Retrospective radiological evaluation to study the prevalence and pattern of maxillofacial fracture among Military personal at Prince Sultan Military Medical City [PSMMC], Riyadh: An institutional study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to analyze the prevalence, causes, and patterns of maxillofacial fractures retrospectively in patients who were treated at Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Patients' medical records were reviewed from 2005 to 2014. Patient's age, gender, cause, and the pattern of maxillofacial fractures were studied. Associated body injuries were also recorded. RESULTS: Out of 263 patients, 207 (78.7%) were male and 56 (21.3%) were female. The age range was from 3 to 67 yr with a mean age of 26.21 yr. Road traffic accidents 236 (89.8%) were the most commonly reported cause of maxillofacial fractures, followed by falls 14 (5.3%), assaults 4 (1.5%), gunshot 3 (1.1%), and sport accidents 2 (0.8%). Most of the cases of maxillary fracture were Le Fort II 27 (36.5%), followed by LeFort I 23 (31.1%), LeFort III 20 (27.0%) and palatal fractures 4 (5.4%). Of the mandibular fractures, parasymphysis fractures constituted 61 (27.4%), body 50 (22.4%), condyle 45 (20.2%), angle 40 (17.9%), symphysis 16 (7.2%), ramus 7 (3.1%) and coronoid 4 (1.8%). Zygomatic complex fractures 110 (94.8%) were the most commonly reported fractures in the mid and upper facial region. Other facial fractures included orbital floor 61 (97.0%), naso-orbito-ethmoidal 18 (19.8%), and frontal 12 (13.2%). CONCLUSION: Road traffic accidents were the most common cause of maxillofacial fractures. Spreading awareness among young drivers regarding road safety regulations is highly recommended.

Awareness and knowledge of periodontal disease among Saudi primary school teachers in Aseer region.

BACKGROUND: The consequences of periodontal disease are not limited to the oral cavity. As schools are considered to be one of the principal systems in preventive oral health, teachers' knowledge pertaining to the periodontal disease, their awareness with regard to its implications and their role in increasing the awareness of the students regarding this disease comprises only one aspect with respect to the prevention of the periodontal disease. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the baseline awareness and knowledge of Saudi primary school teachers regarding the periodontal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, a questionnaire was distributed among the participants of the study. RESULTS: It was observed that 91.4% of the participants reported that the periodontal disease does not need any treatment although 70% of the participants believed that it could result in tooth loss, and 95% considered the periodontal disease to be a preventable disease. Moreover, social media (44%) and television advertisements (39%) were the main sources from where they acquired information about the periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants have heard about the importance of periodontal health but are not sufficiently aware of its consequences and negative effects on their body. They are used to receiving information about periodontal diseases from nondental clinics and unreliable sources. This creates misconceptions. Although the participants were keen to attend educational events on periodontal health, the lack of medical communication between the health practitioners and the general public is evident. Mostly, investigated areas and individuals do not have any educational means to be aware of periodontal health.