Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults.

BACKGROUND: Dental pain can have a detrimental effect on quality of life. Symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess are common causes of dental pain and arise from an inflamed or necrotic dental pulp, or infection of the pulpless root canal system. Clinical guidelines recommend that the first-line treatment for these conditions should be removal of the source of inflammation or infection by local operative measures, and that systemic antibiotics are currently only recommended for situations where there is evidence of spreading infection (cellulitis, lymph node involvement, diffuse swelling) or systemic involvement (fever, malaise). Despite this, there is evidence that dentists frequently prescribe antibiotics in the absence of these signs. There is concern that this could contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review is the second update of the original version first published in 2014. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of systemic antibiotics provided with or without surgical intervention (such as extraction, incision and drainage of a swelling, or endodontic treatment), with or without analgesics, for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults. SEARCH METHODS: We searched Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (26 February 2018 (discontinued)), CENTRAL (2022, Issue 10), MEDLINE Ovid (23 November 2022), Embase Ovid (23 November 2022), CINAHL EBSCO (25 November 2022) and two trials registries, and performed a grey literature search. There were no restrictions on language or date of publication. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of systemic antibiotics in adults with a clinical diagnosis of symptomatic apical periodontitis or acute apical abscess, with or without surgical intervention (considered in this situation to be extraction, incision and drainage, or endodontic treatment) and with or without analgesics. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened the results of the searches against inclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We used a fixed-effect model in the meta-analysis as there were fewer than four studies. We contacted study authors to request missing information. We used GRADE criteria to assess the certainty of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS: There was one new completed trial on this topic since the last update in 2018. In total, we included three trials with 134 participants. Systemic antibiotics versus placebo with surgical intervention and analgesics for symptomatic apical periodontitis or acute apical abscess One trial (72 participants) compared the effects of a single preoperative dose of clindamycin versus a matched placebo when provided with a surgical intervention (endodontic chemo-mechanical debridement and filling) and analgesics to adults with symptomatic apical periodontitis. We assessed this study at low risk of bias. There were no differences in participant-reported pain or swelling across trial arms at any time point assessed. The median values for pain (numerical rating scale 0 to 10) were 3.0 in both groups at 24 hours (P = 0.219); 1.0 in the antibiotic group versus 2.0 in the control group at 48 hours (P = 0.242); and 0 in both groups at 72 hours and seven days (P = 0.116 and 0.673, respectively). The risk ratio of swelling when comparing preoperative antibiotic to placebo was 0.50 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10 to 2.56; P = 0.41). The certainty of evidence for all outcomes in this comparison was low. Two trials (62 participants) compared the effects of a seven-day course of oral phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin VK) versus a matched placebo when provided with a surgical intervention (total or partial endodontic chemo-mechanical debridement) and analgesics to adults with acute apical abscess or symptomatic necrotic tooth. Participants in both trials also received oral analgesics. We assessed one study at high risk of bias and the other at unclear risk of bias. There were no differences in participant-reported pain or swelling at any time point assessed. The mean difference for pain (short ordinal numerical scale 0 to 3, where 0 was no pain) was -0.03 (95% CI -0.53 to 0.47) at 24 hours; 0.32 (95% CI -0.22 to 0.86) at 48 hours; and 0.08 (95% CI -0.38 to 0.54) at 72 hours. The standardised mean difference for swelling was 0.27 (95% CI -0.23 to 0.78) at 24 hours; 0.04 (95% CI -0.47 to 0.55) at 48 hours; and 0.02 (95% CI -0.49 to 0.52) at 72 hours. The certainty of evidence for all the outcomes in this comparison was very low. Adverse effects, as reported in two studies, were diarrhoea (one participant in the placebo group), fatigue and reduced energy postoperatively (one participant in the antibiotic group) and dizziness preoperatively (one participant in the antibiotic group). Systemic antibiotics without surgical intervention for adults with symptomatic apical periodontitis or acute apical abscess We found no studies that compared the effects of systemic antibiotics with a matched placebo delivered without a surgical intervention for symptomatic apical periodontitis or acute apical abscess in adults. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests that preoperative clindamycin for adults with symptomatic apical periodontitis results in little to no difference in participant-reported pain or swelling at any of the time points included in this review when provided with chemo-mechanical endodontic debridement and filling under local anaesthesia. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of postoperative phenoxymethylpenicillin for adults with localised apical abscess or a symptomatic necrotic tooth when provided with chemo-mechanical debridement and oral analgesics. We found no studies which compared the effects of systemic antibiotics with a matched placebo delivered without a surgical intervention for symptomatic apical periodontitis or acute apical abscess in adults.

Untangling the truth: User engagement with misinformation in toothache-related Facebook posts.

OBJECTIVE: Social media is a platform for sharing views on aspects of life, including oral health. This study aimed to characterize Facebook posts related to toothache information. METHODS: Two independent investigators retrieved 500 English-language posts with the highest level of interaction using CrowdTangleTM and analyzed their facticity, motivation, author's profile, content, sentiment, and type of post. Data were analysed descriptively and using Pearson's Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests and multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: Most posts were produced by regular users and were not financially motivated, although commercial posts had significantly higher total interaction among users. While link- or video-containing posts (OR = 1.66) and posts with positive sentiments (OR = 1.53) were associated with users' total interaction, older (OR = 1.81) and link- or video-containing posts (OR = 2.04) were associated with overperforming scores. Misinformation was positively associated with financial motivation (OR = 2.03) and positive sentiments (OR = 3.79). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of addressing the spread of misinformation related to oral health on social media and taking steps to ensure that accurate and reliable information is readily available. Toothache-related misinformation was associated with positive sentiments and financial motivation. Links, videos, and positive sentiments awakened greater user engagements with toothache-related posts.

EXtraction or PREServation? EXPRESS survey of patients' preference for toothache in public health facilities of Eastern India.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate patients' preference for extraction or preservation for toothache and hypothetical anterior tooth pain along with the specific reason for their choice. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Cross-sectional analytical semi-structured interview study. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 703 adult dental outpatients visiting secondary and tertiary government health centres with toothache due to dental caries in Eastern India. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients preferring restorative or extraction services for toothache, specific reason, and socio-demographic background factors for anterior and posterior teeth. RESULTS: Half (50.1%) choose preservation for present toothache and 79.9% for hypothetical front tooth pain. Immediate relief from toothache for extraction and the motive to preserve natural teeth for preservation were the main reasons expressed. In logistic regression, participants preferring extraction were more likely to be aged 25-34 years (OR = 1.94), 55+ years (OR=33.32), have primary and below education level (OR=1.99), have had a previous extraction (OR=1.99) and be unaware of preservation options (OR=2.34). For assumed anterior tooth pain, those between 25-34 years (OR=0.39) were more likely to choose preservation. Participants with primary and below education levels (OR=1.99) and unaware of preservation options (OR=1.95) chose extraction of the front tooth irrespective of their choice of treatment for the present toothache. CONCLUSION: Notable differences between the choices to preserve or extract a posterior tooth were not found. There was greater preference towards preserving anterior teeth. Future research should identify additional barriers to the preference and utilization of restorative services.

Persistent Toothache Despite Multiple Dental-related Treatments: How Could this Be?

Patients with recurrent or persistent dentoalveolar pain usually believe that endodontic treatment or extracting a tooth will alleviate it, and most cannot conceive that the pain might not be tooth related. Understanding that dental procedures of any kind will be ineffective when a tooth-related pathology is ruled out and that a nonodontogenic etiology best explains the "toothache" pain goes against their beliefs. In this article, we present an overview of basic concepts to help manage such cases by briefly outlining possible causes of nonodontogenic pain as well as diagnostic pitfalls that may lead to questionable treatments. The decision to provide dental treatment is justified only when definitive peripheral mechanisms driving the pain are uncovered and the multitude of factors that might contribute to the various presentations of persistent dental pain have been considered. Otherwise, patients might be managed with treatments that are not the norm for those with unremitting tooth pain in general dental practice. We also make suggestions for clinicians to assure that patients with recurrent or persistent dental pain receive a thorough work-up that considers odontogenic and nonodontogenic sources to arrive at the correct diagnosis before treatment, taking psychosocial factors into account when devising the treatment plan.

Barodontalgia during hyperbaric oxygen therapy of an 8-year-old male: A case report.

Barodontalgia, barometric pressure-induced dental pain, may occur during hyperbaric oxygen(HBO2) therapy due to pressure changes. This case report presents an 8-year-old male patient with barodontalgia. The patient declared a severe toothache during HBO2 therapy. The diving medicine specialist referred the patient to the dental clinician immediately. On clinical examination, the pain was thought to be caused by caries lesions of the deciduous teeth in the left maxillary molar region. Tooth extraction was suggested. After extraction, the patient continued hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions without any pain. The patient was recommended for an intraoral and radiographic examination session one week after the extraction. In conclusion, caries lesions and faulty restorations should be examined before hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions. Even though barodontalgia is a rare phenomenon, dental examination is essential to avoid these kinds of pain-related complications. All carious lesions and defective restorations must be treated, if necessary. Removal of faulty restorations and management of inflammation as part of the treatment is suggested before exposure to pressure changes.

Ectopic sulcular pain: detection and treatment.

Patients who present with acute or chronic posterior dental pain but cannot identify the tooth from which the pain originates may suffer from a common but often unrecognized condition. The present article introduces a new term for this disorder, ectopic sulcular pain (ESP), derived from its unusual presentation, location, and defining symptom. It is tempting to call ESP an infection, but this has not been confirmed. In ESP, oral examination reveals no visual abnormalities, and there are no evident fractures, caries, periodontitis, attachment loss, traumatic occlusion, or periapical abscesses. This confusing symptomatology often leads to incorrect diagnosis and, consequently, treatment that fails to relieve the patient's pain. This article discusses ESP and reports 13 cases in which the condition was identified via intraligamental or topical application of an anesthetic agent to numb the gingiva. In 12 patients, ESP was successfully treated with meticulous oral hygiene, chlorhexidine rinses, and, in some cases, oral antibiotics.

Visually impaired population from low socioeconomic strata and their oral health status: an observational study.

A significant portion of the world's population suffers from blindness. Despite being a vital part of systemic health, oral health is neglected in such a population. The present study aimed to determine the oral health status of blind individuals in north India and to identify the factors affecting it. Sixty-nine blind students from a local school for the visually impaired were included in the study. A questionnaire was used to record the basic demographic details and oral habits, followed by an oral examination by a single trained dentist to record dental caries, periodontal status and dental trauma. The prevalence of Dental caries was 63.8% (mean 1.43 ± 1.61). Gingival bleeding on probing (BOP) was found in 60.9% of individuals. Dental trauma prevalence was 23.2%, and harmful oral habits were found in 31.9% of individuals. Individuals experiencing a toothache in the last year had a 1.784 times higher risk of dental caries than those who didn't experience a toothache. Individuals having acquired blindness are 2.411 times more prone to dental trauma in comparison to those suffering from congenital blindness. Blind individuals have poor oral health. Toothache in the last one year is an important risk factor for dental caries in such individuals. Acquired blindness makes a person more susceptible to dental trauma than congenital blindness.

Cannabidiol - an effective analgesic for toothache?

DESIGN: The study by Chrepa et al. is a randomised, placebo-controlled, triple-arm, phase IIA clinical trial with double masking which investigates the effectiveness and safety of Cannabidiol (CBD) as an analgesic for acute dental pain. The intervention drug, Epidiolex is an FDA-approved CBD oral solution (100 mg/ml) derived from the cannabis plant. The psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is not included. The maximum recommended daily dose of Epidiolex is 20 mg/kg. 64 patients with moderate-severe odontogenic pain participated in the study and REDCap software was utilised to randomly assign participants into groups: CBD10 (10 mg/kg), CBD20 (20 mg/kg) and placebo. A single dose of the respective oral solution was administered, and participants monitored for 3 h. Patients remained blinded to group assignment, as did the outcome assessor. The provider was not blinded. The primary outcome measure was VAS (visual analogue scale) pain difference, compared to baseline and recorded at 7 subsequent marked times following administration (15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180 min). Additional outcome measures were also recorded: changes in bite force, pain intensity differences, the onset of significant pain relief, the maximum pain relief, psychoactive effects, mood changes and adverse events. CASE SELECTION: 40 female and 21 male patients with moderate-severe odontogenic pain (defined as ≥30 on a 100 mm VAS) with a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis and symptomatic apical periodontitis were included. Participation required a negative test for recent drug and alcohol use, a negative pregnancy test and no use of analgesics within 6 h of the trial. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, hepatic impairment, recreational cannabis users and patients taking CBD metabolising drugs were excluded along with those with an ASA classification above III. Patient characteristics recorded included: age, gender, race, tooth type affected, weight and BMI. DATA ANALYSIS: Mixed model analysis was used to compare numerical variables among the cohorts at the marked time intervals. VAS, bite force, Bowdle and Bond/Lader questionnaires were recorded. Inter-group analysis was completed using parametric and non-parametric post-hoc tests, including Holm-Bonferroni adjustment and the Shapiro-Wilk test, to evaluate data normality. NNTs were calculated for both CBD doses- the number of patients needing treatment before one patient experiences a minimum of 50% pain relief. X² tests were used to analyse categorical variables: pain intensity and adverse events. JMP software was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: 64 participants had originally enroled in the study, but three were excluded from data analysis due to 'unrealistic results', reporting complete pain relief within the first 15 min. 20 participants were given CBD10, 20 were given CBD20 and 21 placebo. 68% of the participants were Hispanic/Latino whilst 11% were white. The average age was 44 +/- 13.7. There was equal distribution of age, sex, race, tooth type, weight and body mass index (p > 0.05). No subject required rescue pain relief during the 3-h observation period. Compared to baseline VAS, significant pain relief was seen 30 min after drug administration for CBD10, versus after 15 min for CBD20 (p < 0.05). Pain reduction reached 50% at 60 min for CBD10 and at 120 min for CBD20. Both reported maximum pain reduction of 73% of baseline at 180 min. 33% pain reduction from baseline was seen in the placebo group, with a median VAS pain of 67% at 180 min. 45.4% of CBD10 and 46.6% of CBD20 required pain relief after 1-6 h, versus 37.5% of placebo (p > 0.05). Bite force increase was seen in both CBD10 and CBD20 groups at 90 and 180 min, versus no significant differences between time points in the placebo group. On assessing pain intensity, pain reduction was significantly associated with increasing time in the CBD groups (p < 0.001), versus no significant association with the placebo group (p = 0.0521). No statistically significant differences were seen between and within the groups for Bowdle or Bond/Lader questions (p > 0.05). In the 3 h observation period, CBD10 experienced 14 times more sedation symptoms versus placebo (p < 0.05), whilst CBD20 experienced this 8 times more (p < 0.05). Within the 3 h, CBD20 were 10-fold more likely to have diarrhoea and abdominal pain (p < 0.05), with some experiencing pain beyond the 3 h but resolving within the day. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this randomised clinical trial, pure CBD drug Epidiolex demonstrates effective analgesia against acute toothache.

The association between poor oral health and risk of breast cancer in the UK Biobank.

PURPOSE: Specific oral health conditions may be risk factors for breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the associations of oral health conditions with breast cancer risk. METHODS: A total of 234,363 women from the UK Biobank prospective cohort were included in this study. We examined the association of self-reported painful/bleeding gums, loose teeth, mouth ulcers, toothache, and use of dentures with the risk of breast cancer. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the associations were calculated with adjustment for multiple confounders. RESULTS: No associations of self-reported painful/bleeding gums (HR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.98-1.10), loose teeth (HR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.82-1.02), mouth ulcers (HR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.93-1.06), toothache (HR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.92-1.14), or denture use (HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.91-1.02) with breast cancer risk were found. No statistical heterogeneity was observed in analyses stratified by baseline smoking and menopausal status. CONCLUSION: We observed no association between self-reported oral health conditions with the risk of breast cancer. Additional research with clinical examinations or oral health biomarkers in diverse populations is warranted.

Molar-incisor hypomineralisation in Norwegian children: Prevalence and associated factors.

This study investigated the prevalence and associations of molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) in 8-9 year-old children in Oslo. A total of 3013 children in one age cohort participated in the study during their regular dental examination at the Public Dental Service. Hypomineralised enamel defects were recorded according to the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry criteria for MIH. Information on health and medications used during pregnancy and in the child's first 3 years of life was obtained from a questionnaire administered to parents. The overall prevalence of MIH was 28.2%, with no gender difference. A higher prevalence of MIH was found in children who had been ill or had used medication in early life and in those whose mother had been ill during pregnancy. No association was found between MIH and prematurity or maternal use of medication during pregnancy. The multivariable analyses showed that children with MIH were more likely to have suffered from illness in early life (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.17-1.70), used antibiotics during the first year of life (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.19-2.35), experienced tooth pain (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03-1.72), and experienced pain while toothbrushing (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.46-3.23) than children without MIH. The prevalence of MIH was high in the children participating in this study.

Ethnicity, Social Support and Oral Health Among English Individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether social support explains ethnic inequalities in oral health among English individuals. METHODS: Data from 42704 individuals across seven ethnic groups in the Health Survey for England (1999-2002 and 2005) were analysed. Oral health was indicated by self-reports of edentulousness and toothache. Social support was indicated by marital status and a 7-item scale on perceived social support. Confounder-adjusted regression models were fitted to evaluate ethnic inequalities in measures of social support and oral health (before and after adjustment for social support). RESULTS: Overall, 10.4% of individuals were edentulous and 21.7% of dentate individuals had toothache in the past 6 months. Indian (Odd Ratio: 0.50, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.32-0.78), Pakistani (0.50, 95%CI: 0.30-0.84), Bangladeshi (0.29, 95%CI: 0.17-0.47) and Chinese (0.42, 95%CI: 0.25-0.71) individuals were less likely to be edentulous than white British individuals. Among dentate participants, Irish (1.21, 95%CI: 1.06-1.38) and black Caribbean individuals (1.37, 95%CI: 1.18-1.58) were more likely whereas Chinese individuals (0.78, 95%CI: 0.63-0.97) were less likely to experience toothache than white British individuals. These inequalities were marginally attenuated after adjustment for marital status and perceived social support. Lack of social support was associated with being edentulousness and having toothache whereas marital status was associated with edentulousness only. CONCLUSION: The findings did not support the mediating role of social support in the association between ethnicity and oral health. However, perceived lack of social support was inversely associated with worse oral health independent of participants' sociodemographic factors.

Prevalence of painful temporomandibular disorders in endodontic patients with tooth pain.

BACKGROUND: Pain from temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) may mimic endodontic pain, but its prevalence in endodontic patients is unknown. OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of painful TMDs in patients presenting for endodontic treatment of a painful tooth. Contribution of TMD pain to the chief complaint and characteristics associated with TMD prevalence were also assessed. METHODS: Patients reporting tooth pain in the 30 days before attending university clinics for nonsurgical root canal treatment or retreatment were enrolled. Before endodontic treatment, they completed questionnaires and a board-certified orofacial pain specialist/endodontic resident diagnosed TMD using published Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. Log-binomial regression models estimated prevalence ratios to quantify associations with patient characteristics. RESULTS: Among 100 patients enrolled, prevalence of painful TMDs was 54%. In 26% of patients, TMD pain was unrelated to endodontic pain; in 20%, TMD contributed to their chief pain complaint; and in 8%, TMD was a sole aetiology for pain. TMD prevalence was associated with greater intensity, frequency and duration of the chief pain complaint; pain in more than one tooth; tenderness to tooth percussion and palpation; a diagnosis of symptomatic apical periodontitis; pain medication use; and psychological distress. CONCLUSION: A majority of patients with tooth pain seeking endodontic treatment had painful TMDs; one quarter had TMD as a component or sole cause of their pain. TMD prevalence was associated with more severe symptoms and signs of tooth pain and with psychological factors. The high frequency of TMD comorbidity warrants consideration in management of endodontic patients with history of toothache.

Incidence of dental barotrauma and temporomandibular joint problems of divers in Turkey.

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to examine dental barotrauma and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complaints in a large group of divers. Methods: This survey study included scuba divers older than 18. The questionnaire contained 25 questions about the demographic characteristics of divers, dental health behaviors, and diving-related dental, sinus and/or temporomandibular joint pain. Results: The study group consisted of 287 instructors, recreational and commercial divers (mean age 38.96 years) (79.1% males). A total of 46% of divers reported a frequency of tooth brushing less than twice a day; 28% never receive a routine dental examination; 22.6% experienced dental pain after and/or during diving, mostly in the upper posterior teeth (40%); 17% required dental treatment; 77% of these cases are restoration fracture. TMJ symptoms after diving were statistically significantly higher in women (p=0.04). Jaw and masticatory muscle pain in the morning (p≺0.001) limitation of mouth opening (p=0.04) and joint sounds in daily life (p≺0.001) were recorded as exacerbated after diving; the results were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: In our study, the localization of barodontalgia was consistent with the distribution of caries and restored tooth areas in the literature. Dive-related TMJ pain was also more common in those with pre-dive problems such as bruxism and joint noise. Our results are important to remind us of the necessity of preventive dentistry practices and early diagnosis of problems in divers. Divers should take personal precautions, such as brushing their teeth twice a day and avoiding the need for urgent treatment. The use of a personalized mouthpiece is also recommended for divers to prevent dive-related temporomandibular joint diseases.

An extraoral approach to intraoral cooling-a feasibility study in non-cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Cryotherapy, using ice chips (IC) is an effective strategy to prevent chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) in selected cancer patient cohorts. However, although effective, use of IC may cause adverse reactions, e.g., nausea, numbness, and shooting pain in the teeth, which could have an adverse impact on the medical treatment. Furthermore, IC requires water of good quality to minimize risk of serious systemic infections. To eliminate these disadvantages, novel cooling devices have emerged as alternative cooling modalities. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability profile of extraoral cooling for intraoral temperature reduction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This experimental pilot study was conducted at the Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. In total, six healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. At baseline and following 30-, and 60 min of cooling with the extraoral cooling device, intraoral mucosal temperatures were measured using a thermographic camera, and a questionnaire related to tolerability was completed. RESULTS: Following 30-, and 60 min of cooling, the intraoral temperature decreased with 2.0 °C and 2.3 °C, respectively. Extraoral cooling was well tolerated, and all subjects endured the entire cooling session of 60 min. CONCLUSION: Extraoral cooling reduces intraoral mucosal temperatures and is a well-tolerated cooling modality.

The national child odontology registry (SCOR): a valuable resource for odontological and public health research.

BACKGROUND: Since 1972 The National Child Odontology Registry has collected data on the oral health of most of all Danish children and adolescents. However, comprehensive information on the registry has not previously been available, making it difficult to approach and use the registry for research purposes. METHODS: By combining historical documentation and simple descriptive statistics we provide an overview of major events in the timeline of The National Child Odontology Registry and discuss how they impact the available data. We provide a broad overview of the dental variables in the registry, and how the registration criteria for some of the core dental variables (gingivitis, periodontitis, and dental caries) have changed over time. We then provide examples of how aggregate variables for the core dental diseases, allowing for comparison across registration criteria, can be created. RESULTS: Most of the Danish population born during or after 1965 have a least one entry in the National Child Odontology Registry, with 68% having entries spanning their entire childhood and adolescence. The prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis seem to increase significantly in the years immediately following changes in how registration criteria for these variables, raising questions as to whether these diseases are generally underreported, or subject to overreporting in the years following the registration changes. The mandatory ages of registration instituted in 2003, do not appear to have had a strong impact on the ages at which registrations are made. For variables not directly comparable across datasets due to changes in registration criteria aggregate variables of measurements can be computed in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: The National Child Odontology Registry provides a unique opportunity to study the impact of childhood oral health on life trajectories, but using the registry is not without issues, and we strongly recommend consulting with experts in the field of odontology to ensure the best use of available data.

Dental caries status and its associated factors among schoolchildren aged 6-8 years in Hangzhou, China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries prevalence reaches the first peak around 6 years old. It is necessary to take effective measures to prevent and treat caries at this stage. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries among schoolchildren aged 6-8 years in Hangzhou City, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hangzhou from October 2017 to May 2018. Oral health status of schoolchildren in 1st and 2nd grades of primary schools aged 6-8 years was examined by well-trained examiners according to the WHO criteria. Questionnaires about potential caries-related factors were distributed to their parents. ANOVA test and logistic regression were conducted for the statistical analyses (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 7959 pairs of schoolchildren and their parents were invited to participate, and 5595 were included in this study according to the eligible criteria (response rate: 70.3%). The overall prevalence and mean dmft/DMFT of dental caries in the investigated schoolchildren were 52.78% and 2.11. The prevalence and mean dmft/DMFT were 39.05% and 1.63 in the deciduous teeth, while these were 21.45% and 0.48 in the permanent teeth, respectively. For the first permanent molars (FPMs), the rate of fully eruption and pit and fissure sealing (PFS) were 79.09% and 6.60%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression showed that girl (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.25, p < 0.05), seldom or never brush teeth (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.08-5.44, p < 0.05), consuming sweet food or drink once or more time a day (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.29, p < 0.05; OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.07-1.36, p < 0.05), dental visit experiences (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.35-1.86, p < 0.001) were positively and no tooth pain in the past 12 months (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.38-0.80, p < 0.05) were negatively associated with caries. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries was prevalent among schoolchildren aged 6-8 years in Hangzhou, and was associated with gender, frequency of toothbrushing, sweet food or drink consuming, tooth pain and dental visit experiences. A large number of fully erupted FPMs did not receive timely PFS.

Evaluation of Internet users' interest in paediatric dental problems during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had a significant impact on dental care providers; patients had trouble accessing routine dental care due to concerns about dentist and patient safety. People spent more time at home due to lockdown restrictions and a growth in individuals working from home. This increased the likelihood of looking for dental care information on the Internet. In the present study the aim was to compare the trends of Internet searches about paediatric dentistry before and after the pandemic. METHODS: The monthly variation in relative search volume (RSV) and the lists of paediatric dentistry-related queries were determined from December 2016 to December 2021 using Google Trends. Two separate datasets were obtained before and after the pandemic. One-way ANOVA was used to determine whether there was a significant difference in RSV scores between the first 2 years of COVID-19 and the first 3 years before COVID-19. T-tests were used for bivariate comparisons. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in queries regarding dental emergencies, especially toothache (p < 0.01) and dental trauma (p < 0.05). The RSV of paediatric dentistry queries increased over time (p < 0.05). Other queries about recommended dental procedures during the pandemic, such as the Hall technique and stainless steel crowns, showed an increasing trend. However, these were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: More searches were carried out, related to dental emergencies, on the Internet during the pandemic. Moreover, non-aerosol generating procedures such as the Hall technique became increasingly popular according to the frequency of searches carried out.

Association between psychological stress, anxiety and oral health status among college students during the Omicron wave: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Within 3 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing interest has been given to its potential influence on health status due to lockdowns caused by the pandemic. However, the impact is inadequately understood, especially for college students. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between psychological stress, anxiety and oral health of college students during the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An online survey with measurements of psychological stress, anxiety and oral health was completed by 1770 Chinese college students. The Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to measure psychological stress and anxiety, respectively. Oral health status was self-reported including toothache, gingival bleeding, and oral ulcer. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine underlying associations for outcome variables. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to confirm the relationship between mental and oral health status. RESULTS: Of the 1770 subjects, 39.2% presented high psychological stress and only 41.2% expressed no anxiety. A significant association was found between psychological stress, anxiety and oral health status. Anxiety has significant impacts on toothache (OR = 0.36; 95%CI: 0.23-0.55; p < 0.01), gingival bleeding (OR = 0.43; 95%CI: 0.29-0.65; p < 0.01), and oral ulcer (OR = 0.54; 95%CI: 0.36-0.80; p < 0.01). Anxiety significantly mediated the association between psychological stress and self-reported oral symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety may be a significant risk indicator for mental health among college students and demonstrates a significant relationship with the occurrence of self-reported oral symptoms. Concerns about academic and life changes caused by the pandemic were the two most significant sources of stress.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of brain function during the natural course in a dental pulp injury model.

PURPOSE: Toothache, a common disorder afflicting most people, shows distinct features at different clinical stages. This study aimed to depict metabolic changes in brain and investigate the potential mechanism involved in the aberrant affective behaviors during the natural process of toothache. METHODS: We investigated the spatiotemporal patterns of brain function during the natural course of toothache in a rat model of dental pulp injury (DPI) by using positron emission tomography (PET). RESULTS: Glucose metabolism peaked on the 3rd day and gradually decreased in several brain regions after DPI, which was in line with the behavioral and histological results. PET imaging showed that visual pathway was involved in the regulation of toothache. Meanwhile, the process of emotional regulation underlying toothache was mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartic receptor subunit 2B (NR2B) in the caudal anterior cingulate cortex (cACC). CONCLUSION: Our results revealed the spatiotemporal neurofunctional patterns during toothache process and preliminarily elucidated the role of NR2B in cACC in the regulation of toothache-related affective behaviors.

Duloxetine attenuates pain in association with downregulation of platelet serotonin transporter in patients with burning mouth syndrome and atypical odontalgia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was evaluation of the association between severity of pain and expression of total or ubiquitinated serotonin transporter (SERT) protein in patients with burning mouth syndrome and atypical odontalgia (BMS/AO), who were treated by duloxetine. METHODS: Patients with BMS/AO were assessed for severity of pain using the visual analog scale (VAS), and expression of total and ubiquitinated SERT protein in platelets before (baseline) and 12 weeks after duloxetine-treatment. RESULTS: The expression of total and ubiquitinated SERT protein at baseline in all patients (n = 33) were higher and lower, respectively, compared to those in healthy controls. 12 weeks after duloxetine-treatment, there was no difference in the total SERT protein levels between patients (n = 21) and healthy controls. In the 16 patients who could be measured, mean VAS scores and total SERT protein levels were significantly decreased after the treatment, compared to those at baseline. There was tendency for a positive correlation between total SERT protein levels and VAS scores in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that duloxetine relieves pain in association with downregulation of platelet SERT expression in patients with BMS/AO.