The theory of reasoned action in describing tongue cleaning adherence among college going students of Indie: A model guided study.

Background: Just mere brushing of teeth is not enough for maintaining good oral health. Regular cleaning of tongue is equally important for maintaining good oral hygiene and to escape social embarrassment and personal discomfort, which could arise as a result of halitosis. Objective: To test the variables of Theory of Reasoned Action to explain the behavior of tongue cleaning among college going students of Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 756 college going students of Udaipur city, India using an online self-administered structured questionnaire which was designed based on our study objectives. Logistic regression analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed for statistical analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5% respectively. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that with one unit increase in subjective norm, the tongue cleaning behavior odds increased significantly by 1.124. Also, the tongue cleaning behavior odds was 1.77 times significantly greater among those brushing their teeth twice a day than those brushing once a day. Structural Equation modelling also evidenced the significant direct effect of subjective norm on tongue cleaning behavior (ß = 0.2, p≤0.05). Conclusion: Our results highlighted the importance of subjective norms in espousing tongue cleaning preventive behaviour habit. It is thus recommended to highpoint the role of significant others in changing tongue cleaning behaviour.

Self-Assessment of Psychological and Mechanical Factors Affecting Oral Hygiene Among Indian College-Going Students: A Model-Guided Study.

Good oral hygiene is the foundation for a healthy mouth. This study was aimed to determine the efficacy of oral health education based on an integrated model on oral hygiene attitude and behavior among the college students of Udaipur city. An intervention study was conducted among 156 college students in Udaipur city. The questionnaire based on the new integrated model was tested for validity and reliability. Paired t test and multinomial regression analysis were employed for statistical analysis. Significant differences were observed regarding all the indicators of oral hygiene practices, perceived susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and external locus of control. Odds ratio was significantly greater among undergraduate regarding oral hygiene practices. Also odds ratio of perceived susceptibility and seriousness was more among male population. The educational intervention was successful in conveying the message regarding the importance of oral hygiene practices.

Assessment of satisfaction levels of patients during dental outreach programs in rural part of Udaipur, India.

BACKGROUND: The community-based dental outreach programs play a very crucial role in declining discovery-delivery disconnect by introducing awareness through health education and dental adumbrating services to the community members. However, the success of any oral health programme depends largely on how it meets the needs and expectations of the target community. Therefore, the present study was designed for the assessment of patient satisfaction at various rural outreach dental camps conducted over a period of 2 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on patients visiting weekly and monthly outreach dental programmes organised by the Department of Public Health Dentistry. Data were obtained from a total of 298 patients using a pre-tested questionnaire as a survey instrument. The questionnaire consisted of nine questions, measuring the patient satisfaction levels on a five-point Likert scale. RESULTS: The highest mean satisfaction score (4.97 ± 0.59) was observed for the question on the overall performance of camp, whereas waiting time for treatment, quality of the treatment and explanation of need for referral exhibited lowest mean scores. The mean satisfaction scores for the monthly camp (4.55 ± 0.52) were significantly higher as compared to the weekly camps (4.38 ± 0.55) (P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that the patient satisfaction scores were satisfactory to good for various aspects of the weekly and monthly dental outreach programmes. Such programmes should be conducted on regular basis, and comprehensive oral care should be provided.

Effect of Chocobar Ice Cream Containing Bifidobacterium on Salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of chocobar ice cream containing bifidobacteria on salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted with 30 subjects (18 to 22 years of age) divided into 2 groups, test (chocobar ice cream with probiotics) and control (chocobar ice cream without probiotics). The subjects were instructed to eat the allotted chocobar ice cream once daily for 18 days. Saliva samples collected at intervals were cultured on Mitis Salivarius agar and Rogosa agar and examined for salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U-test, Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Postingestion in the test group, a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) of salivary mutans streptococci was recorded, but a non-significant trend was seen for lactobacilli. Significant differences were was also observed between follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Short-term daily ingestion of ice cream containing probiotic bifidobacteria may reduce salivary levels of mutans streptococci in young adults.

Antimicrobial Effect of Jasminum grandiflorum L. and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Extracts Against Pathogenic Oral Microorganisms--An In Vitro Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare the antimicrobial potential and determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Jasminum grandiflorum and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis extracts as potential anti-pathogenic agents in dental caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous and ethanol (cold and hot) extracts prepared from leaves of Jasminum grandiflorum and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus using the agar well diffusion method. The lowest concentration of every extract considered as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for both test organisms. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: At lower concentrations, hot ethanol Jasminum grandiflorum (10 µg/ml) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (25 µg/ml) extracts were found to have statistically significant (P≤0.05) antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and L. acidophilus with MIC values of 6.25 µg/ml and 25 µg/ml, respectively. A proportional increase in their antimicrobial activity (zone of inhibition) was observed. CONCLUSION: Both extracts were found to be antimicrobially active and contain compounds with therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, clinical trials on the effect of these plants are essential before advocating large-scale therapy.

Utilization of services and referrals through dental outreach programs in rural areas of India. A two year study.

BACKGROUND: Oral health care services are often sparse and inconsistent in India therefore it is often difficult for poor people to get access to the oral health care services. The approach by dental institutions with the help of community outreach programs is a step ahead in overcoming this situation. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to evaluate the number of patients, disease pattern and the services provided in the outreach programmes and also effectiveness of patient referral. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted and the data were obtained from records of outreach programs conducted, in last 2 years by Pacific Dental College and Hospital. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics for the computation of percentages Chi-square test was applied to know the association of effectiveness of referral with age and gender. Confidence level and level of significance was fixed at 95% and 5% respectively. RESULTS: A total of 22982 individuals in the age group of 4-80 years attended the outreach program. Dental caries (42.3%), periodontal diseases (63.2-69.0%) and dental fluorosis (33.7-35.0%) were commonly observed diseases. Effectiveness of referral was significantly high among the middle age adults and females (P<0.05). The effectiveness of referral was highly improved in 2013 after establishment of certain guidelines and strategies. CONCLUSION: The approaches by dental institutions with the help of community outreach programs can spread awareness and disseminate treatment and thereby enhancing access to care and eliminating access to care within the rural communities.

Digital Literacy: A Counteractive Measure to Thwart the Fallacies of Infodemic.

Education and literacy provided through the recent media have been abundantly flowing information on the digital platforms. However, the so-called digital channels have been a source of misinformation, myths, misconceptions, creating chaos, and panic in the world. The same platforms can be utilised to counter the effects of infodemic through the multiple strategies like stagnating and filtrating the misinformation, eliminating the stigmatic beliefs of the people through the use of social media and education. Scientific research and psychological help can be the strategies to cope with mental pressure and help in mentoring the traumatised individuals through the digital education.   Key Words: Infodemic, Digital literacy, Education.

Knowledge and attitude towards smoking among Indian students of dentistry.

UNLABELLED: Active cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and an important established cause of cardiovascular disease mortality. Risks have been shown to increase with even light or intermittent active smoking. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of smoking, age of initiation and the knowledge and attitude towards smoking among dental college students of Rajasthan, India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,383 undergraduate and postgraduate dental college students of Rajasthan using self-administered closed-ended questionnaires consisting of 14 questions divided into four sections. A chi-square test was used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. RESULTS: Of all the participants, 777 (56.2%) were male and 606 (43.8%) were female. Among these 258 (33.2%) males and 51 (8.4%) females had tried or experimented smoking. Majority of males (24.7%) initiated this habit at a very young age, before 16 years. About 79.5% males and 72.3% females felt that it was difficult to quit smoking. According to 88.1% females and 48.7% males, people feel less comfortable at public places or social gatherings. CONCLUSION: The study has shown that the smoking prevalence among dental college students is high and has managed to contribute additional information regarding their attitude towards smoking. Comprehensive tobacco education and smoking cessation programmes should be aggressively promoted in dental settings.

Dentists' attitude to provision of care for people with learning disabilities in Udaipur, India.

This study determines and compares the attitudes of dentists to the provision of care for people with learning disabilities according to gender, qualification, previous experience of treating patients with learning disabilities and work experience of dentists. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 dentists (166 men and 81 women) using a pretested structured questionnaire. This questionnaire assessed the respondent's attitude towards learning-disabled patients in five categories: beliefs about treating them, their capabilities, discrimination against these patients, their social behaviour and quality of care to be received by these patients. The information on dentist's gender, qualification, work experience and previous experience of treating patients with learning disabilities was also collected through questionnaire. The Student's t-test and anova test were used for statistical analysis. The mean attitude score was found to be 71.13 ± 8.97. A statistically significant difference was found in the mean attitude scores of dentists with work experience (p = 0.000). Study subjects with postgraduate qualification and previous experience of treating patients with learning disabilities had significantly greater mean attitude score than their counterparts (p = 0.000). The overall attitude of dentists towards provision of care for people with learning disabilities was favourable, which increased with higher qualification and past experience.

Assessment of dental trauma among cerebral palsy individuals in Udaipur city.

OBJECTIVE: (i) To assess the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in individuals with cerebral palsy and its possible relationship with type of palsy at Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India. (ii) To assess the prevalence of temporomandibular joint symptoms in cerebral palsy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The total sample comprised of 281 cerebral palsy individuals in the age group of 10-35 years. Clinical examination for dental trauma was performed on the basis of Andreasen & Andreasen classification (1994). Chi-square test, multiple logistic and stepwise linear regression analyses were carried out to find out the relationship between cerebral palsy individuals with different independent variables. RESULTS: Findings of the study indicated that there was highest prevalence of TDI in cerebral palsy patients with hemiplegia (40.6%) (P = 0.00). Stepwise and multiple logistic regression analyses showed that the best predictors for dental traumatic injuries was overjet and type of cerebral palsy. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that hemiplegic cerebral palsy patients were most prone to TDI.

Comparative assessment of oral hygiene and periodontal status among children who have Poliomyelitis at Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the oral hygiene and periodontal status among children with Poliomyelitis having upper limb disability, lower limb disability and both upper and lower disability at Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India. STUDY DESIGN: Total sample comprised of 344 Poliomyelitis children (upper limb disability: 33.4%; lower limb disability: 33.7%; both upper and lower limb disability: 32.9%) in the age group of 12-15 years. Clinical examination included recording Simplified Oral Hygiene Index and Community Periodontal Index. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple logistic and stepwise linear regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean OHI-S (2.52 ± 1.05) score was found to be highest among children who had both upper and lower limb disability (p<0.05). The highest and lowest mean number of healthy sextants were found among those with only lower limb disability (4.53 ± 2.05) and among those with both upper and lower limb disability (0.77 ± 1.39), respectively (p<0.05). Stepwise multiple linear and multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the best predictor for oral hygiene and periodontal status was limb involved in the disability. CONCLUSION: The results of the study depicted an overall poor oral hygiene and periodontal status of the group. It was recognized that limbs involved in the disability had an impact on the oral hygiene and periodontal condition. The situation in this specialized population draws immediate attention for an integrated approach in improving the oral health and focus towards extensive research.

Teeth fracture among visually impaired and sighted children of 12 and 15 years age groups of Udaipur city, India--a comparative study.

AIM: To compare the prevalence of anterior teeth fracture among sighted and visually impaired children of 12 and 15 years ages in Udaipur city, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out among 508 children (83 visually impaired and 425 sighted children), which comprised of 55 males and 28 females among visually impaired and 348 females and 77 males among sighted. The survey was carried out using Andreasen's classification for teeth fracture. Data was analyzed using chi-square test, with keeping level of significance at P < 0.05. RESULTS: It was found that, visually impaired children (32.5%) had significantly higher percentage of teeth fracture than that of sighted children (9.6%) (P = 001). Males had significantly higher percentage of teeth fracture than females in both groups (P = 0.001). It was observed that overjet of more than 3.5 mm had significantly increased risk of sustaining traumatic dental injuries among visually impaired (70.4%) than that of sighted individuals (46.3%) (P = 0.043). However, fracture of teeth was independent of age groups and lip coverage. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in a group of individuals with visual impairment was higher than that of sighted. This should alert caregivers to carry out a profound investigation of the events and suggest methods to reduce this type of morbidity.

Prevalence of allergy to latex gloves among dental professionals in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

PURPOSE: Nowadays, gloves are worn routinely by most general dental practitioners while treating patients, with latex being the most commonly used glove material worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of allergy to latex gloves among dental professionals of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 163 dental professionals (73% males and 27% females) were surveyed using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was comprised of a total of 12 items and gave information about the participants and their glove use, namely demographic profile, working habits and glove use, signs and symptoms related to glove use, any other type of allergy, as well as precautions taken to minimise it. The statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests to compare frequency and percentage. The level of significance was set at P u 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 26 (16%) dental professionals reported allergy to latex gloves, of which females (27.3%) reported significantly greater allergy than males (11.8%) (P = 0.016). The number of years of glove use was significantly associated with allergy to latex gloves (P = 0.000). The prevalence of allergy to latex gloves was significantly greater for those who had allergy to pollen grains, foodstuffs and rubber dam, those who had asthma or history of eczema and those with family history of allergy. However, allergy to latex gloves was independent of age, type of gloves used, hours of use per day as well as number of patients seen per day. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed a high rate of allergy to latex gloves among dental professionals in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Assessment of Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Expatriate Working Population, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The expatriate workers (foreign workers) come from various countries having different languages, cultures, and tradition to work in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA); here they adopt to local customs, traditions, and work ethics in this new environment. How they perceive their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is important for health-care provider for understanding and planning in patient management. The data of expat workers and their OHRQoL in KSA are meager; hence, assessment of OHRQoL among expatriate working population in Al Zulfi, Saudi Arabia was planned. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on adult expat working population of various nationalities who were working in Al Zulfi, KSA. The study sample comprised 600 adult expats. OHRQoL was analyzed by using 14-Item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire as instrument. Clinical examination for oral health status was carried out using decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and Oral Hygiene Index simplified (OHI-S). Student's t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 20.0 with significance at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The age of the sample population ranged from 19 to 60 years. No significant difference was observed in oral health status among expats of different nationalities. Age and education were significantly related to OHRQoL as well as oral health status. The mean cumulative scores of OHIP-14 showed that expats from different nationalities had statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Overall the impact of OHRQoL was less among working expat population in Al Zulfi. Physical pain was the common dimension seen among all nationalities. Psychological discomfort and handicap dimensions of OHIP-14 were significant among the study sample.

Association of sugary foods and drinks consumption with behavioral risk and oral health status of 12- and 15-year-old Indian school children.

AIM: This study aims to assess the association of sugary foods and drinks consumption with behavioral risk and oral health status of 12- and 15-year-old government school children in Udaipur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among of 12- and 15-year-old government schoolchildren of Udaipur. A survey pro forma designed based on HBSC (Health behaviour in School-aged Children) study protocol and WHO Oral Health Assessment Form for Children (2013) was used. Chi-Square test, Independent Sample t-test, and Multinomial Logistic Regression analysis were used with 95% confidence interval and 5% significance level. RESULTS: Out of 710 participants, 455 (64.1%) were males and 255 females (35.9%). Majority of 15 years age (57.3%) consumed more soft drinks than 12-year-old. Males showed a comparatively greater tendency to have sugar sweetened products than females. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) and DMFT scores were relatively higher for subjects who consumed sugary substances more than once/day than who had less than once/day. Gingivitis was associated with high sugar diet. CONCLUSION: Sugary foods and drinks consumption is significantly associated with behavioral habits of children and is a clear behavioral risk for oral health.

A comparative assessment of caries risk using cariogram among smokers and smokeless tobacco users in india - a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: A dearth of literature exists concerning utilization of the unique cariogram model for caries risk assessment in tobacco users. OBJECTIVE: To assess & compare caries risk among smokers & smokeless tobacco users using Cariogram model. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among smokers and smokeless tobacco users of Udaipur for 3 months. Caries risk assessment was done by employing a survey proforma based on the Cariogram model. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test followed by Marascuilo procedure and Stepwise multiple linear regression with 95% confidence interval and 5% significance level. RESULTS: Majority of the smokers (56%) portrayed high caries risk (less chance to avoid new caries) followed by smokeless Tobacco users (34%). Only 40% smokeless tobacco users had relatively high chances (>60%) of avoiding future new caries. The susceptibility sector of the cariogram model contributed primarily to caries risk in the study population. CONCLUSION: The study findings from the different cariogram elements converged to indicate that smokers were at maximum caries risk, followed by smokeless tobacco users and therefore Cariogram model could be a useful tool to represent caries risk among smokers and smokeless tobacco users.

Perception of sexual ramification among women toward male doctors in today's Indian society.

The objective of the study was to assess the perception of women patients toward attitude of health professionals who have undergone physical examination.A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,257 women. A self-administered structured questionnaire comprising of 16 questions was designed to assess perception of patients toward attitude of health professionals.Mean perception scores of the study population were 19.79 ± 1.78. Women in the age group of 29-38 years had a greater perception (20.34 ± 1.54) that they had been a subject or could be a subject to sexual exploitation by a doctor. Graduate and above group participants had a greater perception (19.54 ± 1.86) when compared to primary and secondary education level (19.52 ± 1.85, 18.35 ± 1.5). Data were analyzed using ANOVA.Women had mixed perception of sexual gratification toward male doctors. It is necessary to educate the doctors regarding the respect, dignity, and values for female patients, which could reduce occupational defamation.

Influence of sleep disturbance, fatigue, vitality on oral health and academic performance in indian dental students.

BACKGROUND: Oral health and academic performance are important contributing factors for a student's professional life. Countless factors affect both, among which sleep, vitality and fatigue are less explored areas that also have a strong impact. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the association of sleep disturbances, fatigue and vitality with self reported oral health status, oral hygiene habits and academic performance of dental students of Udaipur. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate and postgraduate dental students of Udaipur. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used to assess the psychological factors, vitality, sleep quality, fatigue, self reported oral health status, habits and academic performance. Analysis of variance and stepwise multiple linear regression were utilized for statistical analysis with 95% confidence level and 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Of the 230 participants, 180 (78.3%) were undergraduates and 50 (21.7%) were postgraduates. Among them, females showed higher scores in disturbed sleep index (2.69±2.14) as compared to males (2.45±1.91). Respondents who had "Poor" dental health, scored more in disturbed sleep index (3.15±1.64) and fatigue scale (20.00±4.88). Subjects who flossed "everyday", were found to have good sleep and more energy (p=0.01) and those who assessed themselves as excellent students scored more in the Vitality Scale (p=0.01) and less in the Sleep index (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study confirms that disturbed sleep, aliveness and fatigue, all are interlinked with each other and are imperative factors having the potential to alter the oral health status, habits and academics of dental students.

Knowledge and practices of Indian dental students regarding the prescription of antibiotics and analgesics.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Making a diagnosis and prescribing medicine is the most important skill required by any doctor in the colleges, hospitals or clinical practice. Prescribing is the intervention that has the greatest influence on patients' health requiring complex series of sub-competencies like making a diagnosis, setting a therapeutic goal, choosing the approach, choosing the best drug, route and frequency of administration, duration of therapy, writing the prescription, patient information, monitoring drug effects and, lastly, review the prescription.The aim of this research is to assess the knowledge and practices of Indian dental students regarding the prescription of antibiotics and analgesics. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 870 Undergraduate and Post-graduate dental students of Udaipur city. A close ended, pretested questionnaire was administered to students. The data were analyzed using the student's t -test and one-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni test. RESULTS: A total of 870 students participated in the study. Most of them were females and were pursuing undergraduate studies. Post graduate students had greater medication prescription knowledge than the undergraduate students. Nevertheless, practice of medication prescription among these two was found adequate. CONCLUSION: Undergraduate dental students have lower knowledge about medication prescription as compared to post-graduate students. Also, knowledge of prescription of medicines in males were higher in comparison to females, though prescription practices of all the dental students was found almost similar.