Oral health status of male adolescent smokeless tobacco users in Saudi Arabia

Few studies have evaluated the oral effects of smokeless tobacco use in adolescents. This study described the oral health status of adolescents who were daily users of local smokeless tobacco [shamma] in Saudi Arabia. A convenience sample of 270 middle-school male students completed a questionnaire and received an oral examination and a saliva cotinine test. Among the students, 96% had plaque deposits [mean plaque index score 1.66]; 41% had gingivitis [mean clinical attachment loss 1.1 mm]; 56% had dental caries [mean decayed, missing, filled teeth score 2.1] and 86% had at least 1 mucosal lesion. The levels of plaque, gingivitis, dental caries and periodontitis among smokeless tobacco users were similar to those of most adolescents regardless of tobacco use. Almost 9/10 students had a mucosal lesion that could be related to smokeless tobacco use. Strong measures should be taken to increase students' awareness of the adverse health effects of tobacco use and to control their access to tobacco

[The relation between protein energy malnutrition and gingival status in children]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between protein-energy malnutrition and gingivitis in children in Damascus and its suburbs. For this purpose we used a random sample of 840 male and female children aged 6-12 years. Their gums were examined. The bleeding indexes were recorded for both primary and permanent teeth. Anthropometric measures were taken: Weight for age, Height for age and Weight for Height. We found that gingivitis increased among low weight children [44%] compared to normal children [31%]. It was more severe in low-height children in comparison to others. These findings necessitate the promotion of preventive care in order to insure gingival hygiene, particularly by following a balanced diet

[The relation between protein energy malnutrition and gingival status in children]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between protein-energy malnutrition and gingivitis in children in Damascus and its suburbs. For this purpose we used a random sample of 840 male and female children aged 6-t2 years. Their gums were examined. The bleedins indexes were recorded for both primaw and permanent teeth. Anthropometric measures were taken: Weight for age. Height for age and Weight for Height. We found that gingivitis increased among low weight children [44%] compared to normal children [31%]. It was more severe in low-height children in comparison to others. These findings necessitate the promotion of preventive care in order to insure gingival hygiene, particularly by following a balanced diet