Baltimore oral epidemiology, disease effects, and HIV evaluation study (BEEHIVE) study protocol: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: As antiretroviral therapy has become widely available and highly effective, HIV has evolved to a manageable, chronic disease. Despite this health advancement, people living with HIV (PLWH) are at an increased risk for age-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) compared to HIV-uninfected individuals. Similarly, PLWH are at an increased risk for selected oral diseases. PLWH with a history of injecting drugs experience an even greater burden of disease than their counterparts. The overall objective of the Baltimore Oral Epidemiology, Disease Effects, and HIV Evaluation (BEEHIVE) study is to determine the combined effects of HIV infection and NCDs on oral health status. The specific aims of the study are to: (1) determine to what extent HIV status influences access to and utilization of oral health care services; (2) determine to what extent HIV status affects self-reported and clinical oral health status; (3) determine to what extent HIV status influences the progression of periodontitis; and (4) determine to what extent HIV status impacts the periodontitis-associated oral microbiome signature. METHODS: The BEEHIVE study uses a prospective cohort study design to collect data from participants at baseline and at a 24-month follow-up visit. Data are collected through questionnaire assessments, clinical examinations, and evaluation of oral microbiological samples to determine the drivers of oral disease among a high-risk population of PLWH with a history of injection drug use and prevalent comorbid NCDs. The established AIDS Linked to the Intravenous Experience (ALIVE) cohort serves as the source of participants for the BEEHIVE Study. DISCUSSION: Upon completion of the BEEHIVE study, the knowledge gained will be important in informing future clinical and preventive interventions that can be implemented into medical and dental practice to ultimately help eliminate long-standing oral health inequities that PLWH experience.

Assessment of oral hypofunction and its association with age among Korean community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing proportion of older adults in Korea and growing interest in aging, the concepts of oral aging and oral hypofunction have recently been introduced. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the age-specific oral function levels of Korean older adults and develop expert intervention methods for healthy aging. METHODS: Dysphagia, independence of daily living, and oral hypofunction were assessed in 206 older adults living in Wonju, Gangwon State, South Korea. Subjective dysphagia was assessed through self-report questionnaires using the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI), the Korean version of Eating Assessment Tool-10, and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index. In addition, the oral hypofunction assessment items included decreased chewing ability, occlusal pressure, tongue pressure, oral dryness, and oral cleanliness. RESULTS: DHI increased significantly with age, with those in their 80 s reporting the most difficulty swallowing. Oral function in terms of chewing ability (maximum occlusal pressure and number of remaining teeth), maximum occlusal pressure, and maximum tongue pressure also declined with increasing age. While there was no significant difference in oral dryness by age, those in their 80 s had dry mouth according to the criteria of the oral moisture checking device. CONCLUSIONS: In an assessment of oral function in community-dwelling, independent Korean older adults, the number of items that were assessed as oral hypofunction increased with age. The findings can be used to standardize the oral hypofunction assessment item and develop age-based individualized intervention plans for the early management of oral health and individual oral myofunctional rehabilitation in Korean community-dwelling older adults.

Leveraging Large Language Models for Improved Patient Access and Self-Management: Assessor-Blinded Comparison Between Expert- and AI-Generated Content.

BACKGROUND: While large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Google Bard have shown significant promise in various fields, their broader impact on enhancing patient health care access and quality, particularly in specialized domains such as oral health, requires comprehensive evaluation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Google Bard, ChatGPT-3.5, and ChatGPT-4 in offering recommendations for common oral health issues, benchmarked against responses from human dental experts. METHODS: This comparative analysis used 40 questions derived from patient surveys on prevalent oral diseases, which were executed in a simulated clinical environment. Responses, obtained from both human experts and LLMs, were subject to a blinded evaluation process by experienced dentists and lay users, focusing on readability, appropriateness, harmlessness, comprehensiveness, intent capture, and helpfulness. Additionally, the stability of artificial intelligence responses was also assessed by submitting each question 3 times under consistent conditions. RESULTS: Google Bard excelled in readability but lagged in appropriateness when compared to human experts (mean 8.51, SD 0.37 vs mean 9.60, SD 0.33; P=.03). ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4, however, performed comparably with human experts in terms of appropriateness (mean 8.96, SD 0.35 and mean 9.34, SD 0.47, respectively), with ChatGPT-4 demonstrating the highest stability and reliability. Furthermore, all 3 LLMs received superior harmlessness scores comparable to human experts, with lay users finding minimal differences in helpfulness and intent capture between the artificial intelligence models and human responses. CONCLUSIONS: LLMs, particularly ChatGPT-4, show potential in oral health care, providing patient-centric information for enhancing patient education and clinical care. The observed performance variations underscore the need for ongoing refinement and ethical considerations in health care settings. Future research focuses on developing strategies for the safe integration of LLMs in health care settings.

Oral health of people with emotional disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the association between severe mental disorders and oral health among individuals over 18 years of age. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted in six electronic databases and gray literature. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed on studies that met the inclusion criteria. The methodology of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool. A meta-analysis of proportions with a random effect was carried out. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: After searching the databases, 5,734 references were retrieved, and twenty articles were selected for synthesis. Considering the DMFT index between the groups with mental disorders and the control group, the values of the DMFT index were higher among individuals with schizophrenia [MD = 5.27; 95% CI = 4.13 - 6.42; I2 = 35%] and bipolar disorder [MD = 1.90; 95% CI = 0.87 - 2.93]. Values were lower among individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder [MD = -0.85; 95% CI = -1.46-0.24]. The risk of bias was considered low for 16 studies, and four were classified with a moderate risk of bias. The certainty of evidence was very low. CONCLUSION: Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder exhibit increased frequency in the number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth. There was no effect in relation to periodontal probing depth, plaque index, and TMD, but the evidence is still uncertain for this outcome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive health approach.

Insights into microorganisms, associated factors, and the oral microbiome in infective endocarditis patients.

Introduction: Infective Endocarditis (IE) is a rare, life-threatening infection of the endocardium with multisystem effects. Culprit microorganisms derived from different niches circulate through the bloodstream and attach to the endocardium, particularly the heart valves. This study aimed to investigate culprit microorganisms among a cross-sectional cohort of IE patients, their associated factors, and to explore the potential relationship to the oral microbiome. Methods: In this observational study, we undertook a cross-sectional analysis of 392 medical records from patients diagnosed with IE. The primary outcome of this study was to analyse the association between the IE culprit microorganisms and the underlying anatomical types of IE (native valve (NVE), prosthetic valve (PVE), or cardiac device-related (CDE)). Secondary outcomes encompassed a comparative analysis of additional factors, including: the treatment approaches for IE, and the categorisation of blood cultures, extending to both genus and species levels. Additionally, we cross-referenced and compared the species-level identification of IE bacteraemia outcome measures with data from the expanded Human Oral Microbiome Database (eHOMD). Results: A culprit microorganism was identified in 299 (76.28%) case participants. Staphylococcal infections were the most common (p < 0.001), responsible for 130 (33.16%) hospitalisations. There were 277 (70.66%) cases of NVE, 104 (26.53%) cases of PVE, and 11 (2.81%) cases of CDE. The majority of PVE occurred on prosthetic aortic valves (78/104, 75%), of which 72 (93.5%) were surgical aortic valve replacements (SAVR), 6 (7.8%) were transcatheter aortic valve implants, and one transcatheter pulmonary valve implant. Overall, underlying anatomy (p = 0.042) as well as the treatment approaches for IE (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with IE culprit microorganisms. Cross-reference between IE bacteraemia outcomes with the eHOMD was observed in 267/392 (68.11%) cases. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that IE patients with a history of stroke, smoking, intravenous drug use, or dialysis were more likely to be infected with Staphylococcus aureus. CDE case participants and patients who had previous SAVR were most associated with Staphylococcus epidermidis. IE patients aged 78+ were more likely to develop enterococci IE than other age groups. Oral microorganisms indicated by the eHOMD are significantly observed in the IE population. Further research, through enhanced dental and medical collaboration, is required to correlate the presence of oral microbiota as causative factor for IE.

Association between Toothbrushing and Cancer Risk.

Background: Most cancers are lifestyle-related and are thus preventable. Lifestyle habits can be improved by individual efforts; for example, because oral health is suggested to play a preventive role in cancer risk, toothbrushing is considered a critical and fundamental measure for controlling oral health. This study aimed to investigate the association between toothbrushing and cancer risk. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey, a large-scale (n = 32,000) online survey conducted in 2022, were used. From September 12 to October 19, 2022, questionnaires were distributed to candidates selected by simple random sampling from a Japanese Internet research company's panelists to represent the Japanese population. The association between toothbrushing and cancer risk according to cancer prevalence was then analyzed. Results: Among all 32,000 participants, 2,495 (7.8%) who had any cancer previously were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between toothbrushing habit and cancer risk. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that daily toothbrushing is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing cancer.

Oral health status, related behaviours and perceived stress in xerostomia, Sicca and Sjögren's syndromes patients - a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Mouth dryness increases the risk of some oral health-related conditions. Furthermore, it is unclear if patients with dry mouth engage in appropriate oral health-related behaviours. The study examined oral health, related behaviours, and perceived stress in dry-mouth patients and compared them to matched controls without mouth dryness. METHODS: Information about 182 dry-mouth patients and 302 age- and sex-matched subjects was retrieved. Three dry mouth groups: xerostomia, Sicca syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome, were formed based on patient self-reported and objectively assessed symptoms. The World Health Organization's Oral Health for Adults and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaires inquired about sociodemographic characteristics, oral health-related behaviours, and self-perceived stress. Clinical oral health assessments included: caries experience measured as total numbers of decayed (DS), missing (MS), filled surfaces (FS), number of remaining teeth, erosive tooth wear and extent of periodontal pocketing. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable tests. RESULTS: The dry-mouth participants had higher mean (SD) DMFS scores than their matched controls: xerostomia patients vs. controls: 74.6 (34.4) and 66.3 (35.4), Sicca syndrome patients vs. controls: 88.3 (34.0) and 70.1 (33.9), and Sjögren's syndrome patients vs. controls: 95.7 (31.5) and 74 (33.2). In comparison to controls, individuals with Sicca and patients with Sjögren's syndromes had lower mean (SD) number of remaining teeth, 15.9 (10.1) vs. 21.7 (8.4) and 13.8 (10.0) vs. 20.1 (9.2), and a lower mean (SD) extent of periodontal pocketing, 20.7 (28.6) vs. 41.1 (31.0), and 21.2 (24.1) vs. 34.8 (34.2), respectively. Xerostomia, Sicca syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome patients had higher odds of using fluoridated toothpaste; OR 1.8 (95%CI 1.1-2.9), OR 5.6 (95%CI 1.7-18.3) and OR 6.9 (95%CI 2.2-21.3), respectively. Participants with Sjögren's syndrome had lower odds of the last dental visit being within the last year; OR 0.2 (95%CI 0.1-0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Dry-mouth patients had higher caries experience and fewer teeth than comparison groups but a lower extent of periodontal pocketing. Even though more participants with dry mouth used fluoridated toothpastes, their oral health-related behaviours were not optimal.

Time Efficiency, Reliability, and User Satisfaction of the Tooth Memo App for Recording Oral Health Information: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

BACKGROUND: Digitalizing oral health data through an app can help manage the extensive data obtained through oral health surveys. The Tooth Memo app collects data from oral health surveys and personal health information. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the evaluate the time efficiency, reliability, and user satisfaction of the Tooth Memo app. METHODS: There are 2 sections in the Tooth Memo app: oral health survey and personal oral health record. For the oral health survey section of the Tooth Memo app, different data entry methods were compared and user satisfaction was evaluated. Fifth-year dental students had access to the oral health survey section in the Tooth Memo app during their clinical work. The time required for data entry, analysis, and summary of oral health survey data by 3 methods, that is, pen-and-paper (manual), Tooth Memo app on iOS device, and Tooth Memo app on Android device were compared among 3 data recorders who entered patients' information on decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index and community periodontal index (CPI), which were read aloud from the database of 103 patients by another dental personnel. The interobserver reliability of the 3 different data-entering procedures was evaluated by percent disagreement and kappa statistic values. Laypeople had access to the personal oral health record section of this app, and their satisfaction was evaluated through a Likert scale questionnaire. The satisfaction assessments for both sections of the Tooth Memo app involved the same set of questions on the app design, usage, and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: Of the 103 dental records on DMFT and CPI, 5.2% (177/3399) data points were missing in the manual data entries, but no data on tooth status were missing in the Android and iOS methods. Complete CPI information was provided by all 3 methods. Transferring data from paper to computer took an average of 55 seconds per case. The manual method required 182 minutes more than the iOS or Android methods to clean the missing data and transfer and analyze the tooth status data of 103 patients. The users, that is, 109 fifth-year dental students and 134 laypeople, expressed high satisfaction with using the Tooth Memo app. The overall satisfaction with the oral health survey ranged between 3 and 10, with an average (SD) of 7.86 (1.46). The overall satisfaction with the personal oral health record ranged between 4 and 10, with an average (SD) of 8.09 (1.28). CONCLUSIONS: The Tooth Memo app was more efficacious than manual data entry for collecting data of oral health surveys. Dental personnel as well as general users reported high satisfaction when using this app.

Adolescents' views on oral health care and promotion in Norway: everyday practices, recommendations, and future visions.

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to understand adolescents' perspectives on oral health care and promotion. Our research was conducted in the context of Norway's oral health care system, where societal factors like income and education influence health disparities. Despite free public dental care for all residents younger than 19 years, challenges persist in promoting oral health among adolescents, a group whose oral health behavior and literacy remain largely unexplored. Materials and methods: A thematic analysis of an anonymized dataset from 80 adolescents aged 12-20 years was conducted. Results: Five central themes were recognized: (1) Feeling fresh vs. feeling indifferent: A broad spectrum of attitudes; (2) Bridging gaps, building habits: Collaborative efforts in oral care; (3) "Create good experiences at the dentist so people come back again"; (4) Requested qualities in oral health promoting solutions; (5) Reminder tools for everyday use. Taken together, these themes highlight adolescents' oral health practices and resources, recommendations for dental clinics, and visions for future oral health promotion. Discussion: Based on the results, the discussion highlights a need for tailored oral health promotion and ideas to reach adolescents in meaningful and effective ways. Reflections on the theme of social inequalities are provided.

Unlocking the genetic potential of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains: Medical applications of a promising probiotic for human and animal health.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is a group of probiotic strains that have gained popularity for their potential health benefits such as promoting digestive health, boosting the immune system, improving lactose digestion, preventing and treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea, reducing the severity and duration of certain infections, and preventing the formation of dental plaque. In particular, L. rhamnosus strains SD4 and SD11 have promising human and animal health applications due to their ability to inhibit the growth of harmful pathogens. This study presents an in silico genomic analysis of L. rhamnosus strains SD4 and SD11. We analyzed draft genomes and conducted comparative genome analyses against several other probiotic strains, aiming to gain insights into the genomes of the two strains and to compare them to related strains isolated from other sources. We also aimed to clarify the functional mechanisms and adaptation of these strains to specific environments. Comprehensive insights into the genomes of L. rhamnosus SD4 and SD11 could enhance our understanding of their capacity to colonize, adapt, and exhibit probiotic properties after administration. This study holds significance in advancing our understanding of the potential health benefits associated with these strains and in elucidating the underlying mechanisms responsible for their effectiveness in humans and animals.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Literature on the Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Oral Health (1987-2024).

This bibliometric analysis investigates the research landscape concerning the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on oral health through a comprehensive literature review. The study includes all English-language articles retrieved from the PubMed database, focusing on the relationship between RA and various aspects of oral health without any filter. The analysis of 261 publications revealed fluctuations in publication patterns from 1987 to 2024, with notable surges and declines in research activity. Collaborative networks among authors and institutions were identified, highlighting key contributors and prolific institutions such as Karolinska Institutet. The themes prevalent in the research included demographics, oral microbiota, biomarkers, treatment outcomes, and molecular mechanisms. Trend topic and thematic evolution analyses elucidated shifts in research focus from traditional concerns to emerging areas such as oral microbiology and immunological mechanisms. Key findings underscored the need for more clinical trials to comprehend the impact of RA on oral health, enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, exploration of emerging areas, and longitudinal studies. This analysis provides valuable insights into the evolving research landscape, informing future investigations and interventions to improve oral health outcomes in individuals with RA.

The Interplay Between Diabetes and Oral Health: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Clinical Trials (1967-2024).

Recognizing the complex interaction between diabetes and oral health is crucial, considering the increasing worldwide prevalence of these conditions. This bibliometric analysis delves into the extensive body of literature concerning the impact of diabetes on oral health, utilizing data retrieved from PubMed. The publishing trends indicate a growing research interest in the field over time, with notable peaks and declines. Coauthorship analyses of authors and institutions illuminated collaborative networks within the research community. Two departments at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Iran, namely the Department of Periodontology within the School of Dentistry and the Diabetes Research Center within the Health Research Institute, demonstrated the highest total link strength. The co-occurrence analysis of keywords also unveiled thematic clusters, reflecting research focus areas and evolving trends. The analysis of topic trends highlighted persistent research interests in topics, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, glycated hemoglobin, periodontitis, and therapy for chronic periodontitis, with shifts in therapeutic modalities investigated. The thematic map suggests that dental implants and tumor necrosis factor-alpha are emerging terms in the field that have gained more traction recently. Furthermore, the analysis of scientific production by country indicated varied contributions, with Brazil leading in publication output. Analysis of collaboration among corresponding authors' countries identified Italy exhibiting substantial international collaboration, while most of the countries primarily produced single-country publications. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the multifaceted landscape of research on diabetes and oral health, emphasizing ongoing efforts to understand and address the complex interplay between these conditions.

A global survey of national oral health policies and its coverage for young children.

Background: There is no accessible information on countries with oral health policies. The purpose of this study was to identify World Dental Federation (FDI) member countries with oral health policies and their scope and extent of coverage of oral health care for young children. Methods: This international survey recruited chief dental officers, oral health advisors to national ministries of health, and other key informants of the 158 FDI member countries between December 2020 and December 2021. The survey tool was administered online to the study participants. Key questions explored the following outcome measures: countries with oral health policies; the thrusts of the oral health policies; policy thrusts targeting young children; and dental care plans as a component of a universal health care plan. Descriptive statistics were conducted to determine the number of countries with any of the study outcome measures and coverage per country. Results: Sixty (38%) of the 158 FDI member-countries responded to the survey. Forty-eight (55.2%) of the 60 countries had a national oral health policy document or position statement on oral health; 54 (62.1%) countries had plans on universal health care, and 42 (48.3%) included dental care within their universal health care plan. The most common policy thrusts addressing the oral health needs of children were the promotion of oral hygiene (71.7%), provision of fluoride products for children (53.3%), collaboration with primary care providers (35%), and prenatal oral health education (50%). There were differences in the scope of oral health care coverage and the coverage for young children between continents as well as between countries. Europe had many countries with children-friendly oral health policy coverage. Conclusions: About half of the surveyed countries had a national oral health policy. There were variations in the scope of oral health care coverage, particularly for young children, both between continents and among individual countries. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the landscape of oral health policies globally. Such insights can help inform targeted interventions to enhance oral health policies, thereby contributing to improved oral health outcomes on a global level.

Pediatric Oral Health Service Access in Racial/Ethnic Minority Neighborhoods: A Geospatial Analysis in Washington, D.C., USA.

Oral health plays a crucial role in overall well-being. One of the goals set by the US Department of Health and Human Service, Healthy People 2030 is to reducing dental caries in children and adolescents. The study aims to investigate the accessibility of pediatric dental care in neighborhoods with mixed-race and predominantly African American populations in the Washington District of Columbia (DC) area. Our objective is to uncover and highlight the disparities that exist in pediatric dental care within these communities. We have specifically examined the geographic and socio-demographic aspects of pediatric dental care facilities, utilizing geospatial tools such as modeling and mapping, as well as data from the clinical database at Howard University College of Dentistry. The detailed analysis of dental care access revealed significant disparities among various Wards in the region. Specifically, Wards 5, 7, and 8 stood out as having both the highest concentrations of African American residents and the lowest availability of pediatric dentistry providers when compared to the more affluent Wards 1, 2, and 3. Howard University College of Dentistry's pediatric dentistry department played a crucial role in providing dental care services to the community. Over the course of the year 2022, they recorded a total of 3,855 visits from residents of the DC area. Notably, a substantial portion of these visits, specifically 1,566 visits, were from individuals residing in Wards 5, 7 and 8. This data underscores the significant demand for pediatric dental services in these underserved communities and highlights the importance of addressing the disparities in access to care.

A Dive into Delivery of Oral Hygiene Advice Based on the Personalized Oral Hygiene Advice Model.

Oral health's impact on overall well-being highlights the importance of preventive measures through effective oral hygiene practices. Currently, there is growing recognition of the need for customized oral hygiene advice depending on the patient's unique needs and circumstances. This narrative review addresses the gap in understanding the significance of personalized guidance through the proposal of the Personalized Oral Hygiene Advice Model (POHAM) as a comprehensive guide for oral health professionals. This model was developed to adapt to evolving patient demographics and diverse challenges, promoting a patient-centric and effective oral health approach. The POHAM comprises a flow chart of strategies from establishing a good rapport with patients, conducting comprehensive assessment through history-taking, psychosocial and technology proficiency evaluation, tailored education modules, and customized oral care product recommendations until the reassessment. These strategies aim to enhance patient engagement and adherence, as well as act as a guide for oral health professionals to use in the clinical setting before and during the course of oral treatment. Nevertheless, continued research, education, and technological advancements are needed to realize the full potential of personalized oral hygiene strategies, ensuring a transformative and sustainable oral healthcare landscape.

Association of rotating night shift work with tooth loss and severe periodontitis among permanent employees in Japan: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The modern 24/7 society demands night shift work, which is a possible risk factor for chronic diseases. This study aimed to examine the associations of rotating night shift work duration with tooth loss and severe periodontitis. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from a self-administered questionnaire survey conducted among 3,044 permanent employees aged 20-64 years through a Japanese web research company in 2023. The duration of rotating night shift work was assessed using a question from the Nurses' Health Study. Tooth loss was assessed based on self-reported remaining natural teeth count. Severe periodontitis was assessed using a validated screening questionnaire comprising four questions related to gum disease, loose tooth, bone loss, and bleeding gums. We employed linear regression models for tooth loss and Poisson regression models for severe periodontitis, adjusting for demographic, health and work-related variables and socioeconomic status. Results: Among participants included, 10.9% worked in rotating night shifts for 1-5 years, while 11.0% worked in such shifts for ≥6 years. In fully adjusted models, rotating night shift work duration of 1-5 years was associated with tooth loss (beta -0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-1.55 to 0.08]) and severe periodontitis (prevalence ratio 1.80, 95% CI [1.33-2.43]); however, the association with tooth loss was not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study supports that employees who work short-term rotating night shifts may experience poor oral conditions. Further research is needed to determine whether long-term rotating night shift work is associated with deteriorated oral health.

Validation of an online version of the rapid estimate of adult literacy in dentistry-30 for use by medical and dental students in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The need for online adaptations of research instruments became more pronounced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to modify the REALD-30 for online application (eREALD-30) and evaluate its content validity and internal reliability among medical and dental students in Nigeria. METHODS: The eREALD-30 required participants to identify if each of the listed words were related to dentistry by ticking either a 'yes' or 'no' response with the option to mark 'don't know' for words they were unsure about. Scores ranged from 0 to 30. Five oral health experts reviewed the eREALD-30 for cultural appropriateness, while content validity was evaluated by 10 medical and dental students. Internal reliability was assessed with 320 students recruited from 15 medical and dental schools spanning the country's six geopolitical zones. These students also completed an oral health status assessment tool. Data collection utilized an online survey platform. Validity of the eREALD-30 was determined through correlation analysis between eREALD-30 scores and the oral health status assessment tool. Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the assocations between participants' oral health status and their oral health literacy, adjusting for age, sex, and level of medical and dental education. RESULTS: Out of the respondents, 178 (55.6%) exhibited poor oral health literacy, while 205 (64.1%) reported having good oral health status. Those with good oral health literacy demonstrated significantly higher odds of having good oral health status (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.02-2.54; p = 0.04). However, individuals with good oral health literacy had increased odds of good oral health status after adjusting for confounding factors,, though this association did not retain statistical significance (AOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.86-2.24; p = 0.17). The eREALD-30 displayed strong internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.933), indicating its reliability in assessing oral health literacy levels, alongside a high content validity score of 0.90. CONCLUSION: The study finding suggests that the e-version of the REALD-30 was reliable and valid for use among medical and dental students in Nigeria.

Determining the Short-term Effects of Smoking Cessation Using Nicotine Gum on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Pilot Study.

Background: Nowadays, the adverse effects of smoking on general, oral, and dental health are reported time and again worldwide. However, evidence to quantify the effects of tobacco smoking and smoking cessation on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) is inadequate. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the effects of nicotine gum on HRQoL and OHQoL of cigarette smokers. Methods: This pilot study was conducted on 40 smokers, half of whom received nicotine gum. HRQoL and OHQoL were measured twice at the beginning of the study and after three months using standard versions of Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-5) questionnaires. T-test, Fischer's exact test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to compare the participants' scores on the questionnaires. Findings: The mean age of the participants was 43.39±12.32 years. Using nicotine gum significantly increased the scores of general health (P=0.046) and physical functioning (P=0.021) domains of HRQoL in comparison with the cigarette smoking group. Moreover, using nicotine gum significantly increased the scores of the two questions about the reduced sense of taste (P<0.001) and difficulty doing usual jobs (P=0.071). Conclusion: Using nicotine gum was associated with the improvement of HRQoL and OHQoL to some extent. To better understand the relationship between smoking cessation and improved OHQoL, it is necessary to conduct further studies in this field.

Control of Dental Caries in Children and Adolescents Using Fluoride: An Overview of Community-Level Fluoridation Methods.

The maintenance of oral health is a crucial aspect of general well-being; however, a significant proportion of the worldwide population experiences a range of oral diseases. Dental caries is a highly prevalent non-communicable disease globally, especially in children and adolescents. Fluoride is involved in the control of dental caries, primarily by decreasing the critical pH for dental hard tissue dissolution and decreasing enamel solubility. Due to the substantial data supporting the efficacy of fluoride in controlling dental caries, many community-level fluoridation initiatives have been devised and executed as global public health preventive interventions. These initiatives encompass the fluoridation of water, salt, and milk. Water fluoridation is considered safe and effective when fluoride levels are maintained within the recommended range (0.6 to 1.1 mg/L). Salt fluoridation has a cariostatic potential similar to that of water fluoridation, and a fluoride concentration of 250 micrograms per gram in salt is not associated with an increased risk of developing dental fluorosis. However, there is currently an effort to reduce the consumption of table salt in order to mitigate the harmful effects of excessive salt consumption. It has been hypothesized that fluoride food supplementation, such as fluoridated milk, is associated with a decrease in caries experience in permanent teeth; however, the effect is not clear in primary teeth. Public-level fluoride interventions are more cost-effective than the operative care of caries lesions and limit the burden of care. The administration of fluorides should be conducted using safe methods, limiting ingestion, and adhering to the guidelines set by international and national health agencies in each country. This is particularly important when considering children with developing dentitions. Fluoride is an important tool in the control of dental caries, but it is crucial to combine it with good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular visits to a dental professional to maintain long-term oral health.

Dental Health Benefits of Swimming in Chlorinated Water.

Poor oral health is an important concern for athletes, as it can affect both general health and athletic performance. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of activity in chlorinated water on oral health in elite swimmers compared to non-swimming athletes. This cross-sectional study included 101 swimmers and 100 other athletes aged 13-26 years with a minimum training intensity of five hours per week (for at least the preceding two years). Oral health was assessed using the approximal plaque index (API) and the decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) index. A DIAGNOcam was used to detect caries. Results show that swimmers were younger (15 years vs. 18 years), were more likely to be female (54% vs. 17%), and had a lower body mass index (20.1 kg/m2 vs. 21.9 kg/m2) and a lower juice consumption (9% vs. 24%). Non-swimmers had significantly more decayed, missing, or filled teeth due to caries and plaque. In conclusion, by comparing elite swimmers and athletes competing in different sports, we have shown that competitive swimmers have a lower incidence of dental caries and plaque. Further research is needed to test our findings and to understand this relationship in greater detail.