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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

[The composition and properties of the oral fluid in children taking sodium fluoride tablets who have different levels of oral hygiene].

Oral hygiene of children aged 3-5 years and oral fluid composition and characteristics are directly related to each other. Treatment with sodium fluoride (orally) together with rational oral hygiene decreases salivary viscosity, values of enamel resistance test, modifies the rate of enamel remineralization, increases the Ca/P coefficient at the expense of decrease in the concentration of inorganic phosphorus, and increases fluorine concentration in the oral fluid.

Cariostatic Agents↗
PubMed2004

Impact of socio-demographic variables, oral hygiene practices, oral habits and diet on dental caries experience of Indian elderly: a community-based study.

UNLABELLED: A number of factors influence the caries experience and the pattern of restorative care especially in the older age group. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dental caries experience and restorative treatment needs of an elderly Indian population and to study the impact of socio-demographic variables, oral hygiene practices, oral habits and dietary practices on them. DESIGN: A community-based study. SETTING: An urban area in the south zone of Delhi and a cluster of four villages in its neighbourhood. SUBJECTS: A total of 1240 elderly subjects, 716 urban and 524 rural, were included in the study. RESULTS: Of the 1052 dentate elderly subjects, 676 (64.2%) had decayed teeth (66.7% root caries and 33.3% coronal caries), 69 (6.6%) had filled teeth and 17 (1.6%) had recurrent decay. Restorations were indicated in 233 (22.2%) subjects, endodontic treatment in 51 (4.8%) and extractions in 424 (40.3%). Urban-rural differences in caries experience were statistically significant. Multivariate regression analysis showed that dental caries was associated with literacy level, oral hygiene practices, oral health perception and diet, while previous restorative treatment was correlated only with location (urban-rural) and presence or absence of systemic diseases. CONCLUSION: Dental caries prevalence was high amongst the studied elderly population and significant differences were observed in those living in a rural compared with an urban setting. Only a small percentage of elderly had evidence of previous restorative treatment whereas their unmet treatment need was significant.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Oral hygiene and oral symptoms among the elderly in long-term care.

Dental teams examined 1910 elderly adults living in long-term care settings (1358 institutionalized, 552 homebound) from all 19 counties in Norway to document oral hygiene, oral symptoms and ability to receive dental treatment. The Mucosal-Plaque Score (MPS) was used to assess oral status. The MPS was significantly better in women than in men, in individuals with dentures than in those with any remaining teeth, and in people who were homebound rather than those who lived in institutions. The MPS did not differ between age groups or geographic regions. According to the Treatment Ability Index, nearly a quarter of the sample was able to receive comprehensive dental care. Reports of "any oral symptom" and "eating/chewing problems" decreased with age and were most prevalent for individuals who had dentures. The MPS had only slight impact on oral symptoms, chewing ability and dry mouth (p > 0.05). Dry mouth was found in 16.9% and was most prevalent in individuals with dentures.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

A combined analysis of a toothbrush, foam brush, and a chlorhexidine-soaked foam brush in maintaining oral hygiene.

Oral hygiene in immunocompromised patients is important in preventing oral infection and may be important in preventing systemic infections. By mechanically reducing bacterial plaque levels in the oral cavity, the risk of infection may be reduced. Foam brushes have been shown to be ineffective in controlling plaque levels and gingivitis. In a 2-week trial, we demonstrated that using a foam brush soaked in chlorhexidine reduces plaque and controls gingivitis as effectively as using a toothbrush. Foam brushes soaked in chlorhexidine should be used when toothbrushing cannot be performed.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2006

Influence of oral hygiene on oral health of recruits and professionals in the Croatian Army.

OBJECTIVES: Good oral health of soldiers would decrease the number of urgent dental interventions and absences from training and the battlefield and would improve the security of the whole formation. This study shows the habits for maintaining oral health and the oral status of the examined population in the Croatian Army. METHODS: The data were obtained from examinations and questionnaires of 912 Croatian soldiers, 650 of whom were recruits and 262 professional soldiers of the Croatian Army land forces. RESULTS: The results showed that the oral health of the examined population was mostly bad, as a consequence of inadequate prevention of illnesses of the oral cavity associated with insufficient oral hygiene. The most common disease was dental caries (5.84 carious teeth per recruit and 2.71 per professional). Only 14 (1.53%) of 912 examinees had completely healthy teeth. Only one-third of the examinees had no bleeding when tested with a periodontal probe. Acute pain of odontogenic origin was present for 23.5% of examinees. Such oral health makes most of the soldiers unreliable for peace operations that would last >6 months, because it lowers their combat readiness. CONCLUSION: Oral hygiene and oral health are poor. Consequently, combat readiness is low because of the need for frequent dental interventions, which could further lead to absence from the field and appointed tasks. The results emphasize the need for obligatory regular check-ups to improve oral health in the Croatian Army.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Dental caries, oral hygiene, and oral clearance in children with craniofacial disorders.

The reason that children with cleft palates tend to have a greater prevalence of tooth decay than normal children is unclear. We hypothesized that children with cleft palates would have increased oral clearance times for foods and, consequently, higher levels of caries and caries-associated micro-organisms than control children. Children aged 6-16 yrs, with (n = 81) or without (n = 61) cleft palates, were studied. Children with cleft palates had DMFT and dmft scores greater (p < 0.01) than those of the control group. The number of caries-associated organisms was greater in the saliva of the cleft palate children (all p < 0.001). The oral hygiene, plaque and gingival index scores were greater (p < 0.0001), oral clearance was longer (p < 0.01), and levels of sucrose and starch-derived saccharides higher (p < 0.01) in the cleft palate group. However, salivary concentrations of organic acids were lower in the children with craniofacial disorders, probably reflecting the altered physiology of the more mature dental biofilm. The longer oral clearance times of foods and the consequent generation of fermentable sugars from starches may contribute to the higher caries prevalence observed in children with cleft palates.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Oral hygiene habits and oral health awareness among urban Saudi Arabians.

PURPOSE: To analyze prevailing oral hygiene practices and oral health awareness among urban Saudi Arabians in relation to age, gender and educational level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Structured interviews with 1155 regular patients at two centers providing dental care for university and military staff and their families, respectively, in the city of Makkah. Consecutive patients were stratified by gender and age, into 6 categories from 10 to 60 years, with 50 male or female subjects in each group at each center. Oral hygiene habits and attitudes to oral health were correlated with age, gender and educational levels, using ANOVA. RESULTS: For the majority (> 88%) oral hygiene routines were introduced very late, after the age of 7 yr. Habits were strongly correlated to the level of education (p < 0.001); subjects with less education favored the miswak. Among the better educated, toothbrushing started earlier (p < 0.001). Regular miswak use was more frequent in older age groups (p < 0.001). Females used a toothbrush more often than males (p < 0.001), and miswak use by women was less frequent than by men (p < 0.001). Despite the availability of free dental care at the public health centers, 89% of the participants at the military center sought only emergency care, in contrast to 54% at the university center. CONCLUSIONS: Among urban Saudi Arabians, oral hygiene routines are introduced relatively late in life and knowledge and awareness of oral health is very low. There are pronounced variations in oral hygiene habits, related mainly to age and educational levels. Such factors should be taken into account when planning oral health strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Impact of socio-demographic variables, oral hygiene practices and oral habits on periodontal health status of Indian elderly: a community-based study.

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss. It is has insidious onset, chronic course, and commonly result due to cumulative effect of dietary habits, oral hygiene methods and oral habits practiced over the years. This study was planned to evaluate the periodontal health status of elderly population (above 60 years) in the community, using CPITN index, gingival recession, mobility of teeth and halitosis, using modified WHO Oral Health Survey Proforma. In addition, impact of several socio-demographic variables, oral hygiene practices, oral habits, chronic systemic diseases, dietary preferences and body mass index (BMI) on periodontal health status was also studied. It was found that prevalence of periodontal diseases in the elderly was high. Step-wise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that periodontal diseases were directly correlated with age, oral hygiene practices and presence of cardiac diseases.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

The effect of an oral hygiene program on oral levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC).

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced by bacteria in niches of the oral cavity play a major role in the etiology of bad breath, and can be easily detected by a portable sulfide monitor (Halimeter). To investigate the effect of an oral hygiene program on VSC levels, Halimeter readings were taken from 55 healthy dental students during a course in oral hygiene training, including instruction on brushing, flossing and professional tooth cleaning. Ten students who received no oral hygiene training served as a negative control. The oral hygiene status was measured using the papillary bleeding index (PBI). PBI and VSC values did not show significant changes during the study period of 10 weeks in the control group. In the test group, PBI values significantly decreased compared to baseline and the control, indicating that the oral hygiene program had a benefit on the oral hygiene status. The VSC values also decreased significantly during the study period compared to baseline and the control. It was concluded that in a group of dental students, a thorough oral hygiene training program was capable of reducing the oral level of VSC Halimeter readings.

Adult↗
PubMed2007

Self-reported oral hygiene habits and oral health problems of Kuwaiti adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to examine self-reported oral hygiene habits and oral health problems of a sample of adult Kuwaitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered, anonymous, structured questionnaire was distributed to 2,400 adult Kuwaiti nationals from all 6 governates of Kuwait assessing socio-demographic variables, oral hygiene habits, and oral health problems. RESULTS: Of the 2,400 questionnaires, 1,925 (80.25%) responded. Of these, 62% reported brushing their teeth at least twice daily, while daily use of dental floss was uncommon (11.8%). Adequate toothbrushing habits were significantly associated with female gender, educational level, non-smoking status, and history of recent preventive dental visits (p = 0.001). The majority of subjects reported multiple oral health problems (64.7% with 2 or more and 41.8% with 3 or more). Factors associated with multiple oral health complaints included younger age, smoking, not having a recent preventive dental visit, and brushing the teeth less than twice daily. CONCLUSIONS: Less than two-thirds of the sampled adult Kuwaitis followed the recommended toothbrushing frequency of twice daily or more, and the majority of subjects have not had a preventive dental visit in the previous 6 months. Furthermore, most subjects reported multiple oral health problems that are mostly preventable through adequate oral hygiene habits and regular preventive dental visits.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Risk factors for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis: dental appliances, oral hygiene, previous oral lesions, and history of smoking.

Oral mucositis is one of the dose-limiting toxicities of several chemotherapy (CTX) agents. There are suggested risk factors that could influence the development of mucositis. The presence of dental appliances, history of oral lesions, or smoking have the potential to irritate the oral mucosa and produce breaks in the integrity of the mucosa. The purposes of this study were to determine if there were differences in the incidence, severity, and time to onset of CTX-induced mucositis in oncology outpatients who wore dental appliances, had a history of oral lesions, had varying oral hygiene/care practices, and had a history of smoking and those who did not. Patients who were initiated a course of CTX that included stomatotoxic agents were followed for three complete cycles of CTX. They were instructed on how to examine their mouths for mucositis, to contact, and then visit their outpatient settings if it occurred. Clinicians corroborated the presence of mucositis, and the Eiler's Oral Assessment Guide was used by clinicians to determine the severity. Of 332 outpatients, almost half (46%) wore some type of dental appliance, 32% had a history of oral lesions, 10% were currently smoking, and 63% had a history of smoking. Oral hygiene/care practices varied: 81% brushed their teeth two or more times a day, 29% flossed at least daily, 11% had visited their dentist within 2 months of beginning CTX, and 10% had their teeth professionally cleaned within two months of beginning CTX. There was a 31% (n = 104) incidence of CTX-induced mucositis. No significant differences were found in the incidence between patients who wore dental appliances, had a history of oral lesions, had a history of smoking, and practiced different hygiene/care and patients who did not. Of 104 patients who developed mucositis, the average severity rating was 13.05 +/- 2.88 (+/-SD) (a normal mouth is rated at 8) and the average time to onset was 22.3 +/- 21.46 days. There were no significant differences found in severity or time to onset of mucositis between patients who wore dental appliances, had a history of oral lesions, had a history of smoking, and practiced different dental hygiene/care and patients who did not. Although not significant, there were interesting differences in the time to onset across the suggested risk factors (e.g., patients who had visited a dentist or who had their teeth professionally cleaned within 2 months before beginning before CTX developed mucositis 7.4 and 10.6 days sooner, respectively, than patients who did not). These findings suggest that risk factors for the development of CTX-induced mucositis are not as simple and direct as clinicians may believe.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Oral hygiene practices, oral cleanliness and periodontal treatment needs in 12-year old urban and rural school children in Ghana.

The aim of the present study was to inquire into oral cleaning practices, and to determine levels of oral cleanliness and periodontal treatment need among 12-year-old Ghanaian school children living in urban and rural areas. Of the 985 children examined, 38 per cent claimed to use a toothbrush, 31 per cent chewing sticks, 17 per cent plantain and 14 per cent the chewing sponge. In rural areas, traditional methods were preferred, and only 8 per cent used a toothbrush. On examination, oral debris was present in 84 per cent of the sample, and more than three quarters had calculus deposits. Children in urban areas, and particularly those attending private schools, had the cleanest mouths and the lowest periodontal treatment need. Multiple regression analysis showed that the social class background of the child, which reflects motivation and awareness for good oral health, was the most significant predictor for levels of oral cleanliness and CPITN, whereas the method or frequency of cleaning employed were not significant variables.

Child↗
PubMed2002

Oral hygiene habits and oral health in cystic fibrosis.

AIM: The present study was designed to investigate oral hygiene habits and fluoride use in cystic fibrosis (CF) homozygotes, heterozygotes and healthy controls as a function of caries experience (DMF-T) and oral cleanliness (dental plaque, dental calculus and gingival bleeding). METHODS: Oral hygiene habits in CF homozygotes (n=42), heterozygotes (n=48) and healthy controls (n=62) were used in a multivariate analysis with caries experience (DMF-T) and oral cleanliness (dental plaque, calculus and gingival bleeding) as response variables. RESULTS: CF homozygotes had a significantly lower caries experience (p< or =0.001) and less gingival bleeding sites (p< or =0.02). Oral hygiene habits were not significantly different between the three groups, except for intake of fluoride supplements. Significantly more CF homozygotes had received fluoride supplements. Oral hygiene habits did affect caries experience or oral hygiene differently in each study group. CONCLUSION: No matter what oral hygiene habits were, CF homozygotes had an overall better oral health status. Apparently they seemed to possess intrinsic salivary compensatory mechanisms, as the significant higher use of fluoride supplements appeared not to be responsible for the better oral health.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Relationship between oral hygiene practices and oral status in dentate elderly people living in residential homes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between the oral hygiene practices of dentate elderly people living in residential homes, their requests for assistance and their oral health status. METHODS: 164 people (81.2+/-7.4 years) participated in an interview and oral examination, and provided a stimulated saliva sample. RESULTS: The mean number of coronal decayed surfaces (CDS) was 2.4+/-5.9, stimulated salivary levels (log(10)cfu/ml) of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts were 1.6+/-2.1, 3.0+/-2.2, 2.1+/-1.7, respectively, and 53% had root decayed surfaces (RDS). Plaque (PI) and gingival (GI) Indices were 2.3+/-0.7 and 1.6+/-0.4 and denture debris scores (DDS) were high. 31% of the population cleaned their mouths twice daily without requesting help and they had significantly fewer yeasts, RDS, restorations on root surfaces, lower PI, GI (P<0.005) and DDS (P<0.0001) than the 69% who cleaned less often. 50% of those who cleaned less frequently requested assistance with oral hygiene but only 5% said that their carers supported them. Those residents who requested help had significantly higher levels of yeasts, lactobacilli (P<0.001), retained roots, DDS, RDS (P<0.005), PI and GI (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The elderly residents' perceived need for assistance with oral hygiene was related directly to oral hygiene status and to clinical indicators of mucosal and dental diseases.

Aged↗