Impact of the Visual Performance Reinforcement Technique on Oral Hygiene Knowledge and Practices, Gingival Health, and Plaque Control in Hearing- and Speech-Impaired Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Oral Hygiene Status, Salivary and Microbiological Parameters Among Visually Impaired and Normal-Sighted Children After Specialized Oral Health Education: An Interventional Study

Aim and objectives To assess oral hygiene status and salivary and microbiological parameters among 12 to 15-year-old visually impaired and normal-sighted children before and after oral health education (OHE). Methodology An interventional study was conducted among 25 visually impaired children (Group A) and 25 normal-sighted children (Group B) in the age range of 12 to 15 years. Simple random sampling was used to select the study participants. A questionnaire was designed to record socio-demographic data and the dietary habits of the children on pre-decided days. The oral hygiene practices and the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index were recorded, and salivary physicochemical parameters for all the selected children were evaluated, followed by saliva collection for microbial analysis. After baseline assessment, the Audio-Tactile Performance technique for Group A and the animated visual performance technique for Group B children were used to impart OHE. Periodic assessments of salivary parameters were conducted at one-month and three-month intervals. Unpaired T test/Mann-Whitney U test, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Friedman test, followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test were carried out to determine the difference between and within groups, respectively. All statistical tests were performed at a significance level of 5%. Results Group A demonstrated a greater change in salivary pH (6.20 ± 0.41 to 6.96 ± 0.20), salivary buffering capacity (5.80 ± 0.82 to 7.20 ± 0.65), and Streptococcus mutans count (9.36 ± 0.41 to 8.7 ± 0.45 x 104 CFU/mL) when compared to Group B. Group B demonstrated a greater Lactobacillus acidophilus count reduction (7.96 ± 0.66 to 7.50 ± 0.64 x 104 CFU/mL) when compared to Group A. Conclusion The appropriate use of specialized OHE holds particular significance in the improvement of oral hygiene status and salivary parameters, along with a reduction in the bacterial count in both visually impaired children and normal-sighted children.

Dental Management of an Uncooperative Child with Hearing Impairment and Mutism Under General Anesthesia

Oral health is a vital part of overall health, particularly for children with special healthcare requirements. The terms "dumb" and "mute" are frequently linked with the term "deaf" due to the connection between hearing loss and speech impairment. A hearing and speech-impaired child may be unable to express completely because of the communication barriers. It is important to treat special children with utmost care and safety. This case report describes the dental management of an 8-year-old special child reported with multiple carious lesions under general anesthesia as she was not well acquainted with sign language. In a hospital setting under general anesthesia (GA), all necessary treatments are carried out in a single appointment. Since it is monitored by a multi-disciplinary team it can safely provide effective care to a child with hearing impairment and mutism.

Development and evaluation of the "Toothbrushing Timer with Information on Toothbrushes" application: A prospective cohort pilot study

OBJECTIVES

For people, it is challenging to be conscious of the appropriate toothbrushing time to maintain good oral health in daily life. The aim of this study was to preliminarily examine the utility of an application (app) that combines a toothbrushing timer and information on toothbrushes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We developed the "Toothbrushing Timer with Information on Toothbrushes" app to help users ensure appropriate toothbrushing time and learn about the beneficial characteristics of toothbrushes. A total of 18 participants were registered for the study. At baseline (T0) and after 1 month (T1) of app usage, study participants answered a digital questionnaire that comprised three questions on oral health practice, self-efficacy in oral hygiene, and quality of life related to oral health (Oral Health Impact Profile-14 [OHIP-14]).

RESULTS

Five participants were excluded from the analysis as they did not answer the digital questionnaire. Finally, 13 participants completed the survey with a follow-up of 1 month. The 13 participants were grouped into health professionals (n = 8) and non-health professionals (n = 5). The total scores for oral health practice and self-efficacy related to oral hygiene increased after a month of app usage in health professional and non-health professional groups. However, there were no significant differences between T0 and T1 in either group. The total score of OHIP-14 was lower at T1 than at T0 in both groups. Therefore, participants showed better oral health practice, self-efficacy in oral hygiene, and quality of life related to oral health at T1 compared with that at T0.

CONCLUSIONS

Our app showed positive results for the users and is useful in maintaining and promoting oral health awareness and practice. However, our pilot study lacks sufficient power and did not yield significant differences. Therefore, high-quality clinical trials with larger sample sizes are warranted for further improvement and evaluation.

Evaluation of a "Picture Assisted Illustration Reinforcement" (PAIR) System for Oral Hygiene in Children with Autism: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

This study evaluated the potential of a novel pre-validated "Picture Assisted Illustration Reinforcement" (PAIR) communication system and conventional verbal techniques for Oral Health Education (OHE) in terms of dentition status, gingival health, oral hygiene status, and practices in 7- to 18-year-old children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A double-blind randomized controlled trial was undertaken in a school for children with autism from July to September 2022. A total of 60 children were randomly assigned into two groups: a PAIR group (n = 30) and a Conventional group (n = 30). Cognition and pre-evaluation of all the children were assessed by standardized scaling measures. A pre-validated closed-ended questionnaire was administered to caregivers of both groups. At a 12-week post-intervention, a clinical examination was performed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment form 2013, gingival and Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S). The gingival scores in the PAIR group (0.35 ± 0.12) exhibited a statistically significant decline in scores as compared to Conventional group (0.83 ± 0.37), p = 0.043. Meanwhile, the oral hygiene scores in the PAIR group and Conventional group were 1.22 ± 0.14 and 1.94 ± 0.15, respectively (p < 0.05). A significant improvement in oral hygiene practices was observed in the PAIR group. Incorporating the PAIR technique resulted in significant progress in child cognitive ability and adaptive behavior, which reduced gingival scores and improved oral hygiene scores, consequently improving oral hygiene practices among children with ASD.