Digital Commons Network^™

Strategies To Improve Patient Compliance Regarding Smoking Cessation, Genevieve R. Benzinger, Lydia Burton

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Exposure to cigarette smoke in the oral cavity alters the function of key periodontal pathogens such as P. gingivalis, promoting biofilm formation, colonization, and infection. The purpose of this review is to investigate how improved education on smoking can decrease negative oral health risks. Education amongst healthcare professionals and their patients is positively correlated to smoking cessation.

Smoking counseling has been shown to be more effective when given by multiple healthcare professionals outside of and in addition to primary care. Evidence shows that the chances of breaking smoking habits increase as smoking cessation counseling, cost-free medications, and follow up visits …

Cancer Therapy And Oral Mucositis, Breanna E. Walker, Heidi Berczes

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Cancer therapy can cause various adverse effects on the oral cavity. The development of oral mucositis is one of the most common oral condition associated with both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As dental professionals it is our duty to prevent and treat this condition in our patients. OM is very painful and has been known to decrease the quality of life in those with the condition. We have looked at studies evaluating the effectiveness of various agents in the prevention and treatment of OM. Our hope is to bring awareness to OM while educating providers on treatment options.

The Effects Of Celiac Disease On Oral Health In Children And Adults, Marissa Balducci, Katarina Jones

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by intolerance to dietary gluten in genetically predisposed subjects. To ensure affected patients receive optimal dental care, it is necessary for dental professionals to recognize the oral manifestations of celiac disease in both children and adults. Upon associating oral conditions with celiac disease, the dental provider should be able to present recommendations to the patient, contributing to an improvement in their oral health.

Methods: This review of the literature used PubMed to identify relevant professional research articles with publication after 2017. MesH terms utilized in the search process were …

How Effective Are Eco-Friendly Dental Hygiene Products In Preventing Carious Lesions And Improvement In Overall Oral Health, Mary Claryns Truz, Destiney Coles

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objectives: The purpose of this review of literature is to measure the effectiveness, and future of eco-friendly¹ dental hygiene products in the dental field. As the manufacturing of products from food to technology increases over time, so does the sentiment for environmental practices. The numerous organizations that push for more sustainable initiatives in modern-day society continue to increase over time. The efforts for sustainable practices can be seen in the field of dentistry through dental hygiene products. These products range from compostable toothbrushes, waste-free toothpastes to organic floss advertised for use by the public. In reviewing the efficacy of …

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste On Caries Prevention In Children, Samantha Richardson, Kelly Vaughan

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Are Hydroxyapatite Toothpastes The Answer To Fluoride Free Patients?

Richardson, Samantha 1 and Vaughan, Kelly 2

Dental Hygiene Program, Virginia Commonwealth University

Abstract:

Objectives/Aims: With the rising trend to become more clean with our ingredient lists, we are facing more patients refusing fluoride treatments and fluoridated toothpastes. This trend has been prevalent in our younger generations due to parents only wanting the purest natural ingredients for their children and now declining fluoride application. The goal of this literature is to find a safe alternative toothpaste that will be just as effective as fluoride.

Methods: This review of literature has been …

The Effects Of Clinical Depression On The Oral Health Of College Students, Delorias Perkins, Sarah Peng

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objectives: Mental health among college students has become a recent concern due to the rising cases of depression. In addition to the stress factors a typical college student often faces, we now have the COVID-19 pandemic that further exacerbates this issue. One’s state of mind has a significant impact on not only their mindset but their body overall. If the body’s health is impacted by depression, then it will influence the immune system and bodily function, ultimately affecting the oral cavity as well. The purpose of this review of literature is to identify the relationship between clinically diagnosed depression and …

Xylitol In Preventing Dental Caries, Nicholas Fields, Tu Bui

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Abstract

Problem: Dental caries is a common form of tooth infection among adults and children. The disease is easily transmissible, and therefore a great focus should be put on prevention to ensure healthy and proper oral hygiene for the population. Xylitol use has been proposed as one of the most effective preventive interventions against dental caries.

Methods: The literature review engaged different electronic databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library in evaluating the effectiveness of xylitol use in preventing dental caries in both children and adults. Articles used in the review were published between 2016 …

Can Botox Be The Cure For Tmj Associated Pain And Dysfunction?, Haley Headley, Bella Pollard

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Problem: Over 10 million Americans suffer from pain, headaches, and jaw dysfunction associated with temporomandibular joint disorders. Traditionally, when diagnosed, patients are given conservative treatment option recommendations such as an occlusal bite guard, stabilization splint, and over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen. These conservative treatment options are meant for short term use. What is the long term answer to temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction? Surgical replacement of jaw joints with artificial implants has been considered; however, the effectiveness of this irreversible procedure is inconclusive and highly controversial. Botulinum toxin type A injections, or botox, offers an alternative treatment that …

The Effects Of Covid-19-Related Stressors On Bruxism And Temporomandibular Disorders, Hagir A. Saleh, Samantha Smith

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Problem: COVID-19 has proven to be a major public health emergency, with an array of physical and emotional complications. While COVID-19 has its own effects on the human body, anxiety induced by the pandemic has shown to take a toll on the human oral cavity by means of causing individuals to grind and clench their teeth due to anxiety/stress, potentially leading to temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain.

Methods: A thorough review of literature was conducted by consulting credible studies published on online databases such as PubMed, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, Google Scholar, and Academic Search Complete. The studies examined …

Marijuana Legislation: Identifying The Impact On The Oral Healthcare Provider, Abby L. Geiser, Jessica Reid-Burrell

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objectives/Aims: Since the mid-2000s, the United States has seen a surge in legislation involving the legalization of marijuana, both recreationally and medicinally. The relaxed laws translated into an increase of marijuana consumption and thereby a potential increase in the number of patients a provider will see that are cannabis users. The purpose of this review is to illustrate how the providers begin to see pathologies related to cannabis use more frequently, and how they will need to be prepared for ways this can be addressed. Additionally, oral healthcare providers will face ethical dilemmas and legal challenges when treating patients and …

The Effect Of Competitive Swimming On Oral Health Status, Laura Apsley, Alexandra Walter

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objectives/Aims: Competitive athletes are often considered to be susceptible to bodily injury. It is now being realized that competitive swimmers are also at risk, specifically in the unsuspected realm of the oral cavity. The purpose of our research is to examine the effect of competitive swimming on an athlete's oral health status.

Methods: Using sources found on Pubmed and Google Scholar, the data used for the correlation of swimming pools and generalized dental trauma are as follows: competitive swimmers and non- competitive swimmers were examined for specific variables such as decayed, missing, or restoratively involved teeth, plaque and gingival index, …

Lead X-Ray Vests: Pros And Cons In Dental Radiography And Patient Education On Radiographic Technology, Kayla D. Oakley, Emily Deker

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Problem: There is a greater need to emphasize and educate patients and providers about radiologic advancements and patient exposure. The tradition of placing lead x-ray vests on patients for all radiographs is no longer a necessity. Without the explanation of why lead aprons are no longer needed, unnecessary steps for the provider and potential harm to the patient could be caused.

Methods: This review of literature was assembled by analyzing data from primary and secondary sources through online databases. The most recent research on the risks and benefits of the use of lead x-ray vests towards patients in …

The Ethics Of Using A Live Patient For Dental Board Exams, Aaliyah Gibbs, Ashley Christ

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objective: This study will discuss the various viewpoints regarding the ethics of using a live patient for board examination in dentistry. It will expand upon the inconsistency of the exam to include the compromised patient care, dishonorable delay in care needed so students can perform care during boards, the dignity of both the student and the patient that is paid to agree to be subject to such procedures, and the potential and irreversible harm caused to these patients. The research in this paper will explore various options for obtaining a license for clinical boards in dentistry and dental hygiene in …

Probiotic Biotherapy: Discussing Its Influential Role In Oral Health, Karla Florez, Claudette Sullano

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Introduction: Probiotics are widely known for their health promoting benefits, especially with its association to gastrointestinal health. For many years, most research has been focused on the prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal infections or diseases. However, recently probiotics has been a subject of investigation with its association to oral health. This review of literature is designed to analyze the effectiveness of using probiotics as a preventative and therapeutic method for oral infections/diseases such as periodontitis, dental caries, and the like.

Methods: Databases such as the PubMed, and Google Scholar were utilized to find current and relevant findings for this …

The Potential Effects Of Hormonal Therapy And Stress On The Oral Health Of The Transitioning Population, Elena G. Cantwell, Devon Mcclure

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Problem: In terms of healthcare, the transgender population is underserved. Unfortunately, these individuals often experience stress related to seeking preventative care and fear discrimination. These factors preventing them from seeking care, in addition to hormone therapy taken during the transition process, could have severe impacts on their dental health. The purpose of this study is to establish a link between the hormone therapy used during gender transitioning and the effect on oral health. While there is a correlation between hormone replacement therapy and clinical evidence that sex hormones can impact on periodontal tissues, few studies have linked this knowledge to …

Teledentistry: An Innovative Workforce Model For Dental Hygienists, Kayla T. Khau, Hannah H. Nguyen

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objective/Aims: This review of literature seeks to explore teledentistry as an alternative dental hygiene workforce model that places a dental hygienist in the role of the mid-level practitioner as part of a digitally-connected oral healthcare team. It will also emphasize the innovative methods of teledentistry giving better health care delivery to diverse populations.

Methods: The review of literature analyzed the conclusions and discussions of primary and secondary scholarly articles from PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and CINAHL. Specific key terms included teledentistry, telehealth, teleconsultation, dental hygiene, dentistry, workforce model, health care delivery. Articles included in this review were published within the …

The Role Of Dental Hygienist In Hpv Prevention And Education In Parents Of Adolescents, Kelsey Dore, Sari Sweet

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objectives/Aims: Today the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infects nearly 14 million people each year in the United States alone. HPV is responsible for several cancers, including oropharyngeal, which is currently on the rise. Each year an estimated 53,000 cases of oropharyngeal cancers are diagnosed, with 70% of the cases related to HPV. The significance of educating dental providers and patients of the correlations between HPV and oropharyngeal cancers involves increased prevention strategies in dental practices. The aim is to begin offering multi-level education to adolescents’ parent’s in routine dental care visits, in order to provide an innovative approach to reduce HPV-related …

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: Vaping Away Gum Tissue, Christina Tulloch, Denise Thieleman

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objective: Conventional cigarettes have shown severe toxicity on immune cells and wound healing in the periodontium, but little is known about the comparative effects of vaping or electronic cigarettes. In a substantial shift away from conventional cigarettes, vaping and e-cigarette sales have increased nearly 600% since 2017. If current conventional cigarette users are to transition to a less detrimental alternative, the evidence must demonstrate if electronic nicotine delivery systems can be deemed safer than conventional options.

Methods: By compiling data from the PubMed database, the most recent perspectives on new smoking methods and effects of usage on periodontal tissues were …

Oil Pulling: Fact Or Fad?, Cassandra N. Cooper

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Problem: There is a greater need in today’s world for better oral care across all populations. In developing countries, the tradition of oil pulling has provided an affordable and accessible alternative to antimicrobial rinse agents. Western society has taken note of this and oil pulling has emerged as the latest oral hygiene fad.

Methods: This review of literature used the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar to identify relevant research articles. Search terms included oil pulling, coconut oil, sesame seed oil, oil swishing, oral health, periodontitis, gingivitis, and bacterial adherence. The studies reviewed used previously validated data collection methods …

The Effect Of Artificial Sweeteners In Chewing Gum, Helpful Or Harmful?, Taylor Rue, Emily Liebe

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objective/Aims: This review of literature was designed to analyze the effects of artificial sweeteners in chewing gum in the oral cavity. The intent was to recognize which formulations of artificial sweeteners in chewing gum lead to beneficial outcomes in the oral cavity and which formulations lead to harmful effects.

Methods: The review of literature analyzed the conclusions of primary and secondary resources accumulated from PubMed. Multiple scholarly studies were filtered based upon meta-analysis, cross-sectional, and cohort studies. The following key terms were used: artificial sweetener, chewing gum, plaque, saliva, microbes, and oral health. A summative report was created based upon …

Analysis Of Wind Instruments On Orofacial Anatomy: A Review Of Literature, Regina M. Dixon, Samantha Chavez

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

The focus of this review of literature is on orofacial anatomy and their association with the longevity of wind instrument use. The importance of how playing wind instruments creates a disadvantage for the oral cavity and therapeutic approaches to decrease the adverse effects. Using the university’s library database and PubMed, the authors performed a thorough search on the literature of our topic. Specific key terms such as wind instrumentalists, oral health, orofacial anatomy, and therapy were used to conduct our search. The searched was limited to the English language and within five years of publications. The findings acknowledged pathologically infectious …

To Repair Or Replace: That Is The Restorative Question, Juhstin M. Brown, Clement S. Augustus

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objective/Aims: During dental visits, patients spend the majority of their time with their dental hygienist. At these recall appointments the patient’s face-to-face time with the dentist may be short. At this part of the appointment the dentist may diagnose the need for restorative treatment for the patient. Part of the hygienist’s responsibility is to explain treatment options for teeth with restorative needs. The purpose of this review of literature is to provide both options for restoration of dentition to a functional/aesthetic state.

Methods: Studies pertaining to the topic were searched using PubMed database. Keywords used in the search were amalgam, …

Puberty: Is Your Gingiva Having Mood Swings?, Gabrielle R. Salvatore, Kendall A. Connerley

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objectives/aim: The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects on the different pathological changes in the oral cavity due to puberty, in both males and females. Hormonal changes caused by menstrual cycles, ovulation, the use contraceptives, and increased testosterone and estrogen levels.

Methods: This topic will be analyzed by thoroughly reviewing research on articles that relate to the oral health of individuals specifically between the ages of 12-18 years old.

Results: Research presents significant evidence that supports changes occurring in the oral cavity during an individual’s stage of puberty. These stages include ovulation, pre-menstruation, menstruation and males transitioning …

Aloe Vera: A Multipurpose Healer And Bacterial Eradicator, Mary X. Tran, Leira N. Jimenez, Linda K. Blackburn

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

The Aloe vera plant is a succulent known for its rich content in vitamins and minerals, thus gaining popularity over the years in healthcare products. With advancements in alternative medicine, it has been recently found useful in dentistry due to properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial actions that contribute to wound healing. The purpose of this study was to examine and discover how Aloe vera can be used as an alternative therapy in the dental field. The PubMed, Google Scholar and Dentistry & Oral Sciences (DOSS) databases were utilized to find current scientific evidence on the effects of Aloe …

Consideration For Care For Your Patient With Cerebral Palsy, Katlin R. Cannon, Melissa Stowe, Brooke Ryan

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common developmental neurological disorder affecting about 2-3 children out of 1,000. CP is the result of infant brain damage or abnormal development resulting in impaired muscle control, coordination, tone, reflex, posture, and balance. These patients are unable to control motor movements of their muscles of mastication and facial expression, causing excessive drooling, clenching, bruxism, and other oral health-related issues. This lack of motor control affects their ability to swallow and often limits these patients to a liquid diet. This can lead to vitamin deficiencies and result in further developmental problems. As an example, a deficiency …

Got Caries? Breast Milk And Early Childhood Caries?, Megan L. Dean, Rebecca Fields, Hannah Fritz

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objective: To provide an analysis of the association between the longevity of breastfeeding and development of ECC. Determine the optimal time frame in which mothers should cease breastfeeding to reduce ECC development. Methods: Dr. Brickhouse, PubMed, Google Scholar and other scholarly databases were utilized to find current scientific evidence on the effects of breast milk on ECC. Relevant articles were summarized to write a review of literature. 16 articles published from 2015 to the present date were reviewed and cited. Results: From the studies, there is strong evidence to support breastfeeding beyond 12 months of age increases the prevalence …

Would You Recognize Lupus?, Sydney C. Smith, Maegan Simms, Barbara Brown

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE, is a chronic autoimmune disease which significantly affects various organs of the body and the oral cavity. According to various studies, SLE can cause an increased risk of periodontitis, fungal infections, and dental caries within the oral cavity. Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition mediated by an infectious etiology which affects the supporting tissues of the periodontium and alveolar bone. With SLE being an inflammatory condition as well, recent studies have emerged hypothesizing the possible association between SLE and periodontitis. Other effects on the oral cavity such as fungal infections including lichen planus and angular cheilitis …