COVID 19 and Pediatric Dentistry- A Narrative Review

During the present health emergency linked to the pandemic caused by corona virus(COVID 19), the efficientand safe management of children’s oral health presents a challenge to paediatric dentists. These challengescan be overcome by emphasizing on the oral disease prevention methods, and by treating paediatric dentalemergencies efficiently. Along with rigorous and highly effective infection control protocols in dental clinicalsetups, working on remote communication and health education aimed at maintaining the oral health of thechildren assumes great importance. This article, after analysing the risk factors associated with pediatricdental treatment due to COVID-19, presents a series of oral health promotion strategies, managementstrategies for pediatric dental emergencies and of dental non emergencies. New approaches and models oftreatment based on remote interaction techniques will be discussed, which can be furthur modified and usedaccordingly even after the end of the pandemic.

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COVID-19: Pediatric Oral Health During and After the Pandemics

10.20944/preprints202004.0002.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Valeria Luzzi ◽

Gaetano Ierardo ◽

Maurizio Bossù ◽

Antonella Polimeni

Keyword(s):

Oral Health ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Dental Treatment ◽

Remote Communication ◽

Dental Procedures ◽

Pediatric Oral Health ◽

Remote Interaction ◽

The One ◽

Prevention Methods ◽

Children’S Oral Health

During the period of health emergency linked to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the management of children's oral health presents specific problems related to the infectious spread of the disease. These problems must be faced on the one hand by acting on the oral health prevention methods, and on the other by implementing specific protocols relating both to the conditions of oral pathologies that normally do not represent an emergency, and to those clinical situations that fall into the category of pediatric dental emergencies. In this perspective, in addition to defining rigorous and highly effective infection control protocols in the dental settings, it is of fundamental importance to work on remote communication and education aimed at maintaining the oral health of the children. This article, after an analysis of the risk factors from COVID-19 associated with pediatric dental treatment, presents a series of considerations on potential oral prevention strategies and on the management of emergency and non-emergency dental procedures in a context of disease transmission control, proposing new approaches and models of treatment based also on remote interaction techniques which will then retain their usefulness even at the end of the current emergency period.

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Acceptability of a Mobile Application in Children’s Oral Health Promotion—A Pilot Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18063256 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 3256

Author(s):

Kirsi Rasmus ◽

Antti Toratti ◽

Saujanya Karki ◽

Paula Pesonen ◽

Marja-Liisa Laitala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Promotion ◽

Oral Health ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Mobile Applications ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Oral Health Promotion ◽

Oral Health Behaviors ◽

Health Related ◽

Children’S Oral Health

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the acceptability of an oral health-related mobile application developed for young children based on the feedback given by the children and their parents. Another aim was to evaluate the self-reported change in children’s oral health behaviors during a short test period. The application—a virtual pet integrated into a child’s daily routines—aimed to promote oral hygiene and dietary behaviors in children. A total of 36 4–12-year-old voluntary children were given a mobile phone with the installed application. After the 5-week testing period, the feasibility of the application and possible changes in the children’s oral health behaviors were asked using an electronic questionnaire. Most of the children considered the application clear (n = 34), amusing (n = 31), and useful (n = 29). The children’s tooth brushing manners improved both qualitatively and quantitatively: the time used for tooth brushing increased and the children learned how to brush different tooth surfaces. Mobile applications can be fun and useful in oral health promotion; while playing, children can learn good oral health-related behaviors. Mobile applications integrate oral health promotion into children’s daily environment and routines.

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Children’s Oral Health on Pico Island, Azores (Portugal)

Medical Sciences Forum ◽

10.3390/msf2021005024 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 24

Author(s):

Juliana Pereira ◽

Gunel Kizi ◽

Ana Raquel Barata ◽

Irene Ventura

Keyword(s):

Oral Health ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Pediatric Dentistry ◽

Mixed Dentition ◽

Class I ◽

Social Solidarity ◽

Children’S Oral Health

Pediatric dentistry focuses on children’s oral health. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of malocclusion in a pediatric population. Eighty-two children (3–12 years old), of both genders, who belong to a Social Solidarity Institution for Children in Pico Island were clinically examined. Half were female and half were male, in which most were 7 years old (20.7%) with mixed dentition (58.5%). The highest prevalence was in canine class I and vertical molar. Most children did not have malocclusion characteristics (56.1%).

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Mobile Apps for Oral Health Promotion: Content Review and Heuristic Usability Analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.11432 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Brooks Tiffany ◽

Paula Blasi ◽

Sheryl L Catz ◽

Jennifer B McClure

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Oral Health ◽

Theoretical Basis ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Oral Disease ◽

Oral Health Promotion ◽

Health Technologies ◽

Mhealth Apps

BACKGROUND There has been an increase in consumer-facing mobile health (mHealth) apps in recent years. Prior reviews have characterized the availability, usability, or quality of popular mHealth apps targeting a range of health behaviors, but none has examined apps that promote better oral health care. Oral disease affects billions of people worldwide and mobile phone use is on the rise, so the market for well-designed and effective oral health apps is substantial. OBJECTIVE We examined the content and usability of popular oral health promotion apps to better understand the current state of these self-help interventions and inform the need and opportunity for future app development. METHODS Between February and March 2018, we identified oral health-focused apps that were designed for Android or iOS, available in English, and targeted adult consumers (as opposed to children or dental health professionals). The sample was limited to the most popular and highly rated apps on each platform. For each app reviewed, we assessed its basic descriptive characteristics (eg, platform, cost), evidence of a theoretical basis or empirical validation, key program functionality, and the extent to which the app addressed diet and tobacco and alcohol use as risk factors for oral disease. We characterized the framing (ie, gain vs loss) of all persuasive messaging and conducted a heuristic analysis to assess each app’s usability as a persuasive health technology. RESULTS Thirty-three apps were eligible for review based on the selection criteria. Two-thirds (22/33, 67%) were geared toward the general public as opposed to dental clinic patients, insurance plan members, or owners of specific electric toothbrushes. Most (31/33, 94%) were free to download, and a majority (19/33, 58%) were sponsored by software developers as opposed to oral health experts. None offered any theoretical basis for the content or had been empirically validated. Common program features included tools for tracking or reminding one to brush their teeth and assistance scheduling dental appointments. Nineteen apps (58%) included educational or persuasive content intended to influence oral health behavior. Only 32% (6/19) of these included a larger proportion of gain-framed than loss-framed messaging. Most of the apps did not mention diet, alcohol or tobacco—important risk factors for oral disease. Overall, the apps performed poorly on standard usability heuristics recommended for persuasive health technologies. CONCLUSIONS The quality of the reviewed apps was generally poor. Important opportunities exist to develop oral health promotion apps that have theoretically grounded content, are empirically validated, and adhere to good design principles for persuasive health technologies.

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Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Government Employees in New Delhi

Workplace Health & Safety ◽

10.1177/2165079919852119 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 67 (12) ◽

pp. 573-578

Author(s):

O. P. Kharbanda ◽

Harsh Priya ◽

Deepika Mishra ◽

Shalini Gupta ◽

Anupama Ivaturi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Oral Health ◽

Dental Caries ◽

Oral Health Status ◽

Oral Disease ◽

World Health ◽

New Delhi ◽

Government Employees ◽

Treatment Needs ◽

Oral Health Promotion

Oral diseases, including dental caries, periodontitis, and edentulism (toothlessness), affect about 3.5 billion people worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of government employees employed at an organization in New Delhi. Oral health information was recorded using the standard World Health Organization’s (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Tool. A total of 476 employees at various levels of administration were screened at their worksite. Dental caries and periodontal disease were present in more than half of the participants. Around 56% had decayed teeth, 20% had missing teeth, and 16% had filled teeth. Bleeding from gums was seen in 71% and periodontitis in 59% of participants. Preventive treatment and oral health promotion was required in at least 41% of the screened individuals. Annual workplace oral examinations may help in decreasing the oral disease burden and create awareness on the oral health among employees.

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Oral Health Knowledge of Pregnant Women on Pregnancy Gingivitis and Children's Oral Health

Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry ◽

10.17796/jcpd.39.2.n66w635638w643n7 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 105-108 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

C Zhong ◽

KN Ma ◽

YS Wong ◽

Y So ◽

PC Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Early Childhood ◽

Oral Health ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Early Childhood Caries ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Oral Health Care ◽

Oral Disease ◽

Children’S Oral Health ◽

Childhood Caries

Objective: Pregnancy gingivitis and early childhood caries remain prevalent in Hong Kong. The aim of this study was to assess pregnant women's knowledge and beliefs related to pregnancy gingivitis and children's oral health. Study design: An outreach survey was carried out in a clinic that provided antenatal examination. A written oral health questionnaire related to pregnancy gingivitis and early childhood caries was administered to pregnant women. Of the 106 pregnant women who enrolled in the study, 100 completed the questionnaires. Results: Among the 100 subjects, only 39% correctly identified that hormonal changes contribute to pregnancy gingivitis. Only 36% identified red and swollen gums as signs of gingivitis. Furthermore, 53% of the surveyed pregnant women were not sure about the amount of toothpaste to administer to a child aged 18 months to 5 years. Almost 50% assumed that a replanted avulsed tooth would probably not survive within a short extra-alveolar period of less than 60 minutes. Conclusion: Prenatal women generally lack knowledge of a common oral disease that occurs during pregnancy and of what constitutes adequate oral health care for children. Oral health care education should be implemented as part of a prenatal care program.

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Breastfeeding and Child Oral Health Promotion: Perspectives of Nursing Mothers and Dentists

10.21203/rs.3.rs-42175/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Pedro Igor Cardozo ◽

FRANKLIN DELANO SOARES FORTE ◽

Adriane Pires Batiston

Keyword(s):

Oral Health ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Family Health ◽

Care Quality ◽

Oral Health Promotion ◽

Health Strategy ◽

Family Health Strategy ◽

Nursing Mothers ◽

Child Oral Health ◽

Children’S Oral Health

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the knowledge and practices of dentists regarding breastfeeding as a strategy for promoting children's oral health. It also aimed to investigate how nursing mothers perceive the participation of dentists in actions to promote and support breastfeeding. Methods: this study employed a mixed methodological approach. During the quantitative phase, 91 dentists of the Family Health Strategy answered an electronic questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. For the qualitative investigation, were interviewed 21 nursing mothers. These interviews were examined through content analysis, and the results were interpreted from the perspective of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Results: Among dentists, 81.3% agreed that they are aware of the implications of breastfeeding for the child's oral health and reported 72.8% advising mothers and pregnant women about its benefits. Ambivalent social norms and weaknesses related to actions promoting and supporting breastfeeding emerged in the speeches of nursing mothers, and unfamiliarity about the benefits of this practice for children's oral health. Conclusions: Dentists recognize the benefits of breastfeeding for children's oral health. On the other hand, the nursing mothers pointed out barriers, exposed weaknesses, and signaled necessary conjunction of efforts to improve maternal and child care quality.

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A Importância da Educação em Saúde Bucal de Pais e Educadores como Fator de Impacto na Saúde Bucal da Criança: Uma Revisão da Literatura / The Importance of Oral Health Education for Parents and Educators as an Impact Factor on Children's Oral Health: A Literature Review

ID on line REVISTA DE PSICOLOGIA ◽

10.14295/idonline.v15i58.3276 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (58) ◽

pp. 76-87

Author(s):

Samara Santos Máximo ◽

Caique Dos Santos Aguiar ◽

Edite Novais Borges Pinchemel

Keyword(s):

Oral Health ◽

Health Education ◽

Literature Review ◽

Oral Cavity ◽

Role Models ◽

Periodontal Diseases ◽

Pediatric Dentistry ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Oral Health Education ◽

Children’S Oral Health

Resumo: A participação tanto de pais como educadores envolve um impacto surpreendente sobre as mudanças de hábitos da criança. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar, por meio da literatura, o quanto a participação de pais e educadores como modelos pode impactar nas condições de saúde bucal dessa população. Tratou-se de uma revisão da literatura com pesquisa na base de dados Lilacs, Scielo e Medline; foram selecionadas publicações de 2010 a 2021, perfazendo um total de 27 textos analisados. Assim, a educação em saúde bucal de pais, educadores e responsáveis influencia na saúde bucal da criança e, quanto mais alto for o nível de educação em saúde dos envolvidos, menor será a incidência de doenças que acometem a cavidade bucal, como a cárie e doenças periodontais em crianças.---Abstract: The participation of both parents and educators has a surprising impact on children's changing habits. The aim of this study was to verify, through the literature, how much the participation of parents and educators as role models can impact the oral health conditions of this population. This was a literature review with a search in Lilacs, Scielo and Medline databases; publications from 2010 to 2021 were selected, totaling 27 texts analyzed. Finally, the oral health education of parents, educators and guardians influences the child's oral health and, the higher the level of health education of those involved, the lower the incidence of diseases that affect the oral cavity, such as caries and periodontal diseases in children.Keywords: Oral health education. Literacy in oral health. Pediatric Dentistry.

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