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Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Research: Lessons and Challenges

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2024) | Viewed by 15047

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xiangqun Ju

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Guest Editor

Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
Interests: population oral health; oral epidemiology; and dental workforce and services

Prof. Dr. Lisa Jamieson

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Guest Editor

Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, Adelaide Dental School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Austrilia
Interests: indigenous oral health; oral epidemiology; population oral health

Dr. Gloria Mejia

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Guest Editor

Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, Adelaide Dental School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Austrilia
Interests: population oral health; oral epidemiology; health equity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Oral health is an important indicator of general health, well-being and quality of life. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide. Poor oral health impacts on people’s ability to eat, speak, socialise and work. Most of oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease is preventable and treatable. Good oral hygiene is necessary to maintain a health mouth and strong teeth for lifetime. Adequate oral health knowledge and oral health literary are essential to instill appropriate oral health behaviours to prevent oral and dental diseases. Oral health literacy is a strong predictor of an individuals’ oral health, health behaviors and oral health outcomes. Meanwhile, oral health literacy has, at its heart, the social determinants of health, being directly linked with upstream factors including social inequalities and inequities regarding access to dental services.

This special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Publish Health (IJERPH) focuses on oral health, oral hygiene, oral health related knowledge and literary, risk factors and oral health impact assessment. We will accepts manuscripts for both qualitative and quantitative research. New research papers, systematic or critical review papers, commentaries and conference papers are welcome to this issue.

Dr. Xiangqun Ju
Prof. Dr. Lisa Jamieson
Dr. Gloria Mejia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Health Inequities among CALD and Non-CALD Older Australians: A Decomposition Analysis

by Lisa Jamieson, Gloria Mejia, Liana Luzzi and Xiangqun Ju

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(15), 6455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20156455 - 27 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1006

Abstract

Background: Among Australia’s older population, the burden of oral disease is disproportionality borne by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. This study aims to examine changes in untreated decay surfaces (DS) between 2004–2006 and 2017–2018 among older CALD and non-CALD Australians. Methods: Data were sourced Australian national oral health surveys conducted in 2004–2006 and 2017–2018. An Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition analysis was used to assess the contribution of socio-demographics and dental behaviours. Results: A total of 246 CALD and 2853 non-CALD dentate participants aged 60+ years took part in 2004–2006, and 363 and 4278 in 2017–2018, respectively. There were increases in mean DS for both CALD (0.74 to 1.42) and non-CALD (0.72 to 1.50) groups between 2004–2006 and 2017–2018. The decomposition model showed that, for CALD participants in 2004–2006 with untreated DS, 40% of the contribution was from not having dental insurance; nearly three-quarters of the contribution was from last dental visit being over one year ago (72.9%) in 2017–2018. Among non-CALD participants in 2017–2018 with untreated DS, 42.5% of the contribution was from the last dental visit being over one year ago. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that social determinants, including increased access to dental insurance, could mitigate the oral health inequities observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Research: Lessons and Challenges)

13 pages, 1761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Visual Diagnostics of Dental Caries through Deep Learning of Non-Standardised Photographs Using a Hybrid YOLO Ensemble and Transfer Learning Model

by Abu Tareq, Mohammad Imtiaz Faisal, Md. Shahidul Islam, Nafisa Shamim Rafa, Tashin Chowdhury, Saif Ahmed, Taseef Hasan Farook, Nabeel Mohammed and James Dudley

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(7), 5351; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075351 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3681

Abstract

Background: Access to oral healthcare is not uniform globally, particularly in rural areas with limited resources, which limits the potential of automated diagnostics and advanced tele-dentistry applications. The use of digital caries detection and progression monitoring through photographic communication, is influenced by multiple variables that are difficult to standardize in such settings. The objective of this study was to develop a novel and cost-effective virtual computer vision AI system to predict dental cavitations from non-standardised photographs with reasonable clinical accuracy. Methods: A set of 1703 augmented images was obtained from 233 de-identified teeth specimens. Images were acquired using a consumer smartphone, without any standardised apparatus applied. The study utilised state-of-the-art ensemble modeling, test-time augmentation, and transfer learning processes. The “you only look once” algorithm (YOLO) derivatives, v5s, v5m, v5l, and v5x, were independently evaluated, and an ensemble of the best results was augmented, and transfer learned with ResNet50, ResNet101, VGG16, AlexNet, and DenseNet. The outcomes were evaluated using precision, recall, and mean average precision (mAP). Results: The YOLO model ensemble achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 0.732, an accuracy of 0.789, and a recall of 0.701. When transferred to VGG16, the final model demonstrated a diagnostic accuracy of 86.96%, precision of 0.89, and recall of 0.88. This surpassed all other base methods of object detection from free-hand non-standardised smartphone photographs. Conclusion: A virtual computer vision AI system, blending a model ensemble, test-time augmentation, and transferred deep learning processes, was developed to predict dental cavitations from non-standardised photographs with reasonable clinical accuracy. This model can improve access to oral healthcare in rural areas with limited resources, and has the potential to aid in automated diagnostics and advanced tele-dentistry applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Research: Lessons and Challenges)

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14 pages, 747 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motivational Interviewing and Childhood Caries: A Randomised Controlled Trial

by Peter Arrow, Joseph Raheb and Rowena McInnes

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4239; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054239 - 27 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1546

Abstract

Background: This study tested the occurrence of early childhood caries (ECC) and changes in potential mediators of ECC after an early childhood oral health promotion intervention. Methods: Consenting parent/child dyads in Western Australia were randomised into test [motivational interviewing (MI) + anticipatory guidance (AG)] or control (lift the lip assessments by child health nurses). A questionnaire at baseline and follow-ups (at 18, 36 and 60 months) evaluated the parental factors and the children clinically examined. Data were analysed using parametric and non-parametric tests for two groups and paired comparisons. Multivariable analysis used negative binomial regression with robust standard errors for over-dispersed count data and effect estimates presented as incidence rate ratios. Results: Nine hundred and seventeen parent/child dyads were randomised (test n = 456; control n = 461). The parental attitude toward a child’s oral hygiene needs improved among the test group at the first follow-up (n = 377; baseline 1.8, SD 2.2, follow-up 1.5, SD 1.9, p = 0.005). Living in a non-fluoridated area and parents holding a fatalistic belief increased the risk of caries (IRR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.8–10.2 and IRR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.7–7.3), respectively, but MI/AG did not reduce the incidence of dental caries. Conclusion: The brief MI/AG oral health promotion intervention improved parental attitude but did not reduce ECC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Research: Lessons and Challenges)

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15 pages, 1067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficacy and Safety of Oral Irrigator on the Control of Dental Plaque and Gingivitis: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Parallel-Group Clinical Trial

by Xiaolin Ren, Jing He, Ran Cheng, Yulun Chen, Yong Xiang, Yuhan Zhang, Sulan Jiang, Jia Li, Li Cheng and Tao Hu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3726; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043726 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2773

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral irrigator (OI) in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis. Methods: Ninety participants diagnosed with gingivitis were randomly assigned to two groups, given a toothbrush combined with OI (WaterPik^®) (test) or a toothbrush alone (control). The Turesky-Modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (T-QH), Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Bleeding Index (BI), and percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP%) were evaluated at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. The full analysis set (FAS) and per-protocol set (PPS) were analyzed. Adverse events were recorded through electronic diaries and examinations. Results: Of the 90 participants, the efficacy was assessed in the following numbers (FAS/PPS): test (45/33) and control (43/38). Compared with the control, MGI, BI, and BOP% were significantly lower in the test group after 4 weeks (4 weeks: p = 0.017, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively; 8 weeks and 12 weeks: p < 0.001 for all, FAS); T-QH was significantly lower after 8 weeks (8 weeks: p = 0.033; 12 weeks: p = 0.006, FAS). Transient gingival bleeding may be associated with OI. Self-reported pain and dentin hypersensitivity symptoms were similar between groups. Conclusions: As adjuncts to toothbrushing, OI demonstrated significantly better efficacy in controlling dental plaque and gingival inflammation with no substantial safety hazards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Research: Lessons and Challenges)

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11 pages, 623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fluoride Varnish in Preventing Dental Caries of First Permanent Molars: A 24-Month Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

by Zhaoyou Wang, Wensheng Rong and Tao Xu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16656; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416656 - 11 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1774

Abstract

Background: Caries is a prevalent health problem. This study evaluated the effect of fluoride varnish in preventing dental caries of first permanent molars. Methods: The study was designed as a stratified cluster randomized controlled trial, with classes as the unit of randomization. Classes stratified by district were followed for 24 months. All eligible children of the selected classes were included for the trial. The children in the test group were biannually applied fluoride varnish. The outcomes were measured at an individual level. Results: In total, 107 classes (51 in the test group, 56 in the control group) were recruited for the trial. Of the 5397 participants, 5005 children (2385 in the test group, 2620 in the control group) completed the study. At the 24-month follow-up, the mean decayed and filled surface increment of the first permanent molars of the children in the test group was significantly lower than that of the children in the control group (0.38 versus 0.61). The caries incidence of the first permanent molars in the test group was 17.0%, while that of the control group was 23.7%, with a PF of 28.3%. Conclusions: Semi-annual application of fluoride varnish is effective in reducing the caries increments of first permanent molars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Research: Lessons and Challenges)

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12 pages, 630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Longitudinal Study of Chronic Periodontitis in Two Cohorts of Community-Dwelling Elderly Australians

by Xiangqun Ju, Jane Harford, Liana Luzzi, Gloria Mejia and Lisa M. Jamieson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11824; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811824 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1447

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to estimate and compare the incidence and progression of chronic periodontitis among two generations of older Australian adults. Methods: Data were from two population-based cohort studies of Australian older adults aged 60+ years South Australian Dental Longitudinal Studies (SADLS), SADLS I (1991–1992) and SADLS II (2013–2014). American Academy of Periodontology/the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC/AAP), and the 2018 European Federation of Periodontology classification (EFP/AAP) case definitions were used to define and calculate the incidence and progression of chronic periodontitis. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate incidence risk ratios (IRRs) of periodontitis. Results: A total 567 and 201 dentate respondents had periodontal exams in SADLS I and II, respectively. The incidence rate was greater in SADLS II than in SADLS I, approximately 200 vs. 100/1000 person years, respectively. Current smokers had more than two times higher IRRs, 2.38 (1.30–4.34) and 2.30 (1.24–4.26), than their non-smoking counterparts in the previous generation under the CDC/AAP and EFP/AAP, respectively. Conclusions: The most recent generation of older adults has greater incidence and progression of periodontitis than the previous generation. Being a current tobacco smoker was a significant risk factor for both the incidence and progression of periodontitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Research: Lessons and Challenges)

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Review

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12 pages, 480 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Different Frequencies of Dental Visits on Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease: A Scoping Review

by Najith Amarasena, Liana Luzzi and David Brennan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(19), 6858; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20196858 - 28 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1437

Abstract

Recommending dental visits every six months is commonplace among dental practitioners worldwide. A scoping review was conducted by electronically searching PubMed, Scopus and Embase to identify and map the nature of evidence for the effect of different frequencies of dental visits on dental caries and periodontal disease. Studies were written in English on the frequency of dental visits and published between January 2008 and April 2023. Three systematic reviews that evaluated the risk of bias, strength of studies and certainty of evidence were included from the 4537 articles yielded through the search strategy. The available evidence was weak and of low quality for the currently recommended frequencies of dental visits, whether these are fixed or universal. For adults, there was little to no effect of making biannual, biennial or risk-based dental visits on dental caries and periodontal disease, which was supported by moderate- to high-certainty evidence. Accordingly, it is suggested that dental professionals and dental insurance providers make individually tailored, customised and risk-based recommendations for dental visits, rather than encouraging fixed or universal frequencies of dental visits. For children and adolescents, further research on this issue warrants well-designed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies of sufficient duration with an adequate number of participants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Research: Lessons and Challenges)

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