Dry Socket Prevalence and Risk Factors in Third Molar Extractions: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background Third molar extraction is a routine oral surgical procedure that is often complicated by the development of a dry socket (alveolar osteitis). This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dry sockets and identify associated risk factors and causes, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the postoperative outcomes of oral surgery. Methods This study employed a prospective observational design with a 12-month follow-up period. Participants aged 18-40 years scheduled for third molar extraction were included, whereas those with coagulopathies, pregnant or lactating women, patients with vitamin deficiencies, and individuals on medications affecting healing were excluded. Data collection involved comprehensive assessments at baseline, intraoperative details, and postoperative evaluations at 48 hours, one week, and two weeks. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, or Mann-Whitney U tests, and logistic regression for the risk factor analysis. Results A total of 238 participants with diverse demographic characteristics were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of dry sockets increased progressively from 20.6% at 48 hours to 41.2% at two weeks post-extraction. Smoking, poor oral hygiene, and surgical technique emerged as significant risk factors, with corresponding odds ratios of 6.41 (95% CI: 2.86-14.36, p < 0.001), 9.53 (95% CI: 2.12-42.84, p = 0.003), and 3.27 (95% CI: 2.08-5.15, p < 0.001), respectively. Pain intensity, measured using a Visual Analog Scale, gradually decreased from 48 hours to two weeks post-extraction. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and risk factors associated with dry sockets following third molar extractions. Smoking, poor oral hygiene, and poor surgical techniques were identified as significant contributors, emphasizing the importance of preoperative counseling and targeted interventions.

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.

Preoperative oral hygiene treatment reduces bacterial transport and colonization during intubation for orthopedic surgery.

PURPOSE: The process of infection by bacteria and viruses involves invasion, establishment, growth, and parasitization. Poor oral hygiene and dysbiosis are significant risk factors for pneumonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate bacterial transport into the trachea during intubation for orthopedic surgery and the impact of oral hygiene treatment. METHODS: The study cohort included 53 patients with fracture who underwent surgical procedures under general anesthesia and were divided into two groups: an oral hygiene treatment (OHT) group (n = 27) and a control group (n = 26). Before intubation, the OHT group underwent preoperative oral hygiene treatment. Microbiological culture was used for detection and counting of bacteria from the oropharynx, trachea, and tip of the endotracheal tube (ETT). RESULTS: Patients in the OHT group had a lower pathogen detection rate and lower degree of bacterial colonization in the oropharynx, trachea, and ETT tip. CONCLUSION: Preoperative oral hygiene treatment is able to reduce bacterial transport and colonization during orthopedic surgery, thus providing an important adjunct to pre-anesthesia care.

Are Dentists Hypocrites? Oral Self-care Habits and Self-reported Oral Health Status among Dentists and Non-dentists in Croatia.

Objectives: Dentists provide dental care to their patients and educate them on their oral hygiene and how to maintain oral health. This paper aimed to determine whether dentists are hypocritical when advising their patients on oral hygiene procedures and dental treatments because they do not apply to themselves what they recommend to others. Material and methods: This is a self-reported study conducted through an online survey questionnaire completed by 1001 participants, of whom 551 were non-dentists and 450 dentists. This is the first study on oral hygiene habits and oral status among dentists in Croatia. This research included almost 10% of the total number of working dentists in Croatia. Results: In terms of dental hygiene habits, dentists brushed, flossed and used interdental brushes more frequently, and they also changed toothbrushes more frequently, whereas they attended check-ups less frequently. Dentists also reported a smaller number of teeth with cavities, a greater number of teeth with fillings, a greater number of extracted teeth, and a greater number of dental crowns, but a smaller number of healthy teeth compared to general population. However, dentists had a much higher proportion of participants over 30 years of age, and when sub-analysis of participants over 30 years of age was performed, dentists had a greater number of healthy teeth compared to the general population. Conclusions: The results showed that dentists are aware of the importance of their oral health and that they do not pay attention only to their oral hygiene habits, but also apply advice they give their patients. Therefore, they cannot be considered hypocritical.

Understanding and Practices of Oral Hygiene in the Intensive Care Units: Perspectives of Medical Staff at Two University Hospital Centers.

Objective: This study assesses the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of medical staff in intensive care units (ICUs) regarding oral hygiene care for critically ill, bedridden patients. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study included 65 employees from the Intensive Care Units of the Sestre Milosrdnice Clinical Hospital Centre (CHC SM) and the Clinic for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care at the University Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb (CHC ZG). A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, methods, frequency, and attitudes towards oral care for mechanically ventilated patients. The data were examined through descriptive statistical methods, presented in terms of proportions (percentages). For the purpose of comparing the feedback across the two hospital centers and different educational backgrounds, the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were employed. Results: Results of a survey of 65 participants (18 from CHC SM and 47 from CHC ZG) revealed a notable disparity in oral hygiene knowledge, with graduate nurses displaying the highest proportion of adequate knowledge (100%) and regular nurses showing the least (30.3%) (p<.001). Although the execution of oral care practices did not vary significantly among the groups, graduate nurses performed oral care more frequently (80% vs. baccalaureate technicians 33.33% and nurses 57.6%, three or more times a day) and demonstrated better proficiency in both mechanical (p=.005) and chemical (p<.001) biofilm management compared to their counterparts. No significant difference was observed in the delivery of oral care to orotracheally intubated patients across different educational levels (p=.127). However, a marked difference was noted in the perception of being adequately trained for such care, with nurses feeling less prepared (12.1%, p<.001). Despite these variances, all respondents recognized the importance of oral hygiene, thus showing a strong dedication to oral health care. Conclusions: This study highlights variability in ICU oral hygiene practices and points to the importance of standardized care protocols and improved training for healthcare staff.

Efficacy of an Electric Toothbrush With Monitor in Dental Plaque Removal: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Plaque control is very important in the treatment of periodontitis. However, plaque is difficult to remove because one cannot see one's own oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to verify the plaque removal effect of a prototype device that has a built-in image sensor in the head of an electric toothbrush, enabling the user to brush while checking the condition of the tooth surface on a monitor in real time and to assess their sense of use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 10 fifth-year students from the Graduate School of Dental Science, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan. The subjects were divided into those who used electric toothbrushes while having the condition of the tooth surface checked with a monitor (monitor group) and those without a monitor (non-monitor group). O'Leary plaque control records before and after brushing and the brushing time were measured, and questionnaires were given to the subjects after brushing. Scaling and professional tooth cleaning were performed after completing the questionnaire. One week later, subjects were switched to the opposite group and had the same measurements and questionnaires. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare both groups before and after the examination at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The monitor group had significantly better plaque removal than the non-monitor group. In addition, the monitor group spent significantly more time brushing than the control group. CONCLUSION: Brushing while monitoring oral conditions in real time using an electric toothbrush with a built-in image sensor showed that significantly better plaque removal can be achieved with a longer brushing time.

Awareness, Knowledge and Practice Patterns of Oral Health and Hygiene among Speech-Language Pathologists in India.

Individuals with communication and swallowing disorders often exhibit poor oral health and hygiene (OHH), that can lead to further complications. OHH assessment and management is a part of scope of practice of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). The study aims to determine the level of awareness, knowledge and practice patterns of OHH amongst the SLPs in India. A questionnaire with 20-item and three sections was developed to assess the awareness and knowledge regarding OHH among SLPs. A total of 162 participants responded to the survey. 93.2% participants were aware of the importance of OHH, however 42.6% participants did not feel confident enough to assess the same. A majority (82.7%) agreed that poor OHH can lead to different health complications. 38.8% of the participants responded that they assessed oral health only sometimes and 54.3% reported that they never used any standard screening/assessment tools to assess oral health. Only a very small percentage of participants (28.65%) counselled the patients for maintenance of oral hygiene and more than 40% never recommended appropriate OHH practices during management. Though a vast majority were aware of the importance of OHH and consequences of poor OHH, they did not feel confident and consequently did not incorporate OHH during clinical practice. Though the scope of SLP includes oral care assessment and management, Indian SLPs were not practicing this. Hence, the clinical and academic curriculum should focus on topics pertaining to oral health assessment and management, which will improve the quality-of-service delivery of the SLPs.

Negative pressure pulmonary edema following laryngospasm after dental abscess: A case report.

Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE), also known as post-obstructive pulmonary edema, is a rare and life-threatening condition. It occurs when a person breathes against an obstructed glottis, causing negative thoracic pressure in the lungs. This negative pressure can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, resulting in pulmonary edema. The obstructed glottis might be caused by laryngospasm, which occurs when the muscles around the larynx involuntarily spasm and can lead to complete upper airway occlusion. This report shares the case of a 33-year-old woman hospitalized for periapical dental abscess, facial swelling, and shortness of breath. The patient exhibited signs of poor oral hygiene. After the exacerbation of her symptoms, she showed signs of asphyxia and decreased oxygen saturation, which led to her intubation. Imaging revealed bilateral pleural effusion and patchy ground glass opacities favoring NPPE. After three days of treatment with diuretics and other conservative measures, her condition was alleviated, and she was extubated. Laryngospasm in the presence of a dental abscess is uncommon. Identification of imaging favoring NPPE in this setting is even more rare. In cases of laryngospasm, prompt intubation is crucial. Therapy with diuretics and other conservative measures can effectively treat NPPE following laryngospasm.

Evaluation of oral health among people with multimorbidity in the marginalized population of Karachi, Pakistan: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Oral health is linked to physical and mental well-being. Oral disease is common among poor and socioeconomically disadvantaged people in developing and industrialized countries. Objectives: This study assessed the oral health disease burden among people with multimorbidity in marginalized populations. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted across 16 locations in the slums of Karachi, Pakistan, to assess oral health disease problems among adults aged 18 to 70 with comorbidity or multimorbidity. The questionnaire covered the socioethnic, demographic, and disease status of people with oral health status. Data analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4. Results: Of the 16 designated slum locations, 870 individuals were considered for oral health screening. Gingivitis was highly prevalent, 29% among slum dwellers with multimorbidity of diabetes, hepatitis, and hypertension. Dandasa was widely used as a tooth-cleansing agent in 35% of the study population. By contrast, 45.4% of people showed unsatisfactory oral hygiene conditions. Pathan ethnicity showed the highest prevalence (i.e., 29.8% of dental problems with disease multimorbidity in 26.8% of Baldia Town residents of Karachi). Of the 870 individuals, the highest frequency of dental problems was found in the age group of 18-38 years (28-42.9%) and among female participants (53.8%). Conclusion: There is an urgent need for the global enhancement of public health programs, specifically focusing on implementing effective strategies to prevent oral illnesses, promote oral health, and address other chronic diseases in basic healthcare settings. Enhancing oral health poses significant difficulties, especially in less developed nations.

Utility of intraoral scanner imaging for dental plaque detection.

Purpose: Oral hygiene, maintained through plaque control, helps prevent periodontal disease and dental caries. This study was conducted to examine the accuracy of plaque detection with an intraoral scanner (IOS) compared to images captured with an optical camera. Materials and Methods: To examine the effect of color tone, artificial tooth resin samples were stained red, blue, and green, after which images were acquired with a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera and an IOS device. Stained surface ratios were then determined and compared. Additionally, the deviation rate of the IOS relative to the DSLR camera was computed for each color. In the clinical study, following plaque staining with red disclosing solution, the staining was captured by the DSLR and IOS devices, and the stained area on each image was measured. Results: The stained surface ratios did not differ significantly between DSLR and IOS images for any color group. Additionally, the deviation rate did not vary significantly across colors. In the clinical test, the stained plaque appeared slightly lighter in color, and the delineation of the stained areas less distinct, on the IOS compared to the DSLR images. However, the stained surface ratio was significantly higher in the IOS than in the DSLR group. Conclusion: When employing IOS with dental plaque staining, the impact of color was minimal, suggesting that the traditional red stain remains suitable for plaque detection. IOS images appeared relatively blurred and enlarged relative to the true state of the teeth, due to inferior sharpness compared to camera images.

Background Characteristics and Cognitive Factors as Determinants of Oral Health in Pregnant Women, Tehran, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: Pregnancy can lead to oral health issues, yet many women remain unaware of the potential negative impact on their pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the dental and periodontal health of pregnant women in Tehran, Iran, and identify its associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 221 pregnant women attending 12 randomly selected public health centers in Tehran, Iran. A self-administered questionnaire gathered data on background characteristics, oral health knowledge, and self-reported health. Periodontal status, oral hygiene, and dental health were assessed using bleeding on probing (BOP), simplified oral health (OHI-S), and decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) indices. Statistical analysis included simple and multiple linear regression (P<0.05). Results: The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 42 years (mean: 27.9 years, SD: 5.5). On average, participants scored 4.1 out of 11 (SD: 1.7) for general oral health knowledge and 1.62 out of 4 (SD: 0.9) for knowledge about oral health during pregnancy. The mean DMFT was 8.28 (SD: 5.7), with 65.6% of women having fair oral hygiene according to the OHI-S. Participants reporting poor general health had more debris (B: 0.276, P=0.043), while those with higher general oral health knowledge had fewer missing teeth (B: -0.183, P=0.048). Conclusion: Despite partial free oral health care provided to pregnant women in Iran, the dental and periodontal conditions of the participants were unsatisfactory. Implementing motivational educational programs within the primary health care system could be instrumental in improving the oral health of pregnant mothers.

Effect of prolonged hospitalization on the maintenance of oral health: A self-report survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of prolonged hospitalization on the maintenance of dental health and to assess the nursing staff's approach to addressing these concerns. METHODS: A survey questionnaire explored changes in the routine dental care of patients hospitalized for over a month. The involvement of nursing staff in addressing dental care was also evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty adult patients aged 18-89 years (mean age 62.4 ± 20.54 years), 27 (54%) males, completed the survey. During hospitalization (mean 58.59 ± 38.63 days) 26% and 18%, increased consumption of sweets and sugary beverages, between meals, respectively; 26% and 20% of the patients reduced the frequency of tooth brushing in the morning and in the evening, respectively, and 42.2% of them, reduced the quality of their toothbrushing during hospitalization. Nevertheless, 95.9% and 93.9% of them were never instructed during hospitalization to limit their consumption of sweets and sugary beverages and 83.3% and 62.5% of them had never been reminded or offered assistance during hospitalization in performing toothbrushing, respectively. The lower frequency of morning toothbrushing was significantly correlated with a lack of nurses' assistance (p = 0.004). In contrast, 62.6% reported they were reminded every day to shower. Patients in the rehabilitation and geriatrics departments reported a greater need for a brush/toothpaste (p < 0.0001) and assistance in toothbrushing (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged hospitalization leads to significant deterioration in inpatients' dental health maintenance. Raising awareness among nurses regarding their inpatient's oral health maintenance is warranted. Providing patients with toothbrushes, toothpaste and educational materials upon hospitalization is recommended.

Periodontal health literacy in Germany-Results of a telephone survey.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the periodontal health literacy of German adolescents, adults and senior residents. BACKGROUND: The prevalence of periodontitis is high. One explanation for this may be that people lack periodontal health literacy (PHL). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Former participants of the 5th German Oral Health Study (n = 333 16-year-olds, n = 307 39-48-year-olds, n = 332 69-78-year-olds) participated in a computer-assisted telephone interview. Open-ended questions (OEQs) were used to assess the participants' current knowledge. Corresponding single- and multiple-choice questions (SCQs and MCQs) supplemented the OEQs to allow detailed analyses of the nature of the knowledge gaps. RESULTS: Less than 10% of the participants in the three age groups could explain the term 'periodontitis' or select the correct answer in an SCQ. Responding to the OEQs, 89% of 16-year olds, 64% of 39-48-year-olds, and 59% of 69-78-year-olds, could not name any consequence of periodontitis, and 83%, 51%, and 60%, respectively, could not name any risk factors. The OEQs regarding proper oral hygiene behaviour revealed that participants lacked awareness regarding important aspects of oral hygiene (e.g., systematics) or areas to which they should pay attention to (e.g., interdental spaces and gingival margins). CONCLUSIONS: The survey revealed PHL deficits in German adolescents, adults, and seniors and a need for community-based measures to improve PHL in all age groups. Dental teams should be aware that their patients might lack the PHL necessary for understanding and adherence to professional dental advice, and that they might even lack PHL regarding the proper use of oral hygiene devices.

Comparison of oral health status, oral hygiene management behaviours and satisfaction of patients with fixed orthodontic appliance and clear aligner: A quasi-experimental design.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the overall oral health statuses of patients with fixed orthodontic appliance and clear aligner, as well as their oral hygiene management behaviours and satisfaction. METHODS: We selected 40 participants (20 each with fixed orthodontic devices and clear aligners) who visited a dental clinic. We conducted a survey to determine the oral hygiene management behaviours of the subjects and their satisfaction with their orthodontic treatment. Three measurements were also conducted at 4-week intervals to determine the oral health statuses of the subjects. RESULTS: The Löe and Silness gingival index of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances indicated moderate gingivitis (1.1 ± 0.3), and those with clear aligners had mild gingivitis (0.6 ± 0.4) (p < 0.001). The modified O'Leary index also indicated that the degree of dental plaque deposition in the oral cavity was lower in patients treated with a clear aligner (43.0 ± 18.2 points) than in those treated with a fixed orthodontic (28.1 ± 10.9 points) (p = 0.004). Regarding oral hygiene management, the fixed orthodontic group received scaling more frequently (p = 0.006), received more oral health education (p < 0.001) and had a longer brushing time (p = 0.008) than the clear aligner group. No significant difference was observed in satisfaction between the fixed orthodontic appliance and the clear aligner. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the oral health status by orthodontic appliance type, the clear aligner group had the advantages of reduction in dental plaque attachment and gingival health. The fixed orthodontic group exhibited better oral hygiene management behaviours. Satisfaction with orthodontic treatment was found to be similar for the two device types.

Changing from disease-centred to person-centred - Swedish dental hygienists' views on a theory-based behavioural intervention for improved oral hygiene among adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To explore dental hygienists' (DHs') views on (i) a person-centred, theory-based, behavioural intervention for improving oral hygiene among adolescents and (ii) professional and organizational factors to consider in the implementation of such an intervention in daily dental practice. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 DHs who had applied the person-centred, theory-based, behavioural intervention directed at adolescents with poor oral hygiene in a field study within the Public Dental Service, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The main theme 'From individual experts to partners - DHs changing direction from a disease-centred towards a person-centred approach' illustrated a changed professional approach among DHs, from exerting their roles as experts to encouraging partnership in treatment by supporting the adolescents in taking health behavioural decisions and responsibility for their oral health. The DHs considered the changed approach as challenging, but also more enjoyable, compared to conventional information/instruction. Adequate knowledge and skills, personal interest and willingness for a change as well as support from colleagues and clinic management were identified as prerequisites for implementing the person-centred, theory-based, behavioural intervention in daily practice, while the expenditure of time needed in relation to economic demands in care were seen as barriers. CONCLUSIONS: The findings elucidate that DHs considered the application of a person-centred, theory-based, behavioural intervention to be challenging but also enjoyable. For such an intervention to be implemented in daily practice, prerequisites and barriers need to be considered on both personal/professional and organizational levels.

The Association of Dental Caries or Dental Implant Placement Within One Year of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty on Medical and Implant Complications.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) adverse events among patients who have dental diagnoses remain unclear. We sought to determine if dental caries or dental implant placements increased: 1) 90-day medical complications; 2) 90-day readmissions; and 3) 2-year implant-related complications, including periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) after THA. METHODS: A nationwide database for primary THAs from 2010 to 2021 was queried to compare three patient cohorts. Patients who had a history of dental implants or caries within 12 months prior to THA (n = 1,179) or 12 months after THA (n = 1,218) were case-matched to patients who did not have dental history (n = 6,090) by age and comorbidities. Outcomes included 90-day complications, 90-day readmissions, and 2-year implant-related complications. Logistic regression models computed the odds ratios (OR) of complications and readmissions. P values less than 0.006 were significant. RESULTS: Patients who had dental caries or implant placement 12 months before or after THA experienced 1.6-fold greater odds of 90-day medical complications compared to case-matched patients. Readmissions within 90 days increased for patients who had a dental history before (11.7 versus 8.3%; OR: 1.49, P < 0.0001) and after (14.2 versus 8.3%; OR: 1.84, P < 0.0001) THA compared to case-matched patients. A dental caries diagnosis or dental implant placement within 12 months following THA increased 2-year implant complications compared to case-matched patients (15.2 versus 9.3%; OR: 1.69, P < 0.0001), including PJIs (5.3 versus 2.8%; OR: 1.98, P < 0.0001), dislocations (4.4 versus 2.7%; OR: 1.63, P = 0.002), and THA revisions (3.9 versus 2.5%; OR: 1.61, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Dental diagnoses within 12 months of THA are associated with increased medical complications. Dental diagnoses occurring 12 months after THA are associated with greater implant-related complications, including PJIs. Delaying invasive dental procedures for 12 months after THA may be advisable.

The effect of individuals' oral hygiene habits and knowledge levels on peri-implant health and disease: a questionnaire-based observational study.

BACKGROUND: Peri-implant disease and health are associated with microbial dental plaque. Therefore, oral hygiene plays a role in preventing and treating these diseases. This study aimed to determine the relationships among knowledge of peri-implant status, oral hygiene habits, and peri-implant disease and health. METHODS: A total of 144 implants in nonsmokers with controlled systemic disease were included in the study. Peri-implant disease and the conditions of the implants were determined with periodontal indices and radiographs based on the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions and The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline. Individuals were asked 66 questions regarding demographic information, oral hygiene habits and history, and knowledge of peri-implant diseases. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the three peri-implant disease and condition categories. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between groups regarding toothpaste type (p < 0.05). Gum protection toothpaste was greater in the peri-implant health group. Patients' use of interdental products was very low; often, no products were used for implant prosthesis. There was no significant difference among the groups regarding oral hygiene product use or oral hygiene habits (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups regarding frequency of visit (p < 0.05). The frequency of visits to the dentist for pain was greater for individuals with peri-implantitis. There is a significant difference between the groups' answers for the causative and initiating factors of peri-implant disease (p < 0.05). The peri-implant health group answered that microbial dental plaque is the most crucial initiating factor of peri-implant diseases, and bleeding on probing is the most critical determinant of peri-implant diseases at a higher rate than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' oral hygiene habits and knowledge levels are almost similar according to peri-implant status. Knowledge does not reflect a patient's oral hygiene behavior. Clinicians should ensure that individuals' oral hygiene practices align with their increased awareness regarding peri-implant illnesses.

Oral Hygiene Status, Salivary and Microbiological Parameters Among Visually Impaired and Normal-Sighted Children After Specialized Oral Health Education: An Interventional Study.

Aim and objectives To assess oral hygiene status and salivary and microbiological parameters among 12 to 15-year-old visually impaired and normal-sighted children before and after oral health education (OHE). Methodology An interventional study was conducted among 25 visually impaired children (Group A) and 25 normal-sighted children (Group B) in the age range of 12 to 15 years. Simple random sampling was used to select the study participants. A questionnaire was designed to record socio-demographic data and the dietary habits of the children on pre-decided days. The oral hygiene practices and the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index were recorded, and salivary physicochemical parameters for all the selected children were evaluated, followed by saliva collection for microbial analysis. After baseline assessment, the Audio-Tactile Performance technique for Group A and the animated visual performance technique for Group B children were used to impart OHE. Periodic assessments of salivary parameters were conducted at one-month and three-month intervals. Unpaired T test/Mann-Whitney U test, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Friedman test, followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test were carried out to determine the difference between and within groups, respectively. All statistical tests were performed at a significance level of 5%. Results Group A demonstrated a greater change in salivary pH (6.20 ± 0.41 to 6.96 ± 0.20), salivary buffering capacity (5.80 ± 0.82 to 7.20 ± 0.65), and Streptococcus mutans count (9.36 ± 0.41 to 8.7 ± 0.45 x 104 CFU/mL) when compared to Group B. Group B demonstrated a greater Lactobacillus acidophilus count reduction (7.96 ± 0.66 to 7.50 ± 0.64 x 104 CFU/mL) when compared to Group A. Conclusion The appropriate use of specialized OHE holds particular significance in the improvement of oral hygiene status and salivary parameters, along with a reduction in the bacterial count in both visually impaired children and normal-sighted children.

Significant enhancement of swallowing function and oral hygiene following multidisciplinary team nursing in tongue cancer patients after radical resection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of multidisciplinary team (MDT) nursing mode on the swallowing function and oral hygiene in patients after radical resection of tongue cancer (TC). METHODS: The data of 88 patients with TC treated in West China School/Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 42 patients who received routine nursing between February 2019 and February 2020 were assigned to a control group, and 46 patients who received MDT nursing between March 2020 and February 2022 were assigned to an observation group. The two groups were compared in the changes of postoperative swallowing function and oral hygiene, postoperative swallowing-related quality of life (QoL), and the survival rate for myocutaneous flap. The risk factors affecting swallowing function were analyzed through Logistic regression. RESULTS: After one month of nursing, the score of swallowing function decreased notably in both groups, with notably lower score in the observation group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The control group exhibited notably lower oral cleanliness than the observation group after nursing (P < 0.05). Additionally, a notably lower survival rate of myocutaneous flap was found in the control group than that in the observation group (P < 0.05). The QoL scores of the two groups increased notably after nursing, and the observation group had notably higher QoL score than the control group (P < 0.05). The extent of glossectomy and nursing plan were independent risk factors impacting the recovery of swallowing function (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MDT nursing have a positive impact on oral hygiene as well as the swallowing function of patients after radical resection of TC, and MDT is a protective factor for swallowing function in the patients after radical resection.

Prevalence of Acute Tonsillitis and Its Association With Oral Hygiene Among the Population of Taif City, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction  Dental surfaces have dense bacterial deposits, and poor oral hygiene can exacerbate bacterial infections, causing acute tonsillitis. The study aims to quantify acute tonsillitis prevalence and assess its association with oral hygiene practices. Methods  A descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of acute tonsillitis and its association with oral hygiene was conducted among adults aged 20 and above in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. Illiterates and those unwilling to participate were excluded. We employed an Arabic online self-administered questionnaire that was disseminated conveniently via Google Forms to social media assessing oral hygiene such as last dental visit, age at starting dental care, number of toothbrushes per day, frequency of toothbrush change, and duration of brushing teeth, and acute tonsillitis characteristics of the participants. Results About 393 participated in the study. Of them, 54% were aged 20-30, 53% were males, and 70% had a university education. The prevalence of acute tonsillitis was 64%. Approximately 28% reported dental clinic visits within three months, and 21% initiated oral hygiene practices at age 20. Among participants, 43% brushed twice daily, with 33% spending one minute and 43% two minutes. About 31% replaced toothbrushes every three months, while 23% acknowledged having bad breath. Experiencing bad breath, changing toothbrushes every three months, and having dental visits within less than three months were associated with having acute tonsillitis (p<0.05). However, regression analysis revealed that experiencing bad breath (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.70) was associated with a higher risk of acute tonsillitis, while less frequent toothbrush changes correlated with a lower risk (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.94). Conclusion  This study revealed a substantial prevalence of acute tonsillitis among adults in Taif City. Oral care practices need improvement. There are significant associations between oral hygiene practices, bad breath, and the occurrence of acute tonsillitis. Addressing oral hygiene practices could be a key focus for preventative measures.