The impact of unmet treatment need on oral health related quality of life: a questionnaire survey.

BACKGROUND: Based on the present global burden of oral diseases, unmet dental needs affect a more significant population worldwide. It is characterised by the need for dental care but receiving delayed or no care. The contributing factors include lack of knowledge about oral health, its consequences, and the availability of dental services. We need to find out the scale of the problem of unmet dental needs for the south Indian population. Therefore, the objective was to determine the relationship between the presence of oral disease and the quality of life-related to oral health using the OHIP-14 tool. METHODS: The unmet dental requirements of the south Indian population were determined using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Close-ended questions were used to obtain data from two investigators trained to record the answers from the patients. The data was collected using the OHIP-14 questionnaire, which consists of 14 items divided into seven domains with two questions each. Physical pain, psychological impairment, physical disability, psychological disability, social disability, and disability were all considered. An additional analysis of artificial neural network (ANN) was done. RESULTS: The response rate was 100 per cent. N = 1029 people replied to the questionnaire about their unmet dental needs. N = 497 (48.3%) were men, whereas N = 532 (51.7%) were women. The average age was 31.7811.72. As their current occupation, most of the included subjects (60.1%) were students. The respondents had no known personal habits and a mixed diet (94.93%). The average BMI was 24.022.59 (14-30.9). OHIP was present in 62.3% of the population. The average OHIP-14 severity score was 10.97. (8.54). The severity and degree of unmet dental need were substantial (p0.01) due to pain in the mouth/teeth/gums, malocclusion, and gum bleeding. The most common OHIP-14 domains affected by unmet oral needs were psychological discomfort, psychological limitation, social limitation, and feeling handicapped. The analysis of ANN revealed that high OHIP scores were primarily attributed to dental caries, poor oral health, and dental aesthetics. CONCLUSION: The severity and degree of unmet dental needs were significant among the south Indian population. The most common oral health status that impacted OHIP-14 domains were pain, malocclusion, and bleeding gums. These patients were significantly impacted by psychological discomfort and social limitations and felt handicapped.

Microbial Symphony: Navigating the Intricacies of the Human Oral Microbiome and Its Impact on Health.

This comprehensive review delves into the forefront of research on the human oral microbiome, exploring recent advancements that span microbial colonization, state-of-the-art detection methodologies, and the complex interplay involved in disease progression. Through an exhaustive analysis of the contemporary literature, we illuminate the dynamic orchestration of microbial communities within the oral cavity, underscoring their pivotal role in health and disease. Cutting-edge detection techniques, including metagenomics and high-throughput sequencing, are discussed regarding their transformative impact on understanding the intricacies of oral microbial ecosystems. As we stand on the cusp of a new decade, this review anticipates a paradigm shift in the field, emphasizing the potential for rapid identification and targeted management of detrimental oral microorganisms. Insights gained from this exploration not only contribute to our fundamental understanding of the oral microbiome but also hold promise for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to maintain oral health. This article aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals engaged in unraveling the mysteries of the microbial symphony within the human oral cavity.