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Objective: To determine the periodontal characteristics of diabetic patients with tooth mobility attending the Periodontology Clinic of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among diabetic patients with tooth mobility in the Periodontology Clinic in UBTH, Benin City, Nigeria. The indices recorded for the participants were gingival index, community periodontal index of treatment need, and Miller'sindex for tooth mobility. Results: A total of 54 participants who met the inclusion criteria were approached, but only 49 of them consented and participated in this study giving a 90.7% recruitment rate. The age range and mean age of the participants were 42–84 years and 63.84 ± 1.31 years, respectively. The self-reported age of diagnosis was between 41 and 70 years with a mean age of 56.22 ± 6.88 years. About two-thirds (67.3%) of the participants were males. Less than half (38.8%) of patients were visiting the dentist for the first time. Mandibular arch housed about two-thirds (64.9%) of the mobile teeth and mandibular left quadrant housed about one-third of (34.5%) the mobile teeth. Central incisor (42.3%) constituted the most mobile teeth followed by the first molar (28.9%). A total of 17.0% of the mobile teeth were Miller's Grade 3 mobility. More than one-third (28.5%) (code 3 = 26.5%, code 4 = 2.0%) of the participants had periodontal pockets. More than half (52.7%) of participants had probing pocket depth of 5 mm and above. The gingival score which had mean as 1.60 ± 0.08 was significantly associated with age of the participants. The mean probing depth was 4.86 ± 0.21 mm. The probing depth was significant with age and duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) of the participants. Conclusion: Data from this study revealed that age of diagnosis of diabetes with tooth mobility was higher than previously reported. The most mobile teeth and earliest teeth to become mobile were the mandibular incisors, and Grade 1 severity constituted the majority. DM with tooth mobility exhibited gingival score and probing depth that had a variable significant association with demographic characteristics.

A case of discrete gingival enlargement as a long-term consequence of artificially created midline diastema by a dental quack in an otherwise healthy 33-year-old female was reported. The patient and her husband were bothered by the gingival enlargement and requested treatment. The patient was unconcerned about the associated discolored tooth. The lesion was diagnosed as fibrous epulis and was treated by surgical excision after which the patient was referred to the restorative dentist for endodontic treatment. To conclude, discrete gingival enlargement occurring as a long-term consequence of artificially created midline diastema by a dental quack should be considered as fibrous epulis until proven otherwise.

Objective: To determine the reasons for seeking dental healthcare services in a missionary hospital in Benin City, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This 14-month retrospective study was conducted in a Pentecostal missionary hospital in Benin City. Data of interest which included age, gender, occupation, primary presenting complaints, and primary diagnosis were collected from the case notes with self-designed proforma. Cases with incomplete data were excluded from this study. The obtained data were subjected to descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, cross tabulations, and percentages using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17.0. Results: A total of 613 cases were retrieved with the complete information. The majority (56.3%) of the patients were young adults (18-40 years). About one-fifth (21.2%) of the patients were middle-aged adults. Children and elderly constituted 15.8% and 6.7% of the patients, respectively. A total of 332 (54.2%) patients were females. There was diversity in the occupation of the patients with about one-third (37.7%) of the patients being students. The majority of the patients had toothache as their primary presenting complaint (71.1%). Others were tooth deposits (6.0%), fractured teeth (3.8%), hole in teeth (3.1%), missing teeth for replacement (2.3%), routine dental check-up (2.3%), and mouth odor (2.0%). Diagnosis of dental caries and its complications was made in more than half (58.6%) of the patients while one-fifth (20.4%) of the patients were diagnosed with gingivitis. Conclusion: Data from this study revealed that these enormous diverse patients of a Nigerian missionary hospital had toothache as their main primary presenting complaint and dental caries and its complication as their main primary diagnosis.

Objective: Periodontal diseases are treated using nonsurgical treatment methods and surgical treatment methods. There is a paucity of information on surgical periodontal treatment in Nigerian periodontal healthcare settings. The objective of the study was to determine the indications and pattern of surgical periodontal treatment in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This retrospective review of patients that had surgical periodontal treatment at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, over a 37 month period (January 2013–2016) was done using a self developed proforma as the data collection tool. A total of 52 patients out of the 5111 patients treated within the period had surgical periodontal treatment and were subsequently analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: The patients aged between 16 and 81 years with a mean age of 44.15 ± 18.99 years and a median age of 45 years had surgical periodontal treatments. The majority of the patients were older adults (57.7%) (middle-age adults [34.6%] and elderly [23.1%]) and females (75.0%). The indications for the surgical periodontal treatment were mainly periodontal abscess and gingival enlargement. The gingival enlargement was majorly pyogenic granuloma in 41.2% (7/17) and fibrous epulis in 23.5% (4/17). Incision and drainage and gingivectomy constituted the main surgical periodontal treatments among the patients in this study. Age and gender were found to be significantly associated with the indications for surgical periodontal treatment and the pattern of surgical periodontal treatment among the patients. Conclusion: Periodontal abscess and gingival enlargement constituted the main indications for surgical periodontal treatment while incision and drainage and gingivectomy were the main surgical periodontal treatments in this study.

Background: The objective was to examine the oral hygiene, gingival, and periodontal status among smokers and to relate them with nicotine dependence. Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out among smokers and nonsmokers in Benin-City, Edo State. Data collection was done through questionnaire and oral examination. The indices applied were Fagerstrom test, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), Gingival Index (GI), Community Periodontal Index, and tooth mobility index. Results: A total of 40 (20 smokers and 20 nonsmokers) persons participated in the study. The mean OHI-S for smokers was 2.87 ± 0.92 while that of nonsmoker was 2.20 ± 0.73 and this was statistically significant (P = 0.015). The mean GI for smokers was 1.04 ± 0.36 while that of nonsmoker was 0.80 ± 0.22 and this was statistically significant (P = 0.018). The mean number of mobile teeth for smokers was 0.15 ± 0.49 while that of nonsmoker was. 00 ± 0.00 and this was not statistically significant (P = 0.178). One-quarter (25%) of smokers had score 3 and 4 while only 5% of nonsmokers had were found Shallow and deep pockets were found score 3 and 4. About half (45.0%) of the smokers had low-moderate nicotine dependency among the smokers revealed that. Participants with higher nicotine dependence had nonsignificantly poorer oral hygiene, gingival, and periodontal status than their counterparts. Conclusion: Smokers generally had poorer oral hygiene, gingival, and periodontal status as compared to the nonsmokers. Smokers with higher nicotine dependence did not have poorer oral hygiene, gingival, and periodontal status than their counterparts.

Objective: To determine dental caries, missing teeth, and oral health behavior among smokers and to correlate same with nicotine dependence. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out among smokers and age-matched nonsmokers in Benin-City, Edo State Nigeria. Nicotine dependence, periodontal knowledge, subjectively rated periodontal status, and oral self-care were assessed with questionnaire while carious, missing, and filled teeth were recorded during oral examination. Results: The mean periodontal health knowledge was 1.65 for smokers and 2.75 for nonsmokers. The mean subjectively rated periodontal status was 4.25 for smokers and 3.40 for nonsmokers. The mean oral health behavior was 9.05 for smokers and 10.50 for nonsmokers. The mean carious teeth was 2.10 for smokers and was 1.00 for nonsmokers. Nicotine addiction was negative correlated with periodontal knowledge, oral behavior, carious teeth, filled teeth, and abrasion teeth but positively correlated with subjectively rated periodontal status and missing teeth. Conclusion: Smokers had lower periodontal knowledge, poorer subjectively rated periodontal health, poorer oral self-care behavior and more carious teeth than nonsmokers. Further studies to include smokers with high nicotine dependence are recommended.

This review aims to determine the prevalence and severity of oral health diseases in the Africa and Middle East region (AMER). The profile of oral diseases is not homogeneous across the AMER. There are large disparities between groups. Reliable data are scarce. The prevalence and severity of oral diseases appear to be increasing in the African region, as does associated morbidity. There are substantial differences in inequalities in oral health. Dental caries prevalence is less severe in most African countries than in developed countries, but the high rate of untreated caries reflects the limited resources available and difficulties of access and affordability to essential oral health care services. The prevalence of gingival inflammation is very high in all age groups in several African countries. The prevalence of maxillofacial trauma has increased in many countries, with a wide variation of the incidence and high prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in primary and permanent teeth. Orofacial clefts are among the most common birth defects. Annual incidence of oral cancer is estimated as 25 cases per 100,000 people in Africa. Noma is a major public health problem for the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. Data about human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS are limited, particularly in the MENA region. According to the World Health Organization Regional Committee for Africa report, some fundamental key basic knowledge gaps need to be underlined. They include inequalities in oral health, low priority for oral health, lack of adequate funding, inadequate dental student training, obstacles to medical and dental research, and poor databases. There are very few effective public prevention and oral health promotion programs in the AMER. Universal health coverage is not achievable without scientific research on the effectiveness of health promotion interventions.

Background: Dental appearance satisfaction is important among young adults because judgment concerning the personal characteristics of individuals is influenced by their dental appearance in the absence of other information. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the self‑evaluated dental appearance satisfaction among young adults. Subjects and Methods: This cross‑sectional survey of financial industry prone undergraduates of University of Benin was conducted between July and September, 2010. The self‑administered questionnaire which assessed information on demographic characteristics, smoking habit, alcohol use, previous dental visit, dental appearance satisfaction, tooth shape, size, arrangement and strength was the tool of data collection. The data was subjected to descriptive, Chi‑square and regression statistics using statistical package for the social sciences version 17.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). (P < 0.05) was considered to be significant. Results: A total of 399 undergraduates which are made up of 179 (44.9%) males and 220 (55.1%) females with mean age of 24.66 (4.20) years participated in this study. Self‑evaluated dental appearance satisfaction was expressed by 79.4% (317/399) of the participants. The significant predictors of self‑evaluated dental appearance satisfaction were skin color (P = 0.03, odds ratio [OR] =2.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.09‑6.09) and perceived tooth strength (P = 0.02, OR = 5.83, 95% CI = 1.40‑24.28) among males and alcohol consumption (P = 0.04, OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.21‑0.95] and perceived size of tooth (P = 0.02, OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.15‑4.89) among females. The significant predictors of self‑evaluated dental appearance satisfaction among the participants were ethnicity (P = 0.04, OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.32‑0.96), skin color (P = 0.04, OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.03‑2.93), perceived tooth size (P = 0.03, OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.07‑3.09) and strength (P = 0.01, OR = 3.42, 95% CI = 1.58‑7.41). Conclusion: Ethnicity, tooth arrangement, size and strength need to be given detailed consideration in tooth replacement as they emerged as the significant predictors of self‑evaluated dental appearance satisfaction among young adults.

AZODO suture is a simple, easy, success-oriented periodontal pocket reduction and gingival papilla reconstruction procedure. It starts with obtaining informed consent for the procedure followed by scaling, root planing, and curettage of the diseased pocket and then by an interrupted suture with polyglycolic resorbable suture. When the pockets on two adjacent teeth exist, a modification (MODIFIED AZODO suture) in the form of horizontal mattress suturing technique is used. The hypothesized mechanism of action is that the suturing of the gingiva apposes the facial and lingual side of the interdental gingiva with the tissues filling the interdental space-generating pressure that facilitates the apposition of the gingiva on the distal/mesial surfaces of the tooth with pocket. The consequent tissue modeling facilitates a proper interdental papilla. This prevents food impaction, ensures cleanliness, facilitates healing, and restores the interdental health.

Background : Perceived oral malodour is a common reason for dental consultation implying that vigilant assessment of oral malodour in dentistry will facilitate effective treatment. Aim : To determine the prevalence and factors associated with self-perceived oral malodour among periodontal patients. Methods : A cross-section of 490 consenting patients attending the Periodontology Clinic of a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria between February and June, 2012 were studied. Data analyses in the form of descriptive statistics, chi-square statistics and logistic regression weredone and p Results : Selfperceived oral malodour was reported by 84 of the 490 studied participants giving a prevalence of 17.1%. Self-perceived oral malodour was significantly associated with gender (p=0.004), daily tooth brushing frequency (p=0.018) and gingival health perception (p=0.013), perceived worsening of oral despite daily tooth brushing (p=0.001), and belief that artificial teeth are inevitable in old age (p=0.001). Self-perceived oral malodour was significantly higher among participants reported having gingival bleeding on tooth brushing, food packing and tooth mobility, worried about malodour and colour of gingiva and teeth. The determinants of self-perceived oral malodour from logistic regression analysis were gingival bleeding on tooth brushing, worry about oral malodour and belief that artificial teeth are inevitable in old age. Conclusion : Data from this study revealed that one out of every six studied periodontal patients had self-perceived oral malodour with the determinants as gingival bleeding on tooth brushing, worry about oral malodour and belief that artificial teeth are inevitable in old age. Key words : Oral malodour, perception, periodontal disease, oral health

Objective: To determine the prevalence and reasons for chewing stick use among adult Muslim′s inhabitants of Banyo in the Adamawa region of Cameroon. Materials and Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence and reasons for chewing stick use among Muslims was conducted between November 2010 and April 2011. Results: Of the 220 participants in this study, 187 (85.0%) of them reported chewing stick use for teeth cleaning, and this was higher among males than females. Chewing stick use increased with ageing and varied among participants of different professions. Chewing stick users accented that the chewing stick use has a relationship with religion, and believed that chewing stick has a positive effect in the mouth than the non-users. Chewing stick users were less likely to have visited the dentist and experienced mouth odor but more likely to report oral health problems than non-users. The majority of the participants used chewing stick alone while a few used chewing stick with salt, charcoal and toothpaste The reasons for chewing stick use were religious advice, treatment of oral diseases, imitation of others and pleasure. Conclusion: Chewing stick use was common among participants with religious advice being the most dominant reason for the usage. Chewing stick users were less likely to visit the dentist, experience mouth odor but are more likely to report oral health problem than the non-users. This study information will serve as a useful guide in community oral health interventional development programme among Muslims.

Objective: To determine the self-reported prevalence of removable partial denture use among a selected group of Nigerian undergraduates. Materials and Methods: Four hundred non-dental undergraduates of University of Benin recruited over four week′s period were studied. Results: The prevalence of removable partial denture use among the respondents was 1.8%. Denture use was more among those aged 17-25 years, females and right handed individuals. Removable partial denture users were less likely to have received professional instruction on tooth brushing and brush their teeth more than once-daily than non-denture users. Removable partial denture users were more likely to be cigarette smokers, regular soft drink consumer and report perceived efficacy in oral self-care and prevention of gingivodental diseases than non-denture users. Removable partial denture users were also more likely to have opened bottled drink with their teeth and experienced shocking sensation from their teeth than non-denture users. Conclusion: The prevalence of removable partial denture use was low among the respondents. The denture wearer were more likely to report higher perceived efficacy in oral self-care and prevention of gingivodental disease despite indulgence in unhealthy oral health practices and lower receipt of professional instruction on tooth brushing. The implication of this study is that dental practitioner should endeavor to give oral health instruction to removable partial denture users to improve their oral health practices and decrease the risk of preventable oral diseases.

Introduction: The epidemiology of herpes labialis has been relatively neglected. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of self-reported herpes labialis among Nigerian dental health providers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study of final year dental students and dentists undergoing postgraduate training at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria was conducted in June, 2014. The demographic information, lifetime and period (previous year) experience of the herpes labialis, perceived triggers and action taken during the last episode were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The annual prevalence of herpes labialis was 7.4% while the lifetime prevalence was 22.1%. The lifetime prevalence was significantly associated with marital status, professional status and family history of herpes labialis. However, in binary regression, it was only marital status and family history of herpes labialis that emerged as the determinants of this lifetime prevalence. The most common trigger factors reported by the participants for the last episode of herpes labialis were fever, malaria, fatigue and stress. The actions taken by participants for the last episode of herpes labialis were using drugs without prescription (14.3%), application of lubricant (23.8%), nothing (57.1%) and could not remember (4.8%). Conclusion: Data from this study revealed that one out of fourteen and one out of five every studied dental healthcare providers had experienced herpes labialis in the last 12 months and their lifetime respectively. The reduction of fever inducing infections, stress and fatigue which were major triggers will help decrease herpes labialis among this studied group.

Background The few existing studies on herpes labialis among health care workers have been predominantly among non-dental health care workers. The purpose of this study was to determine Nigerian dental health care providers’ knowledge of, attitudes toward, preventive behaviors for, and refusal to treat patients with herpes labialis. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among final-year dental students at the University of Benin, dental house officers, and residents at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Data collection was via a self-administered questionnaire. Bivariate statistics and logistic regression were used to relate the dependent and independent variables. Results Of the 120 questionnaires distributed, 110 were completed and returned, giving a 91.7 % retrieval rate. However, 15 of the returned questionnaires were discarded because they were improperly completed, leaving a total of 95 questionnaires for final analysis in this study. The majority of participants were over 28 years old (54.7 %), male (67.4 %), unmarried (66.3 %), and postgraduate dental health care providers (51.6 %). Less than half (43.2 %) of participants demonstrated adequate overall knowledge of herpes labialis. About one-tenth (10.5 %) and more than three-quarters (87.4 %) of participants reported a positive attitude and performance of adequate preventive behaviors, respectively. A total of 16.8 % of participants reported a high tendency to refuse treatment to patients with herpes labialis. Although not statistically significant, young, unmarried, male undergraduate participants reported a greater likelihood to refuse treatment to herpes labialis patients. We found a statistically significant positive correlation between attitude and refusal to treat patients with herpes labialis. However, marital status and the attitude of participants toward these patients emerged as the determinants for refusal to treat patients with herpes labialis. Conclusions Data from this study revealed a high level of inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes, and reasonably adequate preventive behaviors with respect to herpes labialis. One out of every six dental health care workers studied reported having refused to treat patients with herpes labialis. Unmarried dental health care providers and those with negative attitudes toward herpes labialis patients were more prone to refuse treatment to these patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-015-1023-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background: Undetected and unaddressed anxiety negatively affects performance in clinical learning environments. Aim: The aim was to investigate the anxiety provoking situations in clinical dental care delivery among students of preclinical and clinical years and house officers. Subjects and Methods: A 38‑item modified Moss and McManus clinical anxiety questionnaire, general health questionnaire‑12 (GHQ‑12) and the Zung self‑rating anxiety scale were the data collection tools. Results: Of the 84 recruited, 79 completed the study giving 94.0% (79/84) response rate. The median age of the participants was 25 years with 50.6% (40/79) being 20‑25 years. Gender distribution revealed that males constituted 60.8% (48/79) of the participants. House officers constituted 29.1% (23/79), clinical students 36.7% (29/79), and preclinical students 34.2 (27/79) of the participants. The top anxiety provoking situations using the modified Moss and McManus clinical anxiety questionnaire were extracting wrong tooth 3.24 (1.06), inability to pass examination 3.32 (1.01), achieving examination requirement 3.19 (1.01), fracturing a tooth 3.08 (0.98) and accidental pulp exposure 2.96 (1.04). Getting diagnosis wrong, help in faint episode, not developing radiograph properly and coping with children were the anxiety provoking situations that showed statistically significant difference in the 3 studied training stages of dentistry. Bonferroni post‑hoc analysis significant difference was in the preclinical and clinical students’ pair for getting diagnosis wrong, not developing radiograph properly and coping with children while house officers/clinical students and house officers/preclinical students’ pairs were for help in faint episode. Overall, 2.5% (2/79) had severe, 69.6% (55/79) moderate, 26.6% (21/79) mild clinical anxiety while 1 (1.3%) of the participants expressed no clinical anxiety. Conclusion: Data from this study revealed that the clinical anxiety of moderate severity was prevalent among the studied dental healthcare students. The anxiety‑provoking situations were also found to be majorly similar in preclinical, clinical and post‑graduation clinical stages of dental training stages in Nigeria.

Objective: Tooth mobility, which is a common problem among patients seeking dental health-care attention, causes occlusal instability, masticatory disturbances, esthetic challenges, and impaired quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of tooth mobility among patients attending a Nigerian specialist periodontology clinic. Materials and Methods: All the patients who visited the Periodontology Clinic of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, from January to December 2014, were retrospectively studied. Those with recorded tooth mobility assessed using Miller tooth mobility index were further analyzed. Results: Of the 736 records assessed, 75 patients, aged between 18 and 94 years with median age of 56 years and mean age of 53.89 ± 17.82 years, had tooth mobility, giving a prevalence of 10.2%. The greater proportion of the patients were elderly (32.0%), females (58.7%), ever married (82.7%), indigenous (61.3%), and completely dentate (53.3%). The leading primary presenting complaints were toothache (37.3%), teeth replacement (14.7%), and shaking teeth (13.3%). Nearly half (48.0%) of the patients had one or more underlying medical condition. About two-thirds (61.3%) cleaned their teeth once daily, and 58.7% had previous visits to the dentist. The total number of mobile teeth was 202. Incisors (59.4%) and first molars (7.4%) were found to be the dominant mobile teeth. The mean debris score, calculus score, and oral hygiene score were 1.40 ± 0.09, 1.49 ± 0.12, and 2.78 ± 0.18, respectively, using simplified oral hygiene index. Conclusion: Data from this study revealed that one out of every ten patients attending Nigerian periodontology clinic had tooth mobility of varying grades, and teeth of esthetic (incisors) and masticatory ( first molars) value were mainly affected. Prompt and effective care should be rendered to facilitate retention of the affected teeth.

Background: The objective was to determine the relationship between self‑reported gingival bleeding, oral health perception, practices and concerns. Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectional survey among undergraduates of University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria was conducted between April and May, 2011 using a self‑administered 21‑item structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of the 400 questionnaires that were distributed, 338 were returned filled giving a retrieval rate of 84.5%. About three‑quarters (71.3%) of the respondents were younger than 22 years. Males constituted 65.1% while the remaining 34.9% were females. The prevalence of self‑reported gingival bleeding among respondents in this study was 12.7%. Individuals with gingival bleeding were significantly more likely to rate their dental and gingival health as fair/poor, use strong brushing stroke during tooth brushing and report worsening condition of teeth despite daily tooth brushing, express worry about the gingival color and less likely to be satisfied about the appearance of their teeth and to have received professional instruction on tooth brushing. Conclusion: Data from this survey revealed an established relationship between gingival bleeding, perceived dental and gingival health, tooth brushing force, professional instruction on tooth brushing, perception of the condition of teeth in relation to daily tooth brushing, worry about the color of gingiva, and satisfaction with the appearance of the teeth.Keywords: Gingival bleeding, perceived dental health, perceived gingival health, tooth brushingNigerian Medical Journal | Vol. 53 | Issue 3 | July-September | 2012

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether the concern about halitosis influence oral health attitude and practices among young literate adults in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey of 400 randomly selected temporary camp resident adults in Anambra state, South Eastern Nigeria was conducted using a modified version of the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory questionnaire. Results: Out of the 400 questionnaires distributed, only 294 were filled and returned giving an overall response rate of 73.5%. Half (50.0%) of the participants in this study expressed concern about halitosis. The participants that expressed concern about halitosis were mostly in the 25- to 27-year-old age group, females, known smoker, regular dental floss, and mouth wash users, had incorrect tooth brushing knowledge, brushed teeth more frequently and more forcefully, had no previous dental treatment, prefer symptomatic dental visit, experienced gingival bleeding, expressed worry about the color of their gingiva and teeth but were satisfied with the dental appearance.Conclusion: Data from this study showed that concerns about halitosis-triggered behavioral reaction in oral self-care practices namely tooth brushing frequency, tooth brushing force, mouth wash, and dental floss use. Also revealed were poorer oral health and lower preventive dental visit practices among participants concerned about halitosis. There is need for improved public knowledge and awareness about halitosis by the dentist in Nigeria.Key words: Concern, halitosis, oral hygiene practices

Background : Tobacco use in smokeless and smoked forms is preventable cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Objective : To determine the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use and the association with tooth loss and oral health problems among adults in Cameroon. Methods : Adults dwelling in the Fokoue area of West Region of Cameroon were studied. Results : Out of the 226 participants studied, 119 of them reported smokeless tobacco use giving a prevalence of 52.7% with majority-74 (62.2%) chewing it. Three-quarters (77.3%) of the respondents use it more than than thrice-daily and more than half of them respondents have been using it for 6-10 years. The smokeless tobacco users were more of those aged 50-59 years, females, farmers, those with less than post-primary education, non alcohol consumers and those that have not received previous dental care than smokeless tobacco users. However, it was only age (p=0.006) and educational attainment (p=0.009) that were significantly associated with smokeless tobacco use. Smokeless tobacco user were more likely to have poor oral hygiene, dental caries, gingival recession, leukoplakia, erythroplakia, abnormal growth, tooth wear lesion, experienced tooth loss and edentulousnss than non smokeless tobacco users. However, the significantly associated lesions with smokeless tobacco use were tooth loss (p=0.008), edentulousness (p=0.016), gingival recession (p=0.006) and leukoplakia (p=0.001). Conclusion : The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use was high among adults in Cameroon and it was associated with more likelihood of oral health problems. There is therefore a need for health education on the health consequences of the smokeless tobacco use with demonstrations by the dentist. Key words : Smokeless tobacco, tooth loss, mucosal problems, adults

Background: The association between periodontal status, oral hygiene status and severity of tooth wear lesion varies from community to community and also from occupation to occupation. Aim: To determine the association between periodontal status, oral hygiene status and tooth wear among the adult male population in Benin City, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted among 65 male drivers, aged 25-64 years, with a mean age of 48.6 (9.1) years in an organized private motor park in Benin City between November 2011 and January 2012. The data collected through interview and clinical oral examination were age, educational status, driving experience, oral hygiene status, periodontal status and severity of tooth wear. Results: In this study, 13.8% (9/65) and 1.5% (1/65) of the participants had 4-5 mm and ≥6 mm periodontal pockets, respectively. A total of 15.4% (10/65) of the participants had poor oral hygiene status and 58.5% (38/65) of the participants had tooth wear lesion, with 15.8% (9/65) being severe tooth wear lesions (score 3). Participants with poorer oral hygiene and more severe tooth wear lesions significantly exhibited poorer periodontal status. There also existed a significant association between oral hygiene status and the severity of tooth wear lesion among the participants in this study. Conclusion: Data from this study revealed a statistically significant association between periodontal status, oral hygiene status and severity of tooth wear lesion among the participants.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dentinal sensitivity among staffs of an organized private motor park and to assess it’s relationship with self-reported gingivodental conditions, concerns and practices. Methods: All categories of staffs in an organized private motor park in Benin-City were studied using interviewer-administered questionnaire to elicit information on demography, oral health attitudes, practices and problems, and perceived gingivodental health. Results: The prevalence of dentinal sensitivity was 41% (25/61). The self-reported gingivodental conditions among the participants were food packing (67.2%), dental caries (32.8%), tooth mobility (13.1%), gingival bleeding (8.2%) and halitosis (4.9%). Worry about halitosis, tooth and gingival colour were expressed by 14.8%, 16.4% and 8.2% of the participants respectively. Majority of the participants rated their perceived gingival (86.9%) and dental (85.2%) health as Excellent/good. Amongst the participants, 26.2% reported receipt of professional instruction tooth brushing, 47.5% reported twice-daily brushing, 16.4% reported visiting the dentist, 11.5% smoke cigarette, 8.2% use smokeless tobacco and 70.5% have ever used their teeth to open bottled drink. Dental appearance satisfaction was expressed by 77.0% of the participants while 8.2% use or believe that they will use artificial teeth with ageing. Dentinal sensitivity was significantly associated with texture of toothbrush, receipt of professional instruction on tooth brushing, dental appearance satisfaction and food packing. Conclusion: Dentinal sensitivity coexisted with some deficient oral health practices, periodontal problems and unsatisfactory dental appearance in the studied population. Extension of mobile dental care and information to this group of population will help to prevent and ameliorate the reported dental problems.

Aim: This study aims to examine the Nigerian dental students' permissive tendency to the proposed organized incorporation of stem cells application into undergraduate and postgraduate dental curriculum. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study of Nigerian final year dental students was conducted between April and June 2014 using the modified Sede et al. questionnaire on stem cell use in dentistry knowledge and attitude questionnaire as the data collection tool. Results: Of the 110 participants, 63.6% reported awareness of stem cell use in dentistry with their leading information sources as school lecture and internet. Subjective and objective stem cell knowledge assessment revealed inadequate knowledge among the majority of the participants. Subjective knowledge emerged as the significant determinant of objective stem cell knowledge. About a third (32.7%) of the participants reported a positive attitude toward stem cell application and objective stem cell knowledge was the only significant determinant of attitude. The majority (82.7%) of the participants reported a positive permissive tendency to the proposed organized incorporation of stem cells application into undergraduate, and postgraduate dental curriculum and attitude toward stem cell emerged as the only significant determinant. Conclusion: High positive permissive tendency to the proposed organized incorporation of stem cell application into undergraduate and postgraduate dental curriculum was noted among the participants. Increasing stem cell knowledge will improve attitude toward stem cell use which will ultimately increase positive permissive tendency.

Background: Tooth mobility, considered as the extent of horizontal and vertical tooth displacement created by examiners force, is caused trauma and periodontal disease. It is a common presenting complaint in periodontal clinic and may result in occlusal instability, dietary restriction, masticatory disturbances, esthetic challenge, and impaired quality of life. The treatment of tooth mobility involves a combination of treatment of the etiology usually by nonsurgical and surgical periodontal treatment, occlusal adjustment, and splinting. This article reviewed occlusal adjustment and splinting in the management of tooth mobility and reported our experience in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria on tooth mobility managed with 0.5 mm hard stainless steel wire reinforced composite splint. Results: Composite splinting reinforced with 0.5 mm HSS wire facilitates healing of periodontally compromised teeth with mobility after they have been treated with nonsurgical periodontal therapy and occlusal adjustment. Conclusion: Splinting is a well-accepted integral part of holistic periodontal treatment which results in morale boost, improved patient comfort, and oral functions.

Introduction: Patient desire or preference has been documented as one of the reasons for tooth extraction, but the affected patients have not been properly characterized. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of patients requesting for tooth extraction in a Nigerian secondary health-care setting. Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective study of patients attending the Dental Clinic of Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire which elicited information on age, gender, educational status, dental attendance pattern, tooth extraction experience or that of close relative or friend, reasons for tooth extraction request, and awareness of tooth restoration options was the data collection tool. Data analysis was done using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 137 patients aged between 17 and 65 years that met the inclusion criterion were studied. The majority of the patients who requested for tooth extraction were males, aged between 26 years and 65 years, had tertiary education, and had previously visited the dental clinic. A total of 48.9% and 62.0% of the participants had previous tooth extractions and had relatives that have undergone tooth extractions, respectively. Dental visit pattern was significantly associated with tooth extraction experience. The leading reason for requesting for tooth extraction was a permanent stoppage of pain. Age and gender were not significantly associated with the reasons for requesting tooth extraction. Conclusion: Data from this study revealed that adult patients of both genders, varying ages, educational attainments, and dental attendance patterns requested for tooth extraction in the studied Nigerian secondary health-care setting, and their leading reason for the request was a permanent stoppage of pain.

Background: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of patients attending a Nigerian specialist periodontology clinic with periodontal abscess. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted among patients attending the Specialist Periodontology Clinic of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, with periodontal abscess between January 2008 and April 2014. Results: Out of the 10,110 patients seen, 43 had periodontal abscess; the prevalence of periodontal abscess in this study was 0.43%. Subsequent analysis was done on only 25 out of the 43 cases whose case notes could be retrieved. The major descriptor of pain of periodontal abscess was severe, spontaneous, throbbing, radiating, or nonradiating pain associated with sleep disturbance, aggravated by mastication and drinks of extreme temperature but temporarily relieved by analgesics. The majority visited the dentist within 1 week of the onset of symptoms. The affected patients who were majorly nonalcoholics and nontobacco users cleaned their teeth once daily, had visited the dentist, and received treatment. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) were the main systemic diseases in the patients. Less than half of the patients had partial edentulism and the abscess occurred mostly in relation to posterior teeth. Curettage or incision and drainage with drugs resolved a significant proportion of the periodontal abscess and a few were subjected to tooth extraction. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of periodontal abscess that predominantly affected older males of the lower social class with systemic diseases and complete dentition in a Nigerian specialist periodontology clinic was low. Curettage or incision and drainage with drugs adequately resolved majority of cases.

Objective: To determine self-reported bruxism experience among the undergraduates of a Nigerian university, other associated parafunctional habits and oral health problems. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduates dwelling in University of Benin, main campus hostel located in Ugbowo, Benin City, Nigeria. The 640 participants that met the inclusion were randomly recruited from four hostels (two males and two females) during the weekend. A self-developed validated questionnaire was the data collection tool. Results: Out of the 578 (response rate = 93.2%) study participants, aged between 15 and 48 years with a mean age of 23.6 ± 8.5, 143 reported bruxism, giving 24.7% prevalence. This was significantly associated with gender. The reported patterns of bruxism were awake (48.3%), nocturnal (15.4%), and diurnal (36.4%). The prevalence of nail biting and anxiety/stress was 56.6% and 29.9%, respectively. These were significantly higher in bruxists than nonbruxists. More of the participants, who reported chewing/biting biro as well as tobacco and alcohol consumption, also reported bruxism. Oral health problems reported include tooth mobility (9.5%), shocking sensation (40.3%), chewing difficulty (6.7%), temporomandibular joint noise/or pain (5.4%), and jaw injury (7.6%). These conditions were significantly more common among those who reported bruxism. Conclusion: Data from this study revealed that one out of every four studied participants is a bruxist. There is need for the dentists to suspect bruxism in undergraduates presenting with oral health problems such as shocking sensation, tooth mobility, nail biting, chewing difficulty, anxiety/stress, jaw injury, joint noise and pain on mouth opening/closing, to give a holistic care.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine the perception of gingival bleeding and oral health practices in dental anxious and nonanxious Nigerian primary school teachers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional was conducted among public primary school teachers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Self-administered questionnaire which elicited information on demography, dental anxiety, gingival bleeding, teeth cleaning, and dental attendance was the data collection tool. Dental anxiety was assessed using Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and participants with scores ≥19 and

Background: Training-related injuries constitute a major health problem among military worldwide. The objective of the study was to assess military training-related maxillofacial injuries in Cameroon. Materials and Methods : This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 participants aged 19–60 years in Koutaba training camp in the Western region (Noun division) between May and July 2014. Data were collected using both clinical examination and questionnaires. Results: Data revealed a high risk of military training-related maxillofacial injuries. Males and young participants were the most implicated population. The main causes of the maxillofacial injuries were parachuting followed by high jump and road traffic accidents. Most of those maxillofacial injuries were not handled at the training camp because of the absence of dental service. The most common maxillofacial injuries were lacerations (36.7%), followed by the fracture of the teeth (21.7%) and fracture of the lower jaw (20.0%). The majority (76.0%) of the injured respondents felt personal disturbances; mostly for those with maxillofacial injuries from pain and emotional distress. In addition, they said it impaired esthetics, impaired mastication, and disturb speech to those with missing teeth. Conclusion: Overall training.-related injuries and training.-related maxillofacial injuries constitute a major health problem in military service in Cameroon that needs a success.-oriented preventive strategy.

Background: There is paucity of data on the prevalence of dentinal sensitivity outside the hospital setting and impact of dentinal sensitivity among young adults in Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and impact of dentinal sensitivity among young adults in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the undergraduates of University of Benin in August, 2010. Self-administered questionnaire elicited information on demography, self-reported dentinal sensitivity, the trigger factor, action taken, functional, and psychological impact. Results: The prevalence of dentinal sensitivity was 211 (52.8%) among the participants and it was significantly higher in females than males (P=0.027). Participants experienced shocking sensation more on the left-side of the mouth. The most common trigger factor for the dentinal sensitivity was due to cold drink [169 (80.1%)]. Among the participants with dentinal sensitivity, majority [139 (65.9%)] have not taken any action and only 24 (11.4%) have visited the dentist because of the problem. Dentinal sensitivity exhibited psychological impact among the participants as 64 (30.3) reported unhappiness due to the shocking sensation. Eating and talking were disturbed, respectively, in 59 (28.0%) and 12 (5.7%) of the participants. Conclusion: The prevalence of dentinal sensitivity was high which was significantly higher in females than males. Despite the negative functional and psychological impact among the participants, only a few sought dental professional care. Screening for dentinal sensitivity at community level is required to proffer early treatment and ameliorate its impact on the populace.Key words: Diet, dentinal sensitivity, young adults

Please see the ERRATA published in the 7 (1&2) 2011 issue of this journal for the corrected version of this article - the PDF is also available there.

Objective To assess Cameroonian dentists’ opinion on training and quality of dental services rendered by dental auxiliaries. Material and Methods: The questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst randomly selected dentists from six provinces in Cameroon in the first quarter of 2010. Results More than half (51.4%) of the 37 respondents have worked with dental auxiliaries for more than 4 years with higher interaction between the respondents and dental therapists (59.5%). Majority approved scaling and polishing and tooth extraction, few approved root canal therapy and none approved minor surgical procedure like salivary stone removal for the dental auxiliaries. Most respondents (86.5%) agreed that dental auxiliaries work well with 30 (81.1%) opining that the quality of services rendered by the dental auxiliaries were very satisfactory. A total of 15 (41%) of the respondents thought that dental therapists should work in specific areas with 80% recommending rural areas. Majority of the respondents 30 (81.1%) thought that dental auxiliaries are important in oral health care delivery in Cameroon and 33 (89.2%) of the respondents thought that government should continue the training of dental auxiliaries. Conclusion The study revealed high level of interactions between dentists and dental auxiliaries in Cameroon. The respondents’ opinions about dental auxiliaries were mostly positive. There existed variability in opinion of respondents about procedures that dental auxiliaries should perform. The is need for establishment of regulatory agency which would tap and harmonize all the derivable potential from dental auxiliaries.

To assess the sterilization and disinfection practices in selected dental clinics in Cameroon. The study conducted in the second half of 2009 included 41 dental clinics in 4 out of the 10 provinces in Cameroon. Questionnaire was used to obtain information about the ownership and location of the clinic, washing and packing of dental equipments, methods of sterilization and its monitoring, handpiece hygiene, suction tubing renewal, disinfection and types of the disinfectants and source of water utilized in the dental clinics. Out of the 41 clinics studied, 16 (39.0%) were Government dental clinics, 14 (34.1%) Missionary dental clinics and 11 (26.8%) Private dental clinics. Hot air oven was the commonest method of sterilization and in 26 (65.0%) of the clinic handpiece was sterilized or disinfected after use for each patient. A quarter (24.4%) of the clinic have experienced problem with the functionality of the sterilizer. A total of 21 (51.2%) of the clinic stored dental instrument in the cupboard. Household bleach was the principal utilized disinfectant and source was water used in the clinic was from tap water. There is need for improvement in sterilization and disinfection practices in Cameroon dental clinics. Establishment of monitoring agency, continuing education programs and short-time courses on disinfection and sterilization are advocated inorder to achieve optimal disinfection and sterilization practices in dental practices. Key words: sharps, injury, assessment, Cameroon, dental profes

Objective: To evaluate hand washing attitude and practices among Dentists and Dental Students treating patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Dental Clinic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of Dentists and Dental Students treating patients in University of Benin Teaching Hospital was conducted between February and March 2010. Data collection tool was a 28-item, self-administered questionnaire, which elicited information on demography, handwashing practices, material used for handwashing, methods ofdrying hands after washing, attitudes towards prevention of spread of infection by handwashing measures in dental practice, barrier to regular hand washing, information need on handwashing and mode in which they would desire to receive the needed information. Results: One-quarter (25.7%) of the respondents washes their hands before wearing gloves and 98.1% wash their hands when they are visibly soiled. Less than half (46.7%) washed their hand when the worn gloves are torn. Majority strongly agreed that hand washing helps to prevent transmission of infection to patients (91.4%), health workers (92.4%) and health workers family members (89.5%). The main barriers to regular hand hygiene were inadequate facilities, forgetfulness and lack of time. About 69.5% desired more information on hand hygiene with the most indicated area of information needs being the indications and steps in hand washing in form of seminars and pamphlets. Conclusion: This study revealed positive attitude to hand washing, inadequate hand washing practices and poor monitoring of hand hygiene in the health institution. The studied dental professionals however know that hand washing plays an important role in the prevention of cross infection. Keywords: hand hygiene, dental professionals, tertiary, dental clinic, infection control

Objective: To determine the tooth brushing, tongue cleaning and snacking behaviour of dental technology and therapist students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of students of Federal School of Dental Therapy and Technology Enugu, Nigeria. Self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on demography, frequency, duration and technique of tooth brushing and tongue cleaning as well as information on consumption of snacks. Results: A total of 242 students responded. Dental technology students made up 52.5% of the respondents and dental therapist in training made up 47.5%. Majority (63.2%) of the respondents considered the strength of tooth brush when purchasing a tooth brush and 78.9% use tooth brushes with medium strength. Sevententh (71.9%) of the respondents brush their teeth twice daily and 52.1% brush for 3-5 minutes. About onethird (30.2%) brush their teeth in front of a mirror. Chewing stick was used by 51.7% of respondents in addition to the use of tooth brush. Tongue cleaning was done by 94.2% with only 9.5% using a tongue cleaner. Only 20.2% reported regular snacks consumption. Nine-tenth (90.4%) of respondents were previously involved in educating others, apart from their colleagues, on tooth brushing. Conclusion: This survey revealed that most of the dental therapy and technology students had satisfactory tooth-brushing behaviour. The zeal to educate others about proper tooth brushing revealed in this study suggests that the students may be helpful in oral health promotion. Keywords: toothbrushing; tongue cleaning; snacking behaviour; dental auxiliary students; Nigeria (Published: 12 August 2010) Citation: Libyan J Med 2010, 5: 5208 - DOI: 10.3402/ljm.v5i0.5208

Objective: To determine the perceived oral health status and treatment needs of Nigerian dental therapists in training and dental technology students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of students from Federal School of Dental Therapy and Technology Enugu, Nigeria was conducted using self-administered questionnaire to obtain information on demography, self-reported oral health status, knowledge of impact of oral health on daily life activity, dental attendance and perceived dental need. Results: The perception of oral health status and treatment need of the two groups of dental auxiliaries was the same. Fewer respondents (27.3%) rated their oral health as excellent, while 50.4% rated their oral health as good. Majority (95.5%) agreed that oral health is a part of general health and 94.6% agreed that oral health has a role in daily life. Out of 81.4% that had previous dental treatment, scaling and polishing accounted for 66.1%. Presently, 48.8% think they need dental treatment ranging from scaling and polishing (33.9%), tooth restoration (10.3%), to extraction (1.2%). Conclusion: This survey revealed that most of the students are aware that oral health is a component of general health and that it has an impact on an individual’s daily life. More than half of the students perceived their oral health as good, but only a few knew that there is a need for a preventive approach to oral health as evident by the percentage that perceived scaling and polishing as a treatment need. Keywords: oral health; status; dental auxiliaries (Published: 15 March 2010) Citation: Libyan J Med 2010, 5: 4859 - DOI: 10.3402/ljm.v5i0.4859

Background: Teacher‑led oral health education is equally effective in improving the oral health knowledge and oral hygiene status of adolescents as dentist‑led and peer‑led strategies. Aim: The aim was to determine periodontal disease awareness and knowledge among Nigerian primary school teachers. Subjects and Methods: This cross‑sectional study was conducted among primary school teachers in Edo State, Nigeria. A self‑administered questionnaire which elicited information on demography, awareness of the periodontal disease and source of information, knowledge of etiology, and symptoms of the periodontal disease, was the data collection tool.. The test of association was done using either Chi‑square or Fisher’s exact statistics. P value was set at 0.05 for significance level. Results: Out of 180 teachers recruited from seven public primary schools in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, 151 of them fully participated by filling the study questionnaires giving a 83.9% (151/180) response rate. The majority 74.2% (112/151) of the participants reported having heard of the periodontal disease and the leading source of information was television. A total of 29.8% (45/151) of participants considered periodontal disease as the main cause of tooth loss among adult Nigerian. Only 12.6% (19/151) of the participants knew dental plaque as soft debris on teeth and 29.1% (44/151) attested that plaque can cause periodontal disease. The majority of the participants were not aware of age 81.5% (123/151) and gender 96.7% (146/151) predisposition to periodontal disease. The perceived manifestations of the periodontal disease reported by were mainly gum bleeding 35.1% (53/151) and swollen gum 20.5% (31/151). A total of 70.2% (106/151) of the participants considered periodontal disease as a preventable disease and about half 49.0% (74/151) of the participants considered daily mouth cleaning as the best preventive method. The majority 95.4% (144/151) of the participants expressed interest in learning about the periodontal disease and the most preferred methods were workshops and lectures. Conclusion: A significant proportion of the participants heard about periodontal disease from nondental clinic sources. There existed a poor awareness of etiology, age and gender predispositions, manifestation, complications, and the preventable nature of periodontal disease among the participants. However, the majority of them indicated interest in learning about periodontal disease which should be utilized in optimizing their knowledge.

The significance of herpes viruses in the causation and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases is not completely understood. However, the viral-bacterial association appears to be implicated in the development of periodontal diseases. The article was a report of herpes labialis in a patient with periodontitis as a concomitant or exacerbating factor. This article reported a case of herpes labialis in an otherwise healthy 59-year-old female with Miller Grade I mobility of 47 associated 5 mm periodontal pocket and severe pain. Subgingival scaling, root planning, and grinding of the nonfunctional cusp of affected tooth was done under local anesthesia. The periodontal dressing was applied, analgesics and antibiotic medication prescribed, warm saline mouth bath and oral hygiene instruction given before discharge. On recall, complete resolution of pain, tooth mobility, and herpes labialis were noted. In conclusion, herpes labialis may be considered as a potential periodontitis exacerbating or concomitant factor if it occurs before or at same time, respectively. Assessment of symptoms of herpes labialis and evaluation of herpes simplex-1 antibodies in periodontitis patients of the negroid race presenting with pain is recommended.

Children often have the habit of placing objects in their mouth, and these objects may be accidentally implanted in the oral cavity, ingested or aspirated. The article reported a case of foreign body (inner tube of a biro) forming a collar on the cervical one-third of the crown of 72 in an otherwise healthy 6-year-old male child. There was no history of pain, but mother was bothered by the discoloration and “peeling off” the tooth and requested management of the condition. Artery forcep was used to remove the object to the relief of the mother. In conclusion, dentists attending to a child should suspect foreign body when nonpainful discoloration and “peel off” of the tooth are the presenting complaint even if the child patient did not admit placing the foreign body in the mouth. Inner tube of a biro should be included in the list of intraoral foreign body.

Objective: To assess the pattern of dentofacial injuries in commercial motorcycle accidents among riders and passengers in Cameroon. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based study conducted in 6 out of 10 regional capitals in the months of December 2011 to September 2012. Analyzed information included age, gender, residence, role on the motorcycle (rider or passenger), type, pattern and month of injury, cost, duration and patient’s perception about the cost of treatment. Results: A total of 387 patients were studied with majority of the patients being 21-30 years (39.8%), males (63.8%), passengers (57.3%) and urban dwellers (85.8%). Most of the injuries occurred in December (20.7%), January (19.4%) and February (20.2%). Soft tissue injuries were most frequent (91.2%) followed by trauma to the teeth (83.5%), of which 62.3% were tooth loss. Mandibular fracture was commoner than maxillary fracture; (45% versus 25.3%). A total of 44.2% of patients received their treatment as in-patients. The treatment of the dentofacial injuries among 64.3% of the patients lasted for more than a month. A total of 51.9% of the patients spent 100,000 francs ($200) or more for their treatment. More than half (51.4%) of the patients perceived the cost of treatment as expensive. Conclusion: Dentofacial injuries in commercial motorcycle accidents necessitated hospital admission and lengthy treatment time with high attendant cost. Preventing these injuries will serves as a form of poverty reduction as money that will be used by the victim to better their life is not used to correct deformities or treat injuries. Keywords: Dentofacial injuries, commercial motorcycle accidents, Cameroon African Health sciences Vol 14 No. 1 March 2014

Background: Tooth mortality is important in evaluating dental care as tooth loss is a reflection of cumulative effects of past disease and treatment practices. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the pattern of tooth mortality among pediatric dental patients treated at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients treated at the Pediatric dental clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City between June 2007 and April 2012. Patients’ age, sex, indication for extraction and type of tooth were reviewed. Data analysis in the form of frequency, percentages, cross tabulation, Chi‑square statistics were performed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) (Chicago IL, USA) version 17.0. Results: A total of 712 patients between the ages 0 and 16 years were seen and 1039 extractions were performed. Tooth extraction was performed more among females 53.4% (380/712) and those aged 6‑12 years 54.1% (384/712). About one‑third 33.1% (236/712) of the patients had two or more teeth extraction. The deciduous teeth were more frequently extracted 65.2% (677/1039) with second molars being the most frequently extracted deciduous teeth and first molars being the most frequently extracted permanent teeth. Permanent third molar accounted for the 0.7% (7/1039) of the extracted teeth in this study. The extractions were done more on the lower arch and on the right side of the mouth. In this study, dental caries was the leading reason for extraction of the deciduous and permanent teeth. Neonatal teeth and supernumerary accounted for 0.9% (4/438) and 0.7% (2/289) of deciduous and permanent dentition extractions respectively. Conclusion: Dental caries was the leading reason for extraction in both deciduous and permanent dentitions with female patients aged 6‑12 years receiving the most tooth/teeth extractions. Stakeholder in child health need to pay adequate attention to dental caries preventive approaches to enable the pediatric population reach adulthood with a healthier dentition.Keywords: Deciduous teeth, Extraction, Permanent teeth, Reasons

Background Several controversies exist about the methods of harvesting and eventual utilization of stem cells in Medicine and Dentistry. The objective of the study was to investigate the awareness, attitude and knowledge of the use of stem cells in Dentistry among Nigerian Dentists. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among dentists selected from both private and public health sectors, in some of the major cities in Nigeria. Results The majority of the participants were ≤35 years in age, male, Pentecostal Christians, possessed a postgraduate qualification, had practiced for ≤5 years and were specialists or specializing. In this study, 153(81.0%) of the participants reported awareness about the use of stem cells in dentistry which was significantly associated with qualification and type of practice. Most of the respondents 114 (60.3%) had a poor knowledge of the use of stem cells in Dentistry. This was significantly associated with type of practice and awareness about stem cell use in dentistry but binary logistic regression showed awareness as the only determinant of knowledge. About three-quarters 142 (75.1%) of the participants exhibited positive attitude towards stem cell use. This had a positive non-significant association with knowledge and reported awareness. Conclusion Data from this study revealed a high level of awareness, positive attitude to and poor knowledge of the use of stem cells in Dentistry among a cross section of Nigerian Dentists.

Periapical infections may give rise to intraoral and extraoral complications. Extraoral manifestation of periapical infection without an accompanying dental symptom may lead to presentation first to Medical doctor. This is a case of pulpal necrosis of right maxillary central incisor (tooth #11) with a discharging sinus, in the floor of the right nostril. Failure to associate the discolored tooth #11 and a discharging sinus in the floor of the right nostril, lead to the initial presentation of the patient to the Otorhinolaryngologist. The recurrent discharge from the sinus continued despite prolonged antibiotics administration. This case report showed that extraoral sinus tract of dental origin in the nostril poses a diagnostic challenge. It is expected to raise awareness of clinicians about the unusual presentations of periapical infection. There is a need for examination of the maxillary incisors in patients presenting with nasal pustule.Keywords: Endodontic treatment, Maxillary central incisor, Nasal pustule, Periapical infection, Root length

Objective: To determine the prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis among an adult male population in Benin City, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The drivers of a private motor transport company whose head office is in Benin City constituted the study participants. Data collection was through an interview-administered questionnaire and periodontal examination. Periodontal disease was assessed using community periodontal index while demographic characteristics, social habits and oral hygiene habits were elicited using interview-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis was 75.4% and 15.4% respectively. The prevalence of periodontitis was higher among older participants, those of lower educational attainment and longer driving experience, those that indulged in only once-daily teeth cleaning, tobacco users, regular alcohol and kolanut consumers. Conclusion: The prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis in this study was similar to previous reports in Nigeria. The prevalence was higher in relation to the risk factors considered in this study thereby necessitating the need for an awareness campaign to enlighten the public about the harmful effects of tobacco, kolanut and alcohol on periodontal health. This study is also recommended among a larger number of people.