Malaysian undergraduates' knowledge and opinions on Early Childhood oral health.

AIM: In Malaysia, Early Childhood Caries (ECC) was found to affect 76.2% of 5-year-olds (2005). General practitioners are more likely to encounter preschool children and are in a better position to educate parents and caretakers about ECC and make appropriate referrals. This study assessed the knowledge and opinions on early childhood oral health among medical and dental undergraduates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross sectional study involved 245 students enrolled in the first year medical (M1) and dental (D1) course and fourth year medical (M4) and dental (D4) course. The students completed a self-administered questionnaire which included knowledge and opinions on early childhood oral health. Comparisons between the groups were done using chi-square test. RESULTS: Dental students showed significantly better knowledge than medical students. D1 students showed significantly better knowledge of age of first tooth eruption over M1. Knowledge of recommended age for bottle weaning was higher among D4 students but not significantly more than M4 students. CONCLUSION: The majority of medical students showed inadequate knowledge indicating that medical curriculum should emphasise on oral health topics of public health relevance like ECC and its prevention. Dental students had better knowledge regarding early childhood oral health, but lacked knowledge on its preventive aspects.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of oral health promoting factors among caretakers of children attending day-care centers in Kubang Kerian, Malaysia: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The role of caretakers at day-care centers has become more imperative in promoting oral health care in children since many new mothers opt to work outside their homes, leaving their children at day-care centers. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of oral health promoting factors among secondary caretakers of children attending day-care centers. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional exploratory study conducted among secondary caretakers in Kubang Kerian, Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four caretakers fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria participated in the study. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire addressing various aspects of knowledge, attitude and practice of oral health in children. Analysis was done using SPSS version 12.0. RESULTS: The knowledge of factors causing dental caries was found to be good among majority of the caretakers, but the concepts of transmissibility of caries and effect of hidden sugars were not evident. Seventy one percent did not know that frequent bottle feeding could cause tooth decay. Attitudes seemed to be governed by the cultural practices of the region rather than the knowledge obtained. The knowledge was not translated to practice adequately. Giving sweetened liquid in bottles was practiced by 53% of the caretakers. CONCLUSION: Implementation of nursery-based oral health promotion programs for secondary caretakers is needed to counteract early childhood caries.

Calcium hydroxide as a root canal filling material in primary teeth--a pilot study.

A pilot study was carried out in five mandibular primary molars using calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) Paste as root canal filling material to find out an alternative to the routinely used zinc oxide eugenol (ZnOE), which is non-resorbable and causes deflection of succedaneous teeth. The six month clinical and radiographic follow-up carried out at 2 months interval, revealed that the treated teeth with Ca(OH)2 as root canal filling material were successful, showing no pain and tenderness to percussion. A tendency for decrease in size of radiolucency was seen. Two teeth showed complete healing of the periradicular radiolucency. Depletion of Ca(OH)2 paste was seen from the root canals even prior to physiological resorption of roots in 2 out of 5 treated teeth.

Oral health care in the elderly population in Malaysia--a review.

One of the undeniable facts about living is that everyday we are getting older. By 2050, it is projected that one out of every five Malaysians will be 60 or older. The economic challenge of this demographic change will affect development and the financial implications of sustaining well being of this group are formidable and complex. This population group has extensive oral disease, medical problems that complicate their oral care, and unique dental treatment challenges. The authors discuss the problem of oral healthcare among the aged, its impediments and propose some approaches for improvement to better serve the needs of this group of vulnerable members of our nation.