Effectiveness of Various Tongue Cleaning Aids in the Reduction of Tongue Coating and Bacterial Load: A Comparative Clinical Study.

AIM: To remove tongue biofilm and improve breath odor, specific instruments (tongue scrapers) or toothbrushes are used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study compared the effectiveness of a manual toothbrush that has a tongue scraper on the back of its head and two commercially available tongue scrapers in reducing the tongue coating and aerobic and anaerobic microbiota of the tongue dorsum. A randomized, negative controlled, double-blind, parallel design study for three different treatment interventions was conducted. RESULTS: All tongue cleaners showed a significant reduction in Winkle's tongue coating scores with significant values of reduction (p <0.001) of the anaerobic bacterial count with plastic and metal tongue scraper when compared to brush scrapper. CONCLUSION: There was an effective reduction of bacterial load on tongue dorsum with the use of tongue cleaners, with maximum load reduction by using plastic tongue cleaners. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of the present study may be helpful for the dentists while prescribing tongue cleaners to their patients in their clinical practice.

A study of the palatal rugae pattern among male female and transgender population of Bhopal city.

CONTEXT: Transgenders are highly disadvantaged people, deprived of adequate opportunities of earning a respectable living. The forensic literature has emphasized on two genders, male and female, the existence of a third gender (Transgenders) is almost negligible in the literature, and this makes it compulsive to determine their identity through forensic approaches at the time of disasters. Previous studies have demonstrated that no two palatal rugae pattern are alike in their configuration and this unique feature has led us to undertake a study to establish individual identities using palatal rugae pattern. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to compare the palatal rugae pattern among male, female, and transgender population of the Bhopal city. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was cross sectional in nature and conducted on a convenience sample of 148 subjects selected from Bhopal city, Madhya Pradesh. The study involved 49 males, 51 females, and 48 eunuchs in the age range of 17 to 35 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary impression using alginate impression material was made and the cast was prepared using die stone on palatal area and dental stone as a base. The palatal rugae pattern was assessed on the basis of number, length, shape, direction, and unification. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One way ANOVA was used for comparing the mean values between different genders. The multiple pairwise comparisons were done with the Bonferroni post hoc correction. The statistical significance was fixed at 0.05. RESULTS: The statistically significant difference with regard to some parameters like number of rugae, fragmentary rugae, wavy rugae, curve rugae, forwardly directed, and backwardly directed rugae between transgender and other gender groups were present. CONCLUSION: The difference in the parameters of the palatal rugae pattern among the transgender population and the other gender group is attributed to be the genetic makeup and sexual dimorphism.

Comparison of Opinion Referendum of Medical and Dental Postgraduates Towards Plagiarism in Bhopal - Central India.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate awareness and attitude towards plagiarism of postgraduates of health fraternity in Bhopal, Central India. STUDY DESIGN: Across-sectional survey. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: People's University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, from January to March 2014. METHODOLOGY: A total of 164 postgraduates, medical (n = 80) and dental postgraduates (n = 84) were included in the study. A standard pre-tested self-administered questionnaire assessing positive, negative and subjective norms towards plagiarism was the assessing tool. Data was captured through distribution of the instrument and collected as scheduled from the study participants. The distribution of scores based on the responses to the individual questions in each dimension between the groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Among dental and medical postgraduates the median values for the questions under positive attitude was 34.0 and 32.0, negative attitude was 21.5 and 19, subjective norms was 29.0 and 27.5 respectively. The difference in the opinion regarding positive attitude was found to be statistically significant in between the groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall plagiarism was favored more by dental students as compared to medical students. Moreover, inadequate level of knowledge and awareness was observed in both the streams. Efforts should be undertaken to motivate health professionals to instill honest behavior in order to preserve the intellectual property right.

Cost-efficiency of indigenously fabricated mobile-portable dental unit in delivery of primary healthcare in rural India.

AIM: Innovation in primary oral healthcare delivery is a potential yet relatively unexplored area in Dental literature. AIM of the present study was to assess the economic gains that can be made by designing and operating an indigenously fabricated portable dental unit in rural areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cost-efficiency was determined by comparing total revenue (number of patients treated) with total costs (direct - capital cost of fabrication; and indirect - dental materials, disposables, transport, miscellaneous) over a period of seven years (2005 to 2012). Operational efficiency of portable dental units was also compared with dental vans on various categories of performance indicators. Data analysis was based on institutional records of Rajasthan Dental College (RDC), Jaipur, India. RESULTS: RESULTS show that a total of 52,900 patients who attended 223 camps during this period were provided various primary oral healthcare services using four such portable dental units that were developed @ Rs. 24,000 ($ 417) per unit. Based on a cost-efficiency of Rs 35.53 ($ 0.65) per person, which is among the lowest reported from any part of the world, the authors conclude that indigenously fabricated portable dental units provide a cost-efficient service. The other aspects most relevant to portable equipment were ease of transportation and feasibility in domiciliary care provision. CONCLUSION: The Limitations of productivity due to time spent in setting up the unit and need for additional space/equipment was their main drawbacks vis-à-vis dental vans.

The effect of 30% ethanolic extract of Indian propolis on replica of human dentin compared against commercially available desensitizing agent: A methodological SEM study in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the ability of 30% ethanolic extract of Indian propolis on dentinal tubule occlusion comparatively against CPP-ACP containing desensitizing agent GC tooth mousse. METHODOLOGY: The specimens were prepared from 30 freshly extracted sound human third molars stored in 10% formalin (pH 7.0) at a room temperature. From each specimen, a sectioned sample (5 mm length × 5 mm width × 3.5 mm depth) was obtained including the cervical area. Samples were smoothened and wet-polished with 1000- and 1200-grit aluminum oxide abrasive paper and diamond pastes, in order to stimulate the clinical aspect of hypersensitive dentin cervical surfaces. All the specimens were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10), according to dentin surface treatments. Negative control: Untreated specimens (n = 4) and pretreated with 6% citric acid (n = 6); Test Group: 30% ethanolic extract of Indian propolis (n = 10); Positive Group: GC Tooth Mousse (n =10). All the specimens were prepared for SEM analysis. RESULTS: GC tooth mousse promoted tubule occlusion by crystal-like deposits in the lumen of the tubules. While propolis created a thin, smooth layer over dentin surface. CONCLUSION: According to the SEM analysis, both desensitizing agent were able to occlude the dentinal tubules.

Approach of pharmacists and herbalists while offering guidance on potentially malignant oral lesions: a cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the approach of both pharmacies and herbalists' shops while offering a proper advice for patients seeking guidance on a potentially malignant oral lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was undertaken using the standardized patient approach on a representative sample of pharmacies and herbalists' shops in Bhopal city. The study sample was selected by stratified random sampling technique and was contacted by telephone. Our patient's introductory statement was, "I have a painful ulceration on the tongue since 3 months. What would you advise?" To avoid the hypothetical bias in telephone answers, another study was designed for two regions of the city, of which pharmacies were visited in one and herbal shops in the other one. RESULTS: A total of 497 establishments were contacted. Out of these, 368 were pharmacies (74.1%) and 129 were herbalists' shops (25.9%). Patients with potentially malignant lesions were more frequently referred to a dentist (16.03%) or a physician (23.36%) by the pharmacies compared to the herbalists' shops. In contrast, most of the herbalists' shops prescribed over-the counter (OTC) remedies (66.66%) and showed no interest in referring the patient to a dentist or a physician. CONCLUSION: Apart from pharmacists, the new probable off-clinical counselors (herbalists and pharmacy assistants) have been identified as potential factors of patient diagnostic delay in oral cancer. Educational strategies to improve advice and referral for these identified groups should be designed.

Assessment of periodontal status among eunuchs residing in Bhopal city, Madhya Pradesh, India: a cross-sectional study.

AIM: To assess the periodontal status among eunuchs residing in Bhopal city, Madhya Pradesh, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on convenient non-probability snow ball sampling technique, all the self-identifi ed eunuchs residing in the city of Bhopal along with a matched control consisting of cross section of the general population residing in the same locality where these eunuchs live was examined to assess the periodontal status of the population by using WHO oral health assessment proforma 1997. All the obtained data was entered into a personal computer on Microsoft excel sheet and analyzed by using a software; SPSS version 20. Data comparison was done by applying chi square test, ANOVA and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 639 subjects comprised of 207 eunuchs, 218 males and 214 females. The overall gingival and periodontal disease prevalence was 87.3% with calculus and shallow pocket contributing a major part i.e., 67%. Among study participants, 56.9% males were having highest prevalence for calculus. Whereas, eunuchs were having highest prevalence for bleeding (17.4%), shallow pocket (22.7%) and deep pocket (9.7%). However, highest of 19.7% males and 10.1% eunuchs were having attachment loss of 4-5 mm and 6-8 mm respectively. However, 6.3% eunuchs were having attachment loss of 12 mm or more. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study showed poor periodontal status among eunuch population with most of the population requiring simple therapy. This indicates that comprehensive oral hygiene instruction and dental prophylaxis need to be initiated.

Oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices among eunuchs (hijras) residing in Bhopal City, Madhya Pradesh, India: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

BACKGROUND: The current cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices among eunuchs (hijras) residing in Bhopal city, Madhya Pradesh, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on a convenient non-probability snow ball sampling technique, all the self-identified eunuchs residing in the city of Bhopal who were present at the time of study and who fulfilled the selection criteria were approached. A cross section of the general population was also surveyed. An interviewer-based, predesigned, structured, close-ended 18-item questionnaire that had been designed based on the primary objective of the study was used. All the obtained data were analyzed using software, Statistical Package for Social Science version 20. RESULTS: According to 188 (86.2%) males, 187 (87.4%) females and 168 (81.2%) eunuchs, good oral health can improve the general health. Most of the study participants including 211 (98.6%) females, 210 (96.3%) males and 205 (99%) eunuchs use either tooth paste or tooth powder to clean their teeth. While, a majority of eunuchs, i.e., 113 (54.6%), were having habit of chewing smokeless tobacco containing products such as betel nut, betel quid, gutkha, etc., The difference in use of tobacco products was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The information presented in this study adds to our understanding of the common oral hygiene practices which are performed among eunuch population. Efforts to increase the awareness of oral effects of tobacco use and to eliminate the habit are needed to improve oral and general health of this population.

Role of unani system of medicine in management of orofacial diseases: a review.

In recent times, oral diseases have gained an importance and are considered as a major health problem worldwide. Oral cancer, dental caries, and periodontal diseases are among the most important global oral health problems. Although new treatments and technologies for dealing with them are plentiful, nonetheless more and more patients are now looking for simpler, gentler therapies for improving the quality of life and avoiding iatrogenic problems. Traditional medical systems are easily accessible, cheaper and relatively safer than other conventional medicines. The time tested herbal formulations indicated in Unani material medica have been proven effective and safe. The exploration and identification of various botanicals used in traditional and complementary medicine, may lead to development of novel preventive or therapeutic strategies for oral health. The present scientific evidence based review is focused on possible role of Unani system of medicines in the management of various orofacial disorders.

A clinical efficacy of 30% ethenolic extract of Indian propolis and Recaldent™ in management of dentinal hypersensitivity: A comparative randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of 30% ethenolic extract of Indian propolis compared with Recaldent(™) (casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate) in reduction of dentinals hypersensitivity, a randomized, double-blind, split mouth, controlled clinical trial was conducted among the patients residing in Central Jail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 73 teeth from 13 patients having at least three teeth with dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) were randomly allocated into three treatment groups: Group A: 30% ethenolic extract of Indian propolis, Group B: Recaldent(™), Group C: Sterile water. Verbal rating scale was used to record the degree of hypersensitivity based on patient's response to tactile and air blast stimuli. The baseline scores were obtained. Each intervention group received applications of their respective agents consecutively on 1(st), 7(th), 14(th), and 21(st) day. After each application the scores were recorded. RESULTS: Both the 30% Indian propolis and Recaldent(™) showed significant reduction in DH. CONCLUSION: Recaldent(™) was found to be significantly better in reducing the DH compared to propolis and sterile water (P < 0.01).

Effect of Two Desensitizing Agents in Reducing Dentin Hypersensitivity: An in-vivo Comparative Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: A randomized, double blind, split mouth, controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of two desensitizing agents on reduction of Dentin Hypersensitivity (DH). MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: A sample of 73 teeth from 13 patients, among which at least 3 teeth had dentin hypersensitivity, was randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups: Group A: treated with 30% ethenolic extract of Indian Propolis, Group B: treated with GC tooth mousse, and Group C: treated with sterile water. A Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) was used to record the degree of hypersensitivity, based on patient's response to tactile and air blast stimuli. The baseline scores were obtained. Each intervention group received applications of their respective agents consecutively on 1(st), 7(th), 14(th) and 21(st) days. After each application, the scores were recorded. RESULTS: Both the 30% Indian Propolis and GC tooth mousse showed significant reductions in dentin hypersensitivity. CONCLUSION: GC tooth mousse was found to be significantly better in reducing the dentinal hypersensitivity as compared to Propolis and sterile water (p< 0.01).