Exposure to high-fluoride drinking water and risk of dental caries and dental fluorosis in Haryana, India.

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of and relationship between dental caries and dental fluorosis at varying levels of fluoride in drinking water. The study was conducted among 3007 school children in the age group of 12 to 16 years in 2 districts of Haryana having varying fluoride levels in drinking water. Type III examination for dental caries according to the WHO index and dental fluorosis estimation according to Dean's index was done. The prevalence of dental caries decreased from 48.02% to 28.07% as fluoride levels increased from 0.5 to 1.13 ppm, but as the fluoride level increased further to 1.51 ppm, there was no further reduction in caries prevalence, but there was a substantial increase in fluorosis prevalence. The optimum level of fluoride in drinking water was found to be 1.13 ppm, at which there was maximum caries reduction with minimum amount of esthetically objectionable fluorosis.

Association of erosion with dietary factors among 5-year-old children in India.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the association of dental erosion with dietary factors and oral hygiene practices among 5-year-old schoolchildren in Belgaum, Karnataka, India. METHODS: A random sample of 1,002 5-year-old children was drawn from Belgaum schools. Erosion was assessed using the modified Smith and Knight index. A self-designed questionnaire was used to probe into the details of the children's dietary practices. RESULTS: Frequency of consumption of beverages, canned juices, tamarind, and honey, a mixed diet, and frequency of teeth cleaning were significant predictors of dental erosion. Oral hygiene practices like timing of cleaning teeth and materials used did not show significant association with dental erosion. CONCLUSION: Certain dietary factors like canned juice, raw mango, gooseberry, tamarind, honey, buttermilk, and beverages showed significant correlation with dental erosion. Dietary counseling must take this into consideration.

Relationship of dental caries at different concentrations of fluoride in endemic areas: an epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: Fluoride has been an effective tool to prevent dental caries but efforts have been on to establish optimal level of fluoride in drinking water in different communities. The present study seeks to establish the safe and acceptable concentration of fluoride in drinking water which would lead to maximum caries protection with least amount of clinically observable dental fluorosis. STUDY DESIGN: 30 villages from 2 districts of Haryana were classified according to differing levels of fluoride in the drinking water. 3007 school children (1558 males & 1449 female)] were examined and the DMFT score was related to the level of fluoride in drinking water. RESULTS: The caries prevalence was maximum (48.02%) in the area having 0.50 ppm fluoride in drinking water The children from area having the 1.13 ppm fluoride level had the least caries prevalence i.e. 28.07%. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study did not suggest any additional anticaries benefit beyond 1.13 ppm fluoride level. The present investigation showed that the optimalfluoride levels for drinking water for our conditions were near 1.13ppm (1-1.2 ppm) as there was maximum caries protection with least amount of esthetically objectionable fluorosis at that level.

Attitude and tendency of cheating behaviours amongst undergraduate students in a Dental Institution of India.

Honesty and integrity are key characteristics expected of a doctor, although academic misconduct amongst medical students is not new. Academic integrity provides the foundation upon, which a flourishing academic life rests. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitude of undergraduate dental students about the seriousness of cheating behaviours and to determine the rate of malpractice amongst these students. A self designed closed ended questionnaire was distributed to 300 undergraduate students in a Dental Institution in India, to rate the seriousness of six cheating behaviours and to assess the rate of malpractice. The response rate was 100%. Two of the six cheating behaviours were considered by at least 61% of the students as very serious cheating behaviours. Almost 70% of the students agreed that they have involved in malpractice in examinations at least once. The majority also felt that cheating in examinations will not have any significant effect on their future. This study has revealed that cheating is an important issue, which needs to be addressed for the benefit of the society at large.

Distribution and severity of erosion among 5-year-old children in a city in India.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of dental erosion among 5-year-old schoolchildren in Belgaum, North Karnataka, India. METHODS: A random sample of 1,100 5-year-old schoolchildren who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study, of whom 1,002 actively participated. The questionnaire given to parents pertained to sociodemographic factors, and the parents were instructed to maintain their child's 3-day diary to assess his/her existing dietary habits. Later, the questionnaire was collected and a clinical examination for dental erosion was performed. A modified Smith and Knight index was used to assess the extent of dental erosion. The child's socioeconomic status was assessed using Kuppuswamy's classification. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental erosion was approximately 29% (with a higher prevalence observed in females). CONCLUSION: A statistically significant association was found between diet type, type and time of exposure to acidic diet and dental erosion.