Factors associated with oral hygiene practices among adults with systemic sclerosis
Int J Dent Hygiene DOI: 10.1111/idh.12056 , , , , , . Factors associated with oral hygiene practices among adults with systemic sclerosis.
Abstract
Objective
To identify factors associated with oral hygiene practices in adults with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Methods
In
this cross-sectional study, 178 dentate adults with SSc received an
oral examination which included measurement of oral aperture, assessment
of manual dexterity to perform oral hygiene, as well as completion of
the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale and an
oral health-related questionnaire.
Results
Multivariable
logistic regression modelling showed male, minority and high CES-D
scores (i.e. clinically significant symptoms of depression) were
associated with less likelihood of participants brushing teeth at least
twice daily, but the presence of self-reported dry mouth symptoms
increased the likelihood of toothbrushing. Having a dental visit in the
past 12 months and use of an adapted flossing or interdental cleaning
device were significantly associated with daily dental flossing;
however, having difficulty flossing teeth reduced the likelihood of
daily flossing.
Conclusions
Overall,
demographic variables were strongly associated with toothbrushing
frequency, whereas flossing self-efficacy and barriers were strongly
associated with dental flossing frequency in adults with SSc. The
results suggest that dental health professionals should take mental
health into consideration when educating patients with SSc to improve
their oral hygiene and consider making referrals for patients exhibiting
suspected clinically significant depressive symptoms to mental health
professionals for further evaluation and treatment. In addition, an
appropriate adapted flossing or interdental cleaning device should be
recommended to increase dental flossing practices in this patient
population.
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