Oral Cancer: Awareness and Knowledge Among Dental Patients in Riyadh.

More than 50 % of oral cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. Public knowledge about oral cancer can help in prevention and early detection of the disease. The aim of the present study was to assess the levels of awareness and knowledge about signs and risk factors of oral cancer among dental patients in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 1410 randomly selected patients attending dental departments within public hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. The study revealed that only 62.4 % were aware of oral cancer. Some 68.2 and 56.5 %, respectively, were able to correctly identify tobacco and alcohol as risk factors. More than two thirds of subjects had no knowledge about any signs of oral cancer. Participants with lower than university education were significantly less aware, and had much less knowledge, of the signs and risk factors of oral cancer. The knowledge regarding oral cancer among Saudi dental patients is alarmingly low. Interventions to improve public knowledge about oral cancer and attitudes towards early diagnosis and treatment are urgently indicated.

Patient Awareness of Soft-Tissue Irritants After Placement of Porcelain Laminate Veneers.

Background Porcelain is considered the most esthetic and biocompatible material in dentistry with the ability to imitate sound enamel. Research into porcelain laminate veneers has focused mainly on technical or aesthetic aspects, rather than the reaction of the surrounding soft tissues. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding patient maintenance of soft-tissue alternation occurring after the placement of veneers. Methodology A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was chosen for this study to identify patient gingival alternation that occurred after the placement of veneers. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 3.6.3. Counts and percentages were used to summarize the study variables. The chi-square test was used to assess the association between categorical variables. Adverse events included hyperplasia, gum recession, change in color, change in taste/smell, toothache, and redness. Spearman's correlation was used to assess the association between hygiene, awareness, and the number of adverse events experienced after installing the veneers. Hypothesis testing was performed at a 5% level of significance. Results The study questionnaire was completed by 98 respondents. Males and females represented 34.7% and 65.3% of the study sample, respectively. One-half (53.1%) of the respondents were 30-40 years old, and one-quarter were 41-50 years old. Only one-half of the respondents were satisfied with the final result after installing the veneers (53.1%). Satisfaction was not significantly different between males and females (p = 0.818). Results showed better awareness and dental hygiene in females. Only 11.8% of the males reported visiting the dentist due to gingival problems before installing the veneers compared to 35.9% of the females (p = 0.021). The most common problems reported by the respondents were hyperplasia (62.2%) and a change in smell/taste (66.3%). Other common problems included color change (58.2%), toothache (59.2%), and redness (55.1%). Satisfaction was significantly higher in patients who did not experience gingival hyperplasia (70.3%) than in those who did (42.6%). Experiencing toothache and redness in the gums surrounding the lenses were associated with lower satisfaction (p < 0.001). The use of antibiotics was not associated with satisfaction (p = 0.495). Conclusions Our study indicated a low level of awareness and satisfaction with porcelain laminate veneer placement. There was a statistically significant association between dental hygiene and awareness scores. Dental hygiene was also positively associated with satisfaction with dental veneers. A lower awareness score was associated with lower satisfaction. Further, higher awareness was associated with higher satisfaction.

Does Chemically Modified Curcumin Control the Progression of Periodontitis? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Recently, pharmacologic approaches have been seen in utilizing matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMP-I) to prohibit the destruction of connective tissue accompanied by erythrogenic inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis. However, curcumin characteristics have been described to be effective in reducing inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). But, due to its poor solubility and bioavailability, a chemically modified curcumin (CMC 2.24) has been used. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research is to review and analyze the animal attempts which investigate the impact of CMC2.24 on periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was based on reviewing the English preclinical studies using CMC2.24 on an induced periodontal disease which were published up to 2020, only randomized control trials (RCTs) were included. Databases were used from electronic websites including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google scholar. RESULTS: Seven experimental trials involving 162 rats and 8 dogs were included in the present systematic review. Six studies investigated LPS-induced experimental periodontitis, two of them worked on diabetes-associated periodontitis, while one study worked on naturally occurring periodontitis. All included studies revealed that CMC 2.24 reduced alveolar bone loss as well as inhibited the MMP. CONCLUSION: Collectively, we concluded that CMC 2.24 has significant implications in prohibiting the progression of bone loss.

Correlation of ABO Blood Groups and Rh Factor with The Severity of Generalized Chronic Periodontitis: Across Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The development of periodontal diseases depends on the presence of causative microorganisms, host immunity and risk factors. Although variability present among the types of periodontal diseases, all are represented to a shared interaction between host and bacteria. ABO blood groups are the most investigated erythrocyte antigen system. However, limited investigations have been conducted to explore the alliance between ABO blood groups and periodontal diseases. AIM: Our purpose was to explore any possible association between the severity of chronic periodontitis with ABO blood groups and Rh factor. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 205 patients out of 1126 generalised chronic periodontitis patients (GCP) who were referred to Al-Farabi Colleges, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. They were categorized into; group I (mild), group II (moderate) and group III (sever). RESULTS: The patients with blood group O were at a greater risk to develop GCP irrespective of its severity, followed by those with blood group A, B, and AB. The dispensation of the Rh factor in all groups exhibited a significantly greater distribution of Rh positive. CONCLUSION: Genetic factors such as ABO blood group antigens may act as a risk influencer that affects the progression and severity of the chronic periodontitis.

Body mass index and periodontal health status among young Saudi adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has been suggested as a risk factor for periodontal disease. Despite the high prevalence of obesity and over-weight among Saudi population, no study has assessed whether there is an association between periodontal health status and body mass index (BMI). OBJECTIVES: Assess the association between BMI and other variables with periodontal health status among young Saudi adults. DESIGN: Analytical, hospital-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: University dental hospital, Riyadh. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All dental students aged 21-35 years who met inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the study. Periodontal health status was assessed by the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and community periodontal index (CPI) scores. Biometric measurements included weight, height and BMI. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association of independent variables with periodontal disease (CPI>2 vs CPI ≤2) and multiple linear regression models to assess associations with PI and GI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Periodontal health by BMI and other variables. SAMPLE SIZE: 308. RESULTS: Of 700 participants invited, 380 participated for a response rate of 54.2%. Slightly more than half of the obese subjects 54 (52%) did not brush their teeth regularly. The mean (standard deviation) PI and GI scores were significantly higher among the obese (PI score: 1.54 [0.45]); GI score: 1.52 [0.51]) and overweight (PI score: 1.36 [0.47]) and (GI score: 1.42 [0.57]) subjects when compared with subjects with normal weight (PI score: 1.27 [0.51]); (GI score: 1.31 [0.48]); ( P<.05). No significant differences were seen between BMI groups in CPI scores. There were also no significant differences in the mean number and percentage of sextants between different BMI groups. The only signficant factor for periodontal disease in the multivariable analysis was toothbrushing. CONCLUSION: The present study shows a significant positive correlation between BMI and PI and GI scores. However, no statistically significant association was found between BMI and periodontal health status. LIMITATION: Cross-sectional, so not possible to assess the association of oral health and BMI over time. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Is Khat (Catha edulis) chewing a risk factor for periodontal diseases? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Khat (Catha edulis) chewing is a highly prevalent habit in the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa, and has recently spread to Western countries. The association between khat chewing and oral mucosal lesions is well documented in the literature. However, there is no concrete evidence on the association between khat chewing and periodontal disease. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the influence of khat chewing on periodontal health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Sciences databases was carried out to identify relevant articles published from 1990 to May 2017. The inclusion criteria were all clinical studies that assessed the relationship between khat chewing and periodontal disease. RESULTS: The search yielded 122 articles, of which 10 were included in this systematic review. Most of the studies exhibited a positive correlation between khat chewing and periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the analysis of the current evidence reveals that khat chewing is destructive to the periodontium and enhances the risk of periodontal disease progression. However, due to variability of studies, more longitudinal case-controlled studies are highly warranted to establish a causal relation between khat chewing and periodontal disease. Key words:Khat chewing, periodontal health, periodontal disease, risk factor.

Periodontal Health Condition and Associated Factors among University Students, Yemen.

INTRODUCTION: Studies on oral health status among Yemeni population are scarce. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the periodontal health among advantaged section of Yemeni society, university students, in health and non-health fields. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Periodontal health status of a sample of 360 students from dental, medical and literature faculties (120 each with equal gender distribution) at Sana'a University was evaluated by two calibrated examiners using CPI index. Data regarding tooth-brushing practices and smoking and khat chewing habits were obtained using a structured interview questionnaire. RESULTS: Only 45 students (12.5%) had healthy periodontium, while 113 (31.4%), 186 (51.7%) and 16 (4.4%) had bleeding, calculus and shallow pocket, respectively, with no significant differences between faculties. Females revealed significantly better periodontal health compared to males, though their bleeding score was higher. Dental and medical students and female students in general were significantly more interested in tooth-brushing and significantly less interested in practicing the deleterious habits such as smoking and khat chewing. CONCLUSION: The overall periodontal health of Sana'a University students is still unsatisfactory even among students in health field. Females and students in health field revealed better periodontal health and oral health practices (tooth-brushing) in comparison to male students and those in non-health field. The negative effects of the highly prevalent smoking and khat chewing habits deserve further reliable researches and proper educational programs at the national level.

Determinants of dental health status and dental health behavior among Sana'a University students, Yemen.

AIMS: To evaluate the dental health status and toothbrushing behavior among Sana'a University students, and to explore any associations with different factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the dental health of 360 students from the dental, medical, and literature faculties (120 each) at Sana'a University were examined using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Data regarding study field, grade, toothbrushing behavior, parents' education, and smoking and khat chewing habits were recorded. RESULTS: Nearly 76% of students (n = 273) reported regularly brushing their teeth. Excluding fathers' education levels and khat chewing, other factors (faculty, grade, sex, mothers' education, and smoking) were significant independent predictors for this behavior. The overall mean DMFT score (± standard deviation) was 4.13 ± 3.1, and was found to be adversely influenced by smoking, which explained only 1.1% of the variance. Toothbrushing, sex, and smoking were significant independent predictors for the decay score, and explained 10.6% of its variance. Khat chewing was found to be adversely associated with the missing score, with an influence of only 2.9%. The filling score was found to be positively associated with toothbrushing and study grade, which together had an influence of 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The dental health and toothbrushing behaviors of Sana'a University students are unsatisfactory, and influenced unequally by different factors.