Oral Health-Related Quality of Life from Young Adulthood to Mid-Life

Sociodemographic Inequalities in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults: 15 Years Follow-Up of the 1932 and 1942 Birth Cohorts in Sweden

OBJECTIVES

Focusing on two birth cohorts of older adults, this study aimed to (1) describe the development of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) across time from 2007 to 2022 and (2) assess sociodemographic inequalities in OHRQoL and whether these inequalities remain stable, widen or narrow during the follow-up period.

METHODS

In 1992 and 2007 the 1942 and 1932 birth cohorts living in the Swedish counties of Örebro and Östergotland participated with 6346 (response 71.4%) and 3735 individuals (response 71.9%), respectively. Of the 6346 1942 birth cohort participants, 2479 (38.5% of baseline) completed postal follow-ups in 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022. Of the 3735 1932 birth cohort participants, 751 (20% of baseline) participated also in 2012, 2017 and 2022. Oral impacts of daily performance (OIDP) and socio-demographic characteristics were assessed at each survey year. A cohort table depicted the prevalence rates of OIDP (OIDP > 0) across time, disentangling age, period and cohort effects. Logistic mixed models with interaction terms of each socio-demographic covariate and time were used to test differences in socio-demographic inequalities of oral impacts over time.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2022, OIDP > 0 varied from 22.7% to 28.7% in the 1932 birth cohort (age 75-90) and from 25.3% to 26.6% in the 1942 cohort (age 65-80). Mixed models revealed that cluster specific odds ratios (ORs) for OIDP > 0 varied from 0.2 to 2.5 with respect to avoidance of dental care due to cost and health perceptions in the 1942 cohort. Corresponding OR estimates in the 1932 cohort were 0.2 and 2.1. In both cohorts, inequality estimates according to country of birth and education were smaller in 2022 than in 2007. In the 1932 cohort, inequality according to sex was larger in 2022 than in 2007.

CONCLUSION

Higher prevalence of oral impacts with increasing age and overtime were observed for both cohorts. Narrowing and widening of oral health socio-demographic disparities occurred. Further examination of the interaction of socio-demographic factors with age or time may allow for targeted policy strategies aimed to alleviate oral health disparities in older ages.

Microfluidic and impedance analysis of rosemary essential oil: implications for dental health

BACKGROUND

Oral health is closely linked to systemic conditions, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which can exacerbate oral issues. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as potential alternatives for oral health due to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Among these, rosemary essential oil (REO) shows promise due to its various biological activities. This study investigates the potential of REO in dental applications using microfluidic devices and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to analyze the electrical properties of REO in artificial saliva (AS) mixtures.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated significant variations in impedance across different REO concentrations and their mixtures with AS. Higher impedance was observed in REO mixtures, particularly at lower frequencies, indicating distinct electrical properties compared to pure AS. The impedance of REO was influenced by its concentration, with a 1% REO solution showing higher impedance than a 4% solution, possibly due to micelle formation and changes in dielectric properties. Additionally, microfluidic devices enabled precise control over fluid interactions and real-time monitoring, offering valuable insights into REO's behavior in a simulated oral environment. The impedance data demonstrated significant differences in REO-AS mixtures, highlighting potential interactions critical for oral care applications.

CONCLUSIONS

Rosemary essential oil exhibits unique electrical properties, making it a promising candidate for dental applications, particularly in preventing and treating oral diseases. Microfluidic devices enhance the accuracy and reliability of studying REO's interactions with AS, providing a robust platform for future dental research. The findings suggest that REO could be effectively incorporated into oral care products, offering a natural alternative for combating oral pathogens, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress. Future research should focus on clinical trials to validate these findings and explore the synergistic effects of REO with other essential oils.

Impact of dental visiting patterns on oral health: A systematic review of longitudinal studies

AIM

To systematically review longitudinal studies investigating the impact of dental visiting patterns on oral health across the life course.

METHODS

Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL) were searched up to March 2023. Results were screened based on eligibility criteria in a two-stage process: title and abstract, and full-text review. A backward search of reference lists and a forward search of citations of the included papers was also conducted. The quality of the included papers was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Key study information was extracted and a narrative synthesis of the findings was performed.

RESULTS

Eleven papers from five longitudinal studies in five countries (Australia, Brazil, China, New Zealand, Sweden) met the inclusion criteria. Studies of moderate to high quality consistently reported that regular dental attendance was associated with having less dental caries experience, fewer missing teeth and better oral health-related quality of life. Inconsistent findings were observed for decayed teeth, and no association was found for periodontal condition.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights an association between regular dental visiting pattern and improved oral health, notably less dental caries experience and better oral health-related quality of life. Dental attendance emerges as an important predictor of oral health across the life course, underscoring the importance of routine dental care.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42023396380.

Relevance of Sociocultural Inequalities and Parents' Origins in Relation to the Oral Health of Preschoolers in Lanzarote, Spain

Approaching inequalities to achieve health equity requires joint action. Early childhood caries affects disadvantaged population groups. The objective of this study was to determine the relevance of sociocultural inequalities and parental origin with respect to oral health in preschool children in Lanzarote. A transversal epidemiological study was carried out. Sociocultural data and information about parental origin were collected via a questionnaire. The decayed and filled teeth (dft), decayed teeth (dt), filled teeth (ft), restorative index (RI), plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were obtained via an investigator's examination. Statistical analysis of the data indicated that children of semi-skilled manual workers (28.15%) had the highest prevalence of caries (46.9%). Additionally 43.7 of the mothers had second grade and first cycle studies. When relating the medium and high level of education, there were statistically significant differences in relation to the cod index (p = 0.046). When the origin was foreign (48.4%), preschoolers presented 10.7% more active or untreated caries than Spaniards (p = 0.038). Low socioeconomic cultural level and foreign origin is associated with a more deficient state of oral health in preschoolers. Oral health programs are needed to minimize social inequalities.