Libia Karina Reyes Espinoza

People with visual impairment face challenges in maintaining optimal oral hygiene, as they may lack knowledge of proper oral cleaning techniques. The objective of the study was to describe oral hygiene in people with visual impairment in the city of Ibarra, Ecuador. It was an observational, prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study. Surveys were conducted with 30 blind people from the Center for Specialized Therapeutic Attention for People with Disabilities (CATEPED) in the city of Ibarra, Ecuador. The findings revealed that there was a significant prevalence of oral problems among the population studied. Despite showing good oral hygiene in general, the lack of knowledge about the use of fluoride toothpaste and the need to replace toothbrushes periodically are aspects of concern. These results highlight the importance of implementing educational and dental care programs specifically designed for people with visual impairment in order to improve their oral health and prevent dental disease. The need for increased attention to the oral health of people with visual impairment is highlighted, as well as the importance of education and access to appropriate dental services. These results highlight the importance of implementing educational and dental care programs specifically designed for people with visual impairment in order to improve their oral health and prevent dental disease. The need for increased attention to the oral health of people with visual impairment is highlighted, as well as the importance of education and access to appropriate dental services. The results underscore the importance of addressing the specific needs of this population, both in terms of oral hygiene awareness and in the provision of tailored dental care. It is critical to develop comprehensive strategies that address existing barriers and promote optimal oral health for people with visual impairment

Oral diseases have a significant impact on aesthetics and well-being, particularly affecting adolescents. This developmental phase is marked by noticeable physical and psychological changes, where self-image and social perception become crucial and can adversely influence self-esteem. The study conducted in May 2023 at UNIANDES University, Ecuador, aimed to describe the oral health of dental students, analyzing how dental aesthetics affects perfectionism and self-worth. Classified as descriptive, observational, prospective, and cross-sectional, detailed questionnaires were administered to first-, fifth, and sixth-semester students, providing in-depth insight into the interaction of these factors in a university setting. The study found that concern for dental aesthetics increases with academic progression. Students in advanced semesters show a growing concern for the appearance of their teeth and are more willing to seek cosmetic dental treatments. This attitude is accompanied by a more frequent comparison with the teeth of others and an awareness of the social impact of their dental aesthetics. Such findings highlight a direct correlation between the level of study and dental self-perception, emphasizing the need to include psychosocial support in dental training. It is concluded that progress in the dentistry career entails a greater self-criticism of dental aesthetics, highlighting the importance of educational strategies to manage expectations and promote mental health Las enfermedades bucodentales inciden significativamente en la estética y el bienestar, impactando de manera particular en los adolescentes. Esta fase de desarrollo está marcada por cambios físicos y psicológicos notables, donde la autoimagen y la percepción social se vuelven cruciales y pueden influir adversamente en la autoestima. El estudio realizado en mayo de 2023 en la universidad UNIANDES, Ecuador, tuvo como objetivo describir la salud oral de los estudiantes de odontología, analizando cómo la estética dental afecta el perfeccionismo y la autovaloración. Clasificado como descriptivo, observacional, prospectivo y transversal, se administraron cuestionarios detallados a estudiantes de primero, quinto y sexto semestre, proporcionando una visión profunda de la interacción de estos factores en un ámbito universitario. El estudio descubrió que la preocupación por la estética dental aumenta con la progresión académica. Los estudiantes de semestres avanzados evidencian una preocupación creciente por la apariencia de sus dientes y están más dispuestos a buscar tratamientos odontológicos estéticos. Esta actitud se acompaña de una comparación más frecuente con los dientes de otros y una conciencia del impacto social de su estética dental. Tales hallazgos destacan una correlación directa entre el nivel de estudio y la autopercepción dental, enfatizando la necesidad de incluir soporte psicosocial en la formación odontológica. Se concluye que el avance en la carrera de odontología conlleva una mayor autocrítica de la estética dental, resaltando la importancia de estrategias educativas para manejar las expectativas y promover la salud mental

Poor communication of bad news can have a significant negative impact on patients, triggering stress, anxiety and deterioration in their overall health status. The aim of this study was to interpret the delivery of bad news in medical practice through a literature review for the proposal of an approach to improve effective communication skills among health professionals. To achieve this end, a literature review was conducted following the guidelines of the PRISMA 2020 methodology, using sources such as PubMed, Lilacs and Scielo. From this search, 16 articles relevant to the topic of study were selected. The findings underline that the ability to adequately communicate bad news is not optional, but an essential competency within professional practice, thus highlighting the importance of this topic in the medical setting. It is concluded that it is crucial for health professionals to be adequately prepared to communicate bad news, which implies the development of protocols and specific recommendations on prognosis and treatment, and the fostering of a doctor-patient relationship based on trust and mutual respect

In root canal treatment, attention to atrial canals is crucial for the restructuring of dental health, especially in elderly patients with dental attrition. Atrial canals, characterized by low internal luminosity due to secondary dentin deposition, pose a challenge for the endodontist. This study reviews the literature on the preparation of these canals, focusing on foraminal permeability and glide path through biomechanical preparation. Instrumentation procedures and the importance of achieving patency or glide path, attained with appropriate instruments before canal preparation, are highlighted. A detailed evaluation and the use of TCHC computed tomography are essential for correctly diagnosing anatomical limitations in the root canal system. The application of internal anatomy and pathophysiology knowledge is vital to achieve favorable outcomes in endodontic treatments