Abnormal oral habits in the children of war veterans

Impact of war on oral health: a systematic review

AIM

To systematically review the evidence from published literature about the impact of war on oral health among children and adults.

METHODOLOGY

The electronic search was carried out in the following databases Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar. In vitro studies, cross-sectional, case control studies, and randomized controlled trials conducted during the war time were included. Cross-sectional and case control studies were assessed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, whereas randomized controlled trials were assessed based on the ROBINS-I tool. In-vitro studies included in this review were assessed using the United States national toxicology program tool.

RESULTS

The search strategy yielded a total of 5126 articles and finally 21 articles were included in the review. The influence of war on oral health was categorized among both the children and adult population. A total of 14 studies were carried out in children whereas the remaining seven studies were carried out in adults. A decrease in dental caries was observed in more war-prone areas due to the limited availability of carbohydrates and sugar. Severe periodontal disease in the adult population, mainly due to less availability of food and diminished oral hygiene habits, was also reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This review underscores the multifaceted impact of war on oral health, revealing a notable prevalence of periodontal problems, craniofacial injuries and varying rates of dental caries across affected populations.

Identification of predictive variables for the recurrence of oral mucocele

BACKGROUND

Oral mucocele is the most common minor salivary gland lesion with good prognosis after surgical removal. However, its recurrence is not rare, sometimes bothersome. This study aimed to identify the possible predictive variables affecting the recurrence rate of oral mucocele.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The histoclinical data of 164 patients diagnosed with oral mucocele were retrospectively obtained by reviewing dental records. The predictive variables for its recurrence were identified by analyzing its recurrence rate according to clinical variables.

RESULTS

The recurrence rate showed the significant differences according to location and age. Oral mucocele recurred with significantly higher frequency on the ventral mucosa of tongue (50.0%) than on the labial/buccal mucosa (8.8%). Its recurrence was significantly more common in the younger patients (aged < 30 years, 16.0%) than in the older patients (aged > 30 years, 4.4%). However, there was no significant difference in recurrence rates between surgical procedures using scalpels and those using lasers.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with oral mucocele should be more carefully informed of its possible recurrence, especially when it is found on the ventral surface of the tongue or in a younger population.

Prevalence of Non-Nutritive Sucking Habits and Potential Influencing Factors among Children in Urban Communities in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The use of non-nutritive sucking materials like pacifiers and fingers poses health challenges to children in resource-limited settings, where hygiene practices and provision of clean water are poor. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits and its association with acute diarrhea in children aged 6-23 months in urban communities of Nigeria.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 12 communities from 4 out of 12 geopolitical wards in Ibadan North Local Government Area and 427 mothers of children aged 6-24 months were randomly selected. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, recent history of diarrhea (3 months prior to visit) and use of non-nutritive sucking materials. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and logistic regression were used for data analysis at p = 0.05.

RESULTS

Mean age of the children was 13.9 ± 5.3 months and 50.6% were males. Prevalence of non-nutritive sucking was 45.2%. Prevalence of non-nutritive sucking was not significantly different between males (45.8%) and females (44.5%). The odds ratio of engaging in non-nutritive sucking increases by 6.0% with increasing age (OR = 1.06; 1.02; 1.10). More children who were not exclusively breastfed (53.5%) than exclusively breastfed (26.2%) were likely to engage in non-nutritive sucking (OR = 3.25; 95% CI = 2.07, 5.12). Acute diarrhea was more frequently reported in non-nutritive sucking group than the other (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.03, 2.22).

CONCLUSION

Non-nutritive sucking was linked with failure to practice exclusive breastfeeding, worse with increasing age, and predisposes to acute diarrhea. Further studies are necessary to verify the nature of these associations.

Modified bluegrass appliance: a nonpunitive therapy for thumb sucking in pediatric patients-a case report with review of the literature

Oral habits in form of digit/thumb sucking are common phenomenon and part of childhood behavior. They are normally associated with oral pleasure, hunger, anxiety, and sometimes psychological disturbances. Chronic practice can cause major orthopedic alterations to the skeletal structures of the oral cavity and lower face. Aversive approaches in form of punitive therapy have been moderately effective. Modified bluegrass appliance is nonpunitive therapy to treat sucking habits. It acts as a habit reversal technique and installs positive reinforcement in children. Modified blue grass appliance proved to be very comfortable to patients and encourages neuromuscular stimulations.

Factors associated with childhood constipation

AIM

To evaluate factors associated with constipation, determine its risk factors and identify common methods of managing constipation among schoolchildren from ages 7-12 in Edirne, Turkey.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study and 1900 children were stratified by the school population, age and gender. The questionnaire collected information from parents about the prevalence of constipation and associated factors as well. It asked about bowel movements, socio-demographic data, personal and family stressors, parental concern about constipation, and treatment methods.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of constipation was 7.2%. It was 7.3% in boys and 7.2% in girls (P > 0.05). The parameters of siblings with health problems, constipation history in family members, abnormal oral habits, and little regular sporting activity were more common in constipated children than in non-constipated ones (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, never having used school toilets (OR: 5.9) and having problem to control their bowel after 2 years of age (OR: 3.1) were found to be major risk factors for constipation in schoolchildren ages 7-12 years. Constipated children had a lower consumption rate of fruits and vegetables and a higher consumption rate of milk-group foods, biscuits and macaroni than non-constipated children. Parental concern was at 90% and the rate of medical consultation was 23.2% for constipated children.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors for childhood constipation may be genetic, psychological or organic. Bowel functions may be affected by dietary habits. Parents, health and education professionals should give special attention to childhood constipation.