Survey on Oral Health Education Knowledge of Family Members and Health Workers Dedicated to Patients with Disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: Over a billion people in the world live with some form of disability and this figure is destined to grow due to the increase in life expectancy. As consequence, the caregiver is taking on an increasingly important role that gains relevance also in the field of oral-dental prevention, being able to promptly identify needs for medical treatment. In some cases, however, the caregiver can be an obstacle to consider in case of a lack of adequate knowledge and commitment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the caregiver level of oral education comparing family members and health workers dedicated to people with disabilities knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anonymous questionnaires were distributed in five disability service centers and filled alternatively by family members of patients with disability and disability service centers health workers. RESULTS: Two-hundred fifty questionnaires were collected, of which 100 were filled in by family members and 150 by health workers. Data were analyzed by applying the chi-squared (X2) independence test and the pairwise method for missing data. CONCLUSION: Family members oral education appears better in terms of brushing frequency, toothbrush replacement, and number of dental visits.

Evaluating high power laser therapy (HPLT) as treatment for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in paediatric patients with oncohematological diseases.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most debilitating side effects of chemotherapy. Among the current methods used in OM management, the feasibility of high power laser therapy (HPLT) has been proposed but not fully evaluated. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of HPLT in the treatment of OM in paediatric patients. DESIGN: Fourteen oncohematological paediatric patients treated with chemotherapy and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and affected by OM at different grades were enrolled in this study. All patients were treated with a class IV laser device in four sessions for four consecutive days, OM was evaluated with the WHO-OTS scale. The perception of pain was assessed by the visual analog scale. Photographs of and information about lesions and patient questionnaires were taken and collected, respectively. Descriptive analyses and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (nonparametric test) were used, with a statistical significance of α = .05. RESULTS: After a week into the treatment, 57% of patients were completely healed, whereas the whole cohort experienced a drastic decrease in pain, from an average value of 5.8-1.1 (p = .0016). The average number of injuries per patient decreased from 7.4 to 3.1 (p = .008). CONCLUSION: High power laser therapy appears to be a safe and efficacious method for managing OM. It reduces pain and severity of oral cavity injuries. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal parameters useful in OM treatment and to evaluate the relative effectiveness of HPLT to other treatments like LLLT.

Oro-dental lesions in pediatric patients with celiac disease: an observational retrospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the correlation between celiac disease and specific oral lesions. METHODS: 114 pediatric patients were enrolled and divided into three groups: celiac patients (CD group), patients with malabsorption without celiac disease (non-CD group) and healthy controls. Oral lesions of hard and soft tissues were detected and analyzed by Fisher's test and Odds Ratio calculations. MAJOR RESULTS: A non-random correlation between the three groups and the rate of enamel defects was detected. The CD group showed more severe enamel defects compared to the non-CD group. A non-random association between the three groups and the number of mucous lesions was not observed. Furthermore, malabsorption patterns not related to the celiac disease involved a relatively modest risk of specific enamel defects compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoplastic enamel defects of the permanent teeth could be reliable indicators for celiac disease. The etiology of specific hypoplastic enamel lesions mainly has to be sought in the autoimmune response triggered by gluten, while the malabsorption would play only a minor role. Lesions of the oral mucous membranes should not be considered as specific risk indicators, however they represent a non-specific marker of malabsorption.

The Role of Information in Dental Traumatology in Patients during Developmental Age: A Cognitive Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: The gestation period involves a series of changes in all maternal organs and systems, due to hormonal fluctuations that also affect the oral cavity, leading to possible development of diseases such as gingivitis, oral pregnancy tumor, or periodontitis. Over the years, the positive correlation between poor oral health and adverse outcomes in pregnancy, such as fetal changes, low birth weight, preterm birth, or preeclampsia, has also been highlighted. The aim of this study is to analyze and understand the levels of knowledge and information of pregnant women about the possible repercussions that they may have on the oral cavity, caused by hormonal alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire of 17 multiple choice questions was formulated and published online from 01/02/2020 to 31/08/2020, aimed at pregnant women and new mothers. The Google Forms platform was used to collect the data that were then statistically analyzed by creating crosstabs with multiple dependency variables. RESULTS: The study cohort was represented by 1,191 women, whose responses first showed that about half were unaware of the predisposition to develop infections and periodontal problems during the gestation period. The same noticed bleeding and gum swelling during brushing and despite this, only 21% visited their dentist to resolve the situation. Furthermore, 88.2% of all women did not know that problems in the oral cavity can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION: Primary prevention is essential and must be implemented with the collaboration of the various professional figures who follow the woman during gestation.

Can periodontal disease affect conception? A literature review.

Today periodontal health is considered as an integral part of systemic health itself and no longer as a single factor. The literature recognizes that the presence of periodontal disease can represent a risk factor for numerous systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. In recent years, we have witnessed a progressive interest regarding the influence exerted by this condition on reproduction, as well as the possible repercussions on conception possibilities. Upon analyzing a limited number of studies available for the correlation between periodontal disease and female infertility, it could be inferred that this condition can be equated to the presence of a real outbreak of infection and therefore exert its influence, not only through bacterial translocation in the bloodstream, causing the systemic dissemination of pathogens, but also through the production of cytokines and immunoglobulins by inflammatory mediators. This situation limits bacterial growth, but it could cause damage to the fetus, to the reproductive system, and could hinder conception attempts. Although further research is needed to better clarify the mechanism underlying the possible correlation between periodontal disease and female infertility, the present article aims to review all the available literature on this topic. LAY SUMMARY: In recent years, interest regarding the influence of gum disease on conception has increased. Since serious gum disease (periodontitis) can be compared to an outbreak of infection, studies suggest that the bacteria that mediate inflammation do not remain confined only to the gum tissue, but can enter the bloodstream and spread, thus spreading the infection and having a whole-body effect. This situation could cause damage to the developing baby, to the reproductive system and could hinder conception attempts. Constant maintenance of oral health is definitely necessary. It is important for the professionals involved (gynecologists, obstetricians, dentists, etc.) to communicate and collaborate on these issues. Dentists could advise on the correct hygienic maintenance not only to pregnant women, but also to those who are planning a pregnancy in order to avoid the occurrence of unfavorable conditions.