Comparing individual-, family-, and community-level effects on the oral health of preschool children: a multilevel analysis of national survey data.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood is a critical stage for the prevention of dental caries. The prevalence of caries in preschool children is still high in Taiwan, where National Health Insurance covers 99% of the population. The effort to improve the oral health of preschool children should be based on conceptual model that encompasses more than individual-level factors. This study input nationwide survey data in a conceptual model to evaluate the effects of comprehensive factors related to the high prevalence of caries in preschool children. METHODS: This observation study examined factors related to the oral health of preschool children by employing a comprehensive multilevel model to analyse nationally representative data from the Taiwan Oral Health Survey of Preschool Children (TOHPC) 2017-2018. Individual-level, family-level and community-level contextual effects were evaluated through multilevel analysis in this study. The proportional change in variance (PCV) was used to compare the multilevel model with the null model and individual-level, family-level, and community-level context effects. RESULTS: The estimated deft index for preschool children was 1.34 (1.22-1.47) at age 3, 2.20 (2.08-2.32) at age 4, and 3.05 (2.93-3.18) at age 5. The overall prevalence of caries in preschool children in Taiwan was 34.27% (30.76%, 37.78%) at age 3, 51.67% (48.99%, 54.35%) at age 4, and 62.05% (59.66%, 64.44%) at age 5. The model that included the individual-, family-, and community-context levels exhibited the highest reduction of variance (PCV = 53.98%). The PCV was further reduced to 35.61% when only the level of accessibility to dental services for individuals, families, and the community was considered. For the model in which no community-context cofactors were considered and the model considering only the individual level, the PCVs were 20.37% and 5.52%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate the key components that affect oral health in preschool children and can serve as a reference for policy makers. The most notable finding of this study is that to improve the oral health of preschool children, community-level factors should be targeted. To rely solely on dentists for leading oral health education programs for children is impractical and inefficient. Training more professional oral health educators to provide additional community-based oral health promotion campaigns is critical. We suggest training more professional oral health educators to provide more community-based oral health promotion campaigns.

Clinical-based oral rehabilitation programme improved the oral diadochokinesis and swallowing function of older patients with dementia: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical-based oral function intervention on oral function and care behaviours in older patients with mild dementia. METHOD: Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). Both groups received a leaflet on oral health-related knowledge, and the EG also received an oral function intervention, which was a brief one-on-one lesson concerning oral exercise and preventive oral care. Oral exercise included turning the head, pouting lips, bulging cheeks, stretching tongue, articulation exercise and salivary gland massages. A reminder phone call was made every 2 weeks. Perceived xerostomia and dysphagia, plaque index (PI), Winkel tongue-coating index (WTCI), repetitive saliva-swallowing test (RSST), oral diadochokinesis (DDK) and oral care behaviours were recorded at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to analyse the indicated effects. RESULTS: The EG (n = 59) exhibited greater improvement to the CG (n = 55) in RSST [ß = 0.7; effect size (ES) = 0.45], the syllables /pa/ (ß = 3.1; ES = 0.37) and /ka/ (ß = 2.7; ES = 0.40) in oral DDK, PI (ß = -0.2; ES = 0.52) and WTCI (ß = -0.8; ES = 0.38). Moreover, the EG exhibited better preventive behaviours in regular dental visits [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.2], daily mouth cleaning frequency (aOR = 1.6) and mouth cleaning before sleep (aOR = 1.3). CONCLUSION: The brief clinical-based intervention was effective in improving the swallowing function, oral DDK and plaque control of older patients with mild dementia at 3-month follow-up.

The effect of oral care intervention on pneumonia hospitalization, Staphylococcus aureus distribution, and salivary bacterial concentration in Taiwan nursing home residents: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Elevated Staphylococcus aureus and oral bacterial concentrations are known to correlate with pneumonia hospitalization in nursing home residents. However, the effects of a professional oral care intervention on these factors remain unclear. The aims of this quasi-experimental study were to compare bacterial concentrations in saliva and sputum, oral health status, distribution of Staphylococcus aureus, and pneumonia status before and after a professional oral care intervention. METHODS: A purposive sample of residents from two nursing homes was divided into an intervention group that received a weekly professional oral care intervention and a control group. Oral bacterial concentration was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The Staphylococcus aureus distribution was determined by bacterial culture and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. After data collection, a statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of the intervention. RESULTS: Most residents were unconscious (80%), and most had a history of pneumonia (76%). Baseline demographic data did not significantly differ between the two groups. After the intervention, the intervention group had significant improvements in plaque index (1.66 ± 0.78 vs. 0.94 ± 0.64, p <  0.01), gingival index (2.36 ± 0.76 vs. 1.65 ± 0.83, p <  0.01), tongue coating index (0.96 ± 1.10 vs. 0.16 ± 0.47, p <  0.01), distribution of Staphylococcus aureus in salivary samples (11.11 ± 14.47% vs. 1.74 ± 3.75%, p = 0.02), and salivary bacterial concentration ([4.27 ± 3.65] × 105 vs. [0.75 ± 1.20] × 105, p <  0.01). Sputum bacterial concentration did not significantly differ. The intervention group also had a significantly lower annual prevalence of pneumonia hospitalization (1.24 ± 1.51 vs. 0.48 ± 0.59, p = 0.01), especially in residents whose salivary bacterial concentration exceeded the median. However, the duration of pneumonia hospitalization did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: A professional oral care intervention in nursing home residents can improve oral health, reduce levels of salivary bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus, and decrease the annual prevalence of pneumonia hospitalization. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03874962. Registered 12 March 2019 - Retrospectively registered.

Professional oral care in end-of-life patients with advanced cancers in a hospice ward: improvement of oral conditions.

BACKGROUND: In end-of-life patients with advanced cancers, oral examination, oral care, and oral re-examination are crucial. Although oral symptoms are among the major complaints of end-of-life patients, few studies have focused on oral care in these patients. In this study, the association between oral symptoms and oral dryness among end-of-life patients was examined, and improvement of oral conditions after oral care interventions by a professional dentist was quantified. METHODS: This prospective intervention study included 27 terminally ill patients with advanced cancers in a hospice ward. Professional oral care was administered every morning, and the improvement of oral conditions was assessed by comparing oral conditions before and after the intervention. Oral assessment was performed using the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and Oral Assessment Guide. Oral dryness was evaluated through Clinical Diagnosis Classification of oral dryness and an oral moisture device. Oral cleanliness was evaluated using a bacterial counter, and tongue smears were collected for Candida examination; furthermore, oral function was recorded. RESULTS: The presence of oral mucositis was closely associated with severe oral dryness (odds ratio [OR] = 14.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95-114.38). The level of oral debris retention was significantly related to the degree of oral dryness (OR = 15.97; 95% CI: 2.06-123.72). The group with higher scores (OHAT > 8), which represent poor oral conditions, showed severe oral dryness (OR = 17.97; 95% CI: 1.45-223.46). Total OHAT scores (median: 7 vs 2) and those of other subgroups (lip, tongue, gums and tissues, saliva, and oral cleanliness showed a significant decrease after the intervention. Furthermore, the occurrence of mucositis (47.1% vs 0%), candidiasis rate (68.8% vs 43.8%), oral dryness self-sensation (63.6% vs 9.1%), and severe oral debris (52.9% vs 11.8%) decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Proper oral care can improve oral health and hygiene, reduce the rate of mucositis, reduce the sensation of oral dryness, increase oral moisture, and reduce the chances of oral infections among end-of-life patients. Daily oral care is necessary and can alleviate oral discomfort, increase food intake, and increase the chances of communication between end-of-life patients and their families.

[The Triangular Relationship Among Swallowing Disorders, Aspiration Pneumonia, and Poor Oral Hygiene].

Persons with dysphagia have difficulties chewing and swallowing food because of functional, structural, or psychological reasons. Dysphagia may cause choking or the inhalation of food into the trachea and lungs. Patients with dysphagia often induce the coughing reflex when drinking water and brushing teeth and tend to suffer from gum bleeding. As a result, their caregivers tend to reduce the frequency of or discontinue teeth brushing, which promotes the spread of periodontal disease, dental caries, and oropharyngeal secretions colonizing in the oral cavity or throat. When a patient suffers a choking attack or aspiration, bacteria is inhaled into the trachea and lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia. Furthermore, patients with choking issues are often be fitted with nasogastric tubes to facilitate the delivery of nutrients and water. Long-term use of nasogastric tubes also significantly increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Adjusting eating posture, improving food texture, conducting swallowing rehabilitation, providing training, and practicing proper oral care are an effective approach to preventing the onset of chewing and swallowing disorders and aspiration pneumonia.

Gender-specific factors associated with the suicidal ideation of children in Taiwan: A large-scale cross-sectional study.

We examined the relationship between suicidal ideation (SI) and the depressed mood, life stress and parenting styles in children. A large-scale survey was conducted including 5328 children from 65 elementary schools in Taiwan. SI was measured by asking children if any suicidal thoughts had occurred in the previous month. A series of regression models was analysed separately for male and female students. Compared with boys, girls demonstrated a higher proportion of SI. Among boys, SI was significantly associated with a high level of perceived environmental stress (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.61), a high degree of depressed mood (aOR = 2.39), authoritative (aOR = 1.72) and authoritarian (aOR = 2.53) parenting styles and two or more life-stress events (aOR = 1.45). A high level of perceived environmental stress (aOR = 2.09), a high degree of depressed mood (aOR = 2.89) and an authoritarian parenting style (aOR = 1.76) were significantly associated with the SI in girls. Gender-specific interventions aimed at preventing SI must enhance support systems at school and at home, particularly for students who suffer from a high degree of stress and depressed mood, and are subjected to an authoritarian parenting style.

Impact of removable dentures on oral health-related quality of life among elderly adults in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Although the use of removable dentures can improve oral function and esthetics for elderly people, compared to those who do not wear removable dentures, those wearing removable dentures could have worse oral health related-quality of life (OHRQoL). Additional information is required to assess which factors related to denture wearing influence the OHRQoL of elderly individuals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between denture wearing and OHRQoL in a sample of elderly individuals in Taiwan. METHODS: The study population included 277 elderly people wearing removable dentures (mean age = 76.0 years). Using face-to-face interviews, we collected data on the participants' socio-demographic characteristics, dental care service usage (regular dental checkups, treatment during toothache, dental visits in the last year), and factors related to denture wearing (perceived oral pain, perceived loose denture, perceived oral ulcer, perceived halitosis, perceived dry mouth, and perceived total denture satisfaction scores). OHRQoL was measured using the Taiwanese version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-T). The location and number of remaining natural teeth and the type of denture were also recorded. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed using GOHAI-T scores as the dependent variable. RESULTS: All the predictors together accounted for 50% of the variance in GOHAI-T scores. Further, education level, number of natural teeth, denture status, perceived loose denture, perceived oral ulcer, and perceived total denture satisfaction scores had statistically significant influences on OHRQoL. When compared with other variables, factors related to denture wearing, especially perceived total denture satisfaction scores, had the greatest impact on GOHAI-T scores. CONCLUSIONS: Of the factors analyzed in this study, denture satisfaction was the strongest predictor of OHRQoL. This suggests that denture satisfaction is useful for assessing the effect of denture treatment on the OHRQoL of elderly individuals wearing removable dentures.

Masticatory factors as predictors of oral health-related quality of life among elderly people in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate which masticatory factor is the best predictor of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in elderly Taiwanese individuals aged 65 years and older. METHODS: Subjects were 332 community-dwelling, independently living elderly adults (mean age, 76.0 ± 0.4 years) in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Information concerning age, gender, and socioeconomic status was collected via face-to-face interview questionnaires; the number of food groups rated 'easy to chew' was determined by using food intake questionnaires; and OHRQoL data were obtained by using the Taiwanese version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-T). The number of natural teeth, functional tooth units, and posterior occlusal contacts according to Eichner Index was assessed by dental examination. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the best masticatory factor that could serve as a predictor of GOHAI scores. RESULTS: The number of food groups rated 'easy to chew' was found to be the only masticatory factor affecting GOHAI-T scores, after adjustment for age, gender, socioeconomic status, and other masticatory variables. As compared to subjects who listed less food groups as 'easy to chew,' subjects who rated more food groups as 'easy to chew' were less likely to have low GOHAI-T scores. CONCLUSIONS: Of the masticatory predictors analyzed in this study, perceived masticatory ability, as measured using a food intake questionnaire, could be the best masticatory predictor of OHRQoL in the elderly.

[The prevalence and signs of Dysphagia among stroke patients in rehabilitation units].

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia, a very common post-stroke symptom, has been linked to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and increased length of hospitalization. While patients are typically monitored for dysphagia continuously following their transfer to a rehabilitation unit, little is known about the results of dysphagia reassessments. PURPOSE: This study investigates the prevalence and signs of dysphagia among stroke patients in rehabilitation units. METHODS: We analyzed patients with stroke admitted to a rehabilitation unit of a medical center in southern Taiwan. The procedure included chart review, the repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST), and the modified water swallowing test (MWST). Dysphagia was defined as either RSST or MWST abnormal. JMP 9.0 was used to perform descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: At clinical examination, 53.61% of the study subjects demonstrated dysphagia. Chi-square analysis showed that five abnormal signs (could not close mouth with water, without mastication, food stuck in the throat, obvious sputum sound, and choking after swallowing) are all associated with dysphagia. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed choking is a significant predictor variable of dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of the rehabilitation unit stroke patients in this study had dysphagia. Nurses are the primary care providers for dysphagia patients. Therefore, there is a need for ward nurses to have skills to assess, recognize, and manage dysphagia and to enhance patient safety.

Relationship between orofacial dysfunction and orofacial features, oral function, and eating performance among preschool children.

Background/purpose: Orofacial (OF) development is influenced by multiple factors. This study aimed to explore the relationship between OF dysfunction (OFD) and OF features, oral function, and eating performance among preschool children. Materials and methods: There were 243 preschool children and their parents who participated in this cross-sectional study. Participant demographic information and eating performance were obtained from questionnaires completed by their mothers. OF features and functions were assessed using oral examinations. OFD assessments were performed using Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S). Results: Approximately 80% of participants had at least one domain of NOT-S affected. The main OFD in a structured interview was chewing and swallowing (64.61%). Dysarthria (40.38%), weak bite force (53.85%), inability to effectively chew (45.19%), and taking longer than 30 min to eat meals (75.00%) were significantly more prevalent among participants with OFD than among those without OFD (all P < 0.05). Also, compared with participants born full-term, those born prematurely and who had OFD had higher rates of V-shaped dental arch (42.11%), high-arched palate (31.58%), small mouth opening capacity (7.89%), dysarthria (65.79%), preference to eating soft-textured food (42.11%), and weak cough strength (21.05%). Taking longer than 30 min to eat meals (adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 8.87, P < 0.001) and not effectively chewing food (AOR = 8.81, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with OFD. Conclusion: Chewing and swallowing and habits are common among preschool children and associated with OFD. OFD is associated with OF features, and presented in oral function and eating performance.

The relationship between oral frailty and oral dysbiosis among hospitalized patients aged older than 50 years.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between oral frailty and oral dysbiosis among hospitalized patients aged ≥ 50 years. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted. Number of teeth, masticatory ability, articulatory oral motor skill, tongue pressure, swallowing pressure, and choking were used to assess oral frailty. Saliva samples were collected from the oral cavity for bacterial culture. RESULTS: A total 103 in patients enrolled and 53.4% suffered from oral frailty. Oral frailty was found to have a 3.07-fold correlation with the presence of Enterobacterales in the oral cavity (p = 0.037), especially in poor articulatory oral motor skill, which showed at greater risk of Enterobacterales isolated from the oral cavity by 5.58-fold (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Half of hospitalized patients was found to have oral frailty that was related to more Enterobacterales in the oral cavity. This evidence suggests that the enhancement of articulatory oral motor skills may serve as a potential strategy for mitigating the presence of Enterobacterales within the oral cavity.

Evaluation of a self-assessed screening test for masticatory ability of Taiwanese older adults.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate a screening test based on a food intake questionnaire to discriminate the masticatory ability of Taiwanese older adults with 20 and more natural teeth and at least 8 functional tooth units (FTUs) from the masticatory ability of those with fewer than 20 natural teeth and 8 FTUs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 2244 patients (mean age, 60.4±10.0 years) recruited from 23 counties and cities in Taiwan. Information about their demographic data, dentition, and masticatory ability was collected. Masticatory ability was measured for 23 food groups comprising 35 common Taiwanese foods, and receiver operation characteristic curve analysis was performed. RESULTS: The results showed that the final questionnaire included 14 food groups and a subject choosing 'difficult to eat' responses for 4 and more of these food groups had the same masticatory ability as individuals with fewer than 20 natural teeth and 8 FTUs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, foods that are the most difficult to eat are not necessarily good discriminatory indicators. Hence, the 14-food group questionnaire can be considered the best screening test for masticatory ability of Taiwanese older adults in terms of the presence of 20 and more natural teeth and at least 8 FTUs.

Study of Orofacial Function in Preschool Children Born Prematurely.

Children born prematurely often exhibit orofacial dysfunction. We conducted Nordic Orofacial Test Screening and analyzed chewing and swallowing functions of 243 children aged 3−5 years, consisting of 142 and 101 children born full-term and preterm, respectively, to evaluate the orofacial function of preschool premature children. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square test for a comparison. The univariate analysis of variance was used to analyze the effects of birth weight, gestational age, intubation at birth, use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure support after birth, and use of nasogastric tube on the chewing and swallowing functions of children born prematurely. In this survey, term-born children had a higher incidence of bad oral habits, grinding teeth while sleeping, and abnormal gulping compared to preterm-born children. Preterm-born children had a higher incidence of choking, decreased mouth opening (<30 mm), abnormal dental arch form, abnormal palatal vault, and dysarthria compared to term-born children.

Association between General Anesthesia and Root Canal Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Mental Disability: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

In the population of individuals with a disability, mental illness patients can be uncooperative during dental treatment; thus, general anesthesia has been widely applied during dental procedures. This study aims to investigate the association between general anesthesia and the outcomes of root canal treatment in patients with disability. Teeth treatment records of patients with disability from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Research Database and electronic database from January 2005 to December 2018 were used in this retrospective cohort study. The authors conducted analysis comparing root canal treatment outcomes under general anesthesia and non-general anesthesia, indicated by endodontic re-treatment or post-treatment teeth extraction. Over the 9-year follow-up period, root canal treatment outcomes representing a cumulative survival rate of 87.68% and 74.51% in the general anesthesia group and non-general anesthesia group, respectively, were found. After adjustment for potential confounders, the teeth with general anesthesia showed a substantially and significantly reduced HR of root canal treatment failure at 0.24 (95% confidence interval, 0.12 to 0.49). Our study supported the notion that root canal treatment with general anesthesia may entail substantial reduction of treatment failure in patients with disability.

Relationship between Aspiration Pneumonia and Feeding Care among Home Care Patients with an In-Dwelling Nasogastric Tube in Taiwan: A Preliminary Study.

Home care patients have swallowing dysfunction and rely on an in-dwelling nasogastric tube (NGT) to complement oral food intake, supplement their diet, and maintain adequate nutritional status. This study explored the relationship between aspiration pneumonia (AP) and feeding care among home care patients with an in-dwelling NGT. This preliminary study employed a cross-sectional design. There were 35 patients who relied on an in-dwelling NGT to complement their oral intake of food (NGT-oral feeding) and their primary caregivers participated in this study. All of them developed AP in the past year. Factors involving food intake performance during mealtime of the home care patients and feeding care provided by the caregivers were simultaneously observed and recorded. Among the six risk factors univariately correlated with the incidence of AP, feeding in a noisy environment, using a large spoon to feed the participants, more than 5 mL of food per mouthful, food intake duration lasting > 30 min, swallowing twice for each mouthful of food, and coughing at least once every day remained significant in the logistic regression model (all p < 0.05). Four risk factors for AP were correlated with feeding care; the adjusted risk ratio ranged from 6.17 to 14.96 (all p < 0.05). In addition to each individual's food intake ability, improper feeding assistance was related to the risk factors for AP among home care patients with NGT-oral feeding. Thus, home caregivers should receive safe oral feeding education and training.

Dental Treatment Needs and Related Risk Factors among School Children with Special Needs in Taiwan.

The purpose of this study was to assess dental treatment needs (TNs) and related risk factors of children with disabilities (CD). This cross-sectional study recruited 484 CD, 6 to 12 years of age, from 10 special education schools in Taiwan. Dental status and TNs were examined and evaluated by well-trained dentists and based on the criteria set by the World Health Organization (1997). The results indicated that 61.78% required restorative dental treatment due to their dental caries. On average, each participant had 2.72 teeth that required treatment, and 6.38 surfaces required restoration. One-quarter of the participants (24.79%) required 1- or 2-surface restoration, and one out of three (36.98%) had more complex TNs (including 3 or more surfaces to be filled, pulp care, extraction, and more specialized care). The significant risk factors associated with restorative TNs among CD were those whose parents had lower socioeconomic status, frequent sweets intake, insufficient tooth-brushing ability, and poor oral health. Most of the CD had extensive unmet TNs for their caries and required complex treatment to recover the function of their teeth. Encouraging parents/caregivers to take their children for dental treatment, promoting awareness of the importance of dental hygiene, giving assistance to brushing their teeth after eating, and controlling and/or modifying sweet diet habits are necessary to reduce CD's dental caries, especially those with lower socioeconomic status parents/caregivers.

Expression of osteopontin and type I collagen of hFOB 1.19 cells on sintered fluoridated hydroxyapatite composite bone graft materials.

PURPOSE: The biological effect of fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FHA) graft materials has been attributed to their fluoride ion content; but, only few studies have been conducted to explore the osteoblastic cellular response to physicochemical characteristics of them. We hypothesized that the effect of varied sintered FHA composites on osteoblastic behavior would attribute certain specified physicochemical characteristics of apatites. MATERIALS: Sintered FHA composites were prepared by sintering method with varied gravity percentages of calcium fluoride and hydroxyapatite. Scanning electron microscopic, x-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared analysis were recorded. The human fetal-osteoblast (hFOB 1.19) cells were seeded on the apatites and tissue culture plates. Responses to the apatites were assessed in terms of osteopontin (OPN) and type I collagen, COL I, gene differentiation. RESULTS: We observed the calcined hydroxyapatite (OHAp), sintered F- OHAps, and hydroxy fluorapatites (OH-FAps) with different physicochemical characteristics. The x-ray diffraction analysis showed sintered apatites to be fluorapatites. Otherwise, Fourier-transform infrared spectral patterns could differentiate the sintered F-OHAps from OH-FAps by the existence of OH, OH···F, or OH···F···OH bands. With ≤ 1 wt% CaF2 added, sintered F-OHAp composites expressed both OH and OH···F bands. With >1 wt% CaF2 added, sintered OH-FAp composites expressed both OH···F and OH···F···OH bands. Sintered F-OHAp composites could enhance OPN and COL I gene expression after 6-day culture (P ≤ 0.05). Otherwise, sintered OH-FAp composites inhibited the expression. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that sintered F-OHAp composites with both OH and OH···F bands were bioactive bone graft materials.

Translation and validation of Taiwanese version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS).

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Treating and preventing dental caries in children have been major health concerns in Taiwan. However, little discussion on oral health-related quality of life in Taiwanese preschooler exists. This study aimed to construct and validate a Taiwanese version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) for preschool children in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Taiwanese version of the ECOHIS was developed using the forward-backward translation method. Our study population (n = 251) comprised children aged 3-6 years old. Parents of the children signed informed consent and self-completed ECOHIS. Data were analyzed for internal reliability using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and item-to-total correlation was determined. Criterion validity was tested for the relationship between ECOHIS scores and caries experience (dmft). A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the independent variables of the ECOHIS. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha for the total score of the Taiwanese version of ECOHIS was 0.76. The validity of the ECOHIS was tested, and scores of both the total scale and family impact section were found to be statistically significantly related to dmft (P < 0.005). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that with an increase in dmft, the total score of the ECOHIS significantly increased (95% CI = 0.22-0.63, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Taiwanese version of the ECOHIS is a valid and reliable tool to assess the oral health-related effect on 3- to 6-year-old children in Taiwan.

Higher-order exploratory factor analysis of the Dental Subscale of Children's Fear Survey Schedule in a Taiwanese population.

OBJECTIVES: The Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS) is extensively used to assess the level of child dental anxiety. The present study aimed to explore the higher-order factor structure of the parental Chinese version of the CFSS-DS with a large sample of young children in Taiwan. DESIGN: The parental CFSS-DS was used as a screening tool to survey the dental anxiety levels of 5 to 8- year-old children at kindergartens and elementary schools in Kaohsiung city, Taiwan. Subjects were selected by stratified random sampling. The stratification was done by geographic district, age group, and gender. PARTICIPANTS: The sample was 1,819 children aged 5 to 8 years old. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A first-order factor analysis was performed using the principal components method with promax rotation, and a second-order factor was obtained by applying the Schmid-Leiman solution (SLS). RESULTS: The present study found three first-order factors, defined as: (1) fear of dental aspects, (2) fear of medical aspects, and (3) fear of potential victimization. The second-order factor defined as "dental fear" accounted for most of the variance in the second-order factor structure. The results of higher-order factor analysis according to different gender or age levels were identical. CONCLUSIONS: A higher-order factor structure consisting of a single second-order factor and three first-order factors was extracted, giving a fuller understanding of the CFSS-DS. The second-order factor structure of Chinese version CFSS-DS was stable and reliable.

The clinically related predictors of dental fear in Taiwanese children.

BACKGROUND: Dental fear has been singled out as one of the most troublesome problems facing paediatric dentistry today. Children with dental fear may avoid visiting dentists; therefore, their oral health protection is often compromised. However, the aetiology of dental fear is still not entirely understood. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the dental visiting habit, the previous dental experiences, the conditioning pathway, and the clinically related predictors of dental fear in children. DESIGN: The dental history of 247 children (2-10 years old) was obtained when they came to a dental clinic for treatment. The level of dental fear in these children was assessed using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). Observers rated the clinically anxious responses and uncooperative behaviour towards dental treatment in these children. Three stepwise regression analyses were performed to determine significant predictors of CFSS-DS score, clinically anxious responses, and uncooperative behaviour of children, respectively. RESULTS: We found that the CFSS-DS score and clinical anxiety have different predictors, but age < or = 3.99 years old and cooperativeness in the first dental visit were important predictors for both the CFSS-DS score and the clinical anxiety. Furthermore, the other predictors of the CFSS-DS score were maternal dental fear, unbearable pain during the first dental visit, and visiting dentists in a regular dental clinic; the other predictors of clinical anxiety were first-born, regular dentist, and CFSS-DS score. Finally, the only significant predictor for uncooperative behaviour was clinical anxiety. CONCLUSION: Children's dental fear and their anxious response during dental treatment were dynamic processes that consisted of many different factors. The direct conditioning of subjective experience of pain was more important than the objective pathway of child dental fear, and the indirect conditioning does not seem influential in this study sample.