RESUMO
Background: The burden of oral diseases is increasing, which constitute a major public health problem. The use of probiotics as an adjuvant, along with routine dental care practice by an individual, can produce additional benefits in the maintenance of one's oral health. The study aimed to investigate the effect of Bifidobacterium as a probiotic on oral health. Material and Methods: Six databases and registers were searched from the start of the database to December 2021 without any restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the clinical effects of Bifidobacterium as a probiotic on oral health were included in the study. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to conduct this systematic review. The included studies were analyzed for the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trial (RoB 2) tool as well as quality of available evidence using GRADE criteria. Results: From the 22 qualified studies, four studies showed non-significant results. There was a high risk of bias in 13 studies and some concerns of bias in nine studies. No adverse effects were reported, and the quality of available evidence was moderate. Conclusion: The effect of Bifidobacterium on oral health is questionable. Further high-quality RCTs are required on the clinical effects of bifidobacteria and also the optimum level of probiotic needed, and ideal mode of administration to provide oral health benefits. Furthermore, synergistic effects of the combined use of various strains of probiotics need to be studied.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Oral cancer is one of the most life-threatening conditions, early diagnosis of which greatly increases the probability of cure and survival rates. Knowledge regarding risk factors and early signs among the nonhealth professionals which help in early detection prevention and of the disease. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the awareness about tobacco use among nonhealth professional students in Bangalore city. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire study was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness about oral cancer among 800 nonhealth professional students in Bengaluru city. A self-administered questionnaire containing 26 questions pertaining to awareness, signs, symptoms and risk factors of tobacco use was administered to the students. RESULTS: The results revealed that the majority of the students (55.5%) were aware about oral cancer but have less knowledge in terms of its signs and symptoms of oral cancer. The main source for information pertaining to oral cancer was obtained from mass media, i.e., TV, radio and social media (21.5%). CONCLUSION: The study reveals that there is a need for education and raise awareness about oral cancer among nonhealth professional students.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Beedi workers are an important part of our society. Due to their occupation of beedi making, they face different types of health hazards. This study was undertaken to assess the oral mucosal conditions among beedi workers residing in beedi workers' colonies in Karnataka. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 700 beedi workers in the age group of 18-60 years residing in five beedi workers' colonies in Karnataka. The information was recorded regarding personal history by personal interview by the investigator. The clinical examination was done using WHO 1997 "Oral Health Assessment Form." Significance is assessed at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: It was found that 26.9% of study population had different oral mucosal lesions. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: The present study showed that oral mucosal conditions of beedi workers residing in beedi workers' colonies in Karnataka were relatively poor.