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

The prevalence of xerostomia among e-cigarette or combustible tobacco users: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of xerostomia in a healthy population with e-cigarettes and/or combustible tobacco.

METHODS

The following electronic databases were searched: Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Wan-Fang Database, from 1 January 2000 to 20 October 2022. The language was limited to Chinese and English. The data were analyzed using Stata 15.0, and the prevalence of xerostomia in different smokers is reported.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies were included, with a total sample size of 6827 cases. The overall prevalence of xerostomia was 26% (95% CI: 18-35). In the combustible tobacco population, the prevalence of xerostomia was 24% (95% CI: 21-17), while among e-cigarette users it was 33% (95% CI: 18-48).

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that the prevalence of xerostomia is high in healthy smoking populations. These findings are restricted by the number and quality of the included studies and need to be validated by additional high-quality studies.

Prevalence of toothache and associated factors in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of toothache in children and adolescents and to verify its association with sociodemographic characteristics and dental caries experience.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Six main and three grey literature databases were searched in February 2021. Observational studies that assessed the prevalence of toothache and associated factors were included. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated following the guidelines by Fowkes and Fulton. Proportion and association meta-analyses were performed in MedCalc and Revman software, respectively. The certainty of the evidence was determined with the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

Seventy-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two presented high methodological quality and a low risk of bias. The overall pooled prevalence of toothache in children and adolescents was 36.2% (95%CI: 33.0-39.42; I²: 99.72%; P < 0.001). Females (OR: 1.17; 95%CI: 1.08-1.26; I²: 91%; P < 0.001) and children and adolescents whose caregivers had ≤ 8 years of schooling (OR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.30-1.56; I²: 77%; P < 0.001) presented the higher chance of reporting toothache. Dental caries experience increased the chance of reporting toothache in 3.49 times (95%CI: 2.70-4.51; I²: 92%; P < 0.001). The certainty of the evidence was very low.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall pooled prevalence of toothache was considered high. Sociodemographic characteristics (sex and caregivers' educational level) and previous dental caries experience were significantly associated with toothache reports.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Toothache is still a recurrent issue in many countries. Thus, it is essential to understand its possible associated factors to reduce the occurrence of new episodes.

First Permanent Molar Caries and Oral Health Practices in Saudi Male Teenagers: Inequalities by Socioeconomic Position

OBJECTIVES

Caries remains a problem in high-risk groups aggravated by socioeconomic inequalities. The study aimed to investigate (1) oral health practices associated with caries in the 1^st permanent molars in Saudi male teenagers and (2) the impact of socioeconomic position (SEP) on caries control using these practices.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study targeted 1137 male teenagers in intermediate schools in Khobar and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in 2016. Caries was examined using the World Health Organization criteria and plaque was assessed using the plaque index of Loe and Silness. A questionnaire assessed SEP (parental education, employment, and home ownership) and oral health practices (using fluoridated toothpaste twice daily, regular dental visits for check-ups, and avoiding daily sugary snacks). Regression models analysed the association of these factors with caries presence and the mean number of decayed 1^st permanent molars. Stratification was used to assess differences between SEP levels.

RESULTS

The response rate was 81.7%. Caries prevalence and mean (SD) number of decayed 1^st permanent molars were 50.4% and 1.08 (1.31). The use of fluoride toothpaste was associated with lower odds of caries and fewer decayed molars (OR = 0.50 and regression coefficient = -0.35). Differences in the relationship between caries and toothpaste were observed by SEP levels with stronger associations in less advantaged groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Brushing twice daily using fluoride toothpaste was associated with less caries in Saudi male teenagers with stronger association observed in groups with lower SEP. The use of fluoride toothpaste helps in reducing health inequalities associated with SEP.