Search Results (740)

Background/Objectives: Dental caries is the most prevalent oral condition worldwide. Consequences of untreated dental caries (CUDC) can range from pulp damage and soft tissue ulceration due to root debris to more severe issues, such as fistulas and abscesses. Rural communities might be more vulnerable to CUDC because of lower socioeconomic status, poorer access to healthcare, and lower education levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the prevalence of CUDC in rural and urban areas in schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 years in the State of Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the PUFA index, considering the presence of pulp involvement (P), soft tissue ulcerations due to root remnants (U), fistulas (F), and abscesses (A). The independent variable was the geographic area (rural or urban), and the covariates were nutritional status, hyposalivation, having one’s own toothbrush, and having received topical fluoride in the last year. Logistic regression models were fitted, calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The prevalence of CUDC (PUFA > 0) was 42.9% in rural areas and 25.9% in urban areas. Residing in a rural area (OR: 2.15, 95% CI 1.38–3.34, p = 0.001), hyposalivation (OR: 1.93, 95% CI 1.11–3.37, p = 0.020), and professional fluoride application (OR: 0.15, 95% CI 0.07–0.32, p < 0.001) were associated with the prevalence of CUDC. Conclusions: To prevent caries and its clinical consequences due to the lack of treatment, it is important to promote timely care seeking and access to dental care services, considering the conditions of each geographic area. Full article

Background/Objectives: The expansion of National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage for dental implants in South Korea has substantially increased implant placements among older adults. While implants offer functional and esthetic benefits, their lack of periodontal ligaments alters occlusal force distribution, potentially increasing biomechanical stress on adjacent or opposing teeth. This study aimed to investigate the association between the increased number of dental implants and the incidence of cracked teeth following the introduction of implant insurance. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the Clinical Data Warehouse of Seoul St. Mary’s Dental Hospital. Patients who underwent molar crown restorations between 2014 and 2022 were included. The incidence and clinical features of cracked teeth were compared before (2014–2015) and after (2016–2022) the introduction of implant insurance. Statistical analyses assessed differences in symptom presentation, pulp status, and treatment outcomes. Results: Among 5044 molars restored with crowns, 1692 were diagnosed with cracks. The incidence of cracked teeth significantly increased after NHI coverage for implants (25.5% vs. 32.6%, p < 0.001). Cases after insurance implementation showed fewer signs and symptoms at initial presentation (67.4% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.001), reduced irreversible pulpitis (37.2% vs. 25.8%, p < 0.001), and increased preservation of pulp vitality (46.9% vs. 57.8%, p < 0.001). These shifts may reflect changes in occlusal adjustment practices and earlier clinical intervention. Conclusions: The findings suggest a temporal link between increased implant placement and the rising incidence of cracked teeth. Implant-induced occlusal changes may contribute to this trend. Careful occlusal evaluation and follow-up are essential after implant placement, and further prospective studies are warranted to confirm causality and refine prevention strategies. Full article

Students, particularly those in the medical field, are exposed to various stressors that can affect their health-related behaviors, including smoking habits, with implications for oral health and quality of life. Background and Objectives: to analyze the relationship between smoking, oral health, perceived stress level, and self-assessed quality of life in a sample of dental students. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study included 338 students, who completed validated questionnaires and were clinically examined. Lifestyle was assessed using a smoking behavior questionnaire, stress levels were measured with the Student Stress Inventory (SSI), and quality of life was evaluated using the EQ-5D-5L instrument. The DMFT index was calculated to determine oral health status. Results: Among the 338 participating students, 53.8% were smokers. The lifestyle analysis revealed slightly higher average scores among non-smokers across all domains—social (3.26 vs. 3.09), attitudinal (2.75 vs. 2.97), and behavioral (3.82 vs. 3.49), but without statistically significant differences (p > 0.25). The mean DMFT score was 12.48, with no significant differences between smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.554). The SSI total score averaged 83.15, indicating a moderate level of perceived stress, again with no statistically significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). However, slightly higher average stress scores among smokers may suggest the use of smoking as a coping mechanism. In contrast, quality of life as measured by EQ-5D-5L showed significantly worse outcomes for smokers across all five dimensions, including mobility (78.6% vs. 95.5%, p = 0.000) and self-care (93.4% vs. 100%, p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression identified smoking (OR = 1.935; p = 0.047) and moderate stress levels (OR = 0.258; p < 0.001) as independent predictors of oral health status. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that smoking may function as a stress management strategy among students, supporting the relevance of integrating specific psychobehavioral interventions that address stress reduction and oral health promotion among student populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Educational background is an aspect of socio-economic status, that may be associated with higher caries risk. This study aimed to investigate differences in caries prevalence between different school types for older adolescents in Greifswald, Germany. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected as part of compulsory dental school examinations between 2020 and 2023. Oral health status was assessed according to WHO criteria by six calibrated examiners and reported as mean D₃MFT (D₃: dentin caries, M: missing, F: filled, SD/±: standard deviation). To compare educational backgrounds, the adolescents were divided into two groups according to their age and type of school (11–15 and 16–18 years old). Results: The study included 5816 adolescents (48.7% females) with a mean D₃MFT of 0.65 (Q1–Q3: 0–1); 73.8% were clinically caries-free, having D₃MFT = 0, confirming the polarization in caries experience with 2.5 ± 2.13 SaC index. The logistic regression model showed a significantly increased Odds Ratio for having caries in relation to age, being male, having plaque or gingivitis (p < 0.005). There were significant differences in caries experience and prevalence between school types, where high schools had the lowest D₃MFT values in both age groups (0.39 ± 1.17 and 0.64 ± 1.49, respectively). The highest D₃MFT values were in schools for special educational needs in younger adolescents (1.12 ± 1.9) and in vocational schools in older adolescents (1.63 ± 2.55). Conclusions: In a low-caries-risk population, there were significant differences in caries experience and prevalence among adolescents in different school types. Prevention strategies should aim to reduce the polarization in caries across different educational backgrounds in late adolescence. Full article

Background: Midfacial fractures are common outcomes of facial trauma. While younger individuals typically sustain these injuries through high-energy events like assaults and traffic or sports accidents, elderly patients increasingly present with fractures from low-energy mechanisms, primarily falls. Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze age- and gender-specific patterns in midfacial fractures over a 10-year period, with emphasis on elderly individuals and low-energy trauma. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of proven midfacial fractures between 2013 and 2022 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (University of Pécs, Hungary). The patients were stratified by age (<65 vs. ≥65 years) and gender. The variables included the injury mechanism, fracture localization, the dental status, hospitalization, and the presence of associated injuries. Bivariate analyses were performed, and the significance level was set to p < 0.05. Results: A total of 957 radiologically confirmed midfacial fracture cases were evaluated, of whom 344 (35.9%) were ≥65 years old. In the elderly group, females had a 19-fold higher risk for midfacial trauma than younger females (OR: 19.1, 95%CI: 9.30–39.21). In the older group, a fall was significantly the most frequent injury mechanism (OR: 14.5; 95%CI: 9.9–21.3), responsible for 89.5% of the cases, while hospitalization (OR: 0.36; 95%CI: 0.23–0.56) was less characteristic. Most of the fractures occurred in the zygomatic bone, in the zygomaticomaxillary complex, or in the anterior wall of the maxilla. Associated injuries in the elderly group included mostly lower limb injuries—particularly pertrochanteric femoral fractures in females—and upper limb injuries, with a slight male dominance. Conclusions: Low-energy falls are the primary cause of midfacial fractures in elderly patients, particularly in women. Tailored prevention and management strategies are essential for improving the outcomes in this growing demographic group. Full article

Background. Extensive partial edentulism alters the biological and functional balance of the stomatognathic system, requiring targeted pre-prosthetic procedures to optimize treatment outcomes. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of improvement in the clinical–biological scores of the prosthetic field in patients with extensive edentulism, following pre-prosthetic interventions. Materials and Method. This prospective, cross-sectional study investigated 194 subjects with extensive partial edentulism. Clinical–biological scores, initially and following the pre-prosthetic phase, were recorded using a scoring system that evaluated dental and periodontal status, bone and mucosal support, occlusion, and mandibulo-cranial relationships. Statistical comparisons of clinical–biological scores were related to the type of prosthetic therapy. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value < 0.05. Results. There was an overall significant improvement in the clinical–biological scores initially (mean value 20.2) and after pre-prosthetic procedures (mean value 23.22) (p < 0.001). When treatment groups were divided, the implant-assisted prosthesis group showed the best improvement in all domains, followed by the conventional fixed-prostheses group (p < 0.01). Dental support improved significantly in those with semi-rigid composite prostheses (p = 0.014), while periodontal support was improved in both fixed- and hybrid-implant groups. Mucosal and bone support improved mostly in the fixed-implant groups (p = 0.014). Conclusions. Pre-prosthetic procedures significantly enhance the biological and functional readiness of the prosthetic field, with the degree of improvement influenced by the complexity and type of planned prosthetic rehabilitation. The findings underscore the value of individualized pre-prosthetic protocols as an essential component of prosthetic treatment planning. Full article

Introduction: Dental caries and molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) are prevalent conditions affecting children’s oral health, with functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial implications. In Spain, previous studies have highlighted geographic and sociodemographic disparities in their distribution, particularly among rural and migrant populations. Objective: To characterise oral health status, in terms of caries and MIH, among 6–7-year-old children from the towns of Palos de la Frontera, Mazagón, and San Bartolomé. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 229 children recruited from public primary schools. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and behavioural data were collected through clinical examination and interview. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Huelva. Results: The prevalence of caries (DMFT ≥ 1) was 53.3%, with mean DMFT and dft indices of 1.78 and 0.31, respectively. MIH affected 32.8% of the cohort, with a predominance in the first permanent molars (teeth 36 and 26). Multivariate analysis identified independent predictors of caries: African (OR = 7.47; 95% CI: 2.84–23.8) and European (OR = 4.56; 95% CI: 1.26–22.3) parental origin, poor oral hygiene (OR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.60–6.03), and the presence of MIH (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.64–6.42). The municipality of San Bartolomé was associated with a higher risk of MIH (OR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.21–7.45). Conclusions: The high prevalence of caries and MIH in the Condado-Campiña district, exceeding national averages, reflects oral health inequities linked to social determinants (migrant origin, locality) and clinical factors (MIH, oral hygiene). Targeted preventive interventions are urgently needed in high-risk populations, including culturally tailored education and policies ensuring equitable access to dental care services. Full article

(1) Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer is the fastest-growing head and neck malignancy, yet vaccination coverage remains suboptimal. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional survey conducted from April 2022 to April 2023, 400 parents of patients aged 8–18 years (mean ± SD = 12.8 ± 2.6; 59.3% female) reported their child’s HPV vaccination status and willingness to initiate or complete the vaccine series at a dental clinic. For those who were not fully vaccinated, reasons for refusal were documented. (3) Results: Over half (54.5%, n = 218) of the children were not fully vaccinated. Notably, 21% (46/218) of parents indicated an immediate willingness to vaccinate their child if the dentist offered it—a significant potential for improvement compared to general healthcare settings. Reported barriers included preference for a physician’s office (43.6%), indecision (20.3%), unspecified concerns (14.5%), safety worries (8.1%), and religious objections (5.2%). Male and younger patients (9–11 years) showed significantly lower vaccination coverage (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Dentists can substantially impact public health by integrating immunization counseling, interprofessional collaboration, and vaccine administration, thereby addressing critical gaps in HPV-related cancer prevention. These findings highlight the opportunity for dental offices to enhance vaccination rates and prompt further research, education, and policy initiatives to advance the oral and general health of our patients. Full article

Background: Although the prevalence of dental caries in children has been decreasing in recent years, many patients still visit tertiary dental institutions with dental caries as their chief complaint. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic that occurred around the world in 2020 may have affected the lifestyle and oral condition of children. Methods: We investigated the oral condition of new patients whose chief complaint was dental caries, and compared the results for 3 fiscal years: 2013, 2018, and 2023. The caries status was evaluated using the dmft/DMFT index. Results: The number of subjects was 129 in 2013, 163 in 2018, and 127 in 2023. The number of preschoolers in 2023 was lower than in the other years, whereas the number of elementary school students was higher, showing a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). For the 3 years investigated, there was no change in the incidence of dental caries in primary teeth in elementary school children; however, the incidence in permanent teeth increased over time. Additionally, in the age group, the df and DMF scores were higher in 2023 than in the other years. Conclusions: At this tertiary dental institution, the number of elementary school patients, especially females, increased over the 10-year period, and the amount of dental caries in their permanent teeth also increased. It is important for dental professionals to understand this trend and focus on providing oral hygiene education to this age group. Full article

Background: Prematurely born newborns with low birth weight constitute a group of patients who require special care from the first days of life. Prematurity and low birth weight affect about 13.4 million infants. Risk factors include placental disorders but also factors related to the mother, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, drug use, malnutrition, or certain diseases. It is imperative to educate women of reproductive age (15–49) about the basic factors influencing embryonic development, such as oral health, diet, medicine intake, and harmful habits. Even though most women are aware of the negative impact of harmful habits on the fetus, still too little attention is paid to oral health in pregnant women. Poor oral health may influence the well-being of the future mother, as well as of the child. Therefore, women of reproductive age and those who are pregnant must have adequate knowledge on this subject. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of Polish women of reproductive age (15–49) regarding oral health during pregnancy, including the impact of dental treatment, oral hygiene, and maternal oral conditions on pregnancy outcomes and the health of the newborn. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 508 women, in the reproductive age, whose age ranged from 18 to 49 years old. The surveys were conducted from April 2020 to November 2020. The questionnaire was originally developed based on the available literature and consisted of seven sections: basic information, general health and habits, pregnancy status and dental care, knowledge of treatment options during pregnancy, oral health status and its association with the risk of preterm birth, prematurity and the child’s oral health, and breastfeeding and oral development. Results: After excluding incomplete questionnaires, a total of 499 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Women participating in the study had a fairly good understanding of the impact of oral health on the fetus and the role of breastfeeding in the development of the stomatognathic system (from 50% to 70% correct answers). However, even though most respondents had completed higher education (344/68.94%), their knowledge of oral health, preterm birth, and low birth weight was very limited (including the impact of inflammation on the intrauterine development of the child or bacteria and transfer across the placenta). In these sections, the percentage of correct answers ranged from less than 20% to 50%. When analyzing knowledge by age, education, number of births, and place of residence, the highest levels of knowledge were observed among respondents with higher education, particularly those aged 27–32. Conclusions: Respondents had a fairly good understanding of the general impact of oral health during pregnancy and recognition of the importance of breastfeeding for infants. However, their knowledge about the impact of bacteria and inflammation in the mother’s oral cavity on prematurity and low birth weight was limited. Therefore, educating women of reproductive age and pregnant women on this topic is essential, as it may help reduce the adverse consequences of prematurity. Full article

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and supporting development through the production of the hormones T4 and T3. These hormones are essential during childhood for nervous system myelination, physical growth, puberty, skeletal and dental maturation, and overall metabolic balance. In early infancy, when the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis is still immature, thyroid dysfunction can result in a range of long-term complications. The metabolism and action of thyroid hormones depend not only on iodine but also on other vital micronutrients, particularly selenium (Se). This narrative review aims to comprehensively examine the role of selenium in maintaining thyroid health from fetal life through adolescence. Selenium is a key micronutrient involved in thyroid development, hormone synthesis, antioxidant defense, and immune regulation, especially during pregnancy and childhood. Inadequate selenium levels may contribute to the onset, progression, and clinical management of various thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Although scientific evidence supports selenium’s critical functions in hormone metabolism and antioxidant protection, public awareness and monitoring of selenium intake remain insufficient. Beyond the need for further research, there is an urgent call for integrated public health strategies, ranging from sustainable, food-based approaches to targeted clinical screening and educational programs. Promoting awareness of selenium’s importance and incorporating selenium status into maternal and pediatric care protocols could play a significant role in preventing deficiencies and supporting long-term endocrine and neurodevelopmental health. Full article

Parental attention and care is essential for children and adolescents who are unable to take care of their own oral health. There have been studies on the characteristics of mothers and the oral conditions of children in Korea, but there are very few previous studies that report on the oral health status of children according to the employment status of mothers. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal employment and educational status and children’s oral health. Using data from the 10th Panel Study on Korean Children (PSKC), we analyzed the association between maternal employment and education status and the occurrence of dental caries among 1175 nine-year-old Korean children. The relationship was examined through cross-tabulation and logistic regression analysis. After adjusting for the mother’s age, parental style, parental relationship, family talk time, family meal time, leisure time, area of residence, and household income, the study found that children with working and studying mothers were 1.159 times more likely to have dental caries than children with non-working and non-studying mothers. The relationship between maternal employment and educational status and children’s oral health was confirmed. Based on the results of this study, it is expected that systematic follow-up studies will be needed to better understand the association and causal relationship between dental caries and oral disease in children according to whether mothers are employed or educated. Full article

Background/Aim: Dental treatment is typically performed under general anesthesia for children who have difficulty cooperating, as well as for those with mental or physical disabilities requiring special care. This study aims to categorize and evaluate the systemic disease or syndrome status, age, and gender of children who require dental treatment under general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: In this study, the ages, sexes, disabilities (if any), and systemic diseases of patients requiring dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) between the ages of 1 and 15 were analyzed. The patients were categorized based on having difficulties cooperating or having mental or physical disabilities that require special care. Results: In this study, data from 1666 patients were examined. A total of 955 patients (57.32%) were male, while 711 (42.67%) were female. Overall, 232 (13.9%) patients with disabilities or systemic diseases visited the clinic, including 49 who had epilepsy (2.9%), the highest number among the systemic disease group. This finding was statistically significant in the 4–6 age group (p < 0.00). Conclusions: Among patients with special needs, epilepsy emerged as a disorder that requires the most dental treatment. We believe that providing dental treatment for children with neurological diseases, such as epilepsy, in a fully equipped operating room will be beneficial in managing complications that may arise during treatment. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between nutritional status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in older adults from population-based studies of two cities in southern Brazil. Methods: A total of 569 community-dwelling individuals aged 60 years and older were included. Sociodemographic, dental, and behavioral data were collected. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). OHRQoL, the primary outcome, was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Poisson regression with robust variance was applied in crude and adjusted analyses to evaluate the impact of nutritional status on OHIP-14 outcomes. Results: The prevalence of risk of malnutrition was 31.6%, while the mean OHIP-14 was 4.86 ± 7.55. Individuals with malnutrition risk (7.44 ± 9.95) showed overall OHIP-14 scores significantly higher than those with normal nutrition (3.65 ± 5.76) (p < 0.001). A similar trend in results was detected in all domains of OHIP-14 (p < 0.05). In the adjusted analysis, individuals at risk of malnutrition had a 66% higher prevalence ratio (PR) (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.23–2.23) of having poorer OHRQoL. Associations were also observed for the severity (PR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.31–2.19) and extent (PR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.55–3.49) of OHIP-14. Conclusions: In conclusion, poorer nutritional status is significantly associated with a higher impact on OHRQoL in older adults. Full article

Beta-thalassemia major is an inherited disorder that requires lifelong blood transfusions, with the risk of complications including poor oral health and dental caries. The objective of this study was to compare the oral microbiome diversity and composition in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients and relate it to oral hygiene and dental caries. A cross-sectional analysis of 35 patients of beta-thalassemia major aged 6–18 years was performed. The status of oral hygiene was examined through the Oral Hygiene Index—Simplified (OHI-S) and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Saliva was taken for DNA extraction, followed by the 16S rRNA sequencing of V3-V4 hypervariable regions. The bioinformatics pipeline in QIIME2 was utilized for analyzing the comparison of microbial composition and diversity in groups of varying oral hygiene status and severity of caries. Metagenomic analysis revealed 3334 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), of which the most prevalent genera were Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Veillonella, Rothia, and Prevotella. High-oral-hygiene groups presented increased levels of cariogenic bacteria, while moderate-oral-hygiene groups presented an equilibrated microbiome. No statistically significant differences in microbial diversity were found between the study groups (p > 0.05). This study sheds light on the critical importance of oral hygiene in microbiome diversity in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Full article