How accurate is the assessment of certified nursing assistants on resident's oral self‐care function in three North Carolina assisted‐living facilities?

Aims To examine the association between the assessments of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) on resident's oral self‐care function and resident's oral hygiene outcomes in three North Carolina assisted‐living (AL) facilities. Methods and results Sixty‐five dentate AL residents were included in this secondary analysis. CNAs were asked to rate the AL residents’ overall oral self‐care function using a 6‐point Likert scale. Their assessments were then compared with the objective, performance‐based Dental Activities Test and the oral hygiene and gingival health measures. The analysis showed that nearly 90% of the participants presented with at least one untreated decayed or broken tooth. On average, nearly two‐thirds of the surfaces were covered by soft deposits (Debris Index = 1.83, SD = 0.60). Generalized mild to moderate inflammation (Gingival Index = 1.51, SD = 0.53) commonly presented on residents’ gingiva. CNAs were able to accurately identify the residents with substantial impairment in oral self‐care function, yet they tended to overestimate the oral self‐care function of residents with mild to moderate impairment. CNAs assessments were also not significantly correlated with residents’ oral hygiene measures. Conclusion CNAs failed to identify and provide assistance to AL residents with impaired oral self‐care function, contributing to poor oral oral hygiene in these vulnerable individuals

Bone changes in the temporomandibular joints of older adults : a cone-beam computed tomography study

Aims To assess the prevalence of degenerative bone changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of older adults using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to verify possible associations between these findings and patient health history. Methods CBCT scans comprising both TMJs were acquired for 137 patients aged 65+, regardless of TMD status. Images were assessed by two oral radiologists and evaluated for the presence of flattening, erosion, sclerosis, subchondral cysts, and osteophytes in the TMJ bony components, and self-reported patient systemic health histories were retrieved from records. Results There were 59 males, and the mean age was 73.35 +/- 6.28. A total of 31.4% had bone changes in both TMJs, and 65.7% had bone changes in at least one side. Bone changes were more prevalent in females, with subchondral cysts (63.3%) and osteophytes (60%) the most common findings. There was a higher prevalence of osteoporosis/osteopenia (38.5%) and connective tissue disorders (39.8%) in patients with TMJ bone changes than in those with normal TMJs. Conclusion Degenerative bone changes of TMJ were prevalent among older adults, and females were more affected. There was a greater prevalence of osteoporosis/osteopenia and connective tissue disorders in patients with TMJ bone changes than in subjects with normal TMJs.4018489University of Iowa College of Dentistry Student Research Gran

A Social Media Intervention for Promoting Oral Health Behaviors in Adolescents: A Non-Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial

Poor oral hygiene and excessive consumption of soda are among the main drivers of systemic health issues in adolescents in the United States. This non-randomized pilot clinical trial focused on the effects of a health text message system and smartphone-based intervention on adolescent tooth-brushing behavior and dietary choices, with a convenience sample of 94 participants aged 12 to 14 years old. A group of 75 participants agreed to use a tooth-brushing app and received a health text message; the other group of 15 agreed to use the tooth-brushing app, but did not receive a health text message. Saliva specimens were collected directly before and at the end of each experiment; changes in the salivary presence of cariogenic bacteria over the duration of the study were evaluated and compared with the demographics and behavioral variables. Within the text message group, 5% of participants increased the frequency of daily tooth brushing. Within the non-intervention group, 29% of participants increased the frequency of their daily tooth brushing. There were reductions in the total salivary bacteria and total streptococci in both groups (p Mutans streptococci. Raising adolescents’ consciousness of oral health behavior resulted in marginal to moderate improvements to oral hygiene and dietary choices, as well as reductions in total salivary bacteria