Caspian Journal of

Oral health education in patients with maxillofacial problems is extremely important. Patients with maxillofacial problems often have a higher risk of developing oral health issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and infections. These oral health issues can exacerbate their existing condition, leading to further complications and poor overall health outcomes [1].
Furthermore, patients with maxillofacial problems may face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, such as difficulty in brushing and flossing due to pain or limited mobility in the jaw. By providing oral health education tailored to their specific needs and conditions, healthcare providers can help these patients overcome these challenges and maintain good oral health [2].
Good oral health is also essential for overall health and well-being. Poor oral health has been linked to several systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. By educating patients with maxillofacial problems about the importance of good oral hygiene and its impact on overall health, healthcare providers can empower them to take control of their health and prevent potential complications [3].
As healthcare professionals, we have firsthand witnessed the challenges that these patients face when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing further complications.
We must take proactive steps to improve oral health education for this specific patient population. By providing them with the necessary knowledge and resources, we can empower them to take control of their oral health and prevent future issues.
To achieve this, we propose implementing specialized educational programs and materials tailored specifically for patients with maxillofacial problems. These resources should cover topics such as proper dental care techniques, dietary recommendations, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
Furthermore, healthcare providers must receive training on how to effectively communicate with these patients and address their unique needs. By equipping our staff with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can ensure that patients receive the support and guidance they require.
We believe that by improving oral health education for patients with maxillofacial problems, we can make a significant impact on their overall well-being. There are several ways to improve oral health education in patients with maxillofacial problems:
1. Provide visual aids: Maxillofacial problems can be complex and difficult to understand. Providing visual aids such as diagrams, models, and videos can help patients better understand their condition and the importance of good oral health.
2. Emphasize the link between oral health and overall health: Many patients may not be aware of the connection between oral health and overall health. Educating patients about the potential consequences of poor oral health, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, can motivate them to take better care of their teeth and gums.
3. Tailor education to individual needs: Every patient is unique and may have different needs when it comes to oral health education. By tailoring education to each patient’s specific condition, you can ensure that they receive the information they need to maintain good oral health.
4. Offer practical advice: Patients with maxillofacial problems may face challenges when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene. Offering practical advice on how to brush and floss effectively, as well as recommending products such as interdental brushes and mouthwashes, can help patients overcome these
challenges.
5. Provide ongoing support: Oral health education should not be a one-time event. Providing ongoing support, such as follow-up appointments and reminders, can help patients stay on track with their oral hygiene routine and prevent complications from their maxillofacial problems [4, 5, 6].
Improving oral health education in patients with maxillofacial problems can lead to several positive outcomes:
1. Reduced risk of oral health complications: With a better understanding and knowledge about oral hygiene, patients are more likely to follow proper dental care routines, leading to a reduced risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
2. Improved overall health: Good oral health is linked to better overall health. By improving oral health education, patients with maxillofacial problems can reduce the risk of systemic health issues related to poor oral hygiene, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
3. Enhanced quality of life: Oral health problems can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty eating or speaking. By promoting good oral hygiene practices, patients with maxillofacial problems can experience improved comfort, reduced pain, and better overall quality of life.
4. Empowerment and self-management: Education empowers patients to take control of their oral health. By understanding the importance of good oral hygiene and how to maintain it, patients can actively participate in managing their oral health and overall well-being [7, 8, 9].
In summary, improving oral health education in patients with maxillofacial problems can result in better oral health outcomes, improved overall health, increased comfort, and a higher quality of life for these individuals.

Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
There were no ethical considerations to be considered in this research.

Funding
This research did not receive any grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors. 

Authors' contributions
Investigation, methodology and data curation: Amir Hossein Khazaei; Resources & software: Sadra Amirpour Haradasht; Supervision and writing the original draft: Sadra Amirpour Haradasht; Review, editing and project administration: Mehrdad Shahraki.

Conflict of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude for the invaluable support received from the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences.



References

1. Davies R, Bedi R, Scully C. ABC of oral health. Oral health care for patients with special needs. BMJ. 2000; 321(7259):495-8. [DOI:10.1136/bmj.321.7259.495] [PMID]
2. Koga S, Ogino Y, Fujikawa N, Ueno M, Kotaki Y, Koyano K. Oral health-related quality of life and oral hygiene condition in patients with maxillofacial defects: A retrospective analysis. J Prosthodont Res. 2020; 64(4):397-400. [DOI:10.1016/j.jpor.2019.11.003] [PMID]
3. Movaseghi Ardekani F, Ghaderi F, Kaveh MH, Nazari M, Khoramaki Z. The effect of an educational intervention on oral health literacy, knowledge, and behavior in Iranian Adolescents: A theory-based randomized controlled trial. Biomed Res Int. 2022; 2022:5421799. [DOI:10.1155/2022/5421799] [PMID]
4. Tabatabaei SH, Owlia F, Ayatollahi F, Maybodi FR, Ahadian H, Azizian F, et al. Nurses’ educational needs in the oral health of inpatients at Yazd Province in Iran: A Delphi study. BMC Nurs. 2020; 19(1):120. [DOI:10.1186/s12912-020-00517-8] [PMID]
5. Eman Shokry AA, Rehab Adel M, Rashad AE-sA. Educational program to improve quality of life among elderly regarding oral health. Future Dent J. 2018; 4(2):211-5. [DOI:10.1016/j.fdj.2018.07.002]
6. Khurana C, Tandon S, Chand S, Chinmaya BR. Effectiveness of oral health education program using braille text in a group of visually impaired children-before and after comparison trial. J Educ Health Promot. 2019; 8:50. [PMID]
7. Nakre PD, Harikiran AG. Effectiveness of oral health education programs: A systematic review. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2013; 3(2):103-15. [DOI:10.4103/2231-0762.127810] [PMID]
8. Eberhard J. General health benefits from good oral health. Aust Dent J. 2019; 64(2):199-200. [DOI:10.1111/adj.12675] [PMID]
9. Kane SF. The effects of oral health on systemic health. Gen Dent. 2017; 65(6):30-4. [PMID]