scholarly journals Internet Addiction, Oral Health Practices, Clinical Outcomes, and Self-Perceived Oral Health in Young Saudi Adults

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 ◽  
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.


Scientifica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Eman Bakhurji ◽  
Balgis Gaffar ◽  
Muhammad Nazir ◽  
Khalifa Al-Khalifa ◽  
Asim Al-Ansari

Objectives. Caries remains a problem in high-risk groups aggravated by socioeconomic inequalities. The study aimed to investigate (1) oral health practices associated with caries in the 1st permanent molars in Saudi male teenagers and (2) the impact of socioeconomic position (SEP) on caries control using these practices. Methods. A cross-sectional study targeted 1137 male teenagers in intermediate schools in Khobar and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in 2016. Caries was examined using the World Health Organization criteria and plaque was assessed using the plaque index of Loe and Silness. A questionnaire assessed SEP (parental education, employment, and home ownership) and oral health practices (using fluoridated toothpaste twice daily, regular dental visits for check-ups, and avoiding daily sugary snacks). Regression models analysed the association of these factors with caries presence and the mean number of decayed 1st permanent molars. Stratification was used to assess differences between SEP levels. Results. The response rate was 81.7%. Caries prevalence and mean (SD) number of decayed 1st permanent molars were 50.4% and 1.08 (1.31). The use of fluoride toothpaste was associated with lower odds of caries and fewer decayed molars (OR = 0.50 and regression coefficient = −0.35). Differences in the relationship between caries and toothpaste were observed by SEP levels with stronger associations in less advantaged groups. Conclusions. Brushing twice daily using fluoride toothpaste was associated with less caries in Saudi male teenagers with stronger association observed in groups with lower SEP. The use of fluoride toothpaste helps in reducing health inequalities associated with SEP.


2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 997-1004
Author(s):  
M. M. Al Sharbati ◽  
T. M. Meidan ◽  
O. Sudani

We investigated the oral health practices and prevalence of dental caries among Libyan pupils [6-12 years], by studying 389 boys and 373 girls selected randomly from 11 public primary schools in three different residential areas indicating different socioeconomic levels. In all, 321 [42.1%] pupils did not brush their teeth, with significant differences in the different areas. The prevalence of dental caries was 61.9%, with no significant sex difference. At 12 years, the decayed, missing and filled teeth index was 1.63, the average decay per child was 1.26 and the prevalence of dental caries was 50%, but the filling needs met was 0.01. Health education programmes to improve oral hygiene practices should be considered.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
EO Oyetola ◽  
IE Okunola ◽  
MA Adedigba ◽  
SO Nwhator ◽  
OO Soyele ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Subramaniam ◽  
M Gupta

Autism is one of the most severe childhood neuropsychiatric disorders. Autistic individuals are characterized by impairment in social interaction with a restricted range of interests and often, stereotyped repetitive behaviors. Studies on oral health conditions in children with autism are sparse. The complicated disability itself makes clinical research difficult. Aim: The need for baseline information regarding the oral health status of children with autism is essential. Method: The present study assessed the oral health status of 106 autistic children aged 4 to 15 years in Bangalore city, India. The dental caries was recorded according to the WHO criteria; oral hygiene was assessed using the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) and its modification for deciduous dentition. The behavior of children towards dental treatment was also assessed using the Frankel's behavior rating scale. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. Results showed that caries experience among autistic children was lower; however they were found to have more debris and calculus deposits. Conclusions: Negative behavior towards dental treatment was seen in autistic children.


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