Thai Dental Public Health Journal

Editorial Team

2023-11-24T11:05:27+07:00

Author Guidelines

2023-11-24T12:13:15+07:00

Content

2023-11-24T11:13:28+07:00

The use of silver diamine fluoride for root caries management in elders by the dental nurses: a scoping review

2024-04-22T15:59:28+07:00

The trend of root caries in elders has increased. The 9th Thai National Oral Health Survey (2023) shows untreated root caries in older elders at 35.5%, double the prevalence from the 8^th survey (2017). Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a clear liquid applied to prevent and arrest active root caries of permanent teeth. The application of SDF is an uncomplicated procedure that requires a minimal piece of equipment, is cost-effectiveness and can be used for caries management in community-based programs. The utilization of SDF by dental nurses emerges as a promising strategy to enhance access to root caries management. This scoping review aims to comprehensively review the management of root caries, the utilization of SDF as a caries management approach, and factors that influence the application of SDF by dental nurses. Six studies were included. As a result, SDF can be used for root caries management across settings, including dental clinics, nursing homes, and communities by a range of dental professionals such as dentists, dental nurses, and dental students. In conclusion, due to its uncomplicated procedure and high efficacy for arresting caries, SDF could be used by dental nurses for root caries management within their scope of treatment, given their abilities, the availability of the solution, and acceptance from patients and dental professionals. This would promote knowledge and confidence among dental nurses in using SDF. The use of SDF by dental nurses in primary care settings could be another option for root caries management in elders.

Acknowledgement

2023-11-24T11:17:06+07:00

Editor's note

2023-11-24T11:59:44+07:00

Cover

2024-03-06T11:45:36+07:00

Workflow

2023-11-24T12:02:34+07:00

Objective and policy

2023-11-24T12:05:55+07:00

Evaluation of the oral health promotion program for the Healthy Teeth Happy Life Network Sisaket municipality, Sisaket province (2011-2021)

2023-04-27T09:57:36+07:00

This study was to evaluate the oral health promotion program for the Healthy Teeth Happy Life Network, Sisaket municipality, Sisaket province, 2011-2021, in four domains: context, input, process, and product. The total of 99 key informants consisted of school administrators, school health teachers, other teachers, public health personnel, and municipal personnel. The data were collected through self-administration and documentary review. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were both used to analyze the quantitative data. The qualitative data was analyzed by content analysis. The results found that overall evaluation scores for each domain were at a good level. 1) Context: mean score of 4.15 (SD=0.819), the program principles conformed to public health and education policies. The program plan responded to the problems and needs of the schools. The objectives and strategies were appropriate. 2) Input: mean score of 4.07 (SD=0.759); the materials, budget, knowledge, and numbers of staff were adequate. Team members had potential for implementation. 3) Process: mean score of 4.10 (SD=0.729), the network had a clear action plan, participatory processes, and standard monitoring. 4) Product: mean score of 4.11 (SD=0.737) Students gained knowledge about oral health care. After-lunch tooth-brushing programs were regularly implemented. The caries prevalence among students in the network has decreased. At the 95% confidence level, there was no difference in key informant appraisal outcomes by gender, age, or work experience at 95% confidence. Occupation classification revealed significant variations in input and process domains (p-value<0.05).

Inequalities in regular oral health check-up behaviour among preschool children in Bang Pu subdistrict municipality, Samut Prakan

2023-05-31T11:40:30+07:00

The objective of this study was to study the inequalities in regular oral health check-up behaviour (ROHCB) and factors affecting ROHCB among preschool children in Bang Pu subdistrict municipality. By collecting data from parents using questionnaires, the results showed that only 18.26 percent of preschool children had ROHCB, and 81.74 percent of the sample had never visited a dentist or visited a dentist only when having oral problems. There are inequalities and social gradients in ROHCB among preschoolers. The ROHCB of preschoolers was concentrated among parents with high education levels, high occupation levels, high family income, and high socio-economic status (SES). In addition, the logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors related to ROHCB of preschool children were the SES of the parents. The children that have parents in the upper-middle/upper class were more likely to have ROHCB than children whose parents were in upper-lower class (OR=2.13; 95% CI=1.05-4.31) and parents who ROHCB were more likely to have their children had ROHCB than parents did not have ROHCB (OR=4.11; 95% CI=2.66-6.60). In conclusion, ROHCB in preschool children was related to their parent's SES. To formulate an effective and target-oriented policy, policymakers need to utilise academic evidence and local population data to set goals and strategies for improving access to dental services, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, improving service delivery system capacity should respond to local's needs and way of life. These factors should be prioritised in planning dental health policy.

In conclusion, ROHCB in preschool children was related to their parent's SES. To formulate an effective and target-oriented policy, policymakers need to utilise academic evidence and local population data to set goals and strategies for improving access to dental services, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, improving service delivery system capacity should respond to local's needs and way of life. These factors should be prioritised in planning dental health policy.

Development an oral self-care behavior surveillance in working-age population

2023-09-27T13:45:48+07:00

The objective of this study was to develop an oral self-care behavior surveillance process among working-age groups aged 15–59 years. A representative sample size in thirteen health regions was calculated using Cochran's formula. Randomization was used to select people in all provinces of the health regions. The required sample size was 2,628. The study was conducted according to the process of health behavior surveillance. Identify risk behaviors associated with oral diseases that needed to be monitored in the working-age group, including brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste every day at least 2 minutes before bedtime, drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, smoking, and visiting a dentist at least once a year for oral checkup. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire through the H4U application between May and September 2021. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Chi-square at the statistically significant level with p-value<0.05. The result showed that 29.6% of working people neglected to brush their teeth before bedtime with fluoride toothpaste daily, 80.0% drank sugar-sweetened beverages, 16.9% smoked, and 64.6% did not visit a dentist in the past year. The data on oral self-care behaviors was used to create an oral health promotion project integrated with health promotion in the workplace for the fiscal year 2022-2023. In addition, the data was used to develop methods to educate oral health care through infographics in the H4U application if the respondents had incorrect oral health care behaviors. This development aims to improve oral health literacy so working people have desirable oral care behaviors.

Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus SD11 as a probiotic in yogurt on oral microbial and caries outcomes in 12-15 years old children: A double blind randomized controlled trial

2023-11-08T09:54:29+07:00

This study aims to evaluate effects of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus SD11 on salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli count, and dental caries in children. A double-blind randomized control trial was conducted. A total of 102 children, aged 12-15 years, were recruited, and randomly assigned to either the probiotic group receiving yogurt containing L. rhamnosus SD11 or control group receiving standard yogurt containing L. bulgaricus. One hundred milliliters of yogurt were provided once daily for 3 months. The salivary samples were collected at baseline (T0), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T6) and 9 months (T9) for counting the numbers of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. Dental caries was examined at baseline and at the end of study (T9). At T3, mutans streptococci in probiotic group was significantly lower (p<0.05) than the control group and a significant reduction (p<0.05) were found when compare with T0. Simultaneously, the numbers of lactobacilli in probiotic group were significantly increased (p<0.01) at T3 when compared with T0 and with control group. However, there were no significant differences between the groups at T6 and T9. The caries progression (transitional probability) was not significantly different between groups. No adverse event was found in both groups. In conclusion, the consumption of L. rhamnosus SD11 daily for 3 months is safe. The increasing of lactobacilli and reduction of cariogenic pathogen, mutans streptococci were found within 3 months of the study. However, the effect to prevent caries progression was not presented.

Electronic cigarette and oral health: a narrative literature review

2023-12-21T13:53:05+07:00

Now, electronic cigarettes are increasing in popularity, especially among juveniles. The vapour from electronic cigarettes had reactive oxidative effects, carcinogenic components, and toxic carbonyl compounds that were harmful to general health as a result of smoking cigarettes. However, in the aspect of oral health, there is still a lack of knowledge about the effects of electronic cigarettes on oral health. The objective of this study was to review the effects of electronic cigarettes on oral health. This review was conducted from June to October 2023. Relevant articles were independently searched on PubMed and Google Scholar, which were published until September 2023. The inclusion criteria were published in English and did not exceed 10 years. The results showed electronic cigarettes caused dysbiosis of oral flora in saliva and sub-gingiva and caused inflammation of oral cells by increased inflammatory mediators, which led to periodontal disease (OR: 1.43), dental caries, peri-implantitis, implant failure, orthodontic treatment failure, and oral lesions. Furthermore, the toxic vapour from electronic cigarettes damaged oral cells and caused oral cancer. The other effects of electronic cigarettes were hard and soft tissue trauma to oral ulcers (OR: 1.54) and cracks and fractures of teeth (OR: 1.65) from the method of smoking electronic cigarettes. Dental personnel who were familiar with juveniles could observe any changes in the oral cavity from electronic cigarettes. So, dental personnel need to play their roles by providing knowledge of the effects of electronic cigarettes and smoking cessation counseling to their patients. The electronic cigarette campaign should include the effects of oral health.

The Transition to New State of the Complete Denture Experience

2023-10-03T14:47:26+07:00

This qualitative research aimed to study the transition to a new state of experience from the perspective of complete denture wearers. The in-depth interview with eleven key informants with complete denture-wearing experience for the first time and use dentures in daily life was conducted. The data was collected from October 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022. The information from the interview was compiled descriptively and used inductive analysis. Take the information and categorize it into various issues according to the content. Summary to interpret and find meaning from the researcher's perspective. Describe the data based on the transitional theory conceptual framework. The results showed behavior through the transition process as follows: a feeling of connection to dentures in daily life by learning to use dentures with their lifestyle diet, and wearing them regularly all day to feel like natural teeth. The positive interaction with their complete dentures and a constant commitment to the continuity of wearing dentures. When there is a problem with dentures, get advice from the dentist or denture wearers in the community. Developing confidence when wearers understand the nature of complete dentures, they have a suitable form of usage, and use dentures with mastery. Eventually, complete dentures become a part of life. Therefore, dentists should follow up after wearing dentures to give advice and empower them to overcome hard feelings during the adaptation period by describing the transition process, pointing out positive adaptive trends in individuals, and sharing what other denture wearers have experienced.

Evaluation of the royal denture project, Nonthaburi province, 2015 - 2019

2023-11-27T16:43:36+07:00

This study evaluates the Royal Denture Project implementation from 2015 to 2019 using the CIPP model. Data was collected from 29 dentists and 287 denture recipients. The result showed that overall services met the target. Providers rated input: staffing, budgeting, and equipment high at ( = 3.9); while rated the collaboration with local government authorities and community low ( =2.3). Denture queue was about 3-10 months. Recipient reported only 26.1% came for annual recheck; 8.7% reported cracked or chipped denture, and 18.5% loose upper denture. When asked, 57.5% of the recipient expressed a need for denture adjustment or a new denture. Those who reported loose, cracked, chipped, or used dentures over 5 years expressed a higher need to adjust or change dentures (p<0.05). Denture cleaning methods: brush (82.5%), rinse with water (59.3%), use cleansing tablet (25.3%). Acknowledgement about the right to seek new dentures only 22.0 % of the sample know their right. The impact of oral health-related quality of life in this study is that there is no association between age and OIDP. Suggestions are provided out-of-hospital denture services, e.g., at health center to minimize transportation obstacles. Cooperation with local government is needed to transport elderly people to service. Empower Village Health Volunteer and dental nurses to help with screening and appointments. Establishing government-private partnerships to provide care. Set a proper periodic recall system to monitor and maintain denture utilization for the elderly patient.

Effectiveness of oral care program for hospitalized older patients in the intermediate care ward, Health promoting hospital, Regional health promotion center 9 Nakhon Ratchasima

2024-01-24T19:04:06+07:00

This pilot study aimed to assess the effectiveness of oral care programs in improving oral hygiene among hospitalized older patients in the intermediate care (IMC) ward from July 2020 to January 2021. A total of 25 hospitalized patients aged 60 years and older, with Barthel Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores below 12. The patients received an individualized oral health care program that included daily oral care by nursing staff and professional oral care by dentists. Oral health status and oral hygiene were assessed using the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) at baseline and after a two-week follow-up. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. After the two-week follow-up, there was a significant reduction in both OHI-S and OHAT scores (p<0.05). This oral health care program, which combined daily oral care by nurses, an individual oral care plan, dental prophylaxis, and prevention services by dentists significantly improved oral health and oral hygiene status among hospitalized older patients within two weeks. To further improve the oral hygiene and oral health status of inpatients, the oral health care program should be implemented in other health facilities.

The effectiveness of motivational interviewing for smoking cessation in dental clinic Thammasat University athletes of Rangsit campus

2024-02-12T14:42:15+07:00

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a smoking cessation process using motivational interviewing (MI) among dental students in a clinical trial setting. The sample group was made up of 39 athletes who were smokers at Thammasat University. The group of 20 people used the MI process (3 - 5 minutes) to help them quit smoking, while another group of 19 people used the concise smoking cessation process (5A's) of the World Health Organization (5 - 10 minutes). All research volunteers completed the following tasks: collecting general information about smoking behavior, assessing the level of nicotine addiction and carbon monoxide in the breath, initiating the quitting process through oral health examinations, providing dental treatment, and monitoring any changes in physical behavior. After two weeks, a telephonic follow-up was conducted. The percentage of smokers who have quit was 20.0% in the experimental group and 42.1% in the control group, respectively. The smoking behavior decreased to 65.0% in the experimental group and 42.1% in the control group. The MI method can decrease the amount of nicotine smoked per day significantly (p < 0.05), whereas the 5A method has no statistically significant differences in the amount of nicotine reduced per day (p < 0.05). Also, there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. Conclusion: The developed MI and 5A’s methods to help quit smoking are not different. However, MI is more concise and takes a shorter time, which can be used with the work of a dentist in a general dental clinic.

Ethics

2023-11-24T12:09:25+07:00