Green tea: A novel functional food for the oral health of older adults

Functional foods are foods with positive health effects that extend beyond their nutritional value. They affect the function of the body and help in the management of specific health conditions. Green tea, a time‐honoured Chinese herb, might be regarded as a functional food because of its inherent anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial and antimutagenic properties. They are attributed to its reservoir of polyphenols, particularly the catechin, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate. Owing to these beneficial actions, this traditional beverage was used in the management of chronic systemic diseases including cancer. Recently, it has been emphasized that the host immuno‐inflammatory reactions destroy the oral tissues to a greater extent than the microbial activity alone. Green tea with its wide spectrum of activities could be a healthy alternative for controlling these damaging reactions seen in oral diseases, specifically, chronic periodontitis, dental caries and oral cancer, which are a common occurrence in the elderly population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 238–250.     

Effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention in older adults

AIMS: To: (a) identify characteristics of older smokers considering cessation of smoking; (b) evaluate a cessation intervention plus access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); (c) identify predictors of those who successfully quit; and (d) evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in those AGED >or = 75 years. DESIGN: Self-selection of: (a) a cessation of smoking programme; or (b) ongoing smoking. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Perth, Western Australia. PARTICIPANTS: A larger study recruited smokers and never smokers: from this the 215 community-dwelling smokers (>or= 5 cigarettes/day) aged >or= 68 years (171 males) were enrolled. INTERVENTION: Brief intervention with telephone support and access to NRT versus no intervention. MEASUREMENTS: (a) Profile of older adults planning to quit smoking compared with continuing smokers; (b) cessation at 6 months defined as 30-day point prevalence validated via expired carbon monoxide; and (c) factors predictive of successful cessation. FINDINGS: There were 165 intervention participants. Compared with the 50 continuing smokers, participants in the intervention were younger and had significantly less years of regular smoking, more previous quit attempts and greater nicotine dependence scores. At 6 months, the point prevalence of ex-smokers was 25% (n = 42) with 20% (n = 33) being abstinent throughout the study. No continuing smoker had ceased smoking. Among the intervention group, logistic regression showed that those who used NRT (OR 4.36), were male (OR 3.17), had higher anxiety (OR 1.67) or rejected 'more colds and coughs' as a reason for quitting (OR 2.91) were more likely to be successful quitters. Of those aged >or= 75 years (n = 77), 25% matched cessation criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Older smokers can be engaged successfully in a brief intervention plus NRT as aids to cessation of smoking. The intervention was also effective in the older subgroup of participants. Social factors may provide an additional means of motivating older smokers to quit.     

Role of snus (oral moist snuff ) in smoking cessation and smoking reduction in Sweden

Aims To assess to what extent snus has been used as an aid to stop smoking among Swedish smokers. Design A random telephone retrospective survey of Swedish smokers and ex‐smokers. Setting Survey conducted in November–December 2000. Participants A national sample of 1000 former and 985 current daily smokers aged 25–55 years. Measurements Smoking status, date and method of quitting by self‐report. Findings Thirty‐three per cent of former smokers and 27% of current smokers had ever used snus. The difference was larger among men (55% versus 45%, P = 0.003). Current smokers who made use of snus smoked on average fewer cigarettes per day than non‐users of snus. The mean duration of abstinence among former smokers was not influenced by snus use. Conditionally on age, education and use of nicotine replacement therapy there was an increased probability of being a former rather than a current smoker with ever use (OR 1.72, 95% CI = 1.30–2.28) or current use (OR 1.81, 95% CI = 1.31–2.53) of snus. Having used snus at the latest quit attempt increased the probability of being abstinent by about 50% (OR 1.54, 95% CI = 1.09–2.20). Conclusions Our study suggests that by using snus, Swedish male smokers may increase their overall chances of abstinence. However, 71% of the men in this sample who quit smoking did so without using snus and the duration of abstinence was not affected by snus use. This suggests that snus is not a necessary component of smoking cessation at the population level. Snus use was very rare among women.     

Effect of oral health intervention on cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeThe incidence of dementia is rapidly increasing worldwide, especially in developed countries. Little is known regarding the effectiveness of dental intervention to prevent dementia or a decline in cognitive functions among community-dwelling older adults, but a few studies have reported a correlation between the lack of regular dental checkups and dementia. For that reason, this study aimed to investigate the effects of oral health intervention on cognitive functions in community-dwelling subjects with a mild cognitive decline via a randomized controlled trial.Patients and methodsFifty-five community-dwelling older adults with a Mini-Mental State Examination score of ≥21 to ≤26 who had not visited a dental clinic in the previous year were randomized to an intervention group (n = 28) or a control group (n = 29). The intervention group received monthly oral health intervention by dental hygienists for 8 months while the control group did not. Data on demographics, cognitive function and oral parameters were collected before and after the intervention.ResultsTwenty-five subjects in the intervention group (mean age 77.0 years) and 25 in the control group (mean age 72.8 years) completed the study. Significant improvements were observed in the Trail Making Test (TMT)-A, TMT-B, bleeding on probing rate, oral diadochokinesis, tongue pressure and chewing ability in the intervention group (P < 0.05). There were also significant interactions between the TMT-A and TMT-B scores, oral diadochokinesis, tongue pressure and chewing ability (P < 0.05).ConclusionOral health intervention by dental hygienists may be effective for improving the oral health and executive function of cognitive function assessed via TMT.     

The influence of smoking and smokeless tobacco use on weight amongst men

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco) and cessation on body weight. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and prospective follow-up study. SETTING: Northern Sweden. SUBJECTS: A total of 2993 men aged 25-64 years who participated in the northern Sweden MONICA study in 1986, 1990 or 1994, 1650 of whom were followed up in 1999. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of overweight [body mass index (BMI) >/= 27] amongst tobacco users was compared with nonusers at entry into the study. The average annual percentage weight gain amongst men was also determined according to tobacco use both at entry and at follow-up, and the development of overweight amongst tobacco-use groups was reported using standardized incidence ratios. RESULTS: Smokers who quit tobacco during the follow-up period gained significantly more weight than smokers who switched to snus (annual gain 0.96% vs. 0.51%, P < 0.05). At entry, ex-smokers had higher prevalence of overweight than nonusers of tobacco [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10-1.40]. Snus users had slightly higher prevalence of overweight at entry (PR = 1.20, CI = 1.01-1.42). Snus users who quit gained more weight than nonusers (0.70% vs. 0.44%, P < 0.05) or those who continued to use snus (0.42%). CONCLUSIONS: Cessation of tobacco, either cigarettes or snus, leads to significantly increased weight gain. However, snus use may play a role in lowering the weight gain following smoking cessation.     

慢性肺病住院患者戒烟成功影响因素研究

目的研究住院慢性肺病患者相对于其他住院患者吸烟行为特征的特点及戒烟成功相关影响因素。方法在2014年6月至2015年6期间肺病科连续的慢性肺病住院患者,配对抽取同期于其他科室住院的非慢性肺病患者,填写调查表进行数据分析。结果本调查中吸烟患者均以控制不住烟瘾为继续吸烟主要原因;在慢性肺病患者分组中主要以经济原因为主要戒烟原因,而在非慢性肺病分组中主要以防未病为主;吸烟人群中,大家对戒烟行为的认知是一致的,在戒烟过程中不仅取决于本人的态度是否坚决,还与其对整个过程的信心及外界环境息息相关;在戒烟过程中,戒烟持续时间在很大程度上决定戒烟是否成功。多因素Logistic回归分析发现年龄、月经济收入、饮酒、是否患有其他慢性病、自觉健康状况、尼古丁依赖均影响是否戒烟成功。结论目前慢性肺病患者戒烟能够成功很大程度上是因为随着年龄增大及疾病的进行性加重及经济条件不佳所"被迫"成功的,提示我们在今后的戒烟治疗中,应早期干预,变被动戒烟为主动戒烟。     

A match-mismatch test of a stage model of behaviour change in tobacco smoking

AIMS: An innovation offered by stage models of behaviour change is that of stage-matched interventions. Match-mismatch studies are the primary test of this idea but also the primary test of the validity of stage models. This study aimed at conducting such a test among tobacco smokers using the Social Cognitive Stage Model. DESIGN: A match-mismatch field-experiment was conducted in which smokers and ex-smokers in different stages were assigned randomly to one of three information conditions. PARTICIPANTS: Smokers in the pre-contemplation stage, the contemplation stage and the preparation stage, and ex-smokers in the action stage (n = 481), who were recruited through mass media, were assigned randomly to one of three information conditions. INTERVENTION: In each of the three information conditions, participants received a four- to six-page computer-tailored letter designed to: (1) increase the positive outcome expectations of quitting, (2) decrease the negative outcome expectations of quitting or (3) increase self-efficacy. MEASUREMENTS: Forward stage transition was the primary outcome measure, which was assessed 2 months after the participants received the information. FINDINGS: At the 2-month follow-up, the matched interventions were significantly more effective in stimulating forward stage transition (44.7%) than were mismatched interventions (25.8%; odds ratio = 2.78; confidence interval = 1.85-4.35). CONCLUSION: The present study provides experimental support for the benefits of stage-matching and for the validity of the Social Cognitive Stage Model.     

Effects of rapid smoking on post-cessation urges to smoke

CONTEXT: Rapid smoking (RS) is a smoking cessation technique with sufficient indications of promise to warrant further investigation. The main presumed effect of RS is on reducing desire to smoke. AIM: To evaluate the effect of a single session of RS immediately prior to quitting smoking on urges to smoke over the first week of abstinence. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Specialist smoking cessation clinic (SSCC). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 100 smokers attending the quit day session. INTERVENTION: Participants in the rapid smoking group underwent a single session of RS immediately prior to quitting smoking. Participants in the control group watched a health promotion video on giving up smoking. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Ratings of urges to smoke in the first 24 hours and 1 week of abstinence. FINDINGS: The RS procedure was well tolerated. It led to significantly lower urges to smoke compared to the control procedure during the first 24 hours (mean rating of 2.6 versus 3.2, P < 0.001) and the first week of abstinence (1.8 versus 2.5, P < 0.01). In patients abstinent for 4 weeks, urges to smoke were low and the difference was no longer significant (1.4 versus 1.8). CONCLUSION: RS has an 'active ingredient' (craving reduction) and its effects on smoking cessation may merit further examination using modern rigorous methodology.     

Cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation and the implications for COPD

The cost burden of COPD is substantial for patients and families, payers, and society as a whole. Smoking has been known for decades to be the leading cause of the disease. Numerous studies have been completed to address the cost-effectiveness of programs created to aid smokers in their efforts to quit. Because several assumptions must be made in order to conduct such a study, and because differences in study design are numerous, comparison of data is difficult. However, studies have consistently shown that regardless of the perspective from which the study was completed, or the methods used to help smokers abstain, the interventions are cost-effective. Although no study has been conducted specifically to assess the cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions as they relate directly to patients with COPD, based on current data it can be concluded that smoking cessation programs are cost-effective for this population.     

戒烟干预对不同风险程度慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者预后的影响对比

目的探讨戒烟干预对不同风险慢性阻塞性肺疾病(简称慢阻肺)患者的临床症状、肺功能以及急性加重次数的影响,期为临床治疗慢阻肺提供理论依据。方法对我院呼吸内科2009年7月-2012年7月收治的126例慢阻肺患者,根据是否戒烟和接受治疗前1年急性加重次数分为4组,采用不同方案的干预手段。然后对4组患者进行为期1年的追踪随访,比较1年后患者症状评分、FEV1以及急性加重次数。结果1年后,戒烟干预低风险组临床症状评分变化量为(2.11±0.32)分,与对照低风险组(1.28±0.51)分相比有明显改善,比较具有统计学意义(t=3.215,P=0.0040.05)。两者FEV1相比,有显著差异(0.16±0.11比0.50±0.04,t=3.268,P=0.0030.05)。戒烟干预低风险组的急性加重次数也有明显降低,与对照组相比差异显著(t=5.364,P=0.0020.05);戒烟干预高风险组临床症状评分变化量为(2.77±0.29)分,与对照高风险组的(1.28±0.51)分相比有明显改善,比较具有统计学意义(t=3.641,P=0.0050.05)。两者FEV1相比,有显著差异(0.04±0.07比0.12±0.11,t=2.952,P=0.0060.05)。干预高风险组的急性加重次数也有明显降低,与对照组相比,差异显著(t=3.695,P=0.0050.05)。结论戒烟干预可以明显改善吸烟慢阻肺患者的临床症状,延缓其FEV1下降,降低急性加重次数。随访及戒烟干预对吸烟的高风险慢阻肺患者改善其临床症状、降低其急性加重风险更具有临床意义。     

The effect of stopping smoking on perceived stress levels

Aims Many smokers believe that smoking helps them to cope with stress, and that stopping smoking would deprive them of an effective stress management tool. Changes in stress levels following long‐term smoking cessation are not well mapped. This longitudinal project was designed to provide more robust data on post‐cessation changes in perceived stress levels by following a cohort of smokers admitted to hospital after myocardial infarction (MI) or for coronary artery bypass (CAB) surgery, as such patients typically achieve higher continuous abstinence rates than other comparable samples. Design A total of 469 smokers hospitalized after MI or CAB surgery and wanting to stop smoking were seen in the hospital and completed 1‐year follow‐ups. Ratings of helpfulness of smoking in managing stress at baseline, smoking status (validated by salivary cotinine concentration) and ratings of perceived stress at baseline and at 1‐year follow‐up were collected. Findings Of the patients, 41% (n = 194) maintained abstinence for 1 year. Future abstainers and future smokers did not differ in baseline stress levels or in their perception of coping properties of smoking. However, abstainers recorded a significantly larger decrease in perceived stress than continuing smokers, and the result held when possible confounding factors were controlled for (P < 0.001). Conclusions In highly dependent smokers who report that smoking helps them cope with stress, smoking cessation is associated with lowering of stress. Whatever immediate effects smoking may have on perceived stress, overall it may generate or aggravate negative emotional states. The results provide reassurance to smokers worried that stopping smoking may deprive them of a valuable coping resource.     

Socioeconomic,sociodemographic, and clinical variables associated with root caries in a group of persons age 60 years and older in Mexico

Aim: To determine the prevalence of root caries and the root caries index in a population of older Mexicans, and its relationship to socioeconomic, sociodemographic and dental factors. Methods: We carried out a cross‐sectional study in 85 persons 60 years and older living either in long‐term care facilities, or independently and attending an elder day‐care group. Each subject underwent an oral examination, performed by a trained and standardized dentist, to determine the root caries index and other clinical variables. Questionnaires were administered to collect socioeconomic, sociodemographic and hygiene data. Statistical analyses were performed using non‐parametric tests. Results: The prevalence of root caries was 96.5%. The root caries index was 37.7% ± 21.7%. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) of root caries index were observed across residential arrangements and marital statuses, and were higher in publicly funded long‐term care and among single subjects (P < 0.05). Those who had poor hygiene had more root caries (P < 0.05); persons with a low level of schooling and who brushed their teeth less frequently also showed a difference (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of root caries was very high. The type of long‐term care, marital status, schooling and oral hygiene were associated with a higher root caries index. Oral health programs and preventive caries interventions are needed for this age group in general; targeted strategies may be better focused if sociodemographic profiles are used to characterize high need groups. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 271–276.     

Evaluation of the oral health situation of a group of Egyptian haemophilic children and their re-evaluation following an oral hygiene and diet education programme

Haemophilic children in Egypt have received minimal dental intervention and their dental needs required assessment. The purpose of this study was to assess the oral health needs of a sample (n = 60) of Egyptian haemophilic children (6-12 years), so as to develop, implement and evaluate an oral hygiene education programme over an 8-month period on the experimental group (n = 30) vs. the control group (n = 30). The oral hygiene index simplified (OHI-S) index was used for baseline data and at the end of the study, while DMFS and defs were used to collect caries experience baseline data on each subject. The results showed that the DMFT and deft were significantly higher than those of the non-haemophilic population in Egypt and also higher than those of haemophilic children in developed countries and that the decayed component represented most of the index values. At phase I, the mean value of the OHI-S of experimental and the control groups was 2.67 +/- 0.45 and 2.53 +/- 0.53, respectively, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05), both values were in the 'fair' category (1.3-3.0). At phase II, the end of the 8 months follow-up period and after the application of a strict oral care programme in the experimental group, there was a significant decrease from 2.67 to 1.20 (P < 0.001), a shift of values occurred from the 'fair' category to the 'good' category (0.1-1.2) while there was no significant difference in the control group. It can be concluded that professional plaque control, education and access to oral hygiene aids is paramount to improve oral health of these children.