Parental Reports of Children's Dental Pain Experience and Associated Factors among Brazilian Children.

Exploring children's dental pain experiences helps to develop healthcare policies for improving oral health and quality of life. A cross-sectional study involved 300 parents/caregivers of four- to seven-year-old children using snowball sampling. Parents/caregivers self-completed an online questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, parenting styles, their child's oral hygiene practices, free sugar consumption, and dental history. The questionnaire was created using Google Forms and was disseminated to parents/caregivers via E-mail and/or WhatsApp©. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses were performed (p < 0.05). Children's dental pain experience was reported by 20.3% of the parents. The authoritative parenting style was predominant. The child's mean age at the first consumption of sugar was 1.38 (±0.64) years, and 40.3% of the children had high-free sugar consumption. The mean age for the first dental appointment was 2.26 (±1.31) years, and 24.3% of the children never went to a dental appointment. The prevalence of dental pain experience was higher in children who attended their first dental appointment later (PR: 1.02; CI 95%: 1.01-1.03) and among those with high-free sugar consumption (PR: 1.90; CI 95%: 1.21-3.00). High sugar consumption and delay in the first dental appointment may increase the likelihood that children will experience dental pain.

Self-reported dental pain in Mexican schoolchildren: a national ecological study.

The objective of this study was to quantify the prevalence of and identify the factors associated with dental pain among elementary- and middle-school students in Mexico. An ecological study was carried out with data from the 2008 National School-based Student-Health Survey. Information on dental pain from schoolchildren (aged 5 to 16 years) was collected from public schools across the 32 states of Mexico. In the original study, a questionnaire was used to explore various factors that affect the oral and dental health status of schoolchildren. The outcome variable was the prevalence rate (for dental pain) reported at state level. Various contextual socioeconomic variables were included, in addition to dental caries. Analyses were performed using Stata software. 52.9% of interviewees were girls; 26.9% of male and female schoolchildren in Mexico experienced gum or dental pain during the period analyzed (95% Confidence Interval = 26.02, 27.77%); according to the Spearman correlation results, self-reported dental pain was unrelated (p > 0.05) to the socioeconomic and sociodemographic variables that make up the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Human Development (HDI), as well as the marginalization and the Gini indices. However, the estimated percentages of self-reported dental pain and caries were positively correlated in the elementary- (r = 0.8958, p < 0.0001), middle-school (r = 0.8958, p < 0.0001) and total populations (r = 0.8542, p < 0.0001). Prevalence of self-reported dental pain was 28%, or about one in three, of the Mexican children and adolescents in the study sample. The state-level sociodemographic and socioeconomic risk indicators were not associated with the prevalence of dental pain. Self-reported caries was positively correlated with self-reported dental pain.

Markers of periodontal disease and risk of stroke: INTERSTROKE case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease may be an important modifiable risk factor for stroke. AIMS: To determine the contribution of markers of periodontal disease to stroke risk globally, within subpopulations, and by stroke subtypes. METHODS: INTERSTROKE is the largest international case-control study of risk factors for first acute stroke. All participants were asked a standardised set of questions about the presence or absence of painful teeth, painful gums or lost teeth, as markers of periodontal disease, within the previous year. The total number of reported variables was calculated per participant. Multivariable conditional logistic regression examined the association of these variables with acute stroke. RESULTS: In 26901 participants, across 32 countries, there was a significant multivariable association between lost teeth and stroke (OR 1.11, 95 % CI 1.01 - 1.22), but not painful teeth (OR 1.00, 95 % CI 0.91-1.10) or painful gums (OR 1.01, 95 % CI 0.89 - 1.14). When these symptoms were considered together there was a graded increased odds of stroke, with the largest magnitude of association seen if a patient reported all three of painful teeth, painful gums and lost teeth (OR 1.34, 95 % CI 1.00 - 1.79). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that features of severe periodontal disease are a risk factor for acute stroke. Periodontal disease should be considered as a potentially modifiable risk factor for stroke.

Relationships among barodontalgia prevalence, altitude, stress, dental care frequency, and barodontalgia awareness: a survey of Turkish pilots.

Background: Gas expansion in body cavities due to pressure changes at high altitudes can cause barodontalgia. This condition may compromise flight safety. Aim: To investigate relationships among barodontalgia awareness, dental visit frequency, and barodontalgia prevalence in civilian and military pilots operating at high altitudes. Materials and Methods: Civilian pilots from Turkish Airlines and military pilots from the Turkish Air Force, flying between November 2022 and January 2023, participated in this study. A 20-question survey was administered to 750 pilots, covering topics such as barodontalgia awareness, dental visit frequency, breaks after dental treatments, in-flight pain, and pain type and severity. The voluntary surveys were distributed by email. Results: Of the 750 pilots, 526 completed the survey; 61% were aware of barodontalgia, and 81% of pilots who had experienced it reported pain at altitudes <2000 feet. The study revealed higher barodontalgia awareness among pilots who had experienced it, with the highest prevalence among jet pilots. Pilots with barodontalgia also showed a higher frequency of dental visits (p < 0.001). Additionally, this group reported more frequent interruption of flight due to dental treatment (IFDT), more problems experienced in flights after treatment (PFAT), and higher instances of bruxism or teeth clenching during flight, suggesting stress and anxiety (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Barodontalgia, a type of pain linked to stress, significantly impacts pilot performance, and can threaten flight safety, even at lower altitudes. Thus, there is a need to educate pilots about stress management, barodontalgia awareness, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.

Dentin hypersensitivity and toothache among patients diagnosed with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) and toothache in patients with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH); and evaluate whether patients with MIH have greater likelihood of presenting DH/toothache than controls. DATA: Studies evaluating DH/toothache in patients with MIH were included. Studies focusing on other enamel defects were excluded. SOURCES: Eight databases, including grey literature, were searched in January 2024. STUDY SELECTION: The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for Cross-sectional studies. Proportion and association meta-analyses, subgrouped by diagnostic methods, were conducted. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE approach. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis and fourteen in the meta-analyses. Two studies fulfilled all items of the methodological quality checklist. The overall prevalence of DH/toothache among patients with MIH was 45 %. Prevalence rates of 30 %, 47 %, and 55 % were estimated based on proxy reports, self-reports, and air stimulation, respectively. The overall prevalence of DH/toothache per tooth was 22 %, ranging from 16 % to 29 % according to the diagnostic method. Patients with MIH demonstrated higher likelihood of presenting proxy reports of DH/toothache compared to those without MIH (OR: 1.51, 95 % CI [1.23-1.85], P < 0.01, I2: 0 %). The certainty of evidence was very low, mainly due to the low methodological quality of included studies and high inconsistency. CONCLUSIONS: The global prevalence of DH/toothache was 22 %, per tooth, and 45 % per patient. Estimates vary according to diagnostic methods. Patients with MIH showed higher likelihood of presenting proxy reports of DH/toothache than controls. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This systematic review contributes valuable information to the dental literature by assessing the prevalence and associated factors of DH/toothache in patients with MIH. The findings can guide future research, inform clinical practices and public policy makers, and ultimately improve the management of oral health of patients with MIH. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023432805.

Dental Pain Medication Prescriptions in Minas Gerais, Brazil (2011-2021): A Time-Series Analysis.

To describe trends of dentist-prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics, from January 2011 to December 2021, as well as to examine the relationship between these trends and characteristics of public oral health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. In this time-series analysis, all drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. Drugs categorized as NSAIDs (M01A), and other analgesics and antipyretics (N02B) were included for analysis. The outcome was the number of Defined Daily Doses (DDDs)/1000 inhabitants/year for NSAIDs and analgesics in each town. Covariates referred to characteristics of public oral health services, such as coverage, estimates of dental procedures, and frequency of toothache. Linear time-series regression models were used to determine the influence of covariates on the outcome. Overall, there were 58,482 prescriptions of NSAIDs recorded in thirty-eight towns, while 47,499 prescriptions of analgesics in forty-three towns. For each year, there was a 0.38 (p < 0.001), and 0.28 (p < 0.001) increase in the average log of DDD/1000 inhabitants/year for NSAIDs and analgesics, respectively. A positive association was detected between toothache (p < 0.001) and the prescription of NSAIDs. Over the eleven years, there was a general rising trend in the prescriptions. Toothache was the only characteristic of public oral health services associated with the prescription rates of NSAIDs, implying that as the frequency of toothaches increase, so do the prescriptions of NSAIDs in the studied towns.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Factors associated with toothache in 12-year-old adolescents in a southeastern state of Brazil.

This cross-sectional study evaluated factors associated with toothache in 12-year-old adolescents from the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Secondary data were collected from the SB Minas Gerais 2012 epidemiological survey. The dependent variable was toothache in the past 6 months. The independent variables were grouped into two levels: individual (sex, ethnic group, family income, periodontal condition, dental caries, dental treatment needs, and type of service used) and contextual (allocation factor, Human Development Index, Gini coefficient, gross domestic product, unemployment, illiteracy, basic sanitation, garbage collection, family income, half or a quarter of a minimum wage, primary healthcare coverage, primary oral healthcare team coverage, oral health technician, access to individual dental care, and supervised tooth brushing). A multilevel analysis was performed using the Hierarchical Linear and Nonlinear Modeling Software Program to assess the association of individual and contextual variables with toothache in the last 6 months. The prevalence of toothache in the last six months among the adolescents of this study was 19.1%. An association was found with family income (p <0.001), dental caries (p <0.001), primary oral healthcare team coverage (p = 0.015) and oral health technician (p = 0.008). Socioeconomic conditions and the most prevalent oral diseases, such as dental caries, as well as the use of public services, were related to toothache in adolescents aged 12 years. These findings reinforce the need to develop and implement public policies to address the oral health problems of this population.

Toothache and tooth extraction as reasons for dental visits: an analysis of the 2019 National Health Survey.

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of dental visits due to toothache and tooth extraction in Brazil and its association with individual and contextual variables. This two-step cross-sectional study included persons aged 18 years and older in the 2019 National Health Survey who had visited a dentist in the 12 months prior to the interview (n = 40,369). The individual-level outcome was having a dental visit due to toothache or tooth extraction. The ecological-level outcome was the proportion of dental visits for these reasons relative to all dental visits by Brazilian state. Associations with individual - sociodemographic characteristics, number of teeth, and type of health service used - and ecological variables - HDI and dental service coverage - were assessed using Poisson regressions. The prevalence of dental visits due to toothache or extraction was higher among individuals with no formal education, household income < 25% of the minimum wage, of black and brown skin color, living in rural areas, who consulted in the public health system, with 10-19 and 1-9 teeth, and men. The proportion of dental visits due to toothache/extraction in Brazilian states was negatively associated with the HDI and the rate of dental emergency team/100,000 inhabitants and positively associated with primary dental care coverage. The prevalence of dental visits due to toothache/extraction was associated with individual and ecological characteristics, indicating inequities in reasons for dental visits in Brazil. The potential of a well-structured oral health care network to overcome these inequities is suggested and needs to be better explored.

Toothache experiences: findings from 21 years longitudinal survey

Aim: To describe the pattern of toothache experience in a cohort of children aged 2-5 over 21 years and to find the relationship between previous toothache experience and later reports of toothache to get finding on the most critical period of toothache as a problem in life. Methods: This is a secondary data analysis from Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS). A total of 1,927 children from IFLS-1 with complete data were included as baseline participants. They were followed up four times within 21 years (age 6-9y, age 9-12y, age 16-19y, age 23- 26y). Toothache was based on the question of self-reported toothache experience during the last four weeks. After 21 years, a total of 1,098 individuals could be traced and completed every cohort of the survey. Toothache experiences were reported for frequencies in every cohort and accumulative experiences over 21 years. Logistic regression tests were performed to analyze the association of previous toothache experience and later toothache experience. Results: Almost 40% of the respondents reported toothache at least once in their life. The age of 6-9 years is the period when a high percentage of children had teeth-related pain. The experience of toothache at this period was significantly related to every period of age in life. Conclusions: The period of early mixed dentition is important. Oral health status in this period is associated with future oral health. A comprehensive dental health prevention program targeting this population is essential to increase the quality of life

Orofacial problems in scuba diving: prevalence and prevention-a large-scale survey among civilian divers in France.

Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving is becoming widely democratized among hobbyist practitioners. It can cause orofacial problems, mostly linked to pressure changes. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of these problems and to analyze civilian divers' behavior about their dental prevention in France, via a cross-sectional study. Data from 1015 French civilian divers were collected via a nationwide online questionnaire in which participants indicated information concerning orofacial experienced problems during their diving activity, and their medical preventive habits. As results, oral manifestations were experienced by 25.2% of the divers, including barodontalgia (10.8%), mouth syndrome (13.4%), gum pain (2.8%) and dental fractures caused by barotrauma (3.7%) or shocks (1.9%). Mouth syndrome was more frequent among women (18.6%) and divers aged between 18 and 34 years (18.9%). The prevalence of dental fractures increased significantly with age. High diving level was associated with more frequent barodontalgia (17.5%), gum pain (7%) and barotrauma (7.6%). Among respondents, 43.5% completed a dental examination before a diving season and showed fewer oral problems during their scuba diving practice than those who did not. In conclusion, oral problems in scuba diving represent frequent events that can compromise the safety of divers. Despite awareness rising, there is a lack of recourse to the dentist. This leads to incomplete information, especially concerning the preventive means available to divers.

COVID-19 Effects on Income and Dental Visits: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: In April 2020, the Japanese government declared a state of emergency owing to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which resulted in reduced workforce and job losses. Furthermore, income is one of the most consistent predictors of dental visits. Therefore, this study examined the association between income changes and dental clinic visits during the COVID-19 state of emergency in Japan. METHODS: An online, self-reported cross-sectional survey about health activities including dental visits during the first COVID-19 state of emergency was conducted in Osaka, Japan (June 23 to July 12, 2020). Among participants with toothaches, the assessment for the association between "refrained from visiting a dentist despite wanting treatment for toothache during the state of emergency (refrained treatment)" and income changes before and after the state of emergency using a multivariate Poisson regression model adjusted for sex, age, self-rated health, frequency of regular dental visits, and employment status. RESULTS: Among 27,575 participants, 3,895 (14.1%) had toothaches, and 1,906 (6.9%) reported refrained treatment. Among people with decreased income (n = 8,152, 29.6% of overall participants), the proportions of the refrained treatment group were 8.0% (income decreased by 1%-49%), 9.9% (50%-99% decreased), and 9.1% (100% decreased). Among participants with toothache, after adjusting for all variables, compared with participants with no income change, we observed significantly higher prevalence ratios (PRs) for refrained treatment in those who experienced a decreased income owing to COVID-19 (1%-49% decrease: PR = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.005-1.17; 50%-99% decrease: PR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06-1.32; 100% decrease: PR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04-1.33). CONCLUSION: Decreased income was associated with refrained dental treatment during the COVID-19 state of emergency in Osaka, Japan. The economic damage related to the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to oral health inequalities. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: Our study found that individuals with decreased income owing to COVID-19 before and after the state of emergency showed significantly higher prevalence ratios for refraining from visiting a dentist despite wanting treatment for toothache. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution because it provides novel, basic data that economic damages related to the COVID-19 pandemic might expand to oral health inequalities.

Barodontalgia and Dental Barotrauma Among Scuba Divers.

INTRODUCTION: Barometric pressure variation during dives may induce barodontalgia and barotrauma. Barodontalgia refers to oral pain resulting from a change in ambient pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of barodontalgia and dental barotrauma among French civilian scuba divers.METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional internet-based survey was conducted among French scuba divers over 18 yr of age registered by the French Federation of Underwater Sports (FFESSM). The online questionnaire was distributed from October to December 2020. It contained questions regarding general characteristics of participants, barodontalgia and dental barotrauma occurrences, and relationship of the diver with his/her dentist.RESULTS: There were 684 scuba divers (65.4% men; aged 48 ± 12 yr) who participated in the study. Barodontalgia was reported by 18.7%, with some respondents reporting more than one episode. Most barodontalgia affected posterior (81.2%) and upper teeth (55.2%) with dental filling (50.0%). At least one dental barotrauma was reported by 10.1% of respondents, including mainly loss or fracture of a dental filling (4.2%). The occurrence of dental barotrauma was significantly higher among men (12.3%) than women (5.9%) and increased significantly with the age, the years of diving and the diving qualification.CONCLUSION: Information should be provided to divers on the importance of routine dental checkups.Kougeon K, Yasukawa K, Baudet A. Barodontalgia and dental barotrauma among scuba divers. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(5):421-425.

Self-reported satisfaction with teeth and associated factors in 12-year-olds.

OBJECTIVES: To explore self-reported satisfaction with teeth in 12-year-old children, and to study whether satisfaction was associated with child characteristics, oral health behaviours and previous experiences with teeth and dental treatment. METHODS: Data were retrieved from dental records of 4725 children and questionnaires including information on satisfaction with teeth, gender, parents' origin, parents' education, dental anxiety, tooth brushing frequency, use of dental floss, toothache, pain at last dental visit and caries. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data were crosstabulated and tested using Chi-square statistics and multivariable logistic regression. The study was ethically approved. RESULTS: Most children (68%) were satisfied with their teeth. Children who were dissatisfied with teeth were more likely to have negative experiences with their teeth and dental treatment with higher probability of having experienced toothache (OR 1.6, CI 1.4-1.8), pain at last dental visit (OR 1.4, CI 1.2-1.6) or dental anxiety (OR 1.2, CI 1.1-1.4) than other children. In addition, children with caries in their primary (OR 1.4, CI 1.2-1.7) and permanent teeth (OR 1.2, CI 1.0-1.4) were more likely to be dissatisfied than those without caries. CONCLUSIONS: Most 12-year-olds were satisfied with their teeth. The strongest indicator for being dissatisfied was experiences with toothache, pain at last dental visit or caries while parents' origin and education were less important.

Influence of toothache on oral health-related quality of life during adolescence: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the influence of toothache in early adolescence on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) on later adolescence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted, starting in 2012 within a random sample of 1,134 adolescents of 12-year-olds, in Santa Maria, Brazil. Clinical, socioeconomic, demographic, and subjective variables were obtained. Toothache was collected through the question "In the last 6 months, did you have toothache?" Six years later, the same adolescents answered the short form of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14). Multilevel Poisson regression was used to evaluate the association between toothache at baseline (2012) with overall and domain-specific CPQ11-14 scores at follow-up (2018). RESULTS: A total of 769 adolescents were revaluated in 2018 (68% rate retention), with a mean age of 17.5 years (SD, 0.64). Adolescents who reported toothache at the baseline presented a had a higher mean score in the overall CPQ questionnaire during follow-up (Incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.25; 95% CI 1.20-1.31). Toothache was also associated with all domain-specific CPQ11-14 even after adjusting the other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian adolescents who had toothache in early adolescence, even if only a single episode, have a negative impact on OHRQoL throughout adolescence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings serve as a warning for dental professionals to dedicate their preventive approaches and to promote healthy standards in this age group, in order to avoid episodes of toothache and negative impact on OHRQoL.

Prevalence of toothache and associated factors in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of toothache in children and adolescents and to verify its association with sociodemographic characteristics and dental caries experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six main and three grey literature databases were searched in February 2021. Observational studies that assessed the prevalence of toothache and associated factors were included. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated following the guidelines by Fowkes and Fulton. Proportion and association meta-analyses were performed in MedCalc and Revman software, respectively. The certainty of the evidence was determined with the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Seventy-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two presented high methodological quality and a low risk of bias. The overall pooled prevalence of toothache in children and adolescents was 36.2% (95%CI: 33.0-39.42; I2: 99.72%; P < 0.001). Females (OR: 1.17; 95%CI: 1.08-1.26; I2: 91%; P < 0.001) and children and adolescents whose caregivers had ≤ 8 years of schooling (OR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.30-1.56; I2: 77%; P < 0.001) presented the higher chance of reporting toothache. Dental caries experience increased the chance of reporting toothache in 3.49 times (95%CI: 2.70-4.51; I2: 92%; P < 0.001). The certainty of the evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS: The overall pooled prevalence of toothache was considered high. Sociodemographic characteristics (sex and caregivers' educational level) and previous dental caries experience were significantly associated with toothache reports. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Toothache is still a recurrent issue in many countries. Thus, it is essential to understand its possible associated factors to reduce the occurrence of new episodes.

Orofacial pain among Chinese older adults in the last year of life.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of orofacial pain and associated factors in Chinese older adults at the end of life. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1646 participants (65 years or older) in their last year of life from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). We used the 6-month prevalence questions to measure two specific orofacial pain symptoms: toothache, and jaw or facial pain. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors, such as socioeconomic status, health behaviours and chronic diseases, that were associated with these two orofacial pain symptoms in the last year of life. RESULTS: The 6-month prevalence estimates for toothache and jaw pain or facial pain for older adults in the last year of life were 14.1% and 4.5% respectively. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with lower odds of toothache and jaw pain or facial pain. Smoking was associated with high odds of toothache. Participants who brushed their teeth at least once a day were more likely to have toothache and jaw or facial pain than those who did not. Having any chronic conditions was associated with higher odds of toothache and jaw or facial pain. Older adults who had at least one tooth were more likely to have jaw or facial pain than those without any teeth. CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of Chinese older adults in their last year of life reported toothache and/or jaw pain or facial pain. These findings suggest that appropriate measures need to be taken to address the oral health needs in these vulnerable individuals, especially those of low socioeconomic status and chronic conditions.