BMC Oral Health最新文献

{"title":"Effects of Covid-19 pandemic on nutritional habits, lifestyle changes and dental trauma frequency of children with autism: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Hulya Cerci Akcay, Duygu Safci, Yelda Kasimoglu, Gamze Aren, Recep Guloğlu, Murat Coskun, Yaşar Tanir, Meryem Merve Oren, Arzu Pinar Erdem","doi":"10.1186/s12903-025-05697-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12903-025-05697-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted daily routines and lifestyle habits, affecting the psychological well-being and dietary habits of individuals, especially children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aims to evaluate the susceptibility of children with ASD to changes in nutritional habits, lifestyle, and dental trauma during the pandemic related with oral health and compare them with healthy children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study, conducted at Istanbul University, involves children aged 3-14 diagnosed with ASD at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and healthy children who visited the Department of Pedodontics. Parents provide written informed consent, and a questionnaire covering various aspects of their child's health and habits is used. Intraoral examinations are conducted for both groups, recording any trauma history or signs, and evaluating possible causes and risk factors. All data were obtained and analysed by SPSS software program version 23.0 with descriptive statistics calculation, Chi square test, Kolmogorov Smirnov, the Mann-Whitney U test, t test and McNemar test was used with p value fixed at 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results show significant differences between children with ASD and the control group in terms of dental health. Children with ASD had lower dmft and DMFT indices, indicating better dental health (p = 0.005). However, the frequency of dental trauma was similar between the groups (p = 0.685). Additionally, the control group exhibited more significant changes in dietary habits during the pandemic, with a higher tendency for snacking throughout the day (p = 0.027). During lockdowns, parents of children with ASD were statistically more likely to provide junk food when their child was irritable (p < 0.001). Changes in physical activity levels also differed, with a more pronounced decrease in the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, children with ASD experienced a statistically significant higher rate of disruption in daily routines and inability to participate in social activities and courses (p < 0,001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study sheds light on the unique challenges faced by children with ASD, particularly in terms of dental health and related behaviors. It underscores the importance of interventions to ensure optimal oral health outcomes for this population, especially during periods of disruption like the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>","PeriodicalId":9072,"journal":{"name":"BMC Oral Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"331"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11877841/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143555907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of software for collecting cleft-specific data in Malaysia.","authors":"Al Imran Shahrul, Nik Mukhriz Nik Mustapha, Mas Suryalis Ahmad, O P Kharbanda, Aida Nur Ashikin Abd Rahman","doi":"10.1186/s12903-025-05583-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12903-025-05583-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the development of a cleft-specific database for collecting and analyzing data on patients with cleft from birth to adulthood. However, such a database currently does not exist in Malaysia. The objective of this study was to develop a cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) database software for Malaysia to streamline data collection and support comprehensive research to enhance outcomes of care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The development of the database software involves several key stages, including determining the requirements, designing the software interface, implementing the system, conducting thorough testing, and completing comprehensive documentation. The database software was mainly developed internally within the research institution. The team involved in developing the clinical database includes cleft clinicians, software developers, software designers, members of the Cleft Lip and Palate Association Malaysia (CLAPAM), and experts in database development.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>An online and offline database software has been developed to store information on patients with CL/P in Malaysia. It is designed to be user-friendly, accommodating multiple specialties and capable of storing photographs, radiology, and three-dimensional files. Various methods have been implemented to ensure data security. Additionally, documentation including video tutorials, consent forms, and hard copy versions has been developed to complement the database.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A specialized cleft-specific database software has been successfully developed for use in Malaysia to improve data management and support CL/P patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":9072,"journal":{"name":"BMC Oral Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"333"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11877776/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143555889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of the relationship between apical periodontitis and host modulation provided by nutritional supplement: a study in rats.","authors":"Güzide Çankaya, Mevlüt Sinan Ocak, Serkan Dündar, İbrahim Hanifi Özercan","doi":"10.1186/s12903-025-05705-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12903-025-05705-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Traditional treatments often involve chemotherapeutic agents; however, immune modulation agents, such as probiotics, propolis, Vitamin E, and vegetable oils, may offer alternative approaches to reduce inflammation and bone damage. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of various host modulation agents (probiotics, propolis, Vitamin E, and vegetable oils) on inflammation and bone loss in a rat model of experimental apical periodontitis (AP).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 79) were used. AP was induced by exposing the coronal pulp of the mandibular right first molar. Rats were divided into seven groups: Control, AP, AP + Vegetable Oil, AP + Probiotic, AP + Propolis, AP + Vitamin E, and AP + Physiological Serum. The host modulation agents were administered daily for 30 days. Serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured, along with histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations. Statistical analyses were conducted using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Vitamin E and vegetable oil significantly reduced inflammation by 33% and 28%, respectively, compared with the AP group (p < 0.0001 for both). Probiotics reduced fibrosis by 36% (p = 0.0002), and all agents except propolis showed lower serum calcium levels (p = 0.0017) than the AP group. Osteoblastic activity was higher in the AP and Vitamin E groups (p = 0.0366), whereas both propolis and vitamin E treatments resulted in a 20% reduction in osteoclastic activity (p = 0.0389). No significant effect on abscess formation was observed (p = 0.2610). Compared to the AP group, RANKL levels were significantly lower in the supplemented groups by 28-50% (p = 0.0036).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Specific nutritional supplements with host modulation effectively reduced inflammation and bone loss in experimental AP. These findings suggest the potential of these agents in improving endodontic treatment outcomes. Further studies are required to explore their clinical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":9072,"journal":{"name":"BMC Oral Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"336"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11881480/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143555919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating amitriptyline's role in chronic TMD management: a placebo-controlled trial.","authors":"Ratka Borić Brakus, Ivan Brakus, Andreja Carek, Tea Galić, Iva Z Alajbeg","doi":"10.1186/s12903-025-05670-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12903-025-05670-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To assess the effectiveness of low-dose amitriptyline in reducing pain and improving oral health-related quality of life in individuals with chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMD) over a 2-month period, compared to placebo.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty participants were randomly assigned to receive either 25 mg of amitriptyline or a placebo pill for 2 months. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The secondary outcome was the impact of pain on oral health-related quality of life, assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14). Evaluations were conducted at baseline and after the 1st and 2nd months of treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No statistically significant differences were observed between the treatment groups at baseline (p > 0.05). After 2 months of treatment participants in amitriptyline group experienced a significantly greater reduction in spontaneous pain, with a 63.3% decrease in VAS scores. Participants in placebo group showed a much smaller reduction in spontaneous pain, with only a 16.2% decrease in VAS scores. Additionally, the amitriptyline group demonstrated a significant improvement in OHIP-14 scores (p < 0.001), whereas the placebo group showed no significant change in oral health-related quality of life (p = 0.184).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights low-dose amitriptyline as an effective treatment for chronic TMD, showing significant pain reduction and improved quality of life, underscoring its value in a multimodal approach despite the need for further research to personalize care.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>This study was registered retrospectively in ISRCTNregistry under the number ISRCTN17622685, on 01/10/2024.</p>","PeriodicalId":9072,"journal":{"name":"BMC Oral Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"334"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11877830/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143555916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Utilization of caries risk assessment tools within the underserved population: a scoping review.","authors":"Mariam Park, Foram Patel, Maria Jacinta Santos, Svetlana Tikhonova, Alexia Athanasakos, Abbas Jessani","doi":"10.1186/s12903-025-05637-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12903-025-05637-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Caries Risk Assessment (CRA) tools can be utilised to assess caries risk levels within underserved individuals to provide risk-based caries management. With no previous review mapping the evidence of CRA tools in underserved populations, a scoping review was conducted to provide a comprehensive view of the current literature and the utilisation of CRA tools in underserved populations. The main objectives of this review are as follows: (1) to comprehensively review CRA tools utilised, and (2) to highlight the important findings indicating the oral health status of underserved population subgroups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Dissertations & Theses Global (ProQuest). All relevant English-language papers published between January 2004 to June 2024 were identified. Retrieved references were imported and underwent 2-stage screening. The type of CRA tool was extracted as the primary outcome and oral health status of underserved subgroups were extracted as the secondary outcome.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 26 studies and nine different CRA tools were identified. Included studies examined caries risk in low-income families, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, refugees, veterans, and rural communities. Most studies indicated moderate to high caries risk and significant unmet oral health needs in underserved populations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The underserved populations experience elevated caries risk and poor oral health status that require the attention of policymakers and practitioners. Significant heterogeneity across the utilised CRA tools was identified. Future research focusing on developing a standardised and appropriately validated CRA tool that can be utilised is necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":9072,"journal":{"name":"BMC Oral Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"330"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11872313/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparing oral health-related quality of life and satisfaction: root canal therapy vs. extraction for first permanent molars in children - a case-control study.","authors":"Heba Jafar Sabbagh, Ahmad Adnan Samara, Wala Dhafar, Jihan Turkistani, Manal Ibrahim Almalik, Rzan Zaatari, Ahlam Bahkali, Nada Bamashmous","doi":"10.1186/s12903-025-05646-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12903-025-05646-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study addresses a literature gap by examining Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and children-parental satisfaction concerning the management of compromised first permanent molars (FPMs) through root canal therapy (RCT) versus extraction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Children who extracted or received RCT and their parents were interviewed using a validated questionnaire that includes sociodemographic data, OHIP5-Ar questionnaire and satisfaction question.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 305 patients with RCT (197 (37.1%)) or extraction (108 (87.8%)). RCT increased the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of the child's OHRQoL (3.76; P < 0.001) and parent-satisfaction at assessment-time (AOR = 1.82; P = 0.02). Additionally, increase in the duration between treatment and assessment-time elevated the AOR of patient's OHRQoL (AOR = 1.69; P = 0.001). Significantly fewer children reported being uncomfortable with the appearance of their teeth following RCT compared to those who underwent extraction (P < 0.001). Although not statistically significant, patients tended to express greater satisfaction with extraction compared to RCT at the assessment-time (AOR: 0.64; P = 0.081).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While the choice between performing RCT or extraction of compromised FPM in children depends on various factors, both can lead to substantial success in improving the child's OHRQoL and satisfaction. Nevertheless, RCT resulted in fewer concerns about dental appearance.</p>","PeriodicalId":9072,"journal":{"name":"BMC Oral Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"327"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11871659/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"L- shape symphyseal autogenous bone block for alveolar ridge augmentation in anterior maxilla and mandible, a prospective single arm clinical study.","authors":"Wael Mohamed Said Ahmed, Ahmed F Arafa","doi":"10.1186/s12903-025-05601-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12903-025-05601-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Alveolar ridge augmentations are challenging procedures in dental implantology, especially in esthetic zone. 3D alveolar defects can be treated by guided bone regeneration (GBR), distraction osteogenesis, or bone blocks. This study introduces a new technique for 3D-alveolar ridge augmentation by using L-shape autogenous symphyseal bone block.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to assess both horizontal and vertical alveolar bone augmentation for severe atrophied anterior maxilla and mandible, using an L- shape autogenous bone block harvested from the symphysis.</p><p><strong>Patients and method: </strong>elven partially edentulous patients who needed horizontal and vertical bone augmentation in the anterior maxilla or mandible before implant placement were selected for this study. For each patient, an autogenous bone block was harvested from the symphysis, trimmed to L-shape, and used to augment the anterior maxilla or mandible horizontally and vertically. Horizontal and vertical bone gain was measured by CBCT immediate postoperative and at 6months postoperatively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, 14 L-shape bone blocks were grafted in 11 patients. The patients were 4males and 7females, with a mean age of 24.63years. Healing was uneventful for all patients with no sensory disturbance. The Mean of horizontal bone gain was 4.17 ± 0.77 mm immediate postoperative, and was 3.52 ± 0.75 after 6months. While, the mean of vertical bone gain was 6.51 ± 1.01 mm immediate postoperative, and was 4.74 ± 1.03after 6months. The mean of horizontal and vertical bone loss was 0.74 ± 0.24 mm and 1.62 ± 0.19 mm after 6 months, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Using L- shape autogenous bone block harvested from the symphysis for alveolar ridge augmentation is a safe, predictable and effective method for 3D ridge augmentation.</p>","PeriodicalId":9072,"journal":{"name":"BMC Oral Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"326"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11871662/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges in diagnosing and treating ossifying fibroma in adolescent patients - a case report and review of literature.","authors":"Martín Alberto Sánchez Varela, R Pablo Romero, R Sofia Escobar, V Araceli Chamorro, Constanza Martínez-Cardozo","doi":"10.1186/s12903-025-05547-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12903-025-05547-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a non-common benign fibrous-osseous lesion with highly aggressive behavior and tends to recur. Here, we report a case where Ossifying Fibroma (OF) was diagnosed in an adolescent female patient and was treated by marginal mandibular resection to avoid esthetic and functional defects in the future.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>OF was diagnosed in a 13-year-old woman incidentally. Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) examination showed a hypodense lesion compromising the vestibular table and 34 and 35 teeth. An incisional biopsy was performed to determine the histopathological diagnosis. After a multidisciplinary consensus, tooth extraction and surgical resection of the lesion were done. In the same way, bone reconstruction using the Khoury technique with an autologous graft of an external oblique line and with a mixture of autogenous and allogenic bone and fixation screws. Clinical and imaging follow-ups after 1, 4, 15, and 23 months were included, evidencing integration of the grafts in the treated zone.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>OF early identification and treatment are essential to minimize risks of losing tissues in young people. Also, to avoid negative consequences in the people´s quality of life associated with bone and teeth loss. This highlights the importance of radiographic surveillance, analyses, and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize clinical outcomes in patients with similar conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":9072,"journal":{"name":"BMC Oral Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"325"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11871718/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation by dental professionals of an artificial intelligence-based application to measure alveolar bone loss.","authors":"Sang Won Lee, Kateryna Huz, Kayla Gorelick, Jackie Li, Thomas Bina, Satoko Matsumura, Noah Yin, Nicholas Zhang, Yvonne Naa Ardua Anang, Sanam Sachadava, Helena I Servin-DeMarrais, Donald J McMahon, Helen H Lu, Michael T Yin, Sunil Wadhwa","doi":"10.1186/s12903-025-05677-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12903-025-05677-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Several commercial programs incorporate artificial intelligence in diagnosis, but very few dental professionals have been surveyed regarding its acceptability and usability. Furthermore, few have explored how these advances might be incorporated into routine practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Our team developed and implemented a deep learning (DL) model employing semantic segmentation neural networks and object detection networks to precisely identify alveolar bone crestal levels (ABCLs) and cemento-enamel junctions (CEJs) to measure change in alveolar crestal height (ACH). The model was trained and validated using a 550 bitewing radiograph dataset curated by an oral radiologist, setting a gold standard for ACH measurements. A twenty-question survey was created to compare the accuracy and efficiency of manual X-ray examination versus the application and to assess the acceptability and usability of the application.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 56 different dental professionals classified severe (ACH > 5 mm) vs. non-severe (ACH ≤ 5 mm) periodontal bone loss on 35 calculable ACH measures. Dental professionals accurately identified between 35-87% of teeth with severe periodontal disease, whereas the artificial intelligence (AI) application achieved an 82-87% accuracy rate. Among the 65 participants who completed the acceptability and usability survey, more than half the participants (52%) were from an academic setting. Only 21% of participants reported that they already used automated or AI-based software in their practice to assist in reading of X-rays. The majority, 57%, stated that they only approximate when measuring bone levels and only 9% stated that they measure with a ruler. The survey indicated that 84% of participants agreed or strongly agreed with the AI application measurement of ACH. Furthermore, 56% of participants agreed that AI would be helpful in their professional setting.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, the study demonstrates that an AI application for detecting alveolar bone has high acceptability among dental professionals and may provide benefits in time saving and increased clinical accuracy.</p>","PeriodicalId":9072,"journal":{"name":"BMC Oral Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"329"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11872301/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceptions of mothers of preschool children towards oral health services - a qualitative study.","authors":"Asmaa Othman Alkhtib, Hasaan Mohamed Gasim, Kamran Ali, Randa Abidia, Lamyia Anweigi","doi":"10.1186/s12903-025-05682-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12903-025-05682-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Poor oral health, especially dental caries in early childhood is a major public health concern. Parental oral health knowledge, behavior, and perceptions are important elements in determining the child's oral health status. The aim of the study was to investigate the perceptions of mothers of preschool children in Qatar towards their children's oral health and their experiences with oral health services provided to children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study is based on qualitative methods using focus groups. Purposive sampling was used to recruit mothers of preschool children at two kindergartens in the city of Doha, Qatar. The focus group consisted of a series of open-ended questions about the oral health of children and the opinion of mothers towards the current oral health services provided in the country. An inductive thematic content analysis at the statement level approach was used to analyze the qualitative data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve mothers between the ages of 20 and 41 years old from two kindergartens participated in two separate focus groups. The average number of children per mother was 5 with 45 months being the mean age of children. Several themes emerged from analyzing the data retrieved from the discussion with mothers. For oral health knowledge, mothers demonstrated a different level of oral health knowledge, from good to poor. As for experiences with health services, recognized the value of oral health services in Qatar but expressed difficulties in access to oral health services for their children with almost all having had some negative experiences. Regarding the anticipated role of mothers in the oral health of their children, mothers were very positive about their potential role in supporting their children's oral health. The mothers also gave recommendations to improve oral health services for young children.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Mothers showed positive attitudes towards the oral health of their children and they recognized the importance of a good oral health care system.</p>","PeriodicalId":9072,"journal":{"name":"BMC Oral Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"324"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11871696/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}