Background: Over the years, there has been an increasing and effective integration and participation of oral health in the concept of general health. The absence of educational interventions, and behavioral strategies for children´s oral health are still considered gaps in today's society. The main objective of this work was to define strategies of educational interventions in children's oral health. Methods: The intervention for the “Ser Criança” Program involved the development of a website - “Ser Criança – Aprender a Sorrir” (A Child - Learn to Smile) for three target groups: children, parents and educators / teachers. With this proposition, it is expected that children, families, and school communities improve behavioral habits related to oral health. Also, the “Ser Criança” Program involves a specific protocol defining oral health literacy strategies and dental appointments among the children and families. Results: The “Ser Criança” Program involves a specific protocol defining oral health literacy strategies and dental appointments for children and families. It is crucial to emphasize that most recreational activities are beneficial in the transmission of motivational values. The use of educational games, exploration of macro dental models, theatre and music are valid examples of these activities. Interventions based on digital media (applications or "apps" and the Internet) also prove to be a constant demonstration of success for children's personal and cognitive growth. Aiming on a digital tool for pre-school and elementary school children, through a web-based platform allows, especially amongst the hard-to-reach communities, an immeasurable access to multiple possibilities. Conclusions: Educating future generations using attractive educational, didactic and, above all pedagogical interventions can greatly improve health interventions, especially in the field of dental medicine.
Background Overweight and obesity may lead to different problems in various body systems and in the oral cavity. Dental caries and periodontal disease have been related with overweight. The aim of this study was to assess how overweight and obesity have impact on the lifestyle, oral habits and oral pathologies. Methods We conducted an observational cross-sectional study where we applied a questionnaire to 140 individuals from Lisbon and Viseu, Portugal., which 70 had a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) (control group) and 70 had an excessive BMI. We also made an oral observation in each individual to record the permanent teeth decayed, missing and filled index (DMFT), the Community Periodontal Index and the oral hygiene status. Results From the final sample, 30% of the subjects with overweight brushed their teeth once a day or less, while the majority (62.9%) of the control group brushed twice a day. In the oral examination, 70% had calculus, while in the control group only 22.5% presented calcified plaque. The DMFT was higher among the obesity group in comparison with the control group. Regarding periodontal disease, the participants with overweight need more dental intervention (81.4%) in contrast with the control group (14%). Conclusions Most overweight and obese individuals present precarious oral hygiene habits, higher prevalence of dental caries, and worse periods of periodontal health. They are not aware of the repercussions of the association between their cariogenic diet, oral health and overweight. Key messages • Oral health behaviors are related with other health conditions, namely obesity and this is a fundamental public health issue. • Primary preventive strategies should be established having in consideration the oral health status of adults in treatment for obesity and in weight control programs.
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