Biological oriented preparation technique (BOPT) for tooth preparation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: This systematic review is aimed to evaluate in fixed prosthodontics treated teeth, the effect of the BOPT on periodontal health compared to the horizontal preparation technique using a chamfer finishing line or to the baseline. Methods: The electronic databases Cochrane Central Library, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched based on specific MeSH keywords. The Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective clinical trials on BOPT printed in English up to July 2022 were selected. Screening, selection, and data extraction were done. The studies were assessed for risk of bias, and descriptive and meta-analyses were performed. Results: Eight studies were included in the systematic review and only three RCTs were involved in the meta-analysis. Two RCTs were assessed as low risk while one has some concerns. were grouped as good, fair, and poor based on NOS. Three of the prospective studies were considered to be of good quality and one study was fair. The meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in the effect of BOPT and chamfer preparation on periodontal health status and success rate (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Considering the limitation of this review, the BOPT is comparable to chamfer preparation and it resulted in an acceptable effect to maintain periodontal health with a high success rate. However, more evidence is required to support these findings.

Clinical outcomes of implant-supported and tooth-supported fixed prostheses fabricated from digital versus analogue impression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical outcomes of implant-supported prostheses and tooth-supported fixed prostheses, fabricated from digital and conventional impression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature search was carried out on two electronic databases (PubMed and Cochrane Library). Randomized controlled trials (RCT) published from January 2011 to September 2022 were included. The bias risk was evaluated using Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Further screening was done for meta-analysis according to modified Newcastle-Ottawa scoring criteria. Forest plot was generated using a statistical method of inverse variance of random effect with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A total of 8 randomized controlled trials were included for systematic review out of which four studies were based on tooth-supported fixed prosthesis and remaining four were based on implant-supported prosthesis. Further screening was conducted and three studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Tooth-supported fixed prosthesis fabricated from digital impression showed no significant difference in the marginal fit in any region measured, except for occlusal region where conventional impression showed more favorable marginal fit. Implant-supported prosthesis fabricated from digital impression showed survival rates ranging from 97.3 to 100% and there was no statistically significant difference in marginal bone loss (p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Implant-supported prostheses fabricated from digital and conventional impressions show no significant differences in their clinical outcomes. Tooth-supported fixed prostheses fabricated from digital impression have shown favorable findings in terms of marginal fit. Despite that, there is still lack of clinical trials with larger sample size and longer follow-up periods. Future studies that fulfill these two criteria are deemed necessary.

In-vitro evaluation of the effectiveness of polyphenols based strawberry extracts for dental bleaching.

To formulate a dental bleaching agent with strawberry extract that has potent bleaching properties and antimicrobial efficacy. Enamel specimens (3 × 3 × 2 mm3) were prepared. Quaternary Ammonium Silane (CaC2 enriched) was homogenized with fresh strawberries: Group 1: supernatant strawberry (10 g) extract < Group 2: supernatant strawberry (10 g) extract + 15%HA (Hydroxyapatite) < Group 3: supernatant strawberry (10 g) extract + 15% (HA-2%k21) < Group 4: supernatant strawberry (20 g) extract only (20 g strawberries) < Group 5: supernatant strawberry (20 g) extract + 15% HA < Group 6: supernatant strawberry (20 g) extract + 15% (HA-2%K21) < Group 7: In-office Opalescence Boost 35%. Single-colony lactobacillus was examined using confocal microscopy identifying bacterial growth and inhibition in presence of bleaching agents using 300 µL aliquot of each bacterial culture. Images were analysed by illuminating with a 488 nm argon/helium laser beam. Colour difference (∆E00) was calculated using an Excel spreadsheet implementation of the CIEDE2000 colour difference formula and colour change measured between after staining and after bleaching. Scanning electron microscope was used to image specimens. Raman spectra were collected, and enamel slices were used for STEM/TEM analysis. HPLC was used for strawberry extract analysis. Nano-indentation was performed and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity was determined along with molecular simulation. hDPSCs were expanded for Alamar Blue Analysis and SEM. Mean colour change was significantly reduced in group 1 compared to other groups (p < 0.05). CLSM showed detrimental effects of different strawberry extracts on bioflms, especially with antimicrobial (p < 0.05). Groups 1, 2 and 3 showed flatter/irregular surfaces with condensation of anti-microbial in group 3. In strawberry specimens, bands predominate at 960 cm-1. HPLC determined the strawberry extracts content. Molecular simulation verified interaction between calcium and polyphenol components. XPS peak-fitted high-resolution corresponding results of Ca2p3/2 and Ca2p1/2 for all k21 groups. Combination of 10 g strawberry extract supernatant and 15% (hydroxyapatite 2%k21) improved the whiteness and provided additional antimicrobial potential. The novel strawberry extract and antimicrobial based dental formulation had immediate bleaching effect without promoting significant changes in enamel morphology.

Knowledge, beliefs, attitude, and practices of E-cigarette use among dental students: A multinational survey.

BACKGROUND: E-cigarette use is a trend worldwide nowadays with mounting evidence on associated morbidities and mortality. Dentists can modify the smoking behaviors of their patients. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, beliefs, attitude, and practice of E-cigarette use among dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multinational, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study recruited undergraduate dental students from 20 dental schools in 11 countries. The outcome variable was current smoking status (non-smoker, E-cigarette user only, tobacco cigarette smoker only, dual user). The explanatory variables were country of residence, sex, age, marital status, and educational level. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore the explanatory variables associated with E-cigarette smoking. RESULTS: Of the 5697 study participants, 5156 (90.8%) had heard about E-cigarette, and social media was the most reported source of information for 33.2% of the participants. For the 5676 current users of E-cigarette and/or tobacco smoking, 4.5% use E-cigarette, and 4.6% were dual users. There were significant associations between knowledge and country (P< 0.05), educational level (B = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.21; P = 0.016) and smoking status (P< 0.05). The country of residence (P< 0.05) and smoking status (P< 0.05) were the only statistically significant factors associated with current smoking status. Similarly, there were statistically significant associations between attitude and country (P< 0.05 for one country only compared to the reference) and history of previous E-cigarette exposure (B = -0.52; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.13; P = 0.009). Also, the practice of E-cigarettes was significantly associated with country (P< 0.05 for two countries only compared to the reference) and gender (B = -0.33; 95% CI: -0.52, -0.13; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The knowledge of dental students about E-cigarette was unsatisfactory, yet their beliefs and attitudes were acceptable. Topics about E-cigarette should be implemented in the dental curriculum.

Current and future trends in the teaching of removable partial dentures in dental schools in Malaysia: A cross sectional study.

AIMS: To investigate, using a validated questionnaire, the teaching of removable partial dentures (RPDs) in dental schools of Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validated questionnaire to investigating trends in the teaching of RPDs in dental schools in Oceania was emailed (in English version form) to Heads of Restorative/Prosthodontics/course coordinators in the 13 dental schools in Malaysia. Follow-up reminders were sent and participants were given six weeks to complete and return the questionnaire. Data was entered into an Excel spreadsheet and results compiled and analyzed. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were received from 13 dental school - a 100% response rate. All schools (n = 13) provided a preclinical technical course in RPD design. In most schools (n = 9, 69.2%), course work was supervised by senior lecturers while rest of the institutions made use of associate professor/professors. There were significant differences (p<0.05) between dental schools in terms of the contact hours dedicated to preclinical teaching. Students received an average of 62 h of instruction. Didactic instruction was the primary focus with practical (78 h) and didactic teaching (32 h). All dental schools (n = 13) provided practical surveyor design teaching (8 h). The staff student ratio for formal lectures (1:61), tutorials (1:29) and lab demonstrations (1:12) were recorded. Majority of the schools (n = 11, 84.6%) employed paired teaching in clinical sessions. All schools (n = 13, 100%) emphasized on increased teaching of RPD design and prescription writing in future clinical RPD courses. CONCLUSION: Teaching of RPDs in Malaysia may be considered sufficient and comparable to the teaching in other parts of the world. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Whilst the teaching of partial dentures at Dental Schools in Malaysia provides the core competencies involved in partial denture design and construction based on sound fundamental, scientific principles they should address the challenges of teaching partial dentures and other areas of dental education including improving working conditions for dental professionals.

Correlation of Medical Comorbidities and Upper Airway Measurements among Dental Patients at Risk of Developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a partial or total upper airway collapse resulting in sleep-breathing disturbances. There are many medical comorbidities associated with OSA; hence, this study is important as the prevalence of patients with medical comorbidities associated with OSA is increasing. The study aimed to correlate medical comorbidities and OSA symptoms of the patients along with their upper airway dimensions using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans to identify patients at risk of developing OSA. This cross-sectional study included patients who had CBCT imaging taken between 2014 and 2020. A questionnaire was used to gather information on patients' medical history and OSA symptoms. The upper airway dimensions of the CBCT scans were evaluated before logistic regression and Fisher's exact test were carried out to determine the relationships between the variables. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Logistic regression revealed an association of longer length (p = 0.016), smaller total volume (p = 0.017) and width (p = 0.010) of upper airways with hypertension. Furthermore, loud snoring was seen in patients with hypertension, heart disease and obesity whereas difficulty concentrating during the day was present in subjects with deviated nasal septum, tonsillitis and depression. For upper airway dimensions, a smaller average volume was associated with loud snoring (p = 0.037), difficulty concentrating during the day (p = 0.002) and mood changes (p = 0.036). A larger anterior-posterior dimension was also associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (p = 0.042), difficulty concentrating during the day (p < 0.001) and mood changes (p = 0.009). Longer airway length was additionally found to be associated with loud snoring (p = 0.021). CBCT taken for dental investigations could be correlated with patients' medical history and OSA symptoms to screen patients at risk of OSA.

Oral health practices and self-reported adverse effects of E-cigarette use among dental students in 11 countries: an online survey.

OBJECTIVES: E-cigarette use has become popular, particularly among the youth. Its use is associated with harmful general and oral health consequences. This survey aimed to assess self-reported oral hygiene practices, oral and general health events, and changes in physiological functions (including physical status, smell, taste, breathing, appetite, etc.) due to E-cigarette use among dental students. METHODS: This online, multicounty survey involved undergraduate dental students from 20 dental schools across 11 different countries. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, E-cigarette practices, self-reported complaints, and associated physiological changes due to E-cigarette smoking. Data were descriptively presented as frequencies and percentages. A Chi-square test was used to assess the potential associations between the study group and sub-groups with the different factors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Most respondents reported regular brushing of their teeth, whereas only 70% used additional oral hygiene aids. Reported frequencies of complaints ranged from as low as 3.3% for tongue inflammation to as high as 53.3% for headache, with significant differences between E-cigarette users and non-users. Compared to non-smokers, E-cigarette users reported significantly higher prevalence of dry mouth (33.1% vs. 23.4%; P < 0.001), black tongue (5.9% vs. 2.8%; P = 0.002), and heart palpitation (26.3%% vs. 22.8%; P = 0.001). Although two-thirds of the sample reported no change in their physiological functions, E-cigarette users reported significant improvement in their physiological functions compared to never smokers or tobacco users. CONCLUSION: Dental students showed good oral hygiene practices, but E-cigarette users showed a higher prevalence of health complications.

Effectiveness of "OralDETECT": a Repetitive Test-enhanced, Corrective Feedback Method Competency Assessment Tool for Early Detection of Oral Cancer.

Early diagnosis of oral cancer results in less aggressive treatment and improves the quality of life and overall 5-year survival rate. Well-trained dental professionals can play a crucial role in the early detection of oral cancers. The present study aims to determine the effectiveness of the training program "OralDETECT", a spaced repetitive, test-enhanced learning tool with a corrective feedback mechanism for early detection of oral cancer. Thirty-two dentists and 259 dental students from three Malaysian dental schools were involved in this study. All participants were trained and calibrated to recognize oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral cancer using "OralDETECT", which is comprised of a series of pre-test, lecture, post-tests and review sessions. The percentage of correct answers (scores) for each test given by the participants was calculated and analysed using a paired t test. It was found that the overall percentage of diagnostic accuracy for both dental professionals and student groups increased to above 80% from the pre-tests to the final post-tests. There was a significant improvement in overall scores between the pre-tests and all three post-tests for the dental professional groups and the student groups. The diagnostic accuracy for individual OPMD and lesions suspicious of oral cancer also increased to above 80% for both groups. The results of our study demonstrate that the "OralDETECT" is an efficient and effective competency tool which can be used to train dental professionals and students for the early detection of OPMD and oral cancer.

Pulpal and Periapical Status of the Vital Teeth Used as Abutment for Fixed Prosthesis-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: This is a systematic review to identify the incidence of pulp necrosis and/or periapical changes among vital teeth which are used as an abutment for crown and fixed partial dentures (FPDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two reviewers independently searched two electronic databases, PubMed and Scopus. The search was complemented from references of included studies and published reviews. Studies published in the English language through January 2021 that had assessed and documented the clinical and radiographic failure of crown or FPD in vital permanent teeth due to pulpal or periapical pathology with a follow-up of at least 12 months were selected. Data screening, data collection and extraction of data was performed. Quality of studies involved was analyzed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cohort studies. Meta-analysis was done using random effects model. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. RESULTS: Electronic searches provided 10,075 records among which 20 studies were selected for systematic review and 7 studies were selected for meta-analysis. With respect to quality assessment, all the studies involved were considered as high quality as the score in scale ranged between 6 and 9 as per the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cohort studies. The meta-analyses showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of the loss of pulp vitality or pulp necrosis through clinical and radiographic examination with the follow up period of 5 years: p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.96-1.00, I2 = 77.84%; 10 years: p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.88-0.95, I2 = 93.59%; 15 years: p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.92-0.96, I2 = 94.83%; and 20 years: p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.94-0.96, I2 = 95.01%. CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis revealed clinical and radiographic success rate ranging between 92% to 98% at different follow up periods ranging between 5 years and 20 years. Future high-quality randomized clinical controlled trials with a larger population are required to confirm the evidence as only observational studies were considered in this paper.

Spectrophotometric evaluation of the efficacy of natural versus commercial bleaching agents.

PURPOSE: To compare the bleaching efficacy of in-office (Opalescence), professional home (LumiBrite), over the counter (WhiteLight) and natural (strawberry extract) bleaching agents. METHODS: 80 teeth were selected and divided into two groups which were stained with black coffee and red wine respectively. The stained specimens were subdivided into four subgroups to be bleached with Opalescence, LumiBrite, WhiteLight and strawberry extract. Color measurements were made using spectrophotometer at baseline level, after staining, after bleaching and 1 week after bleaching. The ΔE00 was calculated post bleaching (ΔE001), after 1-week follow up (ΔE002) and color changes between 1-week follow up and baseline (ΔE003). Data were analyzed by paired t-test and ANOVA with a significant difference of P< 0.05. RESULTS: Paired t-test showed significant differences in ΔE001 and ΔE002 for both stained specimens (P< 0.001). For black coffee stained specimens, Whitelight had significantly higher ΔE002 compared to the other bleaching agents (P< 0.05). For red wine stain, Whitelight also showed the significantly lowest ΔE001 (P< 0.001) and the highest ΔE002 (P< 0.001) compared to other groups. LumiBrite showed the significantly lowest ΔE003 for red wine stained specimens (P< 0.05). Whitelight had the poorest bleaching efficacy with deterioration effect after 1-week follow up. Opalescence, LumiBrite and strawberry extract had clinically perceptible and comparable bleaching efficacy. Strawberry extract appeared to be a potential natural bleaching agent with a desirable effect. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Commercial tooth bleaching agents can cause several undesirable side effects such as damage to enamel, hypersensitivity and even affecting the pulp. Strawberry extract is a natural, effective bleaching agent that may have reduced side effects.

Cone-beam computed tomography assessment of upper airway dimensions in patients at risk of obstructive sleep apnea identified using STOP-Bang scores.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify correlations between the STOP-Bang score and upper airway dimensions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 101 subjects (46 men, 55 women) from dental patients who received CBCT scans from 2014 to 2020. The patients were divided into those with a low obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) risk (STOP-Bang score<3) and those with an intermediate to high OSA risk (STOP-Bang score≥3), and their upper airway dimensions were then analysed on CBCT scans. Comparisons between the low-risk and intermediate/high-risk groups were conducted using the t-test and the Mann-Whitney test. Correlations between the total STOP-Bang score and upper airway dimension parameters were established using Spearman correlation coefficients. P values≤0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Intermediate/high-risk subjects were predominantly male and over 50 years of age, with a higher body mass index. They had significantly longer upper airways, smaller average airway volumes, and smaller widths and antero-posterior dimensions of the narrowest upper airway segment. The total upper airway length was positively correlated with the STOP-Bang score (r s= 0.278). The average volume (r s= -0.203) and width of the narrowest upper airway segment (r s= -0.305) were both negatively correlated with STOP-Bang scores. CONCLUSION: Subjects with higher STOP-Bang scores had upper airways that were longer, narrower, and smaller in terms of average volume. CBCT scans taken for dental patients as part of investigative procedures could be correlated with STOP-Bang scores to screen for patients at risk of OSA.

CBCT Evaluation of the Vital Mandibular Interforaminal Anatomical Structures.

BACKGROUND: Oral implants are considered safe in the mandibular anterior region, but complications often occur if vital structures such as inferior alveolar nerve, mandibular incisive canal (MIC), anterior mental loop (AL), or mental foramen (MF) are not properly identified. AIM: The aim was to evaluate vital anatomical structures in the mandibular interforaminal region and to investigate sexual dimorphism and differences with respect to left and right side regions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty CBCT scans (forty male and forty female) were analyzed for MF position and shape, presence and measurement of AL and MIC (both in mm), emergence patterns of mandibular canal, and symmetry of MF and AL. A pilot study was conducted on five patients to determine interobserver reliability among two oral and maxillofacial radiologists, considered for interpretation of CBCT images. All the scans were taken by CS 9300, CBCT machine adjusted at 80 kVp, 15 mA, voxel size 0.3 × 0.3 × 0.3, and field of view of 10 × 5 (mandible only). The acquired images were reconstructed into multiplanar views (axial, panoramic, and cross-sectional) for evaluation. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 42.64 ± 16.22 years, with males noted with slightly higher age. Position 4 of MF (below the apex of the second premolar) was noted the most on the right side, whereas position 3 (between the first and second premolars) was noted on the left side, with 75% of symmetrical MF position. The oval-shaped MF was most common among both genders and sides. The prevalence of MIC was noted in 93.75% of patients with a mean length of 12.09 ± 5.95 mm. The prevalence of AL was 53.13%, with a mean length of 1.07 ± 1.42 mm. No statistically significant sexual dimorphism (P > 0.05) was found between genders or sides for all the evaluated interforaminal parameters. CONCLUSION: CBCT evaluation of vital anatomical structures needs to be elicited before planning an interforaminal placement of implants, and no sexual dimorphism was found regarding them.

Happiness among dentists: a multi-scale, multi-national study from 21 countries.

OBJECTIVES: The extent to which dentists are happy with their profession and their life has not been well studied. The present study aimed to explore the level of happiness, satisfaction with life and psychological well-being among a sample of dental professionals from 21 countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 2,200 dentists from 21 countries. Three scales - Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and Affect Balance Scale (ABS) - were used to measure the subjective responses. Data related to demographic and social characteristics were recorded. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used as appropriate. Scales were correlated, and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to identify the independent determinants of SHS, SWLS and ABS. Data were analysed using the SPSS software program; a value of P <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The overall mean scores of SHS, SWLS and ABS were 18.53 ± 5.06, 23.06 ± 6.25 and 1.26 ± 2.40, respectively, with significant differences found across countries: dentists working in Croatia, Peru and Serbia recorded the highest scores, unlike dentists practicing in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, who recorded the lowest scores. There were significant, moderately positive correlations between the various scales: SHS and SWLS: r = 0.535, P < 0.001; SHS and ABS: r = 0.58, P < 0.001; and SWLS and ABS: r = 0.533, P < 0.001. Country of practice, age, qualification and monthly income were the significant independent predictors of SHS, SWLS and ABS. CONCLUSION: Country of residence and social characteristics were associated with dentists' responses regarding their feelings and subjective well-being.

Dental education: Lecture versus flipped and spaced learning.

BACKGROUND: Even though there are diverse varieties of teaching methods to motivate and educate students, not many are used in dental institutions, where most rely only on traditional lectures. Hence, the objective of this study was to compare traditional lectures with newer teaching methods, specifically the flipped classroom and spaced learning method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study Students were randomized to one of the teaching methods, and their short-term (immediately after teaching) and long-term (i.e., 6 months later) knowledge retention was assessed through multiple choice questions, followed by students feedback which was obtained using Trierer Inventar zur Lehrevaluation questionnaire. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: For short-term learning gains, spaced learning group (165.85) showed highest mean scores, followed by the traditional lecture group (163.70) and flipped classroom group (153.25). P value acquired through the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA was statistically significant (0.003). For long-term knowledge retention, traditional lecture group has highest mean scores (147.50), followed by spaced learning group (146.90) and flipped classroom group (145.05) with no significant difference (P = 0.657). CONCLUSION: Spaced learning methodology was better than the traditional lecture method and the flipped classroom concerning knowledge gains when measured immediately after the application of learning method. For long-term knowledge retention, both the flipped classroom and spaced learning teaching methods were comparable to the traditional lecture method.

Teeth and Covariates: Association with Risk of Falls.

PURPOSE: Falls occur commonly in geriatric populations and undesirably influence their life, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the number of teeth present among the elderly population and covariates in relation to the risk of falls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at various old age homes in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia involving the geriatric population aged 60 years and above. A detailed questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data including sex, age, household income, and dental variables such as the number of teeth and chewing difficulty was obtained. The Tinetti test (TT) was used to evaluate the patients' ability to walk, to maintain postural balance, and to determine their risk of falling. The short version of the Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depression among the participants, and the Barthel Scale was used to analyze the subject's ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADL). RESULTS: Statistically significant association was observed in relation to the number of teeth present and risk of falls (p < 0.05). Subjects who had 19 teeth or less in total had moderate to highest risk of falls (p=0.001) in comparison with subjects who had 20 teeth or more. Those aged 70 years and above showed the highest risk of falls (p=0.001) in comparison with the subjects aged between 60 and 69 years. Subjects with depression (p=0.03) and presence of illness related to fall showed statistically significant difference (p=0.001) in comparison with those who did not suffer from the same. Compromised ADL (p=0.001) (which included ability to perform several tasks like indoor mobility, climbing stairs, toilet use, and feeding) and low monthly income (p=0.03) was also observed among subjects who had higher risk of falls. CONCLUSION: According to the results achieved, there was a high statistically significant association observed between the number of teeth present, age, depression, ADL, and presence of illness in relation to the risk of falling among the geriatric population. Henceforth, oral rehabilitation of elderly patients with less number of teeth may reduce their risk of falls.

Evaluation of Resting Tongue Position in Recently Extracted and Long Term Completely Edentulous Patients: A Prospective Interventional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Presence of abnormal resting tongue position can lead to poor denture retention and stability. The prevalence of retracted tongue position has been found to be higher in partially edentulous subjects compared to dentate subjects and is greatest in completely edentulous individuals. AIM: To evaluate resting tongue position in recently extracted and long term completely edentulous patients, and to evaluate the efficacy of achieving retracted tongue position by simple modification in complete denture along with certain tongue exercises. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 62 study subjects were classified into two groups based on duration of edentulousness. Group A: Recently extracted completely edentulous subjects (<1 year), Group B: Long term completely edentulous subjects (>1-10 year). The patients with retracted tongue position were subjected to a simple modification in complete denture along with inclusion of certain tongue exercises. After eight months patients were recalled and evaluated. The data was analysed using SPSS statistical tests like mean, standard deviation, proportion, Chi square test and McNemar Test. RESULTS: Among the study subjects, 54.9% had retracted tongue position. Group B showed high proportion of retracted tongue position (68.8%) as compared to Group A. After the intervention, 42.8% study subjects gained normal resting tongue position. CONCLUSION: Long term completely edentulous subjects presented retracted tongue position in higher percentage when compared to the recently extracted group. The interventional method employed for the subjects with retracted tongue position, played a significant role to assume normal resting tongue position and showed improvement in denture stability and retention.