional disparities in oral health and hygiene practices when developing targeted health initiatives for the local population.

Regularly assessing the oral health of children and adolescents is crucial. Researchers seek valid and reliable questionnaires to obtain comparable global data, enabling oral health evaluation in large populations, remote regions, or even during an epidemic like COVID-19, while saving time and money.

The present study was conducted to translate and validate the Persian version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Self-assessment Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents.

In 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran. The Persian questionnaire was tested on 20 individuals to assess the fluency and clarity of the Persian translation. The questionnaire was then filled out by 40 individuals, and reliability was evaluated using the test-retest method. The final questionnaire was completed by 878 randomly selected participants aged 7 - 18 years online. To establish concurrent validity, the researchers added three questions related to the presence of toothache without dental visits, filled teeth, and teeth with endodontic treatment. Internal consistency was checked by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

A total of 290 students aged 7 to 12 and 588 students aged 13 to 18 participated in the study. Cronbach’s alpha for the entire questionnaire was 0.656 for students under 12 years old and 0.643 for those over 12 years old. The intra-cluster correlation coefficient for both age groups was between 0.81 and 0.87. Examining the concurrent validity of this questionnaire showed that the three additional questions added by the researchers have a significant relationship with the questions describing the health of teeth and gums (oral health), the number of times participants felt toothache in the last 12 months, and the problem of biting and chewing. However, they had no significant relationship with the risk factor related to nutrition. Moreover, the questionnaire is multifactorial.

The Persian version of the WHO Oral Health Self-assessment Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents is reliable over time. If the questionnaire is repeated and the responses of people in the same population are collected, it yields similar results. It has internal consistency, but it is a multi-factor questionnaire.

Dietary patterns affect different aspects of overall health, especially oral and dental status. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and nutritional status using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010) among health care workers. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a population participating in the first phase of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Employees’ Health Cohort Study (SUMS-EHCS) from August 2018 to the end of March 2019. Demographic data, occupational status, DMFT index, AHEI index using the semi-quantitative food frequencyquestionnaire (FFQ) were determined. The relationship between DMFT and AHEI-2010 was assessed too. Totally, 1,116 SUMS-EHCS participants (mean age of 41.55±6.81 years, 52.9% female) were enrolled. The mean DMFT and AHEI-2010 were 10.46±5.45 and 65.23±13.05, respectively. A significant inverse linear relationship between DMFT and AHEI-2010 was observed (Spearman’s rho: -0.060; p=0.04). In addition, the multiple linear regression showed that DMFT index to be significantly decreased when AHEI-2010 increased [coefficient: -0.048 (95% confidence interval: -0.088, -0.008); p=0.01]. Moreover, according to multiple quantile regression, the significant inverse relationship between AHEI-2010 and DMFT could be generalized to the 50th quantile of DMFT, in which with every 10-unit increase in AHEI-2010 resulted in a decrease in DMFT by 0.41 teeth (p=0.006). Greater adherence to AHEI-2010 may improve oral health. Moreover, lower age and sufficient educational level was related to a higher DMFT score.

 Oral health is a central aspect of overall health and well-being. However, people with psychiatric disorders are more vulnerable to oral health problems due to illness-related factors, limited access to dental care, and lifestyle habits.

 This study aimed to evaluate the dental health status in patients with psychiatric disorders.

 This cross-sectional study included all 80 patients with psychiatric disorders hospitalized at Razi Hospital in Tabriz, Iran in 2020. Sampling was done by census method. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire covering demographics, oral health behavior, and the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT). Information was obtained through interviews, a review of medical records, and dental examinations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and ANOVA in SPSS v.24 software.

 52.6% of participants were male. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 39.16 (9.42) years. Over half (53.8%) had low socioeconomic status and half were married. The mean (SD) DMFT was 10.96 (9.77). The results showed significant relationships between the frequency of dental visits, smoking, and the DMFT index (p < 0.05).

 The DMFT index in patients with psychiatric disorders was unfavorable. Support programs to promote self-care, oral health, smoking cessation, and regular dental visits are needed in this population.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between oral health, un-met dental needs and health-related quality of lifein South Korea older adults.

The present study used raw data from the 2019~2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examina-tion Survey, and analyzed 4956 participants aged over 65 yr. Hierarchical multiple regression analysiswas used for associations between oral health, unmet dental needs, and HRQoL.

The EQ-5D index differed according to tooth pain, chewing difficulty, speaking problem, subjective oral health status, oral examination, and unmet dental care needs (P<0.001). In the model 2, male, under 75 yr of age, high school graduate or higher, employed, living with a spouse, no stress, good subjective health status, no speaking problem, and no unmet dental care needs were associated with higher EQ-5D index (Adj R2= 27.6%, P<0.001).

To improve the HRQoL of older adults in South Korea, oral health problems need to be mini-mized through oral disease prevention and oral health education programs.

 Preterm birth is a heterogeneous condition with multiple underlying causes, and periodontal diseases are one of them. Approximately 900000 preterm births are reported in Pakistan each year. Oral infections such as periodontitis during pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm births. However, different studies have reported contradictory findings. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the association of preterm birth with oral infection in pregnancy.

 We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study on 400 postpartum pregnant women in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Only women within the age bracket of 18‒40 years were recruited. Data were collected by an interview-based structured questionnaire. The extent and severity index were used to assess the periodontal health of participants. Frequency tables were generated, and the chi-squared test was used to determine associations between different categorical variables.

 The mean age of the participants was 25.8±4.9 years. Approximately 87.5% of the women had generalized periodontitis. Approximately 68% of mothers had moderate severity of periodontitis. The extent index showed no notable difference between the preterm and full-term birth groups. In contrast, the severity index displayed a statistically significant difference between the preterm and full-term birth groups.

 The majority of women had generalized periodontitis. The severity index demonstrated a significant association between maternal periodontitis and preterm births. There was no association between the age of mothers and preterm births. Complications in pregnancy were not associated with preterm births.