ABSTRACT
This longitudinal survey aims to demonstrate improvement in oral hygiene among a group of youth with visual impairment (VI) achieved by repeated oral hygiene training, compare their progress with healthy peers (CG) and assess their oral health knowledge. In 100 VI (55â, 45â; ± 17.8 years) and 45 CG (23â, 22â; ± 17.2 years) oral hygiene training and a Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (QHI) rating were repeated six times at three-month intervals. The VI were divided into four subgroups according to the toothbrush hardness/type. A questionnaire was given to both groups. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed at 5% significance level. Both groups showed reduction in QHI, the VI had overall higher QHI values than CG. Use of an electric toothbrush in VI led to lower QHI in the last examination (p < 0.03). 69% of participants recommended dental specialists to improve communications by acquiring more illustrative aids. VI changed toothbrush less often (p < 0.02). A higher incidence of dental plaque was confirmed in VI compared to CG. After education and individual training, gradual plaque reduction has occurred in both groups. Using an electric toothbrush in VI resulted in better QHI outcomes. Repetitive preventive intervention in youth with VI helped them to adopt healthier oral hygiene habits.
Subject(s)
Oral Health , Oral Hygiene , Toothbrushing , Vision Disorders , Humans , Adolescent , Female , Male , Longitudinal Studies , Vision Disorders/epidemiology , Child , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult , Dental Plaque/prevention & control , Dental Plaque/epidemiology , Dental Plaque Index , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the systemic levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in peripheral blood samples of patients with aggressive periodontitis during the first twelve months of periodontal treatment, at exactly six month interval measurements, and compare them with clinical periodontal parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients (N = 45) were examined prior to the initiation of periodontal treatment. Patients were divided into two groups GAgP (Generalised form of aggressive periodontitis, N = 23) and group LAgP (Localised form of aggressive periodontitis, N = 22). Control group (CON) included 60 individuals with healthy periodontium. The levels of CRP were determined in both groups GAgP and LAgP three times in 6 month intervals during the periodontal treatment. RESULTS: CRP is a plasma protein that reflects the extent of the acute phase response to inflammation and is one of the markers of choice for monitoring this response. In our study, CRP levels decreased in course of periodontal treatment in both groups (GAgP and LAgP) in a similar way as bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing pocket depth (PPD) indices. CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that CRP levels, as well as bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing pocket depth (PPD), indices decreased in course of periodontal treatment in patients with generalised and localised aggressive periodontitis. Therefore this marker might be exploitable as a means to evaluate periodontal health in patients with aggressive periodontitis.
