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Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Oct 2019Scientific research in the medical field shows this constantly: health starts from the mouth. Having good oral health nowadays is not only aimed at tooth health, but as...
Scientific research in the medical field shows this constantly: health starts from the mouth. Having good oral health nowadays is not only aimed at tooth health, but as amply demonstrated in the literature, it is a starting point for the general health and well-being of our body. Retracing the latest scientific findings that demonstrate an interpolation between oral health, oral diseases, and systemic complications, literature support was brought to this manuscript. Oral health, as demonstrated, has potentially multi-organ systemic implications, and as the results of the recent literature demonstrate, these implications range from an insulin resistance, due to a periodontal disease, up to far more complex multi-organ systemic complications involving the cardiovascular system or even neurodegenerative pathology. Therefore, being able to improve oral health could have great systemic implications for the organism, for the prevention of pathologies, and therefore for society and for the quality of life in individuals.
Topics: History, 16th Century; History, Ancient; History, Medieval; Humans; Hygiene; Mouth Diseases; Oral Health; Quality of Life
PubMed: 31591341
DOI: 10.3390/medicina55100676 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2020Dementia 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... (Review)
Review
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.
Topics: Aged; Alzheimer Disease; Humans; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene; Quality of Life
PubMed: 32784777
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165713 -
Periodontology 2000 Oct 2021States of oral health and disease reflect the compositional and functional capacities of, as well as the interspecies interactions within, the oral microbiota. The oral... (Review)
Review
States of oral health and disease reflect the compositional and functional capacities of, as well as the interspecies interactions within, the oral microbiota. The oral cavity exists as a highly dynamic microbial environment that harbors many distinct substrata and microenvironments that house diverse microbial communities. Specific to the oral cavity, the nonshedding dental surfaces facilitate the development of highly complex polymicrobial biofilm communities, characterized not only by the distinct microbes comprising them, but cumulatively by their activities. Adding to this complexity, the oral cavity faces near-constant environmental challenges, including those from host diet, salivary flow, masticatory forces, and introduction of exogenous microbes. The composition of the oral microbiome is shaped throughout life by factors including host genetics, maternal transmission, as well as environmental factors, such as dietary habits, oral hygiene practice, medications, and systemic factors. This dynamic ecosystem presents opportunities for oral microbial dysbiosis and the development of dental and periodontal diseases. The application of both in vitro and culture-independent approaches has broadened the mechanistic understandings of complex polymicrobial communities within the oral cavity, as well as the environmental, local, and systemic underpinnings that influence the dynamics of the oral microbiome. Here, we review the present knowledge and current understanding of microbial communities within the oral cavity and the influences and challenges upon this system that encourage homeostasis or provoke microbiome perturbation, and thus contribute to states of oral health or disease.
Topics: Dysbiosis; Humans; Microbiota; Mouth; Oral Health; Periodontal Diseases
PubMed: 34463991
DOI: 10.1111/prd.12393 -
European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Mar 2020Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterised by impairments in communication and social relationships and by a narrow, repetitive and stereotyped repertoire of... (Review)
Review
AIM
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterised by impairments in communication and social relationships and by a narrow, repetitive and stereotyped repertoire of activities, behaviours and interests. The aim of this work is to evaluate how these characteristics have an impact on oral health.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A search was conducted through MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science in order to evaluate the oral health status of children with ASD and the correlation between ASD and dental caries, periodontal disease, dental injuries, oral microbiota, as well as the different strategies, approach and treatments in ASD patients. Forty-six articles were selected.
RESULTS
Children with ASD are at higher risk of caries, alteration of the periodontal status, alterations of the oral microbiota and increased risk of traumatic injuries.
CONCLUSION
Since ASD is a haeterogeneous disease with a wide range of expressions in individuals, adapted and specific strategies are needed. ASD children represent a challenge for the dental community.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Dental Caries; Humans; Oral Health; Periodontal Diseases
PubMed: 32183521
DOI: 10.23804/ejpd.2020.21.01.02 -
The Lancet. Healthy Longevity Aug 2021Poor oral health is common among older adults and can impair essential activities of daily living and contribute to frailty. We did a systematic review of studies on the... (Review)
Review
Poor oral health is common among older adults and can impair essential activities of daily living and contribute to frailty. We did a systematic review of studies on the relationship between oral health factors and frailty among older adults (>60 years), consulting six different electronic databases for studies published from database inception to March 20, 2021. In total, 39 articles met the eligibility requirements, including 12 different indicators of poor oral health related to frailty, which we grouped in four different categories: oral health status deterioration; deterioration of oral motor skills; chewing, swallowing, and saliva disorders; and oral pain. Factors of oral health status deterioration (52%), in particular few remaining teeth (29%), were most frequently associated with frailty. Reduced oral motor skills (27%), especially masticatory function (9%), oral diadochokinesis (5%), occlusal force (7%), and chewing, swallowing, and saliva disorders (20%), especially chewing difficulties [11%]), were less frequent but were similarly considered to be associated with frailty. Our findings could help to assess the contribution of each oral health item to a possible operational definition of this novel frailty phenotype, defined as an age-related gradual loss of oral function together with a decline in cognitive and physical functions.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Bite Force; Frail Elderly; Frailty; Humans; Oral Health
PubMed: 36098000
DOI: 10.1016/S2666-7568(21)00143-4 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2019The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs) aiming to improve children's... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs) aiming to improve children's knowledge of favorable oral health behavior to lower decayed/-missing/-filled teeth (DMFT) while reducing the financial cost on health institutions. An electronic search was performed in seven databases. Studies were restricted to human interventions published in English. The search study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, and the risk of bias was assessed based on the Drummonds Checklist. A total of 1072 references were found. Among these, 19 full texts were included. Most studies had a strong quality. The overall pooled impact of OHPPs estimates children suffering from DMFT/S to have 81% lower odds of participating in OHPP (95% CI 61-90%, I: 98.3%, = 0). Furthermore, the program was shown to be effective at lowering the cost in 97 out of 100 OHPPs (95% CI 89-99%, I: 99%, = 0). Three subgroups analyses (age groups, study countries, studies of the last five years) were performed to evaluate the influence modification on the pooled effect. A comprehensive analysis of the OHPPs confirmed a reduction effect on child DMFT, hence, lowering the financial burden of dental-care treatment on health institutions.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Dental Care; Dental Caries; Female; Health Promotion; Humans; Infant; Male; Oral Health; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31349691
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152668 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2019The oral health of an ageing population, especially that of the institutionalized elderly population, constitutes a significant concern because it is closely linked to...
The oral health of an ageing population, especially that of the institutionalized elderly population, constitutes a significant concern because it is closely linked to general health and the quality of life. Shared common risk factors drive the development and worsening of poor oral health and non-communicable diseases, which eventually lead to self-care inability. Several studies have reported on the poor oral health of the institutionalized elderly population. However, few comprehensive reports exist regarding the relationship between poor oral health, the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the associated factors in this specific population. The objective is to describe recently reported oral health levels, the OHRQoL and the associated factors among older institutional residents. Studies published between July 2009 and June 2019 in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched. The population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) strategy was used as a guide. The reported factors related to poor oral health were identified (i.e., age, gender, educational level, acquired systemic conditions or dementia/cognitive impairment). Twenty-five surveys (or study series) from 19 countries were included. The level of evidence reported by these studies was generally moderate to strong. The reported oral cleanliness and health of the surveyed institutionalized elderly were poor (>50% of residents had calculus; denture hygiene index > 80%). Gum (approximately 30% of dentate residents had moderate to severe periodontitis), teeth (decayed, missing or filled teeth >20), mucosa (>10% had mucosal lesions) and denture problems (up to 40%) were prevalent and were associated with a poor OHRQoL, especially in females, socially deprived residents or those with mild or above cognitive impairment. Those with a poor OHRQoL might show signs of poor nutrition. This report reviewed evidence-based knowledge on oral health, the OHRQoL and the associated factors among elderly institutional residents. Further research is needed to confirm these observations. For improved oral health, a better OHRQoL and the general well-being of older residents, clinical trials are needed, targeting modifiable factors, such as social inequality, oral healthcare accessibility, and/or nursing home service quality. The relationship between oral health, the OHRQoL and nutrition in this at-risk population also warrants exploration.
Topics: Aged; Homes for the Aged; Humans; Nursing Homes; Oral Health; Quality of Life
PubMed: 31717812
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214132 -
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva 2019This study investigated the mediation of self-esteem in adolescents' oral health behaviors. The Rosenberg self-esteem scale was used to assess self-esteem, whereas data...
This study investigated the mediation of self-esteem in adolescents' oral health behaviors. The Rosenberg self-esteem scale was used to assess self-esteem, whereas data from socio-demographic and behavior characteristics were analyzed by questions validated in previous surveys. The teenagers had good oral health behavior, except unhealthy diet. The number of adolescents with high self-esteem was a lot smaller than those with low self-esteem. The use of dental services, even when associated with high self-esteem, lost significance after being adjusted by sex, age and tooth brushing frequency. Nevertheless, multiple logistic regression analysis, using unadjusted estimates and adjusted with their respective Confidence Intervals of 95%, showed a relationship of self-esteem with age (p-value=0.001) and tooth brushing frequency (p-value=0.019). Regardless of the sex, students over 16 years old with high self-esteem brush their teeth more often, having probably better oral health. These results confirm the modulation of self-esteem in oral health, and then it is necessary the analysis and the use of these psychosocial factors in the young oral health care.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Care; Diet; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Male; Oral Health; Self Concept; Students; Surveys and Questionnaires; Toothbrushing; Young Adult
PubMed: 31664381
DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320182411.02492018 -
Critical Care (London, England) Oct 2021The link between oral bacteria and respiratory infections is well documented. Dental plaque has the potential to be colonized by respiratory pathogens and this, together... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The link between oral bacteria and respiratory infections is well documented. Dental plaque has the potential to be colonized by respiratory pathogens and this, together with microaspiration of oral bacteria, can lead to pneumonia particularly in the elderly and critically ill. The provision of adequate oral care is therefore essential for the maintenance of good oral health and the prevention of respiratory complications.
MAIN BODY
Numerous oral care practices are utilised for intubated patients, with a clear lack of consensus on the best approach for oral care. This narrative review aims to explore the oral-lung connection and discuss in detail current oral care practices to identify shortcomings and offer suggestions for future research. The importance of adequate oral care has been recognised in guideline interventions for the prevention of pneumonia, but practices differ and controversy exists particularly regarding the use of chlorhexidine. The oral health assessment is also an important but often overlooked element of oral care that needs to be considered. Oral care plans should ideally be implemented on the basis of an individual oral health assessment. An oral health assessment prior to provision of oral care should identify patient needs and facilitate targeted oral care interventions.
CONCLUSION
Oral health is an important consideration in the management of the critically ill. Studies have suggested benefit in the reduction of respiratory complication such as Ventilator Associated Pneumonia associated with effective oral health care practices. However, at present there is no consensus as to the best way of providing optimal oral health care in the critically ill. Further research is needed to standardise oral health assessment and care practices to enable development of evidenced based personalised oral care for the critically ill.
Topics: Aged; Critical Illness; Dental Care; Humans; Oral Health
PubMed: 34598718
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-021-03765-5 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2020The aim of the present study is to verify the knowledge of risks and complications of oral piercings, and to observe the main complications associated with piercings,...
The aim of the present study is to verify the knowledge of risks and complications of oral piercings, and to observe the main complications associated with piercings, using a sample from central Italy of patients wearing intraoral piercings. Through piercing and tattoo studios selected randomly in Rome, Latina and Campobasso, and a tattoo and piercing convention in Latina, a group of 387 individuals with oral piercings were selected and asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. After filling in questionnaires, 70 individuals of the 387 selected agreed to be visited to allow the observation of the integrity of their teeth and gums (especially close to the oral piercing), oral hygiene conditions, piercing cleaning, bad habits and gingival recession. Among the respondents, 46.8% said they had not been informed about these risks, 48.5% claimed not to clean the piercing, 70.6% stated that they had not been made aware of gingival problems that can arise, 60.4% subjects stated that they were not informed about the complications of piercings concerning teeth, 52.8% had insufficient oral hygiene conditions, 42% showed signs of generalised gingivitis, 20% had 3-4 mm recessions and 22% had tooth fracture(s) due to piercing. From this study, it emerged that oral piercings can represent a risk to oral health and that there is a widespread lack of awareness of the complications and correct methods of maintaining oral piercings. Periodic checks by both dentists and dental hygienists, for patients with oral piercings, could play a decisive role in preventing, intercepting and treating the complications that they can cause.
Topics: Adult; Body Piercing; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Italy; Male; Oral Health; Rome; Young Adult
PubMed: 31963636
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020613