Do binge drinking adolescents have a greater number of traumatised teeth? A longitudinal study with 12-year-olds in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Binge drinking has been linked to traumatic dental injury (TDI). Once drunk, adolescents are more prone to accidents, which may result in orofacial injury. AIM: This study evaluated the possible association of binge drinking with a number of traumatised teeth in a population of 12-year-old Brazilian adolescents in 2013 and 2015. DESIGN: This study was longitudinal, carried out with 588 adolescents at two moments, 2013 and 2015. TDI, overjet and lip protection were assessed by calibrated examiners. Binge drinking data were collected through the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Sociodemographic indicators were obtained through a questionnaire answered by the parents/guardians. The Poisson regression model with a random effects intercept was estimated. RESULTS: A higher prevalence of traumatised teeth was observed among adolescents who binge drink (IRR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.05-1.80; p < .05). The prevalence was also significantly higher among adolescents in this age range with a ≥ 3-mm overjet and those with inadequate lip protection (IRR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.44-2.76; p < .001 and IRR = 3.41; 95% CI: 2.57-4.53; p < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: A greater number of traumatised teeth were found among adolescents who reported binge drinking and had severe overjet and inadequate lip coverage.

Disparities in the protagonism of oral health teams in the work process of Primary Healthcare.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate and compare the protagonism of Oral Health teams (OHt) in the teamwork process in Primary Healthcare (PHC) over five years and estimate the magnitude of disparities between Brazilian macro-regions. METHODS: Ecological study that used secondary data extracted from the Sistema de Informação em Saúde para a Atenção Básica (SISAB - Health Information System for Primary Healthcare) from 2018 to 2022. Indicators were selected from a previously validated evaluative matrix, calculated from records in the Collective Activity Form on the degree of OHt's protagonism in team meetings and its degree of organization concerning the meeting agendas. A descriptive and amplitude analysis of the indicators' variation over time was carried out, and the disparity index was also calculated to estimate and compare the magnitude of differences between macro-regions in 2022. RESULTS: In Brazil, between 3.06% and 4.04% of team meetings were led by OHt professionals. The Northeast and South regions had the highest (3.71% to 4.88%) and lowest proportions (1.21% to 2.48%), respectively. From 2018 to 2022, there was a reduction in the indicator of the "degree of protagonism of the OHt" in Brazil and macro-regions. The most frequent topics in meetings under OHt's responsibility were the work process (54.71% to 70.64%) and diagnosis and monitoring of the territory (33.49% to 54.48%). The most significant disparities between regions were observed for the indicator "degree of organization of the OHt concerning case discussion and singular therapeutic projects". CONCLUSIONS: The protagonism of the OHt in the teamwork process in PHC is incipient and presents regional disparities, which challenges managers and OHt to break isolation and lack of integration, aiming to offer comprehensive and quality healthcare to the user of the Unified Health System (SUS).

Challenges to conducting research on oral health with older adults living in long-term care facilities.

BACKGROUND: The challenges to conducting oral health studies involving older people in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) must be debated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate researchers' perceptions and experiences while conducting an epidemiological survey on oral health among older individuals residing in LTCFs. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted involving six researchers who utilized field diaries to record their impressions during data collection through interviews (older individuals (or their proxies), caregivers, and LTCF coordinators) and oral examinations of the older people participants. Additionally, researchers responded to open-ended questions about their experiences. The collected material was subjected to content analysis by two researchers. RESULTS: The themes that emerged from the analysis were institutional context, aspects affecting the operationalization of the study, and data collection oriented by the clinical-functional profile of the older people. According to the researchers' perceptions, LTCF coordinators demonstrated concern for the study's benefits for older adults and the preservation of institutional routines during the research process. Caregivers emerged as vital sources of information, guiding researchers in navigating the challenges posed by the physical and mental complexities of the older people participants, necessitating empathy, sensitivity, and attentive listening from the researchers. The organization of materials and a streamlined data collection process proved essential for optimizing time efficiency and reducing stress for participants and researchers. CONCLUSION: The researchers recognized the important role played by LTCF coordinators and formal caregivers, underscoring the significance of empathetic methodologies and streamlined data collection processes in mitigating the challenges inherent to research conducted within LTCFs.

Salivary factors associated with noncarious cervical lesions: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to carry out a systematic review of observational studies searching the association between salivary factors (amount and quality of saliva) and noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) in individuals with permanent dentition. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies performed in humans with permanent dentition (population) and considering noncarious cervical lesions (outcome) in association with salivary characteristics (exposure) were included. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, LILACS/BBO, Scopus, Embase, IBCT, NICE, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar were searched, with no language or date restrictions. Of 6561 potentially eligible studies, 142 were selected for full-text analysis. Three reviewers independently selected the studies, performed data extraction, and quality analysis through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Finally, ten references were included in the review, four case-control and six cross-sectional studies. Several salivary parameters were evaluated. Some parameters were considered associated with the presence of noncarious cervical lesions: salivary buffering capacity, salivary pH, citric acid, and calcium and potassium levels. The methodological quality varied across studies, with high heterogeneity among them. CONCLUSIONS: Some associations between saliva and NCCL suggesting protective factors and others risk factors were found. However, the evidence is sparse and comes from a few studies with great heterogeneity. New scientific evidence, with standardized methods, should be encouraged. Understanding salivary parameters that influence the occurrence of NCCL is important to guide dentists in relation to etiological factors that could potentially be neglected. The results may help in the development of new and early diagnostic methods and treatments for noncarious cervical lesions.

Association between shortened dental configurations and health outcomes: a scoping review.

This study mapped definitions of shortened dental configurations and health outcomes employed in association studies. A scoping review was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO and Cochrane databases. Two trained researchers selected studies and extracted data. Studies that investigated the association between shortened dental configurations (exposure) and person-centered outcomes (general and oral health) related to health behavior (dietary patterns). Clinical outcomes were classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO). Shortened dental configurations were defined as at least 20/21 teeth or the position of the teeth, including esthetics, dental occlusion and periodontal status (Eichner Index, Shortened Dental Arches, Functional Dentition Classification System, Posterior Occluding Pairs, Functional Tooth Units). The initial search resulted in 12,525 records in English, Portuguese and Spanish, 432 of which addressed the association of interest. General health (n = 203) and oral health (n = 201) were addressed in a similar number of studies. Most outcomes were related to general health (n = 184), the most frequent of which were endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases (n = 57) and mental functions (n = 26). Person-centered measures were addressed in 153 studies, most of which were about oral health and oral health-related quality of life (n = 62). Oral health outcomes were predominantly related to intake functions (n = 44) and diseases or disorders of the orofacial complex (n = 24). Dietary patterns (n = 43) and mortality (n = 38) were also studied. The cross-sectional design (n = 257) and non-probabilistic sampling (n = 218) were more frequent. The shortened dental configurations defined by the WHO were the most frequent in the studies (n = 206). The effects of shortened dental configurations have been investigated mainly in relation to endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases and measures of oral health-related quality of life. The findings point to a diversity of health outcomes assessed and substantial methodological variability.

Construção e validação de conteúdo de instrumento de autoavaliação da qualidade do cuidado em instituição de longa permanência para pessoas idosas / Development and content validation for a self-assessment instrument of care quality in long-term care facilities for older adults

Resumo Objetivo Desenvolver e realizar a validação de conteúdo de um instrumento de autoavaliação da qualidade do cuidado em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI), denominado QualificaILPI. Método Estudo metodológico realizado entre março e dezembro de 2021. O instrumento foi desenvolvido com base em modelo multidimensional de qualidade, legislação brasileira e pesquisa bibliográfica e contém padrões de qualidade para autoavaliação das ILPI nas dimensões: ambiente, lar, cuidado, envolvimento familiar e da comunidade, equipe de trabalho e gestão. Cada padrão é descrito e seguido por uma escala, com parâmetros para classificar o nível de qualidade da ILPI em incipiente, intermediário, consolidado. A Técnica Delphi modificada foi empregada para validação por um comitê de 10 especialistas quanto a pertinência do padrão para avaliação da qualidade da ILPI, da adequação dos objetivos e da escala de avaliação, clareza, podendo fazer comentários. O padrão foi mantido quando houve 75% de concordância entre os especialistas. O instrumento foi também avaliado pelo público-alvo, constituído por coordenadores de 10 ILPI, selecionadas por conveniência. Resultados No primeiro ciclo de avaliação, foram excluídos três padrões e dois novos foram criados. No segundo, alterou-se a dimensão de um padrão e dois padrões foram unidos. Ao final, permaneceram 29 padrões divididos em seis dimensões. O público-alvo, gestores de ILPI, sugeriu alterações na redação de alguns padrões. Houve consenso de 80% ou superior em todos os padrões. Conclusão O QualificaILPI poderá contribuir para o monitoramento das ILPI favorecendo a melhoria do cuidado ofertado aos residentes.

Abstract Objective To develop and validate the content of a self-assessment instrument for the quality of care in Long-Term Care Facilities for Older Adults (Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos - ILPIs), named QualificaILPI. Method A methodological study conducted between March and December 2021. The instrument was developed based on a multidimensional quality model, Brazilian legislation, and literature research. It contains quality standards for self-assessment of ILPIs in the dimensions of environment, home, care, family and community involvement, work team, and management. Each standard is described and followed by a scale with parameters to classify the level of ILPI quality as incipient, intermediate, or consolidated. The modified Delphi Technique was employed for validation by a committee of 10 experts regarding the relevance of the standard for ILPI quality assessment, the appropriateness of objectives, the evaluation scale, and clarity, allowing for comments. The standard was retained when there was 75% agreement among the experts. The instrument was also evaluated by the target audience, consisting of coordinators from 10 ILPIs selected for convenience. Results In the first assessment cycle, three standards were excluded, and two new ones were created. In the second cycle, the dimension of one standard was changed, and two standards were combined. In the end, 29 standards remained, divided into six dimensions. The target audience, ILPI managers, suggested changes in the wording of some standards. There was a consensus of 80% or higher for all standards. Conclusion QualificaILPI has the potential to contribute to monitoring ILPIs, promoting the improvement of care offered to residents.

Cost components of school-based oral health-promoting programs: A systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Oral health-promoting school programs play a crucial role in achieving universal coverage of oral health care, by addressing oral diseases and promoting the well-being and quality of life of children and adolescents. However, a lack of studies has evaluated the costs associated with implementing these programs, which hinders decision-makers in adopting them on a large scale. This review aims to assess the cost components involved in school-based oral health-promoting programs. METHODS: This review will include studies that have conducted either partial or full economic evaluations, focusing on describing the cost components of oral health-promoting programs implemented in primary schools involving students aged 6 to 14. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases: MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, the Virtual Health Library, the NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. Additionally, gray literature was searched using the Health Technology Assessment Database. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text review based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data extraction and critical appraisal evaluation will also be carried out independently by two reviewers. In case of disagreements, the reviewer team will resolve them through discussion. DISCUSSION: The systematic review resulting from this protocol aims to provide evidence regarding the cost components and necessary resources for implementing and maintaining oral health-promoting school programs. This information can assist decision-makers in adopting these programs on a larger scale and effectively addressing oral diseases among children and adolescents. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: CRD42022363743.

Evaluation of Long-Term Institutions for Older People in Brazil: an overview of regional inequalities. / Avaliação das Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos no Brasil: um panorama das desigualdades regionais.

This article aims to evaluate the Brazilian Long-Term Institutions for Older People (LTIE), according to the Integrated Multidimensional Theoretical Model of Quality and Service (MIQA), and compare the performance achieved between the regions of the country. Descriptive ecological study carried out with public secondary data from the LTIE participating in the 2018 Census of the Unified Social Assistance System. An Evaluation Matrix was constructed from the Census variables and the MIQA Theoretical Model. Quality parameters were used to classify the institutions' performance for each indicator as "incipient", "developing" or "desirable". The disparity index was obtained for each indicator. 1,665 institutions were analyzed. Differences were observed in the percentages of LTIE with "desirable" performance between Brazilian regions, and the need for improvement in most LTIE in relation to the proportion of caregivers of older people, the composition of the multidisciplinary team, accessibility and supply of health promotion actions. There was a need for government support for the suppression of exclusionary differentiation criteria and for the expansion of services to overcome overcrowding.

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar as Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) brasileiras, segundo o Modelo Teórico Multidimensional Integrado de Qualidade e Atendimento (MIQA), e comparar o desempenho alcançado entre as regiões do país. Estudo ecológico descritivo realizado com dados secundários públicos das ILPI participantes do Censo do Sistema Único da Assistência Social de 2018. Uma Matriz de Avaliação foi construída a partir das variáveis do Censo e do Modelo Teórico MIQA. Parâmetros de qualidade foram empregados para classificar o desempenho das instituições para cada indicador em "incipiente", "em desenvolvimento" ou "desejável. O índice de disparidade foi obtido para cada indicador. Foram analisadas 1.665 instituições. Observaram-se diferenças nos percentuais de ILPI com desempenho "desejável" entre as regiões brasileiras, e a necessidade de aprimoramento na maioria das ILPI em relação à proporção de cuidadores de pessoas idosas, a composição da equipe multiprofissional, a acessibilidade e a oferta de ações de promoção de saúde. Verificou-se a necessidade de apoio governamental para a supressão dos critérios de diferenciações excludentes e para a expansão dos serviços para superar as superlotações.

Avaliação das Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos no Brasil: um panorama das desigualdades regionais / Evaluation of Long-Term Institutions for Older People in Brazil: an overview of regional inequalities

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar as Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) brasileiras, segundo o Modelo Teórico Multidimensional Integrado de Qualidade e Atendimento (MIQA), e comparar o desempenho alcançado entre as regiões do país. Estudo ecológico descritivo realizado com dados secundários públicos das ILPI participantes do Censo do Sistema Único da Assistência Social de 2018. Uma Matriz de Avaliação foi construída a partir das variáveis do Censo e do Modelo Teórico MIQA. Parâmetros de qualidade foram empregados para classificar o desempenho das instituições para cada indicador em "incipiente", "em desenvolvimento" ou "desejável. O índice de disparidade foi obtido para cada indicador. Foram analisadas 1.665 instituições. Observaram-se diferenças nos percentuais de ILPI com desempenho "desejável" entre as regiões brasileiras, e a necessidade de aprimoramento na maioria das ILPI em relação à proporção de cuidadores de pessoas idosas, a composição da equipe multiprofissional, a acessibilidade e a oferta de ações de promoção de saúde. Verificou-se a necessidade de apoio governamental para a supressão dos critérios de diferenciações excludentes e para a expansão dos serviços para superar as superlotações.

Abstract This article aims to evaluate the Brazilian Long-Term Institutions for Older People (LTIE), according to the Integrated Multidimensional Theoretical Model of Quality and Service (MIQA), and compare the performance achieved between the regions of the country. Descriptive ecological study carried out with public secondary data from the LTIE participating in the 2018 Census of the Unified Social Assistance System. An Evaluation Matrix was constructed from the Census variables and the MIQA Theoretical Model. Quality parameters were used to classify the institutions' performance for each indicator as "incipient", "developing" or "desirable". The disparity index was obtained for each indicator. 1,665 institutions were analyzed. Differences were observed in the percentages of LTIE with "desirable" performance between Brazilian regions, and the need for improvement in most LTIE in relation to the proportion of caregivers of older people, the composition of the multidisciplinary team, accessibility and supply of health promotion actions. There was a need for government support for the suppression of exclusionary differentiation criteria and for the expansion of services to overcome overcrowding.

Validation of pairs of antagonist teeth for the evaluation of shortened dental arch in epidemiological studies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of pairs of antagonist teeth (epidemiological criterion) for defining pairs of teeth in occlusal contact (clinical criterion) and to estimate the agreement between the prevalence of "shortened dental arch" (SDA) and "functional dentition" (FD) when occlusal units (OUs) or posterior occluding pairs (POPs) are defined by the epidemiological or clinical criterion. Data were collected in an epidemiological oral health survey conducted in a municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil. OUs and POPs were defined by the epidemiological criterion (dental crown status) or clinical criterion "gold standard" (carbon paper record of occlusal contacts during habitual maximum intercuspation). SDA corresponded to the presence of an intact anterior region and three to five OUs. FD was based on the concomitant presence of ≥ 1 tooth in each arch, 10 teeth in each arch, 12 anterior teeth, ≥ 3 premolar POPs, and ≥ 1 molar POP bilaterally. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of the epidemiological criterion were calculated. The study included 197 adults. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 88.5, 87.9, 92.5, and 81.9%, respectively, and accuracy was 88.3%. The epidemiological criterion proved to be valid and could be used in epidemiological studies to calculate the prevalence of reduced dental configurations that consider POPs. The assessment of oral functionality is an aspect that should be included in the diagnosis of the clinical condition of patients, contributing to a more effective individual and collective oral health care plan.

Intersectoral Collaboration to Promote Child Development: The Contributions of the Actor-Network Theory.

An integrated intersectoral care model promises to meet complex needs to promote early child development and address health determinants and inequities. Nevertheless, there is a lack of understanding of actors' interactions in producing intersectoral collaboration networks. The present study aimed to analyze the intersectoral collaboration in the social protection network involved in promoting early child growth and development in Brazilian municipalities. Underpinned by the tenets of actor-network theory, a case study was conducted with data produced from an educational intervention, entitled "Projeto Nascente." Through document analysis (ecomaps), participant observation (in Projeto Nascente seminars), and interviews (with municipal management representatives), our study explored and captured links among actors; controversies and resolution mechanisms; the presence of mediators and intermediaries; and an alignment of actors, resources, and support. The qualitative analysis of these materials identified three main themes: (1) agency fragility for intersectoral collaboration, (2) attempt to form networks, and (3) incorporation of fields of possibilities. Our findings revealed that intersectoral collaboration for promoting child growth and development is virtually non-existent or fragile, and local potential is missed or underused. These results emphasized the scarcity of action by mediators and intermediaries to promote enrollment processes to intersectoral collaboration. Likewise, existing controversies were not used as a mechanism for triggering changes. Our research supports the need to mobilize actors, resources, management, and communication tools that promote processes of interessement and enrollment in favor of intersectoral collaboration policies and practices for child development.

Psychometric properties of an oral health literacy scale for people living with diabetes.

This study evaluated the construct validity of the instrument Oral Health Literacy among diabetics. A probabilistic random sample of 239 diabetics from an infinite population answered the 10 items of the questionnaire. The structural validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis and goodness of fit, chi-square per degrees of freedom ratio (X2/df), comparative fit index (CFI), goodness-of-fit index (GFI), and root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA). Internal consistency was estimated by the average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability (CR). The scores were dichotomized with the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval as the cutoff point. The three-dimensional model presented good quality parameters (X2 /df = 2.459; CFI = 0.988; TLI = 0.981) and poor RMSEA (0.078). Internal consistency was adequate; AVE for the Access, Understand/appraise, and Apply subscales were 0.831, 0.981, and 0.954 and the CR for these subscales were 0.893, 0.962, and 0.822, respectively. Inadequate literacy ranged from 41.8 to 48.1%. The three-dimensional model identified (access, understand/appraise, and apply) showed structural validity, good internal consistency, and understandability.

Bleaching effectiveness and cytotoxicity of new experimental formulation of niobium-based bleaching gel.

OBJECTIVES: The development of new bleaching agents with minimum concentration of hydrogen peroxide (HP), without adverse effects, and with bleaching effectiveness, has great clinical relevance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bleaching efficacy and cytotoxicity of a new niobium-based bleaching gel, compared to already available HP-based gels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the bleaching efficacy analysis, 40 bovine incisors were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the established bleaching protocol: control, untreated; 35HP, 35% HP bleaching gel; 6HP, 6% HP bleaching gel; NbHP, niobium gel associated with 3% HP gel. The color variation was measured in a spectrophotometer and the values of ΔL, Δa, Δb, and ΔE obtained. For the cell viability assay by MTT, MC3T3 cells were exposed to bleaching gel extracts (1:500, 1:250, 1:125 dilutions; immediately and 24 h). Statistical tests were performed (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The color alteration for all bleaching gels was significant compared to control (P < 0.05), but the NbHP gel showed a significant ΔE than other gels, with expressive color alteration at 14 days (P < 0.05). The 35HP showed high cytotoxicity regarding control and the most groups in all periods and extracts analyzed (P < 0.05), while the NbHP showed greater cell viability than control in the immediate period, dilution of the 1:500 and superior to 6HP in the most extracts at 24 h. CONCLUSION: The new experimental niobium-based gel has bleaching efficacy similar to that of gels with a high concentration of HP, and it has high cytocompatibility. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of this new generation of niobium-based whitening gel associated with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide represents the possibility of a tooth whitening with lower dentin sensitivity.

Income- and education-based inequalities of edentulism and dental services utilization in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Tooth loss is a worldwide public health problem affecting mainly socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Dental services utilization may increase access to preventive actions and conservative treatment, reducing the prevalence of tooth loss. This study evaluated the income- and education-based inequalities in edentulism according to the utilization of dental services among adults and older adults in Brazil. METHODS: Data from the National Oral Health Survey (SB Brazil, 2010) of adults (ages 35-44 years, n = 9779) and older adults (ages 65-74 years, n = 7619) were analysed. Socioeconomic indicators (SES) included education and income. The magnitude of inequality in edentulism by education and income levels was estimated by the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) and the Slope Index of Inequality (SII). The changes in the RII and SII according to the utilization of dental services were estimated. Regression models estimated the association between SES and edentulism and whether dental services utilization modified this association. RESULTS: Higher edentulism prevalence was observed among those with lower education and income levels. The utilization of dental services changed the education-based inequality index in edentulism for adults, with percentage changes of 17.4% (RII) and 56.8% (SII). For adults with low education (0-4 years of study), the odds of edentulism were 80% (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1-0.6) and 90% (OR 0.1; 95% CI 0.01-0.2) lower for those who had used dental services within the preceding year and within 1-2 years compared with those who had used such services within the preceding 3 or more years, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was a social gradient in the prevalence of edentulism in adults and older adults, and the education-based inequalities in edentulism were lower among adults reporting utilization of dental services in the preceding year.

Unraveling the signs and symptoms of oral conditions that affect daily life activities and oral health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: Since oral conditions negatively affect oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), this study evaluated which oral clinical condition, signs, and symptoms are associated with the impact on OHRQoL, its domains, and specific daily life activities among adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from a probabilistic sample of adults (35-44 years old) was used. The Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) was used to evaluate OHRQoL, its domains (physical, psychological, and social), and nine daily life activities. Signs and symptoms of oral diseases (dental caries, periodontal disease, need for dental prothesis, and tooth loss) and oral self-perception were considered. Descriptive, bivariate, and multi-level analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 5,834 adults were included, of which 52.9% had some negative impact of oral conditions on OHRQoL. Difficulty in eating was the most affected daily life activity. For multiple models, dental caries lesions (cavities), filled teeth with caries, gingival bleeding, periodontal pocket, dental pain, need for upper or lower dental prosthesis, and oral health self-perception were associated (p < 0.05) with overall OHRQoL or at least one of its domains. The impact on daily life activities of each individual was associated with at least one oral condition. Dental caries lesions (cavity) and dental pain were associated (p < 0.05) with the impact on most daily life activities evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Different signs and symptoms of prevalent oral diseases are associated with the impact on specific daily life activities among adults, which may compromise the OHRQoL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of how signs, symptoms, and oral conditions affect OHRQoL and daily life activities can provide essential information for clinicians to establish proper disease management and preventive strategies focusing on improving patients' lives.

A systematic review of measurement instruments for oral health assessment of older adults in long-term care facilities by nondental professionals.

BACKGROUND: Regular oral health assessment of older adults living in Long-term Care Facilities (LTCF) can improve their oral health. AIMS: This study aimed to systematically review studies describing the development of instruments employed by nondental professionals to assess the oral health of older adults in LTCF and to evaluate their measurement properties. MATERIAL & METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted in the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS databases. Measurement properties of the identified instruments were evaluated using the Consensus-based Standards to select health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Studies assessing at least one measurement property (validity, reliability, or responsiveness) of instruments used to assess oral health of older adults living in LTCF by nondental professionals were considered. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) checklist was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. RESULTS: Fifteen studies reporting measurement properties of seven instruments were selected. The ohr-interRAI and the OHAT were considered to have sufficient content validity, with high and moderate evidence quality, respectively. OHAT, BOHSE, and DHI showed acceptable results on reliability but with very low quality of evidence. DHI and OHSTNP also showed acceptable results for criterion validity, but, with low quality of evidence, insufficient or unclear results were observed for the remaining measurement properties. Studies evaluating the validity criteria of BOHSE and hypotheses testing of ohr-MDS were considered to have high evidence quality. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The ohr-interRAI can be provisionally recommended for use until further evidence is provided. Further methodologically rigorous studies are needed to assess the measurement properties of the existing instruments.

Psychometric properties of an oral health literacy scale for people living with diabetes

Abstract This study evaluated the construct validity of the instrument Oral Health Literacy among diabetics. A probabilistic random sample of 239 diabetics from an infinite population answered the 10 items of the questionnaire. The structural validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis and goodness of fit, chi-square per degrees of freedom ratio (X2/df), comparative fit index (CFI), goodness-of-fit index (GFI), and root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA). Internal consistency was estimated by the average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability (CR). The scores were dichotomized with the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval as the cutoff point. The three-dimensional model presented good quality parameters (X2 /df = 2.459; CFI = 0.988; TLI = 0.981) and poor RMSEA (0.078). Internal consistency was adequate; AVE for the Access, Understand/appraise, and Apply subscales were 0.831, 0.981, and 0.954 and the CR for these subscales were 0.893, 0.962, and 0.822, respectively. Inadequate literacy ranged from 41.8 to 48.1%. The three-dimensional model identified (access, understand/appraise, and apply) showed structural validity, good internal consistency, and understandability.

Validation of pairs of antagonist teeth for the evaluation of shortened dental arch in epidemiological studies

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of pairs of antagonist teeth (epidemiological criterion) for defining pairs of teeth in occlusal contact (clinical criterion) and to estimate the agreement between the prevalence of "shortened dental arch" (SDA) and "functional dentition" (FD) when occlusal units (OUs) or posterior occluding pairs (POPs) are defined by the epidemiological or clinical criterion. Data were collected in an epidemiological oral health survey conducted in a municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil. OUs and POPs were defined by the epidemiological criterion (dental crown status) or clinical criterion "gold standard" (carbon paper record of occlusal contacts during habitual maximum intercuspation). SDA corresponded to the presence of an intact anterior region and three to five OUs. FD was based on the concomitant presence of ≥ 1 tooth in each arch, 10 teeth in each arch, 12 anterior teeth, ≥ 3 premolar POPs, and ≥ 1 molar POP bilaterally. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of the epidemiological criterion were calculated. The study included 197 adults. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 88.5, 87.9, 92.5, and 81.9%, respectively, and accuracy was 88.3%. The epidemiological criterion proved to be valid and could be used in epidemiological studies to calculate the prevalence of reduced dental configurations that consider POPs. The assessment of oral functionality is an aspect that should be included in the diagnosis of the clinical condition of patients, contributing to a more effective individual and collective oral health care plan.

A multilevel analysis model for dental caries determinants in independently-living elderly

To evaluate the prevalence of untreated caries and its association with biological, individual, and environmental variables in independently-living elderly people. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 72 elderly (≥60 years) patients of a university dental clinic in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Sociodemographic data, systemic diseases, medications, and free sugar intake were collected. Visible plaque, Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT), and Decayed and Filled Root (DFR) indexes were assessed through clinical examination. Unstimulated saliva was collected to determine salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity. Descriptive analysis and multilevel logistic regression analysis were performed following a dental caries theoretical model (p <0.05, 95% CI). Results: The mean DMFT and DFR were 24.44 (SD=4.59) and 3.21 (SD=2.93), respectively. The prevalence of untreated caries was 61.11%. In the adjusted multilevel regression model involving 1639 teeth, untreated dental caries was significantly associated with the presence of biofilm (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.24­2.74), salivary buffering capacity (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77­0.99) and per capita income (OR = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.004­0.74). Conclusion: The experience of dental caries was widespread among independently-living elderly patients, and its variability was best explained by the presence of biofilm, reduced salivary buffering capacity, and low per capita income. A comprehensive assessment is needed of the biological, individual, and environmental factors related to the presence of dental caries in independently-living elderly people

Association between Dentin Hypersensitivity and Health/Oral Health-related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between DH and Health (HRQoL) or Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Material and Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scielo, LILACS/BBO, Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD), Open Grey, and Google Scholar databases were screened in September 2019 (updated in October 2022). Observational studies were selected to compare HRQoL/OHRQoL(outcome) according to DH(exposure) or evaluate the association among these variables. Standardized Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for analytical cross-sectional studies was used to analyze the risk of bias. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize evidence for the association between DH and OHRQoL. Results: 10 papers met inclusion criteria and were evaluated. In most studies, presenting or having a greater intensity of DH was associated with a negative impact on one's quality of life. However, most of these studies showed a moderate to high risk of methodological bias. The consistent finding from studies with a low risk of bias suggests a significant association between DH and OHRQoL. Meta-analysis was feasible for three studies with substantial heterogeneity. The pooled Odds Ratio was 2.14 (95%CI 1.15-3.99; I2= 57,44%). Conclusion: Many studies presented a high risk of bias; therefore, the actual effect of DH on one's quality of life remains uncertain.