Awareness and Practice of Oral Health Measures in Medina, Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study

Mothers' Knowledge of and Practices Toward Oral Hygiene of Children Aged 5-9 Years in Bangladesh: Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Healthy oral hygiene is crucial for overall health and well-being. Parents' dental care knowledge and practices affect their children's oral health.

Objective

This study examined mothers' knowledge and practices regarding their children's oral hygiene through a cross-sectional survey.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 1 to December 31, 2022, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mothers' knowledge and practices regarding their children's oral hygiene were assessed through a semistructured questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including the χ2 test and Pearson correlation test, were performed. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis 1-way ANOVA tests were also used to show the average variations in knowledge and practices among different sociodemographic groups.

Results

Of 400 participants, the mean age of mothers was 30.94 (SD 5.15) years, and 388 (97%) were of the Muslim faith, 347 (86.8%) were housewives, and 272 (68%) came from nuclear families. A total of 165 (41.3%) participants showed good knowledge of their children's oral hygiene, followed by 86 (21.5%) showing moderately average knowledge, 75 (18.8%) showing average knowledge, and 74 (18.5%) showing poor knowledge. A total of 182 (45.5%) mothers had children with good oral hygiene practices, followed by mothers with children who had average (n=78, 19.5%), moderately average (n=75, 18.8%), and poor (n=65, 16.3%) oral hygiene practices. The mother's knowledge level was significantly associated with age (P=.01), education (P<.001), family size (P=.03), and monthly income (P<.001). On the other hand, educational status (P=.002) and income (P=.04) were significantly associated with the mother's practices regarding their children's oral hygiene. Nonparametric analysis revealed that mothers who were older (mean knowledge score: 12.13, 95% CI 10.73-13.54 vs 11.21, 95% CI 10.85-11.58; P=.01), with a bachelor's degree or higher (mean knowledge score: 12.93, 95% CI 12.55-13.31 vs 9.66, 95% CI 8.95-10.37; P<.001), who were working mothers (mean knowledge score: 12.30, 95% CI 11.72-12.89 vs 11.45, 95% CI 11.17-11.73; P=.03), and who had a higher family income (mean knowledge score: 12.49, 95% CI 12.0-12.98 vs 10.92, 95% CI 10.48-11.36; P<.001) demonstrated significantly higher levels of oral health knowledge. Conversely, good oral hygiene practices were significantly associated with higher maternal education (mean practice score: 6.88, 95% CI 6.54-7.22 vs 6.01, 95% CI 5.63-6.40; P<.001) and family income (mean practice score: 6.77, 95% CI 6.40-7.14 vs 5.96, 95% CI 5.68-6.24; P=.002). The mother's knowledge was also significantly and positively correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient r=0.301; P<.001) with their children's oral hygiene practices, shown by both the Pearson chi-square (χ2=25.2; P<.001) test and correlation coefficient.

Conclusions

The mothers' knowledge and their children's oral hygiene practices were inadequate. The mother's age, education level, family size, and monthly income significantly influenced their knowledge level. Children's oral hygiene habits were significantly associated with family income and the mother's educational status. This underscores the need for educational programs, accessible dental care services, oral health education in the curriculum, media and technology involvement in oral health educational campaigns, and proper research and monitoring.

Prevalence and socioeconomic factors associated with non-utilization of dental care in Lebanon: A nationwide cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of non-utilization of dental care in Lebanon and associated socioeconomic factors and self-care behaviours.

METHODS

A nationwide, quantitative, survey-based study was conducted by trained interviewers with Lebanese residents aged ≥18 years between July and September 2019. Univariate analyses were performed using Pearson Chi Square test or the Fisher's exact test followed by a binary logistic regression using the SPSS Version 25.

RESULTS

Of the 1070 participants, 247 (23.1%) did not utilise any type of healthcare and 144/247 (58.3%) did not utilise dental care. The prevalence of non-utilization of dental care was estimated at 13.5%. Only 4.7% of the respondents consulted their dentist in the past year, among which 53% cited pain/emergencies as the reason for their consultation. Socioeconomic factors associated with the non-utilization of dental care were lack of social medical insurance (OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.31 to 0.79]) and long waiting time/patient time restriction (OR, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.26 to 3.35]). On the other hand, facilitators for utilization of dental care included ethical standards/personal qualities of the dentist (OR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.32 to 0.88]) and convenient cost with respect to the individual's economic status (OR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.43]).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that dental care practices in Lebanon, including the non-utilization of dental care, are suboptimal. Measures such as reducing sugar and tobacco consumption, providing information on oral hygiene, and using fluoride products are inexpensive; however, implementing these measures may take substantial time and input by multiple stakeholders.

Factors Related to Regular Dental Check-Ups in Adults With Intellectual Disabilities in Japan

BACKGROUND

We investigated the factors associated with regular dental check-ups among adults with intellectual disabilities in Japan, with the aim of increasing the attendance rate of regular dental check-ups, which are important for maintaining the oral health of persons with intellectual disabilities.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey focused on oral health was conducted with 971 adults with intellectual disabilities in Japan. The survey included questions related to disability diagnosis, severity of intellectual disability, residence type, and several oral-health factors, including proxy-reported number of teeth, presence of a family dentist, frequency of regular dental check-ups, tooth-brushing habits, and availability of a dental hygienist at a facility. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between regular dental check-ups (dependent variable) and independent variables. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

In a multivariate analysis, sex, diagnosis of disability, severity of intellectual disability, residence type, and the presence of a family dentist were significantly associated with regular dental check-ups. The ORs for nonregular dental check-ups were significantly higher for adults with Down syndrome, those with mild disability, and those living at home with family; the respective mean ORs (95% CIs) were 2.3 (1.2-4.4), 3.3 (1.3-8.4), and 1.8 (1.1-3.0). The absence of a family dentist had a particularly strong association with a lack of regular dental check-ups, with a mean OR (95% CI) of 15.0 (8.7-26.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Regular dental check-ups among adults with intellectual disabilities in Japan were associated with sex, diagnosis of disability, severity of disability, type of residence, and the presence of a family dentist.

Factors associated with halitosis reported by parents/caregivers in individuals with Down syndrome

AIMS

Data on halitosis among individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are scarce. The aim was to evaluate factors associated with the occurrence of halitosis reported by parents/caregivers (P/Cs) in individuals with DS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in non-governmental assistance institutions in the State of Minas Gerais-Brazil. P/Cs have answered an electronic questionnaire with sociodemographic, behavioral and oral health data. Factors associated with halitosis were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. The sample comprised 227 P/Cs (age 48.8 ± 13.2 years; 82.9% mothers) of individuals with DS (age 20.8 ± 13.5 years). The prevalence of halitosis in the total sample was 34.4% (n = 78) and its occurrence was associated: 1) in individuals with DS ≤18 years old (26.2%; n = 27)-negative perception of oral health (OR = 3.91); 2) in individuals with DS > 18 years (41.1%; n = 51)-gingival bleeding (OR = 4.53), absence of tongue brushing (OR = 4.50), negative perception of oral health (OR = 2.72).

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of halitosis in individuals with DS reported by P/Cs was relevant and associated with dental factors, having a negative impact on the perception of oral health. Oral hygiene practices, especially tongue brushing, should be reinforced to prevent and control halitosis.

Third molar-related knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and medical history of 904 Chinese adults: a cross-sectional survey

This study investigated the perceptions and medical history of third molars (M3s) and assessed the prevalence of visible M3s (V-M3s) among 904 Chinese adults. The enrolled participants were interviewed to complete a structural questionnaire focused on sociodemographic information and their understanding of, attitudes toward, behaviors regarding, and medical history with respect to M3s. In addition, the number of V-M3s in the cohort was determined by oral examination. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between individuals' sociodemographic characteristics and their perception of M3s or the presence of V-M3s. The Chi-square test was used to compare the actions taken against symptomatic M3s and the corresponding outcomes among different groups divided according to respondents' sociodemographic factors. In total, 904 completed questionnaires were gathered and analyzed. Nearly half (43.9%) of the respondents knew nothing about M3s, and only 12.7% provided correct answers to all the questions asked. Male sex, older age, occupation involving physical labor, and no previous dental experience were active factors in unawareness of M3s. Male sex was also significantly associated with the presence of at least one V-M3 and negative behavior about symptomatic M3s. In terms of medical history, 192 participants reported having had at least one M3 extracted (438 in total), and 72.6% of the M3s were removed due to the presence of related symptoms or pathologies. In conclusion, the population investigated had a shortage of knowledge about M3s and adopted negative attitudes and actions about M3-related problems.

Oral health providers' views of oral health promotion in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Oral health promotion (OHP) is a crucial aspect of dental care, as it aims to improve and protect oral health of individuals. This study aimed to qualitatively explore views of oral health providers in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, on their perceptions of their responsibilities for OHP, as well as the barriers and potential opportunities for implementing health promotion in dental practice.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 11 oral health providers from Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities were recruited and participated in virtual one-on-one semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with N-Vivo software.

RESULTS

The results showed that the providers recognized the significant role and responsibility of OHP in improving oral health. However, several barriers hindered their OHP efforts, including a lack of training, funding, time, and a lack of interest in OHP. Potential opportunities for improvement included increasing recruitment of new oral health providers and educators, developing more training programs for providers and the community, and expanding support in terms of finances and logistics.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study suggest that oral health providers are aware of OHP, but that both patients and organizations will need to shift their behaviours and perspectives for OHP to be successfully implemented. Further research on OHP in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is needed to validate these findings.

Characteristics of Individuals in Japan Who Regularly Manage Their Oral Health by Having a Family Dentist: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey

Dental healthcare systems may differ between countries; however, having a family dentist is generally important for proper oral health management. This study aims to analyze the proportion of people in Japan who have a family dentist, and their characteristics. A nationwide web-based survey with 3556 participants (1708 men and 1848 women) showed that 45.6% of men and 54.1% of women had a family dentist (FD group). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that men in the FD group mostly belonged to older age groups (≥70 s, OR: 2.41), received higher household incomes (≥8000 K JPY, OR: 1.47), brushed their teeth three or more times daily (OR: 1.60), practiced habitual interdental cleaning (OR: 3.66), and fewer lived in rural areas (towns and villages, OR: 0.52). Regarding the women, the majority belonged to older age groups (60 s, OR: 1.52; ≥70 s, OR: 1.73), practiced habitual interdental cleaning (OR: 3.68), and fewer received lower household incomes (<2000 K JPY, OR: 0.61). These results suggest that despite Japan being a country with a public insurance coverage system for both men and women, having a family dentist is associated with disparities in individual socioeconomic factors, particularly age and household income.

Influence of tobacco smoking on the development of halitosis

Background

Halitosis is the general term used to describe any disagreeable odor in exhaled air, regardless of whether the odorous substances originate from oral or non-oral sources. Previous research has strongly associated tobacco smoking in the development of halitosis, as it increases the synthesis of toxic volatile sulfur compounds in diseased periodontal pockets. In this review, we summarize the etiopathology and epidemiology of halitosis as well as the current evidence on the impact of smoking by means of a meta-analysis.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched to identify publications that reported halitosis in smokers and nonsmokers. Meta-analyses were performed if a sufficient number (n ≥ 3) of articles were available that evaluated the same outcome.

Results

The meta-analyses showed that there was an increased risk of halitosis in current smokers versus nonsmokers (odds ratios). These results were consistent both in fixed and random effects models. Even though the interstudy heterogeneity was high (I2 = 91%), sensitivity analysis by limiting the number of studies yielded similar results, with no-to-moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 0-65%). The analysis comparing ever smokers with never smokers showed no significant difference in the risk of halitosis in ever smokers. The same effect was observed when upon stratifying the analyses on the basis of ascertainment of halitosis (self-reported or measured by a Halimeter).

Conclusions

Halitosis is a common condition which can affect the quality of life of those affected. The results from this literature review and meta-analysis show that current smokers are more likely to suffer from halitosis, even if they are less likely to report it.

A Literature Review and Framework Proposal for Halitosis Assessment in Cigarette Smokers and Alternative Nicotine-Delivery Products Users

Halitosis is a health condition which counts cigarette smoking (CS) among its major risk factors. Cigarette smoke can cause an imbalance in the oral bacterial community, leading to several oral diseases and conditions, including intraoral halitosis. Although the best approach to decrease smoking-related health risks is quitting smoking, this is not feasible for many smokers. Switching to potentially reduced-risk products, like electronic vapor products (EVP) or heated tobacco products (HTP), may help improve the conditions associated with CS. To date, there have been few systematic studies on the effects of CS on halitosis and none have assessed the effects of EVP and HTP use. Self-assessment studies have shown large limitations owing to the lack of reliability in the participants' judgment. This has compelled the scientific community to develop a strategy for meaningful assessment of these new products in comparison with cigarettes. Here, we compiled a review of the existing literature on CS and halitosis and propose a 3-layer approach that combines the use of the most advanced breath analysis techniques and multi-omics analysis to define the interactions between oral bacterial species and their role in halitosis both in vitro and in vivo. Such an approach will allow us to compare the effects of different nicotine-delivery products on oral bacteria and quantify their impact on halitosis. Defining the impact of alternative nicotine-delivery products on intraoral halitosis and its associated bacteria will help the scientific community advance a step further toward understanding the safety of these products and their potentiall risks for consumers.