: Dental pain is a common problem that often leads to unscheduled dental visits and requires a comprehensive understanding of analgesics, including their indications and contraindications. The aim of ...this study was to investigate dentists' knowledge, self-reported confidence levels, and prescribing patterns of analgesics in dentistry.
: A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted, resulting in 379 responses. Of these, 68.6% were general dentists, and 31.4% were specialists. The collected data included sociodemographic information, levels of knowledge, and prescription patterns. The survey questionnaire explored self-perceived practices, patient information during prescription, and guiding factors. Descriptive statistics and a generalized linear model for regression were used for data analysis.
: Higher levels of knowledge were observed in specific contexts such as secondary/tertiary healthcare (
= 0.022), specialization in endodontics (
= 0.003), and a higher number of working hours with patients (
= 0.038). Conversely, increased self-confidence was observed among endodontists (
= 0.008), oral surgeons (
= 0.011), and dentists with more than 6 h of patient interaction (
≤ 0.001). Orthodontists and prosthodontists demonstrated lower knowledge levels, while specialists in family dentistry exhibited lower self-confidence. Self-confidence and knowledge displayed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.039,
< 0.001). The most frequently prescribed medication was ibuprofen (97.9%), primarily for surgical (83.9%) and endodontic procedures (60.9%), with the main indications being pulpal (85.8%), periradicular (57.3%), and postoperative pain (40.1%).
: This study reveals significant knowledge and confidence gaps among dentists, including limited awareness of the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for odontogenic pain, a lack of time for effective counseling, and perceived deficits in pharmacology education. To address these issues, targeted educational interventions are recommended to improve analgesic prescribing practice, close knowledge gaps, and increase dentists' confidence in more effective pain management.
Emphasizing the significance of optimal oral health for enhancing overall well-being, this study aimed to investigate oral health knowledge, self-assessed oral health behaviors, and oral hygiene ...practices within the Croatian general population.
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted online, utilizing a questionnaire collecting sociodemographic characteristics and inquiring about respondents' oral health knowledge, self-assessed oral health status, oral hygiene habits, and use of oral hygiene products. Collected data underwent both descriptive and regression analyses to unveil patterns and relationships within the dataset.
The respondents showed a high level of knowledge about oral health (median score 9, IQR 7.00-10.00, maximum possible score 10), with significant factors for higher knowledge being engaged in dental professions; above-average socioeconomic status; and the use of an electric brush, dental floss, and interdental brushes (
˂ 0.05). Insufficient knowledge, on the other hand, was associated with bleeding gums and daily smoking (
˂ 0.05). Although 69.4% of respondents considered their oral health to be very good, 32.5% reported tooth decay, and 38.2% reported tooth sensitivity. The majority (62.0%) cited regular check-ups as the reason for their last visit to the dentist, with 74.1% feeling no anxiety or discomfort during these visits. Daily toothbrush use was widespread (97.8%), but only 34.1% and 19.1% of respondents reported using floss and/or interdental brushes daily. A remarkable 69.0% of respondents indicated that low oral health literacy and low prioritization contribute to suboptimal oral health.
While respondents demonstrated commendable oral health knowledge, the prevalence of reported issues suggests a potential gap between perception and actual oral health status. To address this, targeted educational interventions focusing on comprehensive oral hygiene practices and debunking misconceptions should be prioritized in Croatia.
Objectives/Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate oral health knowledge, and the incidence of self-reported dental injuries incidence, the frequency of mouthguard use, oral hygiene habits, ...and oral health status among professional water polo players. Materials and Methods: During the 2022/2023 season, 114 water polo players from the Croatian First League participated in a questionnaire-based online survey. The data collected included sociodemographic and professional attributes, oral health knowledge questions, dental injury experiences, and practices related to mouthguard use. Respondents also rated their own oral health status and oral hygiene habits. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a regression analysis. Results: The respondents demonstrated inadequate knowledge of oral health, with a mean score of 6.4 ± 2.6 out of 12. Better knowledge correlated positively with older age (p ˂ 0.05) and consistent flossing (p = 0.014). Additionally, 27.2% (31 of 114) of reported dental injuries were related directly to incidents which occurred while participating in water polo. These injuries occurred more frequently during games (54.8%) and often involved the anterior maxillary incisors (71.0%) due to player contact (87.1%). Awareness of mouthguards was high (93.9%), whereas their actual use was low (7.0%) because 35.1% of respondents reported discomfort wearing them. The respondents’ self-assessments revealed widespread dental problems, including tooth sensitivity (13.3%), erosion (15.8%), calculus (28.1%), and pigmentation (7.9%). Conclusions: The research results indicate a lack of adequate knowledge among the respondents regarding oral health. This deficit was not associated with oral hygiene habits or oral cavity conditions. These findings highlight the disparities in oral health awareness and practices associated with water polo participation and emphasize the importance of education and prevention efforts.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge and practices of family physicians (general practitioners) and pediatricians concerning children’s oral health. Materials and ...Methods: This research involved a cross-sectional survey with 446 respondents, consisting of 77.8% women and 22.1% men, with 81.6% being general (family) practitioners and 18.4% pediatricians. The survey comprised five sections, gathering information on participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, routine oral cavity examination in clinical practice, knowledge about dental caries and its prevention, teething symptoms, and alternatives to fluorides for preventing dental caries. Results: The findings revealed an overall poor understanding of dental caries and its prevention, with an average score of 5.1 ± 1.6 out of a possible 10 points. Notably, practitioners with fewer pediatric patients during the workday, no training on oral health, and uncertainty about physicians’ active role in oral health prevention exhibited lower knowledge levels (p ˂ 0.05). Over 90% of participants conducted dental and oral mucosal examinations on their patients. About 25% had received continuing education on children’s oral health, and 70.6% expressed interest in further education on the subject. Conclusions: This study highlights insufficient knowledge among physicians regarding dental caries and its prevention. With most participants eager to learn and actively promote children’s oral health, providing training is essential to boost their knowledge and support children’s oral health.
Objectives
Self-esteem plays a crucial role during adolescence in a shaping of an individual’s overall well-being and confidence. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the ...self-esteem in adolescents and their smile aesthetics, as well as to assess the alignment of opinions on this matter between adolescents and dentists.
Methods
Sample included 413 students in Split-Dalmatia County, aged 13 to 18 (60% females). Data on demographic issues, orthodontic history, and desire for orthodontic treatment were collected by the self-administrated questionnaire. Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory was also used. Smile aesthetics was assessed by each participant and dentist independently using an Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN AC).
Results
Self-esteem was higher in adolescents who rated their smile aesthetics equally to the dentist than in those who considered their aesthetics to be worse than the dentist (18.5 vs. 16;
P
= 0.011). The multiple linear regression revealed that the self-esteem of adolescents was positively related to undergone previous orthodontic treatment (
β
= 1.286,
P
= 0.020) while negatively related to the female gender (
β
= −2.531,
P
≤ 0.001) and IOTN AC assessed by dentist (
β
= −0.356,
P
= 0.015). It was not related to educational level or desire for orthodontic treatment.
Conclusion
The self-esteem in adolescence is influenced the most by gender, but the orthodontic treatment and better smile aesthetics might also contribute.
Objectives
To assess the whitening efficiency and patient satisfaction after usage of commercially available toothpastes with the different whitening ingredients.
Materials and methods
This ...randomized controlled trial study comprised 161 participants who were randomly divided into eight groups based on used whitening or control/conventional toothpaste (Colgate Max Expert White CMEW, n = 20; Signal Daily White SDW, n = 20; Himalaya Sparkly White Herbalis HSWH, n = 20; Signal White System SWS, n = 20; Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide RDWP, n = 20; Splat Extreme White SEW, n = 20; Splat White Plus SWP, n = 21; and Kalodont Multi Repair control, n = 20). Tooth color and color change were evaluated using a spectrophotometer (CIELAB coordinates, ΔE
ab
*, ΔE
00
, whiteness index change ΔWID). Measurements were performed at baseline, 30 days and 60 days after the beginning of treatment, and 30 days after completing treatment – follow-up. Side effects and satisfaction with the whitening outcome were reported throughout the questionnaire.
Results
The results for ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* showed an increase in lightness and decrease in yellowness for all tested whitening toothpastes compared to the control group after 30 days of use (p ≤ 0.05). Also, significant tooth color difference (ΔE
ab
*, ΔE
00
) and whiteness index change (ΔWI
D
) were recorded for all tested whitening toothpastes 30 days and 60 days from the beginning of use (p ≤ 0.05). Toothpaste containing a combination of urea peroxide and enzyme ingredients (SEW) demonstrated the highest and the longest whitening effect.
Conclusions
Whitening toothpastes can show perceptibly whitening effect after a short time of usage, but without a long-lasting impact.
Clinical relevance
Toothpaste containing a combination of enzymes and peroxides showed the best whitening performance compared to those containing only enzymes, peroxides, or abrasives.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04460755
Background
It is important to understand how the psychological status of parents affects oral health in children.
Aim
This study aimed to assess the level of depression, anxiety, and stress of ...parents whose children have early‐childhood caries.
Design
The study included 235 children and their parents who visited the Dental clinic at the School of Medicine of the University of Split between October 2016 and July 2017. The dental status of each child was recorded, while parents filled out the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale questionnaire and the questionnaire related to the demographic characteristics, questions related to child's habits of the tooth brushing, eating sweets.
Results
Multiple regression analysis showed that the incidence of active caries in the children was statistically significantly related not only to the level of parent depression (β = −0.289; P = 0.040) but also the level of anxiety (β = 0.186; P = 0.038) and stress (β = −0.120; P = 0.036). The dmft index in the examined children was negatively significant associated with the parental level of depression (β = −0.305; P = 0.032).
Conclusion
Considering the results of our research it is essential to emphasize the need for better health education of parents.
The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of tooth whitening and the effects on satisfaction with whitening treatment and esthetic self-perception of over-the-counter tooth ...whitening products.
Fifty-six participants were randomly allocated to three groups based on the whitening product they used (toothpaste, pencil, or a combination of both). In this prospective study, alterations in tooth color were assessed using a spectrophotometer at three distinct time intervals (initial measurement, seven days, and 14 days after commencing the use of the whitening product). Simultaneously, the respondents were given the PIDAQ questionnaire to complete. Patient satisfaction with treatment characteristics (5-point Likert scale), and perception of side effects were assessed at the end of the study.
Participants who used the whitening pen either alone or in combination with whitening toothpaste showed significant improvements in tooth color and whiteness index at seven and 14 days compared to those who used whitening toothpaste alone (p≤0.001). No significant differences were found between products in overall satisfaction with treatment, perception of final tooth color, and treatment comfort. Furthermore, with the exception of the psychological influence factor after 14 days (p≤0.001), there were no significant differences in the PIDAQ questionnaire scores between the whitening products at the different time points. However, many respondents (16.6%) reported oral mucosal sensitivity and a higher percentage (27.8%) reported tooth sensitivity during whitening pen application.
The combination of whitening toothpaste and whitening pen, as well as the whitening pen alone, showed effective objective color change results, but home whitening procedures did not significantly affect participants' self-perceived satisfaction or psychosocial outcomes depending on the product used.
The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to investigate cytogenetic damage to the buccal mucosa in non-smokers and consumers of traditional combustible tobacco products and ...non-combustible alternatives.
A total of 160 participants were divided into four groups according to the type of product used, including non-smokers, users of conventional combustible tobacco (cigarettes), heated tobacco, and electronic, tobacco-free vapor products (e-cigarettes). Buccal mucosa samples were analyzed using the micronucleus cytome assay to assess cytotoxic and genotoxic damage.
E-cigarette users showed significantly higher values for all tested parameters in the micronucleus test compared to non-smokers (
< 0.05). Similarly, users of tobacco heating products showed an increase in all parameters (
< 0.05), with the exception of the number of cells with micronuclei. Conventional cigarette smokers showed a notable increase in the number of binucleated cells and cells with karyorrhexis and karyolysis (
≤ 0.05). When assessing the differences between users of traditional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives, these did not appear to be significant, except for e-cigarette users, who had significantly more cells with condensed chromatin (
≤ 0.001), while users of tobacco heating products had more pyknotic cells (
≤ 0.001).
The results of this study underscore the heightened occurrence of cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in users of both conventional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives compared to non-smokers, emphasizing the detrimental impact of these products on the oral mucosa.
: To provide safe and effective local anesthesia, dentists must have knowledge of neuroanatomy, anesthesia agents, techniques, equipment, and proper use of local anesthetics. This study aims to ...explore the knowledge, practices, and confidence regarding local anesthetics and anesthetic techniques in dentistry.
: The online cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted via social media, and yielded 441 responses from across the country (69.8% women and 30.2% men; 70.7% general dentists; and 29.3 specialists). The data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and practices pertaining to the usage of local anesthesia. The questionnaire also documents their self-assessed confidence level in applying different local anesthetic techniques and experiences with adverse reactions. The obtained data were processed by description and using a generalized linear model for regression.
: The respondents had a median knowledge score of 6 out of a possible 14 points regarding local anesthetics in dental medicine, and their median self-confidence level in the successful application of various techniques of local anesthesia was 54 out of a maximum of 85 points. The results showed that a higher knowledge level was associated with the female gender (OR 1.83, CI 1.13-2.98,
= 0.014) and specialization in oral surgery (OR 7.04, CI 1.71-29.07,
= 0.007). In contrast, a lack of confidence in using various local anesthetic techniques was also associated with the female gender (OR 0.63, CI 0.41-0.99,
= 0.047) and specialization in orthodontics (OR 0.16, CI 0.03-0.88,
= 0.035). Of the respondents, 81.4% (n = 371) experienced a local complication, and 42.2% (n = 186) experienced a systemic complication during local anesthesia. The complications experienced cannot be associated with a lack of knowledge or self-confidence (
> 0.05). The majority of respondents (364 of the 441 total-82.5%) expressed interest in receiving further education on the topic of local anesthesia.
: The research results show that the dentists involved in the study have poor knowledge of local anesthetics and moderate self-reported confidence levels in using various local anesthetic techniques. Moreover, dentists' self-confidence in applying different techniques of local anesthesia is not related to their knowledge. Therefore, it would be necessary for dentists to undergo a continuing dental education program that enables them to enhance their skills and knowledge in local anesthesia.
