Search

INTRODUCTION: An analysis of the epidemiological factors associated with the diagnosis of periodontitis is important baseline evidence for the study of this disease within our population. This evidence will be valuable baseline information to inform intervention protocols that are contextual to our society. There is a scarcity of studies on periodontitis in South Africans. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of periodontitis patients diagnosed between 2014-2019 at a tertiary institution in SA. Design. A retrospective records-based study was conducted. METHODS: Data from 450 patients diagnosed with periodontitis were extracted. Data sets including age, sex, smoking, presence of diabetes, and other systemic diseases were analysed. Periodontal parameters such as plaque score, plaque index, gingival bleeding score, gingival index, number of missing teeth, probing depths, and clinical attachment loss were included for analysis. RESULTS: Males had higher bleeding index (p=0.035), deeper pockets (p=0.003), and more attachment loss (p

This review will evaluate patient-reported outcome measures of treatment with digitally fabricated versus conventionally manufactured removable dental prostheses in partially or completely edentate adults.Compared with conventionally manufactured dental prostheses, digitally fabricated prostheses may simplify and reduce the number of clinical steps and minimize errors in the production of prostheses without compromising occlusal accuracy and fit. This may, in turn, improve patient satisfaction, ability to speak, esthetics, stability, and oral health status. Determining evidence of patient-reported outcomes will assist the dental practitioner when communicating patient expectations.This review will consider experimental and quasi-experimental study designs, including randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, comparative clinical studies, prospective or retrospective trials, longitudinal clinical studies, clinical reports, and technique articles. The review will include patient-reported outcome measures from fully or partially edentulous adult participants who received either conventionally or digitally fabricated dental prostheses.The following databases will be searched for scientific, peer-reviewed literature: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Dentistry and Oral Sciences (all via EBSCO), MEDLINE (PubMed), ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search strategy will include terms relevant to the intervention, which will be adapted for each bibliographic database, in combination with database-specific filters, where available. The language restriction will be English and Dutch. All included studies will be critically appraised and data will be extracted for synthesis. If possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach will be followed to evaluate the certainty of evidence.PROSPERO CRD42018094357.

Objectives: To establish, whether clinical conclusions from systematic reviews that applied the second version of Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2) remain the same when the Composite Quality Score (CQS-2) is used, instead. Methods: PubMed will be searched for one systematic review that complies with the following criteria: At least 20 prospective, clinical, controlled therapy trials included into meta-analyses; computable data for test- and control group reported; trial appraisal using the RoB 2 tool; inclusion of at least 5 trials in at least one single comparison per measured outcome; published in English. All trial reports included in the systematic review will be traced in full copy and the following data extracted per trial: Full reference details; overall RoB 2 appraisal decision; computable datasets. All trial reports will be re-appraised using the CQS-2. All datasets will be stratified by overall bias risk (RoB 2 tool) and per corroboration (C-) level (CQS-2). Trial data for each bias risk and C-level will be statistically pooled using Mantel-Haenszel statistics with random-effects model. All pooled ‘low bias risk’ effect estimates (RoB 2) and all pooled effect estimates of the highest C-level with data (CQS-2) will in turn each be pooled by use of a random effects meta-analysis. DerSimonian and Laird’s method of moments estimator will be used to estimate the between-study variance. Statistical inconsistency will be quantified using the I2 statistic. The pooled effect estimates of both appraisal tools will be statistically compared using the Wald-test and the null-hypothesis tested that both are not significantly different. Clinical conclusions based on the pooled ‘low bias risk’ estimates (RoB 2) and the C4-level (CQS-2) will be qualitatively compared. Reporting: The final report will be made available online as preprint in one of the major preprint repositories and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Aim To establish the inter-rater reliability of the Composite Quality Score (CQS)-2 and to test the null hypothesis that it did not differ significantly from that of the first CQS version (CQS-1). Materials and methods Four independent raters from three countries were selected to rate 45 clinical trial reports using CQS-1 and CQS-2. The raters remained unaware of each other’s participation in this study until all rating had been completed. Each rater received only one rating template at a time in a random sequence for CQS-1 and CQS-2 rating. Raters completed each template and sent these back to the principal investigator. Each rater received their next template two weeks after submission of the completed previous template. The inter-rater reliabilities for the overall appraisal score of the CQS-1 and the CQS-2 were established by using the Brennan-Prediger coefficient (BPC). The coefficients of both CQS versions were compared by using the two-sample z-test. During secondary analysis, the BPCs for every criterion and each corroboration level for both CQS versions were established. Results The BPC for the CQS-1 was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.64–1.00) and for the CQS-2 it was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.94–1.00), suggesting a very high inter-rater reliability for both. The difference between the two CQS versions was statistically not significant (p = 0.17). The null hypothesis was accepted. Conclusion This study shows that the CQS-2 is associated with a very high inter-rater reliability, which did not statistically significantly differ from that of the CQS-1. The promising results of this study warrant further investigation in the applicability of the CQS-2 as an appraisal tool for prospective controlled clinical therapy trials.

Tooth loss constitutes a major public health challenge, sharing common risk factors with non-communicable diseases. To report the relationship between tooth loss and serum cotinine levels in a population sample of mixed ethnic heritage from the Belville South area in South Africa. Cross-sectional epidemiological study.Subjects were invited from 2014 to 2016 according to a consecutive sampling technique and all those who met the inclusion criteria were included. In all, 1876 individuals were included, being 1416 females (75.5%), with a combined average age of 49.5 ± 15.3 years. In total 46.7% of the sample was edentulous, with females presenting a higher proportion than males (50.7% vs. 34.1%, p < 0.001). The relative risk (RR) of being edentulous was higher for females (RR=1.8, 95% CI=1.35-2.41, p

Mentorship and collaboration are fundamental to ensure success in research, particularly health research. In this article, we summarise a conversation between the Master's in Biostatistics students at Stellenbosch University and Professor Salim Abdool Karim, the head of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa. In May 2021, Professor Abdool Karim was invited to share some of his expertise and knowledge on successful mentorship and collaboration with researchers in the early stages of their careers. Passion, hard work and always trying one's best were some of the key values he highlighted as what a young researcher would need to succeed in today's world. In this candid and open discussion, Professor Abdool Karim provides valuable insight pertaining to the intricacies of a career in research, in terms of collaboration, mentorship and personal lessons drawn from his own life experience.

Oral mucosal lesions can be uncomfortable and can result in a poorer oral health related quality of life. This can be seen especially in edentulous patients who are mostly elderly and have comorbid diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus, which can impair their ability to withstand oral infections. In South Africa, one of the most unequal countries in the world, almost 50% of the population is edentulous and this prevalence increases as age increases. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of denture-related stomatitis in subjects who presented to a tertiary institution in Cape Town, South Africa for new complete dentures and to determine the risk indicators associated with it. Three hundred and ninety-six folders of participants who received complete dentures during the period 2014–2019 were included in this study. Categorical data was displayed as frequencies and percentages and a multiple adjusted logistic regression was used to determine associations between Candida and certain risk indicators. The prevalence of denture-related stomatitis was 25.76% (n = 102). Almost 75% (n = 225) females and 72.63% (n = 69) males had no denture-related stomatitis. The most common site for candidiasis in this population was the palate and tonsillar area (40.2%, n = 41) and the least common site was the upper ridge (2.94%, n = 3). Candidiasis, in edentulous patients are highly prevalent in this population and more needs to be done to prevent it.

IntroductionHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is an established risk factor for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, regardless of a history of other known risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco. While cases of HPV-related oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSSC) are increasing in the USA, Europe and South Central Asian countries, little is known about the impact of the disease on the African continent.Methods and analysisWe describe a protocol for a systematic review to synthesise the best current evidence to assess the disease burden in Africa. Electronic databases including EBSCOhost, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ACADEMIC SEARCH COMPLETE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, SciCENTRAL, Cochrane Library, International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) and WorldCAT will be comprehensively searched for studies reporting on the defined outcomes, in Africa, published from 1985 (when HPV was first reported) to the latest current entries, with no language restriction. Supplemental handsearching of grey literature, conference abstract proceedings, reference lists of included studies and citations in Google Scholar will be conducted. Authors will be contacted, where necessary, to assist with missing data. A customised data extraction form, with specified criteria, will be used for data extraction. Overall study quality assessment will be done using an appropriate risk of bias tool suited to the study design. Where available, qualitative data from studies reporting on the outcomes will be captured on the data extraction form. Using Stata software, we will apply the random-effects meta-analysis model to aggregate prevalence estimates with 95% CI, incorporating the Freeman-Tukey transformation to account for between-study variability. A narrative report of the findings will be presented where data are insufficient in terms of the outcome/s. Subgroup analysis will be done subject to sufficient available data.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval or written consent is not required as the review will be conducted using published data. The findings will be distributed through a peer-review publication and conference presentation.

BACKGROUND The increase in the prevalence of Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associated complications is proving burdensome to the South African (SA) health system. Understanding the role of comorbid diseases, such as periodontal disease (PD) and their effect on metabolic control in DM patients in SA will raise awareness to the importance of periodontal interventions in DM patients in SA. OBJECTIVE The aim of the review will be to determine how metabolic control of DM is affected by PD in a South African (SA) population. METHODS We will conduct a systematic review of the relationship between Periodontal disease and metabolic control in T2DM patients in a South African population. Cohort, cross-sectional and case-controlled studies will be considered in which the outcomes of interest are pre-specified. We will search the following sources; Google Scholar, EbscoHost, Science Direct, and National ETD Portal SA Theses and Dissertations for articles published in English. There will be no limit placed on the date of the publication. The reference list of articles will be reviewed for further inclusion of key articles. Two independent reviewers will do study selection, data extraction and quality analysis. All disputes will be resolved by discussion, and the full team will verify final decisions. RESULTS The systematic review protocol has been registered PROSPERO. A preliminary search was conducted using defined keywords. The review process should be completed by June 2021. CONCLUSIONS The review will determine periodontal disease’s effect on metabolic control in Type II DM in South Africa. In the process, the feasibility for future research in this area of interest will be defined. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42020221064

Background: Globally, the demands on dental educators continue to diversify and expand. Due to their importance and value, mentoring programs have been acknowledged as a means of recruiting, developing, and retaining academics in dental education. Objective: This protocol is for a scoping review that aims to identify the goals of mentoring programs for academic staff in dental faculties and determine how these programs were structured, delivered, and evaluated. Methods: The review will be performed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology for scoping reviews, which covers both qualitative and quantitative scientific literature as well as grey literature written in English and published between 2000 and 2020. The databases will include PubMed, Ovid, the Educational Resources Information Center database, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Trove, Web of Science, Openthesis.org, and the website of the American Dental Education Association. A manual search will also be conducted by using the reference lists of included studies to identify additional articles. Working independently, the authors will participate iteratively in literature screening, paper selection, and data extraction. Disagreements between the reviewers will be resolved by discussion until a consensus is reached or after consultation with the research team. Key information that is relevant to the review questions will be extracted from the selected articles and imported into a Microsoft Excel file. The PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) will be used to guide the reporting of this protocol. Results: The search for appropriate literature has commenced, and we aim to present the results before the end of the 2021 academic year. Conclusions: The development of formal mentorship programs for academics in dental education will enhance the retention of academic staff.

BACKGROUND Globally, the demands on dental educators continue to diversify and expand. Due to their importance and value, mentoring programs have been acknowledged as a means of recruiting, developing, and retaining academics in dental education. OBJECTIVE This protocol is for a scoping review that aims to identify the goals of mentoring programs for academic staff in dental faculties and determine how these programs were structured, delivered, and evaluated. METHODS The review will be performed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology for scoping reviews, which covers both qualitative and quantitative scientific literature as well as grey literature written in English and published between 2000 and 2020. The databases will include PubMed, Ovid, the Educational Resources Information Center database, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Trove, Web of Science, Openthesis.org, and the website of the American Dental Education Association. A manual search will also be conducted by using the reference lists of included studies to identify additional articles. Working independently, the authors will participate iteratively in literature screening, paper selection, and data extraction. Disagreements between the reviewers will be resolved by discussion until a consensus is reached or after consultation with the research team. Key information that is relevant to the review questions will be extracted from the selected articles and imported into a Microsoft Excel file. The PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) will be used to guide the reporting of this protocol. RESULTS The search for appropriate literature has commenced, and we aim to present the results before the end of the 2021 academic year. CONCLUSIONS The development of formal mentorship programs for academics in dental education will enhance the retention of academic staff. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/27239

BACKGROUND Early childhood caries (ECC), is a common disorder characterized by the presence of one or more decayed (non-cavitated or cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries), or filled tooth surfaces of primary teeth in children 71 months or younger. South Africa has a diverse population in terms of culture, education, income and occupation. This diversity is due to the consequences of historical racial discrimination, poverty, unemployment, lack of accessibility to health services and quality of education. These factors make South Africa unique, and the disease and risk profiles for this country differs from other countries in similar stages of development. For these reasons, it is important to identify what the unique maternal and infant risk factors of ECC are in the South African context. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to determine the risk factors associated with the incidence/prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) in South Africa in children under the age of 6 years. METHODS All cross-sectional and cohort studies documenting the risk factors associated with the prevalence and incidence of dental disease and severity (decayed, missing and filled scores) will be included. Seven databases will be searched for eligible studies and those included will be based on a pre-specified inclusion criteria. Only studies conducted on South African children who are aged 6 years and younger, where dental caries risk factors are documented will be included. There is no restriction on the time or language of publication. Included articles will be scrutinized for quality by using a risk of bias tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The results will be presented narratively, and if possible, a meta-analysis will be performed. RESULTS The protocol is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020216455. The literature search was conducted in November 2020. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study will provide a framework to inform medical and dental personnel to highlight mothers and infants at risk from developing ECC. This framework may be used to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity and diabetes incidence in children. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO, CRD42020216455

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a common disorder characterized by the presence of one or more decayed (non-cavitated or cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries), or filled tooth surfaces of primary teeth in children 71 months old or younger. South Africa has a diverse population in terms of culture, education, income, and occupation. This diversity is due to the consequences of historical racial discrimination, poverty, unemployment, lack of accessibility to health services, and quality of education. These factors make South Africa unique, and the disease and risk profiles for this country differ from those of other countries at similar stages of development. For these reasons, it is important to identify the unique maternal and infant risk factors for ECC in the South African context. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the risk factors associated with the incidence and prevalence of ECC in South Africa in children under the age of 6 years. Methods: All cross-sectional and cohort studies documenting risk factors associated with the prevalence and incidence of dental disease and severity (decayed, missing, and filled scores) will be included. We will search 7 databases for eligible studies, and those included will be based on prespecified inclusion criteria. Only studies conducted with South African children who are aged 6 years and younger in which dental caries risk factors are documented will be included. There is no restriction on the time or language of publication. Included articles will be scrutinized for quality by using a risk of bias tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The results will be presented narratively, and if possible, a meta-analysis will be performed. Results: The literature search was conducted in November 2020. Conclusions: The results of this study will provide a framework to inform medical and dental personnel to highlight mothers and infants at risk of developing ECC. Trial Registration: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020216455; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=216455

Background: Young children are at the highest risk of developing dental caries as they have a lack of autonomy over their diet and oral hygiene practices. Dental caries develops over time due to demineralization of tooth substance (enamel), which results from acid production during sugar metabolism by bacteria. Early onset of dental caries often results in asymptomatic presentation, but if left untreated, it can result in severe pain, infection, and dentoalveolar abscesses. Early childhood caries (ECC) is defined as dental caries in children aged 6 years and younger and is a significant public health problem in South Africa. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, untreated dental caries of primary teeth affects 532 million children. Untreated dental caries has many detrimental effects which can affect the physical development and reduce the quality of life of affected children. Furthermore, long-term untreated dental caries can result in school absenteeism, low BMI, and poor educational outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of ECC in South Africa in children under the age of 6 years. Methods: All cross-sectional studies documenting the prevalence and severity of dental disease (decayed, missing, and filled teeth scores) will be included. Various databases will be searched for eligible studies. Only studies conducted on South African children aged 6 years and under will be included. There will be no restriction on the time or language of publication. The quality of all eligible studies will be analyzed by a risk of bias tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The results will be presented narratively, and if possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Results: The protocol is registered with PROSPERO. The literature search was initially conducted in November 2018 and was repeated in November 2020. Conclusions: The results of this study will be used to advise stakeholders of the prevalence and severity of dental disease in children under 6 years of age in South Africa. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018112161

Background Young children are at the highest risk of developing dental caries as they have a lack of autonomy over their diet and oral hygiene practices. Dental caries develops over time due to demineralization of tooth substance (enamel), which results from acid production during sugar metabolism by bacteria. Early onset of dental caries often results in asymptomatic presentation, but if left untreated, it can result in severe pain, infection, and dentoalveolar abscesses. Early childhood caries (ECC) is defined as dental caries in children aged 6 years and younger and is a significant public health problem in South Africa. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, untreated dental caries of primary teeth affects 532 million children. Untreated dental caries has many detrimental effects which can affect the physical development and reduce the quality of life of affected children. Furthermore, long-term untreated dental caries can result in school absenteeism, low BMI, and poor educational outcomes. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of ECC in South Africa in children under the age of 6 years. Methods All cross-sectional studies documenting the prevalence and severity of dental disease (decayed, missing, and filled teeth scores) will be included. Various databases will be searched for eligible studies. Only studies conducted on South African children aged 6 years and under will be included. There will be no restriction on the time or language of publication. The quality of all eligible studies will be analyzed by a risk of bias tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The results will be presented narratively, and if possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Results The protocol is registered with PROSPERO. The literature search was initially conducted in November 2018 and was repeated in November 2020. Conclusions The results of this study will be used to advise stakeholders of the prevalence and severity of dental disease in children under 6 years of age in South Africa. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42018112161; International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/25795

BACKGROUND Young children are at the highest risk of developing dental caries as they at high risk for dental caries as they have a lack of autonomy over their diet and oral hygiene practices. Dental caries develops over time due to demineralization of tooth substance (enamel) resulting from acid production of bacterial metabolism from sugars. Early-onset of dental caries often results in asymptomatic presentation, but if left untreated, it can result in severe pain, infection and dentoalveolar abscesses. Early childhood caries (ECC) is defined as dental caries in children aged six years and younger and is a significant public health problem in South Africa. According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, untreated dental caries of primary teeth affects 532 million children. Untreated dental caries has many detrimental effects which can affect the physical development and reduce the quality of life of affected children. Furthermore, long term untreated dental caries can result in school absenteeism, low BMI and poor educational outcomes. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and severity of ECC in South Africa in children under 6 years of age. METHODS All cross-sectional documenting the prevalence and severity of dental disease (decayed, missing and filled teeth scores) will be included. Various databases will be searched for eligible studies, and those included will be done by using prespecified inclusion criteria. Only studies conducted on South African children who are aged 6 years and under, will be included. There will be no restriction on the time nor language of publication. The quality of all eligible studies will be analyzed by a risk of bias tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The results will be presented narratively, and if possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted. RESULTS The protocol is registered with PROSPERO. The literature search was conducted in November 2018 and was repeated in November 2020. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study will be used to advise stakeholders of the prevalence and severity of dental disease in children less than 6 years of age in South Africa.

Oral mucosal lesions (OML) can decrease oral health-related quality of life and some have the potential to become malignant. The aim of the present study was to report the prevalence of OML in relation to age, sex, and serum cotinine levels in a population with mixed ancestry from South Africa. This study is part of the Cape Town Vascular and Metabolic Health (VHM) study, conducted between 2014&ndash, 2016. Trained dental examiners assessed the oral mucosa for the presence of OML according to WHO criteria. In total, 1976 individuals were included in the study, being 1496 females (75.7%) and 480 males (24.3%) with average age of 49.5 years (SD = 15.3). In total, 262 lesions were detected in 252 participants (overall prevalence of 13%). Males had higher prevalence than females (14% vs. 9%, p = 0.008). Participants aged 25&ndash, 34 had the highest prevalence rates (21%). Participants who had cotinine &ge, 15 ng/mL had higher prevalence of OML as compared to those with &lt, 15 ng/mL (15% vs. 5%, p &lt, 0.001). Most common lesions were nicotine stomatitis (33%) and leukoplakia (19%). Age, male sex, and higher cotinine levels were associated with increased prevalence of OML.

Background The increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated complications is burdensome to the South African health system. Understanding the role of comorbid diseases, such as periodontal disease (PD), and their effect on metabolic control in patients with DM in South Africa will raise awareness about the importance of periodontal interventions among patients with DM in South Africa. Objective The review will aim to determine the effect of PD on the metabolic control of T2DM in a South African population. Methods A systematic review of the relationship between PD and metabolic control in patients with T2DM in a South African population will be conducted. Cohort, cross-sectional, and case-controlled studies will be considered in which the outcome of interest is diabetic control. A search will be done in the following sources: EBSCOhost (academic search complete; dentistry and oral sciences), PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the South African National ETD Portal for articles published in English. There will be no limit placed on the date of the publication. The reference list of articles will be reviewed for further inclusion of critical articles. Two independent reviewers (AJ and FK-D) will do study selection, data extraction, and quality analysis. All disputes will be resolved by discussion, and the entire team will verify final decisions. Results The systematic review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). A preliminary search was conducted using the keywords ((perio*) AND (diabet*)) AND (“South Africa”). The review process should be completed by December 2021. Conclusions The review will determine the effect of PD on metabolic control in patients with T2DM in South Africa. The outcome would inform health policy to highlight the need to include periodontal care into treatment protocols in patients with T2DM. In this process, the feasibility for future research in this area of interest will also be defined. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020221064; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=221064 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/27471

(1) Background: Tooth loss is an important component of the global burden of oral disease, greatly reducing the quality of life of those affected. Tooth loss can also affect diet and subsequent incidences of lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and metabolic syndromes. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) score using the oral impacts on daily performance (OIDP) index in relation to tooth loss patterns among adults. (2) Methods: From 2014 to 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted on adults living in Bellville South, Cape Town, South Africa. The OHRQoL measure was used to evaluate the impact of tooth loss. (3) Results: A total of 1615 participants were included, and 143 (8.85%) had at least one impact (OIDP &gt, 0). Males were less likely to experience at least one impact compared to the females, OR=0.6, 95% C.I.: 0.385 to 0.942, p = 0.026. Those participants who did not seek dental help due to financial constraints were 6.54 (4.49 to 9.54) times more likely to experience at least one impact, p &lt, 0.001. (4) Conclusions: Tooth loss did not impact the OHRQoL of these subjects. There was no difference in the reported odds for participants experiencing at least one oral impact with the loss of their four anterior teeth, the loss of their posterior occlusal pairs, or the loss of their other teeth.

Periodontal diseases are among the six most prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide, constituting a burden for oral and general health. There is a shortage of epidemiological data on periodontal diseases in Africa. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to present the periodontal status and cotinine levels of a South African population of adults. This study included individuals living in the Belville South area. Bleeding on probing (BOP) and pocket depth were recorded for each tooth, and clinical attachment loss (CAL) was recorded as the highest score per sextant. Cotinine levels were measured in ng/mL. A total of 951 individuals were included. More than one third of all subjects had BOP. Regarding pocket depth, over 50% of the subjects had shallow pockets (4&ndash, 5 mm), and almost 6% had deep pockets. CAL &ge, 4 mm was present in 40.1% of the subjects. Males presented worse periodontal conditions than females. In total, 52.7% of the participants had serum cotinine levels of &ge, 15 ng/mL. Cotinine levels had no effect on periodontal variables. Periodontal diseases were highly prevalent, and periodontal conditions were worse in males. Preventive and restorative public health programs are required to improve oral health in this population.

Objectives: Caries is a ubiquitous non-communicable disease worldwide. There is a paucity of literature on adult caries in Africa, with the last epidemiological caries study in South Africa conducted in 1988/1989. This article reports on the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) scores in relation to demographic characteristics for a mixed-ancestry South African population. Methods: This cross-sectional epidemiological study was part of the ongoing Cape Town Bellville South Vascular and Metabolic Health Study. Each participant signed an informed consent form prior to enrolling in the study. During a clinical examination, DMFT score and components were recorded for each participant. Data analysis was performed with the statistical Package STATA 15. Results: A sample of 1,885 participants was included in the study. Sixty-eight percent of the population experienced high DMFT scores. Mean DMFT score increased with age from 5 (≤ 24-year-old group) to 32 (≥ 75-year-old group, P < 0.001). It was higher in women than in men (28.5 vs. 18, respectively, P < 0.001). The missing component contributed 83% to DMFT score, followed by decayed (14%) and filled (3%) scores. Males had a higher average number of teeth present than females (18 vs. 6.5, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Dental caries experience was very high, with high levels of tooth loss in this community. These findings highlight limited access to preventive oral healthcare and a high rate of tooth extraction. Females presented higher levels of oral disease than males, indicating the need for preventive oral healthcare programmes in Cape Town, South Africa.