Problem-based learning curriculum disconnect on diversity, equitable representation, and inclusion.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mission statements continue to be adopted by academic institutions in general, and by dental schools around the globe in particular. But DEI content seems to be under-developed in dental education. The objectives of this study were two-fold: to extract information from all the PBL cases at University of British Columbia's Faculty of Dentistry curriculum in terms of the diversity, equitable representation, and inclusion of patient and provider characteristics, context, and treatment outcomes; and; to compare these findings with the composition of the British Columbia census population, dental practice contextual factors, and the evidence on treatment outcomes within patient care. Information from all the 58 PBL cases was extracted between January and March 2023, focusing on patient and provider characteristics (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity), context (e.g., type of insurance), and treatment outcomes (e.g., successful/unsuccessful). This information was compared with the available literature. From all the 58 PBL cases, 0.4% included non-straight patients, while at least 4% of BC residents self-identify as non-straight; there were no cases involving First Nations patients although they make up 6% of the British Columbia population. Less than 10% of the cases involved older adults who make up almost 20% of the population. Only Treatments involving patients without a disability were 5.74 times more likely to be successful compared to those involving patients with a disability (p<0.05). The characteristics of the patients, practice context, and treatment outcomes portrayed in the existing PBL cases seem to differ from what is known about the composition of the British Columbia population, treatment outcome success, and practice context; a curriculum disconnect seems to exist. The PBL cases should be revised to better represent the population within which most students will practice.

Do progression rates of initial and moderate caries lesions and sound surfaces of primary teeth increase significantly after 7 years?

BACKGROUND: Initial caries lesions in primary teeth have presented a low progression rate after 2 years, but it could be higher in longer follow-ups. AIM: To evaluate the progression rates of sound surfaces and initial and moderate caries lesions after 7 years. DESIGN: This prospective 7-year cohort study included 639 preschool children aged 1-5 years in 2010. In 2017, 449 children were reassessed (70.3% retention rate). Dental caries was collected using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) in both assessments. Incidence rate (IR) per 100 surface-years estimated the progression rates of sound surfaces and initial and moderate lesions for worse conditions. Cox regression with shared frailty evaluated the possible risk factors. RESULTS: IR was 1.0% for sound surfaces, 2.8% and 4.2% for ICDAS scores 1 and 2, respectively, and about 17.0% for moderate lesions. The most significant risk factor for the progression was the presence of cavitated lesions in other teeth. The type of surface and tooth also influenced the outcome. CONCLUSION: The progression rate of initial caries lesions in primary teeth remains low even after 7 years, but cavitated caries lesions in other teeth increase this risk. Moderate lesions demonstrate a higher risk of progression when compared to sound surfaces and initial caries lesions.

Pathway analysis between dental caries and oral health-related quality of life in the transition from childhood to adolescence: a 10-year cohort study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the direct and indirect pathways between cavitated carious lesions and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) during the transition from childhood to adolescence. METHODS: A prospective cohort study followed an initial sample of 639 children (one to five years old), in southern Brazil for ten years. In addition to the baseline (T1), two subsequent reassessments were conducted after seven (T2) and ten years (T3). OHRQoL was measured through the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10 and CPQ11-14), according to the age group. Dental caries was evaluated using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) in the three waves. Socioeconomic variables and other factors related to oral health (frequency of toothbrushing and toothache) were also collected. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the direct and indirect effects among the variables over ten years. RESULTS: A total of 449 and 429 children were reevaluated at T2 and T3 (positive response rates of 70.3% and 67.1%, respectively). Dental caries in T1 and T2 directly predicted the occurrence of a worse OHRQoL in the respective follow-up periods. Dental caries at T3 indirectly predicted a worse OHRQoL (T3), via toothache. Dental caries at T1 and T2 directly predicted the occurrence of dental caries at T3, while a worse OHRQoL at T2 directly predicted a worse OHRQoL at T3. CONCLUSION: Dental caries negatively impacts, directly and indirectly, the OHRQoL from early childhood to adolescence.

Community and individual socioeconomic inequalities and dental caries from childhood to adolescence: A 10-year cohort study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of individual and contextual socioeconomic inequalities in the occurrence of untreated dental caries during the transition from childhood to adolescence. METHODS: This 10-year prospective cohort study followed up an initial sample of 639 1-5 years old schoolchildren from southern Brazil. After 7 and 10 years from the baseline (T1), two other reassessments were conducted (T2 and T3), respectively. Untreated dental caries was measured through the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS- scores 3, 5 and 6) at T1 and T3. Socioeconomic status (SES) at the contextual and individual level was assessed at T1. At T2, socioeconomic, behavioural and psychosocial characteristics were evaluated as possible pathways of explanation. Structural equation modelling was used to estimate the direct and indirect effects among the variables over 10 years. RESULTS: A total of 429 adolescents were reevaluated at 10-year follow-up (cohort retention rate of 67.1%). About 30.6% presented untreated dental caries at T3. Low individual SES at T1 directly impacted a higher occurrence of dental caries at T3. Non-white skin colour at T1 also indirectly impacted a higher occurrence of dental caries at T3 through low individual SES at T1 and lower household income at T2. Contextual SES did not predict, directly or indirectly, dental caries at T3. CONCLUSION: There is strong evidence that socioeconomic inequalities at the individual level play an important role on the occurrence of dental caries from childhood to adolescence. On the other hand, there was no evidence that contextual SES influences the occurrence of dental caries over time.

Trends and age-period-cohort effect on dental caries prevalence from 2008 to 2019 among Brazilian preschoolers.

This study aimed to evaluate trends in the prevalence of dental caries in preschool children and associated factors considering different time variations. This is a time series study performed using data from three cross-sectional studies with pre-school children from southern Brazil in 2008, 2013 and 2019. This children group was born between the years of 2003 to 2018. Dental caries was evaluated by decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth (dmft index). Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural and psychosocial variables were also collected. Chi-square test for trends and a hierarchical age-period-cohort (HAPC) analysis using multilevel Poisson regression model for testing the associations between predictor variables and dental caries experience were used. A total of 1,644 pre-school children participated in all surveys. There was a significant difference in caries experience considering all APC effects. The prevalence of dental caries was 25.0% in 2008, 16.3% in 2013, and 19.4% in 2019 (p < 0.01) and no statistical difference was observed. An age effect showed that older children were more likely to experience dental caries. Considering the cohort effect, there is a significant difference between the generations, mainly between 2003 and 2018. Household income, use of dental services, and parent's perception of child oral health were associated with dental caries experience no matter the time variation. Despite recent declines in dental caries prevalence among preschool children, caries levels increased with age and social inequalities persisted through the years, indicating a need of reviewing the policies to reduce the burden of this oral disease.

Impact of licit and illicit substances on the oral health-related quality of life in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the consumption of licit and illicit substances on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of adolescents from public schools in the south of Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out with a random sample of adolescents aged between 17 and 18 years old from Santa Maria, Brazil. The consumption of licit and illicit substances was measured through a self-administered questionnaire with questions from the National Survey of Scholar Health. The OHRQoL was collected using the Brazilian short version of Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ11-14). Multilevel Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association between the outcome and the explanatory variables where the adolescents (first level) were nested in their schools (second level). RESULTS: A total of 768 adolescents were evaluated. Of these, about 15.6% have already used illegal substances. Adolescents who reported the use of illicit substances had 28% higher CPQ11-14 scores when compared to their counterparts. Alcohol use was also related to worse levels of OHRQoL, while the consumption of cigarettes acted as a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: This study found an association between the use of alcohol and illicit drugs with worse levels of OHRQoL.

Trends and age-period-cohort effect on dental caries prevalence from 2008 to 2019 among Brazilian preschoolers

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate trends in the prevalence of dental caries in preschool children and associated factors considering different time variations. This is a time series study performed using data from three cross-sectional studies with pre-school children from southern Brazil in 2008, 2013 and 2019. This children group was born between the years of 2003 to 2018. Dental caries was evaluated by decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth (dmft index). Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural and psychosocial variables were also collected. Chi-square test for trends and a hierarchical age-period-cohort (HAPC) analysis using multilevel Poisson regression model for testing the associations between predictor variables and dental caries experience were used. A total of 1,644 pre-school children participated in all surveys. There was a significant difference in caries experience considering all APC effects. The prevalence of dental caries was 25.0% in 2008, 16.3% in 2013, and 19.4% in 2019 (p < 0.01) and no statistical difference was observed. An age effect showed that older children were more likely to experience dental caries. Considering the cohort effect, there is a significant difference between the generations, mainly between 2003 and 2018. Household income, use of dental services, and parent's perception of child oral health were associated with dental caries experience no matter the time variation. Despite recent declines in dental caries prevalence among preschool children, caries levels increased with age and social inequalities persisted through the years, indicating a need of reviewing the policies to reduce the burden of this oral disease.

Does bullying due to oral conditions influence cigarette smoking in adolescents? A structural equation modeling.

This study aimed to explore the pathways that can influence cigarette smoking among adolescents. This population-based cohort followed a random sample of 12-year-old adolescents from southern Brazil for 6 years. Regular cigarette smoking was assessed through a self-reported question, previously used in the Brazilian National Survey of Scholar Health. We also gathered data on bullying, dental caries at baseline, incidence of caries, sex, friend network, and Sense of Coherence (SOC). Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were also collected. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the pathways. Of the 1,134 adolescents examined at baseline, 768 were re-evaluated (67.7% retention rate). The prevalence of smoking was 37.6%. This prevalence was directly affected by low SOC (SC: -0.14, p < 0.01), low household income (SC: -0.12, p < 0.01), and male sex (SC: 0.15, p < 0.01). Presence of dental caries at baseline indirectly influenced the occurrence of dental bullying at follow-up via the incidence of dental caries (SC: 0.01, p < 0.05). Dental bullying indirectly influenced cigarettes consumption via SOC (SC: 0.62, p < 0.05). Friend network also indirectly influenced the consumption of cigarettes via SOC (SC: 0.32, p < 0.05). Psychosocial factors influence adolescent cigarette consumption through its higher direct and indirect effects (via bullying). In addition, behavioral, sociodemographic, and clinical factors also influence the occurrence of smoking.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep bruxism among adolescents in Brazil: A longitudinal study.

AIM: To evaluate the immediate and late impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of possible sleep bruxism (SB) among adolescents in Brazil. DESIGN: This is a longitudinal study performed with adolescents (11-15 years old) from Southern Brazil. Baseline data were collected before the Brazilian COVID-19 outbreak (T1). Posteriorly, data were collected after 3 (T2) and 15 months under the Brazilian COVID-19 outbreak. The possible SB was evaluated by the question: 'Do you grind your teeth during your sleep?'. Sociodemographic, psychosocial and clinical variables were also collected. Changes in SB were evaluated by multilevel logistic regression models for repeated measures. RESULTS: Of the 290 adolescents assessed at T1, 182 were reassessed at both follow-ups. The prevalence of possible SB was 13% at T1, 11% at T2 and 22% at T3. There were no immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of possible SB (T2). Adolescents had odds 2.77 times greater of presented possible SB after 15 months (T3) of COVID-19 pandemic scenarios when compared to T1. CONCLUSION: There was a considerable and late increase in the possible SB in adolescents in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chocolate intake and muscle pain sensation: A randomized experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Chocolate, as a cocoa-derived product rich in flavanols, has been used for medical and anti-inflammatory purposes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate if the ingestion of different percentages of cocoa products affects the experimentally induced pain caused by intramuscular hypertonic saline injections in the masseter muscle of healthy men and women. METHODS: This experimental randomized, double-blind, and controlled study included 15 young, healthy, and pain-free men and 15 age-matched women and involved three visits with at least a 1-week washout. Pain was induced twice at each visit with intramuscular injections of 0.2 mL hypertonic saline (5%), before and after intake of one of the different chocolate types: white (30% cocoa content), milk (34% cocoa content), and dark (70% cocoa content). Pain duration, pain area, peak pain, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were assessed every fifth minute after each injection, up until 30 min after the initial injection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using IBM® SPSS (Version 27); significance level was set to p<0.05. RESULTS: This study showed that intake of chocolate, no matter the type, reduced the induced pain intensity significantly more than no intake of chocolate (p<0.05, Tukey test). There were no differences between the chocolate types. Further, men showed a significantly greater pain reduction than women after intake of white chocolate (p<0.05, Tukey test). No other differences between pain characteristics or sexes were revealed. CONCLUSION: Intake of chocolate before a painful stimulus had a pain-reducing effect no matter the cocoa concentration. The results indicate that perhaps it is not the cocoa concentration (e.g., flavanols) alone that explains the positive effect on pain, but likely a combination of preference and taste-experience. Another possible explanation could be the composition of the chocolate, i.e. the concentration of the other ingredients such as sugar, soy, and vanilla. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05378984.

The Different Roles of Structural and Cognitive Social Capital on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Adolescents.

This study evaluated the relationship of structural and cognitive dimensions of social capital with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents. This was a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort of adolescents from southern Brazil. OHRQoL was evaluated using the short version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ11-14). Structural social capital was measured by attendance of religious meetings and social networks from friends and neighbours. Cognitive social capital was evaluated through trust in friends and neighbours, perception of relationships in the neighbourhood, and social support during hard times. Multilevel Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between social capital dimensions and overall CPQ11-14 scores; higher scores corresponded to worse OHRQoL. The sample comprised 429 adolescents with a mean age of 12 years. Adolescents who attended religious meetings less than once a month or never presented higher overall CPQ11-14 scores. Adolescents who did not trust their friends and neighbours, those who believe that their neighbours did not have good relationships, and those reporting no support during hard times also presented higher overall CPQ11-14 scores. OHRQoL was poorer in individuals who presented lower structural and cognitive social capital, with the greatest impact related to the cognitive dimension.

Early childhood factors in the development of oral health behaviours in adolescence: A structural equation modelling approach.

OBJECTIVES: Oral health behaviour is a learning process that begins in the early years of an individual's life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between demographic, socioeconomic, and psychosocial factors and oral health behaviours during the transition period from childhood to adolescence. METHODS: This was a cohort study with a follow-up of 7 years. The baseline assessment occurred in 2010 with a random sample of 639 preschool children from southern Brazil. Demographic, socioeconomic and psychosocial oral health conditions were assessed at baseline. Oral health habit variables were collected at follow-up and included questions regarding dental care and oral hygiene behaviours. Structural equation modelling was performed to assess the direct and indirect relationships between predictors at baseline in oral health behaviours at follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 449 children were re-examined at follow-up (70.3% cohort retention rate). Factors directly related to poorer oral health behaviours (lower use of dental services, dental visits for emergency reasons and lower frequency of toothbrushing) were lower household income, lower maternal education, lower frequency of visits to neighbours or friends, and male sex. Considering indirect pathways, the household income and maternal education at baseline influenced oral health behaviours at follow-up via visits to neighbours or friends. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that household income, maternal education and social capital play an important role in the development of oral health behaviours during the transition from childhood to adolescence. Acquisition of healthy oral behaviours is an important factor to consider in childhood. With this knowledge, public health policies can be developed to intervene in specific causal factors and improve oral health during this transitional period.

Does bullying due to oral conditions influence cigarette smoking in adolescents? A structural equation modeling

Abstract This study aimed to explore the pathways that can influence cigarette smoking among adolescents. This population-based cohort followed a random sample of 12-year-old adolescents from southern Brazil for 6 years. Regular cigarette smoking was assessed through a self-reported question, previously used in the Brazilian National Survey of Scholar Health. We also gathered data on bullying, dental caries at baseline, incidence of caries, sex, friend network, and Sense of Coherence (SOC). Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were also collected. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the pathways. Of the 1,134 adolescents examined at baseline, 768 were re-evaluated (67.7% retention rate). The prevalence of smoking was 37.6%. This prevalence was directly affected by low SOC (SC: -0.14, p < 0.01), low household income (SC: -0.12, p < 0.01), and male sex (SC: 0.15, p < 0.01). Presence of dental caries at baseline indirectly influenced the occurrence of dental bullying at follow-up via the incidence of dental caries (SC: 0.01, p < 0.05). Dental bullying indirectly influenced cigarettes consumption via SOC (SC: 0.62, p < 0.05). Friend network also indirectly influenced the consumption of cigarettes via SOC (SC: 0.32, p < 0.05). Psychosocial factors influence adolescent cigarette consumption through its higher direct and indirect effects (via bullying). In addition, behavioral, sociodemographic, and clinical factors also influence the occurrence of smoking.

Impact of community and individual social capital during early childhood on oral health-related quality of life: A 10-year prospective cohort study.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of community and individual social capital during early childhood on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) over a 10-year follow-up period. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the southern Brazil. Baseline (T1) data collection occurred in 2010 with preschool children aged 1-5 years. Participants were assessed in 2012 (T2), 2017 (T3), and 2020 (T4). OHRQoL was assessed using the B-ECOHIS at T1 and T2 and through CPQ8-10 at T3 and CPQ11-14 at T4. Community social capital was evaluated through the presence of formal institutions in the neighbourhood and individual social capital by social networks, both at T1. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were also evaluated. Multilevel Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate the impact of social capital measures on OHRQoL. RESULTS: Of the 639 children assessed at T1, 469 were followed at T2 (73.3% response rate), 449 at T3 (70.3% response rate), and 429 at T4 (67.1% response rate). Individuals living in neighbourhoods with the presence of social class associations at T1 had higher OHRQoL at T3 and T4. Individuals whose families visit friends and neighbours less than once a month or never at T1 had lower OHRQoL at T1, T3 and T4. Attending religious meetings less than once a month or never at T1 was associated with lower OHRQoL at T2 and T4. CONCLUSION: Social capital at the community level had a long-term effect on OHRQoL, especially during adolescence, while individual social capital levels impacted OHRQoL across the assessments. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings indicate that psychosocial variables can impact OHRQoL, a fundamental aspect of clinical practice.

Number of dentists in the neighborhood and incidence of dental caries in the children permanent dentition.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the number of dentists in the neighborhood on the incidence of dental caries in the children permanent dentition. This cohort began in 2010 (T1) with a random sample of 639 children (1 to 5 years-old) followed for 7 years, in southern Brazil. The follow-up reassessment (T2) took place in 2017. Untreated dental caries was evaluated at T2 through the Decayed, Missing, and Filled surfaces index (DMF-S). The number of dentists in the neighborhood was obtained from the city's official database and used as a contextual variable. Socioeconomic, demographic, and oral health variables at the individual level were evaluated at T1. A multilevel Poisson regression was performed to evaluate the influence of the predictor variables in the incidence of untreated dental caries. From 639 children at T1, 449 were reassessed at T2 (a 70.3% retention rate). The mean of decayed surfaces at T2 was 0.92 (SE 0.01). The greater the number of dentists in the neighborhoods where the children lived, the lower the incidence of dental caries. Children with low socioeconomic status, who have not routinely visited the dentist in the last 6 months, who presented a experience of dental caries, and whose parents perceived their oral health as fair/poor showed a higher incidence of surfaces with untreated dental caries. As conclusion, children who live in neighborhoods with fewer dentists have a higher incidence of untreated dental caries in permanent dentition.

Number of dentists in the neighborhood and incidence of dental caries in the children permanent dentition

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the number of dentists in the neighborhood on the incidence of dental caries in the children permanent dentition. This cohort began in 2010 (T1) with a random sample of 639 children (1 to 5 years-old) followed for 7 years, in southern Brazil. The follow-up reassessment (T2) took place in 2017. Untreated dental caries was evaluated at T2 through the Decayed, Missing, and Filled surfaces index (DMF-S). The number of dentists in the neighborhood was obtained from the city's official database and used as a contextual variable. Socioeconomic, demographic, and oral health variables at the individual level were evaluated at T1. A multilevel Poisson regression was performed to evaluate the influence of the predictor variables in the incidence of untreated dental caries. From 639 children at T1, 449 were reassessed at T2 (a 70.3% retention rate). The mean of decayed surfaces at T2 was 0.92 (SE 0.01). The greater the number of dentists in the neighborhoods where the children lived, the lower the incidence of dental caries. Children with low socioeconomic status, who have not routinely visited the dentist in the last 6 months, who presented a experience of dental caries, and whose parents perceived their oral health as fair/poor showed a higher incidence of surfaces with untreated dental caries. As conclusion, children who live in neighborhoods with fewer dentists have a higher incidence of untreated dental caries in permanent dentition.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência do número de cirurgiões-dentistas do bairro na incidência de cárie dentária na dentição permanente. Esta coorte teve início em 2010 (T1) com uma amostra aleatória de 639 crianças (1 a 5 anos) acompanhadas por 7 anos, no sul do Brasil. A reavaliação (T2) ocorreu em 2017. A cárie dentária não tratada foi avaliada no T2 por meio do índice de superfícies cariadas, perdidas e obturadas (CPO-S). O número de dentistas do bairro foi obtido no banco de dados oficial da cidade e usada como uma variável contextual. Variáveis socioeconômicas, demográficas e de saúde bucal no nível individual foram avaliadas no T1. Foi realizada uma análise de regressão de Poisson multinível para avaliar a influência das variáveis preditoras na incidência de cárie dentária não tratada. Das 639 crianças no T1, 449 foram reavaliadas no T2 (taxa de retenção de 70,3%). A média das superfícies cariadas no T2 foi de 0,92 (EP 0,01). Quanto maior o número de dentistas nos bairros em que as crianças residiam, menor era a incidência de cárie dentária. Crianças com baixo nível socioeconômico, que não consultaram rotineiramente o dentista nos últimos 6 meses, que apresentaram experiência de cárie dentária e cujos pais perceberam sua saúde bucal como regular/ruim apresentaram maior incidência de superfícies com cárie dentária não tratada. Como conclusão, crianças que moram em bairros com menos dentistas têm maior incidência de cárie não tratada na dentição permanente.

Sense of coherence moderates the relationship between social capital and oral health­related quality of life in schoolchildren: a 10-year cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the moderating effect of sense of coherence (SOC) on the relationship between social capital and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among schoolchildren. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in the city of Santa Maria, Brazil, involving children aged 1-5 years at baseline who were reassessed after 10 years in adolescence (11-15 years-old). Social capital was assessed at baseline and follow-up through social networks and social trust. Sense of coherence scale (SOC-13) and the short form of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ11-14) were measured at 10-years follow-up. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and dental caries were also evaluated. Moderating effect of SOC on the relationship between social capital and OHRQoL was tested using multilevel adjusted Poisson regression analysis and simple slope test. RESULTS: From the 639 subjects assessed at baseline, 429 were reassessed at follow-up (cohort retention rate 67.1%). Moderate and high levels of SOC demonstrated a moderating effect on the relationship between social capital and OHRQoL. Among individuals who presented low social capital at baseline and follow-up, those who had high SOC reported, respectively, an impact 63% and 70% lower on OHRQoL when compared to those with low SOC. The greatest margin effect was observed in individuals with low social capital and low SOC at follow-up (24.25; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that SOC moderates the negative impact of low social capital on poor OHRQoL in schoolchildren.

Oral health-related quality of life as a predictor of alcohol and cigarette consumption in adolescents.

This study evaluated the influence of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) on the consumption of alcohol and cigarette use in adolescents. This prospective cohort began in 2012 (T1) with an initial random sample of 1134 12-year-old adolescents followed for 6 years in Santa Maria, southern Brazil. The present study comprised data from the two cohort reassessments that took place in 2014 (T2) and 2018 (T3). OHRQoL was measured with the Brazilian short version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14) at T2. Socioeconomic, demographic, and oral health measures were also collected during this period. Alcohol and cigarette consumption (regular use) in the past 30 days was evaluated at T3 through questions in the of the National School Health Survey (PeNSE) questionnaire. A multilevel Poisson regression model was used to evaluate the influence of predictor variables on substance use. Of the 770 adolescents at T2, 575 and 576 adolescents were reassessed at T3 for alcohol and cigarette consumption, respectively. Adolescents with higher overall CPQ11-14 scores were at higher risk for regular consumption of alcohol (IRR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01-1.02) and cigarette (IRR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03-1.05). Non-white adolescents with low socioeconomic status, untreated dental caries, and who had not been to the dentist (last 6 months) were also associated with increased regular consumption of licit substances. Adolescents with worse OHRQoL presented a higher consumption of alcohol and cigarette. These findings are useful for planning public health strategies to improve adolescent OHRQoL and reduce the harmful substance use.

Oral health-related quality of life as a predictor of alcohol and cigarette consumption in adolescents

Abstract: This study evaluated the influence of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) on the consumption of alcohol and cigarette use in adolescents. This prospective cohort began in 2012 (T1) with an initial random sample of 1134 12-year-old adolescents followed for 6 years in Santa Maria, southern Brazil. The present study comprised data from the two cohort reassessments that took place in 2014 (T2) and 2018 (T3). OHRQoL was measured with the Brazilian short version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14) at T2. Socioeconomic, demographic, and oral health measures were also collected during this period. Alcohol and cigarette consumption (regular use) in the past 30 days was evaluated at T3 through questions in the of the National School Health Survey (PeNSE) questionnaire. A multilevel Poisson regression model was used to evaluate the influence of predictor variables on substance use. Of the 770 adolescents at T2, 575 and 576 adolescents were reassessed at T3 for alcohol and cigarette consumption, respectively. Adolescents with higher overall CPQ11-14 scores were at higher risk for regular consumption of alcohol (IRR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01-1.02) and cigarette (IRR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03-1.05). Non-white adolescents with low socioeconomic status, untreated dental caries, and who had not been to the dentist (last 6 months) were also associated with increased regular consumption of licit substances. Adolescents with worse OHRQoL presented a higher consumption of alcohol and cigarette. These findings are useful for planning public health strategies to improve adolescent OHRQoL and reduce the harmful substance use.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on behavioural and psychosocial factors related to oral health in adolescents: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on behavioural and psychosocial aspects related to oral health is unknown. AIM: This study evaluated the psychosocial and behavioural changes related to oral health in adolescents immediately before and during the pandemic period of COVID-19, enabling a longitudinal assessment of the perceived changes. DESIGN: This cohort study evaluated 290 adolescents from November 2019 to February 2020 (T1-before the pandemic in Brazil) and from June to July 2020 (T2) in southern Brazil. Sociodemographic, behavioural, and psychosocial variables were measured before and during the pandemic. Issues related to social distancing and job loss were also collected. The differences between the variables in T1 and T2, as well as the effect of social distancing, were assessed using a multilevel-adjusted logistic regression model for repeated measures. RESULTS: A total of 207 adolescents were re-evaluated at T2 (a response rate of 71.3%). During the pandemic, the frequency of toothbrushing, the use of dental services, and the self-perceived need for dental treatment significantly decreased. Sugar consumption, bruxism, and quality of sleep did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Behavioural and psychosocial factors showed significant changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents.