Search Results (230)

Background/Objectives: Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic and anthropozoonotic disease with significant public health impact worldwide and is classified as a neglected tropical disease. The search for new affordable treatments, particularly oral and/or topical ones that are easy to administer and have fewer side effects, remains a priority for the scientific community in this field of research. In previous investigations, 3-alkoxy-1-benzyl-5-nitroindazole derivatives showed remarkable in vitro results against Leishmania species, and predictions of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties, as well as pharmacological scores, of the compounds classified as active were superior to those of amphotericin B, indicating their potential as candidates for in vivo studies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo antileishmanial activity of the indazole derivatives NV6 and NV16. Methods: The compounds were administered intralesionally at concentrations of 10 and 5 mg/kg in a BALB/c mouse model of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania amazonensis. To evaluate the efficacy of the compounds, indicators such as lesion size, ulcer area, lesion weight, and parasitic load were determined. Amphotericin B was used as a positive control. Results: The compound NV6 showed leishmanicidal activity comparable to that observed with amphotericin B, with a significant reduction in lesion development and parasite load, while NV16 caused a reduction in ulcer area. Conclusions: These results provide strong evidence for the antileishmanial activity of NV6 and support future studies to improve its pharmacokinetic profile, as well as the investigation of combination therapies with other chemotherapeutic agents currently in use. Full article

Objectives: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic, painful, idiopathic condition of the oral cavity, characterized by the absence of visible pathological changes on the oral mucosa and normal laboratory findings. Recent evidence from the literature supports the classification of BMS as a neuropathic condition. It has been proposed that oxidative stress may contribute to neuropathic pain. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that exhibits neuroprotective properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of N-acetyl cysteine in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Methods: Eighty female patients with previously diagnosed BMS were randomly assigned to one out of two groups. One group received N-acetyl cysteine (600 mg/twice a day) and the other received placebo, for an eight-week period. The outcome was measured by the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) quality of life questionnaire and Numeric Pain Rating Scale, for burning and discomfort, both before and after completing the therapy. Results: Both groups experienced a significant reduction in burning and discomfort sensations, along with a significant improvement in oral health-related quality of life. However, the difference between the treatment and control group was not statistically significant. Conclusions: NAC does not significantly improve the oral health-related quality of life, burning sensations, and discomfort in BMS subjects compared to placebo. 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

Cichorium intybus L. (common chicory) is a medicinal plant valued for health-promoting effects. Although analgesic properties are known for chicory sesquiterpenes, the effects of extracts need yet to be explored. This study aimed to evaluate for the first time the analgesic effect (against nociceptive pain) of the root extract from C. intybus var. foliosum. The target evaluation was preceded by toxicity tests in vivo and phytochemical standardization of root extracts prepared with different extraction methods—pectinase-assisted, pressure-assisted, and a combination of both—to choose the most effective one. The phytochemical profiling involved UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS and UHPLC-PDA analyses. The toxicity and the analgesic effects were tested in mice following the OECD 423 guideline and the hot-plate test, respectively. The highest recovery of bioactive compounds was achieved for the pressure-assisted extract: 642.5 mg sesquiterpene lactones, 187.1 mg phenolic acids, and 47.3 g inulin/100 g of dry matter. The extract showed no toxic effects at the oral dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight, including no histopathologic changes, in mice within two weeks (GHS Category 5/Uncategorized). The maximum analgesic effect (MAE) of the extract at 600 mg/kg was 6.75% for rearing and 13.7% for jumping, with the impact on the nocifensive reactions not differing significantly from those of paracetamol at 60 mg/kg. Despite the relatively low effects at 600 mg/kg, the verified safety and abundance of active compounds encourage further studies on the extract and its active fractions as potential approaches to complementary pain therapy, with special concern for their mechanisms of action. Full article

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which accounts for over 90% of all oral malignancies, remains a major global health challenge due to its aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. Periodontitis, a widespread chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, has increasingly been implicated as a potential risk factor for the development of various cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that microbial dysbiosis within the oral cavity may contribute to the creation of a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment, thereby promoting tumor initiation and progression. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms linking periodontitis to OSCC, particularly through alterations in the oral microbiota, remain insufficiently understood. This article seeks to comprehensively analyze the association between periodontitis and OSCC and to elucidate the potential role of oral microbiota dysbiosis in mediating this relationship. Methods: In this study, a ligature-induced periodontitis model was established in C57BL/6J mice, and after two weeks, an OSCC model was introduced by the subcutaneous injection of SCC-7 cells to investigate the impact of periodontitis on OSCC progression. The effects of periodontitis on OSCC cell proliferation and invasion were assessed using scratch wound healing assays and CCK-8 proliferation assays. 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing was conducted to profile the microbial communities present in the oral cavity and OSCC tissues, with particular emphasis on α-diversity indices (including Pielou’s evenness and Chao1 richness) and taxonomic composition at both the phylum and class levels. Furthermore, qPCR was utilized to assess the expression levels of cytokines in both periodontal and OSCC tissues, thereby elucidating the inflammatory milieu, potentially linking periodontitis to OSCC progression. Results: Our findings demonstrated that periodontitis significantly promoted OSCC growth and enhanced the invasive potential of OSCC cells. Microbial profiling revealed marked alterations in both the oral and OSCC microbiota, characterized by significant shifts in community composition and increased microbial diversity. Notably, these microbial changes exhibited consistent patterns between the oral cavity and the OSCC microenvironment, suggesting a potential mechanistic link between periodontitis-associated dysbiosis and OSCC progression. Consistently, qPCR analysis revealed elevated expression levels of IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-18 in both periodontal and OSCC tissues, providing evidence that the microbial alterations were accompanied by intensified inflammatory responses, which may contribute to OSCC progression. Conclusions: This study underscores the intricate interplay between periodontitis-induced microbial dysbiosis and the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The findings suggest that periodontal inflammation, together with associated shifts in the oral microbiota, acts synergistically to drive OSCC progression. The elevated expression of cytokines further supports the role of a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment in mediating this interaction. These results offer important insights into the microbial and inflammatory mechanisms underlying the connection between periodontitis and OSCC, highlighting the critical role of maintaining periodontal health in the prevention and management of OSCC. Full article

Background: Dental anxiety and generalized anxiety are common psychological conditions and can lead to poor oral health and avoidance behavior. This research aims to study the complex interplay between dental anxiety, generalized anxiety, dental neglect, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in the general public. Methods: This is an online survey study that was conducted between August to September 2024 in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Four previously validated instruments were used in this study. This study made use of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, the General Anxiety Disorder-7, dental neglect scale, and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14. Mediation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro (Model 4) to explore whether dental anxiety and dental neglect mediates the relationship between generalized anxiety and OHRQoL. Results: This study had 2704 participants in total. Higher anxiety levels were associated with slightly lower dental neglect and significantly poorer OHRQoL. Generalized anxiety significantly predicted dental anxiety, with a coefficient of b = 0.275 (p < 0.001). Both generalized anxiety and dental anxiety were significant predictors of OHRQoL, with generalized anxiety showing stronger effect. Dental anxiety partially mediates the impact of generalized anxiety on oral health-related quality of life, while a strong direct effect remains. Conclusions: Dental neglect served as a minor mediator, and the primary relationship between anxiety and oral health-related quality of life is direct. Moreover, dental anxiety partially mediates the impact of generalized anxiety on oral health-related quality of life, while a strong direct effect remains. Full article

The vaginal microbiota, a critical determinant of women’s health, is influenced by hormonal and metabolic parameters across the lifespan. While Lactobacillus species are beneficial markers of vaginal health, microbial composition undergoes pronounced alterations after menopause. This study aimed to elucidate the associations between vaginal microbiota composition, vaginal pH, menopausal status, and metabolic parameters in Asian women. Vaginal secretion samples were collected from 40 women (20 premenopausal, 20 postmenopausal). Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the microbiota, categorized into Community State Types (CSTs): CST-I + II (Lactobacillus crispatus/gasseri, protective), CST-III (Lactobacillus iners, neutral), and CST-IV (anaerobic bacteria, harmful). Vaginal pH and clinical data were assessed in relation to microbial profiles. CST distribution differed significantly by menopausal status and vaginal pH. Harmful-type CST-IV was more prevalent in postmenopausal women (70% vs. 40%, p < 0.05), while CST-III was dominant in premenopausal women (45% vs. 5%). CST-IV was associated with elevated pH (median 6.00, p = 0.026) and increased abundance of anaerobes including Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, and Streptococcus. Oral antibiotic use reduced both beneficial and harmful CSTs, shifting toward neutral CST-III (75%, p = 0.048). Use of sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in postmenopausal women was associated with a higher prevalence of protective CST-I + II (57.14% vs. 8.33%, p < 0.05), though no significant impact on pathogen presence was observed. This study highlights the dynamic interplay between menopausal status, metabolic interventions, and vaginal microbiota composition. Findings may inform targeted strategies to maintain vaginal health in aging populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Unexplained infertility is a worldwide problem affecting a significant proportion of couples of reproductive age. Recent studies suggest that alterations in the vaginal microbiota are related to female infertility, while supplementation with some probiotic strains has been shown to improve pregnancy rates in couples experiencing this problem. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of oral administration of Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT5713 on pregnancy success rates in couples with unexplained infertility prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: Seventy couples were randomized to receive either a placebo or a probiotic intervention (one capsule per day containing an excipient only or 3 × 10⁹ viable cells of L. salivarius CECT5713 plus an excipient, respectively); 57 couples completed the study. Baseline data on demographics, health status (including gynecological and reproductive history), and lifestyle habits were collected. Vaginal swabs and semen samples were obtained from each couple before the intervention and immediately prior to IVF or upon confirmed pregnancy and were analyzed for microbiological (using both culture-dependent and -independent methods) and immunological profiles. Results: Oral administration of L. salivarius CECT5713 in couples with unexplained infertility scheduled for IVF resulted in a significantly higher pregnancy success rate (48.1%) compared to the placebo group (20.0%) (one-tailed Chi-square test; p < 0.024). The probiotic intervention improved both vaginal and semen immunological profiles, with no substantial changes observed in their microbial composition. Conclusions: These preliminary findings support the potential of L. salivarius CECT5713 supplementation to enhance fertility outcomes in couples with unexplained infertility. Full article

Respiratory viruses continue to present serious health challenges to human wellness. Growing evidence suggests that the more severe and damaging effects and symptoms of influenza, rhinovirus (RV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 may primarily result from their common ability to disorganize the body’s healthy immune response. The simultaneous over-stimulation of several reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways and concurrent suppression of bioavailable Nitic Oxide (NO) contribute to an immune disbalance that can lead to cellular oxidative distress and an excessive inflammatory response. This study evaluated the real-time, acute ability of a single, orally administered 50 mg encapsulated dose of a plant-based dietary supplement (“PB-Blend”), compared to 1000 mg of Vitamin C as a positive control, to modulate multiple ROS associated with a dampened immune response, as well as NO and other markers of inflammation, in a cohort recovering from a moderate course of COVID-19. This randomized, double-blind study was performed on 28 individuals 18–24 days after a moderate COVID-19 infection. Participants were orally supplemented with a single encapsulated dose of either 50 mg of PB-Blend or 1000 mg Vitamin C as a positive control. Changes in the levels of bioavailable NO (measured as circulating NOHb) were assessed, as well as the ex vivo cellular formation of mitochondrial, NOX2-, iNOS-, and TNFα-dependent ROS. All parameters were measured in real time before ingestion (baseline), and then at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after administration. ROS were measured using a portable electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer. Inflammatory, immunity (hsCRP and TNFα plasma levels), interleukin (IL1, IL6, IL8, and IL10), cytokine (IFNγ, TNFα, and NF-κB), and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, IgG, and IgE) profiles were also followed. In addition to laboratory and cell function investigations, we performed clinical cardio ergometry, blood O₂ saturation, and respirometry examinations. As hypothesized, the collected baseline data from this study group confirmed that mitochondrial, NOX2, and iNOS enzymatic systems were strongly involved in the generation of ROS at 18–24 days following a positive COVID-19 PCR test. Acute single-dose supplementation of 50 mg PB-Blend had a multifunctional impact on ROS and significantly inhibited the following: (a.) mitochondrial ROS levels by up to 56%; (b.) iNOS by up to 60%; and (c.) NOX2-dependent ROS generation by up to 49%. Moreover, 1000 mg Vitamin C supplementation exhibited narrower ROS-mitigating activity by solely inhibiting NOX2-dependent ROS generation by 45%. Circulating NOHb levels were significantly increased after PB-Blend administration (33%), but not after Vitamin C administration. PB-Blend and Vitamin C exhibited similar potential to reduce ex vivo high dose TNFα (200 ng/mL)-induced H₂O₂ formation. These results suggest that 50 mg of PB-Blend has the potential to modulate disbalanced mitochondria, iNOS, and NOX2 enzymatic systems that can be engendered during respiratory viral infection and subsequent recovery. Moreover, PB-Blend, but not Vitamin C, showed potential to upregulate bioavailable NO, which is known to decline under these conditions. Based upon these observations, PB-Blend could be considered an alternative to, or to be used in tandem with Vitamin C in applications that promote immune support and recovery during seasons of heightened respiratory viral risk (e.g., “flu season”). Full article

Background/Objectives: Acromegaly is a rare chronic disease caused by excess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth hormone 1 (IGF-1) due to a pituitary adenoma. In acromegaly patients, oral and facial manifestations, such as mandibular growth, macroglossia, and dental malocclusion, are common and can affect quality of life. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the diagnostic path of these patients, the impact that acromegaly had on their oral health, the medical figures involved, and the role played by their dentist. Methods: The data were collected via an anonymous questionnaire to study dental health, dental care, and acromegaly diagnosis and history and via validated questionnaires. The validated questionnaires used were the ESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) to assess daytime sleepiness, OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile-14) to study perceptions of oral health, and AcroQoL to explore quality of life. Results: We enrolled 90 acromegaly patients: 48% of the patients reported acromegaly oral manifestations and 73% reported facial changes. The most frequent oro-facial manifestations reported by the patients were jaw growth (41%), diastema (40%), macroglossia (39%), and increased size of cheekbones (35%). The median OHIP-14 value was 5 (min 0–max 43), and the highest values were recorded in the questions relating to pronunciation difficulties and problems eating due to dental problems, as well as discomfort with dental aesthetics. The patients’ sleep quality was rated as good by 33% of patients, decent by 47%, and bad by 20%. The median ACROQol score achieved by the patients was 69 (min 19, max 98). An inverse and statistically significant correlation was observed between OHIP-14 and AcroQoL scores (Spearman correlation coefficient—0.44, p = 0.0002). Conclusions: Oro-facial changes significantly affect quality of life in cases of acromegaly, yet dental professionals’ involvement in diagnosis and management is limited. Greater awareness among and integration of dental professionals could support earlier detection and improve patient outcomes. Full article

Aim: This study aimed to determine the oral health profile of children with autism spectrum disorder and to analyze the impact of their oral health status on their personal quality of life and the quality of life of their families. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online study was conducted on 121 parents. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, parents’ perceptions of their child’s oral health, oral hygiene practices, and access to dental care. Additionally, the Parental–Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ-16, 16 items) and the Family Impact Scale (FIS-8, 8 items) were employed. The data were analyzed descriptively and using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis H test. Results: No significant differences were found in FIS-8 and P-CPQ-16 scores between parents and children based on their sociodemographic characteristics. However, a significant association was observed between P-CPQ-16 and FIS-8 total scores and the type of used dental care (general dental practice vs. adapted practice and general anesthesia, p ≤ 0.001), dental visit frequency (regular vs. occasional, p < 0.05), child cooperation level during dental visits (cooperative vs. uncooperative, p ≤ 0.001), and dental care access challenges (p < 0.05). Parents reported a high prevalence of poor oral health in their children: the experience of tooth decay (48.1%), malocclusion (47.1%), bruxism (38.8%), bad breath (34.7%), and toothache (28.8%) in the previous 12 months. Most children brushed their teeth daily (89.3%), often with the help of their parents (44.6%). The most frequently reported difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene was the children’s unwillingness to cooperate (62.8%). Conclusions: Poor perceived oral health in children with autism spectrum disorder is significantly linked to a lower quality of life for both them and their families, especially when access to dental care is difficult and there is a lack of cooperation. Addressing these barriers and the high prevalence of oral health problems through tailored strategies is critical to improving children’s well-being. Full article

Background and Objectives: Halitosis is a persistent oral health issue that can undermine self-esteem and social interactions, particularly in younger populations who may be more vulnerable to peer judgment. Orthodontic retainers—both removable and fixed—can alter oral microbiota and salivary parameters, potentially influencing malodor development. This study aimed to compare halitosis severity and oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adolescents and young adults (aged 12–25) wearing removable retainers, fixed retainers, or no orthodontic appliances, with an additional focus on salivary pH as a possible modifying factor. Methods: A total of 88 participants were allocated into three groups: removable retainer (n = 28), fixed retainer (n = 30), and no orthodontic treatment (n = 30). Halitosis severity was measured via organoleptic evaluation (0–5 scale) and the Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (HALT, 0–100). Salivary pH was determined using a digital pH meter. OHRQoL was assessed through the Oral Health Impact Profile–14 (OHIP-14, 0–56). One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test and chi-square analyses were employed to compare outcomes among groups. Spearman’s correlation explored relationships among HALT, organoleptic scores, OHIP-14, and salivary pH. Results: Fixed retainer wearers exhibited higher mean organoleptic scores (2.2 ± 0.6) compared to removable retainer users (1.7 ± 0.5, p = 0.003). HALT results similarly showed that the fixed retainer group (35.6 ± 6.4) reported more halitosis-related burdens than the removable group (31.4 ± 5.9, p = 0.015). Low salivary pH (<6.8) was linked to greater malodor indices in all cohorts (p < 0.05). Correlations revealed moderate positive associations between HALT and OHIP-14 (r = +0.52, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Adolescents and young adults wearing fixed orthodontic retainers reported more severe halitosis and a correspondingly lower oral-health-related quality of life than those with removable retainers or no orthodontic appliances. Salivary pH emerged as an influential factor, indicating that maintaining a neutral oral environment could mitigate malodor. Targeted interventions emphasizing hygiene and saliva management may improve overall well-being in this vulnerable age group. Full article

Background/Objectives: The satisfaction of patients following maxillary full-arch rehabilitation is crucial in assessing treatment effectiveness. This one-year study evaluated patients’ satisfaction, quality of life, and aesthetic perception after receiving the Maxilla-for-All^®/All-On-X treatments, which combine standard, pterygoid, trans-sinus, and zygomatic implants to support a fixed prosthesis and offer a graftless solution that reduces morbidity and treatment time. Methods: A prospective cohort study using convenience sampling of subjects treated for severe maxillary atrophies was conducted on patients receiving immediate implant-supported full-arch fixed prostheses. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ-23) were administered preoperatively and one year post-treatment. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of complications (surgical, technical, and mechanical) and Wilcoxon tests were used for comparison (significance level = 0.05). Results: A total of 56 patients (29 female, 27 male) participated, with no implant or prosthesis failures. Eleven patients reported unilateral sinus membrane perforation, and seven had technical or mechanical complications. Preoperatively, 69% of patients rated their oral condition as unfavorable according to the OHIP-14; this dropped significantly to 21.8% post-treatment (p-value < 0.0001). After one year, the average PIDAQ-23 score improved significantly from 44.7 ± 16.6 to 6.8 ± 5.3 (p-value < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between patients with or without complications (p-values ranging from 0.5270 to 0.8920). Conclusions: Full-arch rehabilitation using Maxilla-for-All^®/All-On-X treatments significantly improved both aesthetic perception and chewing function in patients with severe maxillary atrophies. They reported a substantial reduction in oral health-related discomfort, as shown by a significant decrease in OHIP-14 scores one year post-treatment. Clinical or technical complications did not significantly impact patients’ quality-of-life outcomes or satisfaction, supporting the reliability of this treatment protocol. Full article

Orthodontic treatment demand has surged due to heightened aesthetic concerns and the increased recognition of oral health’s role in overall well-being. This systematic review was conducted by searching across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) for observational studies published between January 2000 and April 2024 that assessed personality traits using validated instruments, with inclusion criteria focused on outcomes such as pain perception, treatment attitude, compliance, satisfaction, and quality of life. The results consistently indicate that negative personality traits, particularly high neuroticism, are associated with increased pain perception, lower satisfaction, and reduced compliance. In contrast, positive traits, including extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, were correlated with improved orthodontic outcomes and more favorable treatment attitudes. Additionally, extraversion and openness were observed to moderate the negative impact of malocclusion severity on oral health-related quality of life. When examining gender, overall differences were minimal; however, some studies indicated that females reported slightly higher pain scores. These findings underscore the multifaceted role of personality by suggesting that psychological profiling should be incorporated into clinical practice. By recognizing individual personality profiles, clinicians can tailor treatment approaches to foster patient-centered care, optimizing orthodontic outcomes and enhancing overall patient satisfaction. Full article

Background: Tennessee has one of the worst rankings for older adults’ oral health in the United States. This study aims to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older individuals (aged 60 and above) in Tennessee using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Methods: The data were collected from the 233 Tennessee Smile-on program participants in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, between December 2019 and August 2021. The frequency and percentage for each subgroup were calculated. Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure the internal consistency or reliability of OHIP in this study. Factor Analysis (FA) with oblique rotation was conducted to explore the underlying factor structure of the OHIP questionnaire set. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of participants were retired (59.66%), and there was a significant difference in OHIP_sum scores among different employment statuses (p = 0.018). Cronbach’s alpha showed the domains of psychological discomfort, physical disability, and psychological disability were highly correlated with the total score (alpha = 0.8). Factor analysis identified three main dimensions: physical discomfort, psychological distress, and functional disability, and they can explain over 90% of the total variance. Individuals measure of sampling adequacy (MSA) and overall MSA are greater than 0.9, indicating excellent sampling adequacy. Conclusions: The study suggested that oral health can be assessed not only through examinations by dental professionals but also by considering emotional and social well-being. However, a limitation of the study is that it was conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak, which restricted participant involvement. Full article