Introduction: Dental caries is a preventable chronic disease whereby identification of risk factors will facilitate preventive measures. This study aims to determine the level of oral health literacy (OHL), self-care practices (SCP), salivary parameters and ascertain its assocation with caries status amongst the undergraduates in IMU University. Methods: Levels of OHL (Knowledge-OHL, dental services utilisation, and label reading habit) and SCP were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. Chairside saliva kits were used to measure the salivary parameters whilst clinical examination was performed to assess caries status. Independent T-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare differences between sex and courses respectively for measures of interest (OHL, SCP, salivary parameters, and caries status) whereas bivariate correlation with Pearsons’s coefficient was performed to examine their association with caries status. Results: The participants (n=132) had a mean Knowledge-OHL score of 23.75±8.09 with no significant difference between sex (females, 24.01±8.51; males, 23.48±7.69; p=0.15). Dentistry students had significantly higher Knowledge-OHL score than students of all other courses (p=0.01). The mean SCP score was 20.19±3.16 whereas mean DMFT was 2.32 ±3.14. All participants had healthy saliva parameters. Caries status was significantly correlated with Knowledge-OHL score (p=0.02, r=-0.18), dental services utilisation (p=0.04, r=-0.15) but not with label reading habit (p=0.78, r=0.03), SCP (p=0.30, r=-0.05) and all salivary parameters. Conclusion Knowledge-OHL and oral health services utilisation are significantly associated with oral health status
Dental Caries ; Health Literacy ; Oral Health ; Saliva ; Self Care

OBJECTIVES

The burden of oral diseases is high in the Philippines. The global burden of disease study in 2019 estimated that 44 million Filipinos are affected by oral disorder. More specifically, 29 million Filipinos have untreated dental caries. Outpatients' dental health services are not covered by PhilHealth benefit package. There is a need to include key oral health interventions such as basic prevention and treatment in PhilHealth benefit package to be delivered at the primary health care settings (WHO TSA 153980). The study aimed to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of a set of oral health care services to be delivered at different levels of health care within a comprehensive PhilHealth benefit package.

This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of including basic oral health services in the PhilHealth benefit package using a Markov modelling approach. The target population consists of Filipino adults and children at risk for dental diseases who are potential beneficiaries of PhilHealth. The intervention under consideration includes dental consultation, oral prophylaxis, topical fluoride application, silver diamine fluoride application, dental filling, and tooth extraction. The comparator is the current standard of care, which involves out-of-pocket payments for oral health services or limited access to subsidized dental care. The primary outcomes assessed include the incremental costeffectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. A Markov model was constructed with a time horizon of 50 years to simulate the lifespan of Filipinos up to the average life expectancy of 70 years old, using a cycle length of one year to reflect disease progression and treatment effects overtime. Model parameters were derived from literature and expert opinion. Sensitivity analyses, including one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses, were conducted to assess uncertainty in model inputs. The analysis was carried out from a societal perspective incorporating direct medical and non-medical costs, and indirect costs.

A Markov model showed that a subsidized package is a cost-effective approach compared to the current situation of no subsidy, with an ICER of PhP 75,636 (1,535.76 USD) per disability adjusted life year (DALY) averted. The computed ICER was considered good value for money as it was below 2021 GDP per capita of the Philippines of PhP 174,286 (3,538.80 USD). One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the cost of preventive treatment had the most significant impact on the model, and a price threshold of greater than PhP 3,062 (62.17 USD) for preventive treatment will render the subsidized package no longer cost-effective. The budget impact analysis showed a 1.63% increase in budget annually with the current situation of no subsidy. Rolling out a subsidized oral health package will entail a significant increase in government expenses during the first year but a decreasing trend of 1-2% annually for the following years as the program takes its effect.

A subsidized oral health package is a costeffective approach from a societal perspective. It will entail a significant increase in government expenditure during the start of its roll out but will eventually result in a decreasing trend of expenses as the years progress.

Background: Medicinal plants are widely used for healthcare needs, including oral health. In the Philippines, garlic, guava, tsaang-gubat, and hierba buena, although primarily recognized as plants used for the treatment of systemic diseases, are indicated as analgesics for dental pain, treatment of gingival inflammation, and oral health maintenance. Despite studies focusing on the effectiveness of these plants for oral health, there is little to no research on the populace’s knowledge, attitude, and practices on these medicinal plants. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of Oral Medicine patients from a dental college in Manila on four medicinal plants (garlic, guava, tsaang-gubat, and hierba buena) for oral health. Methods: A descriptive study design was used. Oral Medicine patients (694) were invited to participate in the study through daily text messages containing brief research details. The link to the three-part online questionnaire (Google Forms) was sent via text and Facebook messages, and was answerable within 15-20 minutes. Results: Two hundred fourteen (214) Oral Medicine patients participated, with 147 (68.69%) having knowledge on using medicinal plants for oral health which they mostly knew through friends and acquaintances. Most participants had a generally positive attitude toward medicinal plants for oral health and believed they were beneficial (177, 82.71%), safe, effective, and cheaper than conventional medicine (175, 81.78%), and accessible (171, 79.91%). Only 64 (29.91%) personally used medicinal plants to address their oral health conditions. Garlic (144, 97.96%) was the most widely known and used, followed by guava (52, 35.37%), hierba buena (12, 8.16%), and tsaang-gubat (4, 2.72%). Conclusion Most participants were knowledgeable with a generally positive attitude toward the four medicinal plants for oral health but did not use these to address their oral health problems.
Garlic ; Psidium ; Mentha ; Plants, Medicinal ; Oral Health

BACKGROUND

Medicinal plants are widely used for healthcare needs, including oral health. In the Philippines, garlic, guava, tsaang-gubat, and hierba buena, although primarily recognized as plants used for the treatment of systemic diseases, are indicated as analgesics for dental pain, treatment of gingival inflammation, and oral health maintenance. Despite studies focusing on the effectiveness of these plants for oral health, there is little to no research on the populace’s knowledge, attitude, and practices on these medicinal plants.

The study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of Oral Medicine patients from a dental college in Manila on four medicinal plants (garlic, guava, tsaang-gubat, and hierba buena) for oral health.

A descriptive study design was used. Oral Medicine patients (694) were invited to participate in the study through daily text messages containing brief research details. The link to the three-part online questionnaire (Google Forms) was sent via text and Facebook messages, and was answerable within 15-20 minutes.

Two hundred fourteen (214) Oral Medicine patients participated, with 147 (68.69%) having knowledge on using medicinal plants for oral health which they mostly knew through friends and acquaintances. Most participants had a generally positive attitude toward medicinal plants for oral health and believed they were beneficial (177, 82.71%), safe, effective, and cheaper than conventional medicine (175, 81.78%), and accessible (171, 79.91%). Only 64 (29.91%) personally used medicinal plants to address their oral health conditions. Garlic (144, 97.96%) was the most widely known and used, followed by guava (52, 35.37%), hierba buena (12, 8.16%), and tsaang-gubat (4, 2.72%).

Most participants were knowledgeable with a generally positive attitude toward the four medicinal plants for oral health but did not use these to address their oral health problems.

Objective: To describe various local and systemic factors as the cause of gingivitis and to find out the main etiological factors of gingivitis in children with DS. Methods: We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for Indonesian and English references either in the form of textbook, research results, reviews, and internet articles on the topic. We screened and selected the relevant articles for inclusion into the review. Results: In children with DS, apart from poor oral hygiene, the increasing incidence of gingivitis is caused by changes in other local factors related to systemic factors, such as oral dysfunction, dental and gingival abnormalities, changes in the oral microbial profile, and salivary characteristics. Furthermore, systemic immunodeficiency, changes in inflammatory mediators and proteolytic enzymes, and intellectual subnormality are considered as systemic factors. Conclusion There is no main etiological factor of gingivitis in children with DS since various local and systemic factors are interrelated with each other causing gingivitis. The severity of gingivitis in children with DS presumably were caused by the systemic factors. Furthermore, good oral hygiene habits and the dentist's intervention in periodontal health can significantly reduce gingivitis in DS patients.
children ; Down syndrome ; gingivitis ; oral health

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the application value of a modified tragus edge incision and transmasseteric anteroparotid approach to condyle reconstruction. METHODS: Condyle reconstruction was performed in 16 patients (9 females and 7 males) with modified tragus edge incision and transmasseteric anteroparotid approach. After regular follow-up, the function of condyle reconstruction was evaluated by clinical indicators, such as parotid salivary fistula, facial nerve function, mouth opening, occlusal relationship, and facial scar. The morphology of rib graft rib cartilage was evaluated by imaging indicators, such as panoramic radiography, CT, and three-dimensional CT image reconstruction. RESULTS: At 6-36 months postoperative follow-up, all patients had good recovery of facial appearance, concealed incisional scar, no parotid salivary fistula, good mouth opening, and occlusion. One case had temporary facial paralysis and recovered after treatment. Radiographic evaluation further showed that costochondral graft survived in normal anatomic locations. CONCLUSIONS The modified tragus edge incision and transmasseteric anteroparotid approach can effectively reduce parotid salivary fistula and facial nerve injury in condylar reconstruction. The surgical field was clearly exposed, and the incision scar was concealed without increasing the incidence of other complications. Thus, this approach is worthy of clinical promotion.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Mandibular Condyle/surgery* ; Cicatrix/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Mandibular Fractures/surgery* ; Oral Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVES: To thoroughly understand the current dental chair equipment status of dental clinics in Sichuan Province and provide a reference for administrative departments. METHODS: Data were collected from a health administrative department and a regional social development yearbook. The number of existing dental clinics and dental chairs in Sichuan Province was investigated. RESULTS: In Sichuan Province, 7 103 dental clinics were determined to be equipped with 21 760 dental chairs. The Gini coefficients of per capita dental clinics in the province were 0.50, 0.22, and 0.06, and the Gini coefficients of per capita dental chairs were 0.68, 0.31, and 0.15; these coefficients had the same distribution as that reflected by the Lorenz curve. In consideration of geographic distribution, the Theil index for the distribution of dental clinics and dental chairs among cities and states were 0.690 7 and 0.822 3, respectively. The overall Theil index va-lues for the distribution of dental clinics and dental chairs in the province were 0.902 4 and 1.079 4, respectively. The difference in the distribution of dental clinics and dental chairs among cities and states in the province contributed 0.765 4 and 0.761 8 to the total difference, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The allocation of oral health resources in Sichuan Pro-vince is relatively equitable in terms of population and economic distribution but uneven in geographical distribution.
Dental Clinics ; Oral Health ; China

Bipolar disorder is a major mental illness that is difficult to treat and has a high degree of recurrence. This article reports general anesthesia for oral surgery in a patient with bipolar disorder complicated with hypothyroidism. It also discusses the rational application of antipsychotic drugs and anesthetics with reference to the literature to improve the understanding of the disease and help patients with mental disorders complete the surgical treatment quietly and smoothly.
Humans ; Bipolar Disorder/drug therapy* ; Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Hypothyroidism/drug therapy* ; Oral Surgical Procedures ; Anesthesia

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors of oral ulcers and bloodstream infection in patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS: The clinical data of 401 hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospective analyzed, and the risk factors of oral ulcers and bloodstream infection statistical and analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 401 patients, the incidence of oral ulcers was 61.3% (246/401), and the incidence of bloodstream infection was 9.0% (36/401). A total of 40 strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 36 patients, including 26 strains of Gram negative strains (65%), 13 strains of Gram positive strains (32.5%), and 1 strain of fungi (2.5%). Single-factor analysis showed that oral hygiene was associated with the occurrence of bloodstream infection, and the Multi-factor analysis showed that age ≥14 years old, disease diagnosis of leukemia, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were risk factors for oral ulcers. CONCLUSION The incidence of oral ulcers in patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is high. The age ≥14 years, disease diagnosis of leukemia, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were risk factors for oral ulcers in patients, and oral hygiene was associated with the occurrence of bloodstream infection.
Humans ; Adolescent ; Retrospective Studies ; Oral Ulcer/etiology* ; Bacteremia/microbiology* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects* ; Sepsis ; Risk Factors ; Leukemia

Objective: To investigate current use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy and influencing factors among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in China. Methods: Results of this study derived from "China Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study", the study prospectively enrolled atrial fibrillation (AF) patients from 31 hospitals, and patients with valvular AF or treated with catheter ablation were excluded. Baseline data such as age, sex and type of atrial fibrillation were collected, and drug history, history of concomitant diseases, laboratory results and echocardiography results were recorded. CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and HAS-BLED score were calculated. The patients were followed up at the 3rd and 6th months after enrollment and every 6 months thereafter. Patients were divided according to whether they had coronary artery disease and whether they took OAC. Results: 11 067 NVAF patients fulfilling guideline criteria for OAC treatment were included in this study, including 1 837 patients with CAD. 95.4% of NVAF patients with CAD had CHA₂DS₂-VASc score≥2, and 59.7% of patients had HAS-BLED≥3, which was significantly higher than NVAF patients without CAD (P<0.001). Only 34.6% of NVAF patients with CAD were treated with OAC at enrollment. The proportion of HAS-BLED≥3 in the OAC group was significantly lower than in the no-OAC group (36.7% vs. 71.8%, P<0.001). After adjustment with multivariable logistic regression analysis, thromboembolism(OR=2.48,95%CI 1.50-4.10,P<0.001), left atrial diameter≥40 mm(OR=1.89,95%CI 1.23-2.91,P=0.004), stain use (OR=1.83,95%CI 1.01-3.03, P=0.020) and β blocker use (OR=1.74,95%CI 1.13-2.68,P=0.012)were influence factors of OAC treatment. However, the influence factors of no-OAC use were female(OR=0.54,95%CI 0.34-0.86,P=0.001), HAS-BLED≥3 (OR=0.33,95%CI 0.19-0.57,P<0.001), and antiplatelet drug(OR=0.04,95%CI 0.03-0.07,P<0.001). Conclusion: The rate of OAC treatment in NVAF patients with CAD is still low and needs to be further improved. The training and assessment of medical personnel should be strengthened to improve the utilization rate of OAC in these patients.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Atrial Fibrillation/drug therapy* ; Coronary Artery Disease/complications* ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use* ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Risk Factors ; China ; Administration, Oral ; Stroke