Utilization of dental care and dentate status in diabetic and nondiabetic patients across US states: An analysis using the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the differences, by state, in dental care utilization and tooth retention between adults with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an annual, state-based, random telephone survey of noninstitutionalized US civilian adults. The predictor variable was DM status. The outcome variables were time since the last dental appointment and tooth loss. We utilized multiple multinomial logistic regression models followed by postestimation procedures to determine state-level adjusted proportions for dental visits within the last year and complete teeth retention among DM and non-DM adults. RESULTS: Among adults with DM, 60.0% reported dentist visits within a year of survey participation, while 53.6% had complete tooth retention. As education and income levels increased, dental attendance and tooth retention increased among adults with DM. Most Southern states had a higher prevalence of DM, a lower proportion of dentist visits, and worse tooth retention among DM adults. Nationally, DM individuals were 4.3 percentage points less likely to visit a dentist and were 7 percent less likely to have complete teeth retention than non-DM adults. Compared with the national average, 25/50 states had greater disparities in dental visits between DM and non-DM adults, and 27/50 states had greater disparities in tooth loss between DM and non-DM adults. CONCLUSION: State-level variations indicate geographical and dental coverage influences on DM and dental outcomes. There is a need for state-specific interventions to improve dental access and outcomes for adults with DM.

Assess the Association Between Periodontitis and Maxillary Sinusitis: A Cross-Sectional Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) Study.

Background/purpose Periodontal pathologies which are considered odontogenic in origin can be a major cause of maxillary sinusitis, along with other dental and non-dental causes. The aim of this study is to define and assess the relationship between periodontitis and maxillary sinusitis. Material and methods A total of 415 CBCT datasets of periodontitis patients were cross-sectionally evaluated. Alveolar bone loss and maxillary sinus mucosal thickening were measured in coronal and sagittal sections, these two variables represent the severity of periodontitis and maxillary sinusitis, respectively. Results This study found that mucosal thickening was significantly higher in patients with increased alveolar bone loss severity (P=0.03). Mucosal thickening was significantly higher among males (83.5%) than among females (69.8%) (P=0.001). moderate or severe alveolar bone loss had a significantly higher risk of mucosal thickening with an odds ratio of 1.8 when compared to those with mild alveolar bone loss (95% CI: 1.04-3.2). Males had an increased risk of mucosal thickening compared to females with an odds ratio of 2.2 (95% C.I.: 1.4-3.6). Conclusion In conclusion, periodontal structure can affect maxillary sinus and its health. Therefore, after confirming a diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis, a detailed examination of periodontal health is needed. These results can be used to increase the awareness of dental students and practitioners in clinical and diagnostical judgement.

Adjunctive Dental Procedures and Pain Assessment Among a Group of Patients Attending Dental University Hospital at King Saud University: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/purpose A large percentage of people still experience discomfort and pain during dental visits, even with advancements in instrumental techniques that enable dentists to manage patients in a pain-free manner. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and levels of pain induced by various dental procedures, including adjunctive dental procedures. Material and methods A structured, custom-made questionnaire composed of 20 questions written in Arabic with accompanying pictures of instruments to simplify instrument identification for the patients was designed. The questionnaire was designed to investigate and determine the factors that cause pain and discomfort during dental procedures and was introduced to adult patients attending their dental appointments at the College of Dentistry. All data were collected using an online link that was distributed to patients attending dental clinics at the Dental University Hospital at King Saud University either through their mobile phones or the researcher's tablet. All data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results A total of 158 patients participated in the study. The findings revealed that 50% of participants experienced pain from mouth mirror retraction and 28.48% experienced pain from suction. Participants also reported that the most common instruments associated with pain were the ultrasonic scaler (88.57%) and the periodontal probe (87.88%). Conclusion The findings provided valuable insights into the prevalence of pain during dental procedures and the factors that may contribute to this experience. Adjunctive dental procedures appeared to be causing a high prevalence of pain that could be avoided if dentists/dental assistants were more aware of it. These findings may have important implications for dental practitioners looking to reduce pain and improve patient experience during the provision of dental care.