Oral health knowledge, attitude and oral hygiene practices among adults in Rwanda

Introduction: oral diseases (OD), commonly dental caries and periodontitis are a major public health problem. Poor oral hygiene has been associated with OD, causing tooth loss, which leads to disability and compromised patients' oral health. In Rwanda, OD is among the leading causes of morbidity at the health center level. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and oral health practices among adult participants in Rwanda Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was done among participants attending public health facilities in Nyarugenge District, Rwanda. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage distribution, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression at a 5% significant level. Results: among 426 participants who were interviewed, 39.44% (n=168) were 18-27 years old and the majority, 61.5% (n=262) were female. Poor oral health knowledge was found in 42% (n=179) of the participants, whilst 12.44% (n=53) showed poor oral health attitudes, and 67.37% (n=287) were found to have poor oral health practice. Participants with a high school level of education were more likely to have better oral health knowledge and the results were statistically significant aOR: 1.79, 95% CI 1.14; 2.82; p = 0.011 Conclusion: the findings of our study showed that almost half of the participants had poor oral health knowledge. Oral health attitude and oral hygiene practices were also lacking. There is a need to enhance oral health education in this community to improve their oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Hygiène bucco-dentaire des militaires des unités d'élites des forces de défense et de sécurité du Mali / Oral hygiene of the military of the elite units of the defense and security forces of Mali

Introduction: L'hygiène orale représente l'ensemble des mesures prises pour garder la cavité́ orale propre et saine en maintenant les surfaces dentaires dépourvues de plaque et de tartre. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer l'hygiène buccodentaire des Unités d'Élites des forces de défense et de sécurité du Mali. Méthodologie : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive qui s'est déroulée du 01 Septembre 2020 au 30 Aout 2021 dans le service d'Odontologie de l'Infirmerie Hôpital de Bamako (IHB). La population d'étude était constituée de militaires en service dans les différentes Unités d'Élites des corps d'Armée du Mali venus en consultation dans le service d'Odontologie et par d'autres Unités dans leur Quartier Général (QG) compte tenu de leur confidentialité. Résultats : Dans cette étude, la tranche d'âge 30 ­ 39 ans était la plus représentée avec 49,2%. Les sous-officiers étaient les plus représentés avec 55,0%. Parmi les Unités d'Élites, la CIR représentait 34,8%. Pour le brossage des dents, 85,9% se brossaient les dents. Par rapport au nombre de brossage par jour, 54,7% se brossaient les dents 1 fois par jour. Tandis que 48,1% se brossaient les dents avec une brosse de type Medium. Pour le saignement après le brossage, 42,6% avaient un saignement après le brossage. Conclusion: Cette étude a montré que les militaires avaient une connaissance sur l'hygiène buccodentaire car ils se brossaient majoritairement 1 à 2 fois par jour. Toutefois, beaucoup de militaires présentaient un saignement après brossage. Devant cette situation, une nouvelle orientation de la politique de santé bucco-dentaire basée sur l'odontologie préventive s'impose afin d'améliorer la santé et la qualité́ de vie de ces militaires

Introduction: Oral hygiene represents all the measures taken to keep the oral cavity clean and healthy by keeping the dental surfaces free of plaque and tartar. The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral hygiene of elite units of the defense and security forces of Mali. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place from September 01, 2020, to August 30, 2021, in the odontology department of Bamako Military Hospital. The study population involved soldiers of various Elite Units of the Armed Forces of Mali who came for consultation in the odontology service. Results: In this study, the 30-39 age group was the most represented with 49.2%. NCOs were the most represented with 55.0%. Among Elite Units, the CIR accounted for 34.8%. For tooth brushing, 85.9% brushed their teeth. Regarding the number of brushings per day, 54.7% brushed their teeth once a day. While 48.1% brushed their teeth with a medium brush. For bleeding after brushing, 42.6% had bleeding after brushing. Conclusion: This study showed that the military had knowledge of oral hygiene because they brushed mostly 1 to 2 times a day. However, many soldiers had bleeding after brushing. Faced with this situation, a new orientation of the oral health policy based on preventive odontology is necessary in order to improve the health and quality of life of these soldiers

Oral hygiene status, interdental cleaning and perception of gingival bleeding among a group of pregnant women in Nigeria

Background: Hormonal and vascular changes in pregnancy can lead to exaggeration of inflammatory response to local irritants like dental plaque causing pregnancy gingivitis which if not treated can result in advanced periodontal diseases and consequent adverse pregnancy outcomes. Objective: Toassess the oral hygiene and gingival bleeding perception of pregnant womenMethods: Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Oral hygiene status and gingival status were assessed with Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and gingival bleeding index respectively. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 25. Results were presented in frequency and percentages and chi square analysis done for the categorical variables with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: One hundred and fifty-one participants with age range of 20 to 43 years with a mean age of 29.85±4.05years participated in the study. All participants used toothbrush to clean their teeth and 44.4% used medium bristled toothbrush. Two-third used herbal toothpaste. More than two-thirds (84.1%) of the participants used both horizontal and vertical tooth brushing technique. Only 33.8% brushed twice daily. Though 92.1% claimed to clean interdentally, only 19.4% used dental floss. Prevalence of gingival bleeding was 31.8%. Two persons (1.3%) thought it normal to bleed from the gum while brushing and 86.8% did not know one can bleed from the gum during pregnancy Forty-four (29.1%) and 18(11.9%) of participants had fair and poor oral hygiene status respectively. 55.6% bled on probing and had gingival bleeding index of 1 and 2. Four (2.6%) of participants had gingival recession measuring 3mm to 4mm and 8.6% had halitosis. Statistical analysis of the association between participants' perception of gum bleeding and oral hygiene status showed statistical significance. Conclusion: The knowledge of pregnancy gingivitis is poor among the participants. There is the need to educate them about this and incorporate periodontal care into antenatal care so as to increase their quality of life during pregnancy.

Évaluation de l'hygiène buccodentaire des patients consultant le service d'odontostomatologie du centre de santé de référence de Ouelessebougou au Mali / Assessment of the oral hygiene of the patients consulting the odonto-stomatology service of the reference health center of 0uelessebougou in Mali

INTRODUCTION: La santé bucco-dentaire fait partie intégrante de la santé générale et du bien-être de tous les individus selon l'OMS. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer l'état buccodentaire des patients vus en consultation dans le service d'Odontostomatologie du Centre de Santé de Référence de Ouelessebougou au MALI. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Il s'agissait d'une étude prospective, transversale de type descriptif d' une période de 3 mois allant du 01 Août au 30 octobre 2018.L'étude portait sur tous les patients venus en première consultation dans le service. RÉSULTATS: Dans cette étude, le sexe masculin représentait 52% des cas avec un sex ratio de 1,08 %. La tranche d'âge la plus représentée était celle de 16 à 30 ans avec 53,25 %. La moyenne d'âge était de 30 ans. Parmi les pathologies bucco-dentaires, la carie dentaire était la plus représentée avec 94,14 % suivie des affections parodontales avec 71,82%. Cette étude a montré que 79 % des patients se brossaient les dents. Parmi les 122 patients qui se brossaient, 41,80% se brossaient 1 fois par jour, et 45,80% se brossaient 2 fois par jour. La méthode horizontale traumatisante était la plus présentée avec 78,68 %. Selon cette étude, 91% des patients avaient besoin d'enseignement de l'Hygiène Bucco-dentaire. CONCLUSION: Devant cette situation, une nouvelle orientation de la politique de santé bucco-dentaire basée sur l'odontologie préventive s'impose afin d'améliorer la santé et la qualité de vie des populations

INTRODUCTION: Oral health is an integral part of the overall health and well-being of all people according to the WHO. The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral status of patients seen in consultation in the Odonto-stomatology Department of the Ouelessebougou Reference Health Center in MALI. METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective, cross-sectional descriptive study of a 3-month period from August 1st to October 30th, 2018. The study included all the patients who had come for first consultation in the department. RESULTS: In this study, males accounted for 52% of cases with a sex ratio of 1.08%. The most represented age group was 16 to 30 years old with 53.25%. The average age was 30 years old. Among dental pathologies, tooth decay was the most represented with 94.14% followed by periodontal disease with 71.82%. This study showed that 79% of patients brushed their teeth. Of the 122 patients who brushed, 41.80% brushed once a day, and 45.80% brushed twice a day. The traumatic horizontal method was the most presented with 78.68%. According to this study, 91% of patients needed oral hygiene education. CONCLUSION: Given this situation, a new orientation of oral health policy based on preventive dentistry is needed to improve the health and quality of life of populations

The effect of chewing stick use on oral hygiene and gingival health of young adults in Nigeria

Objective: The maintenance of good oral hygiene contributes to gingiva health. Several items have been used for mechanical removal of plague, examples of which are the chewing stick and toothbrush. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of using chewing stick to maintain gingival health. Methods: A randomised, single blind, (clinical investigator) experimental study was conducted among 40 persons (20 chewing stick group and 20 toothbrush and toothpaste group). Data was collected through the use of interviewer-administered questionnaire and clinical examination. Evaluation of the effect on gingival health were done 3weeks and 6weeks after the baseline treatment (Scaling and polishing and oral hygiene instruction with emphasis on the use of toothbrush or chewing stick depending on which group . Results: The mean age of participants in the study was 21.58±2.43years. Participants in chewing stick group had significantly higher oral hygiene score than toothbrush group at 3 weeks post intervention only (P=0.03). The chewing stick group and toothbrush group did not have any significant difference in mean gingival index score at both 3 weeks and 6weeks post intervention stages. Conclusion: Chewing stick use resulted in poorer oral hygiene in the initial assessment but improved at second assessment. Chewing stick use resulted in lower non-significant positive effect on gingival health in comparison with toothbrush/toothpaste use. Dentists in resource poor economy should not discourage the use of chewing stick but rather educate users on the proper use of it, since it is cost effective

Facteurs déterminants la prévalence de la carie dentaire chez les patients consultant au service d'odontologie du centre hospitalier régional de Tenkodogo, Burkina Faso

La carie dentaire est une maladie universelle répandue à travers le monde depuis des millénaires. C'est une maladie multifactorielle non transmissible évitable. Afin de réduire son impact, la présente étude a eu pour objectif de rechercher les facteurs déterminant la prévalence de la carie dentaire au service d'odontologie du Centre Hospitalier Régional (CHR) de Tenkodogo au Burkina Faso. Méthodologie. Il s'est agi d'une étude transversale descriptive qui s'est déroulée du 11 mars au 11 avril 2015. Un guide d'entretien individuel adressé aux patients a servi à la collecte des données. Le profil socio-économique, le niveau de connaissance sur l'hygiène bucco-dentaire, les pratiques en matière d'hygiène buccale, le mode alimentaire et le niveau de connaissance sur la carie dentaire ont été les variables recueillies. Résultats. Cent quarante patients dont 62,1 % de sexe féminin ont participé à l'étude. L'âge moyen était de 33,1 ans. La prévalence carieuse était de 97,1 % avec un indice DCAO moyen de 3,68 %. Un tiers des patients avait un niveau de connaissance suffisant sur l'hygiène buccale. La consommation quotidienne d'aliments sucrés était retrouvée chez 69,3 % et la pratique du grignotage chez 62,1%. La douleur était le motif de première consultation (57,1%). La visite préventive au cabinet dentaire était méconnue par 93,6 % des patients. Conclusion. Les résultats ont montré une insuffisance de connaissance de la maladie carieuse. Seule la sensibilisation pourrait aider à la réduction de la prévalence de la carie au sein de la communauté

Connaissances et pratiques en hygiène hospitalière des personnels du centre de consultations et de traitements odontostomatologiques du CHU de Cocody d'Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)

En chirurgie dentaire, les personnels de santé et les patients sont exposés à certains risques d'infection en absence de mesures d'hygiène appropriées. Ainsi, la présente étude avait pour objectif d'évaluer les connaissances et pratiques des personnels du Centre de Consultations et de Traitements Odonto-Stomatologiques (CCTOS) en matière d'hygiène. L'étude de type transversal a concerné les personnels de soins du CCTOS. Les informations collectées à l'aide d'un questionnaire ont porté différents paramètres en rapport avec l'hygiène en milieu de soins. Les résultats ont montré que les personnels de santé avaient une connaissance insuffisante des produits d'hygiène et méthodes de désinfection. Moins du 1/3 de l'ensemble des personnels a déclaré porter des lunettes de protection lors des soins. Ces résultants commandent l'engagement de tous dans la démarche qualité afin de garantir la sécurité des personnels soignant et des patients

Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin following chemotherapy: a case report and implications for oral care in cancer treatment

Objective: Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is a rapidly spreading and often fatal infection of the soft tissues of head and neck characterized by tissue necrosis and profuse purulent discharge. This report describes a cancer patient, who had undergone chemotherapy and developed CNF of odontogenic origin to highlight the need for oral examination before commencement ofchemotherapy.Case description: A 68 years old retired gardener who developed CNF from infected right permanent mandibular first and second molars. He had undergone surgery and had 3 cycles of Cisplatin, 5-Fluorouracil and Adriamycin on account of carcinoma of the head of pancreas. No oral assessment was carried out prior to commencement of chemotherapy to detect a potential source of infection. Management included removal of the causative teeth, incision and drainage, repeated debridement, daily dressing of wound with Povidone-iodine solution and intravenous antibiotic based on pus microscopy, culture and sensitivity report. He however succumbed to the disease 23 days later. Conclusion: CNF of odontogenic origin is an extremely fatal condition. Early detection and prompt aggressive treatment is a key to successful outcome. Clinicians involved with management of cancer patients should routinely seek the expertise of a dentist for a pre-chemotherapy oral assessment and all potential sources of infections are removed before chemotherapy begins

Perceived stressors of oral hygiene students in the dental environment

Background. University students are exposed to a multitude of stressors that may impact on their performance. The nature of health sciences education generally involves early engagement with patients and communities; which may add to the stressors inherent to university life. There is sparse information on stressors in the oral hygiene educational environment. Objective. To determine perceived stressors and the level of burnout among oral hygiene students at the University of the Western Cape; Cape Town; South Africa. Method. A descriptive; cross-sectional study design was used. The study sample included all students in the Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) degree during 2012 (N=89). A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data. Three parameters were measured; i.e. (i) demographic characteristics; (ii) perceived sources of stress; using a modified Dental Environment Stress (DES) questionnaire; and (iii) burnout; using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results. Respondents were mostly female (74%) and primarily in the 18 - 25-year age group (92%). First- and 2nd-year students identified fear of failing and study load as major stressors. Stressors related to a lack of basic needs were identified as major stressors by 25% of 1st-year students. Third-year students identified clinical quotas; supervision and patients being late as major stressors. MBI scores indicated that students were not at risk forburnout; however; most students (66.2%) scored high on emotional exhaustion (EE). Conclusion. Oral hygiene students identified stressors in their learning environment. There was a progressive increase in EE across academic years. The results suggest that interventions should be tailored for specific academic year groups

Nigerian Dentists and Oral Health-Care of Pregnant Women: Knowledge; Attitude and Belief

Background: Pregnant women seek preventive; interventional and rehabilitative oral health-care for their oral health and protection of their fetus and babies after delivery. The objective of the study was to determine the Nigerian Dentist's knowledge; attitude and belief pertaining to the oral health-care of pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional of Nigerian dentist was conducted between June and December; 2011 using Huebner et al.; modified dentist's attitude to the pregnant women questionnaire Results: The overall response rate of 92.5 (149/160). Receipt of continuing medical education (CME) was reported among the participants on periodontal disease of pregnant patients (22.1); oral hygiene of pregnant patients (20.1); early childhood caries (35.6) and general dental problem (51.0). The majority (92.6) agreed that Dentists have the skill to counsel pregnant patients; But only 73.8 of them provided oral hygiene instruction frequently to pregnant patients and even fewer (6.0) were involved in educational advice on oral health for young women. Many of the participants agreed that counseling pregnant patients about periodontal disease and its effect on the developing baby is of utmost importance. Participants also dominantly agreed that dental treatment should be part of prenatal care and 97.3 of them opined that physician recommendation will increase the likelihood of pregnant seeking dental care. More than half (56.4) of the participants reported that Dentists should be concerned about being sued if something goes wrong with the pregnancy. The recommended ways to improve oral health-care of pregnant women among the participants were through CME (92.6); provision of educational materials on oral health-care of pregnant women (93.3) and information on ways to counsel pregnant women (98.0). Conclusion: Data from this study revealed high preparedness; positive attitude and favorable disposition in dental care provision for pregnant women among the studied Nigerian Dentists

Quality of Care at a Pediatric Dental Clinic in Ibadan; Nigeria

Background: The quality of healthcare has become a topical issue in recent years and the introduction of quality assurance that constitute some of the tools for change is now an important development in healthcare practice. Objectives: This study aims at evaluating the quality of care provided at the Paediatric Dental Clinic of the University College Hospital (UCH); Ibadan. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 141 parents of children who attended the clinic over a 3-month period using a modified quality of care questionnaire by Ygge and Arnetz (2001). Results: Majority of the parents (93.6) were pleased with the registration process; while 81.6 and 66.7 were satisfied with the waiting arrangements and social amenities such as light and water respectively. Ratings of the quality of care indices revealed that 50.4 and 41.1 of the parents were happy with the information process and accessibility respectively. Over 80.0 of the respondents were pleased to a great degree with the dental treatment their children received. However; 44 (31.2) said that they felt that they could not especially/not at all contact their dentist by telephone. About a fifth; (21.2); felt they had not especially/not at all received information about how to prevent their child's dental problem. Inability of the dentists to introduce themselves was reported by 56.8 of the parents. The mean waiting time spent before being attended was 64.9 minutes while the desired average waiting time was 20.1 minutes. Conclusion: Parents were extremely satisfied with the dental treatment their children received at the UCH and had great confidence in staff competence even though they complained of long waiting time. However; there is a communication gap between the dentist; patients; and parents; since some of the dentists failed to introduce themselves and give information on prevention of dental diseases. For this reason; patients' appointments should be spread out to reduce waiting time. Furthermore; staff should introduce themselves and efforts must be made to improve health education given to parents. The dental curriculum should emphasize patient-dentist relationships

The Oral Hygiene Status of Institution Dwelling Orphans in Benin City; Nigeria

Introduction: Orphans like other vulnerable children face a number of challenges including limited or no access to basic health care including oral health care; which is one of their unmet health care needs. Neglected oral health care is associated with the development and progression of periodontal diseases among others. Objective: To determine the oral hygiene status of institution dwelling orphans. Materials and Methods: Thirty eight orphans from four orphanages in Benin City; Edo State of Nigeria were clinically examined and their oral hygiene status determined using the simplified oral hygiene index of Greene and Vermillion (OHI-S). Results: Seventy-three percent of the orphans were found to have fair oral hygiene comprising mostly of those aged 6-13 years. More females were in this category while more males presented with poor oral hygiene status. Conclusion: More orphans presented with fair oral hygiene that indicated inadequate oral care. There was poor oral health education and limited access to services. There is need for these to be improved as a solution to poor oral health status of these vulnerable children

Oral Health Care Habits and its Role in Preventing Adverse Prenancy Outucomes in Rwanda

More than 20 million infants in the world (15.5 of all births) are born preterm with low birth weight (PLBW). Ninety-five of them are in developing countries and the rate of PLBW in developing countries is more than double (16.5) that in developed countries. It has been suggested that oral infection can act as the site of origin for dissemination of periodontopathogens and their toxins as well as induce inflammatory mechanisms to distant body sites; thus linking periodontal diseases to pre-term delivery of low birth weight (PLBW) infants. The objective of this study was to assess the general oral health care habit of pregnant mothers in order to determine its association with premature delivering of low birth weight infants.Methods: Study participants were asked to complete a questionnaire to obtain information regarding their oral health care habits and the responses linked to their gestation term and time of delivery. In addition; their mouths were examined for gingival inflammation and / or bleeding which might be attributed to lack of oral health care. Results and conclusion: Although in this study oral health care habits of the mothers did not appear to directly influence the gestation period and birth weight of the infants; the resulting gingival inflammation and bleeding showed a significant correlation with PLBW (p = 0.004). Therefore maternal dental care during pregnancy and good oral hygiene habits could be highly recommended. Also more detailed examination and assessment of the oral health status of mothers with particular emphasis on periodontal disease and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes are needed

Knowledge and Utilisation of Expanded Functions of Oral Hygiene and Barriers to Successful Implementation in Public Healthcare Services in Gauteng

Dental hygiene continues to evolve as a profession. It needs greater regulation and autonomy. Since the burden of disease and demand for treatment is increasing; there is a great need for existing oral hygiene services to be utilised effectively and efficiently. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and utilisation of the expanded functions of oral hygiene; and also to gauge the barriers to successful implementation of these functions among dentists and dental therapists in public healthcare services in Gauteng province. The study was cross-sectional; and 51 selected dentists completed a self-administered questionnaire. More than a third (n = 19; 37) of the dentists did not know anything about the expanded functions of oral hygiene. Among dentists who did have knowledge of these functions; 66 (n = 19) identified restorative procedures as the scope of the expanded functions. Almost three-quarters (n = 37; 72) worked with oral hygienists; but only 14 delegated some of the expanded functions. Regarding non-delegation; 70 (n = 22) mentioned that the oral hygienists were too busy to carry out these functions. Seventy per cent (n = 22) of dentists indicated that the expanded functions were never used in their workplace; and 50 (n = 16) reported the lack of patient need as a barrier to utilisation of the functions in the workplace. Oral hygiene services in South Africa need to be brought in line with international expanded function standards. The full use of oral hygienists in applying these functions should be encouraged and supported

The Prevalence of Self-Reported Halitosis and Oral Hygiene Practices among Libyan Students and Office Workers

Aims:The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of self-reported halitosis; oral hygiene practices and related diseases among Libyan students and employees. Methods: Six hundred self-administered structured questionnaires were used to investigate self-perception of halitosis and oral hygiene practices among a group of Libyan volunteers. Chi square test was used to detect significant differences between frequencies and to test correlation between self-perception of halitosis and measures of oral hygiene. Results: Forty three percent of the subjects were males and 57were females. Forty four percent of the males and 54of the females revealed self-perception malodour. Malodour was reported with the highest frequency (68) during wake up time. Malodour was perceived by 31.7of the females and 23.4of the males during the hand-on-mouth test (p=0.04). Significantly more females (89.9) than males (75.7) practiced brushing (p0.001). Fifty one percent of the males and 49.6of females had dental caries. Smoking was significantly (p0.001) more prevalent among males (17) than among females (1). Brushing was practiced by 85of non-smokers and 68of smokers (p=0.004). About 71of the subjects who practiced brushing reported malodour during wake up time in comparison to subjects who did not practice brushing (p=0.041). Conclusions: The prevalence of self-perceived malodour among the Libyan volunteers in this study is within the range of other studies. There is a great demand to reduce the incidence of dental caries and periodontal diseases

Oral Hygiene Care in Critically Ill Patients

Oral hygiene care includes a combination of nursing activities that are often placed very low on the priority care list for a critically ill patient. This may have detrimental implications for the patient. A literature review was done to identify and describe the available evidence related to the beneficial effects of oral hygiene care and the way in which oral hygiene practices should be implemented for a critically ill patient. Various implications of poor oral hygiene care are highlighted; as well as the barriers that have been identified to preventing good oral hygiene care practice. A discussion of the available research evidence to guide oral hygiene care activities includes aspects of timing as well as recommended 'tools'. While some nursing-led research has been published on this topic; there is scope for further investigation into oral hygiene care practices in the critically ill