Chewing Ability and the Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Relationship Between Tooth Wear and Oral Health.

INTRODUCTION: It is important to understand how a very common prevalent condition of tooth wear (TW) impacts a person's day-to-day oral health. An emerging concept of measuring the parameter of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), which evidently impacts the daily living of a person, makes it practical to examine the correlation between TW and OHRQoL. For measuring the OHRQoL, we can apply various methods, and the most effective is the use of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess the correlation between TW and the OHRQoL among adult patients attending a dental college and hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional research was performed on patients who visited the outpatient department of Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad, India. Initially, the sociodemographic details of patients, including their oral hygiene and dietary habits, were recorded. This step was followed by the assessment of TW using the Smith and Knight TW index. Then, the translated and validated version of the OHIP questionnaire was filled up, in which the patients were asked to rate each question on a Likert scale, with five points ranging from 0 to 4, where 0 = never, 1 = hardly ever, 2 = occasionally, 3 = fairly often, and 4 = very often. RESULTS: Based on a clinical examination on 630 subjects and the OHIP questionnaire responses from the participants, a significantly remarkable association (p ≤ 0.05) was found using a chi-square test between TW and the OHRQoL. In particular, TW was linked to other sociodemographic data and various lifestyle, dietary, and drinking habits. Along with the OHRQoL, TW also showed a positive correlation with gender. Using the chi-square test, a statistically significant association between age and TW was observed, with p-value = 0.004. Meanwhile, the place of residence did not show any association with TW. Educational qualifications of patients, visits to dental clinics, and reasons for dental visits showed very significant association with TW. Oral hygiene aids, materials used, frequency of brushing, and brushing technique did not have any association with TW as per the results obtained. A highly significant association was found between consumption of fruit drinks, citric drinks, and beverages and TW in the adult patients. Among all the domains of the OHIP questionnaire, the physical pain domain was the most affected, followed by the physical disability domain. CONCLUSION: We conclude that TW has a direct association and positive correlation with the OHRQoL. As TW was increasing, so were the OHIP values, which indicated a lesser OHRQoL. The study also presents information on how to maintain a regular and healthy dietary lifestyle and oral hygiene to combat the impacts of TW.

Association between obesity and periodontal disease among 35 - 44 years old patients visiting Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad: A cross sectional study.

Introduction: Obesity had been the most neglected public health problem increasing at an alarming rate affecting both the developed and developing countries. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which is highly prevalent worldwide affecting 20-50% of the global population. Thus, a research was conducted to evaluate the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease among 35-44-year-old patients who were visiting the Oral Medicine and Radiology Department (OMDR) in TMDCRC, Moradabad. Objective: To know the prevalence of obesity and periodontal health. To record the body mass index (BMI) and to co-relate with periodontal disease. To recommend preventive measures for periodontitis and the obese population. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of OMDR, TMDCRC, Moradabad. A total of 566 subjects were examined aged 35-44 years visiting the out patient department (OPD) of the OMDR Department. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. Questionnaire-based proforma was used comprising information regarding oral hygiene practices, frequency of toothbrushing, and method of brushing. A World Health Organization (WHO)-modified 2013 assessment form was used to record the periodontal status of the participants. Results: The examination of 550 subjects was done. It was found that there is a significant association of periodontal disease in factors like BMI, age, gender, smoking status, and loss of attachment (LOA) is found in BMI, gender, smoking status, and smoking frequency. It was also found that there is a significant association of the community periodontal index (CPI) scores in obese individuals. Conclusion: The main aim is to find and control the risk factor and eliminate it. Our study confirms that obesity is one of the risk indicators of periodontitis. With the scope and limitations of the study, it has been concluded that obesity and periodontitis have a significant relationship with each other. This study states the importance of good oral hygiene maintenance in obese and normal patients.

Comparative evaluation of audio-visual and verbal education method on OHRQoL, dental anxiety, dental neglect of diabetes mellitus patients attending a teaching hospital in India.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare audio-visual and verbal education on oral health related quality of life, dental anxiety and dental neglect, on diabetes mellitus patients attending Teerthanker Mahaveer Hospital, Moradabad. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The current longitudinal interventional study was conducted to check the efficiency of audio-visual and verbal education on OHRQoL, Dental anxiety and dental neglect, on diabetes mellitus patients attending Teerthanker Mahaveer Hospital, Moradabad, U.P., India. A 14-item questionnaire, OHIP-14, with emphasis on seven proportions of impact was used to collect information on OHRQoL. Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) will be used to collect data on Dental Anxiety. A prevalidated revised proforma of Dental Neglect Scale (DNS) was used to gather information on Dental Neglect. The questionnaire was a six-question instrument related to dental problems. After collecting the initial baseline data, the sample was divided into two groups: verbal education group (n = 1030) and audio-visual education group (n = 1030). Then oral health education (OHE) was provided verbally to Group I patients and OHE with audio-visual aids was given to Group II patients visiting Teerthanker Mahaveer Hospital. OHE was repeated every 2 months. At every 6, 12 and 18 months, questionnaire was repeated to evaluate the effectiveness of OHE. Inspection will be conducted under natural daylight in hospital premises. To avoid the disruption while conducting the examination, adequate supply of instruments was taken. Instruments were sterilized by autoclaving in the college. RESULTS: A total of 1926 patients attended all the follow-up and review examinations. Subject dropout for Group I was 2% with 1009 at 6th month; 3% with 978 at 12th month and 1% with 967 at 18th month. Subject dropout rate for Group II was 3% with 999 at 6th month; 0% with 999 at 12th month and 4% with 959 at 18th month. The difference of subject dropout among the groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.23). Group mean total OHIP-14 score after 18 months was recorded as 15.36 ± 8.61, whereas in Audio-visual education group mean total OHIP-14 score after 18 months was recorded as 14.42 ± 7.59. At the end of study mean DAS score for DAS ≥15 (severe anxiety) was found to be 1.95 ± 2.18 in verbal education group, whereas in audio-visual education group mean DAS score for DAS ≥15 (severe anxiety) was found to be 2.24 ± 1.98. At the end of the study mean DN score for DNS ≥15 (severe Dental Neglect) was found to be 3.54 ± 2.63 in verbal education group, whereas audiovisual education group mean DN score for DNS ≥15 (severe Dental Neglect) was found to be 2.59 ± 2.75. CONCLUSION: The quality of life is a factor that can be considerably affected by oral health, which in turn reflects the general health of an individual. The main part of oral disease prevention is done by use of personal oral hygiene measures and maintaining oral hygiene. It is the duty of dental professionals to motivate, show and instruct patients to maintain appropriate oral health and oral hygiene. The study concludes that the program of this kind may be beneficial in improving many dimensions of dental health of an individual that includes physical health, emotional well-being, OHRQoL, inter-personal relationship and the fear related to dental treatment.

Assessment of two-way relationship between periodontal disease and gestational diabetes mellitus: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance which begins during pregnancy. Few studies have examined the association between periodontal disease and GDM. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the association between periodontal disease and GDM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised ninety patients, out of which thirty were cases and sixty were controls. All cases underwent a laboratory screening test for GDM between 24 and 30 weeks of gestation based on the recommendation of the obstetricians and gynecologists. To assess the periodontal status, a full-mouth periodontal examination assessing the probing depth, periodontal depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and gingival recession was performed on all study participants by a single trained examiner. Tests for associations were performed using Chi-square statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: None of the periodontitis conditions was found to be a significant predictor of GDM. In GDM patients, 70% of females were having periodontal disease whereas non-GDM patients 77% of patient had periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: The present study did not show any positive association between periodontal disease and GDM.

Prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries to Anterior Teeth of 12-Year-Old School Children in Kashmir, India.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic dental injuries to anterior teeth are a significant public health problem, not only because their prevalence is relatively high, but also because they have considerable impact on children's daily lives. Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) cause physical and psychological discomfort, pain and other negative impacts, such as tendency to avoid laughing or smiling, which can affect social relationships. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries to anterior teeth among 12-year-old school children in Kashmir, India. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in private and government schools of India among 1600 schoolchildren aged 12 years. In addition to recording of the type of trauma (using Ellis and Davey classification of fractures, 1970), over jet, Angle's molar relation and lip competence were also recorded. The socioeconomic status and academic performance of the study subjects were registered. The data obtained were compiled systematically and then statistically analyzed. The statistical significance for the association between the traumatic injury and the variables was analyzed using the chi-square test. Logistic regression was used to identify potential risk predictors of TDIs. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of TDI to anterior teeth was found to be 9.3%. The TDI to anterior teeth in male was more than female, but the difference was statistically nonsignificant (P < 0.01). Falls and sports were the most common causes of trauma in the present study. The highest potential risk factor for the occurrence of trauma was over jet. Academic performance was found to be significantly associated to TDI to anterior teeth, when analyzed in a multiple regression model. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 9.3%. Traumatic dental injuries among children exhibit complex interaction between the victims' oral conditions and their behavior. Therefore, prevention should consider a number of characteristics such as oral predisposing factors, environmental determinants and human behavior. It is recommended that specific and proper public places for leisure and sports activities, with impact-absorbing surfaces around the items on which children are most likely to fall, should be provided.

Dental Caries Status of Institutionalized Orphan Children from Jammu and Kashmir, India.

INTRODUCTION: It has been well documented that the absence of family support influences the general and oral health of the children. Factors that lead to the development of disease at a given point in time are likely to have their roots in a complex chain of environmental events that may have begun years before. A number of studies have examined the relationship between dental caries and material deprivation and found a positive association between them. Though orphans contribute to 2% of world's population, literature regarding their oral health status is very scarce. This study was carried out with the aim to assess the dental caries status of institutionalized orphan children from Jammu and Kashmir. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,664 children that included 1,201 boys and 463 girls from registered orphanages in the state of Jammu and Kashmir were included in the study. Written informed consent was obtained prior to the start of the study; decayed, extracted, filled teeth (deft)/ decayed, extracted, filled surface (defs) and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT)/decayed, missing, and filled surface (DMFS) indices were used to assess the caries status of primary and permanent dentition. Multiple choice, close-ended questionnaires were administered to assess the oral hygiene habits, knowledge, and dietary behavior of orphan children prior to examination. The study subjects were divided into three groups according to the age of ≤ 6, 7 to 11, and ≥12 years. RESULTS: Results showed that caries prevalence in primary dentition was higher in subjects' ≤6 years of age where the prevalence was 50.9%; in subjects 7 to 11 years of age, the prevalence was 25.2%. Caries prevalence in permanent dentition within the age group 7 to 11 was 69.1%, while in subjects' ≥12 years, the prevalence was 66.2%. Use of toothbrush was the most prevalent method of cleaning the teeth in both the genders, while toothpaste was reported to be the most prevalent material to be used for tooth cleaning followed by tooth-powder. Highest caries prevalence was seen in the subjects using datun sticks as a method to clean their teeth (80.5%). HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Shah AF, Tangade P, Ravishankar TL, Tirth A, Pal S, Batra M. Dental Caries Status of Institutionalized Orphan Children from Jammu and Kashmir, India. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(4):364-371.

Efficacy of 0.25% Lemongrass Oil Mouthwash: A Three Arm Prospective Parallel Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine mouthwash has earned eponym of gold standard to treat and/or prevent periodontal diseases. However, the present study was carried out to explore an alternative herbal mouthwash. AIM: To compare the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis efficacy of a 0.25% lemongrass oil mouthwash to that of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blinded parallel designed clinical trial with 60 subjects was taken for the study. Baseline plaque index (PI) & gingival index (GI) score was recorded. Oral prophylaxis was done and the plaque score was set at zero. Then, subjects were randomly allocated into 3 groups (N=20 in each): 0.25% lemongrass oil mouthwash, 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash and oral prophylaxis only. Subjects were asked to swish with respective mouthwash twice daily for 21 days. Subjects were again re-evaluated on 14(th) and 21(st) day for GI and PI. Comparison of the mean difference among the variables was performed by parametric tests. RESULTS: Lemongrass oil mouthwash group showed highest reduction in GI & PI at both 14(th) and 21(st) day, which was statistically significant (p≤0.05). CONCLUSION: Lemongrass oil mouthwash can also be used as a good herbal alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash, so further studies are needed.

Effect of Adhesive Application on Sealant Success: A Clinical Study of Fifth and Seventh Generation Adhesive Systems.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of fifth and seventh generation bonding agent on sealant success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four school children aged six to nine years received sealants in four permanent molars in a split mouth design, such that each patient received sealant in the first permanent molar with fifth generation bonding agent in one arch and seventh generation bonding agent in the other arch; contra-lateral molars were sealed with sealant alone. The evaluation was carried out at baseline, three months, six months and 12 months, according to the criteria by Feigal et al, in 2000. Chi- square test was used to analyze data at P<0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found for sealant retention between fifth generation and sealant group, and fifth generation and seventh generation groups; whereas, no significant difference was found for sealant retention between seventh generation and sealant group at three, six and 12 months. CONCLUSION: As separate etch and rinse steps are not required for seventh generation bonding agents, and almost similar results were obtained for both sealant and seventh generation groups, it can be concluded that application of sealant along with a seventh generation bonding agent may enhance sealant success and can be used for caries prevention in preventive programs.

Efficacy of dental floss and chlorhexidine mouth rinse as an adjunct to toothbrushing in removing plaque and gingival inflammation - a three way cross over trial.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to combat periodontal diseases. The use of tooth brush alone does not serve the purpose of removing plaque which demands the use of some adjuncts such as proximal cleaning aids. AIM: The study was conducted to compare the efficacy of Dental Floss and 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthrinse as an adjunct to toothbrushing on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad, India. This was a randomized, double blind, three-way cross over clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty five dental students in the age group of 19-25yr. were enrolled into the study. Subjects were randomly assigned into three groups (n=15) i.e. Group A- Toothbrushing with Dental floss (TB+DF), Group B- Toothbrushing with 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthrinse (TB+CHX-MR) and Group C- Toothbrushing alone (TB Alone) in a three-way crossover manner. After 21 d of trial period, plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were assessed for each group, oral prophylaxis followed by a washout period for 14d. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Mean, standard deviations and p-values were obtained. ANOVA test was used to compare the intergroup difference and Post hoc test to compare between the two groups. RESULTS: The inter-group comparison for GI and PI at all interventions showed statistically significant difference (p<0.001). While comparing between group A and group C at second and third follow up, no significant difference were observed though group A showed reduction in mean values for both the clinical parameters whereas while comparing between group A and group B, statistically significant difference was observed, which is in line when compared with group B and group C. The Group B showed more reduction in plaque and gingival scores which was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: CHX-MR when used as an adjunct to toothbrushing is more effective in the reduction of plaque and gingival scores than a toothbrush alone or in combination with DF.

Social capital and oral health.

Social determinants have always been an important element of the oral health. It has been seen that social aspects like the organizations and relations influence the health of population. A new domain named social capital has come up into limelight which refers to "features of social organization, such as trust, norms and networks that can improve the efficacy of society by facilitating coordinated actions". The bonds between individuals, both in intimate relationships and in voluntary associations have been claimed to have health promoting effects. Oral health can never be segregated from general health as they are bidirectional in their relationship. Therefore determinants of general health and its promotion are interlinked with that of oral health. So, this review tries to figure out the effects of social capital on various aspects of oral health.

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome: Reporting consanguinity as a risk factor.

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis associated with severe early-onset periodontitis and premature loss of primary and permanent teeth. This report describes two cases of PLS in 28-year-old female and 16-year-old male siblings with consanguineously married parents. The patients presented to the Department of Public Health Dentistry of a dental education and research institute in India with thickening, flaking, and scaling of the skin on the palms and soles of the feet. On oral examination, the female patient presented completely resorbed maxillary and mandibular alveolar ridges with retention of only the third molars. The male patient retained only teeth 18, 13, 28, 38, and 45. Based on complete histories and clinical examination findings, a final diagnosis of PLS was made and treatment was initiated using an interdisciplinary dental approach in both cases.

Is plaque removal efficacy of toothbrush related to bristle flaring? A 3-month prospective parallel experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Toothbrushes are over-the-counter products; therefore, no special instruction is given to users when they purchase. There are scarce published studies that have investigated about how often toothbrushes should be replaced. Thus, this study aimed to verify the impact of the Progressive Toothbrush Bristle Flaring on plaque control efficacy of toothbrush. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty six subjects were randomly selected and underwent complete oral prophylaxis 10 days prior to the Baseline plaque recording. All subjects were provided with new similar toothbrushes and were divided into two groups. New Brush Group changed toothbrush every month and Old month Group used single toothbrush for the whole period of the study. Both groups were assessed for plaque accumulation every month using Turesky et al, (1970) modification of the Quigley and Hein (1962) plaque index. Toothbrush head was photographed and assessed by measuring the brushing surface area on standardized photographs using National Institutes of Health Image Analysis Program (USA). RESULTS: Both groups showed similar plaque scores at the 40(th) day; progressive increase in the plaque scores in group without changing the toothbrush were recorded at the 70(th) and 100(th) days. As toothbrush flaring increased, the plaque scores also increased in the Old Brush Group. Highest plaque accumulation was recorded in Mandibular Lingual aspects in Old Brush Group. CONCLUSION: Progressive increase was seen in the plaque scores with increase in toothbrush bristle flaring.

Non-syndromic unilateral supplemental maxillary central incisor: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Supernumerary teeth are developmental anomaly. There are various theories explaining their occurrence. Maxilla is more commonly affected and males have higher predilection than females for having supernumerary teeth. CASE DETAILS: The present case is presented with three permanent central incisors, all of them with normal morphology. On clinical and radiographic examination, it was identified as a case of non-syndromic unilateral left supplemental maxillary central incisor. Treatment plan involved extraction of the supplemental tooth followed by orthodontic treatment to correct the malalignment of the teeth. CONCLUSION: The presence of supplemental teeth of normal morphology is quite a rare condition and are commonly associated with various syndromes but, in rare cases, they also exists as non-syndromic forms. Supernumerary teeth can cause aesthetic or functional problems, especially when situated in the maxillary anterior region. Complications related to the phenomenon can be minimized by early detection and by carrying out a comprehensive treatment protocol.

Efficacy of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on glycaemic control in type II diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Diabetes and periodontal disease are two common diseases with high prevalence rates. Recent evidence has shown a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. METHODS: Sixty subjects aged 35-45 years with blood sugar controlled by oral hypoglycaemic agents were randomly divided equally among 3 groups: group A (scaling, mouthwash, and brushing), group B (mouthwash and brushing), and group C (brushing only). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and the relevant drug history were recorded at baseline and after 3 months of intervention. Comparison of the mean difference among the variables was performed by parametric and nonparametric tests, which were further evaluated using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean differences between the PPD, FBS, HbA1c, GI, and PI in groups A and B were found to be statistically significant (P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis in group A showed that out of all the independent variables, GI and frequency of drug administration independently (b=0.3761 and b=0.598) showed a significantly greater impact on HbA1c (R(2)=0.832, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nonsurgical periodontal therapy can effectively decrease HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on medication.

Non syndromic oligodontia: case report.

Oligodontia is a rare genetic disorder which represents the congenital absence of more than six teeth in primary, permanent or both dentitions. It is usually a part of a syndrome and seldom occurs as an isolated entity. Genes responsible for non syndromic oligodontia are found to be MSX1 and PAX9 genes. In this case report a 13 year old boy is presented who had absence of all four second permanent molars and permanent mandibular incisors. The maxillary central incisors presented with conical shape. During physical examination, there was no abnormality in either hairs or nails, perspiration was normal and no congenital clefts of lip or palate was seen. Hence in this case, Oligodontia is not associated with any syndrome which is a rare finding.

Feeding habits and oral hygiene practices as determinants of early childhood caries in 3- to 5-year-old children of Belgaum City, India.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether feeding and oral hygiene practices of preschool children are associated with the risk and prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (EC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study comprising 1250 children aged 3 to 5 years from Belgaum was designed. On the first day, validated questionnaires along with parental informed consent forms were distributed to the children and were collected after a week. Validated questionnaires consisted of 20 close-ended questions pertaining to feeding and oral hygiene practices. Consent was obtained from parents of the 1116 children who were examined for EC. Data analysis included correlation coefficients and logistic regressions. RESULTS: Among the children studied, 97.3% were breastfed, of which 41.25% were breastfed until 2 years of age. Seventy- five percent of children who were breastfed beyond 2 years were affected by EC. Exclusive bottle feeding was practiced in 46.15%; 64.85% of them suffered from EC. Burping was not practiced in 25.18%, and 68.68% of these were affected by EC. EC was more prevalent in 89% of children who were weaned later than 12 months of age. Parental assistance for oral hygiene was not seen in 37.27% and 67.22% of these suffered from EC. Overall, 63.17% of the children were affected by EC. CONCLUSION: Prolonged breastfeeding, absence of burping the child, delay in starting oral hygiene practices and lack of parental assistance with the same were shown to be significant determining factors for EC. Health education and proper guidelines on feeding and oral hygiene practices can substantially reduce the risk and prevalence of EC.

The effect of sugar-free and sugar chewing gums on plaque deposition.

BACKGROUND: Chewing gum is a habit practiced regularly by a relatively high proportion of individuals in many countries including India, and its use has increased within the last decade. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sugar-free and sugar chewing gums on plaque deposition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a double blind clinical trial involving 16 healthy volunteers (divided into 2 groups) in a 4-day plaque regrowth model. On day one, subjects received professional prophylaxis, suspended oral hygiene measures, and commenced chewing their allocated product. Gum chewing was one piece chewed for 30 minutes 3 times a day. On day 5, subjects were scored for plaque with the help of Silness and Loe Index. RESULTS: Results show sugar-free group have a lesser mean plaque score of 0.98 as compare to sugar group (1.23), though this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The sugar-free gums can be used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene measures.

Anti-gingivitis effects of Acacia arabica-containing toothpaste.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties of Acacia arabicacontaining toothpaste in an adult population. METHODS: Sixty subjects with gingivitis were randomly assigned to a test group (Acacia arabica-containing toothpaste) or control group (regular toothpaste). An analysis of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and bleeding on probing index (BOP%) were carried out at baseline and after 28 days followed by a washout period. After the washout period, the test and control groups were crossed over and the assessments were repeated. RESULTS: Reductions in PI, GI and BOP% were observed in the test group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Brushing with Acacia arabica-containing toothpaste may help inhibit gingivitis. It can be recommended for daily oral hygiene procedures.

Assessment of Stress Level among Dental School Students: An Indian Outlook.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating the factors influence student perception, might allow programmatic changes designed to enhance students' psychosocial well-being and academic performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate perceived sources of stress on dental students and the role of parents in their career choice decisions. METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, a modified dental environmental stress questionnaire was administered to all dental students. The responses to the questionnaire were based on a four-point Lickert scale, not stressful to severely stressful. Means and standard deviations were determined for stress scores of individuals for each item and were used to compare the classes, genders, and choices. Student's t, one way ANOVA, and Newman Keuls multiple comparison post hoc tests were used to analysed the data at the significant level of P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 304 undergraduate students constituted the study population. Of the respondent, 60% were men and 40% were women. The final year students presented with higher stress scores. In gender comparison, men suffered more stress (62.9%) than women (60.1%). According to the career choice decision, students forced by parents had more perception of stress (69.0%) and the students staying in the hostel (62.7%) showed more perception of stress than day scholars (56.3%). CONCLUSION: The study indicates that the congenial environment needs to be created for dental education and the parents also need to be counselled against forcing their children to join an educational programme i.e. not of their choice.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of dental caries and periodontal disease prevention among primary school teachers in Belgaum City, India

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of dental caries and periodontal disease prevention among primary school teachers in Belgaum city and to identify teacher's level of knowledge of health Information and utilization of the services of the school teachers in promotion of dental health and prevention of dental diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based survey was conducted among 150 primary school teacher from 175 primary school of Belgaum city, Karnataka, India. The questionnaire comprised six questions on knowledge, six questions on practice, and three questions on attitude regarding dental caries and periodontal disease prevention. Each question was followed by four choices. Chi square test was applied by using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software (version 11.0). Results: The female subjects had better knowledge and practices as compared to their male counterparts. Also the younger subjects had better knowledge and practices as compared to the older subjects. The teachers were more aware and they knew that tooth decay was due to chocolate and carbohydrate sticky food and also they knew the tooth loss in adults was due to decayed teeth and periodontal diseases. Conclusion: They had good knowledge and preventive attitude towards prevention of dental diseases but a few but important deficiencies in the of knowledge, attitude and practice about prevention of dental diseases have been identified for which recommendations are suggested.

Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento, atitudes e práticas frente à cárie dentária e prevenção da doença periodontal entre professores da escola primária na cidade Belgaum e identificar o nível de conhecimento desse profissional sobre as informações de saúde e utilização dos serviços da escola na promoção de saúde bucal e prevenção de doenças dentárias. Método: Um inquérito transversal utilizando como instrumento um questionário foi realizada entre os 150 professores do ensino básico de 175 escolas primárias da cidade Belgaum, Karnataka, na Índia. O questionário foi composto por seis questões sobre o conhecimento, seis perguntas sobre a prática, e três perguntas sobre a atitude em relação a cárie dentária e prevenção da doença periodontal. Cada pergunta continha quatro opções. O teste do Qui-quadrado foi aplicado usando o software SPSS (versão 11.0). Resultados: As professoras tinham um melhor conhecimento e práticas, em comparação com os professores. Também os sujeitos mais jovens tiveram um melhor conhecimento e práticas, em comparação com os indivíduos mais velhos. Os professores eram mais conscientes e sabiam que a cárie dentária devia-se à ingestão de chocolate e carboidratos de consistência pegajosa e também sabiam que a perda dentária em adultos devia-se a dentes cariados e doença periodontal. Conclusão: Os professores possuíam bom conhecimento e atitudes preventivas em relação à prevenção das doenças bucais, porém poucas mas importantes deficiências no domínio do conhecimento, atitude e prática sobre a prevenção de doenças dentárias foram identificadas sendo sugeridas recomendações.