scholarly journals Self-Reported Dietary Choices and Oral Health Care Needs during COVID-19 Quarantine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 313
Author(s):  
Elzbieta Paszynska ◽  
Szczepan Cofta ◽  
Amadeusz Hernik ◽  
Justyna Otulakowska-Skrzynska ◽  
Daria Springer ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the healthcare system, including dentistry. However, it is not entirely clear whether affected patients’ willingness for regular dental visits and preventive behaviors with regards oral hygiene and diet. This is essential to understanding the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the acceleration of dental issues in the future. It was aimed at checking the level of dental visit avoidance, self-reported oral health needs, and dietary changes. This cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted in Poland (n = 2574; mean age 44.4 ± 15.6; female 56.3%) assessed nutritional habits and dental care changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. As demonstrated, nearly half of the responders (47.1%) avoided regular dental visits, while only 0.5% used online consultations. Fears related to potential cross-contamination in dental offices dropped from 25% to 11.4% and were associated with increased BMI and age (p < 0.05). Sweet snacking/drinking confirmed 19.1%/33.2% subjects. Self-reported oral health care needs (tooth stain, calculus, gingivitis, loss of fillings) were related to frequent snacking and poor oral hygiene (p < 0.05). The study highlights that pandemic periods are covered by eating and drinking changes combined with inadequate hygiene and dental care impose health complaints in the oral cavity. This can magnify both nutritional and interrelated oral health issues, highlighting the need to implement preventive and mitigation measures.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 64-70
Author(s):  
Vinod Anju ◽  
Raj Sunil N ◽  
Chinnappa Anitha

Objectives: Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) comprises of a set of rare inherited lysosomal disorder which results in deposition of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in various tissues and organs resulting in disturbances in the developing structures. The aim of the study was to systematically record the oral findings of patients diagnosed with MPS and subsequently assess their oral health needs. Methodology: A cross- sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with MPS (n=57). Complete soft tissue and hard tissue examination was done and the findings recorded. DMFT or def indices were recorded in accordance with WHO criteria and methods. Results: The study showed that the patients diagnosed with MPS have higher oral health care needs owing to the anatomical and pathological changes. The study showed that the patients diagnosed with MPS had poor oral hygiene and high caries incidence. However, the number of filled teeth in spite of high caries index wassignificantly less which showed neglected oral care. Interpretation and Conclusion: The patients diagnosed with MPS have higher oral health care needs. Hence, regular dental evaluation and treatment must be incorporated in their health care regimen.


Author(s):  
V. R. Nithya ◽  
Chandrasekaran Krithika ◽  
Chitathoor Sridhar ◽  
A. Edeinton Arumugam

Introduction: Studies conducted among fishermen shows that there was a high prevalence rate in Oral mucosal lesions. However, data on oral health care needs among fisherman is scarce. Hence this was undertaken to obtain a data that can be used to plan programmes for the prevention and treatment of such oral mucosal lesions in the fishermen. Materials and Methods: A study was carried out among 71 fishermen after obtaining clearance from the institutional ethical committee and concerned authorities. A self administered questionnaire is distributed among the study group comprising questions relating to personal history and deleterious habits. Clinical examination was carried out using mouth mirror, explorer and under proper illumination.  Oral health examination was   done using WHO Basic Oral health Assessment proforma, 2013. Data collected and analysed statistically using SPSS software. Results: Among the 71 fishermen, 56(78.9%) were males and 15 (21.1 %) were females. In the study population, 44(62%) were tobacco chewers, 39(54.9%) were snuff users, 24(33.8%) were alcohol consumers and 19(26.8%) were smokers. Smokeless tobacco (41.5%) was the most common deleterious habit after which by alcohol consumption (33.8%) and smoking (26.8%).The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was 20.8%.It was found that statistically significant association existed between the deleterious habits and leukoplakia. Conclusion: According to the our study, the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was 20.8% among the fishermen who had a clear association with deleterious habits such as tobacco chewing, smoking, alcohol consumption and snuff.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
Mufeedha K Nazar ◽  
Divya Reddy C ◽  
Santhosh T Paul

INTRODUCTION: Despite advances in dental care in recent decades, the oral health of people with disabilities remains poor. The treatment of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) presents challenges for the dentists that may ultimately become a barrier. Identification of barriers can be the first step in addressing the deficiencies in dental care for such patients. AIM: To identify barriers to oral/dental care for CSHCN as perceived by dentists Materials and Methods: 110 randomly selected dental professionals were interviewed through a validated questionnaire for their perceived barriers to provide oral health care for CSHCN RESULTS: Majority of respondents attended CSHCN (77.3%) and mostly provided restorations, oral hygiene instructions including preventive measures and basic restorative care. Dentists perceived concern regarding medical history (50%) and patient co-operation (38%) as the main barriers to provide dental care to CSHCN. CONCLUSION: Our findings conclude that majority of dentists are willing to treat CSHCN despite the challenges they faced. Minimizing the barriers is essential to provide comprehensive dental care to CSHCN.


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