Tooth loss severity and core and non-core food consumption among older Brazilian adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between tooth loss severity and core and non-core food consumption in the older Brazilian population. METHODS: We analysed data from 20 756 people aged 60 years or older who participated in the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey. The average consumption days a week of core (8-item) and non-core (4-item) foods were the outcomes, measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Tooth loss severity was the main exposure, using a four-category ordinal variable: mild (1-12 teeth missing), moderate (13-22), severe (23-31) and edentulous (all 32). Sociodemographic, tobacco smoking, use of dental prosthesis, difficulty in chewing and systemic conditions were among the covariates. Linear regression models estimated the association between tooth loss and food consumption. RESULTS: Almost two-thirds of participants had moderate or worse levels of tooth loss. Older adults with more severe tooth loss reported an overall lower consumption of core and higher non-core foods than those with mild tooth loss. Worse tooth loss severity was associated with lower consumption of vegetables and/or legumes and fruits, and higher consumption of beans, artificial fruit juices and confectionery. CONCLUSIONS: Older Brazilian adults with more severe tooth loss are consuming lower core and higher non-core foods. Our findings reinforce the importance of the common risk factor approach to tackle the adverse effects of tooth loss on diet.

How Has Teledentistry Been Applied in Public Dental Health Services? An Integrative Review.

Background: There are inequities in the provision of oral health care, and a large proportion of the population face challenges in accessing public dental health care options. Introduction: Teledentistry (TD), a new branch of telemedicine dedicated to dentistry, is a potential approach that can be used to overcome these challenges. Therefore, the purpose of this integrative review was to collect information regarding the inclusion of the application of TD tools in the public dental health services. Methods: Five electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Virtual Health Library, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched for relevant articles if they reported on original data related to the use of TD in public dental health services. Results/Discussion: Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria and were, consequently, included in the review. Our key findings indicated that TD can be used for training and continuing education of professionals, for remote patient care, to exchange information among health professionals, and orientation. It increases the access to dental care and enables general practitioners to interact with specialties. The benefits include cost-effective health equity services, improve dental knowledge, and reduce consultation waiting time. However, despite the advances made with the use of this technology, there are still some obstacles to overcome, such as limited infrastructure, low levels of motivation and the lack of compliance, professional resistance, and legal and security issues. Conclusion: TD may be very a useful tool for dental public health increasing the quality of the care by improving access, professional education, and patient satisfaction.

Teaching undergraduate geriatric dentistry in five South America countries.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to qualitatively analyse undergraduate geriatric dentistry (GD) teaching characteristics identified by geriatric dentistry teachers and senior students in five South American countries. BACKGROUND: GD involves the knowledge and skills required to provide oral health care for older people. METHODS: Exploratory-descriptive research with a qualitative approach developed in the undergraduate context of public universities in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Nine dental schools were intentionally selected. The participants were GD module teachers (20) and their senior students (30). Data were collected through open interviews via Skype® conducted between May and August 2015 and were analysed using a content analysis technique with ATLAS.ti® software, resulting in four categories. RESULTS: GD modules are theoretical or a theoretical-practical mix. Most teachers are prosthodontists without specific training in GD. Their motivations to teach GD are related to personal, family, professional and social reasons. Humanity, sensitivity and knowledge of older people are considered fundamental characteristics of a GD teacher. CONCLUSIONS: Students' first contact with an older person usually occurs during clinical activities. The participants mentioned insufficient hours for GD modules in the curricula and exclusively theoretical modules that do not allow students to learn typical specificities of older people. In the context of this study, the undergraduate GD teaching-learning process presented some weaknesses regarding educational methods, professor training and the interaction between older people and students. Diversification of learning scenarios and GD professor training are highly recommended.

The Dentist's Role in Southern Brazilian Teaching Hospitals: A Grounded Theory Study.

The aim of this study was to develop a theoretical model to describe the role that the dentist plays in Brazilian hospital settings. This qualitative study was based on the grounded theory research method. Participants were a total of 27 individuals in three groups: dentists and general practice and oral and maxillofacial surgery residents; faculty; and other health professionals who interacted with dental patients in the hospital setting during the 2012-13 year. Data were collected in three teaching hospitals in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, through scripted interviews using open-ended questions. The stages of collection, codification, ordination, and integration of data were guided by constant comparative techniques to formulate a theoretical model. The codes generated were organized into seven categories: identifying the hospital as a working and teaching environment; recalling the dentists' professional pathways; reflecting on the dentist's work in the hospital; considering the political and organizational dimension of the role of the dentist in the hospital; understanding patients' life and health contexts; education and professional practice; and moving on towards interdisciplinary practices in the hospital setting. Integrating the categories led to a theoretical model called "The Dentist's Role in the Hospital Setting: An Interdisciplinary Construction." This theoretical model provides a framework to understand how dentists perform in the hospital setting, with a focus on interdisciplinary practice, which in this study was shown to be incipient and heterogeneous.

Perception of the older adults regarding the practise of physical activity and healthy eating / La percepción de las personas mayores sobre la actividad física y la alimentación saludable

Objective: To understand the perception of regular physical activity and healthy eating among the older adults. Methods: This descriptive study (qualitative approach) included 36 older adults (69 to 91 years) residents in a rural community in southern Brazil. A semi-structured interview was used and the information were recorded, transcribed and interpreted (content analysis technique). Results: The following categories of analysis were identified: a) facilitators and barriers for the practising PA, b) benefits of regular PA, and c) healthy eating habits-consumption of food (beneficial and harmful for health). Facilitating factors were related to social interaction, motivation, willpower, practise enjoying, having company, and being encouraged. Barriers perceived were diseases, physical limitations, pain, lack of willingness and age. The PA benefits were wellbeing, pain reduction, increased willingness, treatment and disease prevention. Fruits, vegetables, vitamin D, calcium, and water were cited as important to health. The consumption of foods rich in fat and sugars was associated with the occurrence of diseases. Conclusion: Personal aspects, of coexistence and motivation, are factors cited as facilitators for the practise of physical activities, while the barriers are related to health, unwillingness, and age. Health promotion strategies may be multidisciplinary and should consider personal aspects, of coexistence, motivation and health. Strategies should focus on the benefits of regular PA and healthy eating.

Objetivo: Estudiar la percepción de las personas mayores en la actividad física (AF) regular y la alimentación saludable. Métodos: El estudio (cualitativo, descriptivo) fue realizado con 36 ancianos (69-91 años) residentes en una comunidad rural en el sur de Brasil. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas (cuestionario semi-estructurado), transcritas y analizadas utilizando la técnica de Análisis de Contenido. Resultados: Se identificaron 3 categorías de análisis: a) los factores que facilitan y las barreras para la práctica de AF; b) los beneficios de la AF regular y, c) dieta saludable: el consumo de alimentos buenos y malos para la salud. Los factores facilitadores fueron la fuerza de voluntad, disfrutar de la AF, tener compañía y recibir incentivos. Los ancianos consideraron como barreras las enfermedades, limitaciones físicas, dolor corporal, falta de voluntad, el aumento de la edad. Los beneficios citados fueron el bienestar, la reducción del dolor corporal, aumento de la disposición, tratamiento y prevención de enfermedades. Los adultos mayores consideraron las frutas, verduras, vitamina D, calcio y agua importantes para la salud. El consumo de grasas y azúcares han vinculado a enfermedades y restricciones en la dieta. Conclusión: Los aspectos personales de la convivencia y la motivación son considerados como facilitadores de la actividad física, mientras que las barreras están relacionadas con la salud, la falta de deseo y la edad. Estrategias para la promoción de la salud deben ser multidisciplinarias, considerar los aspectos personales de la vida, la motivación y la salud, centrándose en los beneficios de la AF y la alimentación saludable.