Cyberchondria among information technology professionals of Bhubaneswar by using cyberchondria severity scale (CSS-15).

Background: Internet can act as an excellent resource for gaining valuable health related information. However, excessive online research and investigation about health-related issues may impose a negative impact. The term cyberchondria is used to describe a clinical condition in which frequent internet searches for health-related information leads to exaggerated anxieties about physical well-being. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of cyberchondria and associated factors among the information technology professionals of Bhubaneswar in India. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 243 software professionals in Bhubaneswar using a previously validated Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-15) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics in terms of number, percentage, mean and standard deviation were presented. Independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance was applied to compare the cyberchondria score between two and more than two independent variables respectively. Results: From 243 individuals 130 (53.5%) were males and 113 (46.5%) were females with mean age 29.82±6.67 years. The prevalence of cyberchondria severity was found to be 46.5%. The mean cyberchondria score of all study subjects was 43.80±10.62. It was significantly higher among those who spend more than 1 hour in the internet during night, feel fear and anxiety in visiting the doctor or dentist, interested in gaining the health-related information from other resources and agreed that gaining health related information has increased after COVID-19 pandemic (p˂0.05). Conclusion: Cyberchondria is a growing issue with regard to mental health in developing countries and has the ability to cause anxiety and distress. Appropriate actions must be taken to prevent it on a societal level.

Validity, reliability and prevalence estimates of nomophobia among undergraduate dental students of Bhubaneswar, India.

Background: Considered a modern phobia, Nomophobia (NO MObile PHOne PhoBIA) is a term describing irrational fear or anxiety of being unable to access one's own mobile phone. Objectives: To develop and validate the nomophobia questionnaire, administering it to a sample of adolescents representing undergraduate dental students. To assess the prevalence of Nomophobia, determine the usage pattern of mobile phones and evaluate the impact due to lack of access to mobile phones among undergraduate dental students. Material and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 302 undergraduate students of Bhubaneswar through a self-administered questionnaire via Google Forms consisting of 19 items evaluating the pattern and anxiety related to usage of mobile phones. Responses were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale. Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney U and Chisquare tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Test-Retest reliability showed kappa of k=0.86 and Internal consistency Chronbach's-Alpha to be α=0.82. Prevalence of nomophobia (score ≥ 58) was 32.1%, and students at risk of being nomophobic (score 39-57) was 61.9%. It was highest in males (32.6%) and amongst the interns (41.9%) and lowest (25.5%) amongst the second-year students. Participants felt nervous/insecure if their phones were away from them because of the fear that somebody might have accessed their data (3.07±1.93) and or tried to contact them (3.09±1.13) which were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusions: The present study confirms that nomophobia is an emerging behavioural addiction among dental students. Adequate prevention strategies would be helpful in reducing the impact of the chronic mobile usage. Effect of the mobile phone on dental students and the fear of not having it with them is increasing elaborately, that needs to be controlled. Otherwise, it would negatively affect their academic achievement and well-being.

Effect of propolis mouth rinse on oral microorganisms - a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of prepared propolis mouth rinse with Chlorhexidine mouthwash on oral pathogens and also the plaque and gingival index scores. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A triple-blind, concurrent parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted on 120 participants randomized to 4 mouth rinse study groups: (1) Hot Ethanolic Propolis extract; (2) Cold Ethanolic Propolis extract; (3) Chlorhexidine and (4) Distilled water. After a washout period of two weeks, oral prophylaxis and polishing was performed. Participants rinsed twice a day for 3 months. Saliva was collected at baseline, 5 min and 1 h for microbiological analysis. Plaque and Gingival index were recorded at baseline, 15 days, 1 month and 3 months. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A decline in the concentration of S. mutans was observed in samples collected after the use of mouth rinse (p < 0.05). In comparison with baseline, L. acidophilus and S. mutans count decreased simultaneously when exposed to Hot Ethanolic mouthwash group (5.5 × 102) and Chlorhexidine mouthwash (5.8 × 102) respectively. At the end of 3 months, similar reduction in plaque scores was found in Chlorhexidine (0.45), Cold Ethanolic (0.46), Hot Ethanolic (0.47) mouthwash groups. CONCLUSION: Propolis was found to be as efficient as Chlorhexidine in reducing plaque, gingivitis and dental caries pathogens. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Common microorganisms implicated in oral disease are S. mutans and L. acidophilus. There is great paucity of information on antimicrobial activity of propolis, against these microorganisms. Hence, the present study has been taken up to assess the effects of propolis on these oral pathogens.The effects of propolis on oral health have been proved which is obviously a new finding of significance.

Appraisal of awareness on medical emergencies and its management among dentists in Bhubaneswar, India.

BACKGROUND: Medical emergencies can be distressing for any dental professional, whether in a dental practice, hospital or other sites. OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge and awareness of dental practitioners towards medical emergencies and its management in Bhubaneswar. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional investigation, a self-administered questionnaire which included demographic details and 19 questions regarding knowledge about medical emergencies, was disseminated to a random sample of 183 dentists working in their private dental clinic set up in Bhubaneswar. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Total sample size was 183, out of which 79 (43.17%) were males and 104 (56.83%) were females. The mean age was found out to be 30.7 ± 5.38 years. Practically 96% of the practitioners were not certain enough to deal with the emergency conditions at dental office. Around 67% had not attended any workshop on emergency training. It was amazing to observe that larger part (90%) of the experts didn't possess first aid kit at their dental office. In instances of handling emergency situation at the dental chair no statistical significance (p>0.05) with respect to age and gender was found. CONCLUSION: This investigation showed that hypothetically dental professionals had better knowledge on medical emergencies yet at the same time they were not equipped efficiently to manage the same at their workplace.

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of silver zeolite against common oral pathogens.

Objectives: Antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity analysis of 5 different concentrations of silver zeolite (SZ) compound against 5 common oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Lactobacillus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans. Material and methods: The antimicrobial efficacy of 5 different concentrations of SZ was tested against 5 common oral pathogens using the agar well diffusion method and the MIC and MBC values were determined using the micro broth dilution method. The toxicity of all 5 different concentrations was evaluated using brine shrimp assay and lethal concentration (Lc50) value was determined. Results: At 10 µg/mL the antimicrobial activity of SZ was almost negligible. The antimicrobial activity was observed in an increasing trend against all the test microorganisms as the concentration increased. At 75 & 100 µg/mL the zone of inhibitions was more than the control. Furthermore, MIC and MBC values of SZ with concentrations 25, 50, 75, and 100 µg/mL were determined and recorded. SZ was equally effective against all the test organisms. The LC25 (lethal concentration25) value was 1.6 µg/mL, whereas the LC50 value was 1.77 µg/mL and the LC75 value was 1.90 µg/mL, calculated from the probit computational method. Conclusion: SZ has the potential to change the ongoing system and bring about a revolution as an antimicrobial drug. However, the dose must be regulated as it can be toxic in higher concentrations. SZ compounds with the correct study of physicochemical properties and toxicity analysis can increase their pharmacological use and market value.

Effectiveness of trained health workers in improving the oral hygiene of preschool children.

BACKGROUND: Poor oral health among children is common finding in the rural regions of India. But if the existent structure of primary health care is used, favourable oral health habits and importance of oral health can be instilled in the children and their parents at a very early stage. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Anganwadi workers (AWWs) in improving the oral hygiene of the preschool children through oral health education. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 250 children in the age group of 2.5-6 years, were included in the study. The study was conducted in three phases over a period of 8 months which included a follow up of six months. Baseline oral health was determined using a questionnaire assessing the oral hygiene practices and DMFT Index, Plaque Index and Gingival Index. This was re-assessed after 6 months using the same questionnaire and indices. Statistical significance was fixed at p value L 0.05. Chi square and paired 't' test were used to assess the difference in the variables after providing oral health education. RESULTS: Out of 250 children, with mean age of 4.24 years, majority were girls (142, 56.8%). The use of fluoridated toothpaste among the study population significantly increased from 34.4% to 41.5% (p=0.001) with the intervention of oral health education (OHE). Decrease in consumption of sticky sugar, addition of sugar in the night-feeds and cleaning of teeth after night-feeds were also found to change significantly. Gingival index showed significant reduction after OHE (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that training of Anganwadi workers (AWWs) could be used to improve the oral health of the Anganwadi children. They represent an untapped source for delivering oral care to rural communities that otherwise have limited access.

Emergency management of dental injury; preparedness among school teachers in Bhubaneswar, India.

BACKGROUND: School is the place, identified with a noticeable risk of Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDI) in children which have functional, esthetic and psychological effects. OBJECTIVES: To assess the preparedness of concerning traumatic dental injuries and their management among school teachers and also to empower the clinician to frame a set of instructions for school teachers to handle the emergencies effectively at the site of the incident. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 school teachers enrolled in government and private schools of 24 randomly selected schools in Bhubaneswar city. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to collect information on participants demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice about emergency management of Traumatic Dental Injury. Chi-square test with level of significance set at 5% was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant (p<0.05) correct responses were provided by 66.7% males and 35.6% females and 100% younger age teachers. Larger population perceived that their level of knowledge was not satisfactory as they responded for inadequate and don't know options which was significant in relation to gender and age (p<0.05) but not with respect to the type of school (p>0.05). All the respondents expressed the need for a training program. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the instantaneous need for tailor made dental health educational and preventive programs for school teachers in order to effectively manage the Traumatic Dental Injuries.

Assessing the effect of oral diseases on oral health related quality of life of institutionalized elderly using Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: India establishes a geriatric population of about 80 million which is 7.2% of the total population. The geriatric population is often faced by a negative impact on their quality of life due to poor oral health. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of oral disease on daily activities and quality of life among the institutionalized elderly in Kanpur, India. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of fifty-six patients were purposively selected from two old age homes through convenience sampling technique. To assess the oral health status WHO basic oral health survey form (1997) was used. Short version of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP - 14) questionnaire was used to assess the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Independent t-test and ANOVA test was done to determine the relationship between the groups. RESULTS: Presence or absence of grossly decayed teeth, chronic periodontitis, based on edentulism and remaining sound teeth status produced no significant differences in any of the domains. In comparison with males, females experienced greater impact of oral diseases with respect to mean OHIP-14 score; however, it was non - significant (p=0.45). CONCLUSION: Oral health status of the institutionalized subjects in Kanpur city is poor, with edentulism and periodontitis. The effect of oral diseases on the lives of elderly is comparatively low and is non-significant.

Risk factors and patterns related to dental caries evaluated with caries assessment spectrum and treatment (cast) among schoolchildren of Bhubaneswar, India

Objectives: To determine the complete range of carious conditions and furthermore to compare the risk factors and patterns of dental caries amongst schoolchildren aged 12 and 15 years in Bhubaneswar. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive survey was performed among 800 schoolchildren to assess the dental caries status by Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) scoring. Chi-square, parametric t-test, one-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni and stepwise multiple linear regression were utilized for statistical analysis. Results: Study population comprised of 476 (59.5%) boys and 324 (40.5%) girls, of which 356 (44.5%) and 444 (55.5%) represented the 12- and 15-years age group respectively. Prevalence of dental caries was 60.6% (Mean 0.38+0.545). Younger age group children presented a significant (p<0.05) lower caries prevalence (54.8%) as against 65.3% in 15 years children. Majority, 189 (23.6%) revealed distinct visual change in enamel (code 3). Acuteness of disease constructed on maximum CAST score for each subject showed that teeth with morbidity (28.5%) is higher followed by reversible pre-morbidity (23.6%) and serious morbidity (6.5%). Predominantly first molars were generally influenced. Significant interpreters in plunging order for DMFT were frequency of cleaning teeth and sweet score. Conclusions: A creative instrument named CAST index describes full continuum of dental caries. Its utilization in epidemiological studies is exceptionally encouraging as it is less tedious and more cost effective. It can possibly be a useful tool for planning caries control programs in both individual and community levels.

Cavitary myiasis and its management.

OBJECTIVE: Myiasis is a parasitic disease of humans and vertebrates, caused by fly larvae feeding on the host's necrotic or living tissue. Myiasis is classified into cutaneous and cavitary myiasis. Cavitary myiasis is rare and occurs more frequently in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and America associated with low economic status and poor hygiene. This article reviews current literature, provides general descriptions, and discusses life cycles of each species. It also gives diagnosis, treatment techniques and descriptions of each type of illness that result from interaction / infestation.

Basal cell adenoma of palatal glands.

OBJECTIVE: Salivary gland neoplasms represent less than 3% of all tumors in the general population of which benign adenomas account for 65.5%. Basal cell adenoma which is classified as a subtype of monomorphic adenomas accounts for 1-2% of all salivary gland epithelial tumors, and more than 80% of them arise in the major salivary glands, mostly the parotid gland and has female predominance reporting mostly in the elderly age groups. We here report a case of basal cell adenoma of trabecular type in a male patient of age 45 years in the minor salivary glands of left posterior palatal region.

Prevalence of odontogenic lesions among the Kanpur population: an institutional study.

BACKGROUND: The frequency and incidence of odontogenic cysts and tumors are controversial and depends in the geographic location. These lesions have great clinical and histopathological diversity, and reflect a need for epidemiological profile to be considered when these lesions are studied. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of odontogenic cysts and tumors over a period of 10 years and to compare with other data reported around the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for the study were obtained from the archives of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, diagnosed as the cases of Odontogenic cysts and tumors histopathologically, reported from January 2007 to March 2016. Case records of the patients that fit the histological classification of the World Health Organization (2005) were included in the study and the variables analyzed were: Age, sex, anatomical location, and histological type. RESULTS: In a total of 1319 biopsies reported, 112 were odontogenic in nature. Of these 112 odontogenic lesions reported, Odontogenic Cysts accounted for 54.4% and odontogenic tumors of 45.53%. Of them 61.60% of the patients were males. Common age of occurrence was 21-50 years and mandibular posterior was the most common site of occurrence. Most common odontogenic cyst and tumor reported was dentigerous cyst and ameloblastoma respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provides epidemiological information on odontogenic cyst and tumors at an institutional level. The relative frequency of these cysts and tumors can be analyzed at a global level to understand their prevalence, incidence, biological behaviour, and distribution.

Assessment of relationship of ABO blood groups among tobacco induced oral cancer patients of Kanpur Population, Uttar Pradesh.

BACKGROUND: The possibility of association between ABO blood groups and malignancy was first discussed by Anderson DE & Haas C. The association between blood group and oral cancer is least explored and hence this study was undertaken to evaluate relationship of ABO blood groups with an increased risk for oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The present study was conducted at various cancer hospitals in Kanpur. The study samples comprised 100 oral cancer patients and 50 controls with tobacco chewing habit. The information regarding the socio demographic profile, history on tobacco habits, type of oral cancer and ABO blood group profile was obtained from the case sheets of the patients. RESULTS: The frequency of squamous cell carcinoma was significantly higher in men (78%) than women (22%) and mostly found in the age range of 45-65 years and also consuming chewing type of tobacco. It was found that out of 100 patients, 53 were of blood group B+ve, 28 of O +ve, 16 of A+ve and 3 had the blood group AB+ve. The high potential risk of developing OSCC was more in B+ve blood group (1.96 times), and relative frequency (%) in blood group O+ve (1.64 times) than in the control group Among locations of oral cancers, squamous cell carcinoma of tongue (25%) and buccal mucosa (15%) was more common in B+ve and Carcinoma of floor of mouth (11%) was more common in O+ve blood group cases. It was found that people with blood group B+ve, followed by O+ve had increased risk of developing OSCC with most prevalent being Well Differentiated OSCC as compared to people of other blood groups. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals that there is an inherited element in the susceptibility against different types of oral cancers. The people with blood group B+ve and O+ve having tobacco chewing habits can be appraised that they are more at risk to develop oral cancer than people with other blood groups.

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.

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.

Parental stress as a predictor of early childhood caries among preschool children in India.

BACKGROUND. The health and well-being of children are linked to their parents' physical, emotional and social health in addition to child-rearing practices. OBJECTIVES. To investigate the association of parental stress as a risk indicator to early childhood caries (ECC) prevalence among preschool children of Moradabad, India. METHODS. A case-control study was conducted among 800 preschool children [400 cases (caries active) and 400 controls (caries free)] aged 4-5 years along with their parents. Using the Parental Stress Index-Short Form (PSI/SF), we determined the stress of primary caregivers of young children. These children were clinically examined for dental caries using Dentition Status and Treatment needs. Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS. An overall mean parenting stress index was found to be 193.48 ± 59.63. Significantly higher mean stress scores were obtained among cases than among controls. Parental stress was significantly correlated with dmft scores and it was found to be one of the best predictors of ECC. CONCLUSION. This study provides data to suggest that parental stress has a pervasive impact on the children's oral health. The practitioners should be aware of this possible relationship and be prepared to provide appropriate intervention.

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.