Effects of tobacco product use on oral health and the role of oral healthcare providers in cessation: A narrative review.

Tobacco use has detrimental effects on health, including oral health. The emergence and increasing popularity of newer tobacco and nicotine products make tobacco use one of the major public health problems in the world. Tobacco use increases the risk of oral diseases such as oral cancer, oral mucosal lesions, periodontal disease, and dental caries, among many other oral diseases and conditions. The dental office is an excellent venue for providing cessation intervention. However, there is a lack of knowledge and training in tobacco use prevention among dental professionals. More efforts are needed for smoking cessation interventions in the dental office. Smoking cessation interventions provided by oral healthcare providers include brief educational, behavioral, and pharmacological interventions. This review provides an overview of the ill effects of tobacco use on oral health and the role of oral healthcare providers in managing and preventing tobacco dependence.

Stakeholders' perceptions of barriers and facilitators for dental and mental health referrals of HIV/AIDS clinic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are understudied and underserved with respect to both dental and mental health services. The coexistence of psychiatric and dental problems in PLWHA leads to more complex diagnostic assessments and treatments compared to the general population. The aim of the present study was to identify relevant themes from the perspectives of important stakeholders regarding the barriers to and facilitators of patient referral to these services. METHOD: Semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with nine program directors and other key staff from New York State HIV clinics to examine barriers to and facilitators of successful dental and mental health referrals and factors that affect patient motivation. RESULTS: Primary themes crystalized around dental and mental health referral, subject knowledge and perspective, patient barriers, and strategies to overcome barriers. Identified barriers included mental health and HIV status stigma, social determinants of health, fear, disconnectedness, and inconsistent access for dental care. Facilitators identified included case management, integrated one-stop-shop care, and interprofessional awareness and collaboration. Potential patient motivators included process improvement strategies such as transportation support, case management, incentives, and building trust. CONCLUSION: Specific strategies to facilitate patient motivation such as care coordination and interprofessional collaboration is useful for improving dental and mental health referrals.

Evaluation of fear, anxiety, and knowledge among dental providers during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Background/purpose: COVID-19 has caused a global public health crisis with a major impact on the dental community. The unknown nature of the disease, close and prolonged contact between the patient and provider, aerosol-generating dental procedures in dental settings, guidelines that kept evolving are some of the factors that have alarmed the dental community. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fear/anxiety among dental providers and assess the knowledge and related practice modification in a post-doctoral dental institution in Upstate New York. Materials and methods: An online, anonymous, validated survey was sent to all dental faculty and trainees (n = 358) including general dentists and specialists from various departments between August and October 2020. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square goodness-of-fit test were performed. Results: A total of 144 responded to the survey. It was reported that the majority of the dental providers (faculty (80%) and trainees (90%)) were afraid of getting infected with COVID-19 from the patient. Approximately 90% in both groups reported fear of carrying the infection home to their family and about reports of people dying. The majority of dental providers were well-versed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. There was difference in knowledge about using N-95 and level 3 masks with face shields for various dental procedures. Conclusion: The study concluded that COVID-19 related fear/anxiety among dental providers was immediate and needed to be addressed.

Patients' and parents' expectations of orthodontic treatment in university settings.

INTRODUCTION: The primary aim was to compare patients' and parents' orthodontic treatment expectations at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY (UR) in the United States. Secondary aims were to assess the association between sociodemographic factors and UR participants' expectations; and compare participants' expectations between UR, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) and King's College Dental Hospital, London, United Kingdom (KC) (previously published data). METHODS: One hundred and forty participants [70 patients and one of their parents (n = 70)] completed a validated questionnaire (10 questions) to measure orthodontic treatment expectations before screening at the Orthodontic Department at UR. Various sociodemographic factors were assessed. The paired t test (for continuous responses) and the Fisher exact test (for categorical responses) were used to compare UR patients' and parents' responses. Two-sample t test and the Fisher exact test were used to compare participants' responses among sociodemographic groups. One-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test, and the Fisher exact test were used to compare participants' responses between UR, and ACTA and KC (data collected from previous publications). A multiplicity correction was performed to control the false discovery rate. RESULTS: Patients at UR expected less check-up and diagnosis, and less discussion about treatment at the initial visit, more dietary restrictions, and less improvement in smile esthetics and social confidence with orthodontic treatment than parents. Participants' responses differed by sociodemographic factors at UR and between UR, ACTA, and KC. CONCLUSIONS: Expectations of orthodontic treatment differ between patients and their parents, are associated with sociodemographic factors, and vary among United States and European University centers.

Inflammatory biomarkers and growth factors in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid of e-cigarette users, cigarette smokers, and dual smokers: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking remains one of the leading public health threats worldwide. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) provide an alternative to conventional cigarette smoking; however, the evidence base of risks and benefits of e-cig use is new and growing. In this cross-sectional pilot study, the effect of e-cig use on biological profiles in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was assessed and compared with the profiles of cigarette smokers (CS), dual users, and non-users. The systemic inflammatory mediators between e-cig users (EC) and these other groups were also assessed. METHODS: This pilot cross-sectional study recruited volunteer participants consisting of four groups, non-smokers (NS), CS, EC, and dual EC and cigarette smokers (DS). Saliva and GCF samples were collected and analyzed for biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory lipid mediators, tissue injury and repair, and growth factors with immunoassay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Luminex). RESULTS: Smoking status was confirmed via salivary cotinine. Prostaglandin E2 level was significantly increased in CS compared with EC and DS, but not significantly different in EC and DS groups compared with non-smokers (NS). Statistically significant differences were observed between groups of EC and NS (myeloperoxidase [MPO], matrix metalloproteinase-9) as well as between DS and EC for biomarkers of inflammatory mediators (receptor for advanced glycation end products [RAGE], MPO, uteroglobin/CC-10); between groups of DS and NS for extracellular newly identified RAGE binding protein and between CS and NS for MPO. No statistically significant differences in biomarkers of immunity (S100A8, S100A9, galectin-3), tissue injury and repair (Serpine1/PAI-1) and growth factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, fibroblast growth factors, platelet-derived growth factor-AA, vascular endothelial growth factor, and others) were found between any of groups. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant differences in measurable health outcomes were found between different smoking status groups, suggesting that smoking/vaping produces differential effects on oral health.

Toxicological impact of waterpipe smoking and flavorings in the oral cavity and respiratory system.

Waterpipe smoking (WS), an emerging trend has major health concerns. It is prevalent worldwide as a recreational activity both indoors and outdoors. The aim of this review was to assess the impact of waterpipe smoke on the oral and respiratory system (oral cavity and pulmonary tissues). A number of studies have shown that periodontal health status is compromised in waterpipe smokers when compared with nonsmokers. Some studies have associated WS with oral premalignant and malignant lesions; however, due to the poor quality of these studies, the presented outcomes should be interpreted with caution. Although cigarette smoking has been considered as a potential risk factor for dental caries; there are no studies in indexed literature that have shown an association to exist between dental caries and WS. Inhaled waterpipe smoke imposes oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and compromises the ventilatory capacity of the lungs and may lead to an increased risk of decline in lung function. WS may cause oral and pulmonary diseases, such as periodontal disease and chronic obstructive airway disease, respectively. The association between WS and development of dental caries and oral pre-cancer and their relationships with chronic airways disease requires investigations. This review discusses the current evidence of waterpipe smoke effects on the oral health and respiratory system based on basic and clinical science and provides future directions for research and regulatory science on how WS can affect the oral cavity and the respiratory/pulmonary system.

Fluoride Varnish: Knowledge, Preferences and Practices of General and Pediatric Dentists.

To determine the use of fluoride varnish (FV) to prevent dental caries and explore related factors, a survey was mailed to all 540 licensed general and pediatric dentists in eight Western New York counties. Of 193 surveys analyzed, 47.5% of dentists used FV in children. Only 44% accurately assessed high-risk cases for caries. Dentists serving children under age 2 and those correctly assessing high-risk children for caries were more likely to use FV in children under 7. Only 28% correctly recommended the first visit at 6/12 months; 38.7% recommended age 3. The authors concluded that FV was underutilized, suggesting a need for guide-line based strategies.

Access to oral health services for urban low-income Latino children: social ecological influences.

OBJECTIVES: Using an ecological conceptual model, this study examined the social context, structural, and behavioral factors within an immigrant community that contribute to increased access and use of oral health services by Latino children. The predictors of health service use at the level of the individual, the family, the provider, and the health service system were studied for their effects on the initiation of care, continuity of care, and frequency of planned visits. METHODS: In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 320 Latino mothers regarding their use of oral health services for 4-8-year-old children [Mexican (n = 221), Puerto Rican (n = 69), and Central and South American (n = 30)]. Outcome measures of dental care utilization were early age at initiation of care, continuity of care, and frequency of planned dental visits. RESULTS: Regular planned dental visits were significantly related to the structural variables of household income and provider availability. The initiation of dental care was related to the mother's beliefs about the value of early preventive dental care. Mothers were more likely to continue care if they believed that the purpose was to keep the child's teeth healthy and had satisfactory communication with the dentist. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the structural and behavioral factors that increase the likelihood of the use of oral health services can provide the basis for developing effective interventions specific to Latino children at the neighborhood level. The study findings can be also used for designing culturally appropriate oral health promotion programs and provider coordination of care.

Implementing a Smoke-free Campus: a Medical Center initiative.

A large 2-campus Medical Center in Western New York, along with several other large area hospitals, planned for and simultaneously implemented successful "Smoke-Free Campus" initiatives in November of 2006. This coordinated initiative required that each system plan accordingly for the development and implementation of policies, training of employees, clinicians, support staff and provision of tobacco treatment services (directly or via referral). In order to efficiently and competently inform each of these aspects of a system-wide initiative, accurate information was needed on the prevalence of tobacco use among employees, staff, faculty, and clinicians in each system. A multi-system surveillance initiative was implemented, using a brief survey for all employees of several of the partnering institutions. Summary data from the baseline measures are discussed. Also presented are Lessons Learned from the year-long planning and implementation phases, including details on topics categorized by the specific sub-committees that coordinated each area (e.g., Policy and Procedure, Communication, Faculty/Staff/Student Issues, Patient Issues (Inpatient and Outpatient), Tobacco Dependence Treatment and Provider/Staff Training). The effort was effective in instituting system-wide changes in all of the participating hospitals in the greater metropolitan area. A community-wide consortium convened each month for a year, and subcommittees within each hospital allowed planners to break up the initiative into manageable pieces. The extended timeline of 1 year was appropriate for overcoming fears, biases, and barriers which then enabled "buy-in" and support from leadership as well as employees.

Oral cancer prevention and early detection: knowledge, practices, and opinions of oral health care providers in New York State.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, practices, and opinions of dentists and dental hygienists in New York State regarding oral cancer prevention and early detection. METHOD: We sent questionnaires to a stratified random sample of dentists and dental hygienists selected from a list of licensed oral health care providers in New York State. We analyzed responses to the questionnaires, and we derived descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The effective response rate was 55% and 65% among dentists and dental hygienists, respectively. About 85% of dentists and 78% of dental hygienists reported providing annual oral cancer examination to their patients aged 40 and above. Although a majority assessed tobacco use, fewer practitioners assessed alcohol use. Both dentists and dental hygienists lacked knowledge in some aspects of risk factors, signs, and symptoms of oral cancer. However, dentists had significantly higher knowledge scores than dental hygienists. CONCLUSION: Dentists and dental hygienists in New York State are knowledgeable about oral cancer, but there are gaps in the knowledge of certain risk factors and in the oral cancer examination technique.

Preventing and detecting oral cancer. Oral health care providers' readiness to provide health behavior counseling and oral cancer examinations.

BACKGROUND: The authors conducted a study to examine oral cancer prevention and early detection practice patterns in a population-based random sample of practicing oral health care professionals in New York state. METHODS: The authors surveyed a population-based, self-weighting, stratified random sample of dentists (n = 1,025) and dental hygienists (n = 1,025) in New York state. They assessed the subjects' readiness to offer tobacco-use cessation and alcohol-abuse counseling and oral cancer examinations. RESULTS: The effective response rates were 55 and 66 percent for dentists and dental hygienists, respectively. In terms of readiness to perform oral cancer examinations for patients aged 40 years and older, the large majority (82 percent of dentists and 72 percent of dental hygienists) were in the maintenance stage of behavior, indicating that oral cancer examinations were a routine part of their practice. In terms of readiness to offer tobacco-use cessation counseling, only 12 percent of dentists and 21 percent of dental hygienists were in the maintenance stage, and only 2 percent of dentists and 4 percent of dental hygienists were in the maintenance stage of offering alcohol-abuse counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Oral cancer examinations seem to have been adopted as a standard of practice by most oral health care providers in New York state, but cancer prevention services, such as counseling regarding cessation of tobacco use and alcohol abuse, are lacking. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Oral health care providers should be trained in oral cancer prevention services such as tobacco-use cessation and alcohol-abuse counseling and encouraged to include these services, along with continued provision of oral cancer examinations, as a standard aspect of care.

An exploratory study of orthodontic resident communication by patient race and ethnicity.

Race has been shown to affect the quality of physician-patient relations. In view of this, dentistry must consider whether race also affects dentist-patient relations. The purpose of this study was to explore whether orthodontic residents showed more social connection and concern for European ancestry patients, were more negative to minority patients, and appropriately used interventions designed to overcome cultural differences. Communications in sixty-eight dentist-patient encounters were analyzed using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). The frequencies of each type of utterance were examined according to the patient's race/ethnicity. The race/ethnic groups were European (nineteen), African American (eleven), Latino (thirty-four), and Asian (four). In 90 percent of the sessions, the resident and the patient were of different ethnicity. Residents used social connection utterances more with European ancestry patients, but used personal utterances more with Latino patients. Residents did not use open-ended questions or probes for patient understanding more with minority patients. The communication patterns observed in this study were similar to those reported in the literature. This study has limitations, but additional research may confirm that residents communicate differently with patients by race and could use more appropriate methods of dealing with cross-cultural situations. More research on cross-cultural communication is needed.

Oral health and pregnancy: a review.

Pregnancy is a delicate condition involving complex physical and physiological changes. In recent times, there has been a greater focus on the oral health of pregnant women. Emerging evidence has shown that periodontal disease may be associated with preterm, low birthweight (LBW) babies. This has caught the attention of prenatal care providers, who often look to the dental community for information about the oral health aspects of pregnancy. Therefore, dental care providers should be well informed and better able to understand the management of different oral health conditions typically seen during pregnancy. In addition, prenatal care providers should forge a link with oral health care providers to prevent adverse outcomes. This article summarizes the oral health conditions associated with pregnancy.