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Background: Oral diseases and their impact on health and quality of life have now evolved into a polarized epidemiological state in which their incidence is especially affecting the most vulnerable in the population: the elderly, especially those with low incomes economical. On the other hand, the noticeable increase observed in the proportion of older adults in developing countries such as Iraq during the last decades. Such a high proportion of older adults is causing an increase in their stomatological care needs that necessitate dentists to know precisely both the etiological factors, such as the pathogenesis and factors that determine the specificity of oral disorders at this stage of life. Only with this knowledge will professionals be able to face these patients with a modern dentistry based on prevention. The objective of the study was to show the impact of oral health on the quality of life of older adults in Iraq. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Iraqi adults focused on demographic characteristics factors, lifestyle, the Geriatric Oral Health Index, and Oral Health Diagnosis. Data were evaluated using ratios, the Chi-square analysis for the correlation among factors and odds ratios to verify statistical significance at P ≤ 0.05. Results: This research confirms the impact of oral health on the quality of life of older adults in Iraq. Endodontic problems compromise the quality of life of older adults. Conclusion: Oral health problems, especially those of traumatic, endodontic, and periodontal origin, negatively affect the quality of life of older adults in Iraq.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: During endodontic treatment, endodontists must be aware of the various factors that may decrease or increase blood pressure. This study aimed to assess the mean percentages of systolic, diastolic, and arterial blood pressure (MSBP, MDAP, MABP) reduction in patients with vital irreversible pulpitis in teeth and who were treated at three visits to endodontists in three age groups (20-34 years, 35-50 years, 51-65 years). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 teeth with vital irreversible pulpitis from 100 patients were included. All patients underwent 3 visits for endodontic treatment. The 1st visit included removal of vital pulp tissue and a determination of working length, the 2nd visit included canal preparation and widening, and at the 3rd visit the canal was obturated and sealed by gutta percha and sealer. Blood pressure for all patients was checked and documented once before starting treatment and three times during treatment at different intervals during all visits. RESULTS: There were significantly higher percentage reductions in MSBP, MDBP, and MABP at the 1st visit for endodontic treatment in comparison to other visits (2nd and 3rd) for all patients. Additionally, there were significantly higher percentage reductions in MSBP, MDBP, and MABP at the 1st visit for endodontic treatment in comparison to other visits in males and females, for all age groups, both anesthesia injection-type groups (infiltration and block), and all treated tooth types except mandibular anterior teeth, and there were nonsignificant differences among groups. However, there were nonsignificant differences in MSBP, MDBP, and MABP between males and females, between infiltration and block injection groups and in relation to teeth types at all visits. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of blood pressure in patients undergoing endodontic treatment of vital teeth with irreversible pulpits is common, especially at the 1st visit for pulp extirpation.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The possible connection between apical periodontitis (AP), periodontal disease (PD) and the bad habit of smoking is among the most interesting aspects faced by the dental scientific community. The aim of this study was to pinpoint the effect of smoking on the status of the apical region, in properly root-filled teeth with and without periodontal involvement of Iraqi males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total number of 75 patients were chosen, divided into 3 groups of 25's, teeth were subdivided into 6 subgroups (G-a: Light smokers without Periodontal involvement, G-b: Heavy smokers without Periodontal involvement, G-c: Non-smokers without Periodontal involvement, G-d: Light smokers with Periodontal involvement, G-e: Heavy smokers with Periodontal involvement, G-f: Non-smokers with Periodontal involvement), examination involved: clinical periodontal parameters, coronal restoration fitness. Panoramic and periapical radiographs were used to judge the quality of periodontal tissue in the apical region (AP) of root canal treated teeth. RESULTS: Among all the examined teeth (1859), only (89) were found with fitted both coronal and endodontic restorations. Rates of AP were: (G-a: 11.1%, G-b: 25%, G-c: 0%, G-d: 18.8%, G-e: 35.7%, G-f: 4.8%). Statistically, in related to the AP, there was a highly significant difference between heavy smokers' groups (G-b, G-e). Moreover, heavy smokers with PD (G-e) showed a significant difference with light smokers without PD (G-a) and non-smokers without PD (G-c), also, there was a significant difference between heavy smokers without PD (G-b) and non-smokers with PD (G-f). While, there was a non-significant difference relationship between non-smokers' groups (G-c, G-f), and light smokers' groups (G-a, G-d). CONCLUSION: There is a noticeable negative effect of smoking on the severity and prognosis of AP and this negative effect worsens when it is accompanied by lateral periodontitis.