Is There a Correlation Between Periodontal Disease Symptoms and the COVID-19 Vaccination?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate and compare potential associations between different COVID-19 vaccines and periodontal diseases, mainly gingival bleeding and oral malodor (bad breath). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire consisting of 15 questions regarding demographic information, medical history, type of COVID-19 vaccine received, history of COVID-19, and general and periodontal symptoms after vaccination. The survey was voluntary and privately accessed online using SurveyMonkey®. A total of 2000 participants from three regions of Saudi Arabia participated in the study from October 11, 2021, to October 11, 2022. RESULTS: Of the participants, 95.8% received at least one dose of the available COVID-19 vaccine. Oxford-AstraZeneca was the most administered (41.7%). Patients who suffered from chronic diseases or had a history of COVID-19 infection were less likely to be vaccinated (OR= 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.97; OR=0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.99) compared with people with no chronic diseases or who had a history of COVID-19. The odds ratios for gingival bleeding, oral malodor, mobility, and tooth loss indicated no significant differences regarding vaccination status. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 vaccines might not affect periodontal tissue conditions. People should not avoid vaccination due to concerns with oral or general health, as the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential side effects.

Gingival Pigmentation Features in Correlation with Tooth and Skin Shades: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Saudi Population.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to observe the anatomical distribution of gingival melanin pigmentation and evaluate its intensity and extent in different age groups and in correlation with skin and tooth shades. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants of this study were 391 patients attending the Dental University Hospital. The presence of gingival pigmentation was assessed using De Krom's Oral Pigmentation Chart and its intensity was assessed using the Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index. Skin colour and tooth shade were measured using the Fitzpatrick scale and the VITA classical shade guide, respectively. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Pearson's Χ2 test for the association between the study variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of gingival pigmentation among the sample size was 74.4%, and pigmentations were present on both arches in 57.6% (n = 224) of the participants. The extent (category 1) was highest when pigmentation was evident in both arches, with category 4 being the least extent. Age and sex did not show a correlation with gingival pigmentation. Gingival pigmentation intensity was mild when pigments were present in one arch (p < 0.00), whereas it was heavy when both arches presented with gingival pigmentation. Medium brown colour and tooth shade A1 were the most common among participants with gingival pigmentation (p < 0.00). The association between gingival pigmentation intensity and extent in relation to skin colour was statistically significant (p < 0.00), as was tooth shade (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gingival pigmentation is highly prevalent in the Saudi population, with different severity and extent levels. The effect of gingival pigmentation on smile and overall facial aesthetics should be considered when providing dental and cosmetic treatments.

Virtual reality simulation of panoramic radiographic anatomy for dental students.

PURPOSE: This work aimed to utilize virtual reality (VR) in dental radiographic anatomical interpretation in junior dental students and test if it can enhance student learning, engagement, and performance. METHODS: VR software for panoramic anatomy was developed. Sixty-nine first-year dental students were divided into a control group (lecture-based) and an experimental group (VR) to learn panoramic radiographic anatomy. Both groups were then tested on knowledge via a 20-question quiz. Student feedback on VR experience was collected via an online survey. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between lecture-based and VR students in the correct identification of anatomical landmarks. Lecture-based students scored higher in identifying the ear lobe, hyoid bone, condylar neck, and external oblique ridge, whereas VR students scored higher in identifying zygoma (Chi-squared test, p < 0.005). The VR group reported high evaluation on all perception items of the online feedback survey on their experience (Student t-test, p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Lecture-based students generally showed better performance in panoramic radiographic anatomy. Several structures were not correctly identified in both groups of novice students. The positive feedback of VR experience encourages future implementation in education to augment conventional methods of radiographic anatomy in dentistry with considerations to repeated exposures throughout undergraduate dental education.

Exploring the Perception of Dental Undergraduate Students and Faculty on Environmental Sustainability in Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Survey in 26 Dental Schools in Saudi Arabia.

There are few published studies assessing dental students' and faculty's perception regarding environmental sustainability in dentistry (ESD) and its existence within the dental curricula along with barriers and enablers for its integration. As far as the authors know, no published study has looked into this in Saudi Arabia, and this is what the current study aims to explore. A cross-sectional survey using validated online questionnaires for dental students and faculty was carried out in 26 dental schools in Saudi Arabia. The validated questionnaire utilized 25 questions using Qualtrics (XM) software. Both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were included in the data analysis. ESD content is not formally embedded within the dental curricula in all 26 included universities in Saudi Arabia. Although the majority of students and faculty members agreed or strongly agreed on the importance of ESD as a whole and the importance of teaching it, more than 82% and 81% of students and faculty, respectively, demonstrated a lack of basic knowledge concerning ESD. The preliminary findings of the current study suggest that there is a high demand for incorporating ESD content in dental education in Saudi Arabia. To achieve this, resources and policy changes are necessary. A top-down approach is needed, including incorporating ESD into dental education standards, using evidence-based practices in revising infection control regulations, and providing institutional support through training, materials, and incentives. National dental associations and governments should provide practical solutions and actively support dental professionals in implementing ESD.