Patterns in Oral Hygiene and Dietary Habits in School Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: To assess oral hygiene and dietary patterns in school children participating in a school-based preventive oral health program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous questionnaire exploring oral hygiene and dietary patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic was completed by parents of school children. Data were compared among different schools, school years, and between genders using nonparametric tests. Associations among further nominal and categorical variables related to oral hygiene and dietary habits were also assessed using the chi-square test. Results: Only 26% (n = 32) of parents reported that their children brushed their teeth the recommended amount of twice or more per day during the pandemic. In addition, 17.2% of the parents reported less brushing than before the pandemic. A total of 40 parents (32.8%) reported that their child consumed unhealthy beverages once a day or more. Comparison between genders revealed that male participants were drinking significantly unhealthier than female (p = 0.038). Sugary foods were consumed once a day or more by 63.1% of children. No significant differences were found between public and church schools. Significant direct associations were found between changes in dietary habits and brushing frequency (p = 0.017), between parental concern regarding the interruption of the school program and decreased brushing frequency (p = 0.005), and negative changes in dietary habits (p = 0.013). Clinical significance: Within the limitations of this study, the present significant findings observed during the pandemic support the importance of school programs in promoting oral hygiene and healthy dietary habits of children. © The Author(s). 2023 Oorg/licenses/by-nc/4.0.

Dental Public Health in Action: Experiences and Responses of Oral Health Care Professionals during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malta.

Initial impetus for action: Maltese Oral Health Care Professionals (OHCP) experienced changes to clinical practice and redeployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early stages, there were few data on the resultant changes to the provision of dental services or their impact on the wellbeing of dental professionals. Solutions Suggested: Two questionnaires were designed to explore different domains in OHCP working on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as in other areas/sectors. The findings were intended to inform guidance documents and to better support the profession. Findings: Anxiety-provoking factors, challenges, and areas of concern of OHCP were identified and practical recommendations to support transitioning to the 'new normal' were presented. OHCP expressed anxiety about contracting COVID-19 from their workplace and passing infection to other family members, friends, or patients. As a result, OHCP expressed the need for better protective clothing, workplace ventilation, and air filtration systems. Future implications: Provision of adequate PPE for OHCP was a priority. New guidelines for dental practice were informed by the experiences of the particpating OHCP. University modules to enhance the resilience of OHCP were among the recommendations to support practitioners.