scholarly journals Oral health practices and oral hygiene status as indicators of suicidal ideation among adolescents in Southwest Nigeria

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247073
Author(s):  
Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan ◽  
Maha El Tantawi ◽  
Olakunle Oginni ◽  
Elizabeth Oziegbe ◽  
Boladale Mapayi ◽  
...  

Background Oral health is a less-recognized correlate of overall and mental wellbeing. This study aimed to assess the relationship between suicidal behavior (ideation and attempt) and oral health practices and status, and to determine the effect of sex on these associations among Nigerian adolescents. Methods Household survey data were collected from 10 to 19-year-old adolescents in southwestern Nigeria. Dependent variables were daily tooth brushing, daily consumption of refined carbohydrates between meals, and oral hygiene status (measured by plaque index). The independent variable was lifetime suicidal ideation/attempt, dichotomized into ‘yes’ and ‘never’. ‘Daily tooth brushing’ and ‘daily consumption of refined carbohydrates between meals’ were included in two separate logistic regression models, and ‘oral hygiene status’ was included in a linear regression model. The models were adjusted for sex, age, and socioeconomic status. The linear regression model was also adjusted for frequency of daily tooth-brushing and of consumption of refined carbohydrates between meals. Interactions between sex and suicidal ideation/suicide attempt in association with dependent variables were assessed. Significance was set at 5%. Results We recruited 1,472 participants with mean age (standard deviation) of 14.6 (2.6) years. The mean plaque index was 0.84 (0.56), and 66 (4.5%) adolescents reported ever having suicidal ideation/attempt. Suicidal ideation/attempt was associated with significantly lower likelihood of tooth brushing (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.91), higher likelihood of consuming refined carbohydrates between meals (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.29, 4.10), and having poor oral hygiene (B = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.32). Among males, suicidal ideation/attempt was associated with less likelihood of eating refined carbohydrates between meals (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.35, 2.61). Conversely, it was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of this outcome (OR = 4.85, 95% CI: 2.23, 10.55) among females. Conclusion The study findings suggest that poor tooth brushing habits and poor oral hygiene are indicators for risk of suicidal behavior for adolescents in Nigeria, while high sugar consumption may be an additional risk factor for adolescent females. These findings support the role of dental practitioners as members of healthcare teams responsible for screening, identifying and referring patients at risk for suicidal ideation/attempt.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan ◽  
Maha El Tantawi ◽  
Nourhan M. Aly ◽  
Abiola Adetokunbo Adeniyi ◽  
Elizabeth Oziegbe ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Sexual and oral health are important areas of focus for adolescent wellbeing. We assessed for the prevalence of sexual abuse among adolescents, oral health factors associated with this history, and investigated whether sexual abuse was a risk indicator for dental anxiety, caries experience and poor oral hygiene. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted between December 2018 and January 2019 among adolescents 10–19 years old in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Survey data collected included respondents’ age, sex, and socioeconomic status, oral health risk factors (dental anxiety, frequency of tooth brushing intake of refined carbohydrates in-between-meals, flossing, dental visits, smoking, alcohol intake, use of psychoactive substances), caries experience, oral hygiene status, history of sexual abuse, and sexual risk behaviors (age of sexual debut, history of transactional sex, last sexual act with or without condom, multiple sex partners). Regression models were constructed to determine the association between outcome variables (dental anxiety, presence of caries experience and poor oral hygiene) and explanatory variables (oral health risk factors and history of sexual abuse). Results The prevalence of sexual abuse in our cohort was 5.9%: 4.3% among males and 7.9% among females. A history of sexual abuse was associated with alcohol consumption (p = 0.009), cigarette smoking (p = 0.001), and a history of transactional sex (p = 0.01). High/severe dental anxiety was significantly associated with increased odds of a history of sexual abuse (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.10, 2.98), but not with caries experience (AOR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.15, 2.97) nor poor oral hygiene (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI 0.95, 2.96). Dental anxiety was associated with increased odds of alcohol intake (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.19, 2.56), twice daily tooth brushing (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.01, 2.17) and daily consumption of refined carbohydrates in-between-meals (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI 1.60, 2.54). Caries experience was associated with increased odds of using psychoactive substances (AOR = 4.83; 95% CI 1.49, 15.62) and having low socioeconomic status (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI 0.18, 0.92). Poor oral hygiene was associated with increased odds of having middle socioeconomic status (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.05, 1.93) and daily consumption of refined carbohydrates in-between-meals (AOR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.08, 1.78). Conclusion Adolescents who are highly dentally anxious need to be screened for a history of sexual abuse to facilitate access to professional care and support.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho Geol Woo ◽  
Kijeong Lee ◽  
Ji Sung Lee ◽  
Jinkwon Kim ◽  
Younkyung Chang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Oral and pharyngeal cancers are emerging and troublesome diseases worldwide. Although poor oral hygiene behaviors and parameters affecting oral health have been considered as potential risk factors of oral and pharyngeal cancers including smoking and alcohol consumption for decades, study results have been inconsistent. Longitudinal studies regarding the association between poor oral hygiene behaviors and parameters of oral health and the occurrence of oral and pharyngeal cancers have been lacking. We aimed to investigate this relationship in a nationwide general population-based cohort.Methods: We included data on demographics, past history, and laboratory findings for 150,774 subjects without teeth lost from the Korean National Health Insurance System-Health Screening Cohort. The presence of periodontal disease and parameters of oral health, including frequency of tooth brushings, dental visits for any reason, professional teeth scaling, and number of teeth lost, were investigated. Oral and pharyngeal cancers were defined by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes of C00-C14.Results: During a median 11.1 years of follow-up, 1,155 (0.77%) oral and pharyngeal cancers occurred. Based on multivariable analysis, after adjusting for demographics, alcohol consumption, smoking status, regular exercise, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, blood and urinary laboratory findings, and parameters of oral health including frequent tooth brushing (three or more times per day) were related to a lower risk of oral and pharyngeal cancers (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66–0.93, p=0.005). An increased number of teeth lost (≥15) was positively associated with occurrence of oral and pharyngeal cancers (HR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.26–2.31, p=0.001 in model 1; HR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.24–2.28, p<0.001 in model 2; HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.22–2.25, p=0.001 in model 3; p-value for trend test for HR <0.001).Conclusions: The occurrence of oral and pharyngeal cancers decreased with more frequent tooth brushing (three or more times per day) and increased with the number of teeth lost. With regards to the prevention of oral and pharyngeal cancers, improving oral hygiene may have a significant contribution.


Author(s):  
Priyanka P. Selvam ◽  
Nandan N ◽  
Sinil Raj

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for oral health and detoxification. It involves the use of pure oils as agents to cleanse out harmful bacteria, as well as reduce fungal overgrowth. Oil pulling may also increase saponification in the mouth, creating a soapy environment that cleanses the mouth as vegetable fat is an emulsifier by nature. Most interesting is perhaps the ability of oil to help in cellular restructuring, and are related to the proper functioning of the lymph nodes and other internal organs. Apart from the various available scientific advancements in the medical field, there are age old traditional practices in Ayurvedic medicine which have to be encouraged. Oil pulling, which only requires one to swish oil in the mouth is known to cure many oral and systemic ailments. Though oil pulling is effective, none of the studies considered it as a replacement for the tooth brushing, but can definitely be a supplemental oral hygiene aid. This paper aims at throwing light on the various health benefits of this bygone practice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2873
Author(s):  
Cornelia Melinda Adi Santoso ◽  
Fera Ketti ◽  
Taufan Bramantoro ◽  
Judit Zsuga ◽  
Attila Nagy

Emerging evidence has linked poor oral hygiene to metabolic syndrome (MetS), but previously, no summary of evidence has been conducted on the topic. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the associations of oral hygiene status and care with MetS. A systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases from inception to March 17, 2021, and examination of reference lists was conducted to identify eligible observational studies. A random-effects model was applied to pool the effects of oral hygiene status and care on MetS. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and had sufficient methodological quality. Good oral hygiene status (OR = 0.30 (0.13–0.66); I2 = 91%), frequent tooth brushing (OR = 0.68 (0.58–0.80); I2 = 89%), and frequent interdental cleaning (OR = 0.89 (0.81–0.99); I2 = 27%) were associated with a lower risk of MetS. Only one study examined the association between dental visits and MetS (OR = 1.10 (0.77–1.55)). Our findings suggested that there might be inverse associations of oral hygiene status, tooth-brushing frequency, and interdental cleaning with MetS. However, substantial heterogeneity for tooth-brushing frequency and inconsistent results for oral hygiene status in subgroup analyses were observed. There was insufficient evidence for the association between dental visits and MetS. Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate these associations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Késia Lara dos Santos Marques ◽  
Fabiana Sodré de Oliveira ◽  
Larisse Paula de Oliveira ◽  
Natália Martins Joaquim ◽  
Guilherme Silva Mendonca ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to understand the meanings and oral health practices of ten mothers of disabled children between the ages of zero and three years. The qualitative method was used. The data was collected by means of a semi-structured interview and were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the Thematic Content Analysis. Regarding to the oral health care of the mothers, three reported difficult and traumatising experiences and three did not have much contact with dentists during their childhood. Regarding to the children, the age of their first visit to the dentist varied from three months to two years and six months, and the reason for this appointment for seven children was referral by their doctor or by the Association of Parents and Friends of the Exceptional. Seven mothers reported that they brushed the teeth of their children at least twice a day and only two cited the importance of regular dental appointments. For two mothers, the meaning of oral health was to have a perfect smile and for four others, maintain oral hygiene. Half of the mothers related oral health to general health. All reported that dental caries is related to diet and lack of care regarding to oral hygiene. It was possible to conclude that for this group of mothers, oral health has an important meaning and that oral health practices are based on a healthy diet and brushing. Although mothers of disabled children have presented positive attitudes, in general, the results indicated limited knowledge about oral health. The results showed the importance of considering the point of view of the mothers as data of analysis bringing greater proximity with the reality studied. More qualitative studies should be conducted in order to collaborate with the improvement of the oral condition of disabled children.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry J. Herrmann ◽  
Michael W. Roberts

The pediatrician can assist the dental profession in preventing dental disease and maintaining the oral health of children. Pediatricians are urged to counsel parents in dietary and oral hygiene practices that will prevent dental caries and to refer patients for professional dental care when appropriate. Systemic fluoride supplements should be prescribed when needed but only after a careful review of requirements and daily consumption.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Asim Al-Ansari ◽  
Maha El Tantawi ◽  
Nasser AlMadan ◽  
Muhammad Nazir ◽  
Balgis Gaffar ◽  
...  

The study assessed the relationship between Internet addiction and oral health practices and clinical outcomes and whether this was affected by oral health perception. In 2017, a cross-sectional study included university students in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Questionnaires assessed demographic background, oral health practices (consuming sugar, tobacco use, and oral hygiene), perceived oral health, and Internet addiction. Caries experience and gingivitis were assessed using the World Health Organization criteria. The multivariate general linear analysis assessed the relationship between dependent variables (oral health practices, DMFT, and gingivitis) and exposure (Internet addiction). Data were available for 919 participants, 75.4% females, mean age = 19.8 years, and 1.6% with significant Internet use problem. The mean percentage of teeth with gingivitis was 8.5% and mean DMFT was 2.9. Among those with good perception of oral health and compared with participants with significant Internet use problem, average Internet users had lower consumption of sugar and tobacco (B = −6.52, P=0.03 and B = −2.04, P=0.03), better oral hygiene practices (B = 2.07, P=0.33), higher DMFT (B = 2.53, P=0.10), and lesser gingivitis (B = −15.45, P=0.06). Internet addiction was associated with negative oral health practices and poor clinical outcomes among young Saudis. Holistic health promotion approaches need to address the negative impact of Internet addiction on health and oral health status for this at-risk age group.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho Geol Woo ◽  
Kijeong Lee ◽  
Ji Sung Lee ◽  
Jinkwon Kim ◽  
Younkyung Chang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: In previous case-control and cross-sectional studies, less frequent dental visits, infrequent tooth brushing, presence of periodontal disease, and increased number of tooth loss were shown to be associated with increased risk of head and neck cancer. However, studies regarding the association of periodontal disease and parameters of oral health with occurrence of head and neck cancer have been lacking particularly in longitudinal setting. We aimed to investigate the relationship between parameters of oral health and risk of head and neck cancer in a nationwide general population-based cohort.Methods : We included 150,774 subjects from the Korean National Health Insurance System-Health Screening Cohort for demographics, past history, and laboratory findings. The presence of periodontal disease and parameters of oral health including frequency of tooth brushings, dental visit for any reason, expertised dental cleaning, and number of tooth loss were investigated. Head and neck cancer was defined as International Statistical Classification of Diseases-10 codes of ‘C00-C14’.Results: During median 11.1 years of follow-up, 1,155 (0.76%) head and neck cancers occurred. Based on multivariable analysis, after adjusting for demographics, alcohol intake, smoking, regular exercise, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, blood and urinary laboratory findings, and parameters of oral health, frequent tooth brushing (more than three times per day) was related to lower risk of head and neck cancer (hazard ratio, HR: 0.78, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.66–0.93, p=0.005). Increased number of tooth loss was positively associated with occurrence of head and neck cancer (p value for trend test for HR <0.001).Conclusions : The occurrence of head and neck cancer was decreased with the more frequent tooth brushing (more than three times per day) and increased with the number of tooth loss. In regards of head and neck cancer prevention, improving oral hygiene may have significant contribution.


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