Gender-wise comparison of oral health-related quality of life and its relationship with periodontal status among the Indian elderly.

AIM: The aim of this study is to assess if there are any gender differences in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and periodontal status among the elderly population of Haryana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1200 geriatric population of Faridabad district of Haryana. Subjects were selected by a combination of systematic, cluster, and multistage sampling techniques. Primary, secondary, and tertiary sampling units were chosen as wards, areas, and households, respectively. SELF-ADMINISTERED QUESTIONNAIRE: Geriatric oral health assessment index was used to assess the OHRQoL among males and females. Periodontal status was assessed using the World Health Organization oral health survey pro forma with some modifications. RESULTS: Results were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 21 software. Gender-wise association of periodontal status with OHRQoL revealed a significant association with mobile teeth (P < 0.05). No relation was seen between OHRQoL, gingival bleeding, periodontal pocket, and loss of attachment (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: No significant differences were observed in periodontal status among males and females, but OHRQoL was found to be better among males than females. Indian policymakers can use the conclusion derived from this study for planning and implementing public oral health strategies for the geriatric population.

Efficacy of Chlorhexidine, Xylitol, and Chlorhexidine + Xylitol against Dental Plaque, Gingivitis, and Salivary Streptococcus mutans Load: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the antiplaque, antigingivitis and antibacterial efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX), XYL and a mouthwash combining CHX and XYL against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A parallel design, randomised controlled trial was conducted among 75 dental students. Participants were randomised into CHX, CHX+XYL and XYL-only groups using the lottery method. Subjects were instructed to use 10 ml of the provided mouthwash for 15 s twice daily for 3 weeks. All the outcome measures, gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI) and number of salivary S. mutans CFU were recorded at baseline and 3 weeks post intervention. Nonparametric tests were used for inferential statistics. RESULTS: All outcome variables (GI, PI scores and log10 salivary S. mutans counts) decreased significantly from baseline compared to post intervention among all three groups. Intergroup comparison demonstrated that reduction in GI was not significantly different among the three groups. The decrease in PI scores was found to be significantly higher in the XYL group, while the decrease in the log10 salivary S. mutans count was significantly higher in the CHX+XYL group. CONCLUSION: The present study provided sufficient data to suggest that all the three mouthwashes are effective against plaque, gingivitis and S. mutans load in saliva. Further investigations should be carried out to confirm the results and develop strategies for using such products to prevent tooth decay.

Relationship of dental caries at different concentrations of fluoride in endemic areas: an epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: Fluoride has been an effective tool to prevent dental caries but efforts have been on to establish optimal level of fluoride in drinking water in different communities. The present study seeks to establish the safe and acceptable concentration of fluoride in drinking water which would lead to maximum caries protection with least amount of clinically observable dental fluorosis. STUDY DESIGN: 30 villages from 2 districts of Haryana were classified according to differing levels of fluoride in the drinking water. 3007 school children (1558 males & 1449 female)] were examined and the DMFT score was related to the level of fluoride in drinking water. RESULTS: The caries prevalence was maximum (48.02%) in the area having 0.50 ppm fluoride in drinking water The children from area having the 1.13 ppm fluoride level had the least caries prevalence i.e. 28.07%. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study did not suggest any additional anticaries benefit beyond 1.13 ppm fluoride level. The present investigation showed that the optimalfluoride levels for drinking water for our conditions were near 1.13ppm (1-1.2 ppm) as there was maximum caries protection with least amount of esthetically objectionable fluorosis at that level.