Tan SHX, Teo YY, Tan MHX
… +3 more, Heng WY, Chen W, Gao X
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39042574
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OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess patterns of longitudinal changes in caries status among school-going children in Singapore. METHODS: Dental records for a single cohort of students who received dental exami...OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess patterns of longitudinal changes in caries status among school-going children in Singapore. METHODS: Dental records for a single cohort of students who received dental examinations in six standard examination years between 2009 and 2017 were analysed (n = 24 699). Group-based trajectory modelling with a zero-inflated Poisson distribution was carried out to determine dental caries trajectories in the permanent dentition. Associations between sociodemographic factors and trajectory group membership were assessed using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: The predicted population distribution across the four caries trajectory groups identified was 65.0% ('none'), 16.8% ('low'), 14.8% ('medium') and 3.4% ('high'). The 'none' trajectory group had a decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score of 0 throughout the 8 years. Higher baseline DMFT counts and nonlinear increases in DMFT scores were noted for the 'low', 'medium' and 'high' trajectory groups. The correlation coefficient between DMFT counts in years 6 and 8 was 0.91, as compared to 0.77 between baseline and year 1. Factors associated with the 'high' caries trajectory include lower socio-economic status, female gender, Chinese race (compared to the Indian race), enrolment in primary schools in the Eastern and Western regions of Singapore, and enrolment in public secondary schools. CONCLUSIONS: Under a nationwide school dental service, four trajectory patterns of caries counts in the permanent dentition were identified over 8 years. Among students in the 'low', 'medium' and 'high' trajectory groups, greater caries increment was noted during the transition from primary to secondary school. The correlation between DMFT counts in successive examinations was stronger in older than younger ages.
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39031991
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OBJECTIVES: Individual-level social determinant of health (SDOH) measures alone may insufficiently explain disparities in edentulism among seniors. Therefore, the authors examined the correlation of census tract-level SD...OBJECTIVES: Individual-level social determinant of health (SDOH) measures alone may insufficiently explain disparities in edentulism among seniors. Therefore, the authors examined the correlation of census tract-level SDOH and residential racial segregation measures with edentulism in Californian adults aged ≥65 years old. METHODS: Explanatory variables were obtained from Healthy Places Index (HPI), the National Cancer Institute and diversitydatakids.org. The edentulism outcome variable was obtained from CDC's PLACES small area estimates from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Pearson and Spearman rank correlations were estimated. Multiple linear regression and multi-collinearity evaluations were performed. The Global Moran's I statistic assessed partial autocorrelation within census tracts. RESULTS: Pearson and Spearman correlations were similar, supporting robustness. HPI, an area measure of advantage, strongly negatively correlated with edentulism prevalence [correlation coefficient: -0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.87, -0.86]. A change of 1.0 in HPI corresponded to an estimated decrease in edentulism prevalence of 5.9% (linear model adjusted R = 0.78). Racially segregated census tracts with Hispanics or Blacks alone were positively correlated with edentulism prevalence [0.60, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.62; and 0.33, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.35, respectively]. The converse was seen in census tracts with non-Hispanic Whites alone [-0.57, 95% CI: -0.58, -0.55]. Global Moran's I statistic for edentulism (0.13) and HPI scores (0.19) were significant (both p < .001) indicating geospatial autocorrelation. CONCLUSIONS: Higher disadvantage and minority racial segregation within census tracts were positively correlated with edentulism prevalence. Future research and policy should consider possible interventions improving SDOH to reduce oral health inequities.
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39031985
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OBJECTIVE: Utility values enable relative comparisons across various health conditions, providing information for efficient allocation of healthcare resources. This study aimed to (1) quantify the utility values attribut...OBJECTIVE: Utility values enable relative comparisons across various health conditions, providing information for efficient allocation of healthcare resources. This study aimed to (1) quantify the utility values attributable to oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in Japanese adults and (2) develop models for converting the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) scores into EuroQoL 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L)-based utility values. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Data from a large-scale Internet survey of Japanese adults conducted in 2022 (n = 28 405; mean age 48.2 years) were analysed. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to investigate the association between OHIP-14 scores and EQ-5D-5L-based utility values, adjusting for confounders. Conversion models were developed using a random half of the participants, and the observed and predicted utility values in the other half were compared to evaluate the model performance. RESULTS: Among the participants, 55.2% scored 0, 20.9% scored 1-5 and 23.9% scored 6-56 on the OHIP-14, corresponding mean utility values of 0.93, 0.90 and 0.84, respectively. A one-point increase in the OHIP-14 score was associated with a lower utility value (coefficient: -0.0053; 95% confidence interval:health-related quality of life -0.0056, -0.0051). The estimated utility value attributable to OHIP-14 was -23.3 per 1000 individuals, greater than that for other prevalent chronic conditions, including hypertension and diabetes (-2.9 and -7.1 per 1000 individuals, respectively). The conversion model incorporated the OHIP-14 total score, age, sex and self-rated health, predicted utility scores on average and captured differences according to the number of teeth lost. However, there was a discrepancy between predicted and observed utility values in the lower utility value groups. CONCLUSION: OHRQoL substantially impacted utility values at the population level. The OHIP-14 holds the potential as a valuable tool for predicting average utility values based on oral health conditions; however, the prediction performance was relatively low for individuals with a lower health-related quality of life.
An J, Lilly C, Shaffer JR
… +3 more, Foxman B, Marazita ML, McNeil DW
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39031960
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OBJECTIVES: Oral health during the perinatal period and beyond affects the health and well-being of women and their offspring. Oral self-care behaviours can maintain or improve oral health; depression or stress during th...OBJECTIVES: Oral health during the perinatal period and beyond affects the health and well-being of women and their offspring. Oral self-care behaviours can maintain or improve oral health; depression or stress during the perinatal period may compromise these behaviours. The aim of the study was to investigate the independent and combined effects of depression and stress on oral self-care behaviours of perinatal women in Appalachia, given the high burden of oral disease in this region. METHODS: A total of 1172 women in the first or second trimester of pregnancy were enrolled in the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, cohort 2 (COHRA2) in West Virginia or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Participants completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale-10, and self-report items about oral self-care behaviours (i.e. toothbrushing and flossing) during pregnancy and five times in the 2+ years following birth. A Generalized Estimating Equation approach was used to analyse the longitudinal data. RESULTS: Maternal depression and stress were independently negatively related to toothbrushing and flossing frequency. These findings for toothbrushing were more pronounced in those with high levels of depression and high levels of stress, so there were both independent and combined effects. Frequency of toothbrushing and flossing stayed constant over time, so time was not associated with outcomes. About three-fourths of the sample reported toothbrushing levels that are consistent with established guidelines (i.e. two times daily), but almost half of the participants had very low levels of flossing (i.e. once or less a week). CONCLUSION: Interventions targeting stress and depression throughout the perinatal period might be helpful in improving oral self-care behaviours and oral health among women in Appalachia, in addition to the benefit of decreasing emotional distress.
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39030764
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OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of non-utilization of dental care in Lebanon and associated socioeconomic factors and self-care behaviours. METHODS: A nationwide, quantitative, survey-based study was conducted by tr...OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of non-utilization of dental care in Lebanon and associated socioeconomic factors and self-care behaviours. METHODS: A nationwide, quantitative, survey-based study was conducted by trained interviewers with Lebanese residents aged ≥18 years between July and September 2019. Univariate analyses were performed using Pearson Chi Square test or the Fisher's exact test followed by a binary logistic regression using the SPSS Version 25. RESULTS: Of the 1070 participants, 247 (23.1%) did not utilise any type of healthcare and 144/247 (58.3%) did not utilise dental care. The prevalence of non-utilization of dental care was estimated at 13.5%. Only 4.7% of the respondents consulted their dentist in the past year, among which 53% cited pain/emergencies as the reason for their consultation. Socioeconomic factors associated with the non-utilization of dental care were lack of social medical insurance (OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.31 to 0.79]) and long waiting time/patient time restriction (OR, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.26 to 3.35]). On the other hand, facilitators for utilization of dental care included ethical standards/personal qualities of the dentist (OR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.32 to 0.88]) and convenient cost with respect to the individual's economic status (OR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.43]). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that dental care practices in Lebanon, including the non-utilization of dental care, are suboptimal. Measures such as reducing sugar and tobacco consumption, providing information on oral hygiene, and using fluoride products are inexpensive; however, implementing these measures may take substantial time and input by multiple stakeholders.
Guarnizo-Herreño CC, Singh A, Mathur MR
… +2 more, Sarawagi S, Peres MA
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 38984774
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BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: Dental care systems have the potential to influence population oral health and patterns of socioeconomic inequalities. Therefore, understanding the impact of the ways in which countries fund, pr...BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: Dental care systems have the potential to influence population oral health and patterns of socioeconomic inequalities. Therefore, understanding the impact of the ways in which countries fund, provide, and organize their dental care services is key in the analysis of determinants of oral health. In this commentary we offer a synopsis of recent typologies of healthcare systems, based on a rapid review, and highlight that none of them fit dental care services given the separation of dental care from general healthcare provision in many countries. The paper also summarizes evidence on dental care systems as determinants of population oral health and argues why a new typology of dental care systems is needed. CHALLENGES AND WAYS FORWARD: We argue that a typology must consider institutional arrangements, structures, and processes behind the provision of dental care, and that specific dimensions/variables that inform the typology should result from a process of discussion and consensus. Some methodological considerations for developing typologies are also discussed, including the challenges in the collection and analysis of data followed by an advanced cluster analysis. Despite their limitations, typologies have evolved into an essential tool for comparing the similarities and differences of healthcare systems across countries. Therefore, a dental specific typology for health systems will be useful for researchers, policymakers, and dental professionals to characterize the provision of dentalcare services in different countries. This will also enable examining their potential role as determinants of population oral health and inequalities.
Dahroug AE, Heen EK, Hussein MA
… +1 more, Madar AA
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 38923041
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OBJECTIVES: There is little data on the oral health conditions of Somali children. The aim was to assess the dental caries status and related risk factors of 12-aged children in primary schools in Hargeisa, Somaliland. M...OBJECTIVES: There is little data on the oral health conditions of Somali children. The aim was to assess the dental caries status and related risk factors of 12-aged children in primary schools in Hargeisa, Somaliland. METHODS: A school-based survey was conducted in Hargeisa in December 2022. Using 2-stage cluster sampling, 405 children (12-aged) were randomly selected from 16 primary schools. Data collection involved WHO structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and clinical examinations. The DMFT index was measured according to WHO criteria, and accordingly, the mean for the significant caries index (SiC) was calculated. The association between the DMFT and the relevant variables was analysed using negative binomial regression in STATA. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of dental caries was found to be 62.7%, with a mean DMFT of 1.7 and a SiC score of 3.7. Non-public school pupils showed significantly higher prevalence of dental caries and mean DMFT compared to public school counterparts (68.5% vs. 58.6%) and (1.91 vs. 1.48), respectively. Merely 14.7% of the participants utilized dental care services in the previous year. The multivariable analysis showed a significant positive association of the DMFT outcome with attending a non-public school (95% CI 1.16-2.12) and having many previous dental visits (95% CI 1.22-2.83). In the adjusted model, fathers of low education had children with better dental caries status (lower mean DMFT) than their well-educated counterparts. The mean DMFT was not significantly influenced by the factors sex, location, educational attainment (school class of the participants) and frequency of teeth cleaning. CONCLUSION: Although the overall mean DMFT of school children in Hargeisa could be regarded low, the high levels of untreated caries especially in the one-third most affected are a cause for concern. Children enrolled in non-public schools formed the high-risk group. Preventive oral public health programs targeting Somali school children are recommended.
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 38922997
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OBJECTIVES: The Asian American (AsA) population is at high risk for poor oral health outcomes and remains an underserved and understudied community. Low oral health literacy could explain poor oral health behaviours, pra...OBJECTIVES: The Asian American (AsA) population is at high risk for poor oral health outcomes and remains an underserved and understudied community. Low oral health literacy could explain poor oral health behaviours, practices and outcomes in this population. The aims were as follows: (i) provide a scoping review of oral health literacy, knowledge, practice and beliefs among AsA individuals residing in the United States; (ii) identify any instruments or tools translated into participants' language and (iii) determine whether the translated instruments had been assessed for validity and reliability. METHODS: The current study used a scoping review framework based on PRISMA-ScR that included rigorous eligibility criteria, search strategy, independent selection process with adjudication, and standardized reporting of outcomes. The search was conducted on March 14, 2022, and updated on February 25, 2023 and February 13, 2024, in the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL. Peer-reviewed original research on oral health literacy, knowledge, awareness, practice, and beliefs related to oral health care in AsA subgroups published in English were included. Two reviewers independently assessed whether titles and abstracts should be included for review, with discrepancies adjudicated by a third reviewer. Data extracted from articles used a standard template that included study design, and measurement tools of oral health, knowledge, awareness, practice and beliefs, as well as results and conclusions of the publication. In addition, the template captured whether the translated and original measurement tools were assessed for reliability and validity. RESULTS: Of the 367 papers identified, 10 studies that met eligibility criteria were included in the final review. Of these, four studies used previously validated tools to assess oral health measurements in AsA. Only five of the studies translated the tools into the participants' native language. Although AsA exhibited lower oral health literacy than Whites but higher than Hispanics and African Americans, none of the translated tools were assessed for reliability and validity. Acculturation and country of birth were factors influencing oral health behaviours related to good oral health practice and utilization, with AsA born in the United States exhibiting higher oral health utilization than those born in their country of origin. Oral health beliefs played a significant role in dental care utilization among AsA populations. CONCLUSIONS: The scoping review on oral health in Asian American communities identifies a significant research gap, particularly in the lack of validated tools for assessing oral health literacy, which varies across ethnic groups. It notes that AsA generally have lower oral health literacy compared to Whites, but higher than Hispanics and African Americans. AsA born in the United States shows better oral health practices, influenced by acculturation and birth country. The findings emphasize the need for more thorough and culturally adapted research methods to address oral health disparities in this diverse group.
Zaheer K, Hossain MJ, Isha I
… +2 more, Delgado-Angulo E, Nibali L
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 38898593
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OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease of the Rohingya refugees and host community in Bangladesh. METHODS: An unpublished pilot was conducted for the sample size calculation. Two-stage c...OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease of the Rohingya refugees and host community in Bangladesh. METHODS: An unpublished pilot was conducted for the sample size calculation. Two-stage cluster sampling method was used to select 50 participants from refugee camps and 50 from the host community. Structured questionnaire and periodontal examination were completed. Composite measures of periodontal disease were based on the World Workshop (WW) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-American Academy of Periodontology. Linear regression models, for clinical attachment level and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and ordered logistic regression models, for composite measures, were fitted to test the association of periodontal measures and refugee status. RESULTS: Compared to the host community, a smaller percentage of refugees reported good oral health-related behaviours. Refugees exhibited lower levels of bleeding on probing but higher PPD, hence a higher proportion had severe stages of periodontitis. As per the WW, prevalence of periodontal disease was 88% and 100% in the host and refugee groups, respectively. In the unadjusted models, refugees were three times more likely to have severe stages of periodontitis; this association was attenuated when adjusted for confounders (sociodemographic variables and oral health-related behaviours). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of periodontitis was high both in the host community and refugees. The refugees exhibited a more severe disease profile. The oral health of both groups is under-researched impacting the response of the health system. Large-scale research systematically exploring the oral health of both groups will inform the design and delivery of community-based interventions.
Bhuvaraghan A, King R, Walley J
… +2 more, Thiruvenkatachari B, Aggarwal VR
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 38887900
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OBJECTIVES: Dental antibiotic stewardship is crucial in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is high and antibiotic misuse is common. Given that India is the most populous c...OBJECTIVES: Dental antibiotic stewardship is crucial in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is high and antibiotic misuse is common. Given that India is the most populous country, the largest antibiotic consumer and has a large dental prescriber population, this study investigated the extent to which current Indian policy and practice for dental antibiotic prescribing and stewardship aligns with the global policy and best practice. METHODS: The READ approach was used to identify and extract data and synthesize the findings. Policy documents on dental antimicrobial stewardship were identified using a systematic search strategy involving nine medical and grey literature databases (Medline, Global Health, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, Eldis, Global Index Medicus, Proquest and Opengrey), targeted websites (government organizations and dental regulatory bodies) and contact with experts. Framework analysis was used to code extracted data into themes related to dental antimicrobial stewardship. RESULTS: Of the 3039 records screened, 25 documents were included in the final analysis. The analysis showed a lack of guidelines or toolkits for appropriate antibiotic prescribing in dentistry in India. The treatment guidelines for antimicrobial use in common syndromes published by the Indian Council of Medical Research had no section or content for dental practitioners. Furthermore, the undergraduate dental curriculum developed by the Dental Council of India (DCI), included little content on appropriate antibiotic prescribing and no mention of AMR or stewardship. There were no educational resources either for dental practitioners or patients in the documents. CONCLUSION: This document analysis showed that there was little or no mention of dental antibiotic prescribing guidelines in key policy documents such as the National Action Plan on AMR. In addition, contradictory and subjective information provided in some policy documents could encourage dentists and other health professionals such as general practitioners to prescribe antibiotics for common dental conditions for which they are contra-indicated. There is an urgent need to develop relevant guidelines and include these in Indian policy documents on AMR particularly the National Action Plan on AMR.
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 38874592
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OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between dental insurance, dental care utilization and oral health-related impact on daily activities among patients visiting Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funde...OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between dental insurance, dental care utilization and oral health-related impact on daily activities among patients visiting Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded health centers in the United States. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey (HCPS), a survey of patients who received care at US health centers. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the likelihood of the oral health-related impact on daily activities domains such as school/work performance, sleeping, eating/chewing, social and home activities considering sociodemographic, dental insurance, and dental care utilization. RESULTS: Among 7002 total participants, 6890 self-reported oral health-related impact on daily activities. Adults aged 18-44 were 2.6 times more likely to report an overall impact on everyday life activities compared to children and adolescents. After adjusting for sociodemographics, Hispanic patients were less likely to report any oral health-related impacts, while patients visiting rural centres reported higher odds of oral health related impairment. Patients who experienced delays in receiving dental care or were unable to access dental care when needed were 4.5 times more likely to encounter difficulties in their daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: This study linked limited dental insurance and care to increased oral health issues impacting daily life, particularly among adults, rural populations, and those facing delay in dental care. This highlights the need for policy reforms and interventions aimed at improving dental care access to mitigate the detrimental effects of poor oral health on daily functions for vulnerable populations.
Verdugo-Paiva F, Urquhart O, Matanhire-Zihanzu CN
… +10 more, Martins-Pfeifer CC, Booth E, Booth HA, Aljarahi H, Button J, Pinto-Grunfeld C, Villanueva J, Kohler IV, Glick M, Carrasco-Labra A
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 38828735
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OBJECTIVE: To advance oral health policies (OHPs) in the World Health Organization (WHO) African region, barriers to and facilitators for creating, disseminating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating OHPs in the regio...OBJECTIVE: To advance oral health policies (OHPs) in the World Health Organization (WHO) African region, barriers to and facilitators for creating, disseminating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating OHPs in the region were examined. METHODS: Global Health, Embase, PubMed, Public Affairs Information Service Index, ABI/Inform, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, Scopus, Dissertations Global, Google Scholar, WHO's Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (IRIS), the WHO Noncommunicable Diseases Document Repository and the Regional African Index Medicus and African Journals Online were searched. Technical officers at the WHO Regional Office for Africa were contacted. Research studies and policy documents reporting barriers to and facilitators for OHP in the 47 Member States in the WHO African region published between January 2002 and March 2024 in English, French or Portuguese were included. Frequencies were used to summarize quantitative data, and descriptive content analysis was used to code and classify barrier and facilitator statements. RESULTS: Eighty-eight reports, including 55 research articles and 33 policy documents, were included. The vast majority of the research articles and policy documents were country-specific, but they were lacking for most countries. Frequently mentioned barriers across policy at all stages included financial constraints, a limited and poorly organized workforce, deprioritization of oral health, the absence of health information systems, inadequate integration of oral health services within the overarching health system and limited oral health literacy. Facilitators included a renewed commitment to establishing national OHPs, recognition of a need to diversify the oral health workforce, and an increased understanding of the influence of social determinants of health among oral health care providers. CONCLUSIONS: Most countries lack a country-specific body of evidence to assist policymakers in anticipating barriers to and facilitators for OHPs. The barriers and facilitators relevant to disparate subnational, national, and regional conditions and circumstances must be considered to advance the creation, dissemination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of OHPs in the WHO African region.
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 38825699
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OBJECTIVE: Orthodontic treatment often involves four first premolar extractions. There is concern that the retraction of the anterior teeth due to extraction of first premolars may constrict tongue space and will reduce...OBJECTIVE: Orthodontic treatment often involves four first premolar extractions. There is concern that the retraction of the anterior teeth due to extraction of first premolars may constrict tongue space and will reduce oral cavity and oropharynx space. Constricted airways are often associated with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and sleep disruption. The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association of SDB factors with the absence of first premolars. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-March 2020 data on participants, aged 18-65 years (n = 4742). Variables of interest included self-reports of SDB (symptoms of disrupted sleep such as snoring, snorting, daytime sleepiness, and inappropriate number of hours of sleep). Data for the presence/absence of first premolars were gathered from the oral examination section of NHANES. An assumption was made that absence of four first premolars in dentate participants indicated extractions for orthodontic treatment. Data analyses were conducted with Rao Scott chi squared test. RESULTS: There were no significant associations of SDB and symptoms of disrupted sleep associated with the absence of four first premolars in dentate participants. CONCLUSION: Concerns of the impact of first premolar extractions on SDB were not supported with this study.
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Oct · PMID 38822596
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OBJECTIVES: Expanding HIV testing beyond specialized services has been a key strategic approach to eliminating the transmission of HIV. In recent years, dental settings have been identified as offering an opportunity for...OBJECTIVES: Expanding HIV testing beyond specialized services has been a key strategic approach to eliminating the transmission of HIV. In recent years, dental settings have been identified as offering an opportunity for delivering point of care HIV testing (POCT) interventions. Intervention components and implementation strategies have varied across studies and there is uncertainty about the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV in the dental patient population. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to synthesize the HIV testing outcomes of intervention studies, identify the core components of POCT interventions implemented in dental settings; and understand the barriers and facilitators to intervention implementation. METHODS: A mixed-methods systematic review was undertaken. Two authors reviewed abstracts and full papers for inclusion and appraised the studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A convergent integrated mixed methods study design underpinned the synthesis. Outcomes were presented using descriptive statistics. Intervention components were mapped to the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist. Barriers and facilitators were described using a narrative thematic analysis. RESULTS: POCT was offered to 22 146 dental patients, 62.5% accepted POCT. Intervention studies that reported higher uptake of testing utilized a dedicated dental or researcher staff member to provide testing, integrated testing and provided results within the routine dental appointment and adopted a provider-initiated universal approach to offering testing. Six themes emerged that were pertinent to the barriers and facilitators to HIV testing in dental setting. CONCLUSIONS: POCT uptake in dental settings was comparable with other non-specialized health settings. Key to the operationalization of the intervention were perceptions about its value and relevance to the dental patient population, attitudes toward the intervention, logistical barriers to its implementation, the risk of HIV testing stigma to the patient-practitioner relationship and maximising the fit of the intervention within the constraints of the dental setting.
Raittio E, Baelum V, Nascimento GG
… +1 more, Lopez R
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 38778569
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OBJECTIVES: It is not clear if or how the incidence of systemic conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects dental service utilization. Using natio...OBJECTIVES: It is not clear if or how the incidence of systemic conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects dental service utilization. Using nationwide Danish register data, the aim of this study was to analyse the use of dental services 7 years before and after being diagnosed with DM, RA or IBD between 1997 and 2011. METHODS: Information about incident DM was obtained from the Register for Selected Chronic Diseases and Severe Mental Disorders, and incident RA and IBD were defined based on diagnosis codes of hospital contacts identified through the National Patient Register. Separately, for each of the three conditions, each individual with the incident condition was matched to one control individual based on age, gender, country of origin, municipality of residence, highest completed education, the main source of income and income using coarsened exact matching in the year of incidence. The use of dental services and treatments received within each calendar year from 7 years before to 7 years after getting the condition were analysed with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: People with incident DM were less likely (by seven percentage points) to be dental service users within a year than people without incident DM for a period extending from up to 7 years prior to 7 years after the diagnosis. This difference even slightly increased after the diagnosis. Those with incident IBD exhibited a consistently but modestly higher proportion of dental service use (three percentage points) than those without incident IBD before and after the diagnosis. Differences in the use of services between those with or without incident RA were minor. For all three systemic diseases, detected differences mainly mirrored differences in the provision of supragingival scaling and restorative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the impact of these three systemic conditions on dental service use was minor.
Karam SA, Schuch HS, Demarco FF
… +4 more, Horta BL, Borrell LN, Celeste RK, Correa MB
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Oct · PMID 38778564
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OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between social mobility and tooth loss in adults from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study and whether race modifies this association. METHODS: The Oral Health Study used data from 5...OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between social mobility and tooth loss in adults from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study and whether race modifies this association. METHODS: The Oral Health Study used data from 541 individuals who were followed up to 31 years of age. Social mobility, composed of the participants' socioeconomic position (SEP) at birth and at age 30, was categorized as never poor, upwardly mobile, downwardly mobile and always poor. The outcome was the prevalence of at least one tooth lost due to dental caries when the participants were examined at 31 years of age. The effect modifier was race (Black/Brown versus white people). Log-binomial regression models were used to estimate crude and sex-adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and to determine whether the association varied with race. Statistical interactions were tested using an additive scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of any tooth loss was 50.8% (n = 274). In social mobility groups, the prevalence of at least one tooth lost in the never-poor group was about 31% points higher for Black/Brown (68.2%) than for white people (37.4%). Antagonistic findings were found for the interaction between race and social mobility (Sinergy Index = 0.48; 95% CI 0.24, 0.99; and relative excess of risk due to the interaction = -1.38; 95% CI -2.34, -0.42), suggesting that the observed joint effect of race and social mobility on tooth loss was lower than the expected sum of these factors. The estimates for Black/Brown people were smaller for those who were always poor during their lives, relative to their white counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a higher prevalence of at least one tooth lost among people in the downward mobile SEP group and Black/Brown people. Greater racial inequity was found among Black/Brown people who had never experienced episodes of poverty, with Black/Brown people having a greater prevalence of at least one tooth lost than their white counterparts.
Girard IM, Ward P, Durey A
… +5 more, McLean C, Lund S, Calache H, Baker SR, Slack-Smith L
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Oct · PMID 38769714
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OBJECTIVES: This study comprises a synthesis of published qualitative studies from developed countries on the perspectives of carers regarding the oral hygiene toothbrushing practices of preschool children, through the l...OBJECTIVES: This study comprises a synthesis of published qualitative studies from developed countries on the perspectives of carers regarding the oral hygiene toothbrushing practices of preschool children, through the lens of social practice theory. METHODS: A search of the following electronic databases was conducted for all available years: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Global Health using the Ovid platform; Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source (DOSS), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Scopus. Included qualitative studies reported primary caregivers' perceptions of oral hygiene practices (focusing on toothbrushing) in preschool children (0-5 years old) in developed countries. A thematic synthesis of the qualitative findings was undertaken for the results of each study. RESULTS: Eleven articles were included in this meta-synthesis. The focus of this paper was toothbrushing practices. A conceptual map of toothbrushing as a social practice was developed. Key findings included practice elements (meanings, competences, and materials), spatial and temporal aspects, and barriers and facilitators to performance. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a social practice lens to published qualitative research on the oral hygiene of preschool children provided insights into the meanings and competences related to toothbrushing, as perceived by primary caregivers. However, it also revealed limited information on material, spatial and temporal aspects of toothbrushing practices, indicating the importance of considering social practice theory as a framework in future research to address this gap. Furthermore, exploring toothbrushing in connection with related social practices has the potential to increase understanding of factors influencing oral health in preschool children.
Goodwin M, Walsh T, Whittaker W
… +5 more, Emsley R, Kelly MP, Sutton M, Tickle M, Pretty IA
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Aug · PMID 38757663
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OBJECTIVES: The objective was to assess the effectiveness of a Water Fluoridation program on a contemporary population of children. METHODS: The study used a longitudinal prospective cohort design. In Cumbria, England, t...OBJECTIVES: The objective was to assess the effectiveness of a Water Fluoridation program on a contemporary population of children. METHODS: The study used a longitudinal prospective cohort design. In Cumbria, England, two groups of children were recruited and observed over a period of 5-6 years. The Birth Cohort consisted of families recruited from two hospitals in Cumbria where children were conceived after water fluoridation was reintroduced. The systemic and topical effects of community water fluoridation were evaluated in the Birth Cohort. The Older Cohort were approximately 5 years old and recruited from primary schools in Cumbria, shortly after water fluoridation was reintroduced. The predominantly topical effects of fluoridated water were evaluated in the Older Cohort. The primary outcome was the proportion of children with clinical evidence of caries experience in their primary (Birth Cohort) or permanent teeth (Older Cohort). Unadjusted and adjusted regression models were used for analysis. RESULTS: The final clinical examinations for the Birth Cohort involved 1444 participants (mean age 4.8 years), where 17.4% of children in the intervention group were found to have caries experience, compared to 21.4% in the control group. A beneficial effect of water fluoridation was observed adjusting for deprivation (a socioeconomic measure), sex, and age, (adjusted odds ratio 0.74 95% CI 0.55 to 0.98). The final Older Cohort clinical examinations involved 1192 participants (mean age 10.8 years) where 19.1% of children in the intervention group were found to have caries experience compared to 21.9% in the control group (adjusted odds ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.09). For both the Birth Cohort and Older Cohort there was evidence of a beneficial effect on dmft/DMFT count (IRR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44, 0.86) and (IRR 0.69, 95% CI 0.52, 0.93) respectively. No conclusive proof was found to indicate that the effectiveness of water fluoridation differed across area deprivation quintiles. CONCLUSIONS: In the contemporary context of lower caries levels and widespread use of fluoride toothpaste, the impact of water fluoridation on the prevalence of caries was smaller than previous studies have reported. It is important to consider the clinical importance of the absolute reduction in caries prevalence against the use of other dental caries preventive measures.
Su N, Duijster D, van der Heijden GJMG
… +2 more, Groeniger JO, Beenackers MA
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
· 2024 Oct · PMID 38750647
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OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess whether psychological distress mediates the association between financial strain and oral health and dental attendance in the Dutch adult population. METHODS: The study followed a cr...OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess whether psychological distress mediates the association between financial strain and oral health and dental attendance in the Dutch adult population. METHODS: The study followed a cross-sectional design based on 2812 participants from the 2014 wave of the Dutch population-based GLOBE study. Financial strain was considered the exposure, while psychological distress measured with the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) was the mediator. The outcomes included self-reported number of teeth, self-rated oral health, and self-reported dental attendance. Generalized regression analyses were used for the mediation analysis adjusted for several covariables. RESULTS: Greater financial strain was significantly associated with poorer self-rated oral health (total effect: 0.09, 95%CI: 0.05; 0.14) and restorative or no dental attendance (i.e. participants never visiting a dentist or only visiting a dentist for regular treatments or when they have complaints with their mouth, teeth, or prosthesis) (total effect: 0.05, 95%CI: 0.02; 0.09). Greater financial strain was not significantly associated with self-reported number of teeth (total effect: -0.14, 95%CI: -0.91; 0.64). Psychological distress significantly mediated the association of financial strain with self-rated oral health (average causal mediation effect [ACME]: 0.02, 95%CI: 0.01; 0.03) and self-reported dental attendance (ACME: 0.01, 95%CI: 0.00; 0.02), respectively. However, it did not significantly mediate the association of financial strain with self-reported number of teeth (ACME: -0.11, 95%CI: -0.25; 0.02). The estimated proportion of the total effect of financial strain on self-rated oral health and self-reported dental attendance that could be explained by psychological distress was respectively 24% (95%CI: 14%; 48%) and 19% (95%CI: 6%; 62%). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological distress partly explains the association of financial strain with self-rated oral health and dental attendance, but not with self-reported number of teeth. Future studies using longitudinal data are necessary to confirm the results.