Dentigerous cyst in a young child: a case report.

Dentigerous cysts are one of the most common developmental types of odontogenic cysts occurring in the oral cavity and often manifest as incidental findings on dental radiographs and/or as asymptomatic swellings. These cysts develop from remnants of reduced enamel epithelium around the crown of an unerupted or impacted tooth, attached at the level of the cementoenamel junction. Most are considered developmental. However, in young clients they may be inflammatory in origin, the result of caries in the primary dentition. This short communication highlights a case of an asymptomatic dentigerous cyst identified in a 4-year-old child and subsequent enucleation under general anesthesia. A thorough clinical and radiographic assessment of the oral cavity in pediatric clients merits a review of dentigerous cysts by the dental hygienist.

Les kystes dentigères sont parmi les types développementaux de kystes odontogènes les plus courants qui apparaissent dans la cavité buccale et se manifestent souvent comme des découvertes imprévues sur les radiographies dentaires ou comme des enflures asymptomatiques. Ces kystes se développent à partir de restes d'épithélium d'émail réduit autour de la couronne d'une dent incluse ou enclavée, attachés au niveau de la jonction cémento-émail. La plupart des kystes sont considérés comme développementaux. Cependant, chez les jeunes clients, ils peuvent être d'origine inflammatoire, la conséquence de caries dans la dentition primaire. Cette brève communication souligne un cas de kyste dentigère asymptomatique décelé chez un enfant de 4 ans et une énucléation subséquente sous anesthésie générale. Une évaluation clinique et radiographique approfondie de la cavité buccale des clients pédiatriques justifie que l'hygiéniste dentaire se renseigne sur les kystes dentigères.

Smiles over time: an older adult oral health survey in Illinois.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the project was to identify the oral health status and needs of the older adult population ≥60 years old in Illinois for policy decisions and to help identify possible need for oral health interventions. No baseline data has previously been collected on this population in Illinois. METHODS: A public/private collaboration was formed, which included the Illinois Department of Public Health, the IFLOSS Coalition and dental and dental hygiene schools in Illinois. The screening tool was developed based on methods outlined by Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors for Basic Screening Surveys. Questionnaires and in-mouth screenings were conducted at selected sites statewide. Data was collected by dental and dental hygiene students and faculty at onsite clinics and community outreach sites. RESULTS: A total of 437 seniors were screened statewide. Of this population, 81% had no dental insurance, 13% were edentulous and 58% claimed to have had a dental visit in the last year.A total of 26% rated their oral health as fair or poor, while 29% had untreated caries. Suspicious oral lesions were present in 14% (n=308 for the oral lesions indicator), 19% needed immediate dental care and 41% required referral. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that surveillance can be accomplished by the collaboration among entities with focus on a specific population. Additional surveillance efforts are warranted among older adults in Illinois in an effort to plan and to implement appropriate interventions for addressing the oral health needs of this population.

Oral health knowledge attitudes and behaviors of migrant preschooler parents.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to establish baseline data about oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of migrant and seasonal farm workers (MSFW). The study focused on MSFWs that are parents of preschool-aged children, and who utilized services at 3 migrant dental clinics. METHODS: An oral health knowledge attitudes and behaviors survey was developed and pilot tested in 2006. The resulting 34 item survey was administered by trained promotores de salud (community health workers) to 45 parents of preschoolers (15 at each clinic site) served by 3 migrant dental clinics. Parents answered questions as they pertained to their oldest preschooler (up to age 5). RESULTS: Dental visits in the last 12 months were reported for 26 (58%) of the children. Fifteen parents (33%) had a dental visit in the last year. Thirty-five parents (77/8%) reported their child's oral health to be good, and 21 (46.7%) reported their own to be good. Half of the children were enrolled in Head Start (HS). Of those, 18 (79%) had a dental visit in the last year, whereas 8 (36%) of those not enrolled in HS had a visit. Discrepancies existed for the age parents believed children should stop using a bottle and the age they actually did stop using a bottle. There were discrepancies in knowledge about decay causing drinks and consumption of drinks by preschool-aged children. CONCLUSIONS: MSFWs remain an underserved population with poor access to oral health care and multiple factors affecting oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. A better understanding of influences on oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors within the population can assist in implementing appropriate interventions for the maintenance of good oral health in MSFW families. HS can have a positive impact on oral health for MSFW children.

An assessment of printed oral cancer materials from local health departments in Illinois.

Local health departments can be resources for the public and health professionals to access educational materials on a variety of topics. Though the dental office is ideal, it should not be the only venue for obtaining oral cancer educational materials. As part of a cancer prevention and early detection project, this pilot study solicited printed educational materials concerning oral cancer from all local health departments (LHDs) in Illinois. Sixty of the 94 health departments responded, for a response rate of 63.8%. Only 32 had printed oral cancer educational materials for public and professional distribution, and most focused on tobacco. Forty-eight different samples were received. At least one risk factor was identified in all materials. The most common was tobacco usage, present in 100% of the materials. Twenty-nine (61%) identified tobacco use as the only risk factor. Alcohol consumption, the second most frequently identified risk factor, was mentioned in only 12 (26%) of the materials. Few materials comprehensively covered areas such as signs and symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of examinations for early detection. Only five materials (11%) acknowledged that early lesions are often asymptomatic. Local health departments are in an influential position to disseminate educational materials to the public and health professionals. Dental hygienists have the knowledge and expertise required to identify quality materials. They should be proactive in assisting LHDs with acquisition of appropriate printed materials and partner with them to advocate for prevention and early detection of oral cancer. In collaboration, the two can ensure that all LHDs have current and comprehensive printed materials about oral cancer to distribute to the public and other health professionals.

Identification of a giant cell fibroma.

Fibrous hyperplastic connective tissue lesions are common in the oral cavity and may be similar both clinically and histologically. A giant cell fibroma, a type of fibrous hyperplasia, was discovered during a preventive patient visit in the dental hygiene clinic at a Midwestern university. The patient, a 19-year-old female, presented with a dome-shaped lesion of normal mucosal color on the attached gingiva apical to tooth number 11. She was referred to the dental school for biopsy, which revealed fibrocollagenous connective tissue exhibiting large stellate fibroblasts. She returned after 10 months and was referred to the graduate periodontal department, where the lesion was removed. Several fibrous hyperplastic lesions can be considered in the differential diagnosis of giant cell fibroma. Dental hygienists should be familiar with the different fibrous hyperplasias, noting lesions during the intra- and extra-oral examinations for further evaluation by the dentist.

Compound odontoma: a case study.

Odontomas are the most common odontogenic tumors and are usually incidental findings in radiographic examination. They are classified as either compound or complex. Both types are composed of enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp tissues. Compound odontomas appear radiographically as rudimentary toothlets and can be diagnosed from radiographs alone, while complex odontomas appear as indistinguishable radiopaque masses and require resection for definitive diagnosis. They are frequently found in association with other abnormalities, and surgical excision is recommended for both types by most practitioners. The possibility of discovering lesions such as the odontoma supports the practice of recommending baseline radiographic surveys for all dental patients.

Oral health issues among migrant farmworkers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine utilization patterns of dental services, unmet dental needs, access to care barriers, and oral health behaviors as perceived by migrant farmworkers at a rural southern Illinois farmworker health clinic. METHODS: Two bilingual dental hygiene students and one member of the local Hispanic community verbally administered a 26-item survey questionnaire to 119 migrant farmworker clients at a health center as they waited to receive care. RESULTS: Utilization results showed that 51% of those surveyed had not sought oral health care in the previous year, citing absence of pain or discomfort as the primary reason. Forty-one percent reported seeking oral health care on a yearly basis, while 42% only sought care when in pain. Primary services received were examinations, prophylaxes, and restorations. Having received brushing instructions was reported by 58%, while 45% had received instructions on flossing. Barriers to care were reported as limited clinic hours (57%), high fees (33%), and lack of transportation (17%). Most respondents reported regular brushing habits, but only 11% used floss daily, 38% occasionally, and 52% didn't use it at all. Only 7% reported smoking. Meanwhile, bleeding gingiva was reported by 50%, swollen or tender gingiva by 37%, and tooth loss by 49%. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of migrant farmworkers in a southern Illinois community reported access to care barriers, and having never or episodically received dental services. Nearly half reported signs of periodontal disease.