Applied Sciences

Research

11 pages, 2679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Comparison of Three-Dimensional Cultured Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Derived from Permanent and Supernumerary Teeth

by Heejin Kim, Ko Eun Lee, Yong Kwon Chae, Ok Hyung Nam, Mi Sun Kim, Ji-Hyun Jang, Sung Chul Choi and Hyo-Seol Lee

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12440; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212440 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 944

Abstract

The characteristics of 3-dimensional (3D) cultured periodontal ligament stem cells derived from permanent teeth (pPDLSCs) and supernumerary teeth (sPDLSCs) were compared and evaluated in this study. pPDLSCs and sPDLSCs were cultured in an ultra-low attachment 6-well plate, and the changes in morphology and [...] Read more.

The characteristics of 3-dimensional (3D) cultured periodontal ligament stem cells derived from permanent teeth (pPDLSCs) and supernumerary teeth (sPDLSCs) were compared and evaluated in this study. pPDLSCs and sPDLSCs were cultured in an ultra-low attachment 6-well plate, and the changes in morphology and size were observed under an optical microscope for 14 days. Cell counting kit-8 was used to quantitatively evaluate cell viability, and a live/dead assay was performed for the qualitative assessment. The degrees of osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of pPDLSCs and sPDLSCs were also assessed. The pPDLSCs and sPDLSCs were initially spherical, and sPDLSCs were smaller than pPDLSCs. The viability of pPDLSCs decreased by 47.9% (day 3) and 10.4% (day 7), whereas that of sPDLSCs decreased by 34.3% (day 3) and 2.5% (day 7) compared to the percentage on Day 1. No significant difference in osteogenic differentiation was found (p = 0.94); however, significant differences in adipocyte and cartilage differentiation were observed (p = 0.003 and p = 0.013, respectively). Within the limitations of this study, sPDLSCs and pPDLSCs exhibited multilineage differentiation capacities, including osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation, in 3D culture. Overall, pPDLSCs should be further investigated as a source of stem cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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14 pages, 3539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insertion Torque (IT) and Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) Assessment in Dental Implants with and without Healing Chambers: A Polyurethane In Vitro Study

by Bruno Freitas Mello, Marcio De Carvalho Formiga, Marco Aurélio Bianchini, Ivan Borges, Jr., Gustavo Coura, Margherita Tumedei, Renato Fuller, Morena Petrini, Tea Romasco, Paula Vaz, Adriano Piattelli and Natalia Di Pietro

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10215; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810215 - 11 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2272

Abstract

Primary Stability (PS) depends on different factors, such as bone structure (quality and density), implant characteristics (macro and micro), and the relationship between thread shape and implant insertion hole size. PS is crucial for the prognosis and success of dental implants. The use [...] Read more.

Primary Stability (PS) depends on different factors, such as bone structure (quality and density), implant characteristics (macro and micro), and the relationship between thread shape and implant insertion hole size. PS is crucial for the prognosis and success of dental implants. The use of healing chambers, which create empty spaces between the implant and peri-implant bone, helps reduce the risk of compressive bone necrosis. High Insertion Torque (IT) values could potentially lead to the deterioration of the implant-abutment connection. However, the optimal implant macro-structure and IT values remain unknown. In this study, implants with healing chambers (Test) and without (Control) were inserted into polyurethane blocks with densities of 10, 20, 30, and 40 pounds per cubic foot (PCF). In blocks with densities of 30 and 40 PCF, Control implants had significantly higher IT values than Test implants. Additionally, Control implants exhibited significantly higher Removal Torque (RT) values than Test implants, but only in the 30 PCF density block (p < 0.0001). However, no differences were found between the implants in the 10, 20, and 40 PCF density blocks. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values between the Test and Control implants. The results of the present study confirm that adding healing chambers to the macro-structure of dental implants can significantly reduce IT values without affecting ISQ values. This suggests the potential for avoiding compression and damage to peri-implant bone while maintaining consistent levels of PS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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11 pages, 3409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Resistance of Different Implant Suprastructures: A Laboratory Study

by Georgi Iliev, Dimitar Filtchev, Branka Trifković, Danimir Jevremović, Zhanina Pavlova, Svetoslav Slavkov and Daniela Stoeva

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 6100; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106100 - 16 May 2023

Viewed by 1609

Abstract

Background: Appropriate abutment selection according to the individual specificities of each patient is a leading factor in achieving high aesthetic results. Standardized titanium abutments are the most widely used due to their easy use and low cost. It is considered that customized abutments [...] Read more.

Background: Appropriate abutment selection according to the individual specificities of each patient is a leading factor in achieving high aesthetic results. Standardized titanium abutments are the most widely used due to their easy use and low cost. It is considered that customized abutments can eliminate many of the complications seen with factory abutments in prosthetic treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether customized abutments have better mechanical behavior in laboratory settings than standard ones. The null hypothesis is that customized abutments have better resistance to cyclic load and compression than factory abutments. Methods: The study model includes thirty implant suprastructure samples, fabricated digitally, divided into three groups according to the type of implant abutment and the used material: Group A (control group) comprised monolithic implant crowns made of zirconium dioxide and a titanium base; Group B (test group) comprised monolithic implant crowns made of zirconia implant crowns and a customized titanium alloy abutment; and Group C (test group) comprised monolithic implant crowns made of lithium disilicate and a customized titanium alloy abutment. The samples were subjected to dynamic load in a computer-controlled 2-axis machine that simulated masticatory movements, Chewing Simulator CS-4 (SD-Mechatronik, Westerham, Germany), for 250,000 cycles at a frequency of 2 Hz. The samples were then subjected to compressive strength testing in an Instron M 1185 universal testing machine. A metal steel disc was used as an antagonist, exerting pressure at a rate of 2 mm/min at room temperature on each sample. After conducting the laboratory tests, the samples were examined by an experienced expert under a Carl Zeiss microscope (Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Jena, Germany). Results: All samples were found to have passed the fatigue test in the masticatory simulator without any of the listed complications. The average value of the compressive strength at which the structures in each group fracture is as follows: Group A, 5669.2; Group B, 3126.5; and Group C, 1850.6. Based on the average values, it can be concluded that the combination of materials used in Group A has the greatest resistance. Conclusion: The weak link in the prosthetic complex consisting of a crown and abutment seems to be the crown. No abutment failure was found regardless of the type. However, monolithic zirconia crowns over standard titanium abutments withstand higher mechanical forces compared with zirconia and lithium disilicate crowns over customized ones. Detailed studies in clinical settings may provide more in-depth information on this issue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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15 pages, 7175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Primary Stability Assessment of Conical Implants in Under-Prepared Sites: An In Vitro Study in Low-Density Polyurethane Foams

by Luca Comuzzi, Margherita Tumedei, Ugo Covani, Tea Romasco, Morena Petrini, Lorenzo Montesani, Adriano Piattelli and Natalia Di Pietro

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 6041; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106041 - 14 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1653

Abstract

Bone characteristics, the implant macrogeometry, and the drilling technique are considered the main important factors to obtain a good implant primary stability (PS). Indeed, although it is known that implant placement in poor bone sites increases the possibility of implant failure, several surgical [...] Read more.

Bone characteristics, the implant macrogeometry, and the drilling technique are considered the main important factors to obtain a good implant primary stability (PS). Indeed, although it is known that implant placement in poor bone sites increases the possibility of implant failure, several surgical procedures have been proposed to improve PS, such as site under-preparation. Hence, this in vitro study aimed to evaluate the insertion torque (IT), removal torque (RT), and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) of conical implants (3.3 and 4 × 13 mm) placed in under-prepared sites on 10 and 20 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) density polyurethane sheets (simulating a D3 and D2 bone, respectively) with and without a cortical sheet of 30 PCF in density (corresponding to a D1 bone). After using ANOVA or Kolmogorov–Smirnov test to elaborate data, the resulting IT and RT values were directly proportional to the polyurethane block densities (e.g., the lowest and highest IT values were 8.36 ± 0.52 Ncm in the 10 PCF density sheet and 46.21 ± 0.79 Ncm in the 20 PCF density sheet + cortical for 4 × 13 mm implants) and increased with the increasing amount of site under-preparation (the highest results for both implants were found with a 2.2 mm under-preparation, showing a significantly higher IT with a p < 0.05 compared with others, especially in the highest-density sheets). Both implants inserted in the 20 PCF density block + cortical with all under-preparation protocols exhibited significantly higher RFA values (p < 0.05–0.0001) compared with the corresponding ones in the 10 PCF block. Moreover, 3.3 × 13 mm implants showed the same results comparing the 20 PCF block and the 10 PCF block + cortical. In conclusion, in this in vitro study using low-density polyurethane blocks, the under-preparation of the implant insertion sites was shown to be effective in increasing implants’ PS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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18 pages, 2873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Healing after Diode Laser Gingivectomy Prior to Prosthetic Procedures

by Rada Kazakova, Georgi Tomov, Angelina Vlahova, Stefan Zlatev, Mariya Dimitrova, Stoyan Kazakov, Massimo Corsalini, Marta Forte, Daniela Di Venere, Fabio Dell’Olio, Giuseppe Barile and Saverio Capodiferro

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5527; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095527 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4431

Abstract

The current pilot study investigates the effects following removal of excessive gingival tissue, which is often necessary in fixed prosthodontic cases. The aim of the study is to assess gingival healing after diode laser gingivectomy prior to prosthetic procedures. Materials and methods: The [...] Read more.

The current pilot study investigates the effects following removal of excessive gingival tissue, which is often necessary in fixed prosthodontic cases. The aim of the study is to assess gingival healing after diode laser gingivectomy prior to prosthetic procedures. Materials and methods: The healing process of the gingiva after the diode laser gingivectomy of 41 teeth was assessed. The following parameters were examined: recovery time of the gingiva, possibility to take the impression at the same visit, duration of the manipulation, bleeding during the procedure, tissue adherence to the instrument, postoperative hemorrhage on probing, postoperative pain, and wound healing in regard to tissue color, tissue contour, and appearance of the wound. Results: At the 24th hour, all gingival wounds were covered with fibrinous plaque and an erythematous halo. At the 72nd hour, in two cases (4.9%), this wound’s characteristic had already passed through to the next healing stage—granulated surface and normal pale pink color. A granulated surface in the 1st week was reported in 10 (24.4%) cases, and in all of the other 31 (75.6%) cases, complete healing was reported. In the second week, all wound surfaces had a normal pale pink color. Bleeding was self-limiting in most of the cases and negligible from a clinical point of view. The postoperative pain levels were low or nonexistent. There was lack of postoperative hemorrhage on probing after the first week in all examined cases. Tissue recovery in terms of tissue contour, color, and appearance of the wound was asymptomatic. Conclusion: within the limitations of this pilot study, the outcomes of the wound healing after laser gingivectomy aided the clinicians to perform the prosthetic procedures in the same visit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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16 pages, 11791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Learning for Microstructural Characterization of Synchrotron Radiation-Based Collagen Bundle Imaging in Peri-Implant Soft Tissues

by Nicole Riberti, Michele Furlani, Emira D’Amico, Luca Comuzzi, Adriano Piattelli, Giovanna Iezzi and Alessandra Giuliani

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4423; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074423 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2324

Abstract

The study of the organizational kinetics in the area surrounding the transmucosal part of dental implants promises to ensure an accurate diagnosis of the healing process, in terms of osseointegration and long-term implant success. In this demonstrative work, the morphological, qualitative and quantitative [...] Read more.

The study of the organizational kinetics in the area surrounding the transmucosal part of dental implants promises to ensure an accurate diagnosis of the healing process, in terms of osseointegration and long-term implant success. In this demonstrative work, the morphological, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of 3D images of collagen bundles obtained by synchrotron-based high-resolution X-ray tomography were analyzed. Data analysis was performed using deep learning algorithms, neural networks that were applied on multiple volumes extracted from connective portions of different patients. The neural network was trained with mutually consistent examples from different patients; in particular, we used a neural network model, U-Net, well established when applying deep learning to datasets of images. It was trained not only to distinguish the collagen fibers from the background, but also to subdivide the collagen bundles based on the orientation of the fibers. In fact, differently from conventional thresholding methods, deep learning semantic segmentation assigns a label to each pixel, not only relying on grey level distribution but also on the image morphometric (shape or direction) characteristics. With the exception of Pt2 biopsies that, as confirmed by the polarized light investigation, were shown to present an immature tissue condition, the quantity, the anisotropy degree and the connectivity density of transverse bundles were always demonstrated to be higher than for longitudinal ones. These are interesting and new data; indeed, as collagen bundles are organized in an intertwining pattern, these morphometric and 3D complexity parameters, distinguished in transversal and longitudinal directions, give precise indications on the amount and distribution of connective tissue forces exerted during the healing process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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15 pages, 692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An In-Vitro Evaluation of Toxic Metals Concentration in the Third Molars from Residents of the Legnica-Głogów Copper Area and Risk Factors Determining the Accumulation of Those Metals: A Pilot Study

by Sadri Rayad, Maciej Dobrzyński, Amadeusz Kuźniarski, Marzena Styczyńska, Dorota Diakowska, Tomasz Gedrange, Sylwia Klimas, Tomasz Gębarowski and Marzena Dominiak

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 2904; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13052904 - 24 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1435

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine tissue concentration of toxic metals, namely Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, and Zn, in the removed third molars in patients from the Legnica-Głogów copper district. A group of 69 patients with an average [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to determine tissue concentration of toxic metals, namely Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, and Zn, in the removed third molars in patients from the Legnica-Głogów copper district. A group of 69 patients with an average age of 27.3 ± 6.9 years was enrolled into the study. There were 16 (23.2%) men and 53 (76.8%) women. Patients were divided into two groups according to the place of residence—residents of the Legnica-Głogów Copper Area (n = 49) and the control group, residents of Wrocław (n = 20). Determination of the Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn content was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry in an air–acetylene flame using the SpectraAA atomic absorption spectrometer with a V2 AA240FS flame attachment. The content of Fe and Pb in the third molars was higher among residents of the Legnica-Głogów Copper Area (p = 0.016 and p = 0.002, respectively). The significant risk factors that may contribute to the accumulation of toxic metals in teeth were identified. We showed a significant correlation between the level of Cr, Cu, and Zn and age, and between chromium and vitamin D3 concentration in the blood (p < 0.05 for all). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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10 pages, 2224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protection against Dental Erosion and the Remineralization Capacity of Non-Fluoride Toothpaste, Fluoride Toothpaste and Fluoride Varnish

by Sergio Mazzoleni, Alessandro Gargani, Roberta Gaia Parcianello, Luca Pezzato, Rachele Bertolini, Andrea Zuccon, Edoardo Stellini and Francesco Saverio Ludovichetti

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1849; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031849 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3197

Abstract

Introduction: The oral cavity and the teeth are frequently subjected to numerous physiological pH variations, mainly due to the type of diet. These changes are the main cause of enamel demineralization and consequent breakage under mechanical forces. This causes severe sensitivity and sometimes [...] Read more.

Introduction: The oral cavity and the teeth are frequently subjected to numerous physiological pH variations, mainly due to the type of diet. These changes are the main cause of enamel demineralization and consequent breakage under mechanical forces. This causes severe sensitivity and sometimes pain, which endures unless the hard tissue is remineralized. Since enamel does not self-repair, the application of alloplastic materials that have the property of releasing remineralizing ions is strongly recommended. The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate the effectiveness of two different toothpastes and a fluoride varnish in the prevention of demineralization, and their ability to remineralize enamel after it has undergone several acidifications. Methods: Eight human teeth with no caries or defects were prepared. The acid attack simulations were performed using a commercial cola carbonated drink. Samples were immersed in 5 mL of soft drink for two minutes at room temperature, and then were rinsed with distilled/deionized water. The immersion process lasted about 2 min, and was repeated four times for a total of eight minutes. Then, two different types of toothpaste, one with and one without fluoride, and a fluoride varnish were applied to the surfaces of the samples and rinsed off with demineralized water. A second acidification cycle was then carried out, with the subsequent reapplication of the three different products to evaluate their ability to protect against demineralization. SEM and profilometer analysis were then carried out to evaluate the results. Results: The statistical analysis showed a good remineralization capacity for all three products, especially in the fluoride-varnish-treated samples. However, regarding protection from demineralization, non-fluoride toothpaste was found to be ineffective, while fluoride toothpaste and varnish produced positive results. Conclusions: Dental professionals should advise fluoride toothpastes and varnishes over non-fluoride toothpastes. Fluoride toothpastes and varnishes represent a valid treatment for surface remineralization after a first acid attack and for protection from subsequent demineralization in an acid environment, such as that which can develop in the oral cavity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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15 pages, 4386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Applicability of a Bone Spheroid Model for the Evaluation of Cytocompatibility of Bone Substitutes

by Ana Carolina Batista Brochado, Daniela Costa Silva, Joice Correa da Silva, Adam Lowenstein, Vinicius Schott Gameiro, Elena Mavropoulos, Carlos F. Mourão and Gutemberg Gomes Alves

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1602; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031602 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2883

Abstract

In vitro cell-based tests are an important preclinical step for the safety assessment of biomaterials and drugs. Three-dimensional cell culture models (3D) may improve the limitations of the usual 2D models, as they better simulate a physiological environment. This work describes the characterization [...] Read more.

In vitro cell-based tests are an important preclinical step for the safety assessment of biomaterials and drugs. Three-dimensional cell culture models (3D) may improve the limitations of the usual 2D models, as they better simulate a physiological environment. This work describes the characterization of a 3D spheroid model of MC3T3-E1 murine preosteoblasts for the testing of bone-substitute materials and investigates its adequacy to some of the most employed cell viability tests. The spheroids presented structural stability for 28 days in culture, with a regular spheroidal aspect, compact surface, and dense inner structure, with high potential for mineralization, but a time-dependent reduction in size. The use of colorimetric tests (MTT, XTT, and NRU) did not achieve satisfactory optical densities and did not correlate with cell density in the 3D model, as the aggregates remain strongly stained even after dye extraction steps. On the other hand, the LDH test achieved appropriate optical density and a high correlation with cell density (r2 = 0.77) and identified a dose–response for a well-known cytotoxic polymer (latex), while no toxicity was identified for biocompatible PLA wires. These results indicate that material testing with 3D bone cell models requires a careful choice of test methods and parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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9 pages, 2732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Periodontal Health Parameters in Adults: The Role of the Vestibular Fornix Depth

by Luca Sbricoli, Martina Casarin, Anna Veronese, Francesco Cavallin and Edoardo Stellini

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031561 - 25 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6283

Abstract

Little is known about whether the depth of the vestibular fornix influences people’s ability to access their teeth to remove plaque during oral hygiene measures at home. This study aimed to investigate the association between vestibular fornix depth and periodontal health. The study [...] Read more.

Little is known about whether the depth of the vestibular fornix influences people’s ability to access their teeth to remove plaque during oral hygiene measures at home. This study aimed to investigate the association between vestibular fornix depth and periodontal health. The study included 100 adults in good periodontal health, with a plaque index (PI) ≤15%, bleeding on probing (BOP) ≤10%, and a pocket probing depth (PPD) ≤3 mm. Using a periodontal probe and a digital caliper, we measured PI, BOP, PPD, gum phenotype, gum recession, the width of keratinized gingiva, and the vestibular fornix depth. Adjustment for multiple testing was performed using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Results: Vestibular fornix depth was associated with width of keratinized gingiva (ρ 0.60, p < 0.0001). Median BOP was 1.39% in participants with a vestibular fornix depth ≥7 mm, and 0.00% in those with a vestibular fornix depth <7 mm (p = 0.62). Vestibular fornix depth and the width of keratinized gingiva did not seem to be associated with the level of periodontal health. Participants with a shallower vestibular fornix depth should be given advice on how best to ensure good oral hygiene at home. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

17 pages, 5875 KiB

Open AccessReview

Technological Aspects and Performance of High Entropy Alloys with Potential Application in Dental Restorations and Reducing Implant Failure

by Ioana Demetrescu, Radu Nartita, Mihai Andrei, Andreea Cristiana Didilescu, Anisoara Cimpean and Daniela Ionita

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 12000; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132112000 - 3 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1508

Abstract

Amidst the prevalence of aggressive bacterial infections that can impact both oral and systemic health following various dental and implant procedures, the search for alternative, high-performing and biocompatible materials has become a challenging pursuit. The need for such investigations is increasing owing to [...] Read more.

Amidst the prevalence of aggressive bacterial infections that can impact both oral and systemic health following various dental and implant procedures, the search for alternative, high-performing and biocompatible materials has become a challenging pursuit. The need for such investigations is increasing owing to the fact that toxicological risks of cobalt–chromium (CoCr) alloys used in dentistry have become a part of the EU’s new Medical Devices Regulations establishing that cobalt metal has been classified as carcinogenic, genotoxic and detrimental to reproduction. Within this context, this review proposes high entropy alloys (HEA) as potential alternatives and presents their characteristics and in vitro biological performance when used as a substrate or coating. Anatomical details of the oral cavity in relationship with prosthodontics and implant dentistry support the paper’s motivation and presentation. The review highlights the innovative manufacturing procedures, microstructure and properties of both the bulk and coatings of BioHEA. It evaluates the performance of BioHEAs based on their complete characterization and assesses their suitability for novel applications in dentistry, serving as the primary objective of this manuscript. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

14 pages, 973 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Oral Health Literacy Levels of Nursing Professionals and Effectiveness of Integrating Oral Health Training into Nursing Curricula: A Systematic Review

by Abdulrhman Albougami

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10403; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810403 - 17 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3034

Abstract

This systematic review assessed the evidence for the oral health literacy levels (i.e., knowledge, attitudes, barriers, oral care and practices, and trainings and resources) of nursing professionals and the effectiveness of integrating oral health training into nursing training. Four electronic databases were searched; [...] Read more.

This systematic review assessed the evidence for the oral health literacy levels (i.e., knowledge, attitudes, barriers, oral care and practices, and trainings and resources) of nursing professionals and the effectiveness of integrating oral health training into nursing training. Four electronic databases were searched; however, for relevance, only evidence published between 2013 and 2023 was considered. Overall, 70 studies that focused on five key themes, namely, (i) knowledge of oral healthcare among nurses; (ii) attitudes of nurses towards oral healthcare; (iii) barriers to oral healthcare promotion; (iv) oral care and practices; and (v) trainings and resources to promote oral healthcare, were retrieved. Nurses were found to have a lack of or suboptimal of knowledge regarding oral healthcare. Moreover, their attitudes and practices related to the provision of oral healthcare varied substantially. Key barriers that impeded oral healthcare promotion included a lack of knowledge, awareness, education, skills, and training. Integrating oral health training was considered effective for improving oral health literacy and nurses emphasized the inclusion of such training into their curricula for improving oral healthcare. In summary, nurses have an important role to play in promoting oral health. Furthermore, integration of oral health training into nursing curricula could be a feasible approach to improve the oral health literacy of nurses and reduce the burden of oral disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Implant Health)

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