Association of oral health awareness and practice of proper oral hygiene measures among Saudi population: a systematic review

Impact of educational video intervention to improve oral health knowledge and beliefs among physicians and nurses

BACKGROUND

The most prevalent dental diseases have adverse effects on an individual's general health. To address this public health crisis and oral health disparity, collaborative efforts of health professionals are critical for dental disease prevention and optimal oral health. This study evaluated the effect of an educational video intervention on oral health knowledge, beliefs, and practices of physicians and nurses.

METHODS

This pre-post interventional study evaluated the immediate effects of a video-based oral health educational intervention given to nurses and physicians in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to participants to assess their oral health (OH) knowledge, beliefs, and practices of OH care. The study participants (physicians and nurses) were randomly exposed to two intervention groups (video or brochure) after which they responded to a post interventional survey. Means of knowledge and beliefs scores were calculated before and after the intervention. Logistic regression was applied to investigate the factors associated with good knowledge and beliefs after the educational intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 213 healthcare providers of whom 56% were physicians participated in this study. Knowledge of OH improved significantly (p < 0.001) after the intervention and was higher among females compared to males (16.86 to 19.54). The physicians showed more improvement post intervention compared to nurses (19.76 vs. 19.30, respectively) (p < 0.001). The overall belief scores for providing OH education did not change significantly post intervention (p = 0.545). Providing OH care to the patients and conducting an OH screening increased moderately after the intervention (44.6-55.4% and 44.6-55.4%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The video-based intervention was effective in improving the physicians' and nurses' knowledge, beliefs, and likelihood to incorporate OH care in their current practices. Males, Saudis, working in academia and more work experience were significantly associated with greater odds of having good knowledge after the intervention regardless of its type.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not Applicable.

Comparative analysis of oral disorder burden in China and globally from 1990 to 2021 based on GBD data

Oral disorders are major global health issues, affecting 3.5 billion people and imposing significant economic burdens. This study analyzed the distribution and trends of oral disorder burden globally and in China from 1990 to 2021, aiming to inform resource allocation and prevention strategies. Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database were used to evaluate the incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) of oral disorders. All statistical analyses and data visualizations were conducted using R. In 2021, the burden of oral disorders in China accounted for a significant proportion of the global burden. The incidence, prevalence, and YLDs increased by 15.49%, 52.44%, and 86.86% respectively compared with 1990. The global burden also showed an upward trend during the same period. The relevant indicators in China are at a relatively low level, and disparities were observed among regions with different sociodemographic indices (SDI). Oral disorder burden is on the rise globally, with females, children, adolescents, and the elderly being the key affected groups. Regions with middle SDI bear a heavier burden. This study provides a scientific basis for the formulation of relevant policies and emphasizes the necessity of interventions for specific groups.

The biomechanical effects of clear aligner trimline designs and extensions on orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Clear aligner treatment (CAT) has emerged as an effective alternative to conventional multibracket systems in orthodontics. The trimline design and extension of aligners may significantly influence their biomechanical performance and tooth movement efficacy.

AIM

To systematically review the biomechanical effects of different aligner trimline designs and extensions on orthodontic tooth movement.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2000 and August 2024. The review included any types of empirical research focusing on the influence of trimline of orthodontic aligners on tooth movement efficacy conducted between January 2000 and August 2024. The Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool was used for quality assessment.

RESULTS

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, all assessed as having low to moderate risk of bias. Aligner trimline design significantly influenced orthodontic tooth movement efficacy through two primary mechanisms: enhanced force delivery and increased aligner retention. Aligners with straight and extended margins generally exerted higher forces and moments compared to scalloped or shorter designs. This resulted in greater tooth displacement for certain movements, particularly intrusion, translation, tipping, and root torquing. Extended trimlines also demonstrated superior retention. However, the effects varied depending on the type of tooth movement.

CONCLUSION

Aligner trimline designs and extensions can significantly influence biomechanical performance and tooth movement efficacy in CAT. Straight extended trimlines generally demonstrate superior force delivery and retention, leading to more predictable clinical outcomes. This could reduce the need for revisions, thereby decreasing overall treatment time and increasing patient satisfaction. However, further research is needed to investigate the interactions between aligner trimline designs and other factors to develop evidence-based guidelines for their optimal combination in various clinical scenarios.

Association between Dental Fear and Children's Oral Health-Related Quality of Life

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the association between both parental dental fear and children's dental fear and its impact on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of Saudi children in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

Data on 93 individuals aged 7-12 years were collected using clinical examination and Arabic-validated questionnaires: the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form (COHIP-SF19), and the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). Negative binomial regression analysis was performed to study the association between children's fear and parental dental fear as well as the OHRQoL, while adjusting for certain confounders.

RESULTS

Overall, our multivariate analyses showed that children with high dental fear (CFSS-DS ≥ 38, p = 0.027) and a higher percentage of dental caries (p = 0.013) had a significantly lower OHRQoL after adjusting for clinical and socio-demographic factors. Further, parental fear of dentists was significantly associated with children's fear of dentists (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that children's fear and dental caries are both associated with poorer OHRQoL. Further, parental dental fear about dentists was associated with children's fear of dentists.

Navigating Barriers to Oral Health Challenges Faced by Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review

This article identifies the multifaceted challenges that hinder optimal oral health among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While dental care is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, children with ASD encounter unique obstacles that often go unnoticed. Drawing from a comprehensive review of existing literature and insights from healthcare professionals, this article explores the sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, and behavioral issues that contribute to suboptimal oral hygiene in this demographic. We also discuss the critical role of caregivers, dentists, and educators in addressing these challenges, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and tailored strategies to improve the oral health of children with ASD. By shedding light on these obstacles, this article aims to foster a more inclusive and holistic approach to oral healthcare for children with ASD, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.