International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

8 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Oral Health and Care for Elderly People with Alzheimer’s Disease

by Sherry Shiqian Gao, Chun Hung Chu and Fanny Yuk Fun Young

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165713 - 7 Aug 2020

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 13355

Dementia is one of the main causes of disability among elderly people. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects elderly people’s ability to perform daily living activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the main subtype of dementia and causes declining memory, reasoning, and communication [...] Read more.

Dementia is one of the main causes of disability among elderly people. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects elderly people’s ability to perform daily living activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the main subtype of dementia and causes declining memory, reasoning, and communication skills. They also have behavioural and psychological symptoms, such as depression and aggression. It is essential for them to maintain good oral health, as oral health is an important and integral part of their general health. Neglecting oral health allows dental diseases to develop, and these diseases are difficult and costly to treat. However, dental diseases can be treated with ambulatory care rather than hospitalisation and emergency care. Elderly people should establish daily oral hygiene care routines during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. They should have regular dental examinations and early minimal interventions to prevent the need for extensive and complicated procedures. Maintaining oral health becomes challenging, however, when Alzheimer’s disease progresses to the middle and late stages. Because elderly people might forget or lose interest in keeping their teeth healthy, caretakers and community health workers may need to take over this task. Dentists should provide guidance on the maintenance of oral health, as the techniques used to provide this support vary depending on the elderly people concerned. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of oral health and the importance of oral care for elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease. The paper also discusses appropriate dental interventions and techniques for maintaining good oral health and helping people with Alzheimer’s to enjoy a satisfactory quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

11 pages, 319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Oral Health Literacy Instrument (OHLI) for Malaysian Adults

by Muhammad Zulkefli Ramlay, Norkhafizah Saddki, Mon Mon Tin-Oo and Wan Nor Arifin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5407; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155407 - 28 Jul 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2852

Abstract

Currently, the availability of a functional oral health literacy instrument in the Malay language is limited. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt Oral Health Literacy Instrument (OHLI) into the Malay language and to determine its psychometric properties in Malaysian adults. Cross-cultural adaptation of [...] Read more.

Currently, the availability of a functional oral health literacy instrument in the Malay language is limited. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt Oral Health Literacy Instrument (OHLI) into the Malay language and to determine its psychometric properties in Malaysian adults. Cross-cultural adaptation of the OHLI into the Malay version (OHLI-M) was conducted according to a guideline, followed by a cross-sectional study among outpatients in a selected health clinic. The psychometric evaluations were the comparison of the OHLI-M scores by education levels and last dental visits, the correlation of the reading comprehension section of OHLI-M with the Malay version of the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA-M), the correlation of OHLI-M with decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI), and the test-retest reliability of OHLI-M. A total of 195 outpatients participated in this study. The OHLI-M scores were significantly different between participants with different levels of education and timing since last dental visit. Participants with lower secondary school qualification and below, and those whose last dental visit was more than two years ago or never, had significantly lower OHLI-M scores. There was a positive correlation between the reading comprehension scores of the OHLI-M and the S-TOFHLA-M (Spearman’s rho = 0.37, p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between the OHLI-M scores and the DMFT index scores or the CPI scores. The internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83 to 0.88). The test-retest reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation = 0.80 to 0.86). The OHLI-M showed good validity and reliability among adults in Malaysia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

11 pages, 312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Affecting Dental Service Utilisation in Indonesia: A Population-Based Multilevel Analysis

by Cornelia Melinda Adi Santoso, Taufan Bramantoro, Minh Chau Nguyen, Zsuzsa Bagoly and Attila Nagy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5282; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155282 - 22 Jul 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5208

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of dental service utilisation in Indonesia and its association with social determinants at individual and community levels. Cross-sectional data from the 2014 Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS-5) was analysed. Individual independent variables included age, sex, marital [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of dental service utilisation in Indonesia and its association with social determinants at individual and community levels. Cross-sectional data from the 2014 Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS-5) was analysed. Individual independent variables included age, sex, marital status, educational attainment, economic status, health insurance, dental pain, self-reported mouth ulcers, self-rated health status, unmet healthcare needs and smoking status, while community independent variables included cognitive, structural social capital and residential area. Multilevel logistic regressions were performed to explore the associations between independent variables at different levels and the outcome of dental service utilisation. Of the total sample of 16,860 adults aged 15 years or older in our study, around 86.4% never visited a dentist. Dental service utilisation was associated with older age, female, currently not married, higher education level and economic status, health insurance, dental pain, self-reported mouth ulcers, met healthcare needs, never smoking, living in urban areas and communities with high structural social capital. Both individual and broader social determinants influenced dental service utilisation in Indonesia. These factors should be considered in the formulation of oral health policies and programmes aiming to improve dental service utilisation in the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

10 pages, 488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Relation between Periodontitis and Chronic Gastritis/Peptic Ulcer: A Cross-Sectional Study Using KoGES HEXA Data

by Soo Hwan Byun, Chanyang Min, Seok Jin Hong, Hyo Geun Choi and Dong Hee Koh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4387; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124387 - 18 Jun 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4373

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between periodontitis and chronic gastritis/peptic ulcer using a cross-sectional study design. The present prospective cohort study used epidemiological data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) recorded from 2004 to 2016. [...] Read more.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between periodontitis and chronic gastritis/peptic ulcer using a cross-sectional study design. The present prospective cohort study used epidemiological data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) recorded from 2004 to 2016. Among 173,209 participants, 9983 with periodontitis and 125,336 with no periodontitis were selected. Histories of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer between periodontitis and no periodontitis participants were analyzed. The participants were questioned around any history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cerebral stroke, ischemic heart disease, periodontitis, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, nutritional intake, and financial income. Chi-square tests, independent t-tests, two-tailed analyses were used in statistical analysis of the data. The adjusted odds ratio of chronic gastritis was 2.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.10–2.34, p < 0.001) and that of peptic ulcer was 1.86 (95% CI = 1.74–1.98, p < 0.001) in model 2. This study demonstrated that periodontitis was associated with an increased risk of chronic gastritis/peptic ulcer. These findings provide additional evidence for an association between periodontitis and chronic gastritis/peptic ulcer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

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11 pages, 1898 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Microbiome of Children Living in an Isolated Area in Myanmar

by Yoshiaki Nomura, Ryoko Otsuka, Ryo Hasegawa and Nobuhiro Hanada

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 4033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114033 - 5 Jun 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3001

Abstract

Several studies have shown that the oral microbiome is related to systemic health, and a co-relation with several specific diseases has been suggested. The oral microbiome depends on environmental- and community-level factors. In this observational study, the oral microbiomes of children of isolated [...] Read more.

Several studies have shown that the oral microbiome is related to systemic health, and a co-relation with several specific diseases has been suggested. The oral microbiome depends on environmental- and community-level factors. In this observational study, the oral microbiomes of children of isolated mountain people were analyzed with respect to the core oral microbiome and etiology of dental caries. We collected samples of supragingival plaque from children (age 9–13) living in the Chin state of Myanmar. After DNA extraction and purification, next-generation sequencing of the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA was conducted. From thirteen subjects, 263,458 valid reads and 640 operational taxonomic units were generated at a 97% identity cut-off value. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria was the most abundant, followed by Firmicutes and Bacteroides. Forty-four bacteria were detected in total from all the subjects. For children without dental caries, Proteobacteria was abundant. In contrast, in children with dental caries, Firmicutes and Bacteroides were abundant. The oral microbiome of children living in an isolated area may be affected by environmental- and community-level factors. Additionally, the composition of the oral microbiome may affect the risk of dental caries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

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11 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sicca Symptoms, Oral Health Conditions, Salivary Flow and Oral Candida in Sjögren’s Syndrome Patients

by Weini Xin, Katherine Chiu Man Leung, Edward Chin Man Lo, Mo Yin Mok and Moon Ho Leung

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3625; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103625 - 21 May 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3215

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among sicca symptoms, oral health conditions, salivary profiles and oral Candida in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) patients. Eighty-five SS patients (mean age = 50.5) and 40 healthy non-SS individuals (mean age = 51.4) were recruited. They self-completed [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among sicca symptoms, oral health conditions, salivary profiles and oral Candida in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) patients. Eighty-five SS patients (mean age = 50.5) and 40 healthy non-SS individuals (mean age = 51.4) were recruited. They self-completed the Sicca Symptoms Inventory (SSI). Decayed, missing and filled surface (DMFS) scores, salivary flow rates, pH and oral Candida colonization were determined. Mean SSI summary scores of SS patients and non-SS individuals were 11.1 and 5.4 respectively (p < 0.001). The most prevalent sicca symptoms in SS patients were eye irritation (93%), dry throat or nose (88%) and need of fluid for mouth wetting (88%). SS patients had significantly lower whole salivary flow rates than the non-SS individuals. Candida strains were isolated from over 60% of SS patients but not in non-SS patients. C. albicans was the predominant species. SSI summary score was negatively correlated to salivary flow rates while SSI summary and domain scores were positively correlated to the number of filled surfaces (FS) and DMFS scores and oral Candida counts. In conclusion, SS patients had more severe sicca symptoms than non-SS individuals. SSI scores were negatively correlated to the salivary flow rates but positively correlated to caries experience and oral Candida colonization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

11 pages, 1000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating Lifetime Dental Care Expenditure in South Korea: An Abridged Life Table Approach

by Minsung Sohn, Xianhua Che, Sungwon Lim and Hee-Jung Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3308; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093308 - 9 May 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3109

Abstract

The aim of this study was to measure the magnitude and distribution of a Korean’s lifetime dental expenses depending on age and sex, by constructing a hypothetical lifetime and life table of survival. Additionally, we estimated the difference in life expectancy between men [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to measure the magnitude and distribution of a Korean’s lifetime dental expenses depending on age and sex, by constructing a hypothetical lifetime and life table of survival. Additionally, we estimated the difference in life expectancy between men and women and its impact on dental expenses. We used the 2015 Korea Health Panel Survey to calculate the total dental expenditure, including expenses paid directly by patients and those paid by insurers. We generated survival profiles to simulate dental expenses during a typical lifetime (from birth to age 95) using the abridged life table (five-year intervals for age groups) in 2015 from the South Korean Statistical Information Service. We independently calculated the remaining dental expenses for survivors of all ages. The results showed that an estimate of average lifetime dental expenditure was $31,851 per capita: $31,587 for men and $32,318 for women. Nearly 33% of the average per capita lifetime dental expenditure was attributable to the longer life expectancy of women, with no statistically significant difference in lifetime dental expenditure between men and women. Many survivors incurred 70% of their lifetime dental expenses before age 65. The results highlighted the need for policymakers to address spending on age-specific dental care owing to extended life expectancy, given the disproportionate share of healthcare resources supporting the elderly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

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10 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Childhood Caries and Its Associated Factors among 9- to 18-Month Old Exclusively Breastfed Children in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Pichet Chanpum, Duangporn Duangthip, Chutima Trairatvorakul and Siriporn Songsiripradubboon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3194; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093194 - 4 May 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3710

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the early childhood caries (ECC) status and its risk factors in 9- to 18-month-old exclusively breastfed children in Thailand. Methods: Generally healthy 9- to 18-month-old children who had been exclusively breastfed were recruited. [...] Read more.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the early childhood caries (ECC) status and its risk factors in 9- to 18-month-old exclusively breastfed children in Thailand. Methods: Generally healthy 9- to 18-month-old children who had been exclusively breastfed were recruited. Information on children’s oral hygiene practices and breastfeeding behaviors was collected through parental interviews using a questionnaire. Children’s oral health status was assessed following the WHO caries diagnostic criteria, modified to record the noncavitated lesions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was adopted to investigate its association with feeding and oral hygiene practices. Results: In total, 513 mother and child dyads (47% boys) were recruited. The prevalence of ECC was 42.5%. The mean (SD) d₁mft and d₁mfs scores (d₁ included noncavitated and cavitated carious teeth/tooth surfaces) were 1.1 (1.4) and 1.3 (2.0), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older children with higher plaque scores (OR = 75.60; 95% CI: 40.19–142.20) who were breastfed to sleep (OR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.48–5.49) and never had their teeth cleaned (OR = 8.51; 95% CI: 1.53–47.14), had a significantly higher chance of having ECC (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Prevalence of ECC is high among exclusively breastfed children aged 9–18 months in Thailand. ECC prevalence is significantly associated with the age of children, the level of dental plaque, breastfeeding to sleep, and oral cleaning. Among all factors, the level of dental plaque is the most significant factor associated with ECC among breastfed children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

10 pages, 493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dental Fear and Anxiety of Kindergarten Children in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Madeline Jun Yu Yon, Kitty Jieyi Chen, Sherry Shiqian Gao, Duangporn Duangthip, Edward Chin Man Lo and Chun Hung Chu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(8), 2827; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082827 - 20 Apr 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4429

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate the fear level of kindergarten children in the general population during dental outreach in a familiar kindergarten setting, and to explore the factors associated with the dental fear of kindergarten children. Method: Consecutive [...] Read more.

Objectives: The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate the fear level of kindergarten children in the general population during dental outreach in a familiar kindergarten setting, and to explore the factors associated with the dental fear of kindergarten children. Method: Consecutive sampling method was used to select kindergarten children aged 3 to 5 to participate in a questionnaire survey and an outreach service. A behavioural observation type of instrument for dental fear and anxiety assessment—Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (FBRS)—was chosen to investigate the fear level of the children. Bivariate analyses between various factors and children’s dental fear and anxiety were carried out using Chi-square test. Results: A total of 498 children participated in this study. Almost half (46%) of the children have had caries experience, and the mean dmft score was 2.1 ± 3.4. The prevalence of dental caries was 32%, 43%, and 64% in the 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds, respectively. Only 4% of the children scored negatively for dental fear and anxiety (95% CI 2.3%–5.7%). Children at three years of age displayed more dental fear and anxiety than children of older ages, but the difference in dental fear and anxiety among the genders and caries status was not statistically significant. Most of the children (92%) brushed daily, but only 20% of them used toothpaste. Most (85%) of them had never visited the dentist, and over 70% of them were mainly taken care by their parents. High levels of positive and cooperative behaviour and low levels of fear were found in this population. No statistical significance was found between the child’s dental fear and any factors except age. Conclusion: Children generally displayed low fear or anxiety levels in a dental outreach consisting of a non-invasive oral examination and preventive treatment in a familiar kindergarten setting. Conducting regular outreach dental services to kindergartens by providing oral examination and simple remineralisation therapies could be a promising strategy to not only control childhood caries, but also manage and reduce dental fear and encourage long term dental attendance in line with the medical model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

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8 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Oral Health Status of Chinese Elderly People with and without Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Sherry Shiqian Gao, Kitty Jieyi Chen, Duangporn Duangthip, Edward Chin Man Lo and Chun Hung Chu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(6), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17061913 - 15 Mar 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3985

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the caries, periodontal status, and toothbrushing practices of Chinese elderly people with and without dementia. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited Chinese people aged 65 years or over attending daycare centers in Hong Kong. The [...] Read more.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the caries, periodontal status, and toothbrushing practices of Chinese elderly people with and without dementia. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited Chinese people aged 65 years or over attending daycare centers in Hong Kong. The participants’ dementia status was identified from their medical record. Their demographic information and toothbrushing practices were obtained through a questionnaire survey. Caries experience, periodontal status, and oral hygiene were measured using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index, Community Periodontal Index, and Visible Plaque Index (VPI), respectively. The case matching process, using the propensity score, was conducted to match the participants in dementia and nondementia groups. The chi-square test and t-test were conducted for analysis. Results: A total of 341 elderly people participated in this study. After case matching by gender and age, 129 participants with dementia were matched with 99 participants without dementia. The mean age and mean DMFT of the dementia group versus the nondementia group were 80.9 ± 7.5 vs. 79.4 ± 6.7 (p = 0.428) and 22.5 ± 7.9 vs. 19.2 ± 9.3 (p = 0.041), respectively. There was no significant difference of periodontal status observed. The VPI of dementia and nondementia groups were 77% and 63%, respectively (p = 0.027). Though they had no difference in frequency of toothbrushing, more dementia participants encountered difficulties in toothbrushing than those without dementia (57% vs. 8%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Compared with elderly people without dementia, Chinese elderly people with dementia had more caries experience and poorer oral hygiene in Hong Kong. They were more likely to have difficulty in performing toothbrushing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

13 pages, 332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Nutrition Questionnaire for Dental Caries Risk Factors

by Sara A. Patenaude, Petros Papagerakis and Jessica R.L. Lieffers

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(5), 1793; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17051793 - 10 Mar 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4287

Abstract

Background: Few existing tools quickly identify dietary behaviours related to dental caries. The objectives of this study were to (i) create a patient-generated questionnaire identifying these dietary behaviours, (ii) capture information on these dietary behaviours in two specific populations via questionnaire pilot testing [...] Read more.

Background: Few existing tools quickly identify dietary behaviours related to dental caries. The objectives of this study were to (i) create a patient-generated questionnaire identifying these dietary behaviours, (ii) capture information on these dietary behaviours in two specific populations via questionnaire pilot testing and (iii) determine questionnaire test-retest reliability. Methods: After development, the questionnaire was reviewed by an expert panel. Cognitive interviewing was conducted, followed by pilot testing in a general university campus population (n = 80) and a university dental clinic (n = 10). Retesting was done with the general campus group (n = 53). Results: Most participants reported never receiving dietary advice from professionals regarding caries. Sugary foods were most often consumed as snacks in the evening or afternoon, then breakfast. In total, 41.3% of campus participants consumed high risk items at least a few times per week or more often. Weekly or more frequent consumption of “other” sugary drinks (e.g., iced tea) was common. In total, 77.6% of questionnaire items had a kappa value representing moderate agreement or greater. Conclusions: Dietary behaviours related to caries were common in this pilot study. Given the high prevalence of caries and low occurrence of prior dietary advice for the same, increased preventive efforts may be warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

13 pages, 1364 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship of Salivary Microbiome with the Worsening of the Periodontal Health Status in Young Adults: A 3-Year Cohort Study

by Md Monirul Islam, Daisuke Ekuni, Naoki Toyama, Terumasa Kobayashi, Kohei Fujimori, Yoko Uchida, Daiki Fukuhara, Ayano Taniguchi-Tabata, Kota Kataoka, Yoshiaki Iwasaki and Manabu Morita

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(5), 1764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17051764 - 9 Mar 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3480

Abstract

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the influence of the salivary microbiome on the worsening of the periodontal health status among Japanese young adults. We assessed the data of systemically healthy and non-smoking young (18–22 years) university students ( [...] Read more.

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the influence of the salivary microbiome on the worsening of the periodontal health status among Japanese young adults. We assessed the data of systemically healthy and non-smoking young (18–22 years) university students (n = 457) from Okayama University at baseline (2013) and follow-up (2016). The worsening group was defined based on an increase in the percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP) or an increase in probing pocket depth (PPD) from <4 mm to ≥4 mm. Unstimulated saliva samples were randomly collected from 69 students for microbiome analysis at follow-up. The salivary microbiome was assessed through 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing. The type of community in the salivary microbiome clustered by statistical analysis and diversity was not significantly associated with the worsening of the periodontal health status in cases of increasing %BOP and PPD (p > 0.05). The prevalence of some species was significantly higher in the worsening group than in the non-worsening group (p < 0.05) in both cases. The worsening of the periodontal health status was associated with some species, but not the type of community and diversity in the salivary microbiome among Japanese young adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

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11 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Older People Living in Nursing Homes: An Oral Health Screening Survey in Florence, Italy

by Fabrizio Chiesi, Maddalena Grazzini, Maddalena Innocenti, Barbara Giammarco, Enrico Simoncini, Giuseppe Garamella, Patrizio Zanobini, Caterina Perra, Lorenzo Baggiani, Chiara Lorini and Guglielmo Bonaccorsi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(18), 3492; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16183492 - 19 Sep 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4617

Abstract

The oral health state plays an important role in the concept of ‘elderly frailty’, since institutionalized older people are prone to suffering from bad oral conditions. The aim of this study is to assess the state of oral health in the older residents [...] Read more.

The oral health state plays an important role in the concept of ‘elderly frailty’, since institutionalized older people are prone to suffering from bad oral conditions. The aim of this study is to assess the state of oral health in the older residents of nursing homes and to measure its potential association with the cognitive state, the degree of functional autonomy, and the malnutrition risk. Methods: We enrolled 176 subjects from 292 residents in five nursing homes in Florence. For each subject, we performed the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, the Pfeiffer test, the Minimum Data Set—Long Form, a dental examination, and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index questionnaire. The results show that the oral condition was poor in 43.8% of cases, medium in 38.1%, and good in 18.2%. A worse oral health state was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with a worse cognitive state and with a higher dependency in daily living activities. The malnutrition score among the older people was unrelated to the oral health condition (p = 0.128). It can be concluded that the oral health condition in older institutionalized subjects is an open challenge for the public healthcare system, since the maintenance of adequate good oral health is an essential element of good physical as well as cognitive and psychological health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

10 pages, 305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dental Caries and the Erosive Tooth Wear Status of 12-Year-Old Children in Jakarta, Indonesia

by Diah Ayu Maharani, Shinan Zhang, Shiqian Sherry Gao, Chun-Hung Chu and Anton Rahardjo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(16), 2994; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16162994 - 20 Aug 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5008

Abstract

Background: Indonesia has the largest population of all countries in southeast Asia. However, little information is available on the oral health status of Indonesian children. The aims of this study were to assess dental caries and erosive tooth wear in 12-year-old children in [...] Read more.

Background: Indonesia has the largest population of all countries in southeast Asia. However, little information is available on the oral health status of Indonesian children. The aims of this study were to assess dental caries and erosive tooth wear in 12-year-old children in Jakarta, Indonesia and to investigate the associated risk factors. Methods: Samples were selected using cluster sampling. Parents were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire regarding their oral health knowledge, demographic information, their child’s dietary habits, and oral health-related behaviors. Experience of caries and erosive tooth wear were recorded using the Decayed, Missing (due to caries), and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index, respectively. Results: Of 779 children invited, 696 participated in the survey. Of these, 61% had experienced caries, and the mean DMFT score was 1.58. Almost all decay was untreated. Children who were female, who had a high frequency of soft drink intake, and whose father’s educational level was low were more likely to have dental caries. Most children had at least one lesion of erosive tooth wear. Children whose mother’s educational level was low were more likely to have erosive tooth wear. Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries and erosive tooth wear was high in 12-year-old children in Jakarta. Their dietary habits and parental level of education were associated with the presence of these dental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

16 pages, 313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dental Care-Seeking and Information Acquisition During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study

by Pearl Pei Liu, Weiye Wen, Ka Fung Yu, Xiaoli Gao and May Chun Mei Wong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(14), 2621; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142621 - 23 Jul 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7008

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women are at risk of oral health problems. This qualitative study aims to understand dental care-seeking behaviours of pregnant women and their oral health-related information acquisition, to identify barriers to and motivators for, dental visits, and further explore their expectations and [...] Read more.

Background: Pregnant women are at risk of oral health problems. This qualitative study aims to understand dental care-seeking behaviours of pregnant women and their oral health-related information acquisition, to identify barriers to and motivators for, dental visits, and further explore their expectations and possible strategies to improve oral health care during pregnancy. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 pregnant women (after 32 gestational weeks) enrolled in the antenatal care programme in a public hospital in Hong Kong. Two main areas of interest were probed: Dental care-seeking behaviour and oral health information acquisition. Their expectations and suggestions on oral health care service for pregnant women were also explored. An inductive thematic approach was adopted to analyse the data. Results: Pregnant women’s dental care-seeking behaviour was deterred by some internal factors, such as misunderstandings on oral health, and priority on other issues over oral health. External factors such as inconvenient access to dental service during pregnancy also affected their care-seeking behaviours. Oral health information was passively absorbed by pregnant women through mass media and the social environment, which sometimes led to confusion. Oral health information acquisition from antenatal institutions and care providers was rare. Greater attention was paid to dental visit when they obtained proper information from previous dental visit experience or family members. A potential strategy to improve oral health care suggested by the interviewees is to develop a health care system strengthened by inter-professional (antenatal-dental) collaboration. Efficient oral health information delivery, convenient access to dental service, and improved ‘quality’ of dental care targeting the needs of pregnant women were identified as possible approaches to improve dental care for this population. Conclusion: Dental care-seeking behaviour during pregnancy was altered by various internal and external factors. A lack of, or conflict between, information sources result in confusion that can restrict utilisation of dental service. Integrating dental care into antenatal service would be a viable way to improve dental service utilisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Dental Care)

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