Effect of family cohesion on oral health predictors in children and adolescents: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The family environment influences oral health conditions and the utilization of dental services. The emotional link between the family members and the degree to which they are resilient and close to each other is represented as family cohesion and adaptability. This systematic review critically appraises and synthesizes existing evidence on the effect of family cohesion on oral health predictors in children and adolescents.

METHODS

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023453608). Databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were electronically searched in September 2023. No restriction of time frame was allowed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tool.

RESULTS

Initially, 272 records were identified from PubMed (133), Embase (122) and Scopus (10) databases and other sources, finally leading to 12 cross-sectional studies to be included. Eleven studies were carried out in Brazil and one in USA. Only one study reported moderate risk, whereas the others all reported low risk of bias. The studies were carried out from 2013-2023. The frequency of dental visits, oral health literacy, and self-perceived need for dental treatment were reported to be higher in families with the better cohesive ties. An inconsistent direct association was reported between dental caries and family cohesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Family dynamics are important in shaping oral health behaviors and outcomes during a pivotal phase of development. Further exploration through longitudinal studies in this field can elucidate causal pathways and potential moderators.

Sign language based educational interventions vs. other educational interventions to improve the oral health of hearing-impaired individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Individuals with special needs requiring special care are more vulnerable to oral health problems. Sign language is a communication medium and language of instruction for individuals with hearing impairments. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of sign language-based educational interventions compared to other educational interventions in improving the oral health of hearing-impaired individuals.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched without any restriction on the publication date. Analytical and experimental studies that evaluated and compared the effectiveness of sign language with other educational intervention groups such as videos, posters etc were included.

RESULTS

Initially, 5568 records were identified. Three relevant publications from India were eligible and included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Differences were reported in favour of sign language over other interventions concerning plaque status, gingival health, and oral hygiene status.

CONCLUSION

Sign language-based interventions were found to be effective. However, further studies in different locations and populations are required to support their effectiveness.

Applications of Smart Material Sensors and Soft Electronics in Healthcare Wearables for Better User Compliance

The need for innovation in the healthcare sector is essential to meet the demand of a rapidly growing population and the advent of progressive chronic ailments. Over the last decade, real-time monitoring of health conditions has been prioritized for accurate clinical diagnosis and access to accelerated treatment options. Therefore, the demand for wearable biosensing modules for preventive and monitoring purposes has been increasing over the last decade. Application of machine learning, big data analysis, neural networks, and artificial intelligence for precision and various power-saving approaches are used to increase the reliability and acceptance of smart wearables. However, user compliance and ergonomics are key areas that need focus to make the wearables mainstream. Much can be achieved through the incorporation of smart materials and soft electronics. Though skin-friendly wearable devices have been highlighted recently for their multifunctional abilities, a detailed discussion on the integration of smart materials for higher user compliance is still missing. In this review, we have discussed the principles and applications of sustainable smart material sensors and soft electronics for better ergonomics and increased user compliance in various healthcare devices. Moreover, the importance of nanomaterials and nanotechnology is discussed in the development of smart wearables.

Is Malocclusion Associated with Dental Caries among Children and Adolescents in the Permanent dentition? A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between malocclusion and the severity of dental caries among children and adolescents in the permanent dentition.

METHOD

A search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane databases, Google scholar, Scopus and Web of Science through October 2020 for studies of malocclusion and dental caries among children and adolescents using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool for cross-sectional studies. Data were extracted using the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Meta-analysis used the Cochrane Program Review Manager Version 5. A random effects model was used to assess the association among different categories of malocclusion with dental caries. GRADE analysis assessed the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Handicapping malocclusion was significantly associated with higher mean DMFT scores (Mean difference: 1.03, 95% CI, 0.61, 1.44). Participants with severe malocclusion had higher mean DMFT when compared to subjects with normal occlusion (0.32, 95% CI, 0.13, 0.51). Definite malocclusion was also associated with higher mean DMFT scores (Mean difference: 0.19, 95% CI, 0.03, -0.35).

CONCLUSION

Malocclusion is associated with dental caries in the permanent dentition. DMFT scores and the strength of the association increased with severity of malocclusion. Low to moderate certainty of evidence was observed for association between handicapping, severe, and definite malocclusion with dental caries.

Novel electrochemical biosensor for serotonin detection based on gold nanorattles decorated reduced graphene oxide in biological fluids and in vitro model

Abnormal level of serotonin (ST) in body fluids is related to various clinical conditions including behavioral and psychotic disorders; hence its fast detection in clinically relevant ranges have tremendous importance in medical science. In view of this, we have developed a novel biosensor for ST detection using Au-nanorattles (AuNRTs)- reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite coated on to the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) deposited glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The nanocomposite/sensor probe was characterized using UV-Vis, TEM, SAED, EDX, AFM, and electrochemical techniques including LSV and EIS. Thereafter, the suitability of fabricated GCE/AuNPs/AuNRTs-rGO-Naf sensor probe was applied for ST determination which showed a linear dynamic range (LDR) of 3 × 10^-6 - 1 × 10^-3 M and the detection limit (DL) of 3.87 (±0.02) ×10^-7 (RSD < 4.2%) M, which falls in the ranges of normal as well as various abnormal pathophysiological conditions. The designed sensor is successfully applied to detect ST in various real matrices viz. urine, blood serum, and in vitro model to show its direct clinical/practical applicability. Interferences due to the coexisting molecules were assessed and the long-term stability of the designed sensor was also examined which was found to be 8 weeks.

Malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need measured by the dental aesthetic index and its association with dental caries in Indian schoolchildren

OBJECTIVE

To assess prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among 12 year old Indians using the Dental Aesthetic Index, and to find its association with dental caries.

METHOD

927 schoolchildren were randomly selected and their DAI and dentition status scores were recorded as per 1997 World Health Organization criteria. Clinical exams were carried out by one trained and calibrated examiner. The Chi-square test, Z-test and Spearman's correlation test were carried out.

RESULTS

Mean DAI score was 19.2 (sd 6.8). Differences were found between male and female DAI scores (Z < or = 0.05). 82% of children had DAI scores < 26 with no or minor malocclusion requiring no or little treatment, 3.2% had DAI scores 31-35 with severe malocclusion requiring highly desirable treatment and 1.8% DAI scores > 35 with handicapping malocclusion requiring mandatory treatment. A mean DMFT of 1.15 (sd 1.62) was recorded. Severe and handicapping malocclusions were associated with dental caries.

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of DAI scores among Indian schoolchildren differs from that reported in other populations. Positive correlation was found between severe and handicapping malocclusion with dental caries.