Evaluating awareness regarding oral hygiene practices and exploring gender differences among patients attending for oral prophylaxis

The Geospatial Analysis of Patients Seeking Dental Care at a Private Dental Institution in Chennai, India

Background and aim Assessing the priority of the patient towards dental needs while considering the distance traveled by them is important to improve a dental service. The purpose of this study was to rank the patients' felt needs for dental care in the private dental institution in order of importance. The objective is to count the number of patients with various major complaints and compare how far patients traveled for various treatment plans tailored to their individual needs in a private dental institution. Material and methods The sample consisted of all new patients who sought dental care at Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India, between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. Retrospective data from the dental information archive system was gathered on their primary chief complaint and residential address. Frequency distribution of patients with different chief complaints was found. The mean and standard deviation of distance traveled by patients for different treatment plans was done using descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results The priority order of the felt need by the patients was dental pain in which n=1299 (15.4%) > missing teeth with n=1224 (14.59%) > deposit/stains/halitosis n=1149 (13.6%) > shaking tooth n=936 (11.15%) > irregularly placed/proclined teeth n=852 (10.15%) > dislodged crown/restoration n=843 (10.05%) > tooth decay/discoloration n=759 (9%) > general checkup n=723 (8.6%) > swelling/ulcer/wound n=246 (2.93%) > painful jaw/facial pain/difficult mouth opening n=198 (2.26%). In 2022, most patients requiring caries preventive measure (0.8%) located at the mean distance of 10.75±2.2 km, while patients requiring scaling (16.9%), dental filling (10.9%), endodontic management (18.6%), extraction (23.7%), prosthetic replacement (13.9%), orthodontic management (10.9%), and facial pain management (2.2%) were located at the mean distance of 14.49±8.2 km, 10.28±6.25 km, 18.43±13.9 km, 14.29±6.6 km, 23.49±11.8 km, 11.76±8.13 km, and 45.32±17.35 km, respectively. Conclusion More number of patients traveled long distances even more than 50 km for painful tooth decay. Also, lots of patients were found to seek replacement of their missing teeth next to pain. Thus, dental pain and missing teeth form a major priority of the patient's felt dental need. Also, the patient had traveled a lot for facial pain management compared to other treatment needs which shows the lack of facial pain management practice by dental care centers near their local residence.

Overview of oral health status and associated risk factors in maritime settings: An updated systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to provide an updated overview of the oral health status and associated risk factors in maritime settings.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and SCOPUS from January 2010 to April 2023. Two independent reviewers extracted the data. The quality of included studies was assessed using relevant assessment tools.

RESULTS

A total of 260 records were found in the initial search; 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most studies had descriptive design, and only two randomized controlled trials were found. The main oral health issues noted are oral cancer, dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral mucosal lesions, and dental emergency. Male seafarers have higher risk of oral cancers in the tongue, lips, and oral cavity while oral mucosal lesions are more prevalent among fishermen.

CONCLUSIONS

Dental caries and periodontal diseases are prevalent in both seafarers and fishermen. The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, fermentable carbohydrate, and poor oral hygiene are risk factors that affect the oral health status at sea. The occurrence of oral diseases in maritime setting requires more attention of researchers and authorities to develop strategies to tackle these issues.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Systematic review registration number in PROSPERO: CRD42020168692.

Impact of Oral Lichen Planus on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Oral health-related quality of life (OR-QoL) measurement in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) can provide valuable information for the optimal management of their clinical conditions. The main objective of the present study was to assess the OR-QoL of patients with OLP as measured by the short-form Oral Health Impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI/Web of Science, clinical trial registry, Embase, Scopus, and grey literature (via Google Scholar and Scilit) were searched. Reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts, assessed full-text articles, extracted data, and appraised their quality. Random effect analysis along with subgroup analysis for age, gender, and clinical type was performed. Seventeen studies were included. Mean overall OH-QoL was 15.20, [95% CI 12.176, 18.231]; a higher OHIP-14 score was seen in OLP patients, resulting in poor OH-QoL. The impact of OLP on OH-QoL life was moderate as compared to healthy subjects. However, medical treatment of the disease improved the OH-QoL and thus reduced the impact of OLP on it. OH-QoL among patients with OLP is generally poor. Clinicians and physicians should consider the OH-QoL of these patients as part of patients’ evaluation and modulate the administered treatment based on the OH-QoL response.

Oral healthcare-related perception, utilization, and barriers among schoolteachers: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Health perceptions play an important part influencing health care utilization. Oral health messages and practices advocated by teachers can ensure better compliance by the students.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to assess qualitative insight regarding the perception and outlook of the school teachers understanding probable barriers regarding oral health care seeking behavior.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phenomenology type of qualitative research design was used amongst 44 school teachers of a Senior Secondary Government School of Delhi selected through convenient sampling. One to one in-depth interview was taken in 03 sections: demographic details, knowledge of oral health and its significance in life along with commonly followed and recommended oral hygiene practices and their views regarding barriers to oral health. Summative content analysis was conducted. Frequency distribution of the observed keywords was analyzed using SPSS version 21.

RESULTS

The mean age of teachers was 33.7 + 7.02 years (27-41 years). Every participant in the study felt that "oral health is integral part of overall health". On inquiring the prime reason; it was quoted 'Awareness/affects general health' (15.2%) followed by 'Bad oral health affects academic performance' (9.6%). Regarding perceived barriers for dental service delivery l; the major roadblock perceived was "lack of awareness" (47.7%) followed by "financial barrier" (29.5%).Conclusion: The responses gave an insight regarding the basic need for further subject specific oral health education programs as a key for changing the current scenario. Future seminars and workshops remain the mainstream to appraise the knowledge for school staff.

Oral Health Status of Middle-Aged (45-55 Years) Rural Women: A Cross-Sectional Study from North India

Aim

This study aimed to assess the oral hygiene practices and oral health status of middle aged (45-55 years) women residing in rural areas of Ambala district (Haryana).

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 79 villages were selected using simple random sampling technique through an online randomizer. The study participants (780) were selected through convenience sampling and oral health status was (dental caries, periodontal status, prosthetic needs, and dental fluorosis) recorded on a self-structured format based on World Health Organization Criteria (WHO, 1997). Group comparisons were done by using Chi-square test for categorical data.

Results

In the present study, 69.2% of the study participants used toothbrush and toothpaste for cleaning teeth. Women in the age group of 45-50 years had lower mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (7.80 ± 5.21) when compared with the age group of 51-55 years (9.77 ± 6.16). Ninety-eight percentage of the women were in need of dental prosthesis. Among the study participants, 56.5% had 4-5 mm loss of attachment (LOA) and 23.2% had 6-8 mm of LOA. Difference between the need for multiunit dental prosthesis among the age groups (45-50 years) and (51-55 years) was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Thus middle-aged women residing in rural area have high oral care need; however, there is quite a gap between the need for dental care and the amount of dental care utilized.

The oral health and periodontal diseases awareness and knowledge in the Iraqi population: Online-based survey

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate oral health (OH) and periodontal diseases (PD) awareness in the Iraqi population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was a questionnaire-based online survey of two weeks duration. The questionnaire was built using a Google platform and was distributed randomly via social media (Facebook and Telegram). The questionnaire consisted of a demographic data section and two other main sections for the evaluation of OH and PD awareness. Each response was marked with "1" for a positive answer and "0" for the other answers. For each respondent, answers were summed to give an overall score. The frequency of positive responses was used to determine the association of awareness with demographic data and the level of awareness into low, moderate, and high levels.

RESULTS

A total of 1,465 were included in the final analysis after application of exclusion criteria. The respondents showed significantly higher levels of awareness about PD (mean ± SD = 3.66 ± 1.42) than OH awareness (mean ± SD = 2.19 ± 1.29). Analysis of data showed that OH awareness was mainly associated with high degree holders (OR 1.851) and age > 45 years (OR 1.730). However, PD awareness did not show any evident association with demographic variables investigated. In general, the respondents exhibited low levels of OH knowledge and low to moderate level of PD knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite limitations, this study revealed inappropriate levels of OH and PD awareness and knowledge in the Iraqi population and provided the baseline data necessary for the development of Governmental educational programs and health awareness campaigns which are highly suggested particularly focusing on the primary and high schools, in an attempt to improve the levels of awareness.

Knowledge and Awareness of Oral Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus and Oral Health Assessment among Diabetes Mellitus Patients- A Cross Sectional Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Diabetes mellitus has increased rapidly throughout the world. The objectives of our study were to assess the knowledge and awareness about oral manifestations of diabetes, among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, their risk for developing oral diseases due to complications associated with diabetes mellitus, and at same time, to perform an oral examination to detect these oral symptoms, if present any, along with the recording of Decayed Missing Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) index.

METHODOLOGY

Structured questionnaires consisting of 12 different statements on the knowledge base of oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus were distributed to 447 Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Following this oral examination, brushing and dental visit history were noted, and CPI index and DMFT indices were recorded in all the patients.

RESULTS

Results showed that the knowledge about oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus was poor with a mean value of 4.92 out of a possible score of 12. Among the study subjects, the average score of men was 4.42 while that of females, was 5.41. These scores, when subjected to statistical analysis, were highly significant. (P value- 0.005) Subjects also showed significantly high DMFT (P value <0.001) and CPI scores (P value- 0.270).

CONCLUSION

Our study concluded that there is a significant lack of knowledge about oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus among patients and hence steps have to be taken to increase their awareness through various outreach programs. All health professionals need to work together for promoting better oral health so that oral complications of diabetes can be brought under control.

Self-Reported Changes in Oral Hygiene Habits among Adolescents Receiving Orthodontic Treatment

The prevalence of malocclusion and a need for orthodontic treatment is high. Orthodontic appliances increase biofilm accumulation by expanding plaque retention sites. The aim of this study was to investigate the self-reported changes in oral hygiene habits among adolescents receiving orthodontic treatment. A cross-sectional study of 291 patients aged 10–17 years (mean (M) = 12.98; standard deviation (SD) = 2.36) was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics, Lithuanian University of Medical Sciences (LSMU) Hospital (Kaunas, Lithuania) during the fall semester (October–January) of the 2017/2018 study year. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire covered background information, experience of orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene habits and the seeking of professional dental care. Statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. To establish relationships between categorical variables, Chi-squared tests (χ2) were used. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was set to indicate statistically significant difference. The univariate logistic regression analysis evaluated the probability of an event given a certain risk indicator, including odds ratio (OR) and its confidence interval (95% CI). Associations were found between the usage of auxiliary measures (OR = 1.797 (1.118–2.887), p = 0.015), tongue cleaning (OR = 1.712 (1.059–2.767), p = 0.028), mouth rinsing after meals (OR = 1.707 (1.048–2.781), p = 0.032) and experience of orthodontic treatment, respectively. More orthodontic patients underwent professional oral hygiene regularly than non-orthodontic patients (p = 0.024). More patients with fixed orthodontic appliances reported significantly changed oral hygiene habits, while more orthodontic patients with removable appliances did not change their oral hygiene habits.

Gender-specific oral health beliefs and behaviors among adult patients attending King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh

Aim

To explore variations in males’ and females’ oral health beliefs and behaviors and to assess the influence of oral health beliefs on their related behaviors within each gender.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was designed to obtain information from patients attending outpatient clinics of King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Of the 553 self-reported questionnaires, 519 were filled comprising 251 males and 268 females. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: six demographic questions and 25 questions assessing oral health beliefs and behaviors. The statistical analysis was done using frequency distribution and chi square tests.

Results

Comparing males with females, there was no significant gender difference in beliefs. However, when it comes to behaviors, females were found to act more positively than males in many assessed oral health aspects of the study. When comparing beliefs versus behaviors towards the importance of oral health styles, a gap of 12–45% was noted between those “who believe of oral health behaviors” and those “who actually practiced them”.

Conclusions

The study presented valuable information about the differences between beliefs and behaviors of Saudi population. It also indicated that females in general, acted more positively toward oral health than males. Health care providers might need to focus more on the improvement of oral health behaviors and practices especially among males. The real reasons for lack of behaviors need further investigation. Furthermore, oral health campaigns should switch focus from people’s education to oral health practices and actions.

Evaluation of oral hygiene self-efficacy, knowledge, and motivation among young adults of rural-based tamilian population: A prospective cohort study

Background:

Oral hygiene is the most essential factor in the prevention and therapy of many diseases, especially the periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral hygiene-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and motivation of the young adults of rural-based Tamilian population, with their current oral hygiene practices to assess the effect of patient motivation after initial periodontal therapy.

Materials and Methods:

A hundred patients filled out questionnaires based on their oral hygiene-related knowledge. Plaque index, gingival index, and gingival bleeding index were recorded and correlated with their questionnaire knowledge. Initial periodontal therapy and motivation were done to all patients. After 6 months, oral health status was evaluated again.

Results:

There was a lower correlation value with insignificant P value between the questionnaire score and plaque and gingival index score, (r = 0.125, 0.166). However, the correlation between questionnaire score and modified papilla bleeding index score was high (r = 0.254) with significant (P = 0.011). After 6 months following the initial periodontal treatment, significant decrease in all the three indices scores was noted with significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Oral hygiene-related motivational approaches targeting rural young adult population has the potential to predict oral hygiene behavior and influences the clinical outcomes.

Assessment of non-carious root surface defects in areas of gingival recession: A descriptive study

Background

The purpose of this descriptive study was to observe the distribution of four different classes of non-carious cervical root surface discrepancies in teeth with gingival recession. Additionally to explore the different treatment modalities in the literature for each of these defects.

Material and Methods

A total of 150 subjects with at least one labial gingival recession were included in the study. 1400 teeth were evaluated using 2.5 X magnification loupes and UNC -15 probe for the presence of the cemento-enamel junction and step like defects according to Pini-Prato’s classification: A-, identifiable CEJ without defect; A+, identifiable CEJ with defect; B-, unidentifiable CEJ without defect, B+, unidentifiable CEJ with defect. Further a comprehensive electronic and hand search of pubmed indexed journals was performed to identify appropriate treatment modalities for these defects and their predictability following restorative/surgical or combination of both.

Results

A total of 1400 teeth with exposed root surfaces were examined (793 Maxillary; 607 mandibular). 499 teeth were A-, 405 were A+, 322 were B+ and 174 were B-. The distribution of these defects in different teeth was: 36% premolars, 32% molars, 21% incisors and 11% canines, collectively 68% in the aesthetic zone.

Conclusions

Majority of these lesions are in the maxillary aesthetic zone. Hence the presence of the CEJ and the defect must be taken into account while managing these defects surgically.

Key words:Cervical abrasion, gingival recession, magnification loupes, root coverage, step defects.

A survey on oral hygiene methods practiced by patients attending Dentistry Department at a Tertiary Care Hospital from Central Gujarat

Objective:

Oral hygiene is important not only for maintaining health of teeth and gingivae in an individual but also for good and uneventful regeneration and healing of tissues, when one has undergone one or other dental treatments. This makes it important to have an understanding of oral hygiene practices employed by the population.

Materials and Methodology:

This descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based survey was carried out to know oral hygiene methods practiced by patients who visited Department of Dentistry at a Tertiary Care Hospital attached to medical college from Central Gujarat. While examining and recording their history, their mode of oral hygiene practice was also noted. Recorded data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed in SPSS Statistics Version 17.0. The study reports proportions of the variables under study in percentages.

Results:

The patients ranged from 4 to 80 years in age with equal numbers from both genders. The number of participants using modern and scientific material and instrument for oral hygiene was good. However, majority of them performed it only once a day, and none after every meal or at bed time.

Conclusion:

There is a need to improve the frequency of oral hygiene procedure among the studied population as well as use of dental floss needs to be increased.

A survey about awareness of periodontal health among the students of professional colleges in Dakshina Kannada District

Introduction:

Oral health is an important factor in maintaining sound psychological and physical health. Association between knowledge and better oral health has been well documented.

Aim:

To assess the oral health awareness and knowledge about periodontal diseases among the students of medical, Ayurveda, and Engineering Colleges.

Materials and Methods:

A survey was conducted among the students of medical, Ayurveda, and engineering colleges. Three hundred students were selected using a simple random sampling method and a self-constructed 15 items questionnaire was distributed to all subjects. Chi-square test was applied to individual questions and Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare overall oral health awareness and knowledge about periodontal diseases among the students.

Results:

A substantial lack of oral hygiene understanding and limited knowledge of oral hygiene practices even in health professionals and engineering students.

Conclusions:

Hence, there is an urgent need for comprehensive educational programs to promote good oral health and impart education about the correct oral hygiene practices at an elementary level.

Periodontal Diseases among the Adult Population of Georgia and the Impact of Socio-behavioral Factors on Their Prevalence

BACKGROUND

Georgia is a country with a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.733. Significant deterioration in socio-economic conditions in the 1990s caused serious health problems in the population including oral health. Since then, there has not been an epidemiological survey of dental diseases among the adult population in Georgia.

METHODS

The pathfinder survey- cluster- stratified method derived by WHO was used for sampling. Overall, 2370 adults including 1289 women and 1081 men in nine regions of Georgia including the residents of a city, town and village in each region and the capital, Tbilisi, were examined. Four age groups were investigated including: I- (20-34), II-(35-44), III-(45-64), IV- (65-74).

RESULTS

Unhealthy periodontal tissues were observed in 66.9% of men and in 57.5% of women. Bleeding on probing occurred in 44.9% of men and 37.2% of women, with periodontal pockets in 46.8% of men and 40.6% of women. Inflammation was seen in 61.2% of men and 54.8% of women. Healthy periodontal tissues were most common (59.2%) in the first age group (20-34); periodontal pockets (0-3mm) were least common (9.8%) at this age. Pockets of ≥4-5mm depth were observed mostly in the 3(rd) (9.4%) and 4(th) (10%) age groups.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of periodontal diseases in the adult population of Georgia is explained by a low socio-economic status and low medical education background with a negative attitude towards oral hygiene skills and low levels of dental service accessibility.