The Relationship of Orofacial Pain and Dental Health Status and Oral Health Behaviours in Facial Burn Patients

Abstract

This study aims to examine the association of orofacial pain and oral health status and oral health behaviours in facial burn patients. The participants in this cross-sectional study were randomly recruited from the Burn Care Center, Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan. An intraoral evaluation was carried out to record the DMFT and OHI-S. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic status, brushing frequency, and dental visits. Orofacial pain during mandibular movement was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Psychological status was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and Impact of Events Scale. ANOVA and simple and multiple linear regression tests were used to analyse the data. From the 90 facial burn patients included, the majority were below 34 years of age, female, single or divorced, and unemployed. The mean DMFT was 10.7, and 71% had poor oral hygiene. 56% of the participants had moderate-to-severe anxiety, and 68% had posttraumatic stress disorder. 53% of the participants had moderate-to-severe pain during mouth opening or moving the mandible with a mean score of 41.5. Analyses showed that orofacial pain was associated with less frequent brushing, irregular dental visits, greater DMFT score, and more plaque accumulation (OHI-S). It was also associated with employment status, the severity of a burn, anxiety, and stress. The treatment and management of dental and oral conditions in burn patients need judicious balance in controlling and accurate assessment of the pain and improving psychological problems in burn patients.

Caries Risk Assessment Using the Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) Protocol among the General Population of Sakaka, Saudi Arabia—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These observations are similar to the studies by Farsi N et al, Chaffee BW et al, and Almusawi et al, where similar risk factors were prevalent [9,13,16]. Previous studies have established the risk of caries and their relationship with plaque, deep pits and fissures, and frequency of food intake [17,18]. When associated with an enamel defect, plaque may exponentially increase caries risk [19,20].…”

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Associated Risk Factors among Pakistani Dental Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These consequences result in economic loss either in terms of financial loss, rehabilitation, or decreased productivity [ 3 , 4 , 7 ]. The unilateral excessive stresses on muscles, joints, and nerves for a long period, together with elevated unsupported arms, the vibration of instruments, and maintaining an awkward static position for a long time during the dental procedures result in WMSDs [ 3 , 8 , 9 ]. The lower back, shoulder, hands, and arms are some of the most frequently reported body areas affected with MSD among dentists.…”

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Psychological Health and Dental Practice of Oral Healthcare Workers: A Scoping Review

“…36 Overall, the dental community was found to be endangered to practice in the current situation, which might be an influence of vast media coverage, lack of technical equipment and shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), extended working hours, and many other reasons. 37,38 Moreover, in this study, it was concluded that dental staff exhibited greater psychological stress problems amid this pandemic because of greater exposure to risk. This finding is relevant to the study that showed unwillingness by dentists to treat patients diagnosed with some infectious diseases like HIV 39,40 and tuberculosis.…”