Factors associated with oral hygiene practices among adults with systemic sclerosis.

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.

Factors associated with gingival inflammation among adults with systemic sclerosis.

Objective: To identify factors associated with increased gingival inflammation in adults with systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma).

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, forty-eight adults with SSc received assessment of gingival inflammation using Löe and Silness gingival index (LSGI), measurement of oral aperture and evaluation of manual dexterity to perform oral hygiene using the Toothbrushing Ability Test, as well as completion of an oral health-related questionnaire.

Results: Three explanatory variables in the final multiple predictor models for the LSGI outcome were statistically significant--manual dexterity to perform oral hygiene, flossing in the evening and SSc subtype, with higher (i.

Effect of orofacial exercises on oral aperture in adults with systemic sclerosis.

Purpose: To examine the effect of a home orofacial exercise program on increasing oral aperture among adults with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Method: Forty-eight adults with SSc were assigned randomly to the multifaceted oral-health intervention or usual dental care control group. Participants with an oral aperture of <40 mm in the intervention group received an orofacial exercise program, which included daily manual mouth-stretching and oral-augmentation exercises twice a day with a total of 6 minutes for 6 months.

Adequacy of oral health information for patients with diabetes.

Objective: We investigated the perception of dental hygienists regarding their adequacy of providing diabetics with diabetes-related oral health preventive education.

Methods: A one-page questionnaire printed on both sides was mailed to 2,237 licensed registered dental hygienists with a South Carolina (SC) mailing address. In addition to the dental hygienists' background and practice characteristics, their perception of adequacy for educating patients with diabetes on various diabetes-related oral health topics and reasons for inadequate coverage of materials were queried in the survey.