IntroductionPrenatal Dental Care aims to prevent common oral diseases during pregnancy and to empower pregnant women in oral self-care and the care of the baby. Among Indigenous peoples, dental follow-up during pregnancy is particularly challenging, as Indigenous women have been historically subjected to health inequalities. This study aimed to evaluate dental service utilization during pregnancy among Indigenous women across the 34 DSEIs in Brazil, examine its correlation with healthcare variables, and contextualize these findings in relation to prenatal dental care indicator from the broader Brazilian public primary healthcare system (SUS).MethodsAn ecological study was conducted in Brazil using data from the Indigenous Health Care Information System (SIASI) for the 34 Special Indigenous Health Districts (DSEI) in 2023—the first year this indicator was used. Health care variables included the percentage of Indigenous pregnant women with six or more prenatal visits, the percentage of the Indigenous population with dental appointments, and the percentage of the Indigenous population with completed dental treatment per DSEI. The indicator “Proportion of pregnant women receiving dental care” was also extracted from the Brazilian Primary Health Care Information System (SISAB), referring to pregnant women within the Unified Health System (SUS), for comparison with Indigenous health data. Descriptive analysis was performed, and Spearman correlation tests were applied using R software.ResultsThe mean percentage of Indigenous pregnant women receiving dental care across the 34 DSEIs was 35.81% (±15.89), ranging from 4.6% to 76.5% across districts. The mean percentage of pregnant women receiving dental care within the SUS in the states corresponding to the health districts was 61.31% (±10.64), ranging from 43.7% to 79.7% across Brazilian states. A positive correlation was observed between the percentage of Indigenous pregnant women receiving dental care and the percentage of Indigenous pregnant women with six or more prenatal visits (rho=0.45).ConclusionPrenatal dental care utilization among Indigenous pregnant women varied considerably across DSEIs and in relation to state-level SUS indicators. The positive association with prenatal care attendance highlights the potential importance of integrating oral health into antenatal care to promote more equitable access.
ObjectiveThis study was conducted to explore community perceptions about oral health, oral health practices and experiences with oral health services to understand oral health needs and service utilization patterns.MethodsA qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews was conducted with twenty-eight participants aged ≥18 years residing in two preselected Indian villages. An inductive thematic analysis of the data was undertaken, with iterative coding and team-based reflexive discussions.ResultsFour interrelated themes emerged—1) perceived relationship between oral and overall health, awareness of and causes of common oral conditions; 2) oral hygiene practices; 3) perceptions about accessing oral health care services; and 4) experiences with oral health care services and shaping of perceptions about oral health, hygiene and access to care. The interviews highlighted a fragmented understanding of the connection between oral and general health. Despite awareness of risk factors for oral conditions, oral hygiene practices were inadequate, with a mix of modern and traditional methods. Participants had a predominantly treatment-oriented rather than preventive approach towards oral care. High treatment costs, lack of time and fear of procedures were major experienced barriers. Additionally positive experiences with professional dental services appeared to positively shape their perceptions of oral hygiene practices and intentions of seeking care.ConclusionThe findings underscore the need for culturally appropriate interventions that strengthen community's knowledge about oral health, highlighting the importance of adopting preventive measures. This must be supported by training of healthcare providers, addressing the barriers and engaging with community leaders as role models.
ObjectivesThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence in relation to the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of EGFR gene amplification in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsA comprehensive search was undertaken in MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus for studies published before June-2026. We evaluated the quality of primary-level studies using QUIPS tool, conducted meta-analyses, examined inter-study heterogeneity via subgroup analyses and meta-regressions, and performed small-study effects analyses.ResultsIn total, fifteen primary-level studies (1,561 patients) met inclusion criteria. EGFR amplification was significantly associated with poor overall survival (HR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.32–2.98, p = 0.001), disease-free survival (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.03–2.67, p = 0.04), N + status (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.08–2.77, p = 0.02) and advanced clinical stage (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.08–2.94, p = 0.02). Subgroup meta-analyses also revealed significant associations among Asian subpopulations, patients with tongue tumors, and studies with a lower risk of bias.ConclusionOur systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated, based on the available evidence, that EGFR gene amplification may be useful as a prognostic biomarker for OSCC.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier (CRD420261517568).
BackgroundDental caries is highly prevalent among Saudi children. Infant feeding practices, including breastfeeding, bottle feeding and night-time feeding, have been proposed as contributing factors, but evidence from Saudi populations remains limited.MethodsThis hospital-based cross-sectional study included 350 children aged 2–5 years attending King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital, Jeddah (n = 180), and Taibah University Dental Hospital, Madinah (n = 170). Parents (mainly mothers) completed a validated Arabic online questionnaire on demographics, feeding practices and oral hygiene. Children were examined using World Health Organization dmft/dmfs criteria. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher's exact and Mann–Whitney U tests and binary logistic regression.ResultsCaries was present in 281 children (80.3%; mean dmft 5.55 ± 4.86), with no significant difference between cities (p = 0.69). Soft drink consumption was associated with caries presence (p < 0.001) and with higher mean dmft (6.3 ± 4.6 vs. 4.7 ± 4.9, p = 0.001). In logistic regression, the odds of caries were higher among children of mothers with elementary or intermediate education than among those of mothers with postgraduate education (OR = 6.08, 95% CI, 1.41–26.23; p = 0.016). The odds were also higher among children from households earning less than 7,000 SAR than among those from households earning more than 10,000 SAR (OR = 2.71, 95% CI, 1.16–6.37; p = 0.022). Breastfeeding history was more common among children with caries (87.5% vs. 76.8%, p = 0.035) and was associated with higher odds of caries (OR = 2.26, 95% CI, 1.08–4.74; p = 0.032). However, breastfeeding duration and night breastfeeding were not associated with caries. Bottle feeding and night bottle feeding were not associated with caries presence or dmft.ConclusionDental caries was highly prevalent among preschool children attending university dental hospitals in Jeddah and Madinah and was associated with lower maternal education, lower household income and soft drink consumption. The association with breastfeeding history may reflect residual confounding. Given the cross-sectional, hospital-based design, these findings cannot establish causality and may not be generalizable. They support targeting sugar exposure and socioeconomic factors in prevention without discouraging breastfeeding.
BackgroundBottled water is widely consumed, yet differing water sources and manufacturing processes may alter its physicochemical properties, with reported discrepancies between label declarations and laboratory analyses. Given the lack of regional evidence, this study aimed to determine the fluoride concentration, pH, electrical conductivity, and labeling concordance of commercial bottled waters in Ecuador.MethodsEighteen commercial bottled water brands in Ecuador were analyzed to determine fluoride concentration (mg/L), pH, and electrical conductivity (µS/cm). Differences across brands and associations among variables were evaluated using one-way ANOVA and Spearman rank correlation (α = 0.05).ResultsDiscrepancies between declared and laboratory-measured fluoride levels were identified in 10 brands (55.6%). Only two brands exhibited fluoride concentrations within the recommended range established by international health organizations (0.7–1.5 mg/L) for caries prevention: Omizu Sparkling (0.85 ± 0.07 mg/L) and Aki (1.45 ± 0.04 mg/L), with the latter approaching the maximum safety limit. Notably, Omizu Sparkling also presented the highest labeling discrepancy (325%). Physicochemical parameters differ significantly among brands across brands (p < 0.01). Additionally, 50% of the brands evaluated exhibited pH values at or below the critical threshold for enamel demineralization (≤ 5.5). Electrical conductivity correlated positively with measured fluoride concentrations (r = 0.592, p < 0.001).ConclusionsBottled waters in Ecuador predominantly present sub-optimal fluoride levels and potentially erosive pH values. These findings highlight the need for stricter regulatory labeling enforcement and heightened clinical awareness among dental professionals.
